QNAP enters media hubs with 1080p, iTunes hooks
updated 12:25 pm EDT, Mon September 28, 2009
QNAP NMP-1000
Better known for its network storage, QNAP today rolled out the NMP-1000, its first attempt at a networked TV media player. The device on its basic level acts as a conduit for Internet and locally shared network content with the ability to access Flickr and YouTube from a TV as well as see iTunes shares and DLNA-aware devices on the local network. A 3.5-inch SATA bay lets it share its own media and play 1080p movies in most common formats, including popular ones like DivX, H.264 and XviD.
Music and photos are also covered by the hub, which is explicitly cross-platform and should work as mass storage for Macs and Windows PCs but also Linux-based systems as well. The set-top box gets its network access through Ethernet and has the choices of HDMI 1.3, component, RCA and S-Video for visual output. It can also take on additional storage through eSATA and USB ports.
QNAP claims availability today but hasn't provided a price or seen the NMP-1000 arrive at stores like Amazon or NewEgg.
