HDI Dune HD Duo

Building on the success of the Dune HD Max, HDI is giving us a model with a slightly different concept, the Dune HD Duo. While you get Blu-ray playback on the first, on this second model the accent is put on storage. We'll also be taking the opportunity to re-test the HDI Dune platform and interface, which has changed since our last test.

We're not going to go back over all the different aspects of the machine as it's identical on all points to the HD Max, with the exception of the Blu-ray player which has been replaced here by a second slot for a 3.5-inch hard drive.

This is a plus for those who don't have NAS capability and who need the storage as it will give you a maximum of 6 TB of space. It's a shame that the concept hasn't been pushed further by, for example, giving it the possibility of creating a RAID to safeguard data.

For the rest, the strengths and weaknesses are the same: we like the quality of the finish, the faultless decoding and the multitude of advanced options but it's a shame the fan is so noisy, that the remote isn't better quality and that the control screen is so small.

A slightly more evolved interface, with Flash

There have been several updates since our test of the Dune HD Max (see inset). They include the bug correction, the addition of features such as chapter support for MKVs and also a new Flash interface.


We might as well come out with it, this interface disappointed us. While Syabas has managed to give real added value with the NMJ Flash interface for its Popcorn Hours, HDI has made do with a graphics facelift.

Sure, it's less austere than before and we like being able to apply different themes, but it comes with all the same old limitations. For example, you can't display photos in mosaic form or view music album covers.

Thanks to the user community!

HDI seems to prefer to rely on its community, which moreover has nothing to envy the Popcorn Hour products for. You'll have to go for third-party applications such as Zappiti or Yadis to get the nicest graphics themes or a video jukebox.


Here we can only salute the new work done on the previously mentioned applications. Even though they aren't from HDI, they have been excellently designed and truly facilitate the creation of a video jukebox.

To recap, a video jukebox is an interface that allows you to display a whole lot of information (synopsis, poster, fan art, actors...) on the films and series stored in your device or on the network. What's more both Zappiti and Yadis have music and photo support.

An Internet browser that's easier to use

Although it's still slow, the Internet browser is now much more practical thanks to the recent updates that have added keyboard and mouse support. Wireless kits on sale in stores are supported. HDI also sells a wireless mini-keyboard with built-in touchpad and backlit buttons for around £50.