It is with fear of retribution that I post this question as I am certain that somewhere in this vast jungle of a forum that someone has addressed my question - I come in peace!!

In any case I am trying to make an educated buying decision; I would like to purchase a 1080p media server (player or any other semantics that are appropriate) - I am to cheap to buy a blu-ray - with this being said I have an extra $500 on top of my media server budget to invest (would like to stay under $1K if possible. It would be preferable that this unit has a NAS. Also a great user interface with dedicated remote control.

I have looked at a number of reviews (heavily influenced reviews I am certain) - I was wondering if anyone has tested and would be willing to compare some of the units listed below - I thank you in advance for any info (including links to the answer)

Mediagate 450HD
Popcorn hour (latest version)
LimHD (latest and greatest)
TVIX HD M5100
Helios X5000
Alienware hangar18
any other appropriate device ...

basic use of the system - supply hi-def content to my Panasonic AE1000 project / 5.1 audio to ARCAM amp with B&W speakers. I am most interested in a device to play the most popular downloadable HD content - yes the odd torrent for reviewing purposes.

There is no such thing as latest and greatest when it comes to Tomacro (LimHD). If they are on your list then you could not possibly have done any research! Cross them off the list!

You are micing "latest and greatest" with other generations. First make up your mind what you want, then make a list based on what matches your needs...

- Do you want HD playback Support?
- Do you want Internet add-ons like torrent downloads, YouTube?
- How important is music support for you?
- What is your budget you want to spend?

- HD: NMT's with PCH A-110 in the lead in combination with budget wise decision (cheap)
- HD + Music: Ziova (Only one with decent Web radio) and more advanced in music section than others. Video wise less convenient vs the rest mainly in options and support of languages / subtitles / and configuration options

or

TViX M-6500. No internet abilities but local playback but nothing truly advanced in music. Just basic playback but up to par with latest requirements (HDMI 1.3, SATA, HD Audio...)

Internet add-ons and all the above except web radio: NMT A-110!
NMT's pretty much beat anything at this stage but other brands are catching up again with quite some generous plans... We can't include these now as we hear too many promises so choosing now means choosing based on what there is NOW and given your needs, the PoPCorn A-110 seems to fit best for your general needs and "budget" limitations.

Off course, my response could be heavily influenced as "one of the reviewers"...