We're starting to think that CES might be a waste of our
time, as we're getting the lowdown on all sorts of good swag before the Big Game even begins. If you happen to be there
anyway, and strolling by booth 26,824 (helpful hint: it's between booths 26,823 and 26,825), be sure to check out
MatrixStream's 1020HD IPTV set top box that claims to be the worlds first H.264 AVC, 1080P VOD and IPTV STB (we
apologize for all the acronyms). The 1020HD can stream content DVD- or HD-quality content over any broadband connection
(including powerline), with 300 free channels and 150 free clips to be available from content partner Movie99 upon
release at the end of Q1 2006. Also included is dynamic advertising management, which delivers targeted advertising
(good) but not if it involves monitoring our viewing habits (bad). MatrixStream claims the backend allows for easy
integration of third-party IPTV provider content (complete with billing, channel, and of course digital rights
management), and also claims the 1020HD will be sold, surprise, surprise, at an "affordable" price.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dominic Cordisco @ Dec 29th 2005 3:56PM
The thing looks like a second gen mac mini.
chuck @ Dec 29th 2005 6:05PM
why the hell is "monitoring our viewing habits" - bad? a well-designed system eventually will know better what to suggest. that's the future - a personalized "tv-channel" which shows only things i personally like.
Dissent @ Dec 29th 2005 8:30PM
So, uhhh... why exactly would anyone want to buy this thing? Whats stopping me from streaming media over my broadband connection as it is...?
zverg @ Dec 29th 2005 8:47PM
#1 - If by second gen you mean larger and uglier, yes.
... someday I'll find a purpose for my Mac mini other than using it to play the music that is stored on my desktop and using the free full version of Quicken that came on it.
#2 - agreed. I would much rather see advertising that was targeted towards things I am interested in than what the typical (read fat) American is interested in (Burger King and then diet pills).
Mini owner @ Dec 30th 2005 10:48AM
Ok so this thing is basicly a cable box that use's your broadband (cable modem) connection to deliver TV.
What is the point exactly then?
My digital cable box is already a HDTV/Digital/Analog receiver and received over 300 channels.
So how much are those $300 free chanels going to cost?