Before going into my review. I must say that my rating for this product is a 5 only because of the open source software (openfi) that is available to replace the stock software.
[...]As far as I know, there's no other device in this price range that has the capabilities or user-based support that the DMP1 does.
The Stock Software
The DMP1 comes with some pretty poorly written software. It gets the job done. I can easily say it lacks something to be desired.
It also requires proprietary synching software (called simple center) to be installed on a PC. There are modified versions of the software which will run on Macs and user-developed software for Linux. As far as I know omnifi has no official support for any platform other than Windows. Music can be added to the drive either by connecting it to your computer through the provided USB cable, or through an optional wifi (802.11b) adapter.
Simple Center converts your mp3s and wmas into a proprietary format, and then puts these new files onto the hard disk. If that weren�t enough it also has trouble keeping track of duplicate files and deleting files from the HDD if you've removed them from your computer. If you modify your ID3 tags after synching... the software leave the old song on the hdd and copies over the new song with the modified ID3 tags.
Managing your music through SimpleCenter is rough to say the least.
The Alternative!
Up until recently this was the only option for owners of the device. There were efforts to make simple center a bit more robust and less buggy (by users, no the makers of the software), but it was still SimpleCenter :-/
Then the magical day of freedom came. An alternative software which didn't require reflashing the firmware (or anything damaging) was released.
openfi has become a great replacement to the stock software. It is more stable and even has features that the stock software doesn't (like ff and rw).
It doesn't modify the stock software either, so it's risk-free to try it out. It is compatible with SimpleCenter synced files, but it will also play mp3 files that are loaded directly onto the HDD (so you can copy your music collection directly to the DMP1's HDD from any OS without any extra software).
The best part about it all is that openfi is constantly being developed and new features are always being added. Openfi has only been around for a month or two and it has already surpassed what the stock software can do.
Conclusion
If you're looking to buy an media player/hdd for your car the DMP1 is a great choice when openfi is coupled with it.
visit the openfi webpage: http://openfi.sf.net
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Rockford Fosgate Omnifi DMP1 20GB Jukebox Car Digital Media Player KitProduct Description: Is your car cluttered with loads of CDs? Then get it together with the Rockford Fosgate Omnifi DMP1 Mobile Digital Media Car Player and you'll no longer have to mess with cracked jewel boxes and misplaced discs.
The DMP1 is a quick, easy companion to your existing car audio system and holds enough music for even the longest, most grueling road trip. At the heart of the DMP1 is a rugged, removable 20 GB hard drive cartridge that slips into the housing installed in your car. This enormous drive can hold up to 4,000 songs in MP3 format, so you'll have more music than you can shake a stick at for any automobile adventure. The DMP1 comes equipped with a dash-mounted, removable controller that features an easy-to-read screen and handy, push-button controls for quick navigation.
Included with the media player is Omnifi's SimpleCenter software that makes transferring new audio files to the DMP1 easy as pie. Simply connect the cartridge to your computer via the included USB cable, plug in the power adapter and --
voila! -- you're on your way to downloading loads of more music. Plus, this software will help you organize your music on your computer for quick, easy access to your favorite tunes.
If you just can't be bothered to remove your hard drive cartridge from your car, then simply park within the range of your wireless router and download music via your Wi-Fi. Select the "Sync" option on the controller and wait for the tracks to download directly to the DMP1. You can change the music library in your car without unlocking the door!
What's in the Box DMP1 media player, USB cable, AC adapter, software, and mounting hardware.
Buy cheap Rockford Fosgate Omnifi DMP1 20GB Jukebox Car Digital Media Player Kit now
I have an old 86 suburban so big vehicle with 2 3.5'sand 2- 4x10'sI didn't have a whole lot of hope for any real bass sound but these are awesome.clear notes and all ranges and still feel the bass.If you're expecting 10" box sound from a 4x10 then you asking a bit much.Wrong shape but these really do get a great sound and you can't beat the price.
