Bitstream was gracious enough to send me a demo unit to test. Thanks again sir!
Positives:
1.) The best GUI for a realtek player I have seen so far. I love the red logo, the look, also the length of characters on screen mahaba, so you can easily view long file names!
2.) Speed in browsing, preview and bootup feels the same with the HD Pro so this is good news considering it has a more complicated GUI.
3.) DTS Downmix to stereo is supported
4.) This model has the only Realtek 128x chip, better than the other realtek players as mentioned by other forums. On my 32" LCD, I feel PQ is better than my egreat 34a, more evident than when I compared HD Pro vs WD TV. I felt that images were focused more, or have better contrast. This has to be confirmed by the more experienced pinoydvd users who have a bigger LCD or projector.
5.) No hiccups playing huge .mkv and .mt2s files (20-30Gb per movie) via usb Mybook 1Tb
6.) Better zooming options, you can set to 1% increments both horizontal and vertical and saves the setting (wala sa HD Pro!)
7.) Navigation pressing the direction buttons goes +/- 30sec or 3min instantly (wala sa HD Pro!) You can also go to a particular time that you wish by pressing Goto and the numbers.
8.) Vs the WD TV, you can put an internal hard drive but only a 2.5" laptop HD which is more expensive than 3.5" HDs
9.) Optional wireless adapter (wasn't able to try this, walang kuryente 2pm onwards today)
10.) This product is popular in the AVS/AV forums. There's immediate feedback by manufacturer in the threads there. They have announced their future improvements in the coming firmware updates.
11.) The cheapest realtek media player that's available now!
Negatives:
1.) 2.5" HDs are more expensive than 3.5", still good to have an internal hard drive option than nothing at all.
2.) internal fan a bit noisy, but you can turn it off in the system settings.
3.) No component outputs, no coaxial for those who need it. I personally don't since I use HDMI even on the audio side.
4.) No power on/off and front panel buttons, so don't lose or break your remote.
5.) As of now no support for HD audio streaming like Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS-MA, PCM multichannel, BD .iso but the manufacturer promises these things in future updates.
If someone asks me- "Do you regret buying the HD Pro?" My answer is No because I want a new realtek player that can accomodate an internal 3.5" HD. Kung walang HD Pro sa market, definitely this is my next option because of the price! I have extra 2.5" all around the house from macbooks that I upgraded already to a bigger HD.
If sabay ito lumabas, people will be divided to ordering this vs the HD Pro, internal HD vs better GUI and possibly better support, bigger casing vs portability.
Vs the Cinematube, mas mura Cinematube but you will have to wait for its arrival.
Vs the egreat R1, wala pa tayong balita from gren.
My cousin-in-law plans to get one already. Will contact you for the order sir Bitstream!