Packaging:
As with most retail packaging, the MediaMVP comes packaged in a box that would grab your attention at your local computer shop. The front of the box provides you with a tease of what it is capable of, while the back goes into much more detail. There is more than enough information for the average consumer to make a decision whether this will suit their needs.
Opening the outer box reveals that the components are packaged inside a heavy cardboard box. Inside this box the main unit is behind a plastic cover with the remote and other accessories to the side and below. Everything is packaged neatly and designed to avoid damage.
The Basics:
With everything removed from the box, it is now time to take a quick look at the components prior to installation and operation. First, we have the top of the unit. Nothing too exciting here, just the MediaMVP logo, and indicators showing where the IR receiver, Ethernet, and power plugs connect.
The back of the unit is where all the important connections are. In the below left image you can see from left to right; the AC power connector, Ethernet, undocumented connector, Audio Left/Right, s-video, and finally composite video. In the below right image you can see the front of the unit when it is turned on. As you can see, the front is plain and the only thing of interest is the red power light. Even when you're using the device nothing else happens on it. There is plenty of room on the front of the unit, and I would like to see future versions include icons that show what the unit is doing (i.e. when listening to music, illuminate a music symbol, or watching a video, illuminate a film strip).
Here you can see the included remote. As you can see, it is a full function remote. It will allow you to look through your files and select what you want to view or listen to. The remote is intuitive enough that anybody familiar with modern consumer electronics won't have any issues learning how to use it. In the second picture you can see the other accessories, which include a little manual, software CD, LAN cable, stand, A/V cable, and an AC adapter.
