Anybody got any new info, other than whats on there site http://www.xstreamhd.com/index.html or at CES 2008?
Satellite location, Dish size, Movie companies onboard?

I am watching this myself. I am sooo close to trying Vudu, but am waiting to see if XStream will provide much more, and superior HD content.

I've been watching it and emailed them about getting into the Beta (got a form letter back saying they added me to the list of interested people).

However, I still get this suspicion it's going to be vaporware. I've heard nothing since CES, and unless I'm missing something, the website doesn't seem to have been updated for awhile.

I've been watching it and emailed them about getting into the Beta (got a form letter back saying they added me to the list of interested people).

However, I still get this suspicion it's going to be vaporware. I've heard nothing since CES, and unless I'm missing something, the website doesn't seem to have been updated for awhile.

Here's a full ditto.

I've got a g00gle news feed set up for them and there's been no news news/press releases since Feb 20. If they had gone to beta already, I'm sure they'd be shouting from the rooftops.

Here's a full ditto.

I've got a g00gle news feed set up for them and there's been no news news/press releases since Feb 20. If they had gone to beta already, I'm sure they'd be shouting from the rooftops.

The email I got from them (back in February) said the Beta was pushed back to Q3 (or Q4...I forget), but the website still says Q2.

Either way, it doesn't look like much is happening over there.

Maybe there's still hope then. I really like the sound of the service and I hope they can pull it off.

Well, the good thing is they are still answering emails (notice how I got a response in about 25 minutes). I'm not sure what it means when the beta was scheduled for Q2, then Q4, and now they are going to "start building beta units" at that time.


Mark –

While we are still in product development, we expect to start building beta units later this year (Q4 as you stated). I will add you to the list of potential beta customers, we hope to have an update to provide shortly.

Thanks,

Daisy McNeil
XStreamHD
________________________________________
From: Mark
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 8:42 AM
To: Daisy McNeil
Subject: XstreamHD still scheduled?

I had inquired about being involved in the Beta later this year.

However, it doesn’t appear the website has been updated in quite some time, nor has there been any announcements/news. I was curious if the product was still on schedule to have Q4 Beta testing this year. I am very interested in the product and what it promises, but the lack of updates has me concerned that it may end up being vaporware.

I would appreciate any response or information you could provide.
-Mark

just got a email from them, didn't really state anything new, but it looks like someone is still working.

Found some more info on this service. Hopefully its still on track to be released this fall but who knows.

http://www.multichannel.com/blog/350000435/post/610028461.html

Not much has been heard about XStreamHD since their big press conference with famed actor Michael Douglas back in January. However this week the little company with the big HD idea is starting to wake up.



Late last night the home theater lovers dream service announced that it has licensed and deployed CEVA’s latest generation Enterprise SATA Intellectual Property (IP) into its XstreamHD HD Media Server.



Back in January it was announced that XStreamHD would launch a new on demand satellite service, which would deliver full resolution 1080p movies in full lossless DTS-HD 7.1 digital audio into customers homes. It appears that XStreamHD’s plans are still on track.


With the new software XStreamHD’s home Media server box will be able to view / record up to 4 simultaneous 1080p resolution HD video streams from its hard drive.



For many techies out there like me, the dream of what XStreamHD is promising is like a kid dreaming what Santa is going to bring them. I can’t wait to actually test XStreamHD when it is ready for its trials.

I wish they would hurry up. All movies in HD like dude said kid on christmas. I just hope they have Kung Fu theater which DTV does not have.

I wish they would hurry up. All movies in HD like dude said kid on christmas. I just hope they have Kung Fu theater which DTV does not have.

I think u have the wrong idea of what XStreamHD is. Its not a Cable channel service, it will be more of a netflix downloading movies from a satellite instead of the internet.

http://www.xstreamhd.com/management.html

Michael Scott
Vice President, Engineering


Awesome.

http://www.xstreamhd.com/management.htmlMichael Scott
Vice President, Engineering

Awesome.That's what she said. . . ;)

Anyway, I sure would like to see some more news on this product/service. If they can position this at the right price, it should do well in the market. Imagine not seeing the "very long wait" message for rented movies anymore.

Scott

Well, they sure have promised a lot. I hope they can deliver on most of it. And I really hope they have a monthly fee structure, as opposed to a per-movie structure.

Any updates on XstreamHD?

Any updates on XstreamHD?
i just emailed them - lets see what they say

Are we there yet???

Just as I was about to pull the trigger on VUDU - these guys show up again with the promise of High quality audio and video


XStreamHD(TM) Performs Successful Transport System Test
First Direct-to-Home Full HD Transport Network Company Validates Extraordinary Technology

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 7:30 am EST

Yahoo! Buzz Print MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/

-- XStreamHD, an emerging leader in the delivery and distribution of Full High Definition (HD) entertainment to the home, has successfully tested its revolutionary transport system.

Here is the full PR

XStreamHD(TM) Performs Successful Transport System Test
First Direct-to-Home Full HD Transport Network Company Validates Extraordinary Technology

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 7:30 am EST


Yahoo! Buzz Print MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- XStreamHD, an emerging leader in the delivery and distribution of Full High Definition (HD) entertainment to the home, has successfully tested its revolutionary transport system.

The unique transport system, tested on the AMC-16 satellite at 85 degrees west longitude, enables XStreamHD to deliver Full HD movies, music, and games directly to subscriber homes throughout North America.

"By unlocking existing FSS (Fixed Satellite Service) capacity, our service delivers Full HD (1080p) content to homes, independent of Internet or cable congestion," said George Gonzalez, founder and CEO of XStreamHD. "Our advanced technology enables consumers to experience a new level of quality, convenience and service never before offered."

This test of the XStreamHD unique transport system validates the ability of the network to deliver Full HD (1080p), Blu-ray quality video with up to 7.1 lossless channels of DTS Master Audio. The company will offer its customers unparalleled access to movies, HDTV, music and electronic games.

XStreamHD will be showcasing its unique transport system at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show January 8-11, 2009 in booth #21402 in South Hall 1.

About XStreamHD

XStreamHD is leading the HD revolution, setting a new standard for the delivery and distribution of Full HD entertainment throughout the home. XStreamHD provides the first-ever transport network to deliver high-definition movies and music directly to the home via satellite -- offering Full HD (1080p) video and up to 7.1 channels of lossless audio. With XStreamHD, consumers can build a customized, unique, and unparalleled in-home entertainment network and enjoy the content they want most -- including movies, music, electronic games, broadcast HDTV, and more -- when it's most convenient, anywhere in the home, and at the quality today's home theaters were designed to support. XStreamHD is based in McLean, Virginia.

For more information, visit http://www.XStreamHD.com/.

the only thing that would make this service worth it is if it overs a subscription based service and now a ppv service

i mean with all the different services for on demand and subscription based , it would be hard to offer a ppv based service and compete with others

sony network (on ps3 and the box they have for sony tvs)
xbox 360s own service
netflix
amazon
itunes
vudu
youtube (will be doinga video service soon)
blockbuster

also several smaller ones do exist
then you have on demand from various cable and dish providers

if they can offer an all u can eat subscription model for a reasonable price via dish, then sure they can be a real competitor

hell id buy a dish just for this service.

if they want to really stand out they will need to offer something different.
doing both high quality downloads with great video and sound, and doing it via a subscription model would make this company stand out for sure.

but just doing an on demand option wont, everyone else has that already. and if i want to own my content ill just buy on disc, but for renting i would rather a sub model and not a ppv model

They are still way behind schedule. Who knows when it will be ready. VUDU is available now and with every update they keep adding new features making the box better and better.

They are still way behind schedule. Who knows when it will be ready. VUDU is available now and with every update they keep adding new features making the box better and better.


VUDU would be great if they could provide HD sound. That's something can't offer with the box they are using. They need to release a new box ,and not just updates . Just my opinion.:)

VUDU would be great if they could provide HD sound. That's something can't offer with the box they are using. They need to release a new box ,and not just updates . Just my opinion.:)
I agree on Vudu - which is why I have not pulled the trigger. Netflix/BluRay gives me high quality video and audio. I really do not want to go backwards. Xstream HD seems to offer the quality of BluRay (audio and video) in a downloadable format. I am assuming it is a PPV model. I would love subscription based but I would not count on it

Yes the 640kbs audio from VUDU is my only minor complaint. That is still better than DVD though. But with XstreamHD know one knows when it will be out. It's been pushed back already. I guess we'll find out at CES what their new plans are. And when it's ready maybe I'll get it. But I see no point in waiting for what is still vaporware right now. No one service has everything I want anyway. So I still need multiple services to see what I want from VOD.

On another note does anyone know where their satellite is located? If it's around the location of the DirecTV locations 99 to 119 I would be able to get it. But if not then XstreamHD wouldn't even be an option for me since I would not be able to get permission from the HOA to relocate my current dish That I used when I had DirecTV.

Just got an invite for their CES booth. I'm not going, but it's nice (I think) to hear they're still around. Way behind schedule of course, but I hope they have some progress to show at CES, and can live up to their promises.

If they offer the TruHD/DTS MA and 1080p/24 for movies, I'm in hook, line and sinker. The sound and PQ that offers is fabulous and I can't go back. But I only rent and the netflix/blockbuster dealio is getting tiresome.

[QUOTE=jlanzy;15338482]If they offer the TruHD/DTS MA and 1080p/24 for movies, I'm in hook, line and sinker.

Plus if they can add movies from any decade anytime you want

If anyone is going to CES - it would be great to report on this.

Will there be another press conference with Michael Douglas! I was all excited a year ago when they announced it. But almost 12 months later, no excitement anymore.

Will there be another press conference with Michael Douglas! I was all excited a year ago when they announced it. But almost 12 months later, no excitement anymore.

Ditto on that. I'm even signed up to be a Beta tester (hoping I get picked) but it's been a LOOOOOONG time with absolutely no news or updates. I was actually surprised they're even at CES since I assumed it had been abandoned.

I'm curious to see what they have at CES.

Ditto on that. I'm even signed up to be a Beta tester (hoping I get picked) but it's been a LOOOOOONG time with absolutely no news or updates. I was actually surprised they're even at CES since I assumed it had been abandoned.

I'm curious to see what they have at CES.

I just read this about XstreamHD a few minutes ago. I don't know exactly what it means for them, but it certainly doesn't look good.
http://www.gearlog.com/2009/01/xstreamhd_a_ces_noshow.php

XStreamHD a CES No-Show
Categories: HDTV & Home Theater Systems
Tags: XStreamHD

A year ago, XStreamHD provided one of the highlights of the CES 2008 show in Las Vegas, trotting out an aging Michael Douglas to roll out its set-top box. The only thing the company lacked was customers.

Fast-forward to 2009, and XStreamHD was scheduled to hold a second press conference. The expectation? Someone would back the service. But alas, it was not to be. I asked Michael Muchmore to cover the press conference, and he called back, puzzled: the room was empty. Even the conference officials didn't know what happened.

Well, we don't know much more, but BetaNews reported that XStreamHD told them that the press conference was contingent "upon a certain event taking place, which did not". What happened? At best, a customer deal probably fell through at the last minute. At worst -- well, in a crowded set-top market, it's possible a venture capitalist decided XStreamHD was too risky a venture.

not good - looks like VUDU is it if you want something of decent quality - or for quality - BluRay. This would have been a great service - but it really is starting to feel like it is going the way of VOOM :-) the defunct sat service

not good - looks like VUDU is it if you want something of decent quality - or for quality - BluRay. This would have been a great service - but it really is starting to feel like it is going the way of VOOM :-) the defunct sat service

Problem is that xstream never was, while voom was for a while.

Problem is that xstream never was, while voom was for a while.

Yeah - but you can always dream of the perfect service - On demand 1080P/24fps and 7.1 dts ma with unlimited netflix subscription like pricing - I would never leave the home theater.

I was hoping to see that at CES along with an LED projector for less than 5k with 100k to 1 contrast level.

I will wait for next year. For now it will be Vudu. Bring back the $99 offer

:-)

Yeah, it was great while it lasted...they could beam HD movies right into my home, which I could store on their DVR (server?) and watch anytime I liked....Wow...

What a great idea....too bad it bombed!

So exactly how is this any different? Same damn thing, except no commercials! And no sci-fi channel.
Still gonna have a hard disk drive to store the stuff on; probably a pretty big one...and you're still at the mercy of THEIR schedule; unlike Netflix or Hulu, which both have (and will have) instantly available libraries and growing all the time...SD and HD...

So forgive me for being dense, but I don't see the point in this thing at all!

LeeB

The box almost seemed like a Vudu on steroids! Every drawing/schematic I saw was just too darn complicated. Glad I jumped on Vudu instead.

what this box had was dts ma 7.1 among other things

So what happened to XStreamHD?

They have continually missed announced product milestones and they were a no show at CES. They had a scheduled press conference and never showed up. While there has been no official announcement and while there web site is still up - many believe that they are in the grave yard of promising technologies that never made it (i.e. Voom. TAW video processor, Beta etc.)

They have continually missed announced product milestones and they were a no show at CES. They had a scheduled press conference and never showed up. While there has been no official announcement and while there web site is still up - many believe that they are in the grave yard of promising technologies that never made it (i.e. Voom. TAW video processor, Beta etc.)

That pretty much sums it up. I thought I read they were having trouble raising venture capital (i.e. no money or funds) but maybe that was just speculation.

I have chalked it up to vaporware. I would love to be proven wrong.

hey - but they did have Michael Douglas announcing their Vaporware at the 2008 CES which was quite bizarre but interesting

Wasn't he one of the investors?

Maybe investing with Bernie Madoff would have been a better idea?

Wasn't he one of the investors?

Maybe investing with Bernie Madoff would have been a better idea?

Maybe Mr. Douglas had his funds tied up with Madoff and when he went to make a withdrawl for XstreamHD funding he got a goose egg.

FWIW, The XstreamHD home page has changed. They now have a screen to place orders (not working yet, but it's new). They have a list of products although some of the information is a bit skecthy. I have not looked at the entire site but it looks like they are alive and are getting ready to do a product launch. What I found interesting is they will have a home media server with 2TB of storage and you can extend that. They can also, with other products in their lineup, stream to multiple TV's. Check it out.

I new as soon as i bought a Vudu box - this would happen!

Well I tried to put myself on the order page and the submit button did not work. Also - they posted that they were going to have video of upcoming highlights of the 2009 CES show. That will be interesting to see - how about film of an empty room.

This is somewhat comical - but I will keep my fingers crossed. It would be nice if one of the people in their company visited this forum to update people.

If they do ever launch it would be nice if they had a solution that would use an internet connection too. That would be much easier for me than a dish. And with my 50mbs connection from FIOS I should have plenty of bandwidth for downloads.
I wonder if they have considered that option for people?

Could we be hearing more soon? From the January 29th edition of the Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-0129-future-tv1jan29,0,4398050.column):XStreamHD

Think of this soon-to-come service as satellite TV with a high-def twist. Mount a dish on your roof to grab tons of HD movies, record some basic-cable programming and watch it all on any room in the house. Everything is stored on a giant hard drive inside a box that looks like an old DVD player ($399 plus movie-rental fees to be determined; xstreamhd.com).

My take: I had a long chat with XStreamHD CEO George Gonzalez, who is a big dreamer and a big doer. He says in the next couple of weeks, he'll have a big announcement to make about which Hollywood studios are on board. Even if XStreamHD takes off, I don't see how he can keep a lid on what consumers will be charged, which will make things tricky. But he's eager to prove me and all the other skeptics wrong.Based on the published date, we should have either already heard something, or it's imminent.

I'm still looking forward to the details (especially the fees), but under the current economic conditions, I'm not sure how they'll ever pull this off. I'll remain optimistic, though.

Scott

Where I live there is no internet service over 2mps. I hope this Extreme comes off. The storage box has 3 ota tuners in it and acts as a dvr to. If this comes to be I will dump my Directv.

Sounds cool. Can't wait to see what it is all about. Wonder if a Tivo could be used as a client, I already have one of those connected to every TV and they are all networked.

I was seriously looking at Vudu. Not any more. From prevous announcements, it seems XStreamHD will be using geosynchronous satellites for transmission which means you need a clear southern view. Fortunately, I have one.

OTA tuners have not been that important to me since I can't seem to get the stations very well (have to shoot through trees and such) but I still have an OTA antenna on my roof that I can try out. Perhaps I can use it now since the between the last time I used it and now the stations should have added more power to the OTA signal. So perhaps I am dismissing that feature a bit too early.

If I can get OTA signals, I'll never have to worry about filling up my Comcast DVR's again. I'll still keep one of the two DVR's I have for non OTA stuff, but I'll be in network TV heaven as I get tired of having to juggle my recordings between the two DVRs.

I am truly excited to see this prodcut come online. Hope it happens. Sign me up!

PS. One thing I will not like is if they do not have an IR solution for the remote. I have a Universal remote that controls EVERYTHING in my AV setup. I even have it set up so that it will send RF to a remote location and the base unit at the remote location converts it back to IR. Please don't make me add another remote! :(

Sounds cool. Can't wait to see what it is all about. Wonder if a Tivo could be used as a client, I already have one of those connected to every TV and they are all networked.

Net yet. The Tivo boxes are not DLNA certified but I would bet they could be. I'd beat up on Tivo to make that happen. DLNA would allow your Tivos to act as clients to the XtreamHD media server.

I have no need for OTA tuners, not with seven TiVo with the capability to record 14 HD programs at one. Plus two tuners in a PC and the HD tuners in each TV. I also don't need the phone service that XstreamHD is supposed to offer.

I was seriously looking at Vudu. Not any more. From prevous announcements, it seems XStreamHD will be using geosynchronous satellites for transmission which means you need a clear southern view. Fortunately, I have one.

OTA tuners have not been that important to me since I can't seem to get the stations very well (have to shoot through trees and such) but I still have an OTA antenna on my roof that I can try out. Perhaps I can use it now since the between the last time I used it and now the stations should have added more power to the OTA signal. So perhaps I am dismissing that feature a bit too early.

If I can get OTA signals, I'll never have to worry about filling up my Comcast DVR's again. I'll still keep one of the two DVR's I have for non OTA stuff, but I'll be in network TV heaven as I get tired of having to juggle my recordings between the two DVRs.

I am truly excited to see this prodcut come online. Hope it happens. Sign me up!

PS. One thing I will not like is if they do not have an IR solution for the remote. I have a Universal remote that controls EVERYTHING in my AV setup. I even have it set up so that it will send RF to a remote location and the base unit at the remote location converts it back to IR. Please don't make me add another remote! :(

I have no need for OTA tuners, not with seven TiVo with the capability to record 14 HD programs at one. Plus two tuners in a PC and the HD tuners in each TV. I also don't need the phone service that XstreamHD is supposed to offer.

Guess you won't be buying anything from XStreamHD? :D:D:D

7 Tivos? WOW! How do you find time to watch all that? Must be nice though since you can basically capture all primetime shows and even get some of the premium shows and record movies too. I have to selectively choose what to watch for fear of filling up my DVR's which means I have lost out on trying some new shows that looked interesting and later on turned out to be shows I wish I had. I also don't record a lot of movies since they are such space hogs. The product from XStreamHD will solve some of these problems for me so I am truly excited about this. Hope it happens.

Guess you won't be buying anything from XStreamHD? :D:D:D

7 Tivos? WOW! How do you find time to watch all that? Must be nice though since you can basically capture all primetime shows and even get some of the premium shows and record movies too. I have to selectively choose what to watch for fear of filling up my DVR's which means I have lost out on trying some new shows that looked interesting and later on turned out to be shows I wish I had. I also don't record a lot of movies since they are such space hogs. The product from XStreamHD will solve some of these problems for me so I am truly excited about this. Hope it happens.

I have 5 tivos and some are never used to watch TV, just to make sure I can record everything I want. In the media room, for example, my Tivo records programming to watch on the other Tivos and is primarily used to playback movies stored on my networked hard drive.

I now feel disadvantaged by only having 5 Tivos. Maybe I should ask for bailout funds to get up to 7 tivos somehow.:)

So does anyone actually have one of these Xstreamhd units yet. Or is it still vaporware? Or, should I say, vaporproduct?
JD

I think it is still vaporware - I have tried to contact the company to get on a beta list or just buy the product and nothing.

On another note - I have five Directv DVR's (but 3 have been hacked with terabyte drives) so do I get the prize for wanton excess?

:-)

I think it is still vaporware - I have tried to contact the company to get on a beta list or just buy the product and nothing.

On another note - I have five Directv DVR's (but 3 have been hacked with terabyte drives) so do I get the prize for wanton excess?

:-)

No point in keeping the original small drives in the boxes. I have 1TB drives in three, 750GB drives in three, and a 500GB drive in one. Plus I have 5TB on my TiVo server for storage of my transferred shows. If that gets full I can off load it to my 12TB Windows Home Server.

And I guess as time goes on, XstreamHD becomes less and less likely to ever see fruition.

The following press release was posted to their website (http://www.xstreamhd.com/pdf/RELEASE%20-%20Launch%20of%20PRO%20Receiver_V4(2).pdf):FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
XStreamHD Introduces an Audiophile-Class PRO Media Receiver
First Direct-to-Home Full HD Company Builds a Breakthrough HD Solution Designed to Leverage Elite Audio Components
MCLEAN, Va. – February 16, 2009 -- XStreamHD, an emerging leader in the delivery and distribution of Full High Definition (HD) entertainment to the home, is introducing the XStreamHD PRO Media Receiver, an audiophile-class breakthrough in home theater electronics.
The XStreamHD PRO Media Receiver is designed especially to meet the requirements of elite audio enthusiasts. The PRO Media Receiver is a rack mountable device that enables audiophiles to leverage their existing elite audio equipment that support analog inputs to decode the latest generation of HD studio master quality audio and video. The PRO Media Receiver permits full decoding of 7.1 channels of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio™ providing up to 118 dB of dynamic range from the analog gold plated audio outputs.
In addition to the analog audio outputs, the PRO Media Receiver includes composite, component video, and HDMI interfaces. This device allows consumers to experience Full HD (1080p) video and all the best studio-quality analog and digital audio.
“The XStreamHD PRO Media Receiver was designed to integrate with elite audio equipment so that audiophiles can experience next-generation Full HD,” said George Gonzalez, founder and CEO of XStreamHD. “Not only does the equipment permit full decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio™, but it also includes a rich feature set that works in tandem with the XStreamHD whole home entertainment solution.”
In addition to the PRO Media Receiver, XStreamHD’s product portfolio also includes an HD Media Server, an HD Media Receiver and an RF Remote Control. The XStreamHD Media Server can simultaneously deliver multiple streams of Full HD (1080p) video with up to 7.1 channels of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio™ throughout the home to any television equipped with an XStreamHD Media Receiver, or any DLNA Certified™ device including HDTVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles, or personal computers. An ergonomically advanced RF Remote Control that requires no line-of-sight and is equipped with IR technology that integrates with most AV equipment is included with every PRO Media Receiver.Sorry for the crummy formatting, this was posted as a PDF. It's probably easier to read right from their website (http://www.xstreamhd.com/pdf/RELEASE%20-%20Launch%20of%20PRO%20Receiver_V4(2).pdf).

Granted, this isn't like finding it in a store, but it at least shows that there's still some activity.

Scott

I don't know if this is new or not, but here's a link (http://www.xstreamhd.com/pdf/PRO%20Receiver.pdf) to the PDF of their aforementioned Pro Media Receiver, with lots of specs and stuff.

The pictures are just mock-ups, though.

There are also spec sheets for the HD Media Server (http://www.xstreamhd.com/pdf/Server.pdf) and HD Media Receiver (http://www.xstreamhd.com/pdf/Receiver.pdf).

Scott

In addition, it looks like they are still hiring:

RF Engineering Technician (http://seeker.dice.com/jobsearch/servlet/JobSearch?op=101&dockey=xml/3/e/3e763a858975b71c88e915fe88948206@endecaindex&c=1&source=20)

Graphics / OpenGL Software Engineer (http://seeker.dice.com/jobsearch/servlet/JobSearch?op=101&dockey=xml/d/2/d2199deb39115b8319286dd74f80613e@endecaindex&c=1&source=20)

These were just posted this week. That still doesn't mean that it will make it to market, but it looks like they are still working towards that goal.

Scott

Odd that it accepts DTS MA and Dolby Digital Plus, but not Dolby TruHD!

Press release: Hope they show up this time.

MCLEAN, VA – March 25, 2009 -- XStreamHD, an emerging leader in the delivery and
distribution of Full 1080p HD entertainment direct to the home, via satellite, will be giving
live demonstrations of the XStreamHD whole-home solution at the Echostar booth # 597
at the Satellite 2009 show. These demonstrations will feature content accessible
through XStreamHD’s advanced graphical user interface (GUI).
The unique transport system, testing on the AMC-16 satellite at 85 degrees west
longitude, enables XStreamHD to deliver Full HD movies, music, and games from the
content providers directly to subscriber homes throughout North America in exactly the
format the content was meant to be enjoyed.
“We are the first provider of Blu-ray quality Full HD (1080p) video and up to 7.1 channels
of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio™ unlocking existing FSS (Fixed Satellite Service)
capacity,” said George Gonzalez, founder and CEO of XStreamHD. “Our advanced
technology enables consumers to experience in studio master quality content, just as the
studios intended for them to be enjoyed while enabling consumers the ability to utilize
their home entertainment systems to their maximum capabilities.”
(more)
Recent tests of the XStreamHD unique transport system validates the ability of the
network to deliver Full HD (1080p), Blu-ray quality video with up to 7.1 lossless channels
of DTS-HD Master Audio™ directly to consumers’ homes. When fully rolled-out,
XStreamHD will offer its customers unparalleled access to movies, HDTV, music and
electronic games.
XStreamHD will be showcasing its unique transport system and consumer platform at
the 2009 Satellite Show in Washington, DC at the Echostar Booth #597.
About XStreamHD
XStreamHD is leading the HD revolution, setting a new standard for the delivery and
distribution of Full HD entertainment throughout the home. XStreamHD provides the
first-ever transport network to deliver high-definition movies and music directly to the
home via satellite – offering Full HD (1080p) video and up to 7.1 channels of lossless
audio. With XStreamHD, consumers can build a customized, unique, and unparalleled
in-home entertainment network and enjoy the content they want most—including
movies, music, electronic games, broadcast HDTV, and more—when it’s most
convenient, anywhere in the home, and at the quality today’s home theaters were
designed to support. XStreamHD is based in McLean, Virginia.
For more information, please visit www.XStreamHD.com.

hmmm - why echostar booth - are they an investor - will this become a Dish offer? Either way - this looks like a killer service if it comes out. The sound quality on Vudu versus BluRay is pretty weak and the picture quality is not the same as BluRay. BluRay is still the gold standard and if they can deliver at a reasonable price then they may have a good value proposition

I think the economy and VOD has, or will soon shoot down this bird.

Has there been any new info?

I guess not.

Twice has news in the the last print version. XstreamHD claims to launch Q4 of this year.

I found this link from Twice online.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6665399.html

Small article from June 11th found here : http://hdtv.biz-news.com/news/en_US/2009/06/11/0005/xstreamhd-strengthens-pre-launch-executive-team

Nice update - $399 for the box - $10 a month for the right to rent movies. Will this service displace bluray rentals via netflix. Technical and convenience requirements seem to have been met - not sure if the business/pricing model is there yet

From the article above:

Pricing has not been set yet on the pro version of the media receiver, but Gonzalez said, “We are going to take an innovative approach,” pointing out that the standard media receiver and media server pair are expected to retail for $399 (depending on the number of drives ordered).

The service will carry a $10 monthly fee, plus the fees for the rental or purchase of movies, videos and music.


Yeah, I think I'll pass on that. On top of that you need a satellite dish (i.e. installation) as well, if I understand correctly.

I think I'll stick with Netflix for now, coupled with the upcoming 1080p through my XBOX (assuming it works as they advertise, I mean).

My biggest complaint about Vudu is the per-view pricing, so I can't imagine wanting to pay $399, install something, then pay $10 a month, then pay a fee on top of that to actually rent something, even if the quality is above and beyond what the XBOX will have.....Heck, Vudu would be cheaper,so they'd have to be TONS better than HDX for people to consider this, IMO.

From the article above:


Yeah, I think I'll pass on that. On top of that you need a satellite dish (i.e. installation) as well, if I understand correctly.

I think I'll stick with Netflix for now, coupled with the upcoming 1080p through my XBOX (assuming it works as they advertise, I mean).

My biggest complaint about Vudu is the per-view pricing, so I can't imagine wanting to pay $399, install something, then pay $10 a month, then pay a fee on top of that to actually rent something, even if the quality is above and beyond what the XBOX will have.....Heck, Vudu would be cheaper,so they'd have to be TONS better than HDX for people to consider this, IMO.

I tend to agree - I was initially excited by this service - but I do not like the Vudu per rental charge either - then you add $10/month on top. I am having a hard time justifying any of this over Netflix BluRay. I could see it as a back up but then $10/month as a back-up irks me. I would probably keep Vudu and/or DirecTV as the rarely used back-up

Netflix - BluRay still seems to be the best game in town.

I tend to agree - I was initially excited by this service - but I do not like the Vudu per rental charge either - then you add $10/month on top. I am having a hard time justifying any of this over Netflix BluRay. I could see it as a back up but then $10/month as a back-up irks me. I would probably keep Vudu and/or DirecTV as the rarely used back-up

Netflix - BluRay still seems to be the best game in town.

Yeah, I was excited as well, and put in to be part of Xstream's beta program, which was supposed to be launched last July or August if I remember correctly. I've kindof given up on it, so I'm glad to see they're still around, but don't have hopes for the service at all.

Right now it's hard to beat the Netflix DVD/Blu-Ray/Streaming combo (for me anyways, after I compare cost/quality/convenience)

I am curious what the XBOX 1080p stuff is going to look like though, and am currently more interested in that.

Maybe I'm the only one, but I really like the idea behind this service. Blu Ray quality image, DTS HD MA or PCM and with the pro server having 8 channel analog outputs (I get to keep my reciever!). Self install (I'll probably opt for a pro instal though). Whole house streaming, external Sata, lossless multi track sound tracks, etc. No other streaming service presently matches these specs and I doubt they will. I guess the real question is to stream or not to stream as this streaming service has from a technical point raised the bar well above any other streaming service. That, of course, is assuming it really does go live. :) Sure hope so.

I dont mind paying a premium to get better quality then any other service offers but I will have to wait and see the total price & packages available before making a finial decision. Paying for a component box is fine, paying per movie OR subscription basis is fine. Charging $10 per month and then again to rent the movies pisses me off though.... :(

Maybe I just don't understand how this works, but there are still too many open questions about this service. How many titles will you be able to download via your dish? How long before your disk fills up with titles that you might not even watch? Will the bit rates eventually be reduced to distribute more titles?

It seems like the idea model is to use the satellite delivery for new, popular titles and rely on the internet for smaller volume titles.

Yeah, I was excited as well, and put in to be part of Xstream's beta program, which was supposed to be launched last July or August if I remember correctly. I've kindof given up on it, so I'm glad to see they're still around, but don't have hopes for the service at all.

Right now it's hard to beat the Netflix DVD/Blu-Ray/Streaming combo (for me anyways, after I compare cost/quality/convenience)

I am curious what the XBOX 1080p stuff is going to look like though, and am currently more interested in that.
agreed.... this service just looks like its going to cost more than even vudu unless they have lower pricing on the rentals which would make me take another look (.99 or 1.99 would be a very good deal and something I probably would get and sell my bluray player). But the upfront $399 cost, $10 service charge and more than likely $5.00+ rentals will make this a VERY expensive service. I really do hope they have something hiding though because I really want to find something that can give me close to bluray quality so I can ditch my bluray player. The longer I have used blurays the more Ive grown to hate them with the neverending updates, slowness and bugs in the software. Its too much work when all I want to do is watch a movie.

I am interested to see what the quality of the 1080p xbox360 stuff looks like but their cost per movie is still awfully high imo (5.99 for a new release rental). They do have a huge advantage of having a 30+ million install base so it will not be an upfront cost for me/others to try out.

I am interested to see what the quality of the 1080p xbox360 stuff looks like but their cost per movie is still awfully high imo (5.99 for a new release rental). They do have a huge advantage of having a 30+ million install base so it will not be an upfront cost for me/others to try out.

I agree with ya about the xstream but as to the xbox (first let me say I am a fan of MS so I wish them the best) but this is supposed to have a low bitrate and varying resolution. Such as while watching the movie whenever the internet connection slows down the resolution will drop and you may no longer be watching 1080p. Between the low bitrate & incosistent resolution, I think its more of a marketing buzzword to even say its 1080p then truth :(

agreed.... this service just looks like its going to cost more than even vudu unless they have lower pricing on the rentals which would make me take another look (.99 or 1.99 would be a very good deal and something I probably would get and sell my bluray player).

Even better would be a flat rate Netflix type fee - all you can eat rental - keep 3,5,7 etc. in your backlog.

However, I am sure there is some barrier being put in place from the studios that prevents this.

Does anyone know why none of the download services - other than Netflix - don't offer an all you can eat flat rate option?

Even better would be a flat rate Netflix type fee - all you can eat rental - keep 3,5,7 etc. in your backlog.

However, I am sure there is some barrier being put in place from the studios that prevents this.

Does anyone know why none of the download services - other than Netflix - don't offer an all you can eat flat rate option?

Thats a good question.... I would guess its a problem with pricing (because netflix doesnt even have first run movies). I would love it if xstream would have a rate plan but if they are already charging 10 bucks a month for service I dont see it happening.

I agree with ya about the xstream but as to the xbox (first let me say I am a fan of MS so I wish them the best) but this is supposed to have a low bitrate and varying resolution. Such as while watching the movie whenever the internet connection slows down the resolution will drop and you may no longer be watching 1080p. Between the low bitrate & incosistent resolution, I think its more of a marketing buzzword to even say its 1080p then truth :(

It might be but we wont know for sure until it launches and I will test out a movie or two to see what kind of quality it is compared to a bluray.... The way I understand it is your bitrate starts out low and ramps up if you have the connection speed. Since they say 8mbit Im guessing anybody with a sustained 8mbit or better will get 1080p for the whole movie. (the key will be to sustain a high bitrate which my cable company does a pretty good job with)

It might be but we wont know for sure until it launches and I will test out a movie or two to see what kind of quality it is compared to a bluray.... The way I understand it is your bitrate starts out low and ramps up if you have the connection speed. Since they say 8mbit Im guessing anybody with a sustained 8mbit or better will get 1080p for the whole movie. (the key will be to sustain a high bitrate which my cable company does a pretty good job with)

Here is some info on the XBOX service (which should probably just be it's own thread:

From http://blog.streamingmedia.com/the_business_of_online_vi/2009/06/xbox-360.html

For the full instant on 1080p streaming and 5.1 surround sound experience, Microsoft recommends at least an 8 Mbps broadband connection. The beauty of the technology however, is that movies and TV shows on Zune video will automatically scale to the best possible resolution based on the speed of the users connection. So if a consumer has a 6 Mbps connection, they will still get 1080p and a great audio experience, but may not get 5.1. And as a back-up, Microsoft says anyone can have a 1080p/5.1 experience, but they may be required to download the content instead of streaming it if they don’t have an 8 - 10 Mbps broadband connection.


They just laid down FIOS in the last 2 weeks in my neighborhood (so I'll be offered the service soon) so I should be able to stream it when it's available. At least I hope so. I'm excited about this...even if it's $5.99 to rent, I would probably still use it maybe a few times each month, but it's not going to replace "affordable" Netflix.

This really gets to the heart of the matter with streaming. I have a U-verse 6Mbps connection. As I recall the next jump up close to doubles my monthly ISP bill. I know that my Apple TV maxes out at 5 Mbps which can provide decent 720p video and 5.1 audio. I really don't plan ahead enough for "downloads," so that is not an option for me. I guess I'm stuck now with 720p for a while -- except for my Blockbuster and Netflix Blu-ray rentals.

This is where it would be good to have the most popular content automatically downloaded through a satellite dish. But, I would imagine that 10-12 Mbps broadband internet service will get cheaper soon. When that happens XStreamHD will be toast.

Thats a good question.... I would guess its a problem with pricing (because netflix doesnt even have first run movies). I would love it if xstream would have a rate plan but if they are already charging 10 bucks a month for service I dont see it happening.



It might be but we wont know for sure until it launches and I will test out a movie or two to see what kind of quality it is compared to a bluray.... The way I understand it is your bitrate starts out low and ramps up if you have the connection speed. Since they say 8mbit Im guessing anybody with a sustained 8mbit or better will get 1080p for the whole movie. (the key will be to sustain a high bitrate which my cable company does a pretty good job with)

It sounds like the Xbox movies will average around 8mbs if that is their requirement. The VUDU HDX titles average 10mbs with 20mbs peaks using MPEG4. Although I would think the 360 will be using VC1 for their content, so I would think at best it would be equal to VUDU HDX.
VUDU needs to raise the max download rate from 4mbs and that would help with the time it takes to download the HDX rentals. And they still need to implement an external storage solution.

I would love to be able to try our=t the XstreamHD especially since it is the only download service that has the potential to match or exceed BD titles. But I don't think the location of the satellite will work for me since I cannot move the location of my dish at my condo.

It still lives!

XSTREAMHD NAMED AS CES INNOVATIONS 2010 DESIGN AND ENGINEERING AWARD HONOREE (http://www.xstreamhd.com/pdf/RELEASE%20-%20Innovations%20Award%20FV.pdf)

MCLEAN, VA – November 10, 2009 – XStreamHD today announced that it has been named an International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for Multi-Room Audio /Video. Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products across 36 product categories. . . .There's more on the link, but I didn't see any launch date. Will we ever see it in the wild?

Scott

These guys are going no where. Give it up.

These guys are going no where. Give it up.

The article says they will introduce a Starter Package at CES 2010. So it sounds like they should be offering something next year. they are obviously still around and have not gone anywhere. Although their product has not been released yet.

The article says they will introduce a Starter Package at CES 2010. So it sounds like they should be offering something next year. they are obviously still around and have not gone anywhere. Although their product has not been released yet.


They've attended all the shows from CES, CEDIA, Infocomm, etc for a few years and have had nothing to show for it. They've got no traction and no partners in the industry. You're living on pipe dreams if you still believe in them.

They've attended all the shows from CES, CEDIA, Infocomm, etc for a few years and have had nothing to show for it. They've got no traction and no partners in the industry. You're living on pipe dreams if you still believe in them. Nice pipe dream though. If they do deliver on what they say they can do, it would make a very nice addition to my HT system. It costs me nothing to believe in them so I continue to wait and hope...

The still have a website that shows specific products that will be avilable in the future. So they must still be doing something.

A lot of companies have web sites. XStreamHD is going to fail. ZillionTV has a far greater chance at success.

A lot of companies have web sites. XStreamHD is going to fail. ZillionTV has a far greater chance at success.


I never said they were going to either succeed or fail. I don't care either way. If they would have been around four to eight years ago I would have been all over it.. But not now.

what is ZillionTv?

I never said they were going to either succeed or fail. I don't care either way. If they would have been around four to eight years ago I would have been all over it.. But not now.

what is ZillionTv? I think lakers42 must either work for ZillionTv and/or have stock in it. Yet another internet streamer with no hard disk storage. Putting up a service like this to compare it to XstreamHD shows a complete misunderstanding of the technology XstreamHD, if it comes to fruition, will bring to the home video enthusiast.

I think lakers42 must either work for ZillionTv and/or have stock in it. Yet another internet streamer with no hard disk storage. Putting up a service like this to compare it to XstreamHD shows a complete misunderstanding of the technology XstreamHD, if it comes to fruition, will bring to the home video enthusiast.

I don't work for ZillionTV nor do I have any vested interest in them. I've met with Zillion execs and seen their product. Xstream has also attempted to meet with me, but I've declined since they refuse to share any meaningful information even when I've offered to sign an NDA prior to any information exchange. They told me they just want to "talk".

I don't work for ZillionTV nor do I have any vested interest in them. I've met with Zillion execs and seen their product. Xstream has also attempted to meet with me, but I've declined since they refuse to share any meaningful information even when I've offered to sign an NDA prior to any information exchange. They told me they just want to "talk". I did go to the ZilliionTV web site. From what I saw they are offering streaming only. So far, I have not been impressed with any Internet based streaming as the bandwidth just isn't there. What I'm looking for is BD quality sound and PQ which requires ~ 25MB/s on playback. To get that off the internet you need storage. I also know that the vast majority of people couldn't care less about PQ or SQ so I too question the validity of XstreamHD's business model, yet I see no other service out there that can compete with thier specs. Can they deliver it? I sure hope so. Someone there must think they can otherwise why continue. And hopefully there will be a market for that.

So do you work in the industry?

When CES comes around again, it will be 2 years of empty claims. They have no product, no services, and no partners. They were showing boxes 2 years ago, but no one has seen a working unit with their HD service. Anyone can build a multi-room DLNA server and client, but these guys are supposed to also bring content to the table.

This industry is a numbers game and they have no scale. Good luck to them, but I gave up on them a long time ago.

Without content, then yeah, they have nothing I would be interested in.

I was really excited about this a year or two ago. Even signed up for the beta, which never appeared.

A year+ later and we have Netflix in every device which is pretty decent. Then we have Vudu HDX, and the 1080p smooth streaming stuff from XBOX which while not Blu-Ray, is getting pretty close.

I just have pretty much lost all faith (but not interest) in the Xstream tech and having another box (and if I remember correctly, you need a satellite dish as well).

I gotta agree that this is pretty much dead before arrival. Even if they manage to deliver Blu-Ray quality, they are way behind if they are hoping to gain any traction in the market.

That being said, I am still interested to hear what they have at the next show.

If it does come out, it will be a must-by here. Those stats beat any current options available currently. Not sure why anyone feels the need to spread FUD about it.

I was really excited about this a year or two ago. Even signed up for the beta, which never appeared.

A year+ later and we have Netflix in every device which is pretty decent. Then we have Vudu HDX, and the 1080p smooth streaming stuff from XBOX which while not Blu-Ray, is getting pretty close.

I just have pretty much lost all faith (but not interest) in the Xstream tech and having another box (and if I remember correctly, you need a satellite dish as well).

I gotta agree that this is pretty much dead before arrival. Even if they manage to deliver Blu-Ray quality, they are way behind if they are hoping to gain any traction in the market.

That being said, I am still interested to hear what they have at the next show.

The 1080P Xbox streaming is out now?

The 1080P Xbox streaming is out now?

Still waiting for Xtreme HD. Went to the press conference that never happened a few years ago at CES.

Is this just vaporware?:confused:

looks like its vaporware

The 1080P Xbox streaming is out now?

It is if you signed up to receive the update early. It will be officially rolled out on Tuesday the 17th. I do like it and it is comparable to Vudu's HDX. It is fast, easy, and the picture and sound are quite good.

It is if you signed up to receive the update early. It will be officially rolled out on Tuesday the 17th. I do like it and it is comparable to Vudu's HDX. It is fast, easy, and the picture and sound are quite good.

Even with the old system I coul dstart watching an HD title within 20 seconds and continue watching to the end.
Is this a strictly streaming slution or is it still downloaded to the hard drive like before?
Are they using Silverlight?

So help me understand -- is Xstream HD being introduced to the market? Or are you guys talking about some kind of Xbox Kluge. I am not interested in a service that is equal to Vudu. I already have Vudu with its "less-than BluRay quality".

Ok -- back to the Xstream HD thread and off the Xbox thread -- it looks like there is some kind of heartbeat out their as they are planning to be at CES 2010.

http://www.xstreamhd.com/pdf/RELEASE%20-%20Innovations%20Award%20FV.pdf

So help me understand -- is Xstream HD being introduced to the market? Or are you guys talking about some kind of Xbox Kluge. I am not interested in a service that is equal to Vudu. I already have Vudu with its "less-than BluRay quality".



But until/if XstreamHD launches, VUDU HDX is the best quality availabe that isn't from a Blu-ray Disc.

I would be interested in XstreamHD if they use the satelllite locations that DirecTV uses. But last I heard they were doing testing with a satellite that was in the sixty or seventy something position, which I cannot receive.

So hopefully at CES or before they will clarify what their plans for 2010 will be.

But until/if XstreamHD launches, VUDU HDX is the best quality availabe that isn't from a Blu-ray Disc.

Agreed, which is why I only watch Vudu if I absolutely cannot find the title on BluRay

Even with the old system I coul dstart watching an HD title within 20 seconds and continue watching to the end.
Is this a strictly streaming slution or is it still downloaded to the hard drive like before?
Are they using Silverlight?

This is strictly streaming, though you can opt to download instead of streaming. Also It is intergrated with the Zune Marketplace so if I order a movie (buy or rent) I can watch it on the xbox in 1080p or on my PC or on my ZuneHD. Things that I purchase on the Xbox show up in my Zune account for download and things I purchase through Zune show up in my video library on the Xbox.
The Streaming is instant and the quality is quite nice. When I fast forward or skip to the next chapter it starts up immediately. I am very impressed with what they have done.