14 DAY TRIAL // Digital video recorders are definitely not a new product concept, but it appears that such devices have a much higher potential for innovation than some may think. AC Ryan even seems to have proven this with its unveiling of the Playon! DVR. It is, essentially, a new digital video recorder, but it has a couple of special features that make it stand out from the fold. To be more specific, the DVR can connect to the Internet and even communicate with two TVs at once, among other things.
PlayOn! boasts an Ethernet connection that allows it to access the web, whereas its two Digital TV (DVB-T) tuners let it watch and/or record two different channels at once. Consumers can choose to add an internal hard disk drive in order to take advantage of this capability. Also, the product has a HDMI port, a Composite connector, USB and an eSATA connectors and a multi-card reader.
“The AC Ryan Playon!DVR HD is the only Full HD media player and recorder that you can access via the Internet from anywhere in the world to record your favorite program. The Playon!DVR HD has a single module tuner card with twin tuning capability. The two Digital TV (DVB-T) tuners allows users to watch and record different channels at the same time,” states the official press release. “With the help of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) users simply select what shows to record or program regular timed recording. Store your digital media collection, playback digital content and record live television programs instantly or with the timer schedule.”
The DVR measures 227 x 165 x 60 mm, weighs 1.5 kg and can play the role of either a media player or a NAS device. It can sell without a HDD, for 230 Euro, or with 500GB, 1TB, 1.5TB or 2TB drives, for 260 Euro, 290 Euro, 330 Euro and 370 Euro, respectively.