AfterDawn: News

2Wire introduces HD capable set-top box

2Wire has introduced its new MediaPoint set-top box that will deliver high definition content via a broadband connection.

The media hub can connect to home networks through wired or wireless connections and can also be remotely accessed via the Internet.



The box's built-in USB ports allow users to stream all types of video and audio content from flash drives or external hard drives and the device is compatible with UPnP- and DLNA-enabled devices.

Electronista says the box will offer Internet browsing capability through your TV set but the interface method is unknown at this point. Internet radio is another interesting feature you will be able to access from the device.

The device will not be available to consumers directly and instead will come through ISPs such as Comcast and AT&T who purchase them, and "then offer specific content and options for the MediaPoint under their own respective brands."

Rumor has it the device will sell for $89 USD but will likely be accompanied with a subscription service and contract.



Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 10 Nov 2008 23:05

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• 4 comments

• emugamer

  Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon now with media hubs. Western Digital was the last I read about. I smell alterior motives though when an ISP gets involved. Besides allowing network connectivity and USB for local streaming, how would they sell HD content to be different than having a HD signal coming into a HD DVR and also having access to HD VOD? - Let's cap the customers usage, then on top of the HD television signal we already provide them, have them buy into our specific broadband streaming HD content. Offer them a device (leased for $7/month). Then hope that they will use internet radio, web browsing and streaming enough so that they will need to pay for an increase in their cap.
  
  Sounds like double dipping to me. Just my 2 cents, but the ISP's have no right to get involved in this type of business. But, what do I know? The whole idea of an ISP like Comcast offering media hubs just sounds ridiculous IMO. They should be focusing on infrastructure to handle the demand. Not jumping on the bandwagon to give people a reason to use more bandwidth. Hands are being dipped into too many pots. Sounds like Sony with their games, movies, music and electronics.

  11.11.2008 12:13 #1

• mick2101

  Blockbuster are offering this device but it is unclear whether local access (i.e. the ability to use the device to play media (mp3, jpg, avi, etc.) from your local network is allowed. Also there is a code to activate this device and when it is unactivated does it become completely useless?
  
  I read one customer review of the WD device not playing media back correctly.
  
  (I'm looking for a device that enables playing media on my HDTV/surround sound system over a wired or wireless connection).

  22.12.2008 22:39 #2

• emugamer

  Originally posted by mick2101: I read one customer review of the WD device not playing media back correctly.
  
  (I'm looking for a device that enables playing media on my HDTV/surround sound system over a wired or wireless connection).A buddy of mine has the WD. He doesn't like it. Has problems playing 1080p and 720p media. Look into a networked media tank. The price ranges from $175 to $275. The Popcornhour A-100 or A-110, or the Elektron EHP-606.

  23.12.2008 08:25 #3

• mick2101

  Blockbuster got back to me, the box can only be used for Blockbuster content -
  
  Currently, the MediaPoint player can only play downloaded movies rented on the box. There are USB ports and a SD card slot. However, there is no current functionality for those ports. They may be used for future updates. Thank you.

  23.12.2008 14:15 #4