Connectivity options
USB:
HD MediaBox features three USB2.0 ports. Two of these can be used for connecting external “Mass Storage
Devices” which include external USB HDDs, thumbdisks, etc. The other USB port will connect directly to a PC or
NAS to allow files to be placed on an internal HDD (if fitted).
LAN:
An RJ45 is provided to place HD MediaBox on your 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network (100BASE-T
recommended). You can now browse shared files and drives on your network which use the SMB protocol (Server
Message Block - commonly used by Microsoft Windows). HD MediaBox can also access NAS (Networked Attached
Storage) drives on your network if present. (see
section 4.3.3
)
Note that you cannot access an internal HDD (if fitted) from your network
- the USB connection is required for this.
File system format support.
HD MediaBox can read file systems formatted in either FAT32 or NTFS. NTFS is
recommended, as FAT32 systems are limited to files less than 4GB in size and High Definition video files very
frequently exceed this.
Backlit Remote Control.
The included Remote Control is backlit to enable use in a darkened ‘home theater’
environment.
Updateable firmware.
You can update the firmware using the OSD of HD MediaBox. Firmware can be updated
from either an internal HDD (if fitted) or an external USB source (a thumbdisk for example). Firmware updates when
available can be downloaded from the Support section of the Pixel Magic website (see
section 9
).
1.2.2
Video Playback
Playback of Standard and High Definition video files
(see
section 1.4.1
for supported formats)
Scaling and deinterlacing.
This function is performed automatically - all video will be rescaled to match your
chosen Output Resolution (see
section 5.3
for how to set). For SD material, inverse telecine for film sources and
motion adaptive deinterlacing for video sources are supported. For HD material, the ‘bob’ method is used.
Example 1: Downscaling and deinterlacing of 1080i to match your 720p display.
Example 2: Upscaling and deinterlacing of standard definition to match your 720p display.
Auto aspect ratio detection.
HD MediaBox can auto-detect whether the source material is 16:9 or 4:3, displaying
the video correctly to match the selected aspect ratio of your display.
Video streaming across the network.
HD MediaBox can access shared folders and drives on your network using
the SMB protocol. (see
section 4.3.3
)
External subtitle support.
HD MediaBox supports
SubRip (.srt) subtitle files. Support for special characters is
also included.
1.2.3
Audio Playback
Playback of popular audio formats
(see
section 1.4.2
).
24bit/192KHz DAC from Analog Devices.
The analog audio stereo output of HD MediaBox features a high
performance 24bit/192KHz upsampling DAC from Analog Devices. This increases the resolution of the music,
providing a more detailed and natural sound.
Precision Clock.
The Audiophile Edition (MB200) adds a low jitter TCXO (temperature compensated crystal
oscillator) to dramatically improve spaciousness, clarity, impact, and purity.
Playlists supported.
Text files containing track information can be saved and played automatically (see
section 7.6
).
HDMI audio embedding.
Audio can be embedded in the HDMI signal. This provides a digital audio signal to your
external DAC (usually included in AV receivers) and reduces cabling.
“Play all”
in folder option. All files in a folder can be played in alphabetical order with no pauses.
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