We
first caught wind of AT&T's
Homezone service back in April -- you know, the one that combines satellite TV from Dish Network, film downloads from
MovieLink, and a DVR that can be programmed from the web -- and now the company has begun rolling out the set top boxes that make it all happen to select customers in Ohio and San Antonio. Hooking the box up to your home network not only gets you those $5 MovieLink downloads, but also allows you to stream content such as photos and music from your PC -- similar to the functionality of a networked TiVo. Future plans for Homezone include support for video-on-demand from
Akimbo as well as a high-definition version, which should put the HDMI port located on the back of current-gen boxes to better use. While the $10-a-month service does seem to offer some compelling features, it feels like somewhat of a stopgap solution until AT&T is able to introduce its
U-Verse IPTV offering in more markets; so unless you just gotta have access to downloadable flicks in your living room, you may want to hold out for the more integrated option.
[Via
Zatz Not Funny]
posted July 19th 2006 6:29PM
what's more, they were supposed to have this rolled out across their entire service areas in July and have obviously fallen a little short of that, they're only offering this to new customers, and they won't let you install in an apartment for some unknown reason. Was originally looking forward to this product, now I'm just annoyed.
I think they need a few more logos on the front.
isn't this one already hdtv capable?
there is a logo on the front bottom left that says hdtv. i dont think they would put an hdmi port for no hdtv, right?
Also, it comes with a free hidden camera and you're required to install a box in your shitter so AT&T can tell the government when you're taking a crap.
Hmm AT&T... can't trust them anymore.. they probably have a back door and log everything you watch....
Agreed Bill. You totally have to keep an eye out on them. They will track what you watch the most, and then charge you premiums 6 months later to watch your shows.
Adding HD capability to a box that has no HD content just raises the price, so why do it?
So is this just the US version of Homechoice? (http://www.homechoice.co.uk )
Pfft, like any of us Engadget readers want to sink any MORE money into our AT&T overlords. Oh, and about the box itself, it's got to be the ugliest set-top I've ever seen. Looks like some el-cheapo piece of hardware.
And when you sign up for their service your data is now their data and they clearly have now stated they can give or sell it to anyone they want to. This is more like Big Brother Zone, at Home.
Dish network is a poor mans version of DirecTV. DirecTV has better HDTV programming anyways.
Anyone know what all the different coax plugs are for? it looks like there's six of them.