http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/ Engadget HD Comments for 2Wire-built MediaPoint Blockbuster movie set-top-box now on sale http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/Nov 25th 2008 2:59PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/Nov 25th 2008 1:44PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/
Seems like a good deal, and the quality looks to be decent enough. If it had HD and day-and-date, I'd be sold.

TK]]>Nov 25th 2008 2:07PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/
I moved to BB about 1 year ago simply because I like the in store exchange. I'm currently a 4 movie renter - which in effect gives me about 30 movies on average per month which works out to about $1.16 per movie. In addition we get two coupons for free in store movies/games that my kids like as they get to try a bunch of games (Xbox 360). I recognize that Netflix has more selection but to be honest I don't feel constrained and my queue is about 90 movies and I am able to keep that full with new movies every Tuesday. Since my BB store is right near my food store dropping off and getting new movies is just not a big deal.

Why not?

- No HD (deal breaker)
- Only stereo sound (deal breaker, I'm not a snob but i have a decent audio system and I believe the sound is just as important as the HD)

I would expect those two items to be updated in the future and I might revisit my decision then.

I have tried all the download/streaming options (have Tivo, Xbox 360, Media Center) and I just don't see the "WOW have to have" yet - though again I believe this will all improve over time and someday I can see having some sort of "box" in my entertainment center. From my non scientific testing I believe the I Tunes is the best so far (no I'm not a fanboy and don't own an I Phone or any other Apple product - love it and hate it at the same time I'm a Win person for now).

In conclusion I'll take my BR DVD that works wonderfully on my HD TV/5.1 Audio System and wait for the WOW factor from one of these download/streaming system.
]]>Nov 25th 2008 2:13PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/
From the MediaPoint product page at 2wire.com:

"This software platform enables a fully-converged experience of Internet video and local media on the television"

I read elsewhere it supports UPnP AV and DLNA. It also has a USB port and card reader on the front.

If this could play my existing music and videos (in H.264 and DIVX format) it would be a great device. I can't find any mention to the supported audio and video formats.]]>Nov 25th 2008 5:32PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/
I'm unhappy about another set top box that is geared towards only 1 service. if this box proves to be hackable and thus much more useful, I'll change my tune. ]]>Nov 25th 2008 7:44PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/
This seems to be the one thing it has over the Netflix box. If Netflix's service was similarly buffered (and if it supported a half decent 5.1 audio codec, which neither Netflix nor Blockbuster does) I'd subscribe in an instant. ]]>Nov 25th 2008 8:28PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/11/25/2wire-built-mediapoint-blockbuster-movie-set-top-box-now-on-sale/Nov 29th 2008 11:36PM