I have had mine for a few years now and it works wonderfully. The ethernet port was recently fried during a thunderstorm, but the wireless seems to work okay still.

The browser isn't the best at working with all streaming websites and the remote is slow to move the cursor around at times.

ChillN666 wrote:Why didn't you read the whole post? At the end, it says HDHomerun protocols were restored allowing users to stream this content again.

One issue was fixed - another was not.

http://jira.boxee.tv/browse/BOXEE-9917

I used to love Boxee on the PC but once they started removing features from the Boxee Box which existed in prior versions, I decided there was no way I'd buy the standalone box. I'm not going to invest $109 in a refurb waiting for the next software update which downgrades the functionality (ie - loss of Netflix, loss of HDHomerun, etc..). It's really a shame because Boxee had the potential, as much as anything out there, to become THE standard bearer for integrating OTA television, local video/music files and online content.

Not to be a smartass, but doesn't an Xbox 360 pretty much do the same thing as this?

I have last.fm , iheartradio, hulu, netflix, pandora, and xfinity apps on my 360.

What does this do that a 360 doesn't?

cjpowers wrote:Which Panasonic model? I am looking for something that will stream from NetFlix and VuDu. Also, the Panasonic DVD player in my home theater broke, so a compatible upgrade is just what I am looking for.

My LG BD572 has wired/wifi, Netflix, Vudu, pandora, accuweather, cinema now, mlb.tv, divx tv, youtube, napster and picasa. It connects to my NAS no problem and it also has usb on the front, both of which have played everything I've thrown at it. It is a 2010 model but I'm extremely happy with it.

amgrohow wrote:I have had mine for a few years now and it works wonderfully. The ethernet port was recently fried during a thunderstorm, but the wireless seems to work okay still.

The browser isn't the best at working with all streaming websites and the remote is slow to move the cursor around at times.

Between NaviX and WiziWig when added makes this a very fine choice....This will be my second for another room.....Has a slingbox app also....

Started out a little slow....But keep on reading....You need to learn how to add stuff to make it really hum....

If they could solve the ESPN3 video issues....This would be absolutely perfect....

pupyluvr wrote:If I bought one I would have to straighten the damn thing out... I just couldn't put up with it being crooked but if I made a base to straighten it the plugs would be crooked.
Hmmm, best to just avoid.

LOL - I agree 100% - this has to be Powerpoint Slide #1 in the lecture about putting form over function. Unfortunately, the design still doesn't work - it's not cool or hip - it's just annoying. It makes the ugly black plastic stick out like a sore thumb. Most of us want our components to disappear, not stand out.

Can this be used to stream slingbox content to a tv?

If so, how is the quality, response rate, etc... This may make it worth it to me.

agander1 wrote:Bought one of these a few years ago. Let's see, where to start, sparse updates at best, browser doesn't have the latest flash support which means no Daily Show or Colbert, no Amazon Prime support (odd since Woot is an Amazon site), no Hulu, configuration is sometimes difficult, randomly resets, not as customizable as XBMC, closed interface, support in general is lacking....in short, save some money and I'll sell you mine for $50.

you should update maybe?...Amazon Prime works fine for me...Boxee encodes flash into video i believe

juicius wrote:There's really no need for Boxee software when the XBMC is available. Boxee software branched from earlier version of XMBC, and now they've closed it off and it's stagnating. XBMC is a robust and complete media solution. I got it running on my PC, AppleTV, and as soon as it gets here, a Raspberry Pi.

I want my Raspberry Pi too! Too bad they're taking so long to bake. I used to dabble with XBMC as well, but ended up going with a centralized system for everything. FreeNAS running all my NZB grabbing utilities + Serviio. (FreeNAS version7 has less system requirements, but is now known as NAS4Free.)

As long as your newer internet connected TVs and DVD players support DLNA, use Serviio and you're golden. Serviio can push your local content to the TV and can also transcode internet streams. Pretty slick in my opinion.

Oh, here's another gem. If you want to watch/listen to your local content over the internet, grab and install Subsonic. It even has an app for your iPhone, Android, and whatever unfortunate soul that still uses Windows Mobile (tsk, tsk, tsk).

Once I get my slice of Raspberry Pi, I'll be moving my current setup off my desktop computer and onto this tiny $35 powerhouse. Just add a 1TB HDD and your probably pushing near $150 for hardware, but have more flexibility. There's just one downside. If you want support, query Google. But from what I've been reading, it seems like Boxee support isn't much better.

(Comeon Mod, this is a quality post. Gimme some love )

geeksRme wrote:Okay, I read in a review on CNET boxee has its own brower with flash support. If so, can't you get HULU and other web sites via the browser? If so, that opens up not just hulu, but espn3 and other browser video. Thanks!

No when attempting to access hulu from the browser hulu states that media content is blocked for the boxee browser, and that eventually hulu plus will be available. But hulu plus will never be available.


this is decent for streaming content but awesome if you use couchpotato / sickbeard or bit torrents.

If all you want is to stream go with a game console, roku or apple tv

Though I have few reservations about refurbs, for those that do, MicroCenter offers a brand-new Boxee for $149.99 at:
http://www.microcenter.com/product/350152/Boxee_Box_HD_Wireless_N_Media_Player

elpepe wrote:can this play 720p x264 encoded videos in MKV containers from an iMac on an HDTV? Can't get my xbox to do this no matter what software I try.

Indeed, it can. 1080p mkv also, no problem. Infact, I have yet to find a file my boxee can't play.

philly12 wrote:Not to be a smartass, but doesn't an Xbox 360 pretty much do the same thing as this?

I have last.fm , iheartradio, hulu, netflix, pandora, and xfinity apps on my 360.

What does this do that a 360 doesn't?

Play x264 encoded videos in an .MKV container.

hoobafrank wrote:NO repeater. No IR. Uses RF. No line of site needed.

Plus there are tons of boxee remote apps for smart phones. I rarely use my remote anymore, its just easier to use my phone.

For what it's worth, I love my Boxee, but if I where looking for a Media Streamer, i would wait for OUYA. It will be $99 at release. It will do everthing Boxee can, and much more.

Boxee dropped all support for PC, MAC and Linux computers to force people to buy the box. no thanks, Used the software for 2 years and they shut it down.

Absolutely clueless here. Where can I find exactly what is needed and how to connect this device. Is it one of those that requires an X Box or PlayStation? I am stuck with one tv channel since the govt made us go digital and sure could use some variety but I am no tech wizard. Lots of hand holding needed. Thanks so much for replies.
Pat

pjdaly45 wrote:Absolutely clueless here. Where can I find exactly what is needed and how to connect this device. Is it one of those that requires an X Box or PlayStation? I am stuck with one tv channel since the govt made us go digital and sure could use some variety but I am no tech wizard. Lots of hand holding needed. Thanks so much for replies.
Pat

This is a stand alone device. It has built in wireless connection so it can hook into your existing wireless connection. From there you can get online with it and stream movies and shows from nexflix (requires netflix subscription). They also have apps so you can stream other content/services like MLB and movies rentals with vudu? that you can get for a fee. Though there is a decent amount of free online content too, but no amazon streaming last I checked.

I've had a boxee for about 1.5 years and am kinda meh towards it. They have focused development towards online services (so they can get a cut of that revenue) but I dislike the interface to play local files. Highlight file, click file. Popup "hey did you want to play that file you just selected?", click confirm. Then when the episode finishes instead of playing the next one in the folder you have to go through the hoops again. =/

Its not a bad device and at $100ish its a decent price but I got mine for $180ish and think thats too much. Though it may be cheaper now.

pjdaly45 wrote:Absolutely clueless here. Where can I find exactly what is needed and how to connect this device. Is it one of those that requires an X Box or PlayStation? I am stuck with one tv channel since the govt made us go digital and sure could use some variety but I am no tech wizard. Lots of hand holding needed. Thanks so much for replies.
Pat

It requires an HDMI cable. From the sound of your post your tv is probably too old and wouldn't be compatible with this.

If you have highspeed internet I would recommend picking up an older roku box. it will have the necessary connections and be a lot cheaper.

Boxee is a dud, antiquated technology. Wait a few weeks and the Vizio Co-Star will be out. Google TV platform, built on Android operating system. Turn your whole TV into a Media device... not just turn into a media player. Install apps from the Android Market and run them on your TV. YouTube, Pandora, AccuWeather, you name it... $99

Also, even better, is the Sony Internet Streaming BlueRay player. I have an older version of this and love it. $199

cjpowers wrote:Which Panasonic model? I am looking for something that will stream from NetFlix and VuDu. Also, the Panasonic DVD player in my home theater broke, so a compatible upgrade is just what I am looking for.

Panasonic 3D BD Player DMP-BDT220 
Interface for apps a bit choppy. But better than a Boxee and can't figure out what the hell to do with it!

Does anyone know if Boxee supports subtitles on streaming Netflix videos that have subtitles? I can't tell from their website.

I bought a Memorex Blu-ray player from Woot a year or so ago that we love, but we wish it supported Netflix subtitles now that Netflix supposedly has them.

Bought one of these at Best Buy a couple of months ago, it worked OK for a few weeks then just went dead. Returned it for a gift card. Still looking for another alternative.

I own two Roku boxes and they work great so far.

I have 2 just because they are awesome for scanning, cataloging and streaming my local media... I have a ROKU for internet streaming...

Boxee is an amazing device that plays any files thrown at it... This thing would be awesome if it can fetch torrent files and seed it all in one take...

This thing has too many limitations and not nearly enough support.

Laugh all you want but I've been nothing but happy with my WD TV Live Plus boxes. They play anything you throw at them, don't stutter over the network, and get enough updates to keep them current. Only downside is no Amazon Prime support.

I absolutely love my Boxee. I have a Slingbox on a TV in another state, so I can watch the sports feed from that state easily on my TV with the Boxee Slingplayer app. Very good solution for long distance sports fans or sports fans who travel.. with NO monthly fees for Boxee or Slingbox!

With a Boxee, add Fuzzthed's third party repository (google for easy instructions on installing 3rd party repositories to Boxee), for access to content Roku can't provide.

I also have a Roku and never watch it due to to Boxee's Slingplayer app and Fuzzthed's options.

I also love having the Boxee "watch later" tab on my computer to sync videos from the internet for viewing on my TV. I do this often with youtube free movies or funny video clips.

As for my own media collection, Boxee plays the most file formats, which was an important factor for me.

from Boxee FAQ's page
--------
18. Which video formats can Boxee play?
Boxee supports Adobe Flash 10.1, FLV/On2 VP6 (FLV/FV4/M4V), H.264 AVC (TS/AVI/MKV/MOV/M2TS/MP4), VC-1 (TS/AVI/MKV/WMV), MPEG-1 (DAT/MPG/MPEG), MPEG-2 (MPG/MPEG/VOB/TS/TP/ISO/IFO), MPEG-4 (MP4/AVI/MOV), DivX 3/4/5/6 (AVI/MKV), Xvid (AVI/MKV), and WMV9 (WMV/ASF/DVR-MS).
19. Which audio formats can Boxee play?
Boxee supports MP3, WAV/PCM/LPCM, WMA, AIF/AIFF, AC3/AAC, OGG, FLAC, DTS, and Dolby Digital/Dolby True HD
20. Which image formats can Boxee display?
Boxee supports JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF.

Careful buying these refurb units. Dlink seems to only check they turn on, and that's it. They are 30 day warranty, usually have a memory/videochip issue that becomes apparent after 6-8 hours of use in my experience (won't come back on if left alone, and has to cool down before you can coldboot successfully). I bought this on Amazon a few months back, and took three units to get one that wouldn't flake out. Otherwise great product.

I want to cut the cable, but does this really move me closer than solutions already have?

I am running Snapstream Beyond TV on a PC connected to TV which records all shows and lets me junk commercials easily, but again, want to cut the cable.

Also have a Roku and a WD Live Plus, so have Netflix, Hulu and all local content covered.

I'm hearing about Smartbeard for first time so need to investigate, but if I arrange some form of show download for everything I want, do I need Boxee to play it, or just pull it to my NAS and play with WD Live Plus which seems to cover every format under the sun?

brianmi40 wrote:I want to cut the cable, but does this really move me closer than solutions already have?

I am running Snapstream Beyond TV on a PC connected to TV which records all shows and lets me junk commercials easily, but again, want to cut the cable.

Also have a Roku and a WD Live Plus, so have Netflix, Hulu and all local content covered.

I'm hearing about Smartbeard for first time so need to investigate, but if I arrange some form of show download for everything I want, do I need Boxee to play it, or just pull it to my NAS and play with WD Live Plus which seems to cover every format under the sun?

Your WD live probably has you covered for streaming local files. Though the boxee is great at it too.

I ordered my first boxee last year, and ended up getting a 2nd one free (long story).

Here is my personal answers to some FAQS.

Is boxee great if you own your own files, rip your dvd/blu-ray collection, get files from the internet from obvious places and store them all on a NAS unit or external harddrives?

Yes.

Does it have hulu support? No. (There are some work arounds, but they often go unsupported or get patched and is annoying to deal with).


Does it have netflix, pandora, spotify, many other video and podcast apps?

Yes.

Can you watch live TV?

Yes (if you buy their 49.99 dongle)

Does it record live TV?

No. (which frankly, is a huge limitation, but they've mentioned they are looking into a solution - which in my opinion, will be a NEW boxee box sometime in the next year).

Does the boxee have built in IR?

No.

Can you get an IR attachment?

Yes. Works great except you can't power on the boxee with it.

Is it wife friendly?

Absolutely! (once you have stuff to watch).

Would you recommend Boxee to others?

Yes.

Unless you are the type to build your own pvr or home theater setup (xbmc), this is a great entry to cord cutting and/or set-top box simplicity.

For the price, it does what it is advertised to do. It's an amazing piece of hardware that could easily be improved upon with Hulu Support, built in IR, and pvr capabilities built in.

Is it perfect? Absolutely not. You may still want a roku or web app enabled TV to supplement the features that this is missing. (In my case, my TV has hulu and amazon video built into it, so it's a non-issue for me.)

perfect for stacking nothing on top of it

Just wanted to point out that it appears to be cheaper on their actual site...:

http://www.dlinkshop.com/store/dlink/en_US/pd/productID.247897100?resid=UE9-8AoBAlgAACymYyQAAABB&rests=1347387375793

I bought one refurbed from Amazon last winter. It's alright, and better than Roku but it does have quirks:

A lot of apps lock up and render the device inoperable. On more than one occasion, I've had to get up and manually hold the power button down to have it turn off/reboot.

Mine likes to lock up if I turn my computer off. I have a feeling it's trying to scan my media library while my machine is off and freaking out. This usually results in me doing the power-button trick above.

The remote is awesome since it has a full qwerty keyboard on the back, but entering case sensitive passwords is a chore.

The box plays everything you want, and I haven't seen it fail at playing anything yet. It even does a solid job streaming wirelessly.

I feel it's probably the best "set-top" box out there. It outshines an Xbox 360 and a Roku but it does have its flaws.

I am considering going the HTPC route because I'd like something a little bit more reliable.

Take it from me: this is a fantabulous product! Great product name, too!

The browser is the best part - good for websites that stream content. Also content on flash drives with subtitle files work - good for downloaded shows/movies. (I know the logitech revue doesnt support subtitle files)

Ipad airplay also works with youtube and other sites (occasionally!) The navi-x content aggregator (when it works) is fun to browse through - you will probably be able to find something to watch on there.

I use the RSS feeds with delicious.com for pulling in my links.

moxxee wrote:Take it from me: this is a fantabulous product! Great product name, too!

I can not believe more have not said that the inlcusion of the third party app....NaviX is what makes this box a must have.....

Think of having a search engine.....and search any movie....yes.....any movie.....nuff said....

Here is a really good professional review of the Boxee Box. - http://icrontic.com/article/its-finally-time-to-cut-the-cable-boxee-box-reviewed -

Hi I currently own one of these units. I was wondering if I can record shows? Also do they make a longer cord for the antenna. I currently get three channels that don't come in.

Thanks

gottess wrote:I don't see any reference to HULU plus. does it stream HULU as well as netflix?

No, they killed HULU; they are supposedly working on getting HULU +, but that is hardly what we want.