NetStream 2000 is a steal of a deal
Written: Feb 17 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Affordability, convenience, picture quality, and digital audio out.
Cons: Requires a computer. May require power conditioner to minimize image artifacts.
The Bottom Line: The card actually has a high definition output via component output. The picture quality is superb!
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| the_e_man's Full Review: Sigma Design REALmagic NetStream 2000 PCI Video Ca... |
I recently purchased a Sigma Designs NetStream 2000 through a vendor on EBay for around $40 USD. The purchase was based on the Hollywood Plus DVD decoder card I have had for a very long time. I always regarded the Hollywood Plus card as an affordable high quality DVD decoder card; the video quality varies with the quality of the VGA card (chipset and video memory). The real strength really lies in the video out feature, where the user can choose among the three output options (composite, S-Video, and Component).
I took a gamble and purchased the NetStream 2000 and tested it out on my brand new Sony 50" LCD rear projection television. The only I can say is complete satisfaction with the component video output. I am positive that there are super high end stand alone DVD players that will easily displace the NetStream 2000, but in term of price performance, the Sigma Designs NetStream 2000 out-performs not only entry-level stand alone DVD players with component output but also mid-level ones as well. The card is that great.
The Sigma Designs NetStream 2000 card has the high definition output capability; the menu box states "1920X1080 @60Hz". The secret in getting a stable image is the utitilization of the power conditioner. Make sure that both the computer and television are fed clean and stable current - this reduces the image artifacts.
You are probably wondering why I would utilize a computer based DVD decoder card, rather than a dedicated stand-alone DVD player. It is the convenience of being able to play DVD movie, cruise the Internet, and watch high definition television broadcast on a single equipment, rather than three. Since I do own a Sony Playstation II, I do not need to enable the computer to play video games. If the user should find the interest, there is another bonus in owning a computer based entertainment center.
Obviously, the problem with this approach is the computer know-how and the experimentation of the hardware and software. However, after dailing the system just right, you will achieve both convenience and reliability like any electronic equipment.
I think highly of the Sigma Designs NetStream 2000 DVD decoder card and highly recommend it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 40
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Epinions.com ID:
the_e_man
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Reviews written: 1
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