Media Carousel Plus Special Edition

I'm very impressed with this machine, so much so that I decided to purchase another to stack on top.I put an unused laptop atop the 1st machine to use as a get-it-quick database with Movie Collector. Search through the database, read the reviews and summary and press eject, voila. It saves a lot of time and space, not to mention that it impresses any who use it.Drawbacks are that some of the parts are not as sturdy as I'd like. The arm that ejects the discs could break very easily, for instance.I haven't had any issues with installation, parts breaking or malfunctions. It just simply worked. With proper care and reasonable handling I could see these sitting next to my TV for quite some time.

Like everyone else in the 1 star rating, both of my units gave me the 505 or SOS code as some call it. This code is due to a malfunction in the flimsy door release mechanism. I was unsuccessful in trying to repair it, so I disabled it instead. Now, I can use both my units again, its just that they don't spit out automatically. I have to reach in with my fingers and pull them out manually. Although this is not the perfect solution, its better than throwing them away or spending money to repair an item of poor engineering which will only fail again at a future date.

This is <almost> the perfect solution for those of us whose CD/DVD collection has grown out of control.First, though this unit is branded Ziotech, with the exception of the flashy blue lights and black case, it is EXACTLY the same as other similiar units, be that a Dacal DC-300 or BestTradeUSA CD Library II.The unit is very light, lending to a first impression of cheap manufacturing. Mechanically speaking, mine has been performed splendidly though, so don't be misled by the light weight.I've seen alot of non-flattering comments on the software, CD Library 4.0. Though certainly no frills, it does a fine job of organizing my media, and provides an adequate interface for searching and retrieving my disks. I see no reason to drop any extra cash on alternate software.As I mentioned above, this is essentially a Dacal DC-300 rebranded with a black finish. As with the DC-300, this unit is NOT compatible with Intel USB chipsets, though Ziotech tech support is seemingly unaware of this issue. I knew the DC-300 had that problem, so proactively asked Ziotech support prior to purchasing this unit. They indicated I shouldn't have a problem with an intel USB port. They were wrong, as on install I received the Windows error message, "One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."Long story short, it will not be recognized by Windows unless your USB ports are of a NEC or Via chipset. Should you have the Intel chipset, you will need a USB hub, or to add a USB PCI card (make sure it is of the correct chipset) to your machine, which is what I did. I scored this a 3 for that reason alone. Otherwise a GREAT device.

I have 12 of these for my DVD collection, and hope this product comes back into inventory soon. Although I'm using Windows 7, I don't use the included software, prefering the 'Movie Collector' software which serves up cover art and catalogs my large collection very nicely. As for the device:Pros:* The USB connection works (not as well as I'd like -- see below).* Handsome.* Fully functional even without a computer by using the front-mounted key pad (assuming you have made an index so you know what is where.* Reliable.* Stackable (is that a word?) up to at least four high.Cons:* They're big and they're not square so the footprint isn't easy to align to anything.* Try as I might, I cannot get all the 'boxes' to report in to Windows concurrently. This is probably a limitation of either my PC or Windows vis a vis USB porting. I've tried hubs and daisy chaining, but no dice. Best I can do is about 6 to 9 of them. Not a big deal for me, because the 'Movie Collector' software tells me which box my DVD is in, and I can then just manually flip it on, whereupon it reports in to Windows and all is well.* Indexing this many DVDs is painful. Not ZioTek's fault, but you'll need patience and some wits about you to get a sizable collection into satisfactory shape.* Also, by choosing this method for a large collection, you're not going to be able to effectively use your jewel cases (no loss) or album art (could be a big deal to some people). The ZioTek software doesn't do album art. ('Movie Collector' does though so it can be done.)* The boxes do seem fragile. Handle with care. Not for kids. But with care, they function well.Bottom Line: These things are an elegant solution to a big problem. I haven't had trouble with any of the boxes (knock wood). With the right software, you can create a 'video jukebox'. With over a 1000 DVDs to control, this is a good way to do it.

This product is okay as long as you know what you are getting. It is mechanically flimsy and the software is archaic. I just haven't found anything better...

I love these things! I certainly can't think of an easier or better way to organize CDs (software and/or music) and DVDs that used to be scattered in different places. Though the software is functional and is a boon to finding titles and spitting out the disc easily and quickly, I have some bones to pick with the software developer(s). The mouse wheel will only scroll the cursor on the active screen. It does not scroll the window. I have 2 units daisy-chained. If I select a disc from carousel 1, it ejects. But if I then select a disc from carousel 2 it will not eject unless I double-click it again. Neither flaw is a showstopper but thought the negatives (albeit minor) should also be mentioned. I communicated these complaints with the distributor and was told that there is a new version of the software in the works. I hope I see it soon.