DivX’s Apple TV, but smarter
Posted on Aug 23, 07 11:59 AM PDT
We were lucky to be invited to DivX technology demo driven by DivX co-founder Jérôme Rota. The prototype presented was an efficient, low-cost, networked media player running at 720p resolution. The box itself was just an example of what manufacturers could do with the DivX platform. The interface is sleek and all and a few things caught my attention:
The media player needs to be networked to a computer and software need to be installed on that PC to communicate with the player… some of you might complain because the device should be able to talk to a DLNA network drive, but: most consumers do have a PC but they don’t have a network drive. Secondly, the device in question could eventually be sold for less than $99 within a year of production – in my opinion. That’s a lot less than the $299 Apple TV.
The user interface was quite nice. Much better than what we usually get in this type of device (think Apex, Linksys…), but the crunchy part is that all the user-interface (UI) rendering is done on the PC and sent to the player as very small DivX files! That’s a good idea that enables good graphics and UI on cheap hardware.
Finally, DivX has an API that will let users create their own plug-ins/applications to handle multimedia content or to create casual games. I don’t think that any other media player does this.
Beyond the device itself, you should keep an eye on the platform that DivX is building because it will allow smaller manufacturer to compete with established brands like Sony or Samsung who might try to develop their own software.
DivX made a technology choice that is completely opposite to Apple’s. The Apple TV is basically an entry-level computer without an OS. It has a CPU, a GPU, and a hard drive, these are generic components found in all recent computers. However, AppleTV still need to be connected to a bigger computer (to talk to iTunes).
By leveraging the fact that their device is connected to a computer, DivX shows that the same basic functionality can be built at a much cheaper price, because instead of using general-purpose hardware, it uses only stream-decoding hardware that is a lot cheaper to make.
The main issue with DivX is the lack of commercial content - which is readily available for the AppleTV. Once again, iTunes proves to be a formidable weapon for Apple. To really become mainstream, DivX needs content and I mean legal content.
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Legacy Comments
By Tony , 25/10/07 4:31 AM (CommentID #346135)
I'm waiting for a low cost video player with wifi since the release of the apple tv thing... if this 99$ with some modification(hacks) could play directly the videos on my samba nas i'll buy it for sure. Or maybe i'll buy 2 o 3 of them...
By Matt , 21/10/07 9:48 PM (CommentID #342266)
>>Would it support Internet Radio?
Yes
>>Browsing?
Not as of yet, but perhaps via plugins.
>>Anything other than streaming DivX?
Newest software transcodes most MPEG-4, and QT.
Plays WMV, WMA, MP3, AVI, and JPEGS.
Support Divx's Stage6, Youtube, and streaming stations.
Wireless and wired set-top box with optical and coaxial digital outs. 720p, 1080i output via HDMI and SCART--> component.
Also has analog audio out (RCA), S-Video, RCA video out.
By Hubert , 17/10/07 9:03 AM (CommentID #337384)
aspd, this is a reference design that DivX will license to actual manufacturers, so it's hard to tell when products will show up - I've been told by Q4 07, Q1 08, but I have not seen any announcement yet.
By aspd , 17/10/07 5:27 AM (CommentID #337229)
When is this going to be available?
Would it support Internet Radio? Browsing? Anything other than streaming DivX?
Also, I suppose this is a Wireless set-top box a la pinnacle show center?
This guy that goes to the DivX presentation didn't get any other useful information about this device? what is the point of posting about it without any real information.
By Wayne , 16/10/07 6:17 PM (CommentID #336662)
Pickup an original Xbox for $50, a mod chip for $40 and XBMC for free. Best media center for the money!
By Neilios , 16/10/07 5:41 PM (CommentID #336639)
I'm sorry, but the key is in this quote: "The box itself was just an example of what manufacturers could do with the DivX platform. "
This isn't a device for sale, nor is a prototype for a device that they intend to sell.
Given that, the $100 price estimate is total baloney. It "could eventually" cost $100, sure, and the Apple TV "could eventually" cost $50. Eventually.
By Hubert , 23/08/07 10:04 AM (CommentID #279494)
Hi JP, I suspect that the box would cost between $100 and $200 when it launches, but would quickly come down under $99. That's my own guess, and we'll see if I was right or not.
By JP , 23/08/07 3:56 AM (CommentID #279270)
I currently run a D-Link DSM-320 which is not bad but I agree the U/I is weak and since it's an older model, the encryption is only WEP (went Ethernet over Powerline). If DivX could release this box for 99$ and has more "modern" security features, I'd eBay my DSM-320 and switch today.
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