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We find it amazing how uncritical the industry can be when it buys into what appears to be a cool idea. Case in point: the ZapStation from ZapMedia Inc., a computer-based device that is designed to do everything from rip CDs to play DVDs and tune into Internet radio.
This device was hyped for years and even won awards before it shipped! In 2001, Popular Mechanics awarded it its Editor's Choice Award, and recently a reviewer who shall remain anonymous wrote of the device: "If you are looking for a one-stop shop for audio and video needs, the ZapStation is not a bad choice." This person must have been heavily medicated.
In principle, the ZapStation is a terrific idea. In a standard amplifiersized box the company has put together an audio player (MP3, Windows Media Format V7 and SHOUTcast Internet Radio) and a video player (MPEG, Windows Media Format V7, DVD-Video and VCD), both with a choice of Dolby Digital (AC-3) 5.1 Channel Surround, Dolby Surround (AC-30) and DTS Digital Out. There's also an audio recorder...