Yes, the system is expensive but no, the system isn't an XBOX streaming clone at a hugely unflated price. Let's get something straight. A person who isn't technically inclined isn't going to use any solution that is even remotely complicated. Anything that requires something other than take it out of the box and hook it up is going to be more complicated than quite a few people can handle. Many customers, especially older ones, can not put together a streaming solution themselves and wouldn't feel comfortable using any XBox or other similar solution. You make think that is stupid, but its 100% correct.
As such, a market for dedicated solutions that may cost more but are easier to setup and operate exists. We see this in all kinds of consumer electronics soaces where a more expensive dedicated device does what most computers can do. The problem is that the latter is usually more complicated than many can or are willing to deal with. Kaleidescape fills the void in the DVD server space and does it very well.
It's the only system that includes an end to end ripping solution that doesn't legally violate the DMCA (everyone else either doesn't include a ripper, you have to BYO, or is in violation of the DMCA). The interface is slick and yes, I've seen tons of alternatives out there including MCE, Vista MCE, various Xbox streamers, etc. It's as easy to use as Tivo is and that's hugely important for the target audience. The system includes server grade components that any IT person can tell you are more expensive than home based systems for a variety of reasons. One of those is the overnight return service for replacement parts - something that businesses pay a premium for on server equipment. Perhaps most importantly, the thing just works. It's bulletproof and is way more reliable than any other computer based system I have encountered. They are also backed up by top notch CS staff who actually know the product intimately and don't just read off of a prepared script. You should expect that for the price but as a company they actually deliver it - something that isn't always true for expensive products.
At the price it certainly isn't for everyone but it is in no way a "complete ripoff" as some people are so easy to argue.
@(Unverified) I'm not gonna call it a rip-off, is it what it is and I do not doubt the build quality or grade of components that go into your systems... however...
Your target demo are rich assholes who are dumb as fuck.
On top of that, with physical media evolving and becoming more and more disposable as each minute passes, one has to wonder who would pay this much for something that won't even be necessary within 5 years.
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Yes, the system is expensive but no, the system isn't an XBOX streaming clone at a hugely unflated price. Let's get something straight. A person who isn't technically inclined isn't going to use any solution that is even remotely complicated. Anything that requires something other than take it out of the box and hook it up is going to be more complicated than quite a few people can handle. Many customers, especially older ones, can not put together a streaming solution themselves and wouldn't feel comfortable using any XBox or other similar solution. You make think that is stupid, but its 100% correct.
As such, a market for dedicated solutions that may cost more but are easier to setup and operate exists. We see this in all kinds of consumer electronics soaces where a more expensive dedicated device does what most computers can do. The problem is that the latter is usually more complicated than many can or are willing to deal with. Kaleidescape fills the void in the DVD server space and does it very well.
It's the only system that includes an end to end ripping solution that doesn't legally violate the DMCA (everyone else either doesn't include a ripper, you have to BYO, or is in violation of the DMCA). The interface is slick and yes, I've seen tons of alternatives out there including MCE, Vista MCE, various Xbox streamers, etc. It's as easy to use as Tivo is and that's hugely important for the target audience. The system includes server grade components that any IT person can tell you are more expensive than home based systems for a variety of reasons. One of those is the overnight return service for replacement parts - something that businesses pay a premium for on server equipment. Perhaps most importantly, the thing just works. It's bulletproof and is way more reliable than any other computer based system I have encountered. They are also backed up by top notch CS staff who actually know the product intimately and don't just read off of a prepared script. You should expect that for the price but as a company they actually deliver it - something that isn't always true for expensive products.
At the price it certainly isn't for everyone but it is in no way a "complete ripoff" as some people are so easy to argue.
Jeff
@(Unverified)
I'm not gonna call it a rip-off, is it what it is and I do not doubt the build quality or grade of components that go into your systems... however...
Your target demo are rich assholes who are dumb as fuck.
On top of that, with physical media evolving and becoming more and more disposable as each minute passes, one has to wonder who would pay this much for something that won't even be necessary within 5 years.