Media Server Reviews

Connections
Inputs:
Video: S-video (3), composite video (2)
Audio: Stereo analog (4)
Outputs:
Video: DVI-D (1), VGA (1), component video (1), S-video (1), composite video (1)
Audio: Coaxial (1), optical (1), preamp (8)
Additional:
ATSC in (1), NTSC in (2), USB 2.0 (6), 4-pin FireWire (1), 6-pin FireWire (1), Ethernet (1), SmartMedia/xD (1), CompactFlash I/II (1), MMC/SD (1), MS/MS PRO (1), headphones (1), mike in (1)

Features
Processor Model: Intel Pentium 4 630 with HT Technology and Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology
Processor Speed: 3.0 GHz
System Memory: 512 MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (expandable to 2 GB) Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 PCI-Express
Video Card Memory: 128 MB DDR
Widescreen Resolutions: Yes
Finish: Black brushed aluminum
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 4.4 x 17 x 16.6
Weight (pounds): 24.5
Price $1,500

Ratings: HP z556 Digital Entertainment Center

Build Quality: 90
• Beautiful black finish fits into any home theater setup
• The frame construction is solid

Value: 88
• Within the range of other high-end computers but with a better-looking case

Features: 92
• Create your own library of DVDs and label them with LightScribe
• Built-in wireless Internet allows connection to all of your computers and to the outside world
• High-definition television

Performance: 85
• Switching between the industry DVD resolutions still a drawback for HTPCs
• Requires at least some computer knowledge when any problems arise
• Fan noise could irk silence lovers

Ergonomics: 87
• Keyboard/mouse combo fits well in hands and is easy to use
• Front connections are accessible and extremely useful (9-in-1 card reader and FireWire a big plus)
• Windows XP Media Center OS usability has improved but still has far to go

Overall Rating: 88
The z556 is set to act (and look) like the center of your home theater, with storage for HD content, photos, music, and games. But it is first and foremost a computer and must be treated as such.

General Information
z556 Digital Entertainment Center, $1,500
HP
(800) 752-0900
www.hp.com
Dealer Locator Code HPK