Network media players are certainly the cheapest variety, but they require a functioning network infrastructure that has to be paid for, too. That means that, as a rule, they can't make recordings. Put simply, a network media player is basically an adapter that converts native PC data formats such as MP3, DIVX, MPEG-1, 2 and 4 into audio and video signals for playback devices. However, the way they work and the design vary according to the manufacturer. In most cases, though, the more-or-less standard size is now about as big as a network hub/switch. You also have to differentiate between players with a wireless LAN connection and those without.

The PC As A Media Server: Hauppauge MediaMVP

Not a TV card like you might expect, the Media-MVP from Hauppauge is connected to the computer via Ethernet and plays back MPEG-1 and 2 videos and MP3 music files and displays JPEG, GIF and BMP images on the TV. Visual and audio playback takes place via the available composite (FBAS), S-Video or RGB-SCART jacks. Similar to the external TV cards from Hauppauge in terms of looks, the box is simple and easy to control using the remote control (included). Price: $100 (€150). Conclusion: Cheap, compact and user-friendly, but inadequate format support means it's still no alternative to the latest DVD players that can be had for less than €100 ($100) that already play DIVX, Xvid and OGG files.

Looks like the external TV cards from Hauppauge, but it isn't: one: the network media player MediaMVP.