The problem with media streaming servers is that you're inevitably dependent on your computer to supply all the multimedia content--toast the PC, lose your files and all you're left with is just another expensive piece of dead weight in the living room. Enter the On3 Digital Media Player and Library, the connected home entertainment system from US-based storage experts FIA. A hybrid Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, media server, and AV system rolled into one, this soon-to-release digital decathlete is a self-sufficient multimedia player. Though not a Media Center PC, the On3 can play music/video/images directly from its on-board hard disk or from another PC in the network. Another bonus: With its always-on LAN connection and large capacity, the On3 also serves as a useful backup drive for an entire house. ...

Read first take of the FIA On3 Digital Media Player and Library (120GB) »