Out of the box, it is capable of playing video and audio, displaying pictures, and "tuning in" to Internet radio stations.
The MediaMVP can stream audio and video content from a host PC running Windows.
With a hardware MPEG decoder as part of its PowerPC processor, it renders moving video images more smoothly than many software PVR implementations.
The MediaMVP hardware consists of a small set-top box and an infrared remote control.
The rear of the MediaMVP unit has a plug for 6 VDC power, an Ethernet port, and in the US edition, S-Video out, composite video out, and stereo audio out, while the European edition has instead a single "SCART out" connector, offering additional RGB output possibilities, and bundles a SCART lead with 2 extra stereo audio cables with female RCA connectors coming out of one of the plugs.
however, this connection method can be inadequate for viewing digital television recordings depending on signal strength and reliability.
A modified version of the unit is rebranded as Helius Media Stream and is fitted with a standard channel 3/4 RF modulator.
The MediaMVP uses the IBM STB02500, a PowerPC 405 CPU integrated with functionality especially suited for use in set-top boxes, like MPEG2 decoder.