Seriously, you'd have to be a bona fide saint not to want to smash this machine into pieces upon discovering that. We're sure this could be easily corrected by a firmware update, but that's really not the point. This machine costs a fair amount of cash -- it should be able to select the correct audio track.
Louder than Heathrow
If you've ever been to a major international airport, you'll probably be aware that they're noisy places. The hustle and bustle of people, the sound of aircraft taking off -- it all makes for plenty of background noise.
Sadly, it doesn't make for as much background noise as the LaCinema's fan. During all modes of operation, it spins what sounds like the world's most powerful jet engine to keep itself cool.
Video streaming and playback
Using the supplied TwonkyMedia software, we were easily able to share all of the media on our PC with the LaCinema. Playing all kinds of video files was a simple matter of searching through a list to find the one we wanted to play.
Standard-definition Xvid video played well, as did high-definition video up to 720p. But, when we tried to play a 1080p video, we didn't have any luck, even when it was stored on the machine's internal hard drive. This particular clip -- a THX ident -- plays perfectly on the Popcorn Hour A-110 and the Wyplay Wyplayer, so we're somewhat at a loss as to why the LaCinema has such a problem handling it.
Conclusion
The LaCie LaCinema Black Record is a really great example of how it's possible to louse a piece of kit up with just a few bad decisions. The remote control on this device is unforgivably awful in every way. The hardware behind this system is very capable, and quite powerful, but the interface, though attractive, is a hindrance.
The Freeview reception problems are inexplicable, because no other hardware has a problem with the same antenna we used here. We don't know why the device wouldn't find many of the available channels, but its inability to do so ruined one of its best selling points. Without Freeview recording, this is just a more expensive and less likeable version of the Popcorn Hour A-110.
Edited by Charles Kloet
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Emma Topping 23 September 2010
Good: It looks good
Bad: Everything! Customer support is dreadful - and you need it - I've had 20 issues in the last year. None have been resolved. You occasionally and sporadically hear back from them with unsatisfactory support (they do try, but I think it's more the product than any shortcomings in their knowledge)
Comment: These are things that just spring to mind - given time this list would be endless (like my frustration).
iTunes only works sporadically and through TwonkyMedia which you have to buy
.mkv files don't work
A lot of HD files don't work and you have to buy additional conversion software (also, does not always guarantee success)
Inconsistent performance
Files stop working often when you transfer from laptop to Lacie
Remote control is not very responsive
Terrible customer service
If you want to take advantage of the warranty, you have to purchase extremely expensive software (the only one they recommend that does not invalidate the warranty) to back up your 1TB worth of files
You can't play albums in sequence, or even tracks in sequence
Avoid like the plague!
Worst. Ever. And. Most. Expensive. Product!
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