To begin with my review and test run, I thought I’d better start off by looking around its packaging. I was particularly interested in its ability to stablise the product and how durable it was during a rough ride via AUS Post service and Courier.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028733
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028829
On the other side of box, it shows the supporting file formats and a summary of product specification and its capability in supporting other technology devices via USB 2.0 and SD card slot.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028833
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028834
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028847
I could feel the packaging was firm before open. The GV-3732 was packed firmly and warped with polyester block affixed its position in the box. Alongside the player, the white cubical box contained needed accessories for installation. The manufacturer has included the following items:
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028843
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028842
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028862
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028864
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028873
- 1 DC adaptor (Australian Certified)
- 1 USB cable
- CD (contains User manual in PDF version and Transcode Server software)
- User manual & Product Spec card
- 1 Remote control with 2 AA batteries
- 2 sets of standard AV cables (Yellow, Red, White) for output connection as well as for Recording (input connection) purpose
- Metal plates to affixed 3.5” hard drive + some screws
That’s take a look the player user interface at the front. All indicator lights are built at the left hand side of the interface; user should be able to see lights flashing when it is in use.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028906
At the right hand side, it has a Rec (Recording) button, Menu button, Stop button, Navigation buttons, Input (OK) button and a power switch button. User is able to use the exact functions from remote control as well as from the interface.
There are two multi card reader slots built under those buttons for MS/SD/MMC/CF cards. User shall insert the card with chip face upwards.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028888
Let’s take a look the player from a side way, Its black metal cover design well protects its internal device from external physical impacts. The shape of cover reminds me the emperor’s helmet in star war movies.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028930
Turn the player around, a snap shot of right side interface. There are DC input, LAN input, Optical (audio) cable output and AV inputs (for recording, cable should connect to TV AV outputs). At the centre of interface, a HDMI output is just under the certification marks.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028933
On the other side a USB connector for the media player. This player becomes an external hard drive (when an internal hard drive is connected inside the player) to other electronic device such as PC or laptop. User is able to copy and paste file from PC to the internal hard drive when it is connected to PC.
There are 2 USB host connectors for any external device used 2.0 protocols. The media player is able to play the supported file format from the thumb drive or USB portable hard drive directly when it is connected. However, the high definition (HD) video with 4000 bit rate and above may require higher file transmission speed to sustain the quality of video. It is recommended that user to install an internal hard drive; and run the media files from the internal hard drive directly in such case.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028935
Since I have brought an internal hard drive on the way home, there is no better time for me to install this 3.5” hard drive to the player and does the test drive. The cover can be opened after loose 2 screws from the interface (left & right) behind. I have quickly discovered a pre-caution diagram on the chip board and a SATA connector. A CPU size fan is built-in under the chip to prevent overheat. (Look at the media player upside down)
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029004
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028987
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6028997
Now, unpacked the hard drive I’ve got, turn it upside down and place the metal plate on the top and match the hole for insert screws. Affixed 2 screws and turn around. Ensure the hard drive attached to the metal plate firmly.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029049
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029051
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029053
This step requires caution while install the metal plate. Slide the metal plate with as small angle as possible into SATA slot slowly. Ensure the SATA connection is inserted firmly by checking the position of both screw holes. Affix both screws and ensure the metal plate is attached to the media player firmly.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029106
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029118
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029115
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029150
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029151
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029157
Now, slide the metal cover at the angle to ensure the both hooks plug on the side cover. Gently close the cover and be cautious on the back interface of media player while closing the cover. Affix screws to both left and right side of the interface.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029190
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029192
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029198
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029254
As I wanted to use this media player for playing media files as well as doing some recording while I am away. I have planned to create two partitions in my internal hard drive. Note: A new hard drive is also required the initial format before use.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029260
After plug in all cables to my old WEGA TV, it popped up the system initialization screen. After a second or two, a warning sign of the hard disk formatting procedure was showing on screen. I have simply follow the instruction by clicking “Yes” from remote control input button (the middle one surround by navigation buttons). When choosing the partition, I’ve used the navigation button (up or down) to adjust the size of each partition.
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029242
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029317
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029326
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029320
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029396
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029473
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029386
Note: FAT32 partition is for recording. NTFS partition is for storing media files to be play from hard drive. 20/80 is recommended.
After click on formatting, it took around 5 minutes to format my 1TB hard drive. The system has rebooted after a congratulation screen popped up. The reboot took around 2-3 minutes to get back in the User Interface page. It is recommended to do some basic setup on video resolution, scale and audio settings before playing the media files.
The followings are the test run for 720P and 1080P and 1080i media clips. As the user menu indicates the supporting resolution is up to 1080i. I believe the 1080P test clip has been scale down to 1080i while playing on screen. To my surprise, the clip goes very smooth on supported HD files.
720P
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029445
1080i
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029515
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029520
1080P
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029518
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029532
http://www.badongo.com/t/800/6029534
I was a bit disappointed when running the test on RMVB files. The player couldn’t fully decode the RMVB files as I could see some lag in screen frames. The player cannot decode the file if it is coded in H.264 video. I have browse around the enclosed CD and found that manufacturer has offered alternate solutions to resolve these problems by using Trancode Server. That means using Trancode Server to decode H264 and RMVB files and play these files via shared folder through LAN connection.
I didn’t bother to do test that as my LAN cable is just not long enough to connect from where my PC sits to living room. It is also another downside that this media player does not support wireless connections. In here, I recommend the manufacturer to consider fixing those downsides in their next release of this product. However, I have no complaint on this device so far after purchase from http://www.iselect.now.toi-Select ... No overheat problems when I use it for the entire afternoon watching movies; and it has been a great home entertainment device for me.
