Diamond Multimedia outs AMP1000 Android set-top box: Gingerbread-based, 1080p, sells for $120 (update: ICS coming this week)
Diamond Multimedia's more commonly known around the web for selling Mac and PC capture cards (among other things), but as of today, the company's officially entering the set-top box game with its AMP1000. The media player itself is running a not-so-new flavor of Android -- Gingerbread, to be exact -- which will be used to bring a slew of familiar entertainment tidbits to the bigger screen, such as a media player capable of 1080p playback, an evolved internet browser and an oversized photo viewer, as well as other content like games, ebooks and magazines -- all of which can be downloaded from Google's Play repertoire. Although Diamond Multimedia's formally pricing the AMP1000 at $120, there's a Facebook-only offer that knocks the price down to a mere $100. Now, will it be enough to compete with, say, Vizio's $99 Google TV box? We'll let you be the judge of that.
Update: Well, in case you weren't fond of the AMP1000's Gingerbread innards, Diamond Multimedia's got something in the works to solve that problem. A company rep has contacted us to let us know Ice Cream Sandwich will be coming to early adopters "later this week," as well as noting that all future units will come with the creamy OS already onboard.
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Diamond Multimedia Transforms the TV into the First Full-Function 1080P Android Media Player
The AMP1000 features games, music, photos, ebooks, television, movies, Android apps and full Internet browsing with flash support
Los Angeles, CA--August 21, 2012--Diamond Multimedia (www.diamondmm.com), a leading manufacturer of Radeon Gaming graphics cards, Best Seller of the VC500 USB capture device for PC and Mac and other popular Multimedia products, introduced today a new offering in its TV connectivity product line, the AMP1000, Android Media Player.
With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and flash support, this offering creates a state-of-the-art entertainment center on any television monitor, allowing users to experience their favorite Android apps and the Smart TV experience without shelling out top dollar. The device's robust functionality, which includes Internet access and a customizable app interface, also makes it the ultimate low-cost alternative to a work laptop.
"Diamond Multimedia is very excited to debut an entirely new offering from our usual line of gaming products and a revolutionary new way enhance the ordinary TV experience," notes Bruce Zaman, CEO of Diamond. "The AMP1000 is a fully customizable Android powered box, giving users a complete entertainment experience in one setting or an affordable alternative to a laptop for working hours, all in one product."
How It Works
Powered by Android OS, the AMP1000 features a media player, Internet browser, photo viewer, game player, music player, ebook/emagazine/newspaper reader and online video TV all in one location. Users can download new apps, movies and games from the Google Play store/Android market. Alternatively, home office users can transform their workstations and work from their television monitor, accessing email, business applications and Internet browsing features.
Diamond provides a 3-in-1 remote that features a keyboard, mouse and motion control, allowing you to use your television like a computer device or a game console. The AMP1000 features Android OS 2.3 and is fully upgradable and a Bluetooth option is available or $10.
Availability and Pricing
AMP1000 is available now at retailers for a SRP of $119.99, but features a limited-time mail-in rebate through Diamond Multimedia's Facebook page, bringing the cost down to $99. Where to Buy: Amazon.com, Tigerdirect.com, newegg.com, Microcenter and Fry's Electronics.
All Diamond products come with a one year limited warranty, a Diamond guarantee of quality manufacturing experience and a recently upgraded, US based, customer support system.
About Diamond Multimedia
For over two decades, Diamond Multimedia has been widely recognized as a pioneer in the graphics, sound and communications industries and a key player in launching the multimedia revolution. Our mission is to provide our customers with the latest quality technology combined with outstanding service and support. Diamond offers a complete multimedia solution featuring ATI Radeon graphics cards, TV tuners, USB display adapters, video capture devices, sound cards, modems, and electronics accessories all from one convenient location. Diamond video cards use the latest technology to offer the best solutions for gaming, home media and business applications. Powered by ATI Radeon Graphics from AMD, Diamond is continuously striving to manufacture the highest quality video cards to ensure reliability and stability in your computer system. Diamond products are available to the public throughout North America and Europe through retailers, resellers and systems integrators as well as top technology product distributors. Diamond products stand for performance, quality and value. Our corporate headquarters are located in Chatsworth, California.