Review: Kodak HD Theater

Call me real old-school, but I just got used to Kodak making digital cameras, and now this. But I get that a Media Server with the “K” brand could appeal to the average consumer looking to bring all their digital movies, pictures, music and whatnot to the living room’s HDTV. Especially if it was easy to use. And which surprisingly is the case, even if the price might be a bit high.

The Theater HD could easily be mistaken for a somewhat largish cable modem. It comes with both wired Ethernet and wireless “N” WiFi for joining to your home network. That allows it to integrate and take content off of your PC, once the provided software has been run.

Setup for an HDTV just requires using a HDMI or Component output for video, with an optical, coaxial or pair of RCA plugs for audio. There’s no hard drive, although local storage can be had through a rear USB port, which sits next to network status lights. There’s also another and more accessible USB on the front, along with Compact Flash and SD card slots. Colored indicators affirm whether the memory cards have been properly inserted and that the network connection is active (these lights also let you know when new pictures can be viewed – called Picture Mail).

From the moment it was turned on, the Theater performed competently (it even knew that an update was needed and automatically took care of the download and installation). Creating a profile took just a few minutes of moving through screens and using a virtual keyboard – but the battery powered remote is unusual in how it works. It’s shaped like a pointer and moves the cursor around like it was a Nintendo Wii. But the radio-frequency remote doesn’t have to be aimed at the Theater to keep the onscreen cursor on the move. Sure there’s a few buttons and a scroll wheel on it to get used to, but no way can it be compared to using an IR, especially when seated back on the couch.

The on-screen interface is unremarkable, with the Home Screen branching out to other sections and with Help menus always available. Videos in various formats can be viewed in up to 720p resolution (the Theater scaling to the HDTV in up to 1080i rez), with photos augmented through online viewing at the Kodak Gallery (registration required). It’s here that pictures can be sent to others as well as received and transferred to the computer. Music and Podcasts can use iTunes and playlists from the PC (providing they’re not DRM-protected), along with there being direct access to a large number of Internet radio stations. There’s also web channels that can be viewed and which include news, weather, sports etc. (while the Theater doesn’t allow unlimited access to the Internet, additional channels could be added through future updates). The USB port and memory cards can also be used for viewing/listening as well as for transferring files back to the computer.

Kodak’s Theater HD Player provides the power of a media server and does it in a family friendly manner. Plus the remote rocks. It may be a bit bland for prosumers, but it’s a good, solid choice for those looking to build a “Digital Home” without all the fuss. So to those looking for a non-intimidating way to watch and listen to content on their TV, welcome to the digital party.

SPECS
KODAK Theater HD Player/$299 MSRP

Computer requirements: Windows XP/Vista, 2.8GHz Pentium or better, WiFi network or wired broadband

2 x USB, Compact Flash memory card, SD memory card, Ethernet port, WiFi

Video output
HDMI, Component

Audio output
Optical, Coaxial, RCA stereo

Supported video
AVI, MOV, MPG, M4V, MP4, ASF

Supported audio
Mp3 (MP3 streaming), AAC (unprotected), WAV, WMA

Weight
1.2 lb.

Dimensions WHD
8 x 1 x 6-inches

Accessories
Remote, Component Cable, Power Supply

Warranty
1-year limited warranty

www.kodak.com