2partsfusion DMS-701 HTPC Review

[Audioholics]

<A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/2partsfusion-DMC-701p1.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 125px; HEIGHT: 55px" alt=[DMS701front] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/DMS701front_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>The thing that excited me most about the reviewing the 2partsfusion DMS-701 was the ability to record TV. I know, I know, lots of stuff can do that for a lot less money but ever since I moved out of LA, I’ve been without the ability and I’ve missed it terribly. 2partsfusion is really marketing their products to the more "hands on" and computer literate among us. While the Escient Fireball DVDM-300 retails for more than you can get a fully loaded DMS-701 with a 3-year warranty, 2partsfusion are really targeting different consumers - and looking to help someone take the hassle out of building their own HTPC from scratch.

[Read the Review]

 

[westcott]

I really like the idea of an HTPC but without HDCP support, I will wait until this debacle is settled before investing in any hardware.

 

[Tsunamii]

If the biggest bragging right is the ability to record tv then ill stick with the Cable Co provided DVR for the $$$$
It almost sounds like your better off builidnig a full blow Server media center that is a PC rather then acts like one. IMHO...

 

[Tom Andry]

It almost sounds like your better off builidnig a full blow Server media center that is a PC rather then acts like one. IMHO...

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. This is a full blown media center PC, that is why it acts like a PC, because it is one.

 

[Johnd]

Interesting review, TOM. Worth consideration if you're in the market, even with it's shortcomings. I've been looking at the Escient and HP (557, and now 558) for a year now...I'm still on the fence. Any chance you'll ever be reviewing the 558? There just aren't that many reviews out there for HP.

[Edit: Tom Andry did the review... - Admin]

 

[Sheep]

Interesting review, TOM. Worth consideration if you're in the market, even with it's shortcomings. I've been looking at the Escient and HP (557, and now 558) for a year now...I'm still on the fence. Any chance you'll ever be reviewing the 558? There just aren't that many reviews out there for HP.

Build your own out of a HTPC case and regular computer parts. Save the money.

SheepStar

 

[Tsunamii]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. This is a full blown media center PC, that is why it acts like a PC, because it is one.

My point is that a standard rack mounted server is easier to administrate then a console like PC. Furthermore you can not join WMCE too a domain again making it harder from an admin side.
Granted I only gave this a quick first read but under the cons I see "Acts like a PC" not "is a PC" maybe that is where my first glance got me into trouble .

 

[Tsunamii]

Build your own out of a HTPC case and regular computer parts. Save the money.

SheepStar

SheepStar, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. That is exatly the right idea

 

[Sheep]

Now, the Microsoft remote was spectacular in its ability to suck.

LOL!

Tom, I love your reviews

SheepStar

 

[Tom Andry]

My point is that a standard rack mounted server is easier to administrate then a console like PC. Furthermore you can not join WMCE too a domain again making it harder from an admin side.
Granted I only gave this a quick first read but under the cons I see "Acts like a PC" not "is a PC" maybe that is where my first glance got me into trouble .

I agree that building your own is a better solution... but isn't it always? Building your own speakers is generally far cheaper than purchasing speakers of a comparable quality. There aren't a lot of us out there that can do that, however. This product is for the consumer who has a bit of knowledge and familiarity about computers but can't or won't put one together on their own. It is far cheaper than other systems (namely the Escient) and is customizable and upgradable. It's also not nearly as user friendly but that is part and parcel of the PC platform.

The "acts like a PC" refers to the fact that it looks like a set-top box and is meant to be placed in the room as such.


And Sheep, thanks. You know what was really, bad, after I told them the problems I had with the remote, they sent me another one! NOOOOOOOO!

 

[Johnd]

I agree that building your own is a better solution... but isn't it always?

Tom: sorry about giving credit to the wrong party above...but do you really believe that. Then why aren't most of your reviews of diy projects?

I'm not taking issue with the 3k-5k price tag that comes with the Escient, because you could really buy an awful lot of computer parts for that amount.

I am intersted in Hp (or Yamaha) media centers that cost 2k or less. I mean the z558 has lightscribe, wireless keyboard, 600 GB, 3 tuners, 1 year antivurs, etc. It can be had for about 2k directly w/ 1 yr warranty (upgradeable), HP tech support (unrivaled...really, because I've been using it for years), and the list goes on. The 2k price tag can be whittled down near the end of it's cycle (12-15 months), or if you know someone.

It's unfortunate that HP is making a ground breaking product at an affordable price, but seems to be snobbed by the audio community because they're a computer company. But ultimately, that's exactly what media centers are...computers.

I don't work for HP, and actually, I remain on the fence about media centers in general. You admit that media centers are pc's, so who is better suited to build a pc....Escient, Yamaha, or HP? That's a rhetorical question. It would just be nice to see a qualified audiophile/videophile do a comprehensive review of the z558. And, again, nice write-up on the Yammy. Cheers.

 

[Tom Andry]

John,

Some points of clarification; I have no feelings one way or the other about reviewing a HP or any other product. I don't care what they send me or from whom it comes. If 3M made an amp out of post-it notes and paperclips and offered it to me for review, I'd review it. It's a matter of time and availability. Since coming on board with Audioholics, I've found that it is a lot more than just sitting around and playing with the latest equipment (though there is a fair bit of that as well). If the HP becomes available for review, I'll be happy to fit it into my schedule.

Also, this product was constructed by 2partsfusion, not Yamaha (Gene did a review of the Yamaha MusicCAST a little while back). 2partsfusion does nothing but these media servers so by your own logic, they are even more qualified than HP who also makes displays and printers and God knows what else.

I wish you luck in your fence sitting on media servers. We are definitely trying to get more reviews for you to help you with your decision.

 

[Johnd]

2partsfusion does nothing but these media servers so by your own logic, they are even more qualified than HP who also makes displays and printers and God knows what else.

I wish you luck in your fence sitting on media servers. We are definitely trying to get more reviews for you to help you with your decision.

Thank you for the reply, Tom. Let me state for the record that my sitting on the fence is is purely metaphorical, and is more active than it may seem to be.

I am not trying to start an argument (perhaps only a civil one), and I am certainly not in any way attempting to impune 2partsfusion's ability or product quality. They may very well supply a quality product at a decent price. I read your review, and even with the caveats, it is a product worthy of consideration if you're in the market for such a thing.

But it seems "sitting on the fence" more appropriately describes your waiting for the z558 "to become available for review." I understand time and resources are limited, and that HP most probably is not handing these out. Enough said.

I guess my issue is with your extrapolation of "my logic" to mean that 2partsfusion is in any way more qualified than HP to build media servers, "since HP also builds printers and displays and God knows what else." That argument simply does not follow. 2partsfusion is a start up company that is less than what, a year old, and while they make only media servers, do you really want to compare them to HP?

For starters, "what else" includes global business and IT services in most of the world with 140,000 employees. HP is eminently qualified to make any media server. Your tone patently suggests otherwise. And while you (Audioholics) may never review the z558, I submit that is a loss only for your members and readers. As this thread is about the DMS-701, allow me to again applaud your in depth look at it. Cheers.

 

[Audioholics]

That argument simply does not follow.

Well, it's not his argument - it's yours. And you're answering yourself as well - which in some circles might indicate a need for psychological screening.

Thanks for the input Johnd - bottom line (it seems) is you'd like us to review the HP. Me too.

 

[Johnd]

Clint, I am happy to engage in forensic exercises at any time, as long as they remain productive and civil. I am pleased to report that I am able to satisfy both requirements here. Cheers.

 

[Tsunamii]

Tom, I forgot to mention. Thanks for the review

 

[kleinwl]

DIY - Media Centers

http://www.anandtech.com/casecooling/showdoc.aspx?i=2731

If anyone is interested in building their own media centers anandtech is a good source for information. It has been my experience that building a media center (or pc for that matter) is a much less time consuming commitment than DIY Speakers. I don't have a woodworking shop... but I do own a screwdriver... and that is about all you need for building an Media Center.

As far as media centers are conserned though, I'm not sure why they exist at all. A/V recieved are well placed to integrate a small hard-drive and store mp3/wav/etc and MPEG-2/4 information. When is Denon, or someone like them going to see that they can slap a hard-drive in and add another $1000 of value to their receivers?

Edit: Shameless Plug: I build custom computers (HTPC/DJ/PC) as a side business so if anyone wants advice on this let me know.