APH Networks Reviews: Patriot Box Office Network Media Player

As the Editor-in-Chief here at APH Networks, it's probably no surprise to you if I told you that my house is fairly filled with technology. What I have around here is nearly a dozen computers, spread over three floors. There are several network attached storage file servers. Multiple wireless routers are set up to cover both sides of the house. Central wired home networking with Gigabit switches are deployed for stationary devices. Adding to that is a couple of network color laser printers. If what I have mentioned sounds similar to what you have at home, man, you have got to keep reading. If you don't, then man, you still got to keep reading, haha. A few years ago, I reviewed Slim Device's Squeezebox V3 (Now owned by Logitech) -- an otherwise excellent network audio streaming device in its days. The device was not without its limitations, however. For one thing, it was still relatively expensive for approximately $300 at that time. Secondly, it only plays audio, and not video. Thirdly, it only streams data from computers with SlimServer installed. But times have changed. Today, we'll look at Patriot's Box Office -- and to say Patriot's Box Office is probably one of the most versatile media players that can hook up to your home theater system may merely be an understatement. It not only plays music, but also videos at up to 1080p resolution. It can play media files over network on virtually any device with no modifications. Don't have a central media server? No worries -- the Box Office can also accommodate an internal 2.5" hard drive to store your music, movies, or photos, or even access files on an USB mass storage device. With all the convenience to let you simply sit down on your couch and access all your media by an (included) remote control, most people might be scared to look at the price of admission at this point. But you know what? It's only $100. Yep, I'm not kidding, and you didn't read it wrong -- a hundred bucks! Read on to see if the Patriot Box Office is really that big of a deal. Pun intended.

View: Patriot Box Office Network Media Player review