NeoDigits Launches HD Network Media Players at DVinfo.net

Sina Basy · May 22nd, 2006, 04:35 PM

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/13456

Jeff Kilgroe · May 22nd, 2006, 10:28 PM

Well, if either one of those models will allow for streaming of the DVD being played as well as a local HD source (input via component and/or HDMI) to other players across the network, then I'll be all over these things. :)

...If not, and if they only stream what's available from the server PC, then what would be the advantage of these things (other than maybe cost) vs. placing one of the new Roku units or an XBox 360 to stream from a server? Unless it can transcode and stream a local video source and video from the disc in its drive, then this thing offers less functionality than an Xbox 360 (with the exception of 1080p support and a few other resolutions). 1080p support is somewhat moot anyway on these things if they're not going to integrate an HD-DVD or BluRay drive. I'm not going to install a 20TB RAID in my house to serve up a library of HD movies when I can buy an HD-DVD player (or PS3/BluRay player) for a couple rooms for about the same price as these Helios boxes and keep my discs in a central location. Maybe I'm a glass is half empty kind of guy, but based on the vague info thus far and the anticipated prices posted in the blogs and forums, I fail to see just what the market appeal of these units is.

May 22nd, 2006, 04:35 PM	#1
Sina Basy Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 37	NeoDigits Launches HD Network Media Players http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/13456

May 22nd, 2006, 10:28 PM	#2
Jeff Kilgroe Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Golden, CO Posts: 681	Well, if either one of those models will allow for streaming of the DVD being played as well as a local HD source (input via component and/or HDMI) to other players across the network, then I'll be all over these things. :) ...If not, and if they only stream what's available from the server PC, then what would be the advantage of these things (other than maybe cost) vs. placing one of the new Roku units or an XBox 360 to stream from a server? Unless it can transcode and stream a local video source and video from the disc in its drive, then this thing offers less functionality than an Xbox 360 (with the exception of 1080p support and a few other resolutions). 1080p support is somewhat moot anyway on these things if they're not going to integrate an HD-DVD or BluRay drive. I'm not going to install a 20TB RAID in my house to serve up a library of HD movies when I can buy an HD-DVD player (or PS3/BluRay player) for a couple rooms for about the same price as these Helios boxes and keep my discs in a central location. Maybe I'm a glass is half empty kind of guy, but based on the vague info thus far and the anticipated prices posted in the blogs and forums, I fail to see just what the market appeal of these units is. __________________ - Jeff Kilgroe - Applied Visual Technologies \| DarkScience - www.darkscience.com