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Product:
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VLSystem M-Play 202 LCD Indicator for MCE 2005 |
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Price:
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$125 (CAN) / $105 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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VLSystem
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Author:
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clsGriner
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Date:
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September 9th, 2005
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Roy from VLSystem
for sending the M-Play 202 LCD Indicator for MCE 2005 for review.
Introduction:
In the past few months consumers have seen an explosion of devices aimed at the HTPC market. Video cards featuring TV
out are now the norm, as well as affordable peripherals like TV Tuner cards, Hard Drives, DVD-R drives and HTPC cases.
With the release of Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, it is now possible for anyone to assemble a HTPC. The
finishing touch for this type of system is a display panel and remote control. Based in Korea, VLSystem’s aim is to design
and manufacture PC products that enhance the PC experience. Focusing on products like Display Panels and Fan Controllers,
VLSystem upholds its mission statement by producing great components that both perform well and are visually pleasing.
Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the new M-Play 202 from VLSystem; an LCD display designed exclusively
for Microsoft XP Media Center Edition 2005.
Specifications:
VLSystem’s M-Play 202 is a display panel optimized specifically for the Windows Media Center Edition 2005 user.
It has everything you would expect from a display panel, plus the ability to display Media Center Edition 2005
information and includes a 45 button remote control. Here are some specifications taken from the VLSystem's website:
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M-Play 202 LCD Indicator for MCE 2005 - Key Specifications:
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| M-Play 202 LCD Indicator for MCE 2005: Manufactured by VL System |
| Dimensions: 149.30mm (W) x 42.50mm (H) x 80.0mm (D) |
| Controller: USB 1.1 / 2.0 support |
| Supported VFD size: 20 x 2 |
| Display Unit: V.F.D(Vacuum Fluorescent Display), HD44780 Compatible, Character type and 20 x 2 Size |
| Display Color: Red, Blue and Green |
| Input Voltage: DC 5V |
| Metal Frame Color: Silver and Black |
| Input voltage: DV 5V |
| Includes CD application software, USB and power cables |
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M-Play 202 Remote - Key Specifications:
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| Dimensions: 64mm (W) x 210mm (H) x 30mm (D) |
| Keys: Rubber 45 key pad |
| IR format: NEC |
| Color: Metallic Blue |
| Battery: AAA Type (2ea) |
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System Requirements:
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| PC: IBM compatible PC |
| USB Port: Available Free 1 USB port |
| 5.25" Bay: One free slot |
| OS Supported: Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, 2003 |
| CPU: Pentium 4 or above |
| Memory: 128MB or higher |
| HDD: More than 12MB free space |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The VLSystem M-Play 202 arrived in a colorful corrugated box with manufacturers logos on the sides. The display panel and remote
control are prominently displayed on the front of the package through a clear plastic window. The back of the box shows what
can be expected when using the M-Play 202 as a Media Center display device. Beneath the remote control and display panel lie
the remains of the systems contents. Presentation and packaging are all good with this setup.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The following items make up the VLSystem Mplay-202 package:
- 1 x M-Play 202 Display Panel with built in IR receiver
- 1 x 45 button remote control
- 2 x AAA batteries
- 1 x USB to Display Panel cable (1.5M)
- 1 x Installation CD
- 1 x Quick start guide
- 4 x 6-32 mounting screws
The USB cable is of the external flavor. Meaning you need to run the cable from the inside of your case (from the M-Play 202)
out the back and into an available USB 1.1 or 2.0 plug. I would have greatly preferred a cable that plugs directly into the headers
of my motherboard.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The star of our show is the M-Play 202 Display Panel. The frame is made of aluminum with a big opening punched out of the
front for the 20 x 2 character VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display). To the right, is a second hole for the IR receiver,
and a red LED that indicates IR activity. Final presentation on the face of the unit is a clear piece of acrylic.
The acrylic was shipped with an adhesive sheet of plastic to protect from scratching during shipping. The rear of the
panel has two PCB’s. The outermost PCB has a 4-pin USB connection cable header, USB communications IC, two Analog-to-Digital
converter IC’s, the IR LED, the red activity LED, the 16-pin motherboard & daughterboard connector to link the two, and
the usual capacitors and resistors. Four standoffs hold the PCB to the frame.
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