Diamond XtremeTV PVR-550RC: Not Quite Ready for Prime Time

Accessories

Diamond bundles the XtremeTV PVR-550RC with a nice remote control; a cheaper PVR-550 without remote is also available. Both versions include thick S-Video and Composite Video cables, and a RCA stereo to stereo mini-jack audio cable.

Diamond includes the Firefly Remote from SnapStream

SnapStream's Firefly remote launches all Beyond TV applications to a full-screen menu. A large white button on the upper left corner makes for easy changes to windowed mode, while on the right another button closes the top application. Ergonomics are impeccable, most buttons are in easy reach, and the curved back fits most hands nicely. But small issues such as the lack of an analog mouse pad or remote ID feature, both found on ATI's Remote Wonder II, contrast an otherwise fine product. ATI and SnapStream could learn from each other.

Quality cables round out the package