Conclusion
Patriot’s PBO Core does what it is supposed to do, play a lot of different types of media files. However, it is plagued by a non-intuitive interface, lack of USB keyboard support, bad compatibility with Windows Media Player Network Sharing, mysterious album art, and a non-useful preview window. While that list is pretty long, only one of those things effect media playback, and that’s the Windows Media Player Network Sharing compatibility issues.
On the media side, the PBO played everything I threw at it except for FLV’s. While I think FLV is an important format, it isn’t super necessary. If the PBO were to clean up its issues and still leave out FLV support, I’d probably award it a 9 out of 10. However, those issues can become frustrating and annoying over time, so the Patriot PBO Core gets docked a couple of points to a 7 out of 10. You can find it online for just under $100.
Pros:
- Excellent playback support of almost every available format
- Internet content is a nice touch
- Any setting can be changed on the fly
Cons:
- Interface isn’t too user friendly
- Doesn’t decode WMA PRO and other formats to AC-3 for older receivers
- No FLV or USB keyboard support
I’ve been using the PBO for over a year now, and I love it. The fact that it doesn’t play FLV files is of no matter. Picture quality is great, and there’s a neat piece of software called “Thumbgen” that you can download for free to create custom thumbnails for your movie collection. This shows up in the same folder as your movies.
I’ve been using the PBO for over a year now, and I love it. The fact that it doesn’t play FLV files is of no matter. Picture quality is great, and there’s a neat piece of software called “Thumbgen” that you can download for free to create custom thumbnails for your movie collection. This shows up in the same folder as your movies.
I’ve been using the PBO for over a year now, and I love it. The fact that it doesn’t play FLV files is of no matter. Picture quality is great, and there’s a neat piece of software called “Thumbgen” that you can download for free to create custom thumbnails for your movie collection. This shows up in the same folder as your movies.
I’ve been using the PBO for over a year now, and I love it. The fact that it doesn’t play FLV files is of no matter. Picture quality is great, and there’s a neat piece of software called “Thumbgen” that you can download for free to create custom thumbnails for your movie collection. This shows up in the same folder as your movies.
I agree, the PBO is a good product. I was just surprised to see it have trouble playing FLV when it was able to play everything else. While I was reviewing the PBO, I was thinking of how it would stack up against an Xbox 360, PS3, or a HTPC with XBMC installed. Overall the PBO does a pretty good job, it has better native video support than the Xbox 360 and PS3. And for the PBO’s price, it offers great value compared to a HTPC with XBMC.
I agree, the PBO is a good product. I was just surprised to see it have trouble playing FLV when it was able to play everything else. While I was reviewing the PBO, I was thinking of how it would stack up against an Xbox 360, PS3, or a HTPC with XBMC installed. Overall the PBO does a pretty good job, it has better native video support than the Xbox 360 and PS3. And for the PBO’s price, it offers great value compared to a HTPC with XBMC.