Basic DVD player prices start at $50. If you're not put off by its cheapness and all that is implied, a starter device at this level will probably not disappoint.

In this case, we recommend interested users to invest in a device that at the least supports DivX/MPEG-4. Ogg-Vorbis and other new formats won't hurt either of course, but complete support for all current formats is in any case practically impossible. NorthQ offers a decent product here. Its price tag of almost $180 (€200), however, slightly exceeds our expectations.

The c300 from cd3o is certainly an interesting approach for everyone who listens to a lot of music and is looking for a comfortable bridge between computer and stereo unit. That said, the manufacturer did not think through the idea to the end, leading to important missing details such as a title display in the device. We therefore can only recommend it if it is going to be controlled primarily from the PC. After all, none of the cd3o models is what you could call cheap.

That leaves two solutions that will suit most demands for a flexible, network capable media player: Microsoft's XBox and the DP-500 from KiSS Technologies.

As things stands, the scope of functions offered by a modified XBox has little or no competition. Only a full-value mini PC can overshadow the Microsoft multi-talented capabilities, but the question of convenient remote control remains unanswered. Unfortunately, the XBox itself has to be taken to grips if you want to get the full range of functions from it. If you can stomach the loss of warranty cover, and have a few hours to configure it, $240 (€260), including modifications, will buy you what is a nigh-perfect device for home use from a reseller.

Although you can update the firmware from the KiSS website, the DP-500 will probably find it difficult to cope with future standards without changes. The open architecture of the XBox is more flexible in this regard. That said, KiSS throws in a free web radio with its DP-500, and you don't have to modify the device or spend a lot of time learning how to use it. The store price of $250 (€250) is thus certainly not overblown.