With a 500-GB hard drive, the Kaleidescape Mini System can hold 75 DVDs or 825 CDs. It has the same user interface, quick content loading and detailed metadata as its big brothers.
Kaleidescape’s Mini System, one of the company’s latest DVD media servers, is meant to be a starter system for consumers looking for an all-in-one solution.
The system, which imports DVDs and CDs for play without the disc, features Kaleidescape’s slick user interface in a case about the size of a cable box.
I recently checked out the new Mini System, which Kaleidescape shipped to me filled with content from the first season of “Mad Men” to kids’ programming to recordings by Tony Bennett.
System Setup, Features
Setup of the system was simple, requiring only plugging in the power and HDMI cables. The system features:
If you’ve ever used a Kaleidescape system, or seen one in action, you know about the user interface, quick content loading and detailed metadata. The Mini System has all of that.
Unique Shape, Storage Space
The big difference in the Mini is its form factor and storage space. While it’s rackmountable, it fit perfectly in my home entertainment unit.
The built-in 500-GB hard drive stores up to 75 DVDs or 825 CDs, with expansion spots up to 1.5 terabytes. If you’re like me, with more than 200 DVDs, you’d use this system as an individual zone or expand the storage to hold all your content.
The Mini System, which also plays DVDs straight from the disc, comes with a remote control — Kaleidescape’s first unit to have one in the box.
Content Upscaled to 1080p
The player, as you’d expect, outputs at 1080p. But that’s where my only gripe with the unit lies; since it’s based on DVD technology, all of the content is upscaled to 1080p.
The system offers some native 1080p content built in, and the company’s announced Blue-Laser player promises to playback Blu-ray discs, but not import them. With Blu-ray’s use of Managed Copy, the future of importing true high-definition discs is unknown.
Overall, I loved having a single-component Kaleidescape system to check out. It’s easy to use and setting it up was as simple as plugging in a DVD player. If your customers are HD snobs (like me), the fact that its importing is limited to DVD-quality may be an issue, but if you’re using it in a bedroom or secondary room, it may not matter.
Kaleidescape Mini System
MSRP: $7,995
Yes it is a perfect solution for movie collectioners or just people who like to watch a lot. From this article it is obvious that it is worth buying. But it seems to me the price is too high. It is difficult to believe that it is real. I believe the added value is too high. Usually when te product is new the producers put a very high price. But it is not always that they win. I’ve read a book about the mobile phone development (found it at the rapidshare http://pdf.rapid4me.com ). First they were extremely expensive but then they got cheaper and cheaper. And it was the right move of the producers. That is why I guess i’ll wait till the prices lower.
For the serious buyers, this may seem a perfect find because the features make one say okay in spite the cost. Loved the over-all sleek design and its being mini. A good gift to give now that Christmas is just around the corner.
hampers.
All very well, but can I connect my 12 TerraByte server to this ‘all in one’ unit and will it find my dvd-ripped vob files straight away? or are there blocks to stop you using a non Kalid.. server?
Why the hell would I want to pay $20k for a server I CAN pay $5k for?
I am not a movie star nor rock star nor stupid!
JJ
I like Kaleidescape system because it is indeed an all-in-one solution. I’ve heard about this system but I haven’t seen one in action yet. Maybe someday I can get a hold of this system, too.
Name:
Email:
Remember my personal information
Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please answer the question below:
Type the first letter of the word "stereo":
Electronic House is now available in a digital edition. Learn more.
Yes this truly is a DIY treat!
Stay up-to-date with home electronics. 
Weekly email offers tips, info and product news.
Get the content that's important to you.
Yes it is a perfect solution for movie collectioners or just people who like to watch a lot. From this article it is obvious that it is worth buying. But it seems to me the price is too high. It is difficult to believe that it is real. I believe the added value is too high. Usually when te product is new the producers put a very high price. But it is not always that they win. I’ve read a book about the mobile phone development (found it at the rapidshare <a > http://pdf.rapid4me.com </a> ). First they were extremely expensive but then they got cheaper and cheaper. And it was the right move of the producers. That is why I guess i’ll wait till the prices lower.