Comments on: D-Link DivX Extender Brings the Flash (!)

By: Glenn

Glenn — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:02:39 +0000

Ivan,

Yeah, I’ve been wondering how useful a real Home Theatre PC would be myself. Maybe one of the new Dell Studio Hybrids running VMC and that diNovo keyboard/mouse.

So what would I use it for? Watching YouTube I can already do with my AppleTV. Ditto various video Podcasts.

I would use it periodically for Hulu, just to catch up. But if the quality is marginal as Dave suggests when blown up on a big screen… might be easier just to buy the occasional episode from Apple or Amazon Unbox on the Tivo…

What about web surfing? Can I realistically do any web surfing from the couch? Even with a big 1920×1080p display, I’m not sure it would really work. Any comment?

By: Todd

Todd — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:33:55 +0000

“…the biggest limitation is that many of these sites don’t provide or expose keyboard controls which could be mapped to the D-Link remote. As in: I sure wish I could pause or rewind content.”

API tools to make fast forward, pause, etc work on the remote control ( plain old Javascript ):

http://code.google.com/apis/youtube/getting_started.html#player_apis

By: Ivan Y

Ivan Y — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:52:07 +0000

SlingCatcher is like a chupacabra — I keep hearing about it and seeing pictures, but no one has proved that it’s real yet

Aside from PCH, Sage HD Extender looks good (and has Netflix support).

Another, more expensive, solution would be just to buy or build a miniPC-based HTPC. Mine’s two generations old (1.5 yrs), but runs Vista Ultimate and has no problems keeping with up 720p and 1080p MKVs using CoreAVC + CCCP. Do have to turn off advanced processing in CoreAVC, but new Montevina-based systems should be fine –
http://usa.aopen.com/products_detail.aspx?Auno=2661

Combined with myTV (http://mytv.senseitweb.com/) plug-in for VMC and Logitech diNovo Mini keyboard, it’s a nice system. Typing from it right now

By: Damian P

Damian P — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:03:56 +0000

Good to hear, my sister and brother in law went to UM, my brother in law played on their football team. He came out to visit last weekend and we hit the bar to see the UD vs UM matchup (I am a U of Delaware grad). Good game, wish the result was different!!!

Once again, thanks for for the response. I like the idea of the Zvbox, but reviews haven’t been all that great, so think I may wait on the sidelines until some of the bugs are worked out. Slingcatcher is “supposedly” due out by the end of 2008, correct? That would probably serve as a good comparison (price and performance)

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:45:29 +0000

No one’s hit that holy grail, God-box level yet…

Given your broad codec requirements and minimal interest in streaming web video, I wonder if you should take a look at the Popcorn Hour products? I’ve only played with one a few hours and like most extenders had it’s share of quirks and format hiccups, but the official codec lineup is extensive and the price is reasonable.

(Yep, Terp fan and UM graduate. Was a football season ticket holder for many years too, but now I watch on the big screen from the comfort of my living room.)

By: Damian P

Damian P — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:26:58 +0000

Dave – thanks for the response. Really, I am just looking to stream my videos, pics, and music to my tvs from my PC (particularly my son’s Disney collection). I don’t do a lot of internet watching (i.e. Hulu, etc…) so that isn’t of big priority. Wide codec support is important, as my Hi Def videos are either mkv or mp4 (h.264). I have an Xbox360, PS3, and Apple TV, so the codec support is really what bothers me on these devices. Really, what I am willing to spend is based on the expectations of the device. For instance, I would be willing to spend $200 on a PCH knowing the wide codec support, but somewhat choppy interface and quirks. The higher the $$$, the more the device had better hit a home run. So using the ZvBox which is probably at the high end dollarwise, in my mind it had better do everything it says without fault. Maybe I am just looking for the holy grail right now, which we are getting closer, but aren’t quite there yet..

Noticed at the bottom of your site it says “Go Terps”. Maryland fan???

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:08:56 +0000

I think it comes down to what you want to watch, Damain. And how much you’re willing to spend. What’s your goal? Maybe I can give you better advice…

I’m also playing with ZvBox today. Unlike D-Link, it scrapes everything. Hulu is a better experience on Zv than on D-Link, but the DivX software is in beta. Zv plays Netflix content, whereas D-Link doesn’t. And I might add the Netflix stuff is very watchable on the plasma (it’s higher res than Hulu or YouTube). Of course, the SlingCatcher is also in the pipeline which does screenscraping – though I think most control is initiated at the PC, whereas Zv has the two-way remote with mouse pad. Given some of the reviews, I wasn’t expecting much – but it’s decent and they tell me it’ll have a faster response with their next software update, maybe in Oct.

By: Damian P

Damian P — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:50:37 +0000

As you mentioned, it is too early to declare a winner, but in your opinion and experience who are the front runners? Thanks Dave