Comments on: Boxee, Finally Living Up To Square Name?

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:53:22 +0000

If you’d read the post, you might have seen the AppleTV mention – and that the hardware is underpowered, incapable of handling Netflix via Boxee. I’ve spoken to their team about this on a few occasions. However, I suspect you’re just here pimping a web site.

By: Aaron Victory

Aaron Victory — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:22:33 +0000

Boxee already has a set top box. It’s called Apple-TV. Instead of investing in a full blown PC/Mac I was able to order mine already pre-installed from ***.com in less than $300. Has all the right connectors and a remote. Took minutes to set up. I just wish they release the Netflix support for ATV already.

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:08:09 +0000

Ivan, I agree they probably couldn’t work a deal directly. But if they move to DLNA/uPnP like PlayOn, they could do something. But I remember in the old Dreamcast days loading up a web browser off disc. Wouldn’t it be cool if one of these consoles gave a disc access to the network and various playback codecs. But you’re right, it’d never be approved.

And I should add that while I’ve questioned Boxee a bit the last few days I may not have done a good enough job conveying how much I dig what they’re doing in aggregating all these sources. I also like where they’re going visually – the Netflix UI is beautiful and I like how a relevant screenshot/background fills the screen when say browsing ABC Lost episodes.

By: Ivan Y

Ivan Y — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:01:55 +0000

I don’t know if a game console will ever see Boxee integration, but if I were Sony, I’d try to find some way to get Boxee on the box (doubtful that Microsoft would go for it).

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:26:57 +0000

Bruce, you raise an excellent point. (D-Link/DivX, box for reference.) And I can totally relate as a guy involved with the SlingCatcher at one point. Manufacturing and selling hardware is not a trivial or risk-free proposition. Which is why some of the survey elements are interesting – with talks of perhaps integrating Boxee functionality into an existing game console. Sort of extend Boxee like a PlayOn – but with dual interfaces?

By: Bruce

Bruce — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:55:55 +0000

I have a somewhat different take, that boxee might be better off keeping their focus on software. Having faced the challenge of marketing a media adapter type product, I know how difficult it can be to get people interested in what remains a very niche category. I think as computers get smaller and quieter, more people may in fact become more interested in having one connected to their TVs. With a decent remote, it’s a far better user experience than I’ve seen from any DMA, in my opinion.

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:54:25 +0000

Satellite support would be a bitch because the only way to access that HD content is via component outputs. Meaning they’d need IR control of satellite set-top boxes. That content is locked down, not directly accessible. If you want to record satellite without using their DVRs, you’re going to have to build your own thing – SageTV running Hauppauge’s HD PVR and controlling the sat STB. Although, a PC like that will also play your M4V and MKV stuff.

By: Scott Lewis

Scott Lewis — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:23:41 +0000

Shame – they left off my most important choice – Satellite support. They mention Cable Card, but that would be another TiVo – a product that doesn’t work with DirecTV or Dish. For me, I _NEED_ an AppleTV that supports non M4V format video such as MKV High Profile etc. I’d love one that can also record programming off a satellite.