Popcorn Hour A200 - Review

Also this week we present a media player of the most comprehensive in circulation: The Popcorn Hour A-200. Unlike traditional "media player", the A200 is more like a true "media center" with IPTV, or to be more correct, is a "networked media tank".
Based on the Sigma SMP8643 processor (667MHz) with 512MB of DDR2 DRAM and 256MB NAND flash, supports all types of media files available: technical specifications .

The packaging is made of semi-rigid white cardboard with black writing. Very simple and basic, presents the design of media player with a brief description on the front and the full specifications on the back.
Even if the package does not seem much protection, we arrived in one piece from Shenzhen (China), with only a few dents on the edges of the box.
Inside the box, the A200 is protected by a thin envelope polyethylene foam, is placed next to the remote control. In the lower section there are the power adapter, USB cable, the HDMI cable 1.5m long, 2 AAA batteries, screws for attaching hard drives and two quick guides: one for mounting the HDD and the other for software.

The outer shell is plastic, not of great quality, in black with the top finished, polished and bearing the label Popcorn Hour. The plastic shell can not pleasure as pleasure, is very relative. Some people prefer to have a more solid and elegant, and something more about "giocattoloso", similar to a game console. The important thing is not to be deceived by appearances because what counts is the content of the box and the box. Reducing the size: 270mm x 150mm x 50mm with a weight of only 480g (without HDD). It can be placed almost anywhere.
On the front of the box are the USB, the status LED (when lit, the LED is white and dark, nothing annoying) and the IR port for remote control. The sides are free while at the back there are all the possible connections except for the eSATA.

The 'boot without internal unity is very fast. A little 'longer when there is a HDD full of data and this also depends on the type of HDD. Installation is easy: just unscrew 5 screws, connect the unit, fix it, replace the cover. The fan noise is very low even when the A200 becomes hot and is practically imperceptible. No internal hard drive or SSD with the box can not overheat even after hours of use. With HDD, depending on the model, the one we used is not very hot and the numerous air inlets help. If you want you can also use an external hard drive as a DVD player or Blu-Ray.

The remote is light and very pleasant to the touch thanks to the rubberized finish on the back. Backlit, responds well to commands, with all the limitations of IR, ie, you must be in front of the unit. Given the low cost of Bluetooth solutions, we wonder why we continue to pursue an obsolete technology.

The WiFi is not built, but aside from using a stick. The official one is cheap (especially in the bundle) and who has sold the media player also has the key. Otherwise the only ones seem to be compatible with Realtek. We had with 3 different chips and the only one was working.

As we wrote at the beginning of the review, the A200 reads any media file, including subtitles. The development of HDD is very fast even for high-definition video of 8/9GB, the same is true for commands forward and rewind as well as for all other functions. Some slowdown is only in the zoom unless you put the video paused (as long as you find it useful!). After upgrading to the latest firmware, we have not found any problem even with dual audio or video with any other file type. Some slowdown / hesitation found in our videos on Youtube is attributable solely to the fact that the remote was not in line with the base and therefore did not reach the signal.

The firmware update can not be done directly online but you must first download the files on your PC, transfer key and then select from the A200. The operations are simple and fast, the update takes about 5 minutes. The only flaw a lack of cumulative updates, which means having to download both those available today and upload them individually. The operations are done by inserting the key into the USB socket on the back and not on the front, it is important to remember because otherwise you will never update it!

The online community is active, with almost 40 000 users registered on the forum, updates are regular and there are dozens of plug-ins and various customizations available. Popcorn Hour has announced in recent days, support for 3D, as it should be the next release of a new and more appealing GUI flash . The present one, than seen on other media players, we can still call it advanced in its simplicity. Often, this side is neglected, while the Popcorn Hour has treated and continues to do so.

In addition to the content offline, great emphasis is given to those online. Not only the ability to use the A200 as a NAS, but also a multitude of services and web portals accessible directly from your TV. In Italy, unfortunately, lacks agreements with local networks and who does not know English can certainly appreciate CNN, CBC, NBC, CNET, SayaTV, etc.. The use is practically limited to Flickr, Youtube, Picasa and hundreds of online radio functions in addition to NAS, media servers and the possibility of using BitTorrent.

The final impression is of being in front of a high quality product. You could spend hours just wandering through the channels, follow the news online or try new skin, without realizing it. The classic play of files (audio, video, images) is simple and intuitive. Anyone can start divx or display photos shot with your camera. The official price is $ 179 (€ 143), in Italy costs € 200, £ 180 in England. The price here is a bit 'too high since the savings on the body, the absence of the recording function and lack of enjoyment of the many channels available for those not fluent in English.

PRO
- Read more ...
- Also on external player ...
- Easy to use
- Interface cured
- NAS
- Frequent updates, great community
- Silent
- It will support 3D