Update # 3 (08.08.2014)
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I am still enthusiastic about the system. By the silent operation, it is already happened to me one time or another that I run the system have;) But this is a positive in my opinion a sign that the system really bothers a movie enjoyment in the smallest way by noisy fans. What one time or another is disturbing but seemed that the IR receiver does not have a wide angle at which you can address with a remote control system. The system is now about 20 cm on a shelf below the TV - partly you have to consciously now aim below the TV so that you can execute the desired command.
But that's whining at a high level, therefore includes: unlimited recommendation! :)
Update # 2 (7/14/2014)
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Small but mighty: The system provides for power (Power LED is red) a start by WOL (Wake on LAN), so the system can also be started from other systems. That may not necessarily have a benefit to the Media Center application, but perhaps for other applications a helpful information.
But I personally can now start from a "large system" ZBOX and perform maintenance - Class ...
Update # 1 (07/13/2014)
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The system is now operating in a few days and there were no points have shown to give the complaint occasion. The system works in the use of OpenELEC now positioned in an open closet next to the receiver, in a temperature range of 60-80 degrees Celsius. The performance is still excellent. Only when loading and displaying the "Artwork" there is a slight delay when scrolling in views, but I can accept (after all, the optical and no functional goodie so you possibly could do without it).
The system is now being activated from the cold state by power strip with Electrified and then by remote control. This worked in other systems are not always reliable - here is this approach but no problem Furthermore, the system could quickly get into other rooms used by the WLAN also because only current and HDMI were required to operate on a different device. - The WLAN is in connection with a Fritz box 7390 quickly enough so that there are no delays in playback.
Therefore, there is, I still unrestricted buy recommendation.
Initiation
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The product review is a preliminary, as soon as possible I would like to reflect experience. I myself had not yet found a detailed descriptions, so these instructions may help. Once more information available, the review will be extended.
Questions and comments are welcome to be addressed to me via the comments. About an evaluation I am pleased.
Motives
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ZBOX CI520 should serve as a replacement for an old Zotac MAG HD-ND01 (edgewise posed system), whose fans now already starts after a few minutes and the movie experience a little clouded. With regard to the performance or range of functions, there have been no complaints. How should show later, however, is up some come along with the new Zbox of comfort, which I do not want to miss already.
Order
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The announcement by Zotac the IFA I noticed in passing through the media. The main argument that the equipment should be fan was crucial to keep from the various suppliers in Germany out. In addition to the suppliers but also had to be clarified which version should be used:
CI520 nano: 1.5GHz i3 without RAM and SSD
CI540 Nanu Plus: 1.5GHz i3 with 4GM RAM and 64GB SSD
CI540 nano: 1.5GHz i5 (1.9GHz to burst) without RAM and SSD
CI540 nanoplus: 1.5GHz i5 (1.9GHz to burst) with 4GB RAM and 64GB SSD
The smaller versions CIxxx and CAxxx I have not seen since the performance differences with the current 1.6GHz Atom were not safe enough and I wanted to be on the safe side. In addition, the Generic build is designed for use as main OpenELEC system, since this already successful and satisfactory running on the old system.
Delivery
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This order was placed on Sunday about the Marketplace and sent on Monday, according to e-mail notification. On Thursday, the package was delivered to the packing station.
The delivery itself was carried out in a sufficiently protected Pappummantelung. The product has a cardboard injuries at the corners gotten, but they are in my view not serious and therefore give no cause for complaint.
Delivery
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The device is delivered with the following components:
- CI520 Zbox Nano Plus
- Quick Start Guide
- User's Manual
- WLAN antenna
- S / PDIF adapter
- VESA Mount 10x10 for installation behind a monitor
- External Power Supply
- IEC connector Germany (Schüko)
- IEC connector UK
- Installation CD
- Installation USB flash drive!
Commissioning
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Since I already had some time with a Zbox OpenELEC and I also run a Synology with DMS 5.x, I have this set up as a PXE server without further ado, on which the various installations are available PXE boot menu. As I have already several times times reinstalled in the past, it itched me during commissioning in the fingers to perform the device via PXE. The USB was also already prepared with OpenELEC 4:07.
In the BIOS of the PXE boot loader was when you first turn activates and starts the system. After a few seconds the boot menu, in which I chose to install OpenELEC 4:07 appeared. Two minutes later it was all over and the system started within 20 seconds in the normal default theme. So quick and easy, I had a date XBMC do not get into operation; the old system was with the USB ports clear stubborn, because not all the ports and my sticks were bootable.
First use
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The first use was quickly prepared, as the sources.xml and thanks to the Addons trakt.tv the Watched status were quickly restored. The system is at least as performant as the old system and HD material can come in clearly and also display animated interface without hanger. Only the SSD had to do when reading the existing information and there was a lot after reading a trailer for two minutes in which the SSD showed permanent access and the system responded slowly.
The System
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The system has on the front a LED for WLAN and the SSD access. These are when placed next to / under the television directed toward the viewer and can - just the blue wireless LED - disturb something. But here also helps a blackened maltes piece of paper, which is glued to mitigate the intensity of it. I myself have corresponding glue dots that can help here.
What after the first few minutes is the most interesting, however, is the built-in IR receiver on the front, which makes my previous MAPA IR receiver (via USB) superfluous. Since the IR receivers but apparently has problems with the RC-5 commands the HAMA, had my remote control (Logitech Harmony Touch) are configured as Microsoft Remote Contra, so that commands are accepted without objection.
But what - in contrast to the old system - is really great that the system with the remote control even from the cold state (switched via a similar device as Brennenstuhl Power Manager PMA 15,000 A 6-fold black 2m) wake up and start leaves. The system understands Different codes on and off, thereby actions of Logitech are now used sensibly. This comfort I feel very positive, as I had previously read this feature in any product description.
In various forums also had read that in the press-copies a release film for the heat conducting bridge was not removed and the system thus reaches 100 degrees Betreibstemperatur. This I could not determine when the load on the system. XBMC reports about the system information for the CPU and GPU each 67 degrees. These are values that go in my view perfectly acceptable. Though the system is at the top of warmer, but you can continue to handle the device safely.
Summary
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The system is solidly built and pleased after a few minutes. It is silent, fast for XBMC or OpenELEC and has the built-in Plus version RAM and SSD already. Everything on board to get started as quickly as possible Compared to my old, fan powered Zotac, I would recommend this device without restriction. The slight teething problems when IR receipient could easily be explored thanks to various forums and were more likely to be classified as "personal legacy issue". Combining CI520, Logitech Harmony Touch, Synology and OpenELEC works without problems. I am happy :)
For the next version of a (native) CEC support would, in my view at most desirable with which the system can then be operated from home with a remote control and, for example, the volume can then be controlled via the TV. This saves the forgotten frequently change between devices (on the Harmony), but these are then real luxury problems.
(Tbc)
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Like the customer review, I am pleased with a positive rating. Should the review not have taken your taste, I am pleased with a comment. You give me so the opportunity to correct the review and nachzutragen omissions contained herein.
