After a few false starts, it appears XStreamHD will be launching for real in 2010. As they’ll begin accepting pre-orders shortly for an expected spring delivery. I was pretty intrigued with their product offering as first described at CES 2008. However, CES 2009 was disappointing with a zero-hour press conference cancellation — possibly related to a distribution deal or partner that fell through. This year, they’ve got working units along with a more concrete description of what the current XStreamHD incarnation provides.
XStreamHD consists of a central HD Media Server unit, starting with 1TB of storage, at least one HD Media Receiver for each TV you want to wire up, and an RF remote control. XStreamHD pre-fetches à la carte video-on-demand content (think Moviebeam, RIP) via satellite… which doesn’t seem overly efficient or cost effective (for them) given the vast number of broadband CDNs out there. The device also enables you to tune and record ATSC over-the-air (OTA) HDTV via three tuners. In addition the the HD Media Receiver, DLNA capable devices will also be able pull video from the HD Media Server. I found the UI modern and pleasant consisting nice graphics and transitions.
It’s an interesting solution for folks who’ve given up on satellite or cable. But, while $399 isn’t a horrible deal for a networked DVR with VOD, they’re also going to hit folks with a monthly fee (which wasn’t disclosed) for service, guide data, and VoIP calling to fellow customers (VoIP, but why?). Given how things have played out thus far, I don’t know if they can pull it off without a big name partner.
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