It’s been a few months since the loaner Moxi HD DVR ($800, no fees, no ads) arrived and I’ve had plenty of time to evaluate TiVo’s first retail competitor in years. While Ben Drawbaugh (EngadgetHD) and I agree on many of the particulars, we come away with different conclusions. I quite like the Moxi experience.
Is it worth $800? Probably not. But $1000 for Moxi in two rooms dramatically changes the value proposition. Which is what a bundled Moxi HD DVR and the new Moxi Mate extender will run you. I’m a fan of the hub model… Why manage multiple DVRs, when I can manage one? Unlike Digeo’s cable company offerings, this Moxi Mate has been re-engineered to utilize the home network rather than delivering video over coax. Which may be why their first cut is limited to streaming recorded shows around the home. Assuming they pull the trigger on distributed live television later this year and land an Amazon-esque VOD service or onboard Netflix, Moxi will become a very competitive offering.
Along with the Moxi Mate announcement today, Digeo has pushed a software update to existing DVRs. A traditional grid guide and switched digital video (SDV) support headline the package. At first, I rebelled against Moxi’s atypical channel guide, and the UI suffers from too many content filters which can’t be hidden, but I’ve grown to appreciate it. So the new guide, launched by double tapping the square remote button, isn’t as important to me as it once was. But it should provide comfort to newbies and traditionalists. Additionally, power users will appreciate Moxi’s PC-based DLNA streaming codec expansion today.
As most probably aren’t familiar with Moxi’s interface, I took a video (above) walking through the various guide presentations, CableCard and SDV menus, and Super Ticker. Unfortunately, I forgot to hop into the menu of recorded items which is one of the most attractive and functional screens. We’ll hit it next time.
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