Comments on: How to Do a Set-Top Box http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/ Driving Innovation Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:49:05 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Gazing into the Future of Tech | Oracle http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-9592 Gazing into the Future of Tech | Oracle Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:05:10 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-9592 [...] in point, I love my TiVos, but they’re both Series 2. So, I can’t get Netflix streamed to them, at least [...] [...] in point, I love my TiVos, but they’re both Series 2. So, I can’t get Netflix streamed to them, at least [...]

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5492 Jake Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:17:16 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5492 It will take time. I guess several years ago, you couldn't really get even two capabilities out of a single box. So, some convergence is better than none. Not to mention that oustide factors like standards (e.g. Blu-Ray) and agreements with studios to stream movies constrain the innovative technology.<br><br>Sadly, it's probably going to be a while before there's a single box to rule them all. It will take time. I guess several years ago, you couldn't really get even two capabilities out of a single box. So, some convergence is better than none. Not to mention that oustide factors like standards (e.g. Blu-Ray) and agreements with studios to stream movies constrain the innovative technology.

Sadly, it's probably going to be a while before there's a single box to rule them all.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5491 Jake Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:13:42 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5491 I think the bar is pretty low for non-TiVo boxes, but their price points are much lower. I'm not sure many new players will emerge, at least not in the current climate. I think the bar is pretty low for non-TiVo boxes, but their price points are much lower. I'm not sure many new players will emerge, at least not in the current climate.

]]> By: David Dorf http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5482 David Dorf Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:55:18 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5482 I have a ReplayTV 5000 with lifetime subscription, a Roku Netflix player, and a Oppo DVD player. I'm looking for something that will replace all three but have come up empty. The XBox will support Netflix (soon), but no Blu-Ray. The PS3 has the best Blu-ray, but no support for Netflix. I'm not sure either will provide true DVR functionality either. I suppose I could built my own, but I'm not sure how to support Netflix streaming. Roku open-sourced their code, but I doubt that includes the necessary decryption. I guess I'll keep waiting. I have a ReplayTV 5000 with lifetime subscription, a Roku Netflix player, and a Oppo DVD player. I'm looking for something that will replace all three but have come up empty. The XBox will support Netflix (soon), but no Blu-Ray. The PS3 has the best Blu-ray, but no support for Netflix. I'm not sure either will provide true DVR functionality either. I suppose I could built my own, but I'm not sure how to support Netflix streaming. Roku open-sourced their code, but I doubt that includes the necessary decryption. I guess I'll keep waiting.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5467 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:47:03 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5467 Wow, that's pretty hardcore geeking. I have to say you lost me somewhere "add a dual-tuner card". I may give this a try soon, when my wife finally admits that our deskop from 2000 has finally seen it's EOL. Would be great as a DVR because I added a ton of extra, internal disk space.<br><br>Thanks for the knowledge. Wow, that's pretty hardcore geeking. I have to say you lost me somewhere “add a dual-tuner card”. I may give this a try soon, when my wife finally admits that our deskop from 2000 has finally seen it's EOL. Would be great as a DVR because I added a ton of extra, internal disk space.

Thanks for the knowledge.

]]> By: Jim http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5466 Jim Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:25:47 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5466 Been using Snapstream's BeyondTV product for about 5 years or so, and very happy with it. Until the "digital revoultion" I used to recycle old Pentium3's into DVRs, just add a dual-tuner card and software (bundles can be had for $100-150) and you're all set. No monthly fees, either. Only PIA is the lack of an integrated DVD software, but other than that it's great, and both my wife and even my mother-in-law are very happy with the interface. <br><br>With HD, it's still great, but you need a bit more gear (QAM-capable tuners and bigger HD) but the quality is stellar. The new version of BTV even has Streaming and Placeshifting built-in for free (like Slingbox), and you can easily connect other TVs in the house to playback from the main server. <br><br>Unlike a dedicated box, the you can also use the PC to play your MP3 collection and/or online radio stations. Also unlike a dedicated box, you can easily get your recodings OFF the box and onto DVD, your laptop, or even use the integrated iPod transcoding/podcasting to push them to your pocket. And you can easily add hard drive space...or extra tuners (I have 4)...<br><br>If you're really adventurous, SageTV makes a very similar product - the UI is not as pretty, but they have a great developer community with tons of plugins. Or there's always MythTV if it absolutely has to be Linux. Been using Snapstream's BeyondTV product for about 5 years or so, and very happy with it. Until the “digital revoultion” I used to recycle old Pentium3's into DVRs, just add a dual-tuner card and software (bundles can be had for $100-150) and you're all set. No monthly fees, either. Only PIA is the lack of an integrated DVD software, but other than that it's great, and both my wife and even my mother-in-law are very happy with the interface.

With HD, it's still great, but you need a bit more gear (QAM-capable tuners and bigger HD) but the quality is stellar. The new version of BTV even has Streaming and Placeshifting built-in for free (like Slingbox), and you can easily connect other TVs in the house to playback from the main server.

Unlike a dedicated box, the you can also use the PC to play your MP3 collection and/or online radio stations. Also unlike a dedicated box, you can easily get your recodings OFF the box and onto DVD, your laptop, or even use the integrated iPod transcoding/podcasting to push them to your pocket. And you can easily add hard drive space…or extra tuners (I have 4)…

If you're really adventurous, SageTV makes a very similar product – the UI is not as pretty, but they have a great developer community with tons of plugins. Or there's always MythTV if it absolutely has to be Linux.

]]> By: wrecks http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5465 wrecks Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:16:58 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5465 You should definitely move to HD. Just like Tivo, once you try it, you wont' watch anything else. I'm a total HD snob now. You should definitely move to HD. Just like Tivo, once you try it, you wont' watch anything else. I'm a total HD snob now.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5464 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:02:58 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5464 Ah, you're right. I hadn't heard of that. Then again, I don't run Windows anymore, so it's moot for me. Ah, you're right. I hadn't heard of that. Then again, I don't run Windows anymore, so it's moot for me.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5463 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:00:21 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5463 I know that's exactly what I did to my wife. I was out of town at a friends, and we decided to mess with her. I called her later and asked about the TV. She said it was doing weird stuff, but I didn't get the freak-out I was hoping to get. Oh well. I know that's exactly what I did to my wife. I was out of town at a friends, and we decided to mess with her. I called her later and asked about the TV. She said it was doing weird stuff, but I didn't get the freak-out I was hoping to get. Oh well.

]]> By: wrecks http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5462 wrecks Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:39:41 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5462 The Slingbox and Tivo are on a TV that we don't watch much. It's mainly got the kid's programs, so it doesn't conflict with my brother-in-law at all. The way the Slingbox controls the Tivo can be a bit creepy. If my brother-in-law changes channel on his end while I'm watching, it's as if he were standing in front of my Tivo with a Tivo remote in his hand. The Slingbox and Tivo are on a TV that we don't watch much. It's mainly got the kid's programs, so it doesn't conflict with my brother-in-law at all. The way the Slingbox controls the Tivo can be a bit creepy. If my brother-in-law changes channel on his end while I'm watching, it's as if he were standing in front of my Tivo with a Tivo remote in his hand.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5461 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:29:18 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5461 I wonder if TiVo can continue to compete with that cable/satellite model. They do have name recognition in the vernacular, e.g. tivoing a show, but still it seems like an uphill battle. I wonder if TiVo can continue to compete with that cable/satellite model. They do have name recognition in the vernacular, e.g. tivoing a show, but still it seems like an uphill battle.

]]> By: wrecks http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5460 wrecks Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:29:03 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5460 I think there are two different pieces of software we're talking about. There's the free one that allows your PC to talk to your Tivo hardware. The other one I'm talking about turns your PC into a DVR using the Tivo interface. That one is $99 alone (assumes you have a TV tuner card for your PC), or $199 with Nero's TV tuner hardware for your PC. See <a href="http://www.nero.com/enu/store-liquidtv.html">http://www.nero.com/enu/store-liquidtv.html</a> I think there are two different pieces of software we're talking about. There's the free one that allows your PC to talk to your Tivo hardware. The other one I'm talking about turns your PC into a DVR using the Tivo interface. That one is $99 alone (assumes you have a TV tuner card for your PC), or $199 with Nero's TV tuner hardware for your PC. See http://www.nero.com/enu/store-liquidtv.html

]]> By: JustinKestelyn http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5459 JustinKestelyn Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:45:57 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5459 I still have my Tivo box, haven't re-purposed it yet.<br><br>I could have stuck with Tivo HD but the new box would have been $300 or so, whereas the DirecTV box was free. I still have my Tivo box, haven't re-purposed it yet.

I could have stuck with Tivo HD but the new box would have been $300 or so, whereas the DirecTV box was free.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5458 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:40:00 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5458 Spoken like a true TiVo lover. I'm with you on all points, and as I mention above, I wish I'd jumped on the lifetime service transfer to the HD box last year.<br><br>Your point about the best invention of the last 20 years is interesting. Might have to put that to a vote. <br><br>Ha, WebVan reference, very nice. TiVo was on shaky ground for a while there, but I think they'll make it, possibly acquisition bait. They've proven the DVR market and still are ahead of the curve. Spoken like a true TiVo lover. I'm with you on all points, and as I mention above, I wish I'd jumped on the lifetime service transfer to the HD box last year.

Your point about the best invention of the last 20 years is interesting. Might have to put that to a vote.

Ha, WebVan reference, very nice. TiVo was on shaky ground for a while there, but I think they'll make it, possibly acquisition bait. They've proven the DVR market and still are ahead of the curve.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5457 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:37:04 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5457 What happened to your old TiVo? You could still use it for recording non-HD shows. Or crack it open and reformat the drive and use it as a computer.<br><br>DirecTV made you move? Didn't want to try the TiVo HD? I hear it's pretty nice. What happened to your old TiVo? You could still use it for recording non-HD shows. Or crack it open and reformat the drive and use it as a computer.

DirecTV made you move? Didn't want to try the TiVo HD? I hear it's pretty nice.

]]> By: piontekdd http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5456 piontekdd Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:35:46 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5456 the PC Software (Tivo Desktop) is free. What you had to originally pay for was the plug-in for Sonic to burn content to DVD. I believe there is now a regular add-on to Tivo Desktop called Tivo Desktop Plus (<a href="http://www.tivo.com/mytivo/whatsnew/tivodesktop/index.html?WT.ac=mytivohomecarousel_desktop_desktopdet_link">http://www.tivo.com/mytivo/whatsnew/tivodesktop...</a>) that gives some additional functionality:<br> * Transfer compatible web videos to your TiVo DVR for viewing on your TV<br> * Convert shows for playback on your iPod, PSP, or other compatible device the PC Software (Tivo Desktop) is free. What you had to originally pay for was the plug-in for Sonic to burn content to DVD. I believe there is now a regular add-on to Tivo Desktop called Tivo Desktop Plus (http://www.tivo.com/mytivo/whatsnew/tivodesktop...) that gives some additional functionality:
* Transfer compatible web videos to your TiVo DVR for viewing on your TV
* Convert shows for playback on your iPod, PSP, or other compatible device

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5455 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:35:09 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5455 Yeah, the second Series 2 I bought has an internal splitter, unlike its early siblings (e.g. my other Series 2), but surprise, DirecTV wasn't supported. So, I can record 2 shows at once, with 2 TiVos. I may invest time to see if that's been fixed, but meh.<br><br>I've also held off on HD, if only because the technology is moving too fast for me. Yeah, the second Series 2 I bought has an internal splitter, unlike its early siblings (e.g. my other Series 2), but surprise, DirecTV wasn't supported. So, I can record 2 shows at once, with 2 TiVos. I may invest time to see if that's been fixed, but meh.

I've also held off on HD, if only because the technology is moving too fast for me.

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5454 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:31:52 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5454 TiVo charges for that PC software? I tried it years ago, and it was free. And disappointing. I hope they spruced it up before charging for it.<br><br>The last TiVo I bought maxed out at 3 year's subscription, which will be up soon. I hope they'll allow me to re-up into the lifetime version.<br><br>I suppose you're not awake when your brother watches your TV, or do you have the Slingbox on a TV you don't watch much? During the short time I had mine functional, I scared the crap out of my wife by fiddling with the TV while she was watching. Fun for me ;) I may hook it back up, especially now that my networked Series 2 boxes can dependably see each other, allowing recording transfer. TiVo charges for that PC software? I tried it years ago, and it was free. And disappointing. I hope they spruced it up before charging for it.

The last TiVo I bought maxed out at 3 year's subscription, which will be up soon. I hope they'll allow me to re-up into the lifetime version.

I suppose you're not awake when your brother watches your TV, or do you have the Slingbox on a TV you don't watch much? During the short time I had mine functional, I scared the crap out of my wife by fiddling with the TV while she was watching. Fun for me ;) I may hook it back up, especially now that my networked Series 2 boxes can dependably see each other, allowing recording transfer.

]]> By: piontekdd http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5453 piontekdd Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:30:13 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5453 My brain was sputtering this morning. The HD DVR in question was called the Moxi (<a href="http://www.moxi.com/">http://www.moxi.com/</a>) . I really liked the UI and most of the features. It got to be a bit sluggish though, over time, and again, hardware issues:<br><a href="http://www.moxi.com/">http://www.moxi.com/</a><br><br>I think you'll see more innovation and quicker adoption in this space as the TV/Video content battle heats up between the Telco's and cable companies (and I'm hoping new players come into the mix with IP-based solutions not tied to either). My brain was sputtering this morning. The HD DVR in question was called the Moxi (http://www.moxi.com/) . I really liked the UI and most of the features. It got to be a bit sluggish though, over time, and again, hardware issues:
http://www.moxi.com/

I think you'll see more innovation and quicker adoption in this space as the TV/Video content battle heats up between the Telco's and cable companies (and I'm hoping new players come into the mix with IP-based solutions not tied to either).

]]> By: Jake http://theappslab.com/2008/11/17/how-to-do-a-set-top-box/comment-page-1/#comment-5452 Jake Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:27:01 +0000 http://theappslab.com/?p=1817#comment-5452 That's surprising to me. Every cable DVR I've seen has a janky version of TiVo's UI on it. They haven't done much to improve it, but then again, I only have a handful of ERs that I'd like to see. That's surprising to me. Every cable DVR I've seen has a janky version of TiVo's UI on it. They haven't done much to improve it, but then again, I only have a handful of ERs that I'd like to see.

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