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Appeared on: Thursday, March 24, 2005
IOData AvelLink Player2

1. Introduction

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 1

- Introduction

Today's needs for networking and DVD/Mpeg4 playback comes to a point where technology meets reality. IOData, a major manufacturer, announced back in 2004 the AvelLink2 player with impressive and unique features. In this review, we will try to present the player's complete list of functions and features as well as perform real life tests and extensive modifications. Note that several parts of this review are subject to change, due to the fact that I-O Data releases frequent firmware/software updates that fix possible problems and in-compatibilities. From our point of view, we will try to keep this article up to date with the latest available information...

- I-O Data Company Profile

The following information is taken from the I-O Data website "...I-O DATA DEVICE, INC., is a top-tier manufacturer and provider of high-quality computer peripherals and interface products to the global consumer and OEM markets. Founded in 1976, by Mr. Akio Hosono, I-O DATA has received recognition as Japan's undisputed market leader within the PC Peripheral industry. The name I-O DATA originates from the company's dealings with Input/Output devices. I-O DATA is not only a manufacturer of such devices, but handles the design, development, production and distribution of their products.

I-O DATA is headquartered in Kanazawa, a well-known hub for leading-edge electronics manufacturers and breeding grounds for some of Japan's most highly regarded technologists, where it employs over 200 talented R&D engineers. Blessed with the latest technology and a state-of-the-art R&D facility, engineers can transform their creative visions into tangible concepts. I-O DATA's corporate culture supports innovation, creativity and the ability to think beyond convention.

We represent the finest technology that Japan has to offer – we invite you to experience I-O DATA with your own ears, eyes and mind.

2. Features

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 2

- What is I-O DATA AvelLink Player2?

The AvelLink Player2 is a stand alone (desktop) High Definition DVD player with increased networking features.

As I-O Data says "...I-O DATA's brand-new LinkPlayer allows you to playback various formatted files connect from any PC and/or Mac on the home network to a Big screen TV with a remote control. Moreover digital camera and USB memory can be connected directly through a USB 2.0/1.1 port to display files on a Big screen TV. LinkPlayer is compatible with Windows Media Video video (WMV9), DivX HD, and MPEG2-TS (HD 720p). HD mode allows you to enjoy pictures and movies in High-Definition (Video Up to 1080i / Photo Up to 2048x1532)..."

- Features

LinkPlayer2 can support HD mode for movie fans. The main chip (Sigma Designs EM8620L) decodes very high resolution video (no scaling). You can enjoy a movie theatre quality video on a big HD screen.

It can also playback Microsoft Windows Media® Video (WMV9) as well as MPEG1/2/4/ DivX. WMV HD, DivX HD, and MPEG2-TS (HD 720p) can be played as HD quality. And DVD-ROM and DVD Video, which are created on DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R or DVD-RW are all compatible.

Video Resolution
Image Source
Output
D1(480i) D2(480P)
4:3
4:3
16:9
16:9
D3(1080i) D4(720P)
4:3
16:9
16:9
16:9

*LinkPlayer doesn't have an upscaling function. The current market available DVD movie (480p SD) is displayed at 480p with no scaling, even if the LinkPlayer is set to 720p or 1080i HD mode. 720p DVD discs available on the market can be played at 720p output.

Due to its networking features, the AvelLink can be made part of either a wired or wireless LAN and play back most current Video/Audio formats with the use, of course, of the AvelLink Server software (more on this later). The USB1.1/2.0 interface, located on the front, can be further used to support the player's features, as can be seen below:

A simple scenario of a LAN would include a hub and perhaps three PCs as illustrated below. The AvelLink player is connected to the TV and plays back all possible video/audio files over the local network:

- Specifications

The full specifications for the AvelLink Player2 are found on the I-O Data website and are displayed below:

Supported OS Windows XP/Me/2000/98SE, MacOS X 10.3    
Recommended System CPU: Intel-Pentium III 500MHz or faster (or equivalent) Memory: 128MB or over  
Supported Media Format (*1) DVD-Video / DivX® HD DVD (UDF) / Video CD / CD-ROM / CD-DA / DVD-ROM, Media Type: DVD -R / -RW / +R / +RW / CD-R / -RW  
Supported Video MPEG-1/MPEG-2/MPEG2-TS/DivX® VIDEO/XviD/WMV9  
Supported Photo JPEG/BMP/GIF/PNG  
Photo Resolutions Up to 2048 x 1532  
Supported Audio MP3/AAC/WMA (*2)/PCM/Ogg Vorbis    
Bit Rate / Sampling Rate 64K to 192Kbps / 32K/44.1K/48KHz    
Audio Playing Stereo PCM / Dolby Digital AC-3    
Wired LAN 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX(RJ-45) x1    
USB Host Interface USB 2.0 port (front-side) x1 Mass storage class support    
USB Support Devices USB Memory Stick, I-O DATA HDD products, and any FAT16/32 storage devices / card readers    
Video Out Japanese D4 Connector (Digital Out 1080i/720p/480p/480i)
* D4 to Component Cable Bundle
Composite Out x1
S-Video Out (S1/S2) x1    
Audio Out Analog Audio Out (L/R) x2
Digital Surround Out (Coaxial) x1
Optical Digital Out x1    
Region Code (DVD) "1" North America  
Dimensions (WxDxH)(mm) 430mm x 291mm x 55mm    
Dimensions (WxDxH)(in) 16.9in x 11.5in x 2.2in  
Weight (Kg) 3.5kg    
Weight (lb) 7.7 lbs  
PowerSupply AC100V (50/60Hz) up to 240V    
Operation Temperature 5 to 35 °C (41 to 95 °F)  
Operation Humidity 20 to 80% Non-condensation    
Warranty 1 year    
(*1) Some DVD-ROM and DVD Video, which are created by DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R or DVD-RW, may be albe to play.  
(*2) WMT DRM and WMA Pro will need the firmware update later  

3. The package

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 3

- The package

We received at our labs, the USA retail version of AvelLink Player2. The package comes in a red colored box and contains:

The player itself has a simple layout in both the front and rear panels:

On the front we find the power button,

and the basic operating buttons along with the USB1.1/2.0 interface. The AvelLink Player2 also carries all the formats that it is certified to play:

On the rear, we find the Lan (10/100) connection, Composite/SVIDEO/D4 video out connection interfaces, and the Analog/Digital and Optical sound outputs:

The D connector is mainly used in Japan. The functionality is the same as the universal components. This standard has some different types such as D1 480i, D2 480p, D3 720p, D5 1080p. The D4 connector supports D4 1080i high definition video input.

The LinkPlayer has a D4 to Component cable included in the package, so you can enjoy large screen viewing (with component input) with this cable. The S/B and MAC information are also present on the back (not shown for obvious reasons), along with the power input. Notice that the player can work at both AC voltage ranges, 100/240V:

The remote control is quite good and fits snugly in the palm of the hand. Click on the following image to see a high res photo:

Click To Enlarge!

4. Removing the screws

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 4

- Removing the screws

After removing the screws and opening the cover, we finally got a view of the internal layout, which is rather simple. On the left we have the main board, in the center the loader and on the right, the transformer and power supply:

Looking closely at the board, we notice several interesting chipsets having to do with memory/processor/network/usb.

The board includes some additional information as well:

I-O Data uses hynix chipsets for memory

Realtek network chipset:

Via's USB 2.0 chipset:

and finally, the media processor from Sigma Designs:

Sigma Designs website gives some additional information about the chipset itself: "...The EM8620L family provides highly-integrated solutions for IP video, DVD, MPEG-4 and Windows Media® Video (WMV9) decoding.

Based on the company's award-winning REALmagic® Video Technology, it incorporates flexible, advanced audio/video processing, enabling cost-effective solutions for consumer appliances, such as digital media adapters, IPTV set-top boxes, networked DVD players, and HDTVs.

The EM8620L family also enables manufacturers to easily incorporate advanced capabilities such as streaming video, progressive DVD playback, video-on-demand (VOD) and picture-in-picture (PIP) functionality into their products..."

The power converter is not something fancy, and the player worked without any problems for the European voltage range (220V).

The DVD Loader is from EPO (model DP-306D):

The drive is connected to the main board with a 40pin IDE cable, leading us to the thought that it could be replaced with something more...interesting.

5. Setting up the player

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 5

- Setting up the player

Installation was straightforward. Simply connect the power, network and AV cables and press the power button on the front panel. The AvelLink includes a LCD screen on the front that displays the status for the player (I-O DATA when no media is inserted, tray ejected).

Here we can see the tray open with a disc loaded. Notice the AvelLinkPlayer logo on the front bezel

and "CD/DVD" message appears when the player is reading from the inserted CD/DVD media,

while the "Network" message displays when it reads over the ethernet.

When DVD-Video content is being played, the DVD-Video Logo appears.

After a power boot, the user is presented with the splash screen on their TV display.

6. The Players Menu - Page 1

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 6

- The Players Menu - Page 1

The Player menus assembled for four major categories are shown below. The user can access the menus by pressing the menu button on the remote control. Pressing the menu button one more time, exits the menus. In the Options tab we can set various settings:

as well as see information about the player's firmware revision and of course, about the installed DVD drive.

Pressing the DivX VOD (VideoOnDemand) button, you can create a new registration code

DivX Networks describes VOD as "...A digital video delivery service that lets you copy high-quality video content from your computer to a CD and play it on your TV, or to a portable media player for viewing on the go. You don't need any complicated cables or massive user manuals to enjoy our files on your TV or even in the palm of your hand- all you need is a DivX Certified DVD player or DivX Certified portable media player, a computer and a love for movies!..."

7. The Players Menu - Page 2

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 7

- The Players Menu - Page 2

In the IP setup tab, the user can set the player's IP address, DNS and gateway. In our case, all options were set automatically and worked perfectly.

The time can be obtained directly from the Internet which is the default setting for the player.

A very important option is to update the firmware.

While under the last tab, DVD Setup, the user will find additional options.

8. Updating firmware - Page 1

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 8

- Updating firmware - Page 1

A very interesting feature of the player, is its ability to update the firmware automatically when connected to the Internet. After our first power up, we immediately used the FW Update function

Shortly, a screen came up notifying us about a firmware upgrade and with the up/down arrow buttons on the remote control, you can scroll up/down through this screen.

After accepting the software license agreement, the firmware update starts, a CRC checksum is performed and finally, reboot.

9. Updating firmware - Page 2

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 9

- Updating firmware - Page 2

We again used the FW Update function.

Another firmware update was available. As you can see under the Update Info heading in the snapshot below, you are notified as to what features are updated.

While checking for more updates,

the player came up with an update for the vTuner User Interface customization.

And here you can see that the update has added a second option to the login menu, "OnLine Premium Content", which allows access to Internet news and Internet radio.

The latest firmware release date was 4th of March 2005.

In the case that there is no newer firmware available, the following screen appears:

10. AvelLink Server - Page 1

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 10

- AvelLink Server - Page 1

I-O Data has created something very clever, a desktop DVD player in combination with a PC/MAC server that can unleash the player's playback functions, called AvelLink Server. What AvelLink Server does, is to give access to music/video content saved on the PC/MAC HDD over the local network! To use the network features of the player, you need to install the AvelLink Server on your computer and perform some simple tasks.

The AvelLink software for the PC/MAC comes on the included discs in the retail package, but for our tests we used a newer (beta) version, found on the I-O Data website. Installation is very simple:

After rebooting, the AvelLink player can be started automatically or manually:

The software is very simple and users can create folders and add files under the corresponding categories (Video, Photo, Music), where the AvelLink player will be able to access them.

Under Server options, the user will find several interesting options:

Enabling Video Transcoding will enable the dekstop AvelLink Player to playback almost all PC content, even if its not supported by its hardware! As the AvelLink Server states ".. The transcoding depends on the codecs installed on Windows. Therefore, even if it is an unplayable file in the state of the first, it may become playable by using the codecs download of Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player should be version 9 or later. Version 9 has better-tuning default modules for Windows Media Player, and much compatible with this transcoding feature..."

You can set several search options in the event the HDD collection becomes rather big and unwieldy...

Click To Enlarge!

Below is a screenshot after we added several new folders, under both the Video and Audio folders where the AvelLink player can access them over the network:

Click To Enlarge!

11. Online content

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 12

- Online content

The AvelLink player supports access to online "Premium Content", which is an RSS feed and a VTuner (radio) channels. After selecting the online premium content, you can select either the RSS or Vtuner channels:

Lets select VTuner. Over a short time, the interface downloads from the Internet, a selection of online radio stations from which you can select from many different music categories. We selected the Latin Hits category and we came up with 4 stations:

There is some additional information for each station.

By selecting the radio station, you will hear audio but not see anything other than a black screen with the selected radio station's name:

The VTuner service is free for 2 months and if you enjoy it, you can buy the service from www.iodataradio.com

Unfortunately, we couldn't make the RSS feed work, since we got the following error message...

12. DVD Loader mod - Page 1

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 13

- DVD Loader mod - Page 1

While we could physically see the CD/DVD unit once we took the top cover off, we wanted to know more about it, so we removed it for a closer examination. The process was rather simple. First remove the front bezel, which can be done easily by applying a little upward force.

After removing all the mounting screws and the IDE cable, pull out the entire CD/DVD unit.:-)

The main chipset is from MediaTek (MT1358E), which was a pleasant surprise and who knows, maybe this drive can even be used to measure CD/DVD media :-)

Installing the drive in our PC gave us more detailed information through NeroInfoTool and DVDInfoPro:

Surprisingly, the drive is already RPC1, meaning it can playback DVD media from all regions. We tried to change the RPC1 status with KProbe but it didn't work.

13. DVD Loader mod - Page 2

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 14

- DVD Loader mod - Page 2

Since the drive was recognized by the PC, we tried several benchmarks to see the drive's full capabilities. Using a SL DVD+R disc, we got a strange reading graph. The drive starts reading at 3.76X but soon drops its reading speed, then continues to read in CAV mode until the 3.5GB, where it again dropped reading speed.

Click To Enlarge!

Using a DVD9 pressed disc, the reading graph was somewhat smoother:

Then we tried CD/DVD scan quality mode and the drive started reporting PI/PIF errors! Unfortunately, the drive halted a little before the half way point. Also remember that the drive didn't work with Kprobe!

Then we wanted to see if the AvelLink system can recognize another optical storage device, like a LiteOn 1633S drive. Judging from the original CD/DVD drives dimensions, it should be possible to use full length drives as well (see photo below).

We installed the LiteOn 1633S drive and connected the power and IDE cables:

For now, the newly installed drive was free standing but if you decide to use another drive, you'll need to find a way to fasten it so that it doesn't move.

We next powered up the player and all seemed to go ok

It was about time to access the player's menu and check if the drive's ID was recognized:

What we didn't manage to do was to install the original AvelLink front bezel on the LiteOn 1633S OEM drive. The front bezel from the LiteOn 1633S fitted perfectly on the Epox CD/DVD drive... That's the final step in order to complete the player modifications. Any users wishing to make similar modifications to their unit should proceed at their own risk since any tampering with the unit will void the warranty.

14. The Tests

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 15

- The Tests

Disc compatibility

Format
Content
Booktype
Playback
DVD-R
DVD-Video
-
Yes
DVD-RW
-
DVD+R
DVD+R
DVD-ROM
DVD+RW
DVD+RW
DVD-ROM
DVD+R DL
DVD+R DL
No
DVD-ROM
Yes

The above tests were performed with the original, Epox CD/DVD loader. The only media that wasn't recognized was the +R9 media with DVD+R DL booktype.

Users can set the drive's speed from the Options selection, with available choices of, default, slow and very slow. Changing the speed allows smoother playback and less noise.

If the user inserts a USB device (stick, HDD), the AvelLink will recognize it and can access its contents. For some strange reason, the AvelLink player, added several other choices to the Login screen which could not be removed. We are not so sure if this is a bug but we will investigate it with I-O Data:

After the disc is recognized, the AvelLink player displays all the folders with the file formats that are currently supported, from the selected submenu (Video/Photo/Music)

What we found was a little annoying is that if a disc has many folders, when you enter from a folder, say the fifth in the list, into a sub-folder and then exit out again, the menu display doesn't highlight the same folder, but instead highlights the top (1st folder). So if you want to go to the 10th, 11th and 12th folders to see their contents, you have to scroll all the way down each. I-O Data should fix this...

The AvelLink player doesn't offer a lot of playback information on the selected file, nor can you can see which file you are currently playing unless you use the >> or << buttons, when pressing next, the player will display the full name of the file:

During DVD playback, at last you see some details about the time/title/chapter and selected angle.

Greek subtitles are also available,

and display clearly...

15. Playback Tests - Page 1

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 16

Playback Tests - Page 1

In order to test the AvelLink player, we used several encoded files with the latest versions of XVid, DivX, x264 Mpeg4 codecs, along with several Mpeg1 and Mpeg2 clips. You can view further details about all encoded files in this PDF. The tests were performed with the player's CD/DVD loader and not with with the AvelLink Server, unless it is specifically mentioned in the result column. In short, the AvelLink supports the following audio/video/picture extension filenames:

Audio Tests

We used several audio formats for almost all current compressed/uncompressed music files:

Format
Details
Result
MP4
(.MP4 & .AAC)
CBR (32~192Kbit)
No

VBR (30~300Kbit)
No
HE/LC VBR 2.0
Yes
HE/LC VBR 5.1
AC3
(.AC3)
5.1
Yes
DTS
(.DTS)
5.1
No
MP2
(.MP2)
2.0
Yes
MP3 (Layer 3)
(.MP3)
ABR (32~320Kbit)
Yes
CBR (32~320Kbit)
Yes
VBR (32~320Kbit)
Yes
MP3 (Layer2)
(.MP3)
CBR (8~160Kbit)
Yes
MP3 (Layer 2.5)
(.MP3)
CBR (8~160Kbit)
Yes
MP3 Pro
(.MP3)
CBR (18~ 96Kbit)
Yes
VBR (Lowest-Highest)
Yes
OGG
(.OGG)
CBR (45~500Kbit)
No
VBR (25~100 Quality)
No
VBR 5.1
No (Player locks up, needs hardware reset!)
WAV
(.WAV)
PCM 44.1 /48Khz 2.0
No
PCM 48Khz 5.1
DTS_CD_5.1
No
WMA
(.WMA)
CBR (5~320Kbits)
Yes
VBR (48~192Kbits)
Yes
WMA Pro
5.1
No

In general, the AvelLink unit played almost all currently available Audio formats. What the player didn't like were the AAC, WAV and OGG 5.1 channel files, along with DTS_CD. Especially with the .OGG 5.1, the player locked up producing a green screen and we had t power down and up in order to get it functioning again.

16. Playback Tests - Page 2

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 17

Playback Tests - Page 2

Uncompressed Video Formats (.avi)

Format
Details
Size
BitRate
Result
AVI
(.AVI)
2.1GB sized
720x576
26Mbit
No picture, only shuttering sound

DivX Video Files (.avi codec)

Format
Details
Size
BitRate
Result
DivX
(.AVI)
Home Theater Profile
720x400
1~4Mbit
Yes
High Definition Profile
720x400
4~8Mbit
Yes
High Definition
1280x720
4Mbit
Yes
GMC
720x400
1Mbit
Yes
GMC Multiconsecutive
GMC & QP
Yes
GMC & QP Multiconsecutive
QP
Yes
QP Multiconsecutive
VBR MP3 & AC3 Sound Streams
720x400
1Mbit
Yes

Special Video Files (.AVI)

Format
Details
Size
BitRate
Result
DivX
(.AVI)
ASP Adapt Nero
720x288
965Kbit
Yes
ASP Custom XVid
720x288
406Kbit
Yes
ASP GMC 1Warp Point DivX
720x288
356Kbit
No*
ASP GMC 3Warp Point XVid
720x288
396Kbit
No*
ASP Mpeg XVid
720x288
396Kbit
Yes
ASP QPel DivX
720x288
493Kbit
Yes
SP 3ivX
720x288
454Kbit
Yes

*Both files were playable by using AvelServer

Packaged Video Files (Video, Audio and Subtitles Streams)

Format
Details
Size
BitRate
Result
DivX
(.Divx)
3 VBR MP3 Audio Streams & 5 Subtitles
?
?
Audio and Subtitles Streams are playable but not the main menu
Slideshow
?
?
No menu, but slideshow works
Matroska
(.MKV)
DivX5 Video Stream, VBR MP3 AudioStream, 2 Subtitle streams
704x288
1Mbit
No

The only way to get subtitles with AvelLink is by using the .DivX package format...

17. Playback Tests - Page 3

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 18

Playback Tests - Page 3

Xvid Video File (.avi)

Format
Details
Size
BitRate
Playback
Xvid
(.AVI)
No special modes
704x288
1Mbit
Yes
BVop
Yes
BVop & Packed BitStream
Yes
BVop & Packed BitStream & QP
Yes
BVop & Packed BitStream & QP & GMC
BVop & QP & GMC

*Both files were playable by using AvelServer.

H264 Video Files (.avi)

Format
Details
Size
BitRate
Playback
x264
(.AVI)
VBR Mp3 Audio Stream
704x288
700Kbit
1Mbit
1.5Mbit
2Mbit
4Mbit
6Mbit
8Mbit

* Files were playable by using AvelServer and had the latest FFDShow installed.

NeroDigital Video Files (.mp4)

Format
Details
Size
BitRate
Playback
NeroDigital
(.MP4)
Mobile
176x144
400Kbit
Yes
Portable
352x288
2Mbit
Standard
720x576
4Mbit
Cinema
1280x720
9.8Mbit
HDTV
1920x1072
9.8Mbit
-
XVid Encoded with AAC Sound and Subtitles Streams
720x576
217Kbit
Yes but subtitles doesn't work
18. Playback Tests - Page 4

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 19

Playback Tests - Page 4

Mpeg Video Formats (.mpeg)

Format
Information
Resolution
Bitrate
Playback
Mpeg1 (.MPG)
VCD Compliant
352x240
1152Kbit
Yes
352x288
1152Kbit
XVCD
352x288
1500Kbit
XVCD
352x288
2000Kbit
Out of specs
640x480
1200Kbit
Yes
Mpeg2
(.MPG)
-
720x480
2713Kbit
Yes
AC3 Sound
720x576
9800Kbit
SVCD
480x576
2519Kbit
Mpeg2
(.M2V)
Compliant Test Stream
352x288
1.5Mbit
Yes
704x576
4Mbit
6Mbit
8Mbit
12Mbit
18Mbit
No
40Mbit
Mpeg2-TS
(.TS)
5.1 Surround sound
720x576
12Mbit
Yes

Windows Media Video Video Files (.wmv)

Format
Information
Resolution
Bitrate
Playback
WMV (.WMV)
Windows Media Player 10 Digital Life Clip
320x180
300Kbit
Windows Media Player 10 Striker Clip
320x180
300Kbit
ASF Error*
WMV HD DRM
(.WMV)
Alexander Trailer
1280x720
6Mbit
Only picture no sound*
1920x1080
9Mbit
Only picture no sound *
WMV HD DRM (.WMV)
Underworld Extended Cut European Edition
1280x544
9Mbit
No**
WMV HD
(.WMV)
The Magic Of Flight Clip
1280x720
6Mbit
Only picture no sound*
1920x1080
9Mbit
Only picture no sound*
WMA Pro 5.1
(.WMV)
Peter Gabriel Sledgehammer Videoclip
240x192
466Kbit
Not recognized

* Files were playable by using AvelServer

** When using AvelLink Server with Underworld, while the contents could be seen, AvelLink could not playback probably due to the DRM protection.

Hopefully, I-O Data can fix this with a newer AvelLink Server version.

19. Playback Tests - Page 5

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 20

Playback Tests - Page 5

Special Tests

Format
Information
Resolution
Bitrate
Playback
Mpeg 1
(.MPG)
Filename contains Greek Characters
352x240
1Mbit
Doesn't display correctly the filename, cannot play it

Unfortunaly, the AvelLink player didn't recognize files with Greek Characters, nor can it play them back.

Subtitles Test Files

Format
Information
Playback
Text (.SRT)
English Subtitles
No
Greek Subtitles
No
DVD (.IDX .SUB)
English Language
No
Greek Language
No
Netherlands Language
No
Text (.PSB)
MicroDVD Format English Language
No
Text (.PSB)
PowerDivx Format English Language
No
Text (.SSA)
Substation Alpha English Language
No
Text (.SUB)
Subviewer English Language
No

This is probably the weakest point of the AvelLink Player, since doesn't support any kind of text/picture subtitles (except for the divx format). The subtitles also weren't available under the AvelServer.

Picture Formats

Format
Resolution
Playback
Jpeg
(.JPG)
2272x1704
Yes
2048x1532
1600x1200
Png
(.PNG)
2048x1532
Yes*
Gif
(.GIF)
2048x1532
Yes*
Bmp
(.BMP)
2048x1532
Yes*

* Files were playable by using AvelServer

20. Conclusion

IOData AvelLink Player2 - Page 21

- Conclusion

The AvelLink player from I-O Data is a fine example of what a DVD/DivX players should be. Easy to configure and with tons of features. Apart from the fact that the AvelLink Player 2 supports HDTV playback, it will play DVDs from all regions without any problems, along with almost all compressed video files, especially the well known Mpeg4 compatibles (DivX/XVid).

The network capabilities of I-O Data's AverLink Player2 are a real treat, since in a few steps, you can access your PC/MAC video/music/photo content and play them back on your TV. I-O Data has adopted a very clever feature with the creation of AverServer, a software application that after instalation on your computer (PC/MAC compatible), supports even more video/audio/picture formats than your AvelLink Player2 supports, making it a very powerful utility. What will further please power users, is that with few steps, you can upgrade the attached CD/DVD loader with a normal DVD-ROM drive, giving better media compatibility, or even unsupported formats such as DVD-RAM.

Of course there are several negatives, or we should say problems, that I-O Data should fix to satisfy our needs. Don't forget that if you have internet access, your player can be frequently updated online with upgrades containing new features and of course possible bug fixes.

- The Good

- The Bad

- Like To Be Fixed



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