VR-Zone

Eugene Wong, senior product engineer for AC Ryan, introduced the two new media players from the company - Playon!HD2 and Playon!HD Mini2, which claim to feature the latest Realtek 1185 media player processor. According to Wong, both media players allow users to interact with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instant Messenger (ebuddy).

The Playon!HD2 (ACR-PV73700) supports video formats including AVI, MKV, TS, TP, M2TS, MPG, MP4, MOV, M4V, VOB, ISO, DVD-ISO, IFO, DAT, WMV, ASF, RM, RMVB, BD-ISO, FLV resolution up to 1080p.  Even though it supports Gigabit full HD streaming of up to 1000Mbps, wired data transfer only reaches 100Mbps due to the limitation of the onboard processor.

The power button is at the front of the Playon!HD2 while on the right holds a card reader, three USB ports (one Type B USB3.0). The USB ports can also connect to an external hard disk as well as a wireless dongle for wireless connectivity. However, note that full high definition (HD) streaming will not be that seamless via wireless. According to Wong, the optional wireless dongle can be purchased at S$49.

More connectivity options are at the rear of the media player including composite, component, HDMI, LAN, optical and coaxial.

The hard disk compartment is on the right and to insert your hard disk, simply remove the side cover.

The Playon!HD Mini2 (ACR-PV73800) is more compact than its Playon!HD2 sibling though it also supports most video formats.

At the rear are component, composite, HDMI, LAN, optical and two USB connectors.

Both the Playon!HD2 and Playon!HD Mini2 are alreday available at S$269 and S$199 respectively, and will also be retailing at the IT Show 2011.