Now, I'm not going to use NTFS as I'd rather not routinely loose my files. I'm not going to install Linux because my SSD is full and there doesn't seem to be a single ISO available that lets you boot cfdisk, which is poor. I can however, like most people, easily format a harddrive to anything you like. So, what do I do to stop the player complaining that the disk isn't formatted? Here's my routine so far:

Insert HDD into HD2 > HD2 formats HDD to NTFS, Swap and EXT3 > Remove HDD > Connect HDD to PC > Convert NTFS to EXT3 > Put HDD back in HD2 > HD2 complains HDD isn't formatted.

Now I'm guessing that there's a file somewhere that says HDA1 is NTFS. Something like FSTAB, rather than any kind of checking routine.

I don't fancy telneting into the box, although I suspect that's what I'll be told to do. Not because it's the only way but because it's the least convenient. If I sound unimpressed it's because I am. I do not like this device at all but I'm giving it a fair run. Or tying to at any rate.

Over to you...

You cannot do it without telneting to the Playon or using PuTTY, because you must install a script and modify the rcS script.

By the way: your review and commentary like "I do not like this device at all" are not an incentive to provide help.

Why is that, do you have some interest in promoting the brand? Who volunteers to work all day every day for free for a private company? It doesn't make sense. Feel free to explain.

Ha, what did I tell you? "Telnet is the only way". I guarantee you I could do it in Debian, regardless of what files need to be created, so it isn't the only way. Very predictable though.

I couldn't care less if you try to help or not. Most of the moderator comments on here are routine responses rather than actual help, no doubt provided to give the impression that help is at hand when in fact AC Ryan are next to powerless because many of the bugs are down the choice of chipset. Choosing Realtek just shows AC Ryan puts purported features ahead of actual functionality.

In my opinion the device is terrible, and the NTFS bug alone makes it unfit for purpose. Two evenings testing it is more than enough. I'm not spending another one just to test Samba on an EXT3 drive. I'll get a PCH, Dune, WDTV or Egreat. They all work as advertised and are only a fraction more expensive, not to mention far quicker and more capable. Thanks for helping me make that decision.

You already moved the review out of the way, but don't worry. It's already the number one hit on Google over on AVForums. I expect Google is what people will use before they find and search these forums: http://www.google.co.uk/search?sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&site=&source=hp&q=ac+ryan+first+impressions&btnG=Search&pbx=1&oq=&aq=&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=

C'est le ton, qui fait la musique.