Introduction

I know I can't be the only one with a HTPC hooked up to my LCD TV that is sitting there thinking that there has to be a way to get the same basic concept of a HTPC, but with much less involved to do what I really want with it, and that is to stream high quality movies from one PC to this one for a bit of added entertainment. My main gripe about the way the HTPC works, it is still a computer first and foremost and I have to point and click at what I want to run or search through my network to find what I want to watch, or maybe I am cleaning the house and I need some loud music going; you then have to again get to the desktop and initiate your favorite music player. For those like me who just want things to work with the press of a button or two, the HTPC is overkill for my home theater needs.

Media streaming boxes are nothing extremely new to the market, but I have not seen one such as this before. Actually, this is the first HD Media Player I have had the pleasure of using, and I have to say that this is the exact product to fill my wish list for my home theater needs. What I need is a low profile system that allows me to, through a simple menu, play any form of media I could want to play without having the reset the media to a specific format to enjoy it. If I have a Blu-ray ISO file, the latest in anime, or even lossless formats of music, this system has the ability to put it all at the touch of your fingers, or thumb if you work a remote that way.

HD Media systems put most of the convenience of a PC into a format not too far from Sony's offerings in the PS3. With the EM7280 we are looking at from Eminent, all you need is a 3.5" hard drive and a wired internet connection and we can get underway. So now your home entertainment can all be had in a product that isn't much bigger than a VHS video cassette. Of course, we are going to add yet another remote to the caddy, but who doesn't already have three or four remotes to control their system, or even a Harmony remote to control everything. One more remote control isn't going to stop me from enjoying exactly what I was looking for. For those in the same boat as me, maybe you will find Eminent's offerings to be right up your alley as well!