Verbatim MediaShare 1TB Nas

Home and away

Codec confusion

This browser interface ought to be platform independent but, almost inevitably, I did stumble across a few cross-platform file format problems when streaming files remotely off the MediaShare. My MacBook was unable to stream some AVI video files from the browser interface, even though the MacBook had the relevant Windows Media codecs installed.

Versatile, but needs refinement

Similarly, a PC laptop was unable to stream some AAC music files and QuickTime video files created on a Mac despite having the Windows version of QuickTime installed. When this happens you’re given the option to download the files onto your computer and play them directly off the hard drive, but that rather defeats the purpose of buying a fancy streaming-media device like the MediaShare in the first place.

Verdict

To be fair, these file format problems tend to plague other media-streaming products as well, and the MediaShare does have a better graphical interface than many of its rivals. The MediaShare is also competitively priced, even by the standards of more basic NAS drives. It’s just a shame that the installation problems and other rough edges we encountered mar what is otherwise an attractive and versatile media storage device. ®

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