ePort

$899

Now there is a new, simplified way to store, access, and discover all forms of digital media and entertainment using the ePort® - Your ticket to all digital destinations!

The ePort® is a simplified, all-in-one entertainment center hub, media server/streamer, DVR, and mini-computer that is only 4.5” square.  A 1 TB 2.5” drive for media storage, plus a 120 GB M.2 SSD for software and Windows® 10 OS allows transfer of data at lightning speed. Gigabit LAN, 4 USB 3.0 ports, Intel® Wireless-AC and Bluetooth provide easy, fast access to any home server, NAS, Cloud or online services.  This flexible connectivity allows streaming of unlimited amounts of media with a searchable library of music, photos, TV, movies, home video and more.  A 6^th generation Intel® Core™ i3-6100U processor plus Intel® HD Graphics 520 can even power light gaming.  A single HDMI cable will provide up to 7.1 surround sound and brilliant 4K resolution video for your home theater.  Popular Bluetooth or network connected multi room speaker set-ups are possible using the ePort® as the source for your Hi-Res music.

The ePort® and its specialized software and simple user interface is controlled by a remote or phone app.  The included remote has a full keyboard on the back that makes it simple to do searches and enter passwords for OTT services, like Netflix®, Amazon® Prime, Pandora®, etc.  The app allows for easy browsing and control of media such as music, recorded TV, movies and photos.  It also enables viewing and listening to your media on any tablet or phone that is connected to the home network.  With proper set-up, your media can also be securely accessed from remote locations over the internet.

The target market is the digital media enthusiast who needs an easy way to search for and enjoy all their music, movies and other digital assets in pristine high resolution sound and 4K video.

Most home entertainment centers are a confusing array of devices and cables, plus sizable collections of scattered media with no way to easily organize, search, and discover.  Today’s “smart devices” often make us feel dumb and don’t offer simple ways to enjoy and share our media.

The ePort® allows for storage or streaming of unlimited amounts of media with a searchable library of music, photos, TV, movies, video and more, and it is only 4.5” square. There are only three cables to attach: power, HDMI, and Ethernet. Wireless-AC and Bluetooth are built in, making it easy to connect to any of the wireless speakers that are popular today.  Also, four USB ports and an SDXC slot make it easy to add media to the internal storage or attach peripherals like DVD/Blu-ray drive, external hard drives, game controller or a webcam to allow video calling. 

The ePort® and its specialized software and simple user interface is controlled by a 2.4 GHz wireless remote or optional phone app.  The rechargeable remote has acceleration and gyro sensors that allow precise in air mouse curser control using slight wrist motions.  Because it uses radio frequency rather than IR control, it doesn’t have to be pointed in any specific direction and the USB receiver doesn’t need line of sight.  Flip the remote over to access a complete alphanumeric keyboard. 

The ePort® remote app for phone or tablet allows easy searching, browsing and control of all media from any location in your home.  Choose music by album, artist, or genre; adjust volume, skip tracks, pause and more. You can have the media play on your HDTV, or switch zones to resume playing on your mobile device.

The convenience of the ePort® enhances enjoyment of owned but forgotten media and makes discovery of new media effortless.

The benefits to an Integrator are that the physical installation of the ePort® requires only plugging in three simple cables and the homeowner can easily do that.  There is no programming or diagnostics required.  For the majority of situations set-up of the software is no more involved than when buying a new computer and following a normal Windows initial setup routine. 

If the customer wants to use the television DVR functions, then network attached TV tuners – either over the air or Cablecard versions are required and extra steps to initiate that are necessary.  There will be online FAQ’s and helpful step-by-step video tutorials to assist the customer in common tasks like adding media, television set-up, remote keypad functions, using the remote phone app, etc. There will be useful suggestions such as how to best organize photos so the software library can allow easy searching using metadata that is part of every photo.

While there are many low-cost media streaming devices, they do not integrate storage or provide high resolution capabilities, or TV recording.  Media servers that are commonly sold by integrators such as those made by Sony, Baetis Audio and others cost from $2000 – $18,000 and often are only for music. Our ePort® will be under $900. This provides a mid-priced choice for music and video enthusiasts that is between the limited function streaming devices and the expensive audiophile gear.