Comments on: Review: Zv-100 ZvBox http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/09/01/review-zv-100-zvbox/ Gadgets, gear and computer hardware. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:14:57 -0500 hourly 1 By: Andrew http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/09/01/review-zv-100-zvbox/comment-page-1/#comment-990667 Andrew Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:50:57 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/?p=38515#comment-990667 The whole point of this device is to stream HD content over coxial from your computer. Although HULU HD content looks crisp it always stutters so I watch the SD format always (I have a 10 mb pipe and a four proc box so I know it's the service and not my setup). Although you point out that there are better alternatives, it's like saying there are better alternatives to the Hummer to racing around a track, like a Honda Civic, but the Civic can't go offroad. Apples to apples man! The whole point of this device is to stream HD content over coxial from your computer. Although HULU HD content looks crisp it always stutters so I watch the SD format always (I have a 10 mb pipe and a four proc box so I know it’s the service and not my setup). Although you point out that there are better alternatives, it’s like saying there are better alternatives to the Hummer to racing around a track, like a Honda Civic, but the Civic can’t go offroad. Apples to apples man!

]]> By: Colin http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/09/01/review-zv-100-zvbox/comment-page-1/#comment-878179 Colin Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:45:57 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/?p=38515#comment-878179 I just posted my review (which is the only somewhat positive one I've seen so far), FWIW. http://csharpconsultant.net/post/2008/09/05/Colins-ZvBox-Review.aspx I just posted my review (which is the only somewhat positive one I’ve seen so far), FWIW.

http://csharpconsultant.net/post/2008/09/05/Colins-ZvBox-Review.aspx

]]> By: Colin http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/09/01/review-zv-100-zvbox/comment-page-1/#comment-864600 Colin Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:34:04 +0000 http://www.crunchgear.com/?p=38515#comment-864600 "The ZvBox allows user access to video streaming sites but doesn’t optimize the front-end for users... You then have to use the laggy mouse touchpad to navigate and start playing the video as if you were on your computer." No you don't. The remote has a play button and a button to make video full-screen. Granted, it would be nice if it started out as full-screen so you didn't have to push the button, but it's really not that bad. I think the key is to utilize the arrow controls, play buttons, etc. over the touchpad as much as possible, and it certainly is possible if what you're mainly doing is watching Hulu or using Windows Media Center for recorded TV/ripped movies/internet TV. The device has its drawbacks, don't get me wrong, but whereas devices like the Apple TV (which I love to death!), XBox, Popcorn Hour, etc. are all limited by codec support and the small number of places you can visit online, the ZvBox can do all of that and more, making it the most versatile streamer on the market if you can get over its quirks and price tag. I love it, personally, and will be doing my own review of the unit soon. “The ZvBox allows user access to video streaming sites but doesn’t optimize the front-end for users… You then have to use the laggy mouse touchpad to navigate and start playing the video as if you were on your computer.”

No you don’t. The remote has a play button and a button to make video full-screen. Granted, it would be nice if it started out as full-screen so you didn’t have to push the button, but it’s really not that bad.

I think the key is to utilize the arrow controls, play buttons, etc. over the touchpad as much as possible, and it certainly is possible if what you’re mainly doing is watching Hulu or using Windows Media Center for recorded TV/ripped movies/internet TV.

The device has its drawbacks, don’t get me wrong, but whereas devices like the Apple TV (which I love to death!), XBox, Popcorn Hour, etc. are all limited by codec support and the small number of places you can visit online, the ZvBox can do all of that and more, making it the most versatile streamer on the market if you can get over its quirks and price tag.

I love it, personally, and will be doing my own review of the unit soon.

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