QNAP Network Media Player NMP-1000P Review

QNAP NMP-1000P: Hardware

Firstly, it's worth noting that in the box we get a 2M HDMI cable, a basic 'A/V' RCA cable set, 2M Ethernet cable, remote control plus batteries, a USB cable for connecting directly to a PC, a few screws to secure an internal hard drive and the power brick. Unfortunately there's no eSATA cable provided (why does every company assume everyone else provides them?) and an intimidatingly thick manual.. until we realised it catered for about 15 different languages. On the subject, it's worth noting the manual is very good for explaining all the features though.

The actual NMP-1000P is a small 204 x 176 x 62mm: around the size of most other media players. Despite its plastic construction it definitely looks attractive and the curvaceous edges and shiny fascia certainly fits in with other home-theatre-y objects.


QNAP has nicely gone for the minimalist angle, with only its brand and three buttons on the front, although to be pedantic we'd have preferred they were slightly better fitting. Still, not to miss out on an ounce of bling, there's a blue LED down-light to pimp up your table or carpet. Jokes aside, it isn't offensively in-your-face and does help to see its outline in a very dark room, but if it really isn't your cup of tea, don't worry though, because it can be easily turned off in the settings.

What we do love is the VFD display behind the front panel. That's very home theatre-y with a touch of VHS retro; very nice!


The door on the side hides a space to slot in a 3.5" hard drive on a plastic rail. It's exceptionally easy - tool less (unless you feel the need to secure the drive with screws) - and a much more elegant solution than any other hard drive wielding media player we've used. Using a hard drive is not essential, but unfortunately the small 40mm fan on the back still fires up regardless to cool the insides.