This week, D-Link announced that their new Boxee Box will contain the system-on-a-chip Intel® Atom™ CE4100 processor, and though I’m still not entirely sold on it just yet, they are beginning to make me have second thoughts.
The new Boxee brings internet-based video and music apps like Pandora, Netflix, YouTube, CNET and our very own Revision 3 to your high definition TV. It also collects your media libraries into one interface, which I find to be easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing, and supports full 1080p high-definition (HD) and 5.1 surround sound. It also connects through Facebook and Twitter, so you can follow your friends’ tastes in movies and shows.
In their Monday press release, D-Link claimed that the Intel® Atom™ CE4100 processor boosts performance in graphics and audio and ensures high-definition output, regardless of the source. Perhaps my favorite part about the new Boxee is the cool dual-sided QWERTY remote. Since the days when I used to type in god codes using a video game controller I have detested the onscreen keyboard, and my hatred has continued into adulthood while searching on my television for Netflix shows with a 4 button navigational remote. I can’t stand it, and I’m stoked that Boxee’s remote gives us the QWERTY option.
The Boxee Box comes with 802.11n Wireless and ethernet connectivity, 2 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and both optical and composite audio outputs. It also has an SD card slot so you can look at your pics without saving them onto an external drive.
The Boxee Box is available for preorder on Amazon for $199 and will deliver in November, but if you’re skeptical about buying a new box without using it, you can download the software for free and try it out. You can also create a user account and begin to build your favorites and friend base, then later import them by logging in.
Like I said, I’m not positive I’ll be getting one, but the temptation is definitely there. I haven’t had cable television for months, and this brings together most of the places where I’m currently getting my media. Add Hulu support, and count me in!
** Update **
Correction to the comments below and the last paragraph… as it turns out, there is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to viewing our beloved Hulu on Boxee. Hulu content will be available for access through Boxee’s TV Show Library and later addition, Movie Library. Boxee speaks to both of these on their blog. Though they don’t provide a specific Hulu app, hopefully we’ll be able to see the same content. The content was originally removed due to conflicts with content providers, as described back in early 2009 on Hulu’s blog.
Can the vpn settings from my iphone (i use hotspot shield) be used on the boxee box??
According to this thread on Boxee forums, you can enter your vpn settings on the Boxee Box. http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=20325
I want to know if the boxes box allows input of a VPN to allow non-US users to access certain content.
VPN & proxy server access built-in : )
No composite output? Really? My old TV ain’t gonna be happy about that. Hello Roku or WD TV Live
You and your old tv ain’t the demographic for this device. Composite output? Really?
I think some of the folks who are worrying about the size think it’s bigger than it actually is, the shape is a bit funky, but it’s not large enough to stack in a cabinet anyway.
http://mashable.com/2009/12/09/boxee-box-2/
I’m an Apple TV owner and love the idea of the boxee hardware device (currently I can use Boxee on Apple TV). Much cheaper and should play almost all formats, unlike the Apple TV. But, who the hell designed that thing – its not going to fit anywhere in the cabinet under the TV. Big error Boxee, the questionable design of your box could cost you dear.
Jenn… With GoogleTV trying to supplement cable and satellite providers, I won’t be getting their box cause I don’t have cable tv anyways… They charge way too much for the services to consider buying in addition a GoogleTV box for it… AppleTV is “nuts” with their pricing regarding content and they really aren’t any cheaper than cable tv or satellite…
Boxee box will cost $200 flat rate (no BS re-occurring costs), already has limitless content on it thanks to some awesome apps and has completely free and open development guidelines and more importantly, a lot less restrictions than Google or Apple apps development…
So why aren’t you considering Boxee box over all of these?!? You can get content you can’t even get from Netflix or Movies on Demand way before the other companies get this content on Google or AppleTV… I don’t understand what all the confusion is about over getting a Boxee box or not! Seems like this should be an easy decision for you.
Hey Bill, thanks for the input. Personally, it’s just a matter of redundancy. I currently have a Mac Mini hooked up to my tv running Plex, so the question comes not from whether or not I see the benefit, but from whether or not I want to essentially duplicate what I already have!
The interface is nice though. I’m thinking I’ll try switching to Boxee software for a bit.
Jenn sounds like you have a very sweet set up at home, mini hooked up to an HDTV running Plex…didn’t know you were that far ahead of the game…I’m very impressed!! If you have say a flat screen in another room, u can get the boxee box for that tv, and have 2 set ups, I’m just saying
If it comes to the UK at that price point I might consider it, however, my Acer Revo with XBMC installed is hard to beat.
The shape of the box still ruins it for me. It’s clever, but it just doesn’t fit.
Yep, it’s certainly unstackable. But it’s memorable, and I think that’s what they’re probably going for!
we figured the design might polarize people in a love it / hate it way. the cool thing is that the remote uses radio frequency so you don’t have to “point” it at anything – it works whether your boxee box is stacked in your entertainment center or hidden away in a cabinet.
Having used Boxee software for a couple of years on my laptop I knew when the Boxee Box was. One on day 1. However, the Logitech Revue with Google TV with its integration with the existing Cable box has swayed my resolve. I need to see an in depth comparison between thr two before I add one to my holiday gift wish list.
Correction: “… I knew would be buying a Boxee box on day 1”.
What advantage does this device have or over my roku hd xr?
Roku is just for straight up Netflix, unless they updated that ugly looking thing to be able to access external data…Boxee is sweet, but I would rather see Plex release a box, that would be GOLDEN!!!
Paul – just depends on what you want to watch. Roku’s a great solution if what you want to watch is in their 50 channels. If you want the rest of the Internet then Boxee might be a better choice.
We’ve got a TV Show Library with 40k free TV episodes from websites like Hulu, CBS, FX, HGTV, Comedy Central, etc. a growing movie library with thousands of free movies (which is sure to grow), a full Internet browser in case we missed something… and we play any media file from your computer or home network. Give us a try at http://boxee.tv and let me know what you think!
The Boxee box is very tempting. Being able to combine all the media sources I currently consume is really tempting. I’m really interested to see what all I can do with the USB ports. Unfortunately, the $199 price tag earns it a spot on my Amazon wishlist instead of my TV cabinet.
Thought I would try to resist and see what the updated AppleTV would offer but ended up pre-ordering on the first day. With the limited content deals announced by Apple so far, there just seems to be more content options in the Boxee Box.
With the announcement yesterday the new Apple TV supports airplay and staming from any iOS device is possible that sold me on the ATV, I can now stream from my iPad, iPhone right to my ATV and I believe is one step closer to apps being directly available
So if i got this box i could cancel cable and watch hulu tnt programs and netflix from this box ???
No Hulu, unfortunately. Fingers crossed though!
I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for Hulu. Boxee tried putting Hulu in their software before and Hulu blocked them so there’s some bad blood between Hulu and Boxee. Hulu developed their own desktop interface so I had hoped that they would make some deals to be on other devices (game consoles) like Netflix but I haven’t seen anything like this.
For now, I’m sticking with my Windows 7 media center PC- it’s a pretty good DVR plus it has a good selection of internet content, including Rev 3 shows!
Hi Jason, Jenn, and Valerie – Hulu programs are available through Boxee’s TV Show Library – check it out! Would appreciate an update to your piece and we’re working hard to add a few more services before the Box debuts that will make your drooling totally justified.
Update: commenced. Thanks for the correction, Andrew!