Review: Mvix MV-5000U

By: Chief Gizmateer
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Mvix advertises their MV-5000U Multimedia Center as the next evolution in portable entertainment which enables watching movies, home videos, digital photos and listening to music through your TV or home-theater system or even in your automobile. The device can also be used as a USB 2.0 external hard drive as well. Check out what the Geeks thought about this scaled down portable replacement for a HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computer) by reading on.

Mvix is the manufacturer’s representative of products manufactured by Unicorn Information Systems Co. Ltd based out of Korea. Currently, Mvix carries two different multimedia players including the MV-4000U and the MV-5000U ($199 and $249 respectively). The two differences between the models are that the MV-5000U have an LCD screen on the front as well as an FM transmitter (which could be useful for mobile applications). You can purchase an 80gb, 160gb, 250gb and a 300gb bundled hard drive ranging in price from $59 to $159 extra as well as a Car Adapter and IR Extended for $24.99.

The Geeks received a Mvix MV-5000U unit to review. The MV-5000U measures 7.5 inches tall, 6 inches deep and 2.5 inches wide. This compact little box has mirrored sides and a slick front with LEDs towards the top showing various status states of the device (power, usb connectivity, ide access,and if the device is playing), a 128 x 44 mm LCD screen, various buttons (setup, stop, power and a button wheel for the menu with an ok button in the center) as well as an IR reciever. The posterior of the device contains a number of connections including RCA L/R, Coaxial, Digital Optical, RCA Y, Pr, Pb, S-Video, IR Extender, USB 2.0 and of course a power connection. Also located on the back is a nearly silent fan as well as a thumb screw to secure the hard drive in the device.

The package includes the MV-5000U unit, stand, remote control, bag for portability, driver CD for Windows, A/V and Stereo cables, power cable, a USB cable and a manual.

Check out the rest of the review here.