Introduction

While Microsoft and Nintendo might be hoping that their next generation of home consols will ultimately become our HTPC, media centres of the future, for now the trend is for media players like the one I’m looking at today. The Eminent RT3 is an HD video, music and image player with built in web functionality.

Let’s check it out.

Specifications

• Webservices: several webservices like Shoutcast, Metafeeds, Flickr and Picasa are supported. The webservices we offer can change without notice and we can not guarantee the function of these services
• Hard disk: Internal 3.5 inch SATA (NTFS/FAT32)
• Audio: Digital Optical (TOSlink) & COAX interface and stereo (CINCH) output
• Video Output: HDMI, Composite Video
• Next-Generation Realtek 1185DD C+ chipset
• Streaming media: Video and audio
• Lan port: 1000Mbps
• USB 3.0 port: 1x client port
• USB 2.0 ports: 2x host port
• Picture formats: HD JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIF, PNG
• Subtitles: SRT, SMI, SUB, VOB (DVD) & PGS (BluRay)
• Audio codecs: DTS, AC3, DTS-HD, TrueHD, MP2, MP3, OGG Vorbis, PCM, LPCM, MS-ADPCM, LC-AAC, HE-AAC,
• COOK, RA-lossless, FLAC
• Video codecs: AVCHD, H.264, VC-1,MPEG1/2/3/4, MKV, M2TS, TS, ISO, FLV, VOB/BUP/IFO, AVI, MOV and others
• Euro plug version: EM7280 / UK plug version: EM7280UK

Feautures

• Play video formats like MKV, VC-1, AVCHD H/X.264 on your Full HD 1080P television
• Supports Blu-Ray ISO files
• Supports AC3 & DTS stereo downmix
• Optical and Coaxial output for Dolby AC3 & DTS
• Supports TrueHD & DTS-HD pass through on HDMI
• HDMI networked HD media player with next-generation Realtek RT1185 chipset
• USB 3.0 client port for transferring data between PC and player
• Connects to your network or via USB to your pc
• Built-in BitTorrent and Usenet (NZB) download client
• Stream music or video from your network by Samba or UPnP
• Two USB host ports, built in SD/SDHC memory card reader
• Built-in Gigabit lan
• Play from internal hard disk, usb hard disk and your network (LAN)
• All-new Video/Music/Photo library system
• 5-Year warranty

Box and Bundle

Some weird looking packaging if I’m honest. It’s not even remotely enthusiast focused. This turquoise, swirly background seems just a bit odd. It’s not a colour scheme you see that often.

Some of the features that the RT3 supports are noted, including gigabit LAN, USB 3.0, FTP and Blu Ray ISOs.

Along with the media player, you of course get a few accessories. There’s a USB 3.0 host cable, composite, HDMI, remote control, quick setup manual, manual CD and European power cable.