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MovieSet-top-box posts

Roku XR adds 802.11n, USB port and a longing for something more

by Darren Murph posted Oct 19th 2009 at 2:37PM


Hard though it may be to believe, the Roku has been rockin' the lives of Netflix fanatics for nearly 1.5 years, and if you were thinking an updated version was in order, you'd be on the right train of thought. Images delivered to us today prove that a refreshed iteration is on the horizon, with the Roku XR (model number N1101) retaining the same overall look and feel as the original but adding in niceties like 802.11n wireless support, a USB socket (presumably for loading up media locally) and a 2.5A power input (as opposed to 1.5A). You can also see that the dedicated reset button has been yanked and the bundled remote is exactly the same; in fact, we're told that the old remote controls the Roku XR sans issue. There's no word yet on a price or release date, but we're guessing we'll know significantly more prior to Christmas. Oh, and yeah -- you're not the only one thinking this is quite the underwhelming update, but hey, maybe it'll street for $9.99.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Gallery: Roku XR adds 802.11n, USB port and a longing for something more

VUDU first on-demand service to sell HD and HDX movies

by Darren Murph posted Feb 24th 2009 at 12:01AM


VUDU made some pretty big waves with its Blu-ray-rivaling HDX downloadable format, and now it's pushing the envelope once again by becoming the first on-demand service to actually sell (as in, for keeps... on your box, anyway) HD and HDX movies. Starting today, all VUDU owners can browse a growing library of for-sale high-definition flicks, and it should be noted that both HD and HDX titles will sport the same price tags (between $13.99 and $23.99). Initially, only around 50 films will be available, all of which are from top independent studios. Magnolia Picture's Man on Wire, which just so happened to take home an Oscar this year, is in that group of 50 along with FirstLook Studios' Transsiberian and War, Inc.. Better still, VUDU intends to make future releases available for purchase day-and-date with the DVD release, and we can only hope that major studios get with the program and follow suit. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading VUDU first on-demand service to sell HD and HDX movies

Apple TV survey checks into user habits

by Darren Murph posted Feb 15th 2009 at 8:25PM


Apple may say that its Apple TV is just a hobby, but we know better. A recent survey for Apple TV users took a deep look at all activities users engaged in, and potentially more important, at which activities they didn't engage in. With the recent surge in interest in digital downloads, Apple has to be considering how it could exploit its box to take advantage of newfound interest, but that would likely require it to open its traditionally locked doors and allow other applications to ride shotgun. We already know that many users add extra capabilities not sanctioned by Apple, but boy, can you imagine the marketing on this thing if boxee, HD Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand were natively supported? We can dream, can't we?

VUDU permanently cuts retail price of movie set-top-box in half

by Darren Murph posted Feb 9th 2009 at 7:08PM Breaking News


We had a sinking feeling those promotional prices over the holidays wouldn't stick once Santa had done his duties, but rather than ratcheting price tags back up entirely, it has decided to permanently reduce the retail price on its standard VUDU movie set-top-box by half. As of now, prospective buyers can snag a box for $149 (down from $299), while the more capacious VUDU XL is dropping from $999 to $499 (and that'll include a gratis home theater connectivity software package). Also of note, the rack-mountable VUDU XL2 is stooping from $1,299 to $799 for those who prefer that form factor. So, these stickers low enough for you? Or are you really planning to wait 'til Christmas 2009 to score an even more special deal?

VUDU looks to integrate with TVs, DVD players

by Darren Murph posted Jan 27th 2009 at 3:17PM


VUDU's been doing its darnedest of late to keep up with the slew of rivals looking to steal away every piece of market share they can, and a recent report over at CEPro sheds a little light onto how the company plans to both stay afloat and take off. As with most every other outfit, VUDU has also suffered through a few rounds of layoffs. Currently, the company employs about 50, which is down from a high of around 110. Co-founder Tony Miranz seems pretty optimistic about the future, though, noting that the outfit is being "bombarded with inquiries" from potential partners. Speaking of which, he also asserted that VUDU was -- at its heart -- a software company, and thus it was currently looking to integrate its top-shelf UI and movie delivery network into HDTVs, DVD / Blu-ray players and other standalone boxes. It's tough to say how such a shift would affect the firm. On one hand, you've got CinemaNow barely breathing, while Netflix has managed to execute this plan to perfection. Go on VUDU, roll the dice -- we'll be watching.

[Thanks, Ben]

Ask Engadget HD: Is the Apple TV worth it?

by Darren Murph posted Jan 21st 2009 at 12:00PM Featured Story


The Apple TV has had some time to mature since hitting the scene years ago, and while its functionality has certainly grown, it's still one of the most low-key products to ever emerge from Cupertino. Marvin's Ask Engadget HD question is about this very product, and given that quite a few of you probably own one by now, why not take a look and contribute?

"The Apple TV seems like a pretty good choice for my living room now that HD content is available and boxee can be added on. Still, I'd be buying into a mostly proprietary ecosystem, so I'm curious if it's really the best choice for a movie set-top-box / home media server. Do your readers have any suggestions one way or the other? Is it really the best, or are there better alternatives that do most of the same tasks?"

Give it some thought and chime in below. Don't worry, we won't call you a fanboy -- promise.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Minor VUDU update automatically selects YouTube HD when available

by Darren Murph posted Jan 18th 2009 at 9:58PM


You know that nifty little "Watch in HD" option that came to YouTube a few months back for high-def content uploaded to the world's most well known video sharing portal? After a minor update to your VUDU box -- which hit the tubes this past Friday -- your movie set-top-box should now select that option automatically when viewing HD YouTube material. Hey, we told you it was minor, but satisfactory nonetheless.

Blockbuster's MediaPoint player reviewed: unsurprisingly disappointing

by Darren Murph posted Jan 16th 2009 at 8:02PM


C'mon -- you could tell from the product description that the 2Wire-built BlockBuster MediaPoint player would be a disappointment, now couldn't you? A full month and change after getting unboxed, the latest entrant in the surprisingly meaty movie set-top-box arena has been reviewed by the AP. You know things are headed south when the reviewer starts off by stating that "three similar devices he tested over the past two years were all better than the MediaPoint." In fact, he straight up called BlockBuster out for not being at least as good as units that came out years ago. What could possibly be so wrong, you ask? You can't fast-forward or reverse content until a download is complete. The on-screen interface is downright "unattractive," and it even looks blurry on HDTVs. The remote is said to be "cluttered with cryptic buttons." Oh, and the critic couldn't even figure out what content was in HD and what was in SD. We'd elaborate further, but there's really no need.

VUDU lowers barrier to entry once more to $99 even

by Darren Murph posted Jan 4th 2009 at 10:14PM


Some might say that a perpetually decreasing price tag could foreshadow certain doom. We aren't quite on that bandwagon yet, so instead, we'll simply point out that $99 out-the-door for a movie set-top-box capable of HD (and "Blu-ray rivaling" HDX) quality ain't a bad deal. VUDU's post-Christmas sale has actually ended up better than the one hosted up a few weeks back, with the previously required $50 in movie credits being removed entirely. Also of note, the VUDU + Wireless Kit is now available for just $148. So, are the new price points low enough for you, or are you waiting to see what CES might bring?

[Thanks, Ben]

Reminder: VUDU's movie set-top-box giveaway ends tomorrow!

by Darren Murph posted Jan 1st 2009 at 4:00PM Featured Story


Like it or not, most of you are about to come to terms with the fact that the next major holiday is months away. Do you really want to face that realization without a copious amount of on-demand content at your disposal? We thought not. Thus, we're giving you one final shot to register for a chance to win a VUDU movie set-top-box; if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, head on over and leave a comment. It all ends (the contest, not life as we know it... hopefully) tomorrow night (January 2nd) at 11:59PM ET.

Engadget HD Holiday Giveaway (part II): VUDU's movie set-top-box

by Darren Murph posted Dec 25th 2008 at 4:30PM Featured Story


Just as promised, we're back for round two. The Engadget HD gift bag is opening once more, and this time we've a shiny new VUDU movie set-top-box to give away. We hear that nothing warms the heart like on-demand movies, and nothing pleases the eye like on-demand movies in high-definition. Just plug this into your HDTV, attach a broadband connection and kick back by the fireplace to enjoy whatever flick your delicate soul desires. Santa's only request is that you leave a comment below to be considered in the drawing, and you know it's always best to do what Santa says.

Psst... don't forget to enter our earlier giveaway for a Slingbox PRO-HD if you haven't already!

Gallery: VUDU movie set-top-box



The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, though we'd prefer to hear what holiday film you plan on renting just as soon as this baby arrives.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) VUDU movie set-top-box. Approximate value is $299.
  • Entries can be submitted until Friday, January 2nd, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

Verismo officially launches $99 VuNow PoD with YouTube support

by Darren Murph posted Dec 23rd 2008 at 2:46PM


Just in time to snag some of that cash you're sure to have showing up right about now via greeting cards from around the world, Verismo Networks is officially launching its diminutive VuNow PoD. We've seen the device evolve quite a bit since June, but with a smorgasbord of competitors already grabbing market share left and right, we're left to wonder if this one won't be sitting on the outside looking in. The internet TV streamer hooks directly to one's TV and internet connection in order to deliver web content (YouTube, of note) to the tele. While specifics are conveniently omitted, we're told that users will have access to "a broad choice of online video content -- from movies, global Live TV channels, to user-generated content and viral videos." It's available now for $99, but can you stand yet another set-top-box beneath your flat-panel?

VUDU price dramatically slashed to $99* for the holidays

by Darren Murph posted Dec 23rd 2008 at 8:15AM


We know it's a touch late to be ordering up a gift for unwrapping on the 25th, but this one just might be worth the IOU you'll likely be forced to give. VUDU's movie set-top-box, which typically goes for $299, is now priced at just $99 for a limited time. Of course, VUDU forces you to purchase $50 in movie credits along with it (thus the asterisk being applicable here), but it's not like you're just going to buy this and never watch anything, right? There's also a bundle that includes a Wireless Kit at 50% off (now just $49), making the grand total for a VUDU, $50 in movie credits and a Wireless Kit only $198. Let's just say now is about the time to buy if you've been holding off on a VUDU -- we hear those HDX titles are mighty tasty!

[Thanks, Rob]

Roku streaming problem really a Netflix problem?

by Darren Murph posted Dec 2nd 2008 at 1:40AM


We can't say for certain that Netflix is at fault here, but it's beginning to sound like Roku isn't at all / entirely to blame for recent quality issues that have been plaguing users. For weeks now, Roku Netflix Player owners have noticed an almost universal drop in quality dots (which range from 1 to 4 in order to show quality levels), with many finding the new feeds "unwatchable." CNET recently had a talk with Tim Twerdahl, vice president of consumer products at Roku, about the issue, and according to Tim, all he knows is that "Roku didn't make any changes." Furthermore, we've seen comments in our own posts noting that other Netflix-enabled boxes are also seeing the quality drop. The worst part is that there's still no definitive solution in sight, so we suppose our only advice is to kick back and watch Netflix and Roku bicker over who's really to blame.

[Image courtesy of AeonScope, thanks Tyler]

MediaPoint Blockbuster movie set-top-box gets unboxed

by Darren Murph posted Dec 1st 2008 at 2:44PM


The 2Wire-built MediaPoint box has a long ways to go before it's widely viewed as a formidable opponent to the Roku Netflix Player, Xbox 360 or the number of Netflix-enabled Blu-ray players. That said, we're always down for a fun unboxing, and this one's coming to us courtesy of Mr. Dave Zatz. Upon firing it up, he didn't have the greatest experience with Ethernet, but things seemed to get going with WiFi. Granted, he has yet to actually enjoy any material on this here movie STB, but that's likely because he was busy hosting up a litany of photographs for your enjoyment. Speaking of, the whole gallery awaits you in the read link.




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