AC Ryan Playon!HD2

With so many features, it's hard not to like the AC Ryan Playon HD2, but we can't help think that it could be a little better. A few interface tweaks, a little more speed and a much better remote control could make it one of the best media streamers on...

Wide range of format support, including BD-ISO ; In-built gigabit Ethernet torrent support ; Supports USB 3.0

There is, quite literally, no manual available at all ; Crash-prone ; Noisy fan ; Remote control and menu design still needs a lot of work

Sadly, though, we can't recommend it, simply because for the vast majority of the time we spent with it, we struggled to keep it playing files all the way through, dealt with a gorgeous-looking GUI undone by weird control choices, and ultimately found...

Transforms viewing experience ; Looks professional and sleek ; Makes your HD TV internet ready (if it isn't already) ; Extensive list of supported video and audio formats ; Excellent value for money

Menu system in GUI can be slow ; HDD cooling fan should be temperature controlled

We’ve seen plenty of publicity surrounding AC Ryan's PlayOn! Range both at events and around the web but this is the first time we have come to consider one of their products for review – What impression has the HD2 left us with?

Supports all popular (and even more) video/audio formats, Very low power consumption, Managed to play even ultra high bit rate (80 mpbs) MKV files, EZ slot makes the swap of the disk an easy task, USB 3.0 port and a (supposed) Gigabit LAN, Good bundle...

Menu response sometimes sluggish, especially with high CPU or disk load, Fan is not temperature controlled, Gigabit LAN delivers only 100 mbit performance, BitTorrent client can be accessed only through browser and not through player menu (ver 3966),...

Plays all the common audio / video formats (mp3 / wma/mkv / avi / mpeg 1,2,4 / DVD vob etc)., Excellent Black reproduction, Easy to use and slick looking GUI, HDD easily upgradable (my nan could do it), USB 3.0 Slave port (for faster transfer from PC),...

Internet media options seem a little slow and un responsive, Had to mess around with audio on receiver side when Dolby 5.1 played out through the HDMI

If you can afford around €250 Euro, the PlayOnHD2! with 1TB HDD onboard could become your best friend in your living room next to your TV.

If you can afford around €250 Euro, the PlayOnHD2! with 1TB HDD onboard could become your best friend in your living room next to your TV.

With so many features, it's hard not to like the AC Ryan Playon HD2, but we can't help think that it could be so much better. A few interface tweaks, some added functionality and a little more speed could make it one of the best media streamers on the...