I want to get a Hard Disc Multi-media Player mainly to play my MP3s through the TV but also to play videos and DVDs that I have converted.

I want to find one that can have a 3.5" IDE/SATA hard drive of about 500GB (no more). I am capable of installing it myself or I can get one already installed.

When I search on Google it often comes up with PMPs or 2GB and 4GB media players - not the kind that I have to install an actual hard drive myself.

I am aware of makes such as Sumvision (Aqua and Zengo), Lifebox, MediaLAN, IAMM, DVICO (TVIX) and Rhapsody but I can't find many reviews on which models are better than others and how the software and onscreen menus are displayed (ie. whether the music files are stored in one long directory or under separate artists and albums etc.)

The few reviews I have actually seen all tend to say that 'audio' isn't very well supported!

These seem to be quite new on the market but can anyone point me in the right direction?

Well, why don't you make one yourself? MicroATX motherboard and case, with some VIA CPU which doesn't need boeing jet motor to cool down would be excellent choice. And you can play whatever you want.

Making one is a bit too ambitious for me - I can change a Hard drive but thats about it.

I've seen the following models:-

TViX M3100U by DViCO
RSH-300 by Rapsody

Does anyone know if these are any good and which one is better?

It ain't that hard. If you have enough money I'd go that route. You could even learn something.

A good option is the HD mediabox by Pixel Magic - www.pixelmagicsystems.com

Plays all popular formats including your ripped DVDs and videos. Allows up to a 750GB hard disk to be installed.

Hope this helps....