DivX Connected: Semi-Good Idea Gone Bad

re: DivX Connected: Semi-Good Idea Gone Bad

chrisl — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:58:05 GMT

Bobby: You can read my reply at msmvps.com/.../1135837.aspx.

porfitron: When I say DivX playback only I generally imply Xvid with it. Both are MPEG-4 ASP. Sorry, I should of noted that. Other readers of my blog see that all the time, like when the Xbox 360 got an update to play MPEG-4 SP (msmvps.com/.../773150.aspx)

re: DivX Connected: Semi-Good Idea Gone Bad

porfitron — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:48:29 GMT

I'm part of the beta, and can confirm that along with Divx, the devices is getting my Xvid's to my plasma TV just fine (most of my library was already Xvid). I also own an AppleTV and have XBMC running on a modded Xbox. This Connected beta box is already a quicker path to getting stuff onto my TV compared to AppleTV, since I don't have to re-encode to MP4, and I love XBMC, but alas it can't handle a lot of the newer HD content, and who can blame DivX for trying to make something available over the counter? We all know those XBOX refurb's will run out some day, and no HDMI on a first gen Xbox, right? :-)

re: DivX Connected: Semi-Good Idea Gone Bad

bobby — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:48:04 GMT

A little defensive M$ ?

Wow, I understand this is a supposed to be a personal option blog, but no one is fooled, this blog is part of M$ pathetic try at viral marketing.

That said I’m very impressed how M$ is bad mouthing a product they didn’t even have seen and used, is DivX Connected *that* threatening for them ?

So let’s recap, the DivX Connected device plays DivX (and Xvid, BTW, so you got access to 70%+ of the “content” people are interested in), it does play WMV and WMA and it is based on an open platform (hello, MKV, H264 and the rest…) I do not think that lack of file formats and codec support is going to be an issue.

Stage6 support is more, as I understand it, a demonstration of the capability of the API and the of online content possibility (full trick play support FYI)

As of the 100M hardware devices, I believe this is where it is hurting for M$, DivX did indeed shipped 100M CERTIFIED hardware devices, yes they work with low cost SoC and 3rd party partners, this is the whole point, DivX is not in the business of selling boxes, they are in the technology licensing business, and in that regard they did WAY better than you Mr. M$.

I think DivX did a great job in selecting their Beta users: you were not selected, and I do not believe you will receive a test unit either, you will have to go buy it in the stores, but I believe M$ as enough change, that shouldn’t be an issue.

re: DivX Connected: Semi-Good Idea Gone Bad

Alexander Grundner — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:49:27 GMT

Chris, check out the third video in the series. DivX Co-Founder, Jerome Rota, tells us directly which codecs will be supported at launch. Excerpt: Out of the gate it will support "DivX, Xvid, and a variation of MPEG-4... and Windows Media." And sense DivX Connected is an open platform, other codecs *can* be supported.

Jump to minute 3:32

www.youtube.com/watch

Note: The adapter we all got from DivX at the event is a reference/development box -- definitely a work-in-progress.