just got my Egreat EG-R1 through eHome.
Some feedback...
I use an external Buffalo 250GB USB HDD formatted to NTFS.
It works with .mp4 h264, .rmvb, .ogm, .avi, .mkv, divx, xvid encoded video files.
It even worked with .wav audio. In one (out of two) .mp4 h264 file, seems the subtitles where being displayed out of sync, that is not the case when played on my HTPC. The PQ however was excellent specially with the .mkv files at the shop's HDTV.
However, was not happy with the PQ (looked like a pixelplus enhanced image - yuck) of that same .mp4 h264 file when displayed at the shop's HDTV, but at home it looks excellent on an old CRT TV though via composite. My HTPC rendered that same file beautifully on my HDTV.
At home, this same problematic .mp4 file (PQ and subtitle problem) has been rendered perfectly using the EG-R1 and my HDTV. I didn't change anything (firmware).
On a quick .avi (paused video frame) test at the same timecode using my HDTV, EG-R1 (via component, HDMI), HTPC (via DVI-VGA), seems EG-R1 component was giving me the best PQ (more natural) followed closely by the EG-R1 HDMI then the HTPC via DVI-VGA, go figure. Seems I need to adjust my HTPC settings.
On another quick test .mp4 h264 (paused video frame) test at the same time code, the EG-R1 HDMI gave the best and sharpest image, followed closely by the HTPC DVI-VGA then a far third by EG-R1 component.
The EG-R1 might have some issues with .ogm-xvid files. When a scene pans from say left to right...it sort of skips (a video stutter if you like), but the audio is fine. Watching it makes me dizzy, it is noticeable. The same file works fine on an HTPC. Sometimes, you would need to load the video twice inorder for audio to work.
It doesn't look like an internal drive (2.5" or 3.5") can fit in due to the large heat sink inside the unit.
The unit does get hot...not sure if additional cooling is needed.
Overall I am satisfied with the EG-R1 (almost bought a generic/unknown brand HDD player at Electronics Boutique for about same price that couldn't even work well with an external USB HDD).
I just hope it doesn't burn-out from the heat
I also like the fact you can adjust the subtitle font size and color, and choose audio/subtitle languages via the remote.
If you decide to upgrade the firmware like I did, just download it from Egreat, extract it, and put the .img in the root directory of your USB device. Go to setup/system, do the upgrade twice (first time nothing happens), the unit will take over from there.
EDIT Nov 20: I also like the fact that extremely long filenames are displayed by the EG-R1, it scrolls them automatically from left to right instead of concatenating them. It also has a preview, just highlight the video file while still choosing, and it is played by the EG-R1 on a smaller window next to it.. neat feature. So far, from the tests I have made, I would say the EG-R1 has trouble playing less than 1% of all the videos I have collected.. and I have about 2+Terra Bytes worth. It also played the DVD backups I have made using DVD decrypter, all you need is to play the .IFO file. I am [still] very satisfied with the EG-R1 despite the minor shortcomings.
