There’s nothing as disappointing as missed opportunity. This is especially true with tech products, with all the possible capabilities compounded by all of the different formats, methods, and flavors of media and the hardware behind it. In this case, the Emtec Movie Cube Q120 isn’t what I’d call an exemplary product, but it is disappointing in how high it could have reached, especially with this reviewer’s high expectations, given a more polished approach to this product’s development.

                                              Three indicator lights - power, hard disk activity, and music - hide behind the black plastic.
 

The Q120 in all honesty is a media-enamored geek’s dream come true, even with its shortcoming that I will discuss later. It is chock-full of features and connectors that will be appreciated by anyone with a modicm of understanding of how media, data, and computers work – which is just about everyone in this day and age. The reason I say this is because of the comprehensive list of potential outputs and connections – starting from the mundane USB, to the totally unexpected (for the price) HDMI. Just to stir up you readers, here’s the full run-down of the connectors: a single set of Y/Pb/Pr out, 2 sets of RCA or A/V outs, SPDIF optical and coaxial connectors, a USB host and a USB Device connector, a single HDMI, and a LAN port – not to mention the option of connecting a wireless adapter in lieu of using the wired LAN.

                                             A bit of design flair never hurt anyone.

From the connectors, and the fact that the sleek, component-like case houses a hardisk inside, we can surmise that the Emtec Q120 is meant to take on the duties of a media server, or a multi-media hub, a Network Attached Storage (more on this later) or even a dedicated Digital TV Recorder (DTR). In true ticking-off-the-box style, the Emtec can do all of these, but only at a very basic level. Lets take its NAS functionality for example. Sporting a LAN connector, the Q120 can be assigned its own IP address and accessed through your (presumably) home network on any of the workstations connected to the same network. The problem starts when you realize that recorded video is actually stored on a hidden partition on the hardisk that comes standard from the factory, with no way to access them except to reformat the whole drive and do away with the browser front-end and the secret partition. The opposite is also true – storage is literally the middle (Ed. – no it’s actually the last-) name of a NAS device. Problem is, those same partitions prevent storage or backup through the Q120 except by using the (slow) browser interface - a serious design flaw for a NAS.

                                             Multiple input options at the rear and side of the Cube.

Another dissapointment with this multi-use device is the other notable “big” feature – the HDMI connector. Since uttering HDMI usually connotes “high def” to most consumers, its understandable when a little confusion is always present with any product bearing this feature. First of all, there is no HDCP compliance or any indicator on its box for this essential certification – after all, the HDMI connector is irrevocably tied to the HDCP certification protocol, and without this, along with an HDCP compliant display and content, there can be no “true” HD content to watch. Then again, we live in a realistic world, and broadband availability means there is a lot of files in the internet to choose from, and a lot of them will sport high-enough resolution even without HDCP compliance. The snag crops up again after a fair bit of use – most reasonably-sized video content (those that actually get downloaded and not those 10-and-above Gig monster movie files) need some sort of scaling circuitry to take advantage of the HDMI’s  throughput - the Q120 does not have this – which is the reason for the HD – compatible (and not HD or HD-Ready) certification on its box and documentation.

                                             Some quick screwdriver work reveals a 160GB SATA hardisk - which should prove easy to replace, sans software.

The USB device connector works as expected, which means it is immediately detected by the computer as an external USB device. Through this mode you will also be able to access all contents of the hardisk. Additionally, the USB Host connector can serve as extendable storage when a USB disk of external hardisk is connected to it – it can be accessed through the browser front end of the Q120. More plus points reside with the picture quality, which is more than satisfactory, especially with the aforementioned multi-Gig monster files running. Emtec did not skimp on the processing hardware at least, and can easily handle large files that would choke a lesser media box.

                                             A closer look reveals some circuitry, some cables, but mostly empty space.

I found myself wishing for a couple of things when trying out the Emtec Q120 – a VGA or even a DVI output was one, as our office and house both has more computer screens than television sets, and a VGA connector would have been sweet for an almost-complete set of connectors such as the Q120’s. Another wish is for better and faster software. The browser wasn’t bad, and it’s certainly organized well. More options, especially for network connectivity for NAS functionality, would be very welcome. Some optimization would go well with a firmware update too – which is well set up for if the manual were any indication.

                                             The Emtec restored.

Enough with the doom and gloom – when you get an Emtec Q120, you get an all-in-one box which you can connect to your PC once (to get all of the files you could ever want to see on your TV) and then connect it to your big-@ flatscreen and see every little detail in your pictures, all the wondrous flaws in your 700MB quick torrent movie download – all from one box. Better yet, with its UTP connectivity, you can access any storage on your network, NAS boxes, the laptop you have in your bedroom, your sister’s unprotected pictures, whatever, through the browser front end of the Q120. You can even connect another USB storage device directly to the Q120 – say a portable hardisk your friend brought over that contains the pictures of your barkadahan the other night, instead of transferring the files into the Q120. The HDMI is there as another option for the guy with the hankering to connect just one cable and go, and if you’re feeling particularly frisky, you can set up the Q120 wirelessly through an optional component – bring it anywhere in your house without having to set up any wiring – within your router’s range that is.

                                             Package contents. Notshown are the power connectors, and not included is an HDMI cable.

What this device does is make available all of your media and all of your files in one tidy box and give you the ability to view them on the display of your choice – minus simple computer monitors without an HDMI connector of course, seeing that the Q120 doesn’t have VGA or DVI out. The disappointments are only present because of the huge potential of the product; most consumers won’t care and frankly, after a bit of tinkering and being able to watch my prized 12 Gig Lord of the Rings HD quality on my not-so-big screen TV, I’m happy to join their ranks. Treat this product as “media central” and you won’t be disappointed. Treat is as a device that aspires to many things, but only achieves excellence in one area, then you can take over my job here at HWZ as chief critic and rabble rouser. Me? I’ll be in the living room, slouched down on my couch and enjoying the Q120.