LaCie's LaCinema Premier: The DVD ripper's friend?

LaCie's LaCinema Premier drive puts your digital media on your TV.

(Credit: LaCie)

As good as the Apple TV 2.0 is, it's still pretty limited on what sort of videos it can stream from a networked computer--if it hasn't been imported into iTunes, you're pretty much out of luck. If you're looking for something with more file format flexibility--and the simplicity of drag-and-drop operation--the LaCie LaCinema Premier may be just the ticket.

The LaCinema Premier has a full set of AV outputs.

(Credit: LaCie)

On one hand, it's a standard USB 2.0 external hard drive, available in beefy 500GB ($250), 750GB ($350), and 1TB ($500) capacities. But on the other hand, unlike standard backup drives the LaCinema Premier has a full set of AV outputs (composite, S-Video, and component video--but no HDMI--analog stereo, optical and coaxial surround-capable digital jacks). The idea is that you load the drive with all of your digital movies, music, and photos (via a USB connection from a Mac or Windows PC), and then connect it to your TV. You can then use the included remote control to select which videos, songs, or photos you would like to enjoy via an onscreen interface.

Though the lack of DivX compatibility is notable, the LaCinema Premier looks to support a reasonable variety of file formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and--rippers take note--the ISO, IFO, and VOB files of DVDs. (Repeat after me: you're only legally allowed to rip DVDs that aren't copy-protected--which pretty much eliminates any Hollywood release.) The spec sheet also mentions "1080i upscaling." So while it's always a crapshoot to judge products from afar (which is to say: we haven't reviewed this LaCie drive, or even seen it in person), the LaCinema Premier may well be a "just right" sneakernet alternative to the too-small SanDisk Sansa TakeTV ($150) and the way-too-expensive Kaleidescape movie server ($20,000)--assuming the network-enabled Apple TV or Xbox 360 doesn't already handle those needs for you.

Use the included remote to choose the video, music, or photo of your choice.

(Credit: LaCie)

One final note to LaCie: In addition to adding that missing DivX support, you might also want to throw in an extra power adapter--one to leave at the computer (when you're loading up the drive with content), and one to leave by the TV (when you're enjoying it on the big screen).

[apargh]

To Make It Better...

If only someone had the guts to incorporate a DVD drive and ripping software along with a great interface I'd be first in line. I guess first, someone has to make it legal to make a copy of DVDs you already own. Hmmm, I can copy an LP to a Cassette, a Cassette to a CD, etc., but I still can't copy a DVD I purchased to a hard drive for convenience purposes. Go figure?

[jpfalcone]

DVD copying = illegal, thanks to the DMCA

Cracking the digital encryption on a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Yes, plenty of freeware programs out there let you do just that--but any commercial entity who builds that sort of functionality into its products would undoubtedly face civil--if not criminal--penalties. Just remember what happened to 3-2-1 Studios:

http://www.news.com/Hollywood-targets-DVD-copying-upstart/2100-1023_3-978580.html

[krb5kdc]

iomega has been selling out a cheaper one

everyone tells me its great:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?
Item=N82E16822186051&Tpk=iomega%2bscreenplay

[godzero]

re: iomega has been selling out a cheaper one

What do you mean by selling "out"? Have they sold them all or do you just mean "selling"?

[bmccaig]

MediaGate been doing this for years

I've had a MediaGate MG-35 for a couple of years now and it's AWESOME! It also plays DivX/Xvid video's as well, so it's at least as flexible as the LaCie unit. The only issue is that user interface is pretty redimentary.

[cinematics]

Iomega Screenplay 500GB is better, less expensive

I own an Iomega Screenplay 500GB external hard drive that has the same specifications, performs the same functions and is less expensive. I have paid for it at amazon.com a mere US$179.00, freigh included. Plays avi, mpg, vob etc.

[stlrfrk2]

this is all fine and dandy, but

the combination of a 1TB external hard drive networked through your computer with a 360 or PS3 is ftw here. the idea of having to move the drive back and forth between tv and computer isnt very slick.

[JonTitor]

I'm also using a MediaGate MG-35

wish I bought the MG-350HD instead

[jsiprelle]

This is just Old tech

This isn't new. In fact this is way behind. I've owned a TVIX for years now that does more than this device.
http://www.tvix.co.kr/eng/
Now, they make them that hook up to your network and play HD content. MVIX even makes one w/ built in wireless.
http://www.mvixusa.com/
I looks to be just a crippled copy of an early TVIX box.

[McCormick97]

May ne DVD ripper', but not CD ripper's friend

I bought a similar box from INOi a couple of months back and this one seems to have the same issues that make it a non-starter if you have a large music collection.

I wanted to connect the INOi unit to my TV to avoid connecting a laptop and buying a wireless keyboard/trackball. It worked fine but the interface is useless. There is no way to search for tracks easily - it is a folders system like internet explorer, i.e. not a Windows media player-type interface. If you have even a modest music collection on it, it is not practical to use.

I downloaded the user manual for the LaCinema and it looks like it also uses the Folders system. Bottom line, if you have a large music collection (I have over 15K tracks) you're going to need to connect a PC to the TV until they get the Firmware sorted. Unless of course, somebody knows a Hard drive like this that has a decent interface!

[Mulboys]

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you can also get more information about it here:
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[img]http://www.nidesoft.com/image/screen/dvd-ripper-screen-large.jpg[/img]