Product Listing

Xtreamer Prodigy Silver - The Third Dimension

By Hafeez Sim - 18 Nov 2012
Launch SRP: S$345

Conclusion

**Updated as of 20th November 2012** -  We've updated the rating of the product after factoring other similar products in the market. As such, our conclusion has also been updated.

Conclusion

Despite more recent media players coming in smaller packages, the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver opts for a larger chassis to house your choice of an internal 3.5-inch hard disk drive, providing a lot of flexibility in terms of storage. Depending on where you intend to place your media player, size could play a major factor in your considerations and the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver's sizable build loses out if you can only accommodate compact options.

Of course the main selling point of the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver is that it is one of the few media players that support playback of 3D video files. So if you’re hoarding a stash of 3D movie files and have a 3D TV, then the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver is probably one of the few choices available for your consideration. While the user interface of the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver is simple to navigate, it is sluggish and unresponsive at times, even more so with Android layer turned on. With recent media players having made advances in the responsiveness of their user interface, it seems the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver has taken a step back in this regard.  Despite Google Android OS being present on some of the more recent media player releases, at this moment, we feel that the Android OS and interface is best left for touch-based devices like tablets and smartphones. On media players, their presence is more of a gimmick. Even though having access to a host of Android apps may seem good on paper, most of the apps are optimized for a touch-sensitive interface and is difficult to even navigate the user interface without any touch input.

As a media player, the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver does what it's supposed to do with aplomb. Format support is strong, there are no problems with full HD video playback and it is one of the few media players on the market to support 3D video files. Even so, we do find it hard to justify its S$345 price tag as its sluggish interface mars the overall experience and there are plenty more affordable alternatives available should you not require 3D video playback capability nor the many analog I/O ports that the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver offers.

If you definitely need to have 3D video playback, you can also consider the A.C. Ryan Playon!HD3D media player. It offers most of the features found on the Xtreamer Prodigy Silver and also allows for installation of a 3.5-inch hard drive as well. The only difference is that the A.C. Ryan Playon!HD3D costs much less as it doesn't offer an Android platform - this means less expanded functionality if you like to fiddle with gadgets. From our usage experience of the various Android platform implementations on media players, one is unlikely to find much advantage in their existing form and control. For those still interested, Xtreamer Prodigy Silver's actual retail price is less than the suggested retail price.

The Xtreamer Prodigy Silver is a capable media player, though its sluggish interface and high asking price may put off those seeking for either a more accomplished player or one without all the bells and whistles. Capability to access and use Android apps may sound like a plus point, but not with its implementation.

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7.0
  • Design 7
  • Performance 7
  • Features 8.5
  • Value 6.5
The Good
BD-ISO & 3D movie files support
Android platform to expand on functionality
Allows installing a 3.5-inch internal hard drive
Built-in Wi-Fi
A variety of anaog and digital I/O ports
The Bad
Big and bulky
Sluggish UI
Silver metal body may not appeal to some consumers
Pricey
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