ZyXel's Streamer DMA-1000 was just being readied for its UK launch as we wrote this review. Its makers have altered the ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000's design from the silver box sold in the US, but we were surprised to find that they've not added Wi-Fi - something we'd have thought was an essential.
The ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000 is easy to set up, chiefly because of its lack of Wi-Fi. The ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000 doesn't play DivX files or anything at a definition higher than 1,080i, but it can play video formats such as MP4 and XviD, as well as unprotected WMA files and unprotected iTunes files. The ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000 produced a very good HD picture but failed to accompany it with first-rate sound.
The ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000 is a compact player that looks pretty good - only its shape betrays its heritage as a media streamer made by a router company. Looks-wise, the ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000 stands up to comparison with the Apple TV.
The ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000's remote control is best described as comprehensive. It fits well in your hand, but little thought seems to have gone into button placement. However, we did like the ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000's Tools button - if you're watching a video, listening to music or watching a slideshow, clicking Tools brings up a small menu in the upper-left corner relate to the current activity. For instance, if you hit the Tools button while examining photos, the ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000 will display a menu of slide-show options.
The ZyXel Streamer DMA-1000 delivers pleasing video, despite its slight pixellation at difficult-to-render movements.
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