User Rating:
Good: The compact and stylish Samsung SB-208BW Optical SmartHub allows for streaming digital content (including DVDs) to multiple Wi-Fi-connected mobile devices at a time, and wirelessly backs up mobile devices' data. It also works as a network DVD burner for Wi-Fi devices and an iSCSI target or bus-powered USB external DVD burner for a computer.
Bad: As a networking device, the Samsung Optical Smart Hub only works with Wi-Fi devices (up to four at a time) and it doesn't allow for sharing resources with an existing network that it's plugged into. The device offers limited support for computers and doesn't work with Blu-ray discs.
Bottom Line: The Samsung SB-208BW Optical SmartHub makes a great digital hub for mobile devices, especially on the go. At home, it's rather limited, potentially confusing, and hard to use for home/PC users. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Elgato HDHomeRun is an easy-to-install network tuner that can supply free over-the-air HDTV to PC, Mac, and iOS devices in the home. Two tuners let you record or watch two programs at once. The Mac implementation works especially well on a wireless connection. The HomeRun enables users to share tuners across two devices. It comes with EyeTV software for free and works seamlessly with Windows Media Center.
Bad: TV choices are limited to free antenna-based or unencrypted cable programming. Wireless performance depends on the strength of your network; wired connections offer a smoother experience. The EyeTV isn't very intuitive, and the programming guide software requires a $20-per-year fee after the first free year. You'll need to have EyeTV installed and running on a Mac to use on an iOS device. There are some compression artifacts when viewing on the Mac.
Bottom Line: The Elgato HDHomeRun is a decent way to get over-the-air TV on your Mac, but its high bandwidth requirements mean you're better off opting for wired rather than Wi-Fi streaming. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Pioneer Elite N-30 Network Audio Player certainly looks like a $500 item, with a solid build and a stylish remote. Its sound quality is a clear head and shoulders above entry-level media players. iPhone control is free.
Bad: The 2.5-inch screen is too small and the flawed smartphone app doesn't do much to make up for it. Adding wireless adds a hefty $150 to the bill. You may find that the onboard sound of your receiver is every bit as good as the Pioneer's analog outs.
Bottom Line: As the first "affordable" hi-fi streamer, the Pioneer N-30 puts on a good performance, but the controls could be so much easier to use. [Read more]