Niveus' Network Virtualization Technology makes DVD streaming "legal"

Today Niveus announces their Network Virtualization Technology enabling what Niveus claims to be "legal" DVD playback across a home network. The problem with existing solutions like er, VLC for example is that they strip the CSS encryption which is a big no-no for the studios, dig? Niveus' proprietary technology allows you to stream the DVDs hosted in your Niveus Ice Vault 200 (pictured) disc changer to any Niveus Media Center in the house -- CSS encryption intact. But then if you can afford Niveus hardware you're not likely to be much of a digital pirate anyway are ya big spender?

[kbnguy @ Jan 3rd 2006 8:00PM]

$2499.00!!

Ouch! that I can live without.

I rather go for the whole system here:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=533MyVb8hkrMehVH-k_Gwhny43XZ4jy4xjk=?CategoryName=cpu_DigitalLivingSystem&Dept=computers

[Barnaby Claydon @ Jan 3rd 2006 8:15PM]

Ok, what everyone has to remember is that the User Interface of whatever is presenting you with your 1,000 DVD library has to not just be good, but has to be GREAT. The only GREAT interface I've found is from http://www.kaleidascape.com/ but sadly that's only inside their $20k media server. :( In looking at the Niveus and Escient screenshots, they look like rejected 80s MTV visuals... Although not much better, I am very happy with (as bleze mentioned) Xbox running Xbox Media Center. I have my 2TB library ripped to my file-server and the XBMC software is by far the most friendly for access. However, even this isn't a match to the Kaleidascape UIs. Frankly, I've settled for writing my own interface in Flex (www.macromedia.com). Not sure when I'll get it finished, but it'll definitely be free when it's done. :) Just thought I'd add my thoughts and remind people that a 1,000 DVD library is really pretty unfriendly when you can only see ~9 covers on screen at a time... Oh and the Sony XL-1 Digital Living System (as MikeM referenced) does look quite impressive, but is still bound by the Microsoft MCE2005 limitations. Sony did have some UI screenshots of a different media server but I can't seem to locate them right now - more on that later.

[Scott @ Jan 3rd 2006 10:59PM]

You guys should check out iMuse's systems at www.imuse.us. Great interface and great capabilities, and it's NOT running Windows Media Center (which is bad for a multi-thousand dollar A/V device.

[Larry @ Jan 4th 2006 8:03AM]

Imuse systems are running Meedio, and they lack several of the features Niveus and other Microsoft Media Centers currently offer. Additionally, their DVD ripping feature is most likely illegal as it breaks CSS.