I have never seen such user-unfriendly software as the one that runs on my AC Ryan HD Mini. Even after upgrading to the latest version, it still feels like a load of ***.
The things I have to do to make it work.... Have the developers ever looked at it from a users point of view? Everything I want to know kicks me to this forum without finding answers to simple questions. Pointing to the manual isn't always the best solution as it's way to basic.

Hi demonspeed,

Well, in order to get some help you will have to get a bit more specific. What are your problems exactly or is it more of an all-over feeling of disappointment? Sure, the processor doesn't allow for fancy stuff and customizing the menu is not possible, but playing files is usually not the problem. I don't think the Mini firmware will get an extensive overhaul, just some bug-fixing. So if you're completely disgusted it's better to get a refund or sell it. Should you have questions on specific topics however, fell free to ask them here or in the Mini1 subforum. Users, mods and staff will be happy to help.

It's the overall experience. Not being able to set my own images as a screensaver or remove the ugly default one is just one of the annoyances. Following the steps in the manual won't get you there and when searching in the forum I see lot's of questions that aren't answered properly so that's no help either.

Software should be self explanatory, one should not have to fall back to a forum for basic questions, the greatest misconception of developers.

And no, refunding is not optional, once used shops won't take it back. If I knew the disadvantages of the system I'd bought something else of course. For now I'm stuck with it...

You can switch off the screen saver.

I've found the option to disable it, thanks. The software reacts so terribly slow that I overlooked it.

If anyone could tell me how to set my own images as a screensaver it would be much appreciated. When I select Photo Album I have no way of selecting anything. I get an 'Load screensaver images from:' Somewhere I should be able to define something.... but where?

I found an earlier question regarding this matter, no answer there as well.
viewtopic.php?f=109&t=8179

Duivels, you're not helping. Because that is the answer the mods and staff ALWAYS give. Just turn it off or don't use it.
Poor Wifi? Use a cable.
Poor network stability? Go back to GUI1.
Player is slow because of scanning? Turn it off.
Your custom font makes the player reboot instead of turn off? Just use the default font.
Player messes up your hard drives? No it doesn't (well, not too often according to Arne).
Torrents are slow? Just use your PC.

Demonspeed, you have learned the lesson I (and I guess other users) had to learn as well. These devices are cheap China Realtek players with a customized firmware. Some companies make better firmwares than others. AC Ryan is not really good at it, but to be honest there are worse players around. Some of the problems have been discussed on the forum for a LONG time, but are still not fixed. Often an update fixes some problems but introduces new ones. Lots of frustration on the forum!
Unfortunately the most important part of the firmware is not open source. So hacking and improving it yourself is not easy. Some alternatives are available (e.g. PlayonX, look in Other Developments) but I'm not sure these can be used on a Mini1. So far you only mentioned the screen saver. Annoying I'm sure, but hardly a deal breaker. If you post your other problems you might get some useful solutions. But don't hold your breath for a complete overhaul of the firmware, that just won't happen. Some alternative firmwares are very promising however. And by the way, if the player doesn't do what it should (as shown on the box or in the manual) the shop should help you anyway. If they (or AC Ryan) cannot fix it in a reasonable time you are entitled to a refund. It's the only way to make companies understand: don't overpromise and underdeliver.

You are right, Roy! Doing more is beyond my capabilities.

No need to get cranky Evert, you didn't get your rep points for knowing and doing nothing. It's just that "If it doesn't work like you feel it should, stop using it" will not make Demonspeed feel any better. And of course it's not just the screen saver, that a mild annoyance at best. I guess Demonspeed will tell what bothers him apart from the screen saver and hopefully these problems can be solved to some extent. It's about knowing what you buy and what to expect. For some tasks these players are great and hassle free, other things are more of a bother. It's not a full blown PC and you get what you pay for. Take advantage of its strengths and learn to live with its weaknesses. </end of sermon>

I will put it differently. Before my retirement I was a consultant and when I started my career, my tutor said to me: "You cannot be better than your clients". He meant that a client never could benefit from an advice if he did not understand his own business and was not willing and able to apply the advice.

Same here: if you only foster your conviction that the Playons (and Mede8ers, Egreats and what have you) are no good, you will never get them working properly.

Girls, please stop bickering. It's not worth it. I'll take my loss on this one and accept the annoyances. It's clear that hoping the software will improve is futile.

In the meantime I'll look for a product that works for real and were hard- and software-developers take the user experience serious.