ViewSonic VMP72 review

It might be lacking a hard disk, but this streamer more than makes up for it with its good price and easy-to-navigate menus Tested at £117.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It might lack a hard disk, but this inexpensive streamer is more than decent considering the price

Pros

  • +

    Simple menus

  • +

    good price

  • +

    good spec for the money

Cons

  • -

    No hard disk

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If you already have a network attached storage (NAS) device you may well resent the idea of paying for a media streamer with a hard disk built-in.

If that's you, this disk-less ViewSonic may well be up your street.

The lack of a hard disk (and the low price tag) are evident in the lightweight feel of the unit, but it looks good and takes up very little space.

More importantly, other than the missing onboard storage, little in the way of specs has been sacrificed in order to keep the price down.

The ViewSonic matches the video format support of the more expensive players around, and like them will stretch to 1080p content.

iTunes users may be disappointed to learn that all of Apple's music formats (AAC, Apple Lossless and AIFF) are out, but pretty much any other format, from MP3 to FLAC and WAV, is in.

Good all-round performance
There's nothing particularly attractive about the menus, but they're fairly easy to navigate.

Initial setup is a doddle, and the VMP72 easily found all our files. And the performance is very good. There's occasionally a touch of noise and there's some judder to motion, but colours are balanced and detail levels respectably high.

Certainly, for the money it's a good performer. It's a similar story with standard-definition. It's a little flat where sound is concerned, but decently detailed.

If you are concerned about the lack of a hard disk, you can always add an inexpensive USB drive. All in all, then, a decent streamer at the price.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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