Looks like we were right about
DivX developing some hardware: say hi to the DivX GejBox (no, we're not spelling that GejBox;-), sorry guys). Basically this thing is a media streaming beta box to test out DivX's new connected hardware platform initiative, so it's safe to say that while a select few beta testers will get to play around with a GejBox, this device will most likely never make it to market -- at least not in its current form. (DivX is really trying to get harware-makers to pick up their platform, we don't think they want to be in the box business.) Still, it does have some interesting features, like S/PDIF, and HDMI, and because the platform is intended to be incredibly extensible, not only do you have the requisite home network video / picture / audio streaming, but it's also got support for live DivX Stage 6 high-def internet video streaming, and even a Google Video plugin not too different from the
YouTube Apple TV plugin we saw
debuted at D. Check out the pictures!
I don't see component on there anywhere. And what is the point of composite anymore? Is this 1991? Get a new TV, people. And what advantage does this have over a Media Center PC?
Now let me think....
...where have i seen that User Interface before?
That's right...
http://www.apple.com/appletv/sync.html
The TV was taking composite input, but it may use a propritary output to composite -- that large black cable-connector. Either way, changed up the wording a bit.
whatever happened to the sling catcher? They announced it in Jan for a June release but then nobody ever talked about it again. Engadget should give us an update.
Advantage: It's cheaper.
1.) Normal people, and those in the low middle-income class and lower cannot afford new T.V.s that support HDTV, component, and/or HDMI input. Not everyone is made of money.
2.) Yes, that interface definitely is a ripoff of Apple TV. The menu, instead, is on the left, not the right. The structure and style mimics it as well.
3.) This is a nice competitive alternative to Apple TV, however. It would be nice though if this an actual product ready for mass-market.
@xkvocal
Stop being an ass. There are plenty of media center apps that have a similar menu system that were out way before Apple. Hell, I had been using distantDVD (http://distantdvd.com/screenshots.php) on my mac mini long before the AppleTV was even announced.
component is provided via the scart cable (the big black one) similar to this picture:
http://www.cinewave.com.au/CCM-SCART.jpg
I'm with the folks who think Composite's handy. You have HDMI for your Plasma & composite for when you want to hook it up @ Grandma's. Everybody wins. It's the intermediate outputs like S-Video that I question the usefulness of. btw, is that a SCART cable?
As for the usefulness of the box, I for one would find it handier than burning DivX content to rewritable DVD or CD just to play on my set top box.
i love how it has ;) in the name
So how do you pronounce that?
"Wink"?
GayBox
In Polish it actually does mean GayBox :)
In Polish it actually does mean GayBox :)
In many languages this would be pronounced as GayBox, well, at least all Slavic, even Nordic that I know...
Ohhhh, I get it. Gej was the original haxor who developed the original DivX codec called DivX;-)
OMG, dats so l33t!
Anyway, stupid name but yes the Apple TV is a cool idea.
this is hot... I'd buy 3 of these.
anyone know a decently affordable alternative to the AppleTV since this isn't out yet?
I know an HTPC could do anything but I really just need the wireless streaming media from my desktop preferably in HD
The best (even much better) alternatives to Apple TV are: Kiss DP-1600, Dvico, Netgear and more.
Those have the advantage of playing back HD resolution Mpeg4, Mpeg2, H264, DivX, XviD and more. As well as full Upnp compatible for sharing files from NAS or your computer on your local network.
But none have great VOD support as far as I know, but this will come very soon from all those companies I am sure. One thing that is for sure is that Apple TV sucks compared to those existing solutions. KiSS DP-500 has been on the market for like more than 4 years and is in itself much better than the SD resolution Apple TV.
The BIg Black cable on the back is a SCART connector - we had them here in Australia prior to HDTV and Plasma and LCD television. It is a European standard. This looks like more than a mock-up. I would say someone (oh say, DivX) is looking to sell off a good, maybe even great, idea to a "box" manufacturer to compete with other streaming boxes out there. :)
Dunno what that thing does, but it looks kind of cool.
Eh, Dvix is cool but I need support for Xvid, OGG, MKV, and subtitles. Can it do that? I'll probably stick with my XBMC.
true say about XBMC, those folks really made fools out of microsoft sony and nintendo for not releasing software of equal quality.
xvid is supported. ogg should be here soon, and MKV is a container, so that's a little more complex, even if they want to support it.
I like it more than that Apple box.
http://www.macpower.com.tw/entertainment/
Stage6 support is a real asset : it works incredibly fine and fast for all kinds of video resolutions ...
stage 6 works great on this out of the box.
Finally!! Call it a ripoff, but considering this does Divx and Xvid straight out of the box, this is _much_ better than Apple TV. Seriously. $300 to watch iTunes content? w00t for Divx.
(And I'm assuming it does Xvid since all 3 of my Divx certified DVD players plays Xvid flawlessly.)
Gee, I remember asking Divx when Stage6 came out with it if they would consider using syabas to put it on a media service portal to stream content for networked devices such as the now defunked Avel Linkplayer, so I could watch it on my HDTV. Seems they took the idea and ran in a different direction.
LJ
PS Do I get credit for the idea?
will my stock in divx finally bounce back now?
...probably not.
Haha, yeah, "Gej" is pronounced "Gay" in the Nordic languages.
"this device will most likely never make it to market -- at least not in its current form"
Obviously. Any speaker of a language where J is pronounced like Y (there are many) will think this is a GayBox ;). I first thought this was a Keepin' It Real Fake, before seeing the title! And the ;-) doesn't make it seem any less funnier.
As others have pointed out, lots of languages pronounce J like Y... Not a problem if you're keeping it in the US, I guess, but... hmm...
This will be a great add on to my home theater, i'd buy 3 of these also, IF DivX actually does think about supporting additional formats, especially Matroska (.mkv) So, that seems to be the real showstopper here...
The French restaurant around the corner serves "crap" LOL, ROFL, LMAO .... (pause) NOT [funny]...
OK,OK I had to borrow that last part from Borat, and I better mention the reference so nobody gets carried way on that one. Research, learn, expand your brains, screw generality.
BTW, pretty lame statement about the "wink", I would have expected more from you "Ry ;-)". See, looks good, doesn't it?
Does is work with mac?