Is this the XM satellite video player?

You've got to be used to it by now, but after we get past our standard disclaimer (no, we don't know that this is real, yes, this might be a photoshop, no, we're not vouching for its validity) you might be interested to happen upon XM's supposedly forthcoming satellite-broadcast video device, which happens to look dangerously like Samsung's Helix. According to OrbitCast, such a device was apparently recently shown off by XM to analysts, which would use On2's tech for video with 256kbps data streams for each of at least 20 broadcast video channels. Yes, it's all very off the record unofficial can't comment, but if asked for the official Engadget opinion, we think it's at least plausible -- just know that we find its similarity to some of those Helix press shots (especially the reflection off the antenna, for example) a little unsettling.

[Thanks, David]

[Michael Reyes @ Mar 6th 2006 2:11AM]

This I Would Get If It Supported Sirus Radio. But Still It Looks Awsome.

[veniex @ Mar 6th 2006 2:14AM]

Wow! This actually looks sweet!

[lpret @ Mar 6th 2006 2:27AM]

A couple of things make me think this is a fake. Following the link, someone points out the jagged black to the right of the right arrow. Additionally, putting the two antennas together, zoomed in in Photoshop, it's pretty obvious it's the exact same antenna.

Good idea, and something like it probably exists, but this aint it.

[Nomi @ Mar 6th 2006 2:34AM]

Very obvious fake, this is all I have to say:

http://images.betanews.com/media/413.jpg

[Kevin @ Mar 6th 2006 2:43AM]

Didn't Eric Logan say on O&A that XM had toyed with video signal, but they just don't have the bandwith among their frequencies for it to work?

[Hydrashok @ Mar 6th 2006 2:54AM]

Must be a fake. Knocked off a Samsung device for sure. I've seen that exact Ice Age shot somewhere before. And those earphones are definitely Samsung. Just looka at any Samsung mp3player ads or publicity shots. My Dad owns the white version of exactly those earphones (for a Yepp Player).

[KLIZMO @ Mar 6th 2006 4:32AM]

I know for a fact that Sirius is prepping new designs that will enable video streaming - similar to what is being claimed here. In the Sirius case, however, all I know is that an in-car module is being readied - along with partner Delphi. I can't say for sure that a mobile devices is in the offing, but I'd say theres a good chance...

tomo

[Peter @ Mar 6th 2006 6:34AM]

maybe samsung is making the player for them...

just a thought.

[Mike @ Mar 6th 2006 6:40AM]

I have never heard Eric Logan (E-Lo) comment on XM video - he would never be able to comment on that until it was released to the press.

[Mitchell Oke @ Mar 6th 2006 7:13AM]

The use of the Samsung antenna is a dead giveaway that its a fake. Its so obvious that the reflection is the same on the two devices. Besides that, the copying of the UI and buttons just makes it more implausible.

[steve @ Mar 6th 2006 7:31AM]

Satellite radio has a limited number of channels due to the available bandwidth. How many channels get eliminated and/or how many receive greater compression to accommodate video?

[Jake @ Mar 6th 2006 7:33AM]

Do not forget to see ON2's blog--
http://www.on2.com/on2blog/?p=28

I think this picture is fake. But it is rumored of a video/XM device that can get videos from a satellite (The rumored Ipod Killer.. even though it won't be an ipod killer if XM comes with the Ipod one day).

[ronnie @ Mar 6th 2006 8:26AM]

I like how opie and anthony have put the entire fanbase on a first name basis with Eric Logan.

I really think XM will pull of video because of that talk that they want to be an "entertainment company" although I don't know what technical obstacles that would entail.

If sirius was making the device it would probably weigh 15 pounds and have bunny ear antennaes wrapped in tin foil.

[Ken @ Mar 6th 2006 8:39AM]

I think this is it there is no reason to believe otherwise. The analyst from Bear Stearns reported that XM recently displayed the device to analysts.

It was confirmed on the ON2 conference call that XM did display for public viewing a hand held device with Video at CES in January.

XM's recent deal with WCS will provide the bandwidth necessary for about 20 channels of video. The only thing holding XM back is the Gov't approval of the deal.

This thing will blow IPODs and MP3 players away because you won't need to download your entertainment from your PC. Live sports and news etc.

[BobbyW @ Mar 6th 2006 10:27AM]

I'm afraid 14 might be right. (as an aapl holder)

Maybe Apple and Disney can get a bird launched.

[JN @ Mar 6th 2006 1:24PM]

that is a very very obvious fake. nothing to see here, move along...

[Andrew @ Mar 6th 2006 1:55PM]

If it doesn't have NFL Sunday Ticket, I could care less!

[Jake @ Mar 6th 2006 5:41PM]

" I'm afraid 14 might be right. (as an aapl holder)

Maybe Apple and Disney can get a bird launched."
Why? It would be easier if Apple would just team up with Xm. Then Apple woulnd't have to launch anything themselves.

APple has to releaize that Xm isn't their competitor and could be their friend.

[Sam @ Mar 6th 2006 6:00PM]

Video will probably never happen with XM or Sirius. I have read in the past that their FCC licences do not cover video. Also, think of all of the forces that would align to get this blocked. Cable, Satellite and network tv providers all would unite to stop this. Money talks, and they have have more than Sirius or XM, neither of which has turned a profit.

[Brad Johnson @ Mar 7th 2006 1:04PM]

This is cool stuff. Could be a whole new way for soccer mom's to play Disney channel's to the kiddies in the back of the minivan. But times are changing fast.

When XM and Sirius launched, the best mobile internet speed you could get was around 14 kbps and now it's probably 500 kbps on EVDO cell phones. Doesn't it make sense that the wireless voice providers can overtake the satellite guys in the very near future? I can already stream XM/Sirius on my EVDO cell phone. I really think Sprint/Verizon/Cingular is going to win the race to dominance in the mobile video market.

The terrestrial wireless guys will also get you a video inside without line of sight. However, there's still a market for the satellite mobile video market like in the boonies away from interstates and in domestic aircraft where cell phone signals are too faint at altitude.

That's what it looks like to me.

[Nomi @ Jan 6th 2007 1:47PM]

Notice how Ice Age was used, similar to the Video iPod a few posts back.