SilverStone MFP51 Multimedia LCD Display review
Home theatre PCs are quite popular these days and this type of enclosure can be found in many flavors. Some HTPC enclosures come with lots of fancy features such as displays and remote controllers while other enclosures are more simple.If you have a pretty basic HTPC enclosure you might want to check out the SilverStone MFP51.
This multifunctional product features a small display that slides into one of your 5.25" drive bays and adds the capability to remotely control your HTPC system with an advanced remote controller.
MFP51 is a product for those who pay attention to details, capable of giving users the most complete package of information, all the while giving them more flexibility in customizing their system. MFP51 uses a beautiful liquid crystal display to pass on multi-media information. So, whether you want to check your email or find out what the weather is like in Venice, the MFP51 with its multi-language ability can give you all that and more with just a few presses of the remote, creating professional HTPC equipment like no one has ever imagined before!The product ships in the following box:
Inside the cardboard box is the 5.25" unit, a remote, some cables, a manual and a CD with the drivers and multimedia software. Unfortunately the product doesn't ship with two AAA batteries for the remote.
Here's a look at the LCD display. My MFP51 unit features a silver enclosure but you can also get it in black.
As this display is designed for multimedia PCs a large part of the display consists of preset information. The part of the display that can show user-defined information is pretty small - only 96 x 16 pixels.
In case you're wondering the manufacturer of this LCD display is Soundgraph.
The remote is very feature-packed. There are lots of multimedia buttons, a button to turn your system on/off and there's even a "mouse".
The installation of the SilverStone MFP51 isn't really hard but is a bit more complicated than the installation of most other 5.25" devices. Here's a quick overview:
The manual of the MFP51 features more information about the installation. If you're familiar with computers it shouldn't be too hard to install this unit.Make sure your PC is off and unplug the power cord from your power supply. Make room for the 5.25" device Now find the power on/off cable from your case, unplug it from your motherboard and connect it to the MFP51. This is necessary if you want to be able to turn your PC on/off with the remote. Install the MFP51 in one of your drive bays. Connect the USB adaptor to the MFP51 and plug it into one of your internal USB ports. Remove the main ATX power cable from your power supply and plug it into the power adaptor cable which ships with the MFP51. Plug this adaptor cable into your motherboard and connect the MFP51 power cable to the adaptor cable. Plug the power on/off header from the MFP51 into your motherboard.
Added: October 4th 2007
Product reviewed: SilverStone MFP51 Multimedia LCD Display
Reviewer: Thomas De Maesschalck
Score: 8/10
Page: 1/2
