Xtreamer

The Xtreamer is a device capable of taking many different types of file from one computer and playing them on either a television or other computers.

As well as being able to handle high-definition (HD) video, it can also play back other video files, (such as Mpeg, Divx and Flash), music files and photos.

The device can be connected to a wired network or a USB memory key can be plugged in, with files on it. It also has the capability to stream files wirelessly using a USB antenna, though this costs extra.

It is also possible to put a laptop-size (2.5in) hard disk inside the Xtreamer, which can then be used to store files for playback to a TV or over the network to other computers, yet surprisingly the device isn't much bigger than a paperback book.

The sleek black unit handled HD video reasonably well. Connected to a TV using an HDMI lead (which was not supplied), the picture was crisp and colours vibrant after a little tweaking of the options. The default settings left the pictures a little dark.

Quality was also good when playing media from a USB memory key. However, we noticed some pixe lation with a couple of videos streamed from our PC. The same videos looked fine when sent across the same network for playback on an Xbox 360.

The user interface and menu systems are comprehensive, with plenty of settings to suit many types of display. However, we had to update the firmware to get it working properly and the whole thing froze entirely on a couple occasions, requiring a reset. The menus were complicated, however, and might confuse beginners.

There were no problems connecting the Xtreamer to the internet and we were able to watch video services – such as Youtube – and listen to internet radio stations as well as watch some live TV channels.

Being able to watch internet videos is handy but some of the current channels available are minor-interest. However, using the Xtreamer Live service we were able to watch a number TV channels including some from the BBC, ITV Channel 4 and Five – bear in mind that what channels are available will vary depending on which country you live in. The player was not very quick to change channel and didn't always work but hopefully future updates will improve this.

The Xtreamer has no one big fault but a few minor ones which can be explained by a desire to keep the base price down to an attractive £99. The manual was poor – though the manufaturer's website offers lots of help in its forums – and no network or HDMI cables are included in the box, nor can it access wireless networks.

That said, the Xtreamer has a lot going for it. It can cope with many types of file and can play back media as well as stream files over a home network. It's an attractive product for those on a tight budget.

The Xtreamer is available from www.tranquilpc-shop.co.uk.