February Cable Cut!

Well I did it.  As of midnight tonight, my subscription to DirecTV is canceled.  They are sending me postage paid FedEx boxes to return my DVR and HD box.  Twice I have called to cancel service and twice they have credited my account, offered free VODs, and free service to retain my business.  Today, they offered me another 3 months of service to keep me.  But this time it didn’t work.  I won’t give in and plan to push on into the Internet TV realm.

So, will Netflix, Hulu, and an over the air antenna fulfill my content needs?  Will my 25meg Internet connection supply enough bandwidth to a Wii, WD Media Hub,  2 computers, and a Samsung Blu-Ray player that does over the top TV? What does the antenna deliver?  What about Live news and Sports?  What will the kids think?  What will the Wife say?  Will the cat notice?

Stay tuned!

Western Digital TV Live Plus Review

Earlier this month, I tested the Roku box.  I like it so much I now consider it the benchmark by which I test the other Internet TV boxes and applications in the market.  So, in this review of the WD TV Live Plus, I am going to compare and contrast it with the wonderful little Roku.

Out of the Box

Packaging and size is very similar.  The TV box and remote are very similar in size and shape.  Although the WD remote has more tiny buttons that are fashioned more like a traditional remote than Roku’s more slick and clean design.  Installation instructions are included but hook up is so simple I didn’t find them necessary like all the other reviews.

Connections

The WD has two 3.5mm mini plugs which have break out cables for standard composite (yellow) and analog audio (RCA red/white) for older TVs.  The other break out cable is for component video.   Also, digital optical output and HDM are onboard.  Unfortunately, it does not have Wi-Fi built in.  A LAN connection is required.   This little guy has two USB ports on the side.  Now most boxes have one USB onboard in most cases it doesn’t do anything.  The manual many times refers to it as “future use”.  Not the WD TV Live Plus, it actually makes use of both USB connectors.  Western Digital is known for storage devices.  In fact, you very well might be operating off a WD hard drive in the computer your on right now.  Because WD is in the storage business, this box can connect with an external hard drive or thumb drive.  But why?

Networking, Storage, & Media Center

If you are a bit of a geek like me, you are going to like the WD box.  If you aren’t a geek or perhaps a closet geek, you will still will like this box.  Why?  Because most of us have collected content on our computers over years of use.  Yet, in order to view this content, we have been bound to the computer in the past.  The WD box changes all that for many of us.  It allows one to play back pictures off a digital camera, play music, or view personal home movies or commercial flicks right onto the TV.  I know I know, this isn’t new to many of you but boy oh boy this device make it so easy and it plays almost everything!  Ready for some jargon?  It plays .mp3, .mp4, divix, xvid, .vob, .flac, .avi, .mpeg, .jpeg, .tiff, .gif, .mts, .aac, .asf, .dts, .qta, .wma, .wmv, etc.  i.e. it probably plays anything on your computer that will quote “play”. 

It makes playing this content as easy plugging a thumb drive into the side or adding it to your home network as a media hub.  As it turns out, this is the single biggest difference between this box and the little Roku.  +1 WD!

User Interface

The interface is clean and sleek but is bogged down in layers.  It reminds me of the Star Trek Turbolift.   

You can go up you can go down you can go left you can go right.  Which is fine but there are several layers in each direction and is probably going to be a bit intimidating to the average person.  I have to admit, it took me a little while to find where to launch Netflix.  For those of you who actually buy this box, Netflix is on “J” deck found in cargo bay #2.

Apps

The Internet apps are listed as “Internet Media” which can be found on “L” deck shuttle bay #1.  Seriously though, the apps are pretty standard and include: accuweather, blockbuster, flickr, live 365, Netflix, Pandora, and Youtube.  The Hulu Plus application says “Coming Soon” for this box which is very exciting  to me personally.  Between Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Media Center capabilities, and adding an over the air antenna for the local stations, I might just be able to disconnect DirecTV!

Issues

Once the box is connected to the Internet you have the option of upgrading the firmware easily.  However, it seems like I get a firmware upgrade notification every 2 days or so.  It takes about 5 minutes to download and install the firmware but is becoming time consuming and I don’t notice anything that really improves my experience.  In other words, it is annoying.

No wireless out of the box is going to be a real issue for some and the menus are a bit more advanced compared to the Roku.  In the last two weeks, I have lost audio twice which rebooting the box has fixed that issue.

Summary

If you require wireless connectivity and don’t need the media center capabilities, consider the Roku instead.  But, if you want media center, Netflix, and have a wired network already, this box really rocks and retails for $99!  http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=320

As always, thanks for reading the blog.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them here I would love to hear from you.  Next up, AppleTV stay tuned…..

Roku - Internet TV made Simple, Easy, and Fun on the Cheap!

Let’s face it.  Watching TV has become more complicated over the past decade.  It doesn’t seem too long ago when there were only a few shows worth watching all of which were on the major 3 networks.  A TV wasn’t flat it was curved and worth fixing if it broke.  Today we have hundreds of channels and thousands of shows.  TV’s now have Internet capabilities and now 3D is the next ‘big thing’.  Many of us don’t watch TV in a linear fashion, we DVR and skip the commercials.  Life is good.  Most agree, watching TV is better than it used to be.

Enter Internet TV, yet another technology improvement you should consider.   I have already written about switching from DirecTV to Internet TV and testing some various hardware/software solutions to make it so.  The xbox360 and Google TV solutions have been reviewed.  In sum, both are good but unnecessarily complicated if one is only interested in doing the Internet TV basics.  The Roku box is simple to use, easy to connect, and makes Internet TV fun.  I found myself USING the Roku not fiddling with it like the Google TV or Xbox360.  After about 2 months’ worth of testing, I would like to share my findings with you:

Setup:

By far the easiest device I have ever hooked up to my home network.  Physically, plugging the connections into the back of the box and plugging it in was the most strenuous part.  If you can add a wireless printer or laptop up to the Internet, you shouldn’t have a problem.  The Roku found my wireless network, I entered the WAP key, it connected, updated, rebooted, and started up. 

Connections on the back give you the ability to hook up that old curvy CRT TV via composite and RCA jacks or your newest 55” LED TV with 3D capabilities.

Getting Started:

A TV, Roku box, and fast Internet connection are really the only minimum requirements.  However, I suggest a Netflix account and Hulu Plus especially if you plan to drop your subscription TV provider out of the mix.  Otherwise, it is like buying a car without A/C if that is even possible anymore.  Netflix and Hulu Plus are the main drivers of the usefulness of the Roku experience. 

Hulu Plus:

Most of us know about or already subscribe to Netflix.  In fact, in a recent catt.com poll 23% of you use Netflix today.  So what is Hulu Plus?  Like Netflix, Hulu Plus is a subscription based service for $7.99/mo.  Usage is unlimited but is geared towards TV shows not movies.   It gives you access to every episode of some of your favorite TV shows including the current and older seasons.  Here is a link to some of the content currently available: http://www.hulu.com/plus#content  

Other Content:

In addition to Netflix and Hulu Plus, Roku offers hundreds of free and paid subscription channels in which you can create your own program guide much like digital cable users can setup “favorite” channels within the menu.  For example, Amazon VOD, MLB.TV, Pandora, Blip.TV, Drive-in Classics, UFC, NASA, Radio Stations, News Casts, Sirius/XM, more.  http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-storeThere is literally over a 100,000 titles to choose from.

The Experience:

What is so neat about the Roku is the mix between the power of the content and simplicity of the use.  For example, there is no need to DVR anything with this box.  All content is on demand.  Having to store content on a physical hard disk is so 2005.  With a powerful Internet connection,  you access the video from the Internet cloud.  The faster the connection, the more seamless the experience.  Finally, an application that can really stress a powerful Internet connection.   Add another box in the house and you effectively double your need for speed.

The remote control is so easy to use.  It fits nicely in my hand and after using it a few days, I no longer have to look down to use it.  Solid ergonomics are built right into the hardware and software of this platform.  It is the ‘every man’s’ Internet TV box.

In Sum:

If you want simple, easy, and fun on the cheap you cannot go wrong with the little Roku.  It is a solid platform to get you started with Internet TV and starts at just $59.99 for the box.  The only down side is the media center capabilities.  If you wish to play your own music, videos, and pictures off the home network, this box isn’t for you.  Otherwise, it is perfect for the ‘newbie’ or ‘power user’ in the home.  Some of our more technical people here at RTC use and love the box.  So, just because it is simple doesn’t mean it is ‘Mickey Mouse’.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Coming soon is a review on the WD TV Live Plus and Apple TV.  Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

Google TV news

Google TV has some new features says Google:

What's New? This week we’re pushing out a noteworthy software update. Along with fixing a couple of bugs, we’ve made four big improvements that we’re really excited to share. Netflix - A totally revamped UI for Netflix on Google TV makes it easier to browse and watch movies and TV shows in Netflix’s streaming catalogue. Dual View - Watch TV and the use the web how you want, now that you can resize your screens and move them around to your liking. Remote Control App - Starting today you can use your Android phone as a TV remote. Even change the channel with your voice. Find ‘Google TV Remote’ in Android Market. Movie Results - Find the movie you want to watch in the our new movie search results page. Finds movies that are on TV, the web, Netflix, and Amazon VOD.

Google TV - Logitech - Revue Part II

In my last post I introduced Google TV via the Logitech Revue box.  Today, I will give you my impressions of the overall experience with this setup in our home as well of those of my wife and kids.

Keyboard:
The keyboard is a major 'bummer' for me.  It’s too big and cumbersome in the family room.   I keep thinking, ok when will I spill my drink on this thing,....it’s only a matter of time.  My wife won't touch it!  She doesn't even like to use the keyboard at the computer so she won't go near it on the TV.  Seriously, if it’s on one end of the couch she won't even sit near it.  But the kids, ages 6 & 9, think it magically converted our TV into unlimited access to funny animal videos off YouTube.  The only benefit I have found to the size of the keyboard is that it’s perfect for them to play tug-of-war with it.  In sum, two thumbs down.

IR vs. RF:
Infrared has been in remote controls ever since the "clicker".  It is old school technology.  The biggest drawback is line of sight.  Meaning, you must point and shoot which can get tricky at an angle depending on the power of the remote and geometry of the IR receiver on the box.  With the Logitech, it turns your entire setup into RF which is a radio frequency that has near unlimited range in the home and none of the point and shoot issues.  The A/V receiver, DirecTV DVR, and Logitech all operated off the keyboard using RF.  This came in handy when cooking in the Kitchen while viewing the Family Room TV.  In sum, two thumbs up.

Media Center:
Over the years, we have collected thousands of pieces of media which include music mp3s, home movies, DVDs backed up to Divx, and pictures from my wife's Nikon camera.  The ability of an Internet TV box to also play media on the local network is extremely important to us.  The Logitech has this ability and can see both our networked computers.  However, the "beta" software used to play the media only worked for .mp3 files and some, not all, of our pictures.  Larger full resolution .tiff files would not work at all and even simple mpeg2 or mpeg4 wouldn't play nor more compressed and HD files like .mkv would work at all.  In sum, two thumbs down but optimistic that this could work better in the future with a software upgrade.

Apps:
The majority of folks looking to buy this box will because of the apps and its ability to work in conjunction with their subscription TV service.  In my case, DirecTV.  Just for the record, this box is designed more for Dish Network than DirecTV or a cable service provider.  However, it did work but with some difficulties.  For example, I recorded a college football game.  Then did a Google search on the game and it didn't pull up the game off the DVR.  The Google search was limited to web and didn't pick up content off the DVR at all.  I also noticed it didn't search Netflix either.  It’s as if the search only goes to the web not to my subscription services like Netflix and DirecTV.  This was my understanding of how this box works and why it is so innovative.  In sum, two thumbs down.

Netflix worked fine but again I was left disappointed.  On some of the other boxes I've tested, only your instant quit would show up which means you must use your PC to find movies then jump over to the TV to watch.  With the Logitech and Google search technology I was hoping it would be the best "search" experience of the Netflix library.  Wrong, the Netflix library was "unsearchable" only the instant queue was displayed.  Even the little $69.99 Roku box lets you search movies within Netflix but this $300 box won't?  In sum, two thumbs down.

I didn't have the opportunity to test two way conferencing audio/video but there is an app for that and demonstration on the box.  This looks very cool and think some people may buy this box for that capability alone.

The Logitech has a slew of other apps including Pandora, flicker, YouTube, etc. etc.  They all work fine, enhance content, and the experience depending on your needs.  You will either love the apps or care less depending on you and what you consider "entertainment".  Some people like to watch teenagers wipe out on skateboards others could care less.  Hey, I am just saying.

Summary:
So am I keeping this box in our home?  Sorry, its going back.  It doesn't suit our needs and we still plan on cutting our DirecTV service as described in my first post.  Perhaps, if we had Dish Network, wished to keep traditional subscription TV, and the media center functions worked properly, we would change our mind.  But none of these are the case in our home.  I say all this because this box could be the one for you.  It is expensive though at $299.  Regardless of your needs, it isn't the best value.  I can find a keyboard laying around for the kids to play tug-of-war and if I spill coffee on that no biggie.

So what now?  I plan on testing and reviewing several more boxes.  Western Digital Live Hub, Roku XDS, Boxee, and Apple TV.  So stay tuned for more reviews and my humble opinions.  J

Google TV - Logitech - Revue

The newest and perhaps the most controversial Internet TV box right now is the Logitech Revue powered by Google TV.  Shortly after this solution was launched, ABC, NBC, CBS, and now Fox have blocked website access to Google TV.  This means shows like ‘The Office’ won’t work unless you are watching last season’s episodes off the Netflix application.  What is so controversial is that this can be done via other Internet TV boxes or by viewing the episodes off your Mac or PC.  So why pick on Google? 

In my humble opinion, the big networks are using this as a negotiating tactic to get Google and other enablers to pay for content but also to slow the transition from traditional cable TV to Internet TV.  Let’s face it, revenues are plentiful for content providers on the old model but not the new.  Anyone remember Napster and the recording industry battles?  Just like iTunes emerged, I am confident Google and others will emerge over time as consumer adoption increases and the new revenue models reveal themselves.

So enough speculation.  What is Google TV and this Logitech Revue all about?  Well first, the product is not designed to be just a standalone TV replacement service like the little Roku.  Google TV is designed to be a complimentary service using your existing Dish service.  Specifically, Dish Network but I’ve been testing the box with DirecTV.

Unboxing

Packaging is simple.  A power supply, set-top box, and remote.  Wait, this isn’t a remote it is a keyboard!? 

Yea it is slim, light, and minimal but it is still a ‘flippin’ keyboard.  Not sure I like this…

Hook-up

I am a believer in NOT reading the manual.  If the typical users can figure it out without instructions, the product was designed well.  If you must read the manual, you are going to lose a lot of people.  For example, Ipod, who had to read the manual?  But hey, I don’t care if we’re talking about the latest technology device or putting together a night stand from Target.  Instruction manuals shouldn’t be necessary unless you bought a 7-series BMW.  Then, its a pleasure.

I am happy to report that the Logitech Revue setup is extremely easy and user friendly.

Simply put, I plug in HDMI out from my DirecTV DVR into the Logitech Revue.  HDMI out comes out of Revue into my TV set.  Turn it on.  Following the Steps.  10 minutes later I am up and running.  It programmed my TV set, old Harman Kardon Receiver, and DirecTV STB.  My understanding is the Logitech is using their excellent Harmony remote software in this device and it definitely shows.  I am impressed with setup!  Easy, fast, and NO manual.

The Experience

The home page has a pass-thru for “Live TV” which is your entry point for traditional Dish service.  Once there, you see the familiar program guide that you know and love.  Clicking the ‘home’ button brings you back to the Google applications that includes Netflix, YouTube, Video Player, etc.

Now, I’m going to hold judgment on this box as I’ve only had it 3 days now.  I will write a more complete review on the experience in the coming weeks.  If you have specific questions or things you would like me to check into, please post a comment and let me know.  Thanks for viewing and stay tuned!

6meg vs 10meg vs 25meg Internet

Over the past 60 days, I have tested three Internet TV boxes at various RTC Internet speeds.  (6, 10, and 25 meg)  With the 25meg connection, the program guide and videos would display and stream almost instantly.  Everything felt "snappy" which fueled my need to view, search, view, search, and repeat for content.  For the most part, the roku and Xbox360 were waiting for my next move.  When content was in a HD format, I had no stutters only excellent image quality just like watching HDTV but over the Internet.

Here is the Xbox360 loading Zune movies.

At 6meg, there was an immediate difference.  Everything now felt "sluggish" which made me think more about exactly what I wished to watch in order to avoid the wait times associated with thumbing around the remote control..  If I hadn't already experienced the "snap", I would probably blame the slow down on the hardware itself.  However, I already know these devices can perform.  Indeed, the Internet speed is to blame.   Also, netflix and vudu services would no longer give me HD.  It looked more like DVD quality on the screen.

Here is the Roku box interface.

So, I had the guys at RTC turn up my connection speed to something more middle of the road.  10meg.   The "snap" is back just like before.  Also, my HD video quality is back.  10 meg seems to work just fine for over the top video.  Here's the exception:  my daughter was watching a movie on netflix, my wife was uploading pictures on facebook, and I was downloading some music online.  Suddenly, I heard my daughter yelling, "Daddy....my movie is messing up will you come fix it?"  Come to find out, all this net activity was causing a buffering issue in my daughter's movie.  So, I paused my download and it cleared up the movie situation.  But some how I was hoaxed into making home made popcorn while I was at it.  :)


In sum, if you wish to bring Internet TV to your living room, have a robust Internet connection and consider the other Internet devices in the house.  Do you need a 50 meg connection?  Probably not but I would advise something more than the minimum plan from your Internet service provider.

In my next post, I plan on posting some pictures, links, and articles so you may "see" Internet TV in action!  Stay tuned!