The hardware and software work seamlessly when using DVD video media exclusively, but video “files” stored on DVD make the drive spin up very loudly, and the included software makes the files difficult to manage.
The unit we tested would sometimes lock a disc in the drive, and required opening the unit to retrieve the disc and reset. Even after that, there was a mismatch between which discs Media Center were in the library vs. what were actually in the unit. The only way to fix this is to eject every disc from the library, and press the Eject button on the unit until it clears everything out.
The Sony VAIO VGP-XL1B3 Media Changer has alot of features that Home Theater PC enthusiasts have been looking for. It does add alot of value to Media Center when it works, but that’s the key issue: when it works. The unit does allow you to have virtually instant access to a large video library, but we always hold our breath hoping that the unit doesn’t lock a disc in the drive again. If you act as your family’s computer support department, then you’ll feel comfortable opening it up. Additionally, you can’t share the media in this changer on your home network.
If you’re willing to live with the Media Changer’s quirkiness then it is a real bargain, but we can’t recommend this unit for the casual user because of the unit’s stability problems.
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