Video

Neuros LINK Unboxed & Setup

A loaner Neuros LINK ($300) arrived earlier today, and for once I forgive the UPS guy for not hiking up four flights of stairs to make a delivery… The unit is essentially a full-on computer, with the total kit weighing in at about 15lbs.

During the early phase of alpha testing, the Ubuntu Linux system is booting off a 4GB USB stick. The primary function of Neuros LINK is to organize and access web-based video, such as Hulu or Amazon OnDemand. And similar to ZvBox, the main launchpad is essentially a Firefox web browser. While Zv provides a customized build, the Neuros LINK interface is the standard browser running in full screen mode displaying Neuros’ customized site/experience. I haven’t found or tested the browsing functionality yet, but the automatic word complete suggestions via the web search feature is quite nice. I had no problems locating Hulu content and playing it back full screen – both audio and video passed fine from PC to HDTV over HDMI. When not streaming from the web, Linux media center software MythTV is also installed (!) for local and network media playback. I’ll be looking at this unit for a few weeks and providing feedback to the Neuros team, so it’s safe to assume I’ll have more to blog as well. Stay tuned.

11 pictures follow:

Read more

Joost Not Dead Yet, Lands on iPhone

During my Dublin vacation, I caught wind of the new iPhone Joost client via Twitter. Putting the hotel’s complimentary Internet connectivity to good use, I immediately downloaded the WiFi-only app. Joost’s content selection, while in Europe, was pretty sparse… especially in regards to what I’d call premium video. (Axl Rose riding an airport luggage carousel … Read more

SageTV Refreshes Extender Hardware

If you’re one of the many SageTV users waiting for the return of SageTV HD Extenders, your wait is now over this CyberMonday. The SageTV store has the new version of the HD100, known as the SageTV HD Theater (HD200), available for $200. The smaller replacement model functions just like the former $200 HD100 extenders … Read more

Blockbuster OnDemand Unboxing & Setup

So much for a day of vacation recovery… UPS just arrived with the new Blockbuster OnDemand movie rental box, by 2Wire. If you recall, $99 gets you the box and 25 video rental credits. Once those have been consumed, content begins at $1.99 a pop.

Packaging is Blockbuster branded, though there’s absolutely no mention of “Blockbuster” on the 2Wire MediaPoint unit. (Then again, the competing Roku box is also devoid of “Netflix” branding.) The AppleTV-shaped hardware feels somewhat plasticy, but it’s more attractive and has more personality than the Roku box.

Setup didn’t start so smoothly when the 2Wire box just hung (repeatedly) when using an Ethernet connection. However, I was successful going wireless by punching in my SSID and WPA2 security key. Once connected, I was prompted to set my television resolution and link to a Blockbuster web account – where I provided my billing info. The remote control works fine and the interface is pretty straight forward, though some screens fill in slower than I’d like. Unlike the Netflix streaming experience, Blockbuster permits you to browse their entire catalog from the couch… although they charge per rental, like typical video on demand services. Which raises the question: Why pick up this unit if you’ve got a (cable, gaming, or TiVo) box that already offers VOD?

The big surprise for me is that Blockbuster OnDemand is not purely a streaming service. Video can be played back while streaming, without transport controls, and/or once the download has completed. I assume this is why they’re beginning (?) with only “DVD quality” content, since it’s being queued up on an internal 8GB USB stick. (Which has some implications on the sort of Blu-ray players Blockbuster will support…) Speaking of storage, I haven’t yet tried inserting anything into the SD slot on the front. And while I’ve started to download the new Indiana Jones flick, I haven’t tested video playback yet. In addition to checking out the quality and playback controls, I’m curious to see how (if) the device manages storage. Stay tuned.

21 pictures follow:

Read more

Handbrake Media Converter Gets Major Update

Handbrake, my favorite media converter, has just been updated. Version 0.9.3 includes some significant improvements and features that make this a must-download, free application – for Windows, OS X, and Linux. Handbrake 0.9.3 changes include: Convert from all video types (not just DVDs) Improved video quality – uses latest H.264 encoding library improvements.  Significant picture … Read more

YouTube Now in Widescreen

YouTube has updated their standard web player from the 4:3 aspect ratio to a widescreen format. (All 4:3 videos display vertical black bars on the sides.) YouTube moving this direction is notable since it is the best known and most popular of the online video sites. And along with YouTube’s move towards full-length films (so … Read more

Blockbuster Launches Movie Rental Box

We’d heard Blockbuster was launching a set-top box prior to the holidays, and here we are. The Blockbuster OnDemand service is powered by 2Wire’s new MediaPoint hardware. The box is “free” … should you choose to pre-pay for 25 Internet-delivered movies at a cost of $99. Additional rentals will start at $1.99 and Blockbuster promises … Read more

Digital Media Bytes: Last100 Edition

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our friends at Last100: Steve Jobs finds time for hobby with Apple TV update The Apple TV Software Update 2.3 adds a variety of features to the company’s set-top box. Although it’s a minor update, it’s at least proof that Apple hasn’t abandoned the Apple TV completely. Zune … Read more