Scott's Boxee Box Review

[diogen]

Spec-wise, it is an interesting box, to say the least...
Boxee Drops NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 Chip for the Boxee Box, Swaps in Intel’s Atom CE4100 SoC | eHomeUpgrade

They started with the Tegra-2 chip (ARM9 flavour + NVidia video acumen on top) but two months before launch switched to Intel
Boxee Box ditches NVIDIA's Tegra 2 for Intel CE4100, pre-orders start today at $199 -- Engadget

Essentially, the home media player market (excluding optical media like DVD and BD) is split in two parts:
- the ones that primarily play audio/video from storage, external or internal;
- the ones that on top of that also have access to internet streaming.

The first category has the PopcornHour and its flavours, WD TV, Patriot, etc. Using most of the time (specialized) Sigma Design or RealTek chips.
The second covers those "multiple personality" devices: GoogleTV, Wii, PS3, XBox and now Boxee.
This category is trying to distinguish itself by being able to stream internet originating video streams - YouTube, Netflix, etc.

In terms of format support, I don't think there is anything left (of importance) that PCH/Patriot players can't handle. In terms of internet video streaming, you can't rely on these features to last.
Recall Google pulling YouTube from some of the TMT players as well as being on the receiving end with their GoogleTV.

Bottom line, I don't think there will be one player that will do everything any time soon. Maybe the Oppo-93...

And this switch from Tegra-2 to Intel looks very much like Boxee got an offer they couldn't refuse.
At least the explanation given by their Ronen sounds like complete bullsh!t

The major problem we had with the Tegra 2 was support for high-profile HD playback... You can do high-profile VC-1 with Tegra 2, but not H.264. It was a problem of bitrate...

So, what is it: the format (VC1 vs. H.264), the profile (high vs. standard) or the bitrate?

Diogen.

 

[Ronnie-]

Care to elaborate further on what was left out? Keep in mind they are comparing features for watching programs, so things like gaming are not part of the comparison. They could have made a blueray and 3D column, but I believe they are only comparing streaming (hence the 1080p instead of blueray).

I would have included a column for MLB.TV and other sports streaming apps, and ESPN360.

The PS3 can do Hulu plus, thats left out.

 

[DodgerKing]

The PS3 can do Hulu plus, thats left out.

It can? I have a PS3 and never knew that. I don't have a Hulu account, so I never tried it.

Is there a reason to get a Boxee if I choose to use a PC as a home entertainment center? I am planning on getting a new desktop for my office and take my existing one to set it up as a media center in my living room

 

[diogen]

Why not just use a PC with Windows Media Center? Wouldn't that do more than all of these devices added together?

It would. But has higher learning curve and setup times...
Here the point is to bring it down to the Joe6Pack level with nothing more complex than a remote needed to run it.

Diogen.

 

[DodgerKing]

It can? I have a PS3 and never knew that. I don't have a Hulu account, so I never tried it.

Is there a reason to get a Boxee if I choose to use a PC as a home entertainment center? I am planning on getting a new desktop for my office and take my existing one to set it up as a media center in my living room

I just downloaded the Hulu Plus App on my PS3 and am watching some sample videos. The PQ stinks on these free samples

 

[DodgerKing]

Just watched a Smithsonian clip on Hulu through my PS3 and the PQ on that was spectacular

 

[TheForce]

DK- I think that chart is a bit out of date even though it says Nov 13. Haven't tried HULU on my PS3 yet. Glad to hear it's working for you. Currently I don't see a need here for HULU plus but my daughter may be adding it. I plan to install her new Roku XD/S on Monday.

I am finding Netflix HD with DD5.1 streams really well right now. Only complaint is the content is limited today but I'm sure it will grow. They have a new streaming service ( Limelight Networks) for next year so I hope it works at least as well.

 

[DodgerKing]

I did have my sister put in her Netflix account info in my PS3 so I am able to watch the occasional movie/show. It have had it hooked up for 2 weeks and so far have only watched 1 program. The few movies I was interested in are not yet available for on-line viewing.

This is why I do not want to start my own Netfix account. I know I will never get anything close to $10 worth of viewing in one month

 

[TheForce]

Loaded up the Hulu Plus account last evening on my PS3 and saw the Smithsonian documentary sampling you suggested. Also watched a few other samples shows. I agree with all your observations. Quality was good and bad, about 50:50. But the real turnoff for me was the commercials contained in each program. I was surprised at seeing those. In addition, while I was able to skip ahead during the program, the commercials were absent of any control to skip over them.

 

[rockymtnhigh]

Loaded up the Hulu Plus account last evening on my PS3 and saw the Smithsonian documentary sampling you suggested. Also watched a few other samples shows. I agree with all your observations. Quality was good and bad, about 50:50. But the real turnoff for me was the commercials contained in each program. I was surprised at seeing those. In addition, while I was able to skip ahead during the program, the commercials were absent of any control to skip over them.

Another reason why I will stick with a Dish and a 722 DVR. I know this stuff is experimental and cutting edge, but when I invest time into watching a show I don't want 50:50 picture quality, and I have gone way too long without commercials to start watching now.

 

[Ronnie-]

MOST of the stuff I wave watched with Hulu Plus and the PS3 has beeen at least netflix streaming quality. I am sure there are some that are better than others.
I am going through seasons of The Office right now, and it looks as good as what I see on sat for reruns of that show.

 

[Ronnie-]

I did have my sister put in her Netflix account info in my PS3 so I am able to watch the occasional movie/show. It have had it hooked up for 2 weeks and so far have only watched 1 program. The few movies I was interested in are not yet available for on-line viewing.

This is why I do not want to start my own Netfix account. I know I will never get anything close to $10 worth of viewing in one month

For me, netflix has been well worth it to this point. I have been watching all the seasons of the Stargate Universe (not just the show universe, the whole thing) and it has been nice to have 15+ seasons of material to view whenever I want.

If I had to go off just disc viewing, it would not be worth it to me either. I just dont watch enough movies.

 

[Foxbat]

Care to elaborate further on what was left out? Keep in mind they are comparing features for watching programs, so things like gaming are not part of the comparison. They could have made a blueray and 3D column, but I believe they are only comparing streaming (hence the 1080p instead of blueray).

I noticed your chart lists the specs for the first-generation AppleTV. The current unit is $99 and does Netflix. The rest of your AppleTV entry is correct: no 1080 output (720p only), no Hulu, no Flash, no NAS or USB-based media playback (iTunes-based media only).

Once it is updated, your chart is a good start, and a good tool to help people decide if they are ready to dive into Internet-based TV services.

 

[digiblur]

Care to elaborate further on what was left out? Keep in mind they are comparing features for watching programs, so things like gaming are not part of the comparison. They could have made a blueray and 3D column, but I believe they are only comparing streaming (hence the 1080p instead of blueray).

I would have included a column for MLB.TV and other sports streaming apps, and ESPN360.

Try this list instead... it actually lists the features of each box.

https://spreadsheets1.google.com/cc...authkey=CMWSqM8P&hl=en&authkey=CMWSqM8P#gid=0

 

[TheForce]

Another reason why I will stick with a Dish and a 722 DVR. I know this stuff is experimental and cutting edge, but when I invest time into watching a show I don't want 50:50 picture quality, and I have gone way too long without commercials to start watching now.

Yep, but the incentive here is the monthly cost. I have the game machines so adding the service at $10 is a no brainer for Netflix. No commercials on Netflix. Besides, I got into Netflix when Blockbuster filed Chap11. It's my hedge on low cost BluRay rentals. But the Roku box is for my daughter who can't afford to continue to pay the high cost of DirecTV and she will be canceling it. She has tested Netflix on her laptop and thinks it will work ( entertainment-wise) so I said I would buy them the Roku box for Christmas so they can connect it to their living room TV.

 

[DodgerKing]

Try this list instead... it actually lists the features of each box.

https://spreadsheets1.google.com/cc...authkey=CMWSqM8P&hl=en&authkey=CMWSqM8P#gid=0

There are things wrong with this one as well. Since I only have a PS3, that is the only one I can check for accuracy. I noticed under streaming video site it only list Netflix. It can stream more than that and it can do so at 1080p (something else left off). It list 2 USB ports, when the PS3 actually has 6 (4 in the front and 2 in the rear)

 

[DodgerKing]

There are things wrong with this one as well. Since I only have a PS3, that is the only one I can check for accuracy. I noticed under streaming video site it only list Netflix. It can stream more than that and it can do so at 1080p (something else left off). It list 2 USB ports, when the PS3 actually has 6 (4 in the front and 2 in the rear)

Never mind. I see that they are only listing the PS3 Slim. Why limit it to only this model? The slim is missing some features that are present on the other versions of the PS3

 

[digiblur]

Never mind. I see that they are only listing the PS3 Slim. Why limit it to only this model? The slim is missing some features that are present on the other versions of the PS3

Edit the list or add the ones you want. Its a spreadsheet all the viewers of Tekzilla have been adding on.

 

[rockymtnhigh]

Yep, but the incentive here is the monthly cost. I have the game machines so adding the service at $10 is a no brainer for Netflix. No commercials on Netflix. Besides, I got into Netflix when Blockbuster filed Chap11. It's my hedge on low cost BluRay rentals. But the Roku box is for my daughter who can't afford to continue to pay the high cost of DirecTV and she will be canceling it. She has tested Netflix on her laptop and thinks it will work ( entertainment-wise) so I said I would buy them the Roku box for Christmas so they can connect it to their living room TV.

No game boxes here other than a PS2, and since TV is one of my few vices, I am willing to pay for it. Plus, I can afford it.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Got a software update today of which I can only only say WOW what an improvement.

Subtitles are now off by default.
Now you can play TV shows in full screen.

There is a bug though, had to go to 720p and reboot the unit to get the online videos to show. But it works and works GOOD!

Some of the Bluray ISO files I had trouble with the other day are working today.. But still having some issues.