Test Equipment

---

While this is a standalone player, it is dependent on a PC and/or broadband Internet connection to make use of its network capabilities, so we have included the specifications of two PCs used in this review:

Test Machine 1:

• Motherboard:  ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe
• Processor:  AMD Athlon™ XP 3000+
• Memory: 1GB (2 x TwinMOS 512MB PC3200 DDR)
• Video:  NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700
• Sound:  SoundBlaster Audigy (PCI)
• Hard Disks:  WD Raptor SATA 74GB 10,000rpm, WD 320GB 7,200rpm
• NIC:  Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (on-board)
• Wi-Fi:  D-Link AirPlus DWL-G520 PCI (rev. B) 802.11b/g

Test Machine 2:

• Motherboard:  ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe
• Processor:  AMD Athlon™ XP 2100+
• Memory: 1GB (2 x TwinMOS 512MB PC3200 DDR)
• Video:  NVIDIA GeForce2 Ti
• Sound:  NVIDIA® nForce™ Audio (on-board)
• Hard Disks:  2 x WD (40GB & 160GB) 7,200rpm
• NIC:  Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (on-board)

Software on both PCs:

• OS:  Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2.
• Application:  HELIOS NeoLink 1.3

Network equipment:

• Router:  D-Link GamerLounge – DGL-4300 Wireless 108G

Mass storage devices:

• Zynet Polar 2.5” USB2 case fitted with 120GB Samsung 5,400rpm HDD
• Dynamode 17 in 1 USB 2.0 card reader with the following cards:
  • Kodak 512MB SD card
  • Olympus xD 1GB Type H Picture Card

Displays:

• Panasonic PT-AE500E Projector
  • 720p native (1280 x 720)
  • Test using player’s SVHS, Component and HDMI outputs

Capture methods:

• Hauppauge WinTV 878 PVR (to capture screenshots)
• FujiFilm F30 6.3 Megapixel Super CCD camera (for partial screenshots of HD modes)

As we have no means of capturing high definition video for this review, even to make screenshots from, we have no other choice but to use a Digital camera to take screenshots from.  Like our other reviews on HD playback equipment, the colour shown in the photographs is not the same as what can be seen to the eye, which means that the photos cannot be judged as to how good the colour reproduction comes out; the same goes with their brightness, sharpness, contrast and so on.  While we are able to obtain a picture on our LCD monitor when the player is connected to its DVI port, unfortunately this player does not have any 4:3 VGA resolutions and due to very strong moiré from photos taken of our TFT monitor, unfortunately we are only able to show photos from the projector tests.  We will mention more about the projected image screenshots later in the review.

Features and techniques:

These are the features of this drive, found at the Helios Labs webpage:

The X5000 is the ultimate digital media player built for absolute audio and video enthusiasts; designed to satisfy even the most critical of audiovisual connoisseurs. Until the X5000, digital music never sounded so good. Experience the pulse of sheer unadulterated sound.

Along with a 1080p HD HDMI output to deliver equally astonishing video quality, the X5000 brings the perfect balance between audio and video excellence to indulge all your senses.

• Uncompromised build-quality
• Handcrafted full aluminum front panel and full metal case
• Gold-coated output sockets
• Weighs more than 8KG.

Clean power

Linear R-core transformer and super-regulated power circuit purifies and enriches the power output bringing extremely pure, natural and detailed music output as well as stable and noise-free analog HD video output.

Precision digital analog conversion

Professional-level Wolfson Audio DAC combined with low-noise BurrBrown OpAmp produces an extremely accurate and distortion-free digital to analog conversion. Your digital music files have never sounded this good before.

FLAC support

FLAC lossless digital music format delivers quality parallel to your music CDs. Now you can say goodbye to your bulky CD collection and play all your favorite albums in FLAC format on your X5000.

HD up to 1080p

Imagine being able to upscale your entire DVD collection and all your video files to the highest of HD resolutions – 1080p! What more, now you can play native HD video files and enjoy them in the absolute clarity of real high-definition.

Stream and Share

Watch all your digital media on your big screen instead of your PC. Listen to digital music on your high-end audio setup instead of on flimsy computer speakers. Build your own video and music library collection in digital format, and play them in the highest quality.

Access

Stream internet media straight to your home theater.

Listen to Podcasts, Internet radio, watch online TV and broadcast internet news on your HDTV and audio setup.

Connect

Plug and play your various digital media devices via USB.

External hard disks, Mp3 players, memory cards, digital cameras, and more!

Experience

X5000 is the ultimate machine built to deliver the highest digital audio and video experience. See it, feel it, we guarantee - you can almost even breathe it.

Add-On

The NeoLink Server Software lets you enjoy PC-stored videos, music and photos in your home theater.

The HELIOS Media Portal allows you to wirelessly access online media content on your HDTV.

Introduction

Setting up the player