Customer Reviews

Ziotek Media Carousel Plus Special Edition

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I first bought an Imation Disc Stakka for the cd/dvd storage. I was not completely impressed with it because (1) it offer no method of ejecting the disc, without the computer and (2) there was no Linux driver. I then found the ZioTek Carousel Plus and I immeadiately thought that it would be an improvement because of the digital display and keypad for standalone operation. Thus, if there were no Linux driver, I could still use the carousel.

After using the ZioTek for a month, I can now offer a comparison to the Disc Stakka.

Portability Winner: ZioTek. They offer Windows AND Macintosh drivers. I found a Linux driver, but it has no catalog so I use my Macintosh. Stakka only has a Windows driver.

Cataloging System Winner: ZioTek. Their software allows you to group your cd/dvd titles by your created categories. ZioTek also allows you to search on cd/dvd title. Stakka does not allow either of these features. With the Stakka software, can sort your titles alphabetically, but then you must visually scan the list for the title of interest. Both software allow you to enter your cd into your reader and have that information transferred to the cataloging software. ZioTek's software is simply more flexible.

Speed Winner: ZioTek seems to access a disc almost twice as fast as the Stakka. This is impressive because the ZioTek stores 150 discs while Stakka only stores 100 discs. The ZioTek is almost much quieter when it is searching for the disc. I can barely hear the ZioTek carousel turn, while you definitely know when the Stakka is rotating its carousel.

Appearance Winner: ZioTek looks nicer. I have the special edition black.

Disc Handling Winner: Stakka. Surprisingly the Stakka has the better disc handling system. It is like a slot cd drive ... you partially enter the disc and the Stakka draws it in. The ZioTek has a little arm that it will lower, upon which you are to place the disc. The arm looks to flimsy ... at least to me.

Security Winner: ZioTek. The unit comes with a key lock that allows you to lock the access window so that no one can use your discs. It is a nice feature. Of course, it would not take considerable effort to break the window, but for a home or office setting, this risk should be minimized. I imagine that you can say that the Stakka has a built in security system because no one can eject a disc without the host computer.

Standalone Capacity Winner: ZioTek. This unit does not require a computer to operate. An inventory booklet is provided for you to write the names of your discs so that you can enter the disc number to eject it. This feature works even if the unit is connected to the computer. I really like it.

In summary, I highly recommend the ZioTek DC-300. Except for its loading disc loading arm and the lack of a linux driver, it is perfect.

I researched media carousels for about a month because I wasn't sure if I wanted to drop this much money on something that does what a shoebox can do. However, I must say I am very pleased and it was worth the money.

I agree with most of the other reviews that the arm appears a bit flimsy. However, it works fine so far. The manufacturer claims that the software doesn't work with Vista, but it does. It just doesn't load all the pretty graphics. I entered in all 150 DVDs in about 20 minutes.

The nice thing about the software is it has a print function. They provide a book so that you can write down all of your movies, or you can click the print button and it prints off a list complete with numbers and titles.

You can use this without a computer by typing in the number on the keypad. I am very glad I purchased this. It finds a movie in about two seconds and is not that loud. It isn't the smallest piece of electronic equipment, mine takes up the top of my printer stand.

Great product and I am planning on buying another for my software and video games. If you are considering buying electronic media storage, consider this as one of your top choices.

I received this as a gift. It holds 150 CDs or DVDs (or combination of both) in an upright position just like a slide projector. There is a simple interface that allows you to name each disc and then add comments (or key words) about the content of the disc. You can then search the carousel by key word to retrieve the disc you are in need of.

The downside is that I had hoped it would call up the actual disc content and display it on my screen. But it doesn't do that. It simply locates the disc and serves it up to you so that you can take it out of the carousel and put it into your disc drive. Now, for me that is still very necessary and helpful since I have a slew of discs. The only other con is that it is very large - about 14" x 14" and about 6 or 7 inches tall. WAY bigger than I envisioned it to be.

The pros are that you can daisy-chain them together and stack them up to hold a ridiculous amount of information, including movies and music collections. The other pro is that it makes it so much faster for me to find the disc I need. The more key words you add to the description, the better your results will be when searching. There is also a handy management form that you can fill in so you can do a quick disc retrieval from the physical form as opposed to using the search function (and you can print it out from the provided software if you are not interested in writing it out long-hand).

Another pro is that there is a lock on the carousel so that little hands can't access your stuff. VERY GOOD cuz I tell ya, my boys were completed fascinated with this thing. It lights up like a disco when the carousel spins. LOL

So there ya go. If you're thinking you need to get all your discs off your desk and into a handy, searchable database, this is a great solution.

Okay..first off this is a great carousel even with the flimsy arm...very fast and very quiet. By far, the best storage system out there for people with more than 500 DVD's like myself. However the software is HORRIBLE, especially if you plan to use any other operating system outside of a MAC. The reason is because I couldn't figure out how to eject dvd's through the computer with Windows. The manuel says it only works in Adminsitrator mode in Windows and gives NO direction on how to eject discs using a Windows platform. However, you can search and manually do it. BUT....you can pay an extra $39.95 to get the Collectorz DVD software program available online that works with this unit and it works FANTASTIC!! I mean, this thing sings with this software. I was very upset about this unit until I found this software online and it MAKES this unit what it is. I plan on buying 3 more to daisy chain them up and link them off my laptop. Software will search online for all info, pics, extras for every possible movie, tv series, etc. available and load it automatically. They even have a trial version you can use to see what I am talking about. Search Ziotek on the manuel to see how to hook up the carousel...easy as 1-2-3! And no, I have no affiliation to the software company..but they need to work with Ziotek and this carousel for everyone. Honestly, if you are going to pay $150 for this unit, spend the extra one time 40 bucks for the software package.

In quick summary - all four machines I have purchased over three months have failed within one day to one week. Horrible mechanisms and poor drives have made for a nightmare dealing with these machines. Please contact me if you have any questions about these wretched devices as I would hate to have anyone go through buying these - all of my employees wish for any other machines except these.

In addendum (May 2008) - another machine we had purchased failed after two months (mechanism and ejection)...possibly for a low usage turnstile this might be an option for you - but store owners that are looking for high usage storage - not a recommendation.

Added (June 2008) - another machine has begun to fail daily now. They might work great for low usage but assuredly not for daily usage/store distribution type.

(May 2009) - as a long term follow up, 2 of the 9 machines I have remain in working order. The rest fail daily, and 2 of them I had to take apart to get to the discs. Unfortunately, they were so expensive I do not want to reboot with a whole other storage system; There is a sister machine out there somewhere that has lasted this long but I have not been able to find them.

(May 2011) - be sure to read through the comments section of this review as someone added some great material for helping fix these miserable machines.

I have two of these and have owned them for almost two years. They have both operated flawlessly and have been extremely reliable. I use them in conjunction with software from [...] to store DVD movies. I will be buying a third one today, which is why I'm here writing a review.

Apparently, some people have received machines with jammed motors. I've read some web sites with instructions on how to free up the jammed motor, resolving the issue; it seems to be pretty easy. Just remove the cover and then gently but firmly move the carousel clockwise and the jam should clear. Sometimes you might need to help it along with a screwdriver or pliers, but once the jam is cleared, the carousel will work fine.

Everything good about this product that's been said is true. I just want to add that their customer service is fantastic as well. Mine came with a faulty AC adapter at first, but when I called I was connected immediately to a service rep who ordered me a replacement. The whole ordeal took less than five minutes.

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.

I like this. But it seems archaic to have to open the sliding door to get a disc out -- there ought to be something that mechanically opens it. And if you forget to close it, then dust can get in. And I'm always afraid I didn't align the disc exactly right in the arm holder.

But for storage, it's pretty good. Much better than having cds/dvds in cases everywhere.

So far the unit is working well. As with another review I must say the units disc arm seems a bit flimsy. I only gave it 4 stars due to the software. It's a bit clunky and cumbersome to use however I believe that this is an excellent investment for anyone who collects movies, CDs or just has a lot of discs laying around. I would recommend this product although hopefully they will make a larger capacity unit in the future!