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Overview
Digital movie jukeboxes like the TVisto are an interesting component for a home theater. Although I think they are still not having all the features that I would like to see in such a device. The TVisto is geared towards using it as a multimedia server. One use is to store all your favorite DVDs on the TVisto hard-drive in ISO format. The DVD movies can be watched in the same quality and with all features from the TVisto. On a 500GB hard-drive (Hitachi Deskstar 7K500) you could store about  80 full length DVD movies. The TVisto plays back video with up to 1920x1080i resolution, so you can use it with your HDTV and loose no quality here as well.

I focused on the use of the TVisto as a digital DVD server. The TVisto also can play mp3 and wma audio files and display photos, but I think the only reason to buy this device is to watch movies either downloaded from the Internet or copied from your DVD collection.
To copy one of your purchased DVDs (adhere to IP rights) some software tools are needed. For this review I used the DVD copy tools from Slysoft. I used CloneDVD 2 in combination with AnyDVD, which work straight forward and problem free. It took 21 min. to copy a ISO image to my hard-drive and another 4 min. to transfer the ISO file to the TVisto.

Watching the copied DVD via the TVisto on my TV makes no difference than watching it from the disc. The TVisto user interface is very simple. On the main menu are four options. Under movies the list of all files in the movies directory are shown and I just select the video file I want to watch. On the remote control are the usual functions available known from DVD players. So yes I really can imagine to use the TVisto as a digital movie jukebox. I for my part do not see a benefit to have my couple DVDs served up via a hard-drive. I rent most movies I watch.

The other use that would be more interesting for me is to watch movies and TV shows downloaded from the Internet. I can use the TVisto for this, but it is not very convenient as I have to unplug the device carry it to my PC and connect it there to the USB to upload files. Why not have a Wireless Network interface available. This way I can transfer the movies via the net to the TVisto placed permanently next to the TV. MacPower here is your next product. There are network hard-drives like the Linksys Etherfast or the LaCie Ethernet Disc mini. Is there a Video Hard-drive enclosure with Ethernet (better wireless) connectivity available yet? (please email me if you know about one). There are of course Multimedia receivers that let you stream your videos and music stored on your PC via the network. My experience so far with those devices is that watching a HD resolution video is close to impossible. The solution would be to put a hard-drive into those multimedia receivers.

Conclusion
The TVisto is a solid performing multimedia hard-drive enclosure. The video and audio quality is great. I wish it would have Ethernet connectivity. The case design is very industrial with it's solid aluminum parts. The only nag I found is on the enclosure itself. To open it three screws have to be opened. Which would be fine, but one of them in back is super tiny. I had to search the house for a screwdriver I only use to tighten screws on my sunglasses.

How to Buy
MacPower sells the TVisto through resellers. Contact them to find out about a retailer near you.
I saw it in on an UK online shop selling for 176 Euros (~$210) without hard-drive.