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163 comments:
good spec looks good but stil waiting for maplins to get them in stock i,ve pre ordered 2 weeks ago and i,m still waiting
Ordered 2 over 3 weeks ago from maplins still no sign and i have had countless excuses to whats happened to them....
very poor service
I will keep you informed if they ever arrive
Just received mine from Maplin, now I need a hard drive.
Just recieved mine to -- Didnt have a remote control :-((
Does anyone know what processor or how much flash and ram this has.
Those of you that own an Emprex ME1, can you post pictures and maybe right a mini review on it? Thanks.
Its rubbish, poor picture, poor features, asks me to prep & format the drive everytime its turned on... its going back to maplins today...
I've received mine and set it up with a 40 GB drive. On startup it prompts you to format the drive. You have to set aside a minimum of 1 GB for the "pause live tv" buffer. You have to set aside a minimum of 10% of the remaining space as the "recording" area, or library. The rest of the disc is formatted as fat32 and is available when you use the device as a usb hard drive.
You can also plug a usb memory stick (or usb hard drive) into the device, for extra storage. I haven't tried this.
When using the device, you can choose to play from the library, the hard disc, the usb stick, or the network. I bought this device because I wanted to play files stored on my network. It works, but I'm a bit disappointed. I have not managed to get it to view files that are stored on a linux samba server. I have also not managed to get it to view files that are stored on a cheap NAS (network attached storage) device. However it can browse actual Windows OS machines, and see all their network shares, and play various types of media files off them. It means I will need to set up a Windows machine to do the file serving that is currently done by my NAS device.
Because this device is new, there isn't much info available to help with troubleshooting.
I would have liked to be able to copy files from the usb stick to the hard drive, from the network to the hard drive, or from the hard drive to the network. None of this is possible.
The main chipset of ME1 is Realtek RTD1261 and memory is 64M bit.
The one who faced formatting issue might due to hard disk compatible issue, what is the model name of HDD ?
I have tried Linux, NAS and Windows sharing without any problem, you could try the bellows :
1. Close Firewall application if installed.
2. Folder is shared
3. Set Net User ID, Net Password and Specific File Server IP in MISC setup-> Network Browser
Ps. ME1 doesn't support copy over LAN but streaming only. MR1 is advance version which has tuner and support copy over LAN.
Will there be future firmware updates for this unit? (maybe to unclude copy overlan or use as a NAS)
dave back again 2.10.09 still no joy from maplins interested in this comment from emprex..i wanted to copy 300 + music cd,s to 500gb hard drive and play throuhg rca connectors to amp..can music be copied via network connection to other pc,s from this unit ??also wanted to plug in 8mm camcorderand copy tapes and thenput them on dvd via network...
ME1 doesn't support copy over LAN but streaming only. MR1 is advance version which has tuner and support copy over LAN.
I brought this a few weeks ago arrived Saturday stuck in 500gb on monday - having problems when i plug it into pc , usb unrecognised, no problems viewing files over network (cant copy though)so this to me is a waste of space, this will go back and i will be informing members of a 2,500+ forum to avoid until problems ironed out.
dave back again thanks for that but where can i get an mr1 from in the uk...
After three weeks of waiting mine finally turned up.
Fitted 320Gb hard disk (the one Maplin recommend)
Setup as 1 hour for time slip (couldn't be bothered to change it)
12% as FAT32 the rest for recording.
At highest resolution I can get 65 hours of recording.
Did test recording at highest – 30 minute program – copied to FAT32. File is 1.8Gigs
When viewing anything on the AV in had flickering at the top of screen (like an old vhs tape) and flaring mostly white screens – But these may be due to my AV switch box.
Copied test recording to FAT32 then PC picture perfect no flickering or flaring.
Quite a lot of noise when copying to FAT32
Annoying thing several of my other remotes turn the thing on!!!!
Must say - I am soooo disapointed this this unit & Emprex in general..
The unit has an awful piture! the line in/record this has interferience all over it like a very bad analog TV. I have emailed Emprex for support everyday for a week with so reply, have tryed calling the support number with no luck.
Stay away from this thing!!!!
Hi, I added 80G of music in one folder in onto the installed 500G HD. The unit doesn't seem to be able to open the folder and display other folders? Any ideas?
Very happy with the other functionality though
Does anyone know why it has a calculator and what is the root user name and password for this device.
Just got my ME1 today, handy unit to have. Works well, it does what it supposed to.
Has anyone tried doing a port scan on the box?
Go to Setup -> Network and get its IP address, enter this into your browser on a PC connected to the network.
There is a web server running on the unit, it displays a bizarre page along the lines of:
--
A simple html+cgi example
Enter first number:
Enter second number:
[calculate sum]
--
Upon enter it gives you:
---
The sum of the two numbers is ...
---
Very strange!
There is also a telnet server running on the unit with a name of "Venus"
Following the imposed wait from Maplin's in the UK, my unite finally arrived on Thursday. I fitted a 300 gig HD and had it up and running in less than an hour. This really is one of the simplest and quickest MM enclosures I've ever set up.
For streaming purposes I've connected to my network via a wireless bridge. The device functions without any degradation of picture or sound. There is no picture judder, even when playing back HD recordings.
As a streaming device it works a treat, although it is a little slow when reading the shared files whilst in browser mode. Its a shame that you can't turn off the preview feature, this would speed up browsing considerably.
The remote control is sluggish, has a very small 'sweet-spot' and is liable to conflict with other remote control equipment. Its a shame the same thought hasn't gone into the remote as has clearly gone into the enclosure itself.
I was sorry to see that the time record was limited to 30, 60, 90, etc, minutes record, rather than allowing for timed record. As there is a clock feature on the enclosure this may be something that will be changed in future upgrades?
Its also a shame that there doesn't seem to be the facility to save your 'time-slip' recording as a file. Having enjoyed a program you should be able to save the recording up to the current point and edit it at a later time.
My other MM enclosure has the facility to transfer files via the network, a feature which is sadly missing on this unit. Resulting in you having to take the unit to the pc and connect via the USB port to enable transfer to your PC.
All in all a good product at a good price. But it could be better. ;)
Anyone know what the root password is? and whats the purpose of the calculator function.
Hi, I previouly posted a note about the file struture not rendering. I now have a new issue. While trying to record tv input, as soon as I hit record the picture becomes jurky and stuttered. When I stop recording the feed is fine. I have a 500 G hard drive installed. Any idea?
R
The remote control is supplied in its storage psition which is in the base of the main unit. You can see this in the installation slide show although that shows it stored with the buttons showing. It is less obvious when it is shipped as it is the other way up.
I have had mine for about a week and am undecided whether to keep it or send it back.
1. When viewing pictures from a memory card it is not possible to rotate the images from landscape to portrait.
2. Streaming is too slow to be useable over a wireless connection at 54Mbps. Even high resolution photos taje a long time to load and the remote control will not work while they are loading so it is difficult to control.
3. In HD modes the menus and icons are all crowded into the centre of the screen and can be too small to read. The are not scaled to fill the screen properly.
4. There are no options to configure the slide show for photographs. The interval is fixed and there are no transitions between pictures.
5. There are no options to arrange photographs; just a basic directory browser.
6. One Touch recording does not work for some of the longer periods but stops after about 17.5 minutes (1,024 seconds?).
Most of these criticisms could probably be fixed by a software update. Do Emprex have any plans to provide updates? I need to know before I lose my right to return it.
I set the unit up last week with a 250GB hard disk. The installation was straightforward. I have yet to use it for video as I purchased it to play my MP3s through my hi-fi without using my pc.
I was wondering if a new firmware upgrade would be en route soon. Please, Please!! The player REALLY needs a search function (a bit like realplayer media library (could you not do something with those guys as they do opensource helix for linux)) as it is disappointing to only be able to browse a folder at a time. No good if you have 400 CD albums ripped onto MP3 in different album folders, and these live within subfolders representing the CD storage unit the album lives in!!
Also a shuffle function that browses multiple folders would be a big improvement.
Dear Emprex,
I've just got my ME1 from maplin (seems they're the only reseller atm?)
Anyway, just wondering about the OS on this...
Is it updatable? (I'm assuming it is)
Is the sourcecode likely to become available?
Can the device be used with a different os? (eg MythTV etc)
So far i'm reasonably impressed, but there are a few niggly anoyances which i believe have already been mentioned...
1. Menu response, due to the "Preview" loading times it can take a while to navigate through to the video i want to watch - maybe an option to delay/ or not use preview could be added?
2. Network response, seems that the unit reboots to the menu if the file isn't buffered in time? (even more annoying because it can happen on the preview screens too!)
3. Network access to copy files to/from the unit would be a major improvement (and save me the ear bashing from the missus re cables!)
4. Probably not much that can be done about this for any units out there already, but maybe an improvement you want to make to the next batch... The remote control is a bit picky as to whether it sends the command you requested, or something random! (I pressed LEFT and got RESOLUTION instead!) maybe this is due to the distance i was at (2meters!) it seems to prefer 1.5m!
I hope you don't think i'm moaning about it too much - it's the best unit i've seen so far for options and price.
p.s. To the guy who didn't get a remote - are you sure? they're normally hidden away on the bottom of the device - if you tried to open it up to put in a hard drive you might find it! ;) hehe
Would love a response cheers,
James.
Can I assign a name to the unit so that I can access it over the wireless network without using the IP Address?
Is it possible that when left powered-up for a long time, the device will overheat and stop responding? I have a 500GB HDD in it. I could get no response from it, but having pulled out the power cord and let it cool for a while, it started working again. Not ideal as I want to use it as a NAS box!
When viewing pictures from a USB device you can rotate the images using the left and right arrow keys on the remote control
I got my ME1 this week. Issues:
1. Very fussy about hard drives. Some format some don't. It wont tell you a hard disk isn't compatible, just keep coming up with the format screen everytime you restart unit. Very helpful (not). Appears to like the hard drive jumper set to MASTER. Nothing in docs about that.
2. Very slow and unfriendly menu system / remote control. Throwing the remote at the tv in frustration doesn't appear to help.
3. When you connect unit to a PC via USB it goes into a 'no tv' mode. If your PC doesn't pick up the unit as an external hard drive then it looks to the user like something is broken. They should have made it more ipod like and put a USB-MODE banner on the tv.
4. No ability to copy to unit via network connection is a bit pants.
5. Generally looks like a rushed firmware. Probably full of bugs and I hope Empres will polish it up a bit.
Verdict: If you haven't bought one yet then don't bother yet. If you thought you were getting a finished product send it back to Maplin. If you are happy to get by on a slow buggy av enclosure and think Emprex will release some decent firmware then hang on to it.
I suggest that anyone using this unit on a network has a firewall/router to connect to the internet.
It took me only 5 secs to login to this unit, with what appears to be full admin rights. So its wide open to hackers.
It runs Linux 2.6.12 and BusyBox 1.1.3 both of which are GPL so Emprex are bound by the terms of the licence to release the source code for these.
BusyBox are sueing a number of companies over none release of the code at the moment.
I think the picture qual is good ...Two issues maybe ..
How do I get the FAT32???
What is the minumum hard drive size to use??
How did you get root access to it?
telnet IP_ADDRESS
User: root
thats it!
The remote was not the the bottom, I only 'realised' I didnt have the remote after installing the Harddisk :(
Returned it and now have a ATAM Media player, 320gb, and it works great(And has a scart port)
I have just purchased the me1 and have a couple of questions:
is the video out supposed to turn off when you connect to a pc?
I was hoping to leace the usb connected and have video out at the same time.
the 2nd question is how long should it take to start up after ubplugging a pc from the usb?
Mine takes about 2.5 minutes, my linux server starts up quicker.
oops just forgot another question, my linux server has some shares with links to other directories in them, why can't I see them on the me1? is there anything I can do about the links to make them visible?
thank you
Tony
When yo connected to a PC, ME1 will be in USB device mode, ME1 system is shut down. As long as the USB is connected to a PC, ME1 system won't be actived. , so there is no any AV out. Once unplug USB cable, ME1 system will auto boot up, and it takes 10-15secs.
How long does it take to boot up manual ?
Have you set the security level ?
If yes, you would need to enter Net User ID, Net Password and Specific File Server IP in MISC setup-> Network Browser. When you select the NET as file source in Browser mode, "/My Shortcuts/ will be listed.
I think the slow start up might have been the hdd, I have changed it since and it starts a lot quicker.
I have had a couple of times when the box seems to repeat the last remote pressed action even though the remote could not have been pressed. ie after adjusting the volumn to max, the volume display popped up a couple of times after. and also after pressing "return" to go to "video in" in suddenly went back to the menu on it's own twice.
it seems to have been ok for a while now though.
tony
Hi,
The remote control for the device seems to be interfering with my TV and freeview box - to the point that none of the devices are now reacting to the remote controls!
Any ideas on how to fix this would be appreciated.
Thanks,
J
A few things to improve the software:
1. please, please, please turn of the preview! it is impossible to navigate a folder full of movies.
2. ability to add folders to "my shortcuts", it takes a LOT of key presses just to reach a folder.
or autodetect the media, why have select music, video and pictures when it can be detected in linux or even use the file extension.
3. allow picture slide show to navigate sub folders.
also allow the screen saver to automatically put a slide show of pictures when listening to music
if it's not likely that you will issue an updated software version, why not publish the source and the way of updating it? that way the community will do your work for you and the media player will become more popular.
tony
I can't see any way of entering anything into "Shortcuts" apart from the specific server IP that is entered under "Misc". This then becomes overwritten if another one is entered.
How is this folder to be administered please?
Thanks
Derryck
i would dev some more feature into this box, like dropbear, samba and when ist is possible some standard linux driver for DVB-T cards...
can anybody give me the linux sourcecode or some link for download?
Hi,
I would like to use the M1 in my CAR!!!
Please advice me about the wiring digrame using a 5V down regulator and direct 12V
The only option I tried is using the original transformer with 12V> 220V up-regulator & it works find but I rather use it directly from 12V.
Please advice me
Best regards
joseph_behnam@hotmail.com
I put my camcorder tape onto the ME1 using the AV. I want to be able to transfer this onto the comptuer via usb.
Is this possible.?
Have you others information about chip
Realtek RTD1261 ?
My HMC-3901 (EMTEC R-CUBE-like) has this chip and has similar fonctions like the EM1.
I have found a gadget that does what it says on the tin and MORE. You can use it as a PVR. You can use it as a USB storage device reader for AV Music and Photos. You can use it as the above but over a LAN. Niche market? MASS market. This isnt Sky+ but for the money it is Skys the Limit!! I am delighted with this box. People, use it...stop whining! If you are trying to do something 'out of the ordinary' ask dont whinge. This is a good piece of kit. If anyone needs help please request my email
:-)
Here's what everyone needs to know, first to access any of the code behind the front end of ME1, you need to Telnet into your box using the box's I.P address and entering ROOT as the user name. second visit the BUSYBOX web site(search in google) and read the documentation on this linux dist. Third you should be able to transfer 'in - out' files using ftp on the box, you must enable ftp on the box first, or transfer files to a USB device and edit them on a linux system. Be careful as you may have limited space on the ME1 as it uses flash memory.
The ME1 is a great piece of hardware only let down by a slow front end that needs a bit of work.
Please could the creator of the software for the ME1 provide a link to the source code on this website as it is a requirement of the GPL lisence agreement that the source code be available to anyone who wishes to modify it, so that it is better for everyone, even the linux fans would help with making the source code better / faster / more config options and better customisation.with all this help the hardware sales alone would be alot higher.
I might be missing something but...
- Its a HD unit.
- most 720p films when downloaded are over 4GB in size and so 1080i are larger still.
- The Exprex ME1 does NOT support NTFS file system on the drives you use in it but ONLY FAT32.
- FAT32 wont let you have files larger than 4GB.
So how the hell do you play HD films on it ?!!
Please tell me im just overlooking something! :D
--Lebowski--
There are three options to watch HD films which is larger than 4GB :
1. Split the AV.
2. Use USB storage device instead.
(ME1 supports NTFS USB storage device).
3. Steam the AV directly from PC over LAN.
2 probs i have as well as the ones above
Cannot Play HD 720p.wmv files.
any help would b cool.
&
Zooms X1 is small
X2 cuts of too much
How about a 1.5 Would that b too hard? and Please get the preveiws sorted out thats a JOKE! did you guys Try it before you marketed it?
And Play button Mutes my TV. ???
Hi, got this in Maplins (Ireland) at pre-Christmas sale, seems fine, everything worked on my TV (Samsung 32 HD) till I installed it in folk's TV (present for them). They also have Samsung 42 HD but when recording from Sky (or timeshifting) the recorded image is 4:3 even though the watched image is 16:9. We cannot change it back (via zoom) to a 16:9 image during playback. Stopping timeshift returns to normal view. Not worth returning it over this but what are we doing wrong? Any ideas?
Have you tried set the Aspect Ratio to Pan Scan 4:3 ?
Hi thanks for the info folks
Particularly interested in logging into the linux aspect of this box with the purpose of accessing the raw recorded files
This telnet command is that through cmd on windows?
Could someone plz post a guide on how to do this?
TIA
Best
Pete
peteATshowstreams.com
I have got mine today !!!
Setup was quick n easy.
One thing that is a prblem is recording formats.
Recordings seem to be in 4:3 ratio in stead of 16:9 as desired.
How do I change record ratios???
odubrus, yes type
telnet ip_address
into the windows command window, the user name is root, no password.
look up busybox on the web for commands available. there appears to be three programs that do the work (other than the kernel :) )
DvdPlayer, Resource and RootApp.
not sure how to disassemble them but the source would be really useful if only to take out the preview function :)
tony
Managed to telnet into the box using windows telnet (just type telnet ip-addr from start/run) and see the files on FAT32 partition (located in /usr/local/etc/hdd/volume/HDD1/) but has anyone actially got an FTP server working on this unit? I note the comment above about busybox but not sure how possible this is without the source code unless a standalone FTP server can be started?? I'm not a unix expert so don't really understand how evertyhing bolts together inside linux :-(
Busybox have started taking corporations to court re violations of the GPL so hopefully emperex will release the source code before they are forced to by the busybox lawyers.
Note to another comment re HD format - if you copy a recording to FAT32, the unit automatically splits the file into individual files of approx 1MB. This is transparent to the user until you look at the actual files on FAT32 partition. I generally record in SP then convert to DivX. FTP would be ideal for this!
whoops, Resource is a directory full of what is possibly the graphics for the gui
tony
Sourcecode are very helpfull to dev some new Feature!!! - I think the manufactor is Mele with HMC-35, see under www.mele.cn
The same in Germany is from EMTEC, looks liek Movie Cube-R but Mr. Mele will not release the Sourcecode under GPL.
as far as I can see, busybox is just a standard version, the source is available on busybox site. there is a program that runs under linux that is doing all the work and emprex have no obligation to release the source for it, even though they would sell more units if they did because there would be a comunity of people bespoking it.
tony
sorry that´s not correct!
When you use Busybox you MUST release the Sourcecode! - There are many legal action at law and they all capitulate on GPL when they use Busybox...
YES, you can make developement outside the Busybox, like a stand alone programm, and release this as closed source, but under Busybox GPL license it is essential to publish the Sources! - some Part as Open an some part as closed source, please yourself.
I thought the busybox part of it had been changed as some of the commands are not there so I would guess it's been re-compiled and therefore emprex must release the source code. In any case, I imagine taking a bog standard busybox image there will always be some tweaking so source dode should be published. Even with no changes, it's against the spirit of GPL2 for Emprex just to ignore requests for the source...
If the linux software is doing everything then I guess we are stuffed, however I imagine there is still an FTP server that can be started on it somehow??
the ftp server is one that has been removed(even though http has been left in)
I also have a freecom mg35 and that uses busybox and also has a community of people looking at developing it (they already added ftp). search on google groups. maybe they can help.
tony
Managed to get a file onto the box with FTP. Started an FTP server on the PC (I used cerberus FTO Server) and then used FTPget command from a telnet session in ME1 (There are a lot of busybox commands that are available but emprex have hidden - hence why I keep harping on about them being legally obliged to release the source code!)
For some reason I have not yet been able to put a file from the ME1 to the PC (FTPput gives an error).
Now looking for a stanalone FTP server that can be run under linux :-)
A
I bought a ME1 from Maplins on Boxing Day. I initially installed an old 20 GB Hard Drive while I waited for a 500 GB Drive to arrive from Amazon. I formatted the drive and everything seemed to be working well but I noticed that the unit suddenly stopped recording - this needed a reformat of the drive to sort out and so files were lost.
The new 500 GB drive arrived and I installed and formatted the drive. I had several niggley problems eg editing facility didn't work, deleted files merging with new files and now I am finding that it has stopped recording again. Having spent a few days copying old camcorder tapes, I don't want to have to refomat a 500 GB drive again.
Not very happy with this product.
You could check the partition info by PC, the hard disk should have 5 partitions, one FAT32 partition for media download, two Linux partitions for Time Shift and AV/In record and two linux buffering partitions. If the recording partition is unformated/damaged then recording can't be performed. The problem might due to hard disk or ME1.
(Set the hard disk as master device is recommanded)
I've been pretty happy all in I have to say however a few niggles, first of all the lack of access to the raw files partition, is a pain I don't particularly want MPG2 I want to encode as Divx secondly my biggest beef is this copy protection system.
OK fair enough we can't copy copyrighted material but I'm taking about my own home movies on VHS every time there is an anomaly on the tape (precisely the reason I wanted to backup in first place) it stops and insists the tape is copy protected! What a pain. We need a good hack for this machine esp as it is running on open source software.
Lastly another beef is i now have a couple of files that just won't delete!! and of course because they are on the linux partition no access via windows arrcghh!! Can we please have a decent firmware upgrade for this machine ASAP Emprex
Perhaps you should change VHS player which doesn't have Marcovision schemem, or direc steam from VHS Cam.
Have you try to delect all titles ?
This picture via composite is very poor. I would like to use the YpBpR cables but my TV only takes as it's input SCART and SVideo. Does anyone know where I can purchase a cable which takes the 5 (YpBpR) male cables to SCART ?
Alternatively, does anyone know anyway of improving picture quality. The movies all look fine on my PC.
Cheers
If you're having problems getting unit to recognise new HDD then totally set it to 'Master' jumper settings. This worked for me instantly.
Awethome
I got my ME1 last week asnd it's working great generally, but how do you watch videos with subtitles using .srt files?
I've read the manual from cover to cover and the only mention of SRT files is that it supports them, but it doesn't tell you how to use them.
Just save .AVI and .SRT in the same directary with same file name.
away from home at the moment mate but i think you just leave them in the same folder as the avi file, and turn on and off as needed
Yeah sure but problem is there should be no copyright control on my own material-looking forward to the hack/firmware upgrade to sort this out TBH
Been testing the ME1 for a few days, had the same problem with the HDD. It wanted to format every time I turned the machine on. I played around a bit, and formatted the (Maxtor 250GB) HDD using windows via a USB connection (NTFS). Then I reconnected the ME1 to my TV, formatted it again, and it never asked me again!!!
The only reason I can think of, would be that the ME1 does not totally agree with an unpartitioned (new) HDD. It seems as though, if you partition or format the drive first, it works perfectly....
Hope this helps someone :-)
Been testing the ME1 for a few days, had the same problem with the HDD. It wanted to format every time I turned the machine on. I played around a bit, and formatted the (Maxtor 250GB) HDD using windows via a USB connection (NTFS). Then I reconnected the ME1 to my TV, formatted it again, and it never asked me again!!!
The only reason I can think of, would be that the ME1 does not totally agree with an unpartitioned (new) HDD. It seems as though, if you partition or format the drive first, it works perfectly....
Hope this helps someone :-)
Has anyone else had this problem?
When recording fast moving, flashing images the screen goes black and a few seconds later the audio also goes. Stopping the recording and powering down (from remote) does restore the box to normal but the led stays red until it has re started.
But if the same video is from a VHS it works without any problems
I got mine about a week ago with a 500gb drive pre-installed and have been playing with it since then.
There are quite a few niggles that i have found with the system.
For me I wanted it to store all my movies on and with a sender unit transfer them to any tv in the house that has a reciever on.
The main flaw i have is why oh why is there no search function. If you have any .avi files then you have to sit there and fast forward through the movie to get to the spot you want!!
In the recording mode you can put chapters in but every dvd player i have ever owned has had a search function.
Also the recording times are at set intervals so you have to either watch the thing you are recording and stop it at the end or mess around with the a-b delete function that doesnt work that great!
I now just want to convert my original dvd's and back them up in avi format as i dont want to waste the hard drive space with large vob files. Why when you record something then copy it to the fat32 partition does it not copy it in .avi format?
All in all i suppose it does what it says for me.
I was hoping for something a little better but it will do for now as a backup HDD
Is it possible to play DVD menu files i.e from the video_ts folder. These will display but are not responding
Also are there any firmware updates planned to extend the types of files supported ? .dat & .img would be nice
Got mine a week ago..easy installation..but when playing movies , sometimes the screen goes green i can still hear the sound for few secs then that goes off and the system restarts...extremly annoying...also the preview screen soooo annoying anyway that can be turned off...
I have some problems with the subtitels. Need to show special characters like "åäö" (swedish) but all I get is sguares and other.
The subs works with those characters in PC but not in ME1
Any suggestions?
/Peter
I don't think Swedish is supported.
Subtitel problem solved.
If You need to show special characters like "åäö" (swedish) but all You get is sguares and other.
Try open the srt-file in notepad and save as utf-8 format
It worked for me :-)
Got my first one of these last week, after formating and setting it up, the av out put stopped working. Got another one and was fine for a few days, then stopped workin in the middle of a film. after playin arround with the connections ive found that the av out doent work but the other higher output does so now taking this one back aswell :(
Has anyone else had this problem?
Was having the fat32 problem with SP movies that went over the 2gb mark. I tried joining the split mpeg-2 file and record it to DVD (don't ask why) but the audio was snarfled in processing to DVD format.
I think I've managed to find where the 'raw' file is on the linux filesystem. FTP'd the 4GB file across to my main PC, changed the file extension to mpg and away it went.
on the subtitles problem....
i have that problem too with the characteres, but i'll try to save them as utf8 when i get home...
but i would like to know id its prossible to chage the subtitles position and size...
and another thing, where can i find the official firmware to flash my box with a pen?
thanks
Is there any updates for the Linux side of things to give you a better menu and user interface as this is a bit basic and could do with something similar to Media Centre etc.
Got mine 16.02.08,fitted the 320Gb HDD recommended by our friendly maplin man.
all working fine to start with ( when it starts without 'reboot' that is ) menu of recorded item is a right pain if you dont rename your recordings , i had 150 and they're a pain to navigate.The remote works on other things which ive never had before and it's VERY annoying. A couple of weeks in and the ME1 froze when i tried to stop a recording resulting in loss of the said prog :-(
Anyhoo, i transferred some recordings to the HDD and they played fine on my pc. if youve got one then do it NOW because a few days ago the 'DVR' part of mine DIED ! resulting in a loss of 200+ recordings.
EMPREX have not been forthcoming with an answer as yet but i'm not holding on for that , back to Maplins with it for a refund. i hope emprex sorts it out for all those that have bought one.
GOOD LUCK
Is anyone from Emprex still supporting this product ? Most posts seem to be from users - not manufacturers
Hi Guys, Has anyone gone any further with the busybox side of things. I am really interested in replacing the software on this box for something a bit more user friendly and with more functionality. Any news on the release of the source code? has anyone heard if busybox are taking emprex to the "cleaners" to force them to release the code? Is anyone interested in reversing the unit? I will happily loan my unit to a keen developer willing to hack the s^(t out of this thing!
I managed to copy recording onto FAT partition and it plays fine on TV but when I connect to PC I find that it has been split into 2 files and it cannot be opened.
Hi guys,
The player been great, but, i think its time to get a new firmware out.
Problems ....
When browsing through the files, it took forever. Every single video file will come up and the preview come up. I just cannot scroll through quickly.
The name is the files are cut short, I mean 7 characters? Come on.
If anybody can help me turn off the preview it will be great.
I am sure other people have this problem. We need the solution.
Cheers
Has anyone tried .iso files - they certainly work but not with the proper aspect ratio. I compared the film against the original DVD and vob files, both these formats were identical. When converted to an iso image the height is narrower - any thoughts?
Hi,
Bought mine from Maplin Nottingham yesterday (Saturday 26/4/08).
Installed the HD (120G WD Caviar) without a hitch.
To my astonishment this unit played every video I threw at it flawlessly. Including a 3GByte version of Forest Gump with AC3 sound.
To those of you trying to use it as a recorder or MP3 player, my sympathies. I'm sure it's not ideal in these applications. But for video playback it works great.
Three serious problems - two of which could be easily solved with a firmware update:
1: The user interface is truly awful. As many people have mentioned, Emprex needs to do away with the preview, and re-format the screen so that longer filenames can be seen.
By the way , did you notice that you can go directly to a specific file in a folder by pressing the number keys on the remote? That way you can avoid the tedious "preview" problem.
2: I agree that the remote is very direction-sensitive. Anyone figured out a work-around?
3: What can't I use the box like a NAS? It would be so trivial to provide a way to update the hard drive directly from a PC. Right now I have to disconnect the ME1 from the lounge, bring it (and the power supply) into my office and connect it as a USB device.
Overall this is a GREAT media player for the money. I'm keeping mine for sure! It would be great if Emprex could update the firmware though.
In regards to the ethernet connection to your own PC:
Ar first i was getting trouble like everyone else, where the folders would show but nothing else but i had to format my mahine due to a hard drive crash and so thought its best to experiment:
I formatted the hard drive, reloaded win xp pro with sp2, done all my updates, installed my AV and spyware software (spyware doctor w AV) , turned off windows firewall. I have to NIC(network) cards so the first is coonected to my router and the second NIC(which i bought for testing with the ME1 device and you wont have to)is connected via a straight cable to the ME1.
I gave them an IP address as the instructions in the previous post. I have a password on my administrator account, so gave that also to the ME1 device-just like the instructions in the previous post- and manage tp scroll through all my stuff on my PC. I was even able to play stuff from my USB drive connected to the PC by right clicking on it and selecting sharing.
So my conclusion is , that over time your PC builds up so much junk, missing dll's , corruption, security software thats no longer used etc... that the device was not able to work. I know i done evrything correctly but only after my clean wipe of my pc was i able to get it all to work
My 2 cents
enjoy
ME1 with 750GB
At first, slightly clunky with a fussy remote control.
Updated firmware successfully (blank usb key with new firmware unzipped onto it, plug in back of me1 with power off. plug in unit while holding the power button until "install begin" appears)
New firmware is ever so much better - still clunky but does the job. No previews is a blessing as is network copying.
Still rubbish for music with no playlisting and the like but superb for video. HD output gives a great picture.
Also good for backing up your PC.
All in all 6/10 for the product with the caveat that a firmware upgrade is a must with better music handling capabilities needed.
got mine yesterday w/500gb drive,when i connect it to the pc windows finds it and says its working but the unit wont turn on its just a constant orange light,the drive doesnt show up in My Computer at all.Can anyone help pls??
ps I got mine off envizage solutions-Muppets!!
Can somebody guide me step by step through the process of networking an emprex me1 multimedia box through a router please.
I Love this unit, initially video was not very good quality, but changed to compenent lead output and was unbelievable the other bad point was slow navigation through films due to the unit trying to preview each movie, however emprex have now released a firmware update that finally allows this to be turned off (just do it through setup, after updating firmware), they have also improved the HD drivers. I have also just installed a 750gb drive, which is above the maximum the Emprex Site states, but maplin state 750gb, installed, formatted and working great - I would recommend this unit to anyone. Oh and one other point, I have noticed a few posts from people stating it was delivered without a remote! - the remote is clicked into the base when packaged. AAAA+++++
Does the new firmware resolve the 7 character file names?
Is there no way to make the whole hdd accessable inseted of having 2 partions, or to make the hdd comple linux partion?
Hi
The av doesn't work on my me1(is it because im trying to use ntl/virgin???)
Cheers
Michael
What is ntl/virgin ?
Been trying to install the firmware upgrade but it never goes to installing as advised. Holding the power button after putting plug back in but nothing. Tried my entired collection of USB sticks also. Any suggestions. Also without this firmware upgrade can changed audio / subtitles via remote on DVD files ? Thanks for any responses.
i cant get the firmware upgrade to work. I have tried everything mentioned , any solutions. When i hold the power button for however long the install never begins and it goes to the menu. Please help, excellent piece of kit bar the required firmware updates
Earlier F/W doesn't spport DVD naveration, update to MEB_P1.08.K1.b1 is required for the function.
Have you try to read the USB flash drive by the ME1 to see if it's compatible ? Have you copy all files to root directary instead of a folder ?
Hi,
Just looking at buying one of these, Does anyone know if the mp3 playback supports random play?
Cheers....
hi peoples.for the price me1 has many features but can anyone help me setup network streaming? it be given ip ok but net browser specific file server seems empty.also do i need to change my network settings? i am logical but very new to networking.help!
Hi all
Bought one of these a few months back and all though the first one had the HDD issue the new one works fine, setting up was easy and i have just found the new updates for it so its playtime.
Can i connect my NTFS formatted HD as an external USB device to ME1 and watch the videos?
No problem to read and plays NTFS USB HDD, but make sure the HDD has it's own power supply unless you are sure the HDD you have consumes less than 500mA.
Can the HDD in the unit be partitioned?
Maplin is offering this(with a 500GB HDD) for £130. Is the price good?
How do i record from my TV which has a cable input? Do i need some sort of converter - coaxial to composite?
Sorry if I'm dragging up old news, I've had a look at the comments and can't find the problem I'm having. Basically I see the drive, it appears and I have formatted it with the ME1, gone through all the rigmarole of the settings, but for love nor money I cannot get it to see any files in the browser that I have placed on the drive from my computer via usb. Anything I've missed? I have tried to do a firmware upgrade, but the system just seems to hang on the system loading screen. Help would be very much appreciated as am about to chuck the whole lot out the window of a fast moving train as it hurtles over a cliff into boiling magma. Thank you.
I guess you do not choose the media type, it's shown on the top.
Or the media you copied is not supported which will be filtered out as well.
hi tolly
anonymous correct about media type at top of browser.
FIRMWARE UPGRADE:
unzip so files NOT in a single folder on usb pendrive.
unplug ME1
insert pendrive
hold power button down on front of ME1 not remote and plug ME1 in.
KEEP BUTTON PWR BUTTON PRESSED
can take over a minute to load
once you see it upgrading you can release button.
good look
I am having ME1 from last 6 month and looks ok. Now i just get new hard rive and i install this hard drive to ME1. but on start up it's not asking me to intialise the hard drive. any idea ?
Try connect it to PC through USB, if it's detected as removable storage device, then go to DiskManager to delect all partitions on that hard disk.
I am also trying to connect via USB but my PC can't detect this as a external hard drive. What i am missing ?
OK So I've just bought an ME1, and to be honest, at first I can't help but think it does look good. The menus do seem slightly unresponsive and slow, but that's not the most important thing.
I can't exactly comment however, as I managed to back up the contents of a 160GB IDE I had in a caddy via usb, and stuck that in there. Only problem now is that it's still formatting the thing, and it's been going for a good couple of hours now! Maybe it's just me being inpatient, but even a full low-level format shouldn't take this long. Did it take this long for you lot? Or have I just been lucky enough to get an imcompatible hd / faulty unit?
Formatting time shouldn't take too long. I saw there are people with same problem but solved with set jumper of hard disk as master mode and remove all partitions that has been created by other device, just let ME1 to do the partition and format.
Hi
Can we connect an external Hard Drive through USB to this device. Please let me know.
Surely you can do that, but make sure the USB hard drive has it's own power supply.
Hi, looking for a bit of help here, I got an exclosure with a 500Gb HDD installed. When I fired it up, it asks me to do the initialisation process so I set it the first screen to 1 hour, the second screen to 10%/90% and then hit Format on the third screen. Two full days later, still formatting. I'm assuming this isn't normal? I disconnected it and attached it to my laptop and formatted it there, which took about 10 minutes; however it still asks me to initialise it when I turn it on without it being connected to the laptop. Does anyone know how long it should take to format it using the Emprex enclosure? Thanks in advance
No doubt two days is not right.
It won't take to long for foramt.
The hard disk must be formated by ME1 box, not PC.
Check if the hard disk's jumper is set as master first. And remove all partitions available on the hard disk by PC, then do the initialisation process again.
Hi broke my remote control for the me1, pain in the ass. is there another out there that can be used?? What about universal remotes??
You can buy a new remote from Emprex.
I use learning remote to duplicate ME1 remote and keep original remote in safe place, bottom of ME1 :)
What is the diffrence between these two media player other than its built in Hard disc?
Can I record tv programme and mini dv camcorder thru this?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Emprex-ME1-Network-Media-Player-and-Recorder-Enclosure_W0QQitemZ250326901958QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_HardDriveEnclosures_RL?hash=item250326901958&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1300%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
and
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0016FFOPY/3000777g-21#moreAboutThisProduct
It is the same I think.
help me
i can view video from my freeview or analouge tv, all i get is video1, is there a video2
Only one Video In is available.
You could buy a video switch.
Hi all,
I have downloaded a film which was in MP4 format(In a DVD rip fomat, it supposed to be around 700mb). By using 'video convertor' software, I did convert it into 'MPEG avi' format. Now, it says, it is 8.5GB...? and I tried to 'cut & paste' into ME1 (which has got 42GB free space), but it says, 'cannot copy as file is too large.' Why is that.? Pls help..
THIS IS GREAT WITH THE NEW FIRMWARE BUT WHATS THE BLOODY POINT OF THE ETHERNET PORT AS YOU CANT USE IT AS A NETWORK DRIVE... GGGRRRRR .. :(
Sagar, I guess you have earlier version which only supports FAT32 and limit one single file can't be greater than 4GB. You have to spilt the file or install the latest firmware which supports NTFS read.
Hi Mojoe, you need to install Samba in order to set ME1 as a netdrive.
See http://emprex-me1.blogspot.com/2008/06/easy-way-to-enable-samba-server.html
it's because your drive is fat 32 format and so has a 2 gig limit
the mp4 avi should play as it is without conversion.
P
www.nexuslive.com
Has anyone else had a problem with a mid/high pitch hum when playing? It's bearable but a little frustrating. I'm not using an internal hard drive - just playing avi files from a usb flash pen in the back. Just wanted to know if I had been sent a faulty item or if this is common (I bought from Amazon this week).
Has anyone else had a problem with a mid/high pitch hum when playing? It's bearable but a little frustrating. I'm not using an internal hard drive - just playing avi files from a usb flash pen in the back. Just wanted to know if I had been sent a faulty item or if this is common (I bought from Amazon this week).
I just got mine and want to use a 500gb drive i have with movies already on there can that work? as right now the unit does not show me any files? Do i have to format it from out of Ntfs to Fat32 for it to work and show me my files in the browser? Does anybody have a hint for it?
How Do I Record TV With The ME1
You would need a set top box which connect to TV cable as input and output Composite signal to ME1 for recording.
have the emprex ME1 and can connect it to a television no problem, but my computer just won't pick it up via USB. As I want to use it mainly as an external HD for my movie collection, I really need this to work. Any ideas?
Am running XP
Try press power button to spin out hard disk.
Thanks. will give it a go.
I purchased a Emprex ME1 from Envizage a couple of months ago (Envizage, need to work on their Customer Service skills and learn how to answer their telephone) - for the price, I'm so far satisfied with most of the functions, however I am disappointed that you can't copy files over the LAN - however I am interested in learning more about its FTP function - as anyone got this to work yet?
Also when I rip DVD's, the ME1 always seem to play them in 4:3 not 16:9 even when the DVD is set to 16:9, any ideas guys... Cheers
I received my ME1 last week from Envisage Systems with a 750GB HDD pre-installed. I followed the instructions in the set up guide & got it all ready to use. Although strangely the drive was showing as 967GB not 750GB so even after I set aside 14% of the drive for recording purposes it still left me with 785GB for storage - brilliant! However, last night thinking I was doing the right thing, I began to format the storage partition to NTFS, took all night & left it going this morning at about 89% complete. Things I have read about the ME1 this morning have made me wonder if I've done the right thing, could you tell me if I've screwed up my ME1 by formatting the storage partition to NTFS & if there's anything I can do about it if I have? Will it be unusable & will I have to buy a new HDD or can I format it back to FAT32 if necessary? etc
Thanks in anticipation
You shouldn't format FAT32 to NTFS file system, and I think you have earlier firmware version.
If you prefer NTFS file system, the you have to update firmware to MEC_P0.31 which devide hard disk as FAT32 & NTFS two partitions.
I just got an ME1 ( with pre-installed 1TB disk ) 2 days ago from evizage. I made some test recordings which worked ok ( to be honest I haven't had must time to play with the unit ) but one thing I noticed though was using the timeshift function seems result in the unit hanging. Pausing live video works ( or seems to ), but when you press play to resume it will play video for a while and then will freeze. Sometimes after pressing stop when this happens subsequent attempts to start a recording and/or another pause or live video results in "bad disk" errors. The first time this happened I tried to reformat the disk, this seemed to succeed ( but seemed to complete way too quickly ) powering on the machine again I just get prompted to reformat. In this scenario disconnecting the power was the only way to stop this cycle. Bad hard disk?? any thoughts/suggestions or similar experiences?
What is the current firmware version and the brand name of hard disk ?
What is the current firmware version and the brand name of hard disk ?
ok, I can't verify the hard drive model for sure ( I am in work now ) but the model is supposed to be wd10eacs. As for the firmware, it came shipped with an older version ( no record scheduling etc. ) after I noticed this problem I updated to the lastest firmare version from the emprex site. After upgrading the result is the same. ( on a side note I didn't get an option for setting up the timeshift buffer, now after the firmware upgrade the available time to buffer is ~ 30 mins ( sorry again I have no access to the unit right now so this is an approx time - I wonder is there a way to change that ?)
some more info on my problem above the exact disk model is WD10EADS, I also tried a small old IDE disk I had around. I see the same problem with timeshift/pause-live videw too. I put back the 1TB sata disk, I never did see the strange bad disk errors again but I noticed the same hang behaviour also occurs when recording both scheduled and manually ( usually happens after about an 90 mins or so )
Hello, Have searched but can find answer, How do i force an initalisation, After fiiting hard drive i was never prompted for a format, Tried formatting in pc - fine, and it works as usb hard drive, so this eliminates any faults/connectivity issues? - Updated to latest firmware, that all work. It just doesnt see the hard drive, how can i get to an Initialisation stage? Thanks in advance, Paul
You can remove all partitions by PC first, when you boot up ME1 it will starts with initial process.
Hi there, purchased ME1 - V2, great little player no problems, but have just been on holiday and used my Sanyo HD camcorder which produces 1080i MP4 files (HD H.264) The Emprex does not recognise this file type, can you help please??
Kind Regards
Colin
H.264 is not supported, you would have to convert to XVID with AVI container.
@ Anonymous on the 31st March - what will be the best course of action for me to take now, revert it to FAT32 or do something else?
Is it just a case of going back into disc manager & right clicking on the drive, choose format and select exFAT? (for some reason it says exFAT not FAT32??)
What will be the consequences if I leave it as it is now & try to move some files over to it? What will happen if I don't either put it back to FAT32 or update the firmware, will I lose anything I put on it?
Richard
Bought an emprex ME1 media centre, was working fine up until last week.
It still works with PCs as a harddrive, but when I go to use on the tv (and I tried it on more than 1 tv) it starts the "system loading" screen and then as it is about to open the interface I get the "no signal" sign on the tv.
The media centre remains on, but the connection doesn't seem to go through to the tv after it loads.
We had a problem with our multichannel last week which caused everything to freeze on the tv last week, I don't think it caused the problem but I'm a bit of a noob with this sort of stuff.
Any ideas?
Try firmware update.
If I formatted the main partition to NTFS, can I just format it back to FAT32 or is there more to it than that?
Is this the easiest thing to do or is it easier to update the firmware? Cos at the moment I'm in Limbo with an ME1 that I can't use because I'm not sure what to do for the best!
Thanks
Richard
Only the latest firmware supports NTFS, I think you better do firmware flash.
Only the latest firmware supports NTFS, I think you should do firmware flash.
ive had mine for about 2years with a 500gb harddrive, but its stopped playing through the tv via the scart. still works when on the pc with the usb, no data has been lost. Any ideas?
Is support for PAL-60 available? I can't config my unit for this...
Hi - just got my ME1 and followed instruction to the letter. Have installed a Maxtor 120GB DiamondMax Plus 9 in the unit. This was formatted by windows. When I plug the unit in to the TV I ge the WARNING You are about to format YES/CANCEL option but when I press the Enter button on the remote nothing happens. I have tried pressing all the other buttons on the remote to make sure it is working and every button either give an error sign on the screen or changes the display setting which means either the 'Enter' button isn't working or there's something else wrong. The HDD is set to DS Master and definately works as I was using it not 10 mins before putting it in the unit. Any help would be really be appreciated here. Many thanks in advance. e
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