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Boxee Box Owner's Thread - Reviews, tips, tricks, bugs and feature requests - Page 162

post #4831 of 9561
1/21/11 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonathanq View Post

I've had my Boxee Box since it was released in November. I've had a few issues, and opened a few tickets. The team has been oustanding in getting the issues resolved.

Despite some frustrations with promises/releases - I've been a happy owner since day 1 and have still recommended it (while being honest about some of the issues others are having even if I am not) to friends.

I do wish they would think of us poor Canadians though. Vudu isn't supported in Canada. Netflix (if it comes at the end of the month) is for US-only. Hulu+ is almost definitely going to be US-only. When asked about Netflix Canada - Avner said it was "to follow soon after the US-release".

Given how wrong Avner's promised timetables have been in the past. When he can't even offer any timeline for Netflix Canada - I don't have much confidence that it will come soon.

I will continue to use Netflix on my Xbox360. Hopefully one day I can use it on the Boxee instead. It would also be great to have Vudu too - but I doubt that will happen. I use the Boxee Box for local content primarily. Occasionally I will watch a Revision3 or TwitTV feed.

these statements confuse me because I'm trying out the Boxee software on my PC and it has vudu and netflix? DOes the actual boxee box not have it or something?
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post #4832 of 9561
1/21/11 at 11:38am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

these statements confuse me because I'm trying out the Boxee software on my PC and it has vudu and netflix? DOes the actual boxee box not have it or something?

Boxee on the PC is completely different than boxee on the embedded Boxee Box.

On your PC there are plugins that leverage the availability of things like Hulu, Netflix, etc that anyone can watch on a PC anytime they want.

However, different rules apply for embedded set top devices like the Boxee Box.

Vudu is now available, Netflix will be available soon, and Hulu+ is announced but without a date.

Some services available on your PC, such as the ability to go in a browser to any network feed, to regular Hulu, etc, are not going to work on the Boxee, or most other streamers due to decisions made by the heathens that run the networks.
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post #4833 of 9561
1/21/11 at 11:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

My other question is what do you guys use to rip your SD dvds and BDs? Is the program free?

I personally use makeMKV. I just strip out everything but the video, audio track, and any forced subs. Works great and is free.
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post #4834 of 9561
1/21/11 at 11:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmpage2 View Post


Maybe Vudu servers are currently having issues or there are some internet slow downs at the moment. I watched a whole pile of HDX trailers, previews and an entire 2 hour movie in HD the other day and never saw a single buffer of any kind.

I've had the buffering issue every time I've tried for the past three days, regardless of the time of day. It seems it's having some kind of problem with my network, though I have no idea how to figure out what it might be.
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post #4835 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by met_fan View Post

I've had the buffering issue every time I've tried for the past three days, regardless of the time of day. It seems it's having some kind of problem with my network, though I have no idea how to figure out what it might be.

If the speed test is working properly, then it should not be buffering.

I don't know how deep you want to dive on this, but you could always connect the Boxee via an old skool ethernet hub (NOT a switch!), then plug a laptop into the same hub and run wireshark to get a network trace for a minute or two while the buffering is coming and going.

If I looked at that I could probably tell you if your network was the likely culprit.

It is also possible there is something going on with your internet provider.... have you tried power cycling your router and modem? Tried changing the IP of the Boxee?

You could even put the Boxee IP into the DMZ of your router which would bypass the router firewall, etc, and see if that helps.

Good luck!
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post #4836 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmpage2 View Post

Boxee on the PC is completely different than boxee on the embedded Boxee Box.

On your PC there are plugins that leverage the availability of things like Hulu, Netflix, etc that anyone can watch on a PC anytime they want.

However, different rules apply for embedded set top devices like the Boxee Box.

Vudu is now available, Netflix will be available soon, and Hulu+ is announced but without a date.

Some services available on your PC, such as the ability to go in a browser to any network feed, to regular Hulu, etc, are not going to work on the Boxee, or most other streamers due to decisions made by the heathens that run the networks.

Ah ok that is what I figured. Now you said about the complications with an HTPC. The boxee or other streams seems like a nice simple solution, but wouldn't running an htpc with the boxee software (besides updates and things) be almost as simple?
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post #4837 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

Ah ok that is what I figured. Now you said about the complications with an HTPC. The boxee or other streams seems like a nice simple solution, but wouldn't running an htpc with the boxee software (besides updates and things) be almost as simple?

No.
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post #4838 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

Ah ok that is what I figured. Now you said about the complications with an HTPC. The boxee or other streams seems like a nice simple solution, but wouldn't running an htpc with the boxee software (besides updates and things) be almost as simple?

You need to worry about proper driver/hardware/software support for an HTPC. For example, if you want bitstreaming of HD Audio you need to make sure your HTPC has the correct hardware. Also, and someone correct me if I am wrong, Boxee on a PC does not support BR folder yet?

An HTPC is definitely a doable solution, but the point of a dedicated media player is to take the setup/troubleshooting out of the equation. I am still a big HTPC fan but can appreciate the simplicity and plug n play of a dedicated box
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post #4839 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ToddUGA View Post

I personally use makeMKV. I just strip out everything but the video, audio track, and any forced subs. Works great and is free.

Can you use this to have dvds with full menu? I'm not sure how to do this
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post #4840 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

Can you use this to have dvds with full menu? I'm not sure how to do this

There are already tons of threads here at AVS you can search for that would answer any and all questions you have about ripping and content creation using all the tools that are out there.
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post #4841 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

Can you use this to have dvds with full menu? I'm not sure how to do this

Not with makeMKV. For that I use Ripit, which is Mac only. I'm sure there's probably a good DVD ripper out there for Windows though.
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post #4842 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

Can you use this to have dvds with full menu? I'm not sure how to do this

See t his post I made:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...33&postcount=5
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post #4843 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by undersinjake View Post

these statements confuse me because I'm trying out the Boxee software on my PC and it has vudu and netflix? DOes the actual boxee box not have it or something?

As said the Boxee Box is different.

To make another point clear - I am from Canada. I don't know if the Boxee software (on the PC) supports Netflix Canada. But Avner already stated that when Netflix launches in the US on the Boxee Box - it will be US only at that time. With Canada to follow later.

Vudu is US only (for both PC and Boxee Box). And Hulu is only on the PC. Hulu+ will be launched on the Boxee Box in the future (no estimate as to when). And I don't believe it will be available in Canada either.

My frustration is just that Boxee isn't really communicating any timeline to launch new premium content for non-US customers right now. They announced that CBS is coming. But no date, and no info on whether it will be US-only or not.

Granted Vudu not being in Canada isn't something Boxee can control (I really wish it was though). But Netflix is. And they should provided a better timeline than "soon".
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post #4844 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:31pm
I personally rip the main movie ISO file using DVD Shrink. It does require a separate program to "unlock" the disc however, and for that I bought DVD Fab Passkey (lifetime.) I have not yet entered the world of BR ripping, however, as I have no Blu Ray drive other than my PS3 at the present time. I also don't have the kind of storage solution in place to handle that!

Kinda semi on topic, but why do so many people favor ripping to MKV over just the ISO file? I just feel like I see complaints about MKV playback all over these forums. Why MKV?
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post #4845 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmpage2 View Post

If the speed test is working properly, then it should not be buffering.

I don't know how deep you want to dive on this, but you could always connect the Boxee via an old skool ethernet hub (NOT a switch!), then plug a laptop into the same hub and run wireshark to get a network trace for a minute or two while the buffering is coming and going.

If I looked at that I could probably tell you if your network was the likely culprit.

It is also possible there is something going on with your internet provider.... have you tried power cycling your router and modem? Tried changing the IP of the Boxee?

You could even put the Boxee IP into the DMZ of your router which would bypass the router firewall, etc, and see if that helps.

Good luck!

That is likely too deep for me...I think I'd be getting in over my head with some of that. I can certainly try cycling my router and will see what I can do with some of the rest. I can successfully stream content from the ESPN3, but I don't know what kind of bandwidth that requires compared to Vudu. Also, my internet provider is a school network and I don't know how they might handle an HD video stream. Don't recall if I mentioned it earlier, but I typically get around 10-12 Mbps in my home, but onthe Boxee speed test app, it's always less. Thanks for your help.

Edit: I just tried another HD preview and it made it through without buffering...have not made any adjustments yet...maybe I'll try the free rental tonight and see how it goes
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post #4846 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishdoom View Post

I personally rip the main movie ISO file using DVD Shrink. It does require a separate program to "unlock" the disc however, and for that I bought DVD Fab Passkey (lifetime.) I have not yet entered the world of BR ripping, however, as I have no Blu Ray drive other than my PS3 at the present time. I also don't have the kind of storage solution in place to handle that!

Kinda semi on topic, but why do so many people favor ripping to MKV over just the ISO file? I just feel like I see complaints about MKV playback all over these forums. Why MKV?

MKV is more efficient with space (on average about 1GB vs comparable m2ts for a BluRay). Also, depending on the platform you use mkvs may work better across different platforms (for example, AirPlay cannot handle BluRay folder structures when trying to stream to an iPad, but no issues with mkvs), Just personal preference, each has its pros/cons.
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post #4847 of 9561
1/21/11 at 12:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonathanq View Post

As said the Boxee Box is different.

To make another point clear - I am from Canada. I don't know if the Boxee software (on the PC) supports Netflix Canada. But Avner already stated that when Netflix launches in the US on the Boxee Box - it will be US only at that time. With Canada to follow later.

Vudu is US only (for both PC and Boxee Box). And Hulu is only on the PC. Hulu+ will be launched on the Boxee Box in the future (no estimate as to when). And I don't believe it will be available in Canada either.

My frustration is just that Boxee isn't really communicating any timeline to launch new premium content for non-US customers right now. They announced that CBS is coming. But no date, and no info on whether it will be US-only or not.

Granted Vudu not being in Canada isn't something Boxee can control (I really wish it was though). But Netflix is. And they should provided a better timeline than "soon".

How lame - i'm quoting myself Anyway - right after I posted this I happened to look in the comments of the blog.boxee.tv posting for the last update to see if there was any mention of netflix canada. And low and behold avner posted this:

"I actually have good news on that front. When Netflix will come out on the Boxee Box it will also be available for users in Canada."

I just emailed him to clarify if that means we'll see a simultaneous launch of both countries. Sounds like that will be the case. And if so, I'll be very happy!! He also posted in the comments they are working to get more non-US providers. So hope there are some more updates on that front soon!

I'll post an update if/when hear back from Avner too.
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post #4848 of 9561
1/21/11 at 1:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmpage2 View Post

Vudu is now available, Netflix will be available soon, and Hulu+ is announced but without a date.

And doesn't that Vudu thing offer higher resolution on the Box than on the PC?
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post #4849 of 9561
1/21/11 at 1:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by arswhat View Post

And doesn't that Vudu thing offer higher resolution on the Box than on the PC?

I have never used Vudu on anything but the Boxee Box, so I have no idea. Vudu HDX looks pretty good though.
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post #4850 of 9561
1/21/11 at 1:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishdoom View Post

Kinda semi on topic, but why do so many people favor ripping to MKV over just the ISO file? I just feel like I see complaints about MKV playback all over these forums. Why MKV?

Because its easier to reauthor an MKV than a ISO. You wanna skip the menus or have each episode of a TV show as seperate ready to play files? Easier to do with MKV.
You wanna add new subtitles to media? Rather tricky with a DVD ISO (but doable) - no idea how you would do it with blueray - a 10 second job with an MKV.
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post #4851 of 9561
1/21/11 at 1:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by arswhat View Post

And doesn't that Vudu thing offer higher resolution on the Box than on the PC?

I did a quick google search and found this: http://blog.vudu.com/?p=787

"VUDU users will be able to download Boxeeâs free media center software on Mac or PC to access our massive SD movie collection, including thousands of titles available for $2 rentals for two nights.

On D-Linkâs Boxee Box, VUDU users will experience the full HD and HDX library in 1080p streamed directly to their HDTV with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Millions of HDTV owners can turn their HDTV into VUDU-enabled HDTVs for the highest quality movie experience."

(emphasis added)
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post #4852 of 9561
1/21/11 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishdoom View Post

I had looked through my camera's settings, but didn't see anything to change the output format. I'll have to give it another try. Could I conceivable re-encode the video to a different format to get it to work right? It plays just fine on our PC through Picasa.

MTS from my panny GF1 and ZS7 are still out of synch in AVCHD lite but less out of synch than the Mjpeg/AVIs from my Canon. MTS (avchd) from the Sony Hx5V and WX5 play fine and in synch.

MediaInfo tells me the differences btw the panny(720p) and the sony(1080i) MTS is

a.) Sony audio offset -67ms in encoding
b.) Sony audio bitrate 256 vs Panny 192

And this which I don't know what it means

Sony:
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Format settings, GOP : M=1, N=30 (setting absent in Panny)

Panny:
Format settings, CABAC : No
Format settings, ReFrames : 1 frames
Frame Mode: Frame doubling (frame doubling is part of AVCHD lite implementation so not changeable by us)
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post #4853 of 9561
1/21/11 at 1:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonathanq View Post

How lame - i'm quoting myself Anyway - right after I posted this I happened to look in the comments of the blog.boxee.tv posting for the last update to see if there was any mention of netflix canada. And low and behold avner posted this:

"I actually have good news on that front. When Netflix will come out on the Boxee Box it will also be available for users in Canada."

I just emailed him to clarify if that means we'll see a simultaneous launch of both countries. Sounds like that will be the case. And if so, I'll be very happy!! He also posted in the comments they are working to get more non-US providers. So hope there are some more updates on that front soon!

I'll post an update if/when hear back from Avner too.

Got a reply from Avner when asked if that meant a simultaneous release for both Canada and US:

Quote:


Yes. Same time. We are very excited about it!
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post #4854 of 9561
1/21/11 at 2:57pm
so u and avner are on a first name basis heh
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post #4855 of 9561
1/21/11 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaluga View Post

so u and avner are on a first name basis heh

Haha - no, but he is very willing to respond via email. I have emailed him a few times over the last couple of months, and he has always responded.
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post #4856 of 9561
1/21/11 at 5:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by arswhat View Post

Man, youtube is buffering like mad..

Has this just started for you? I had this happen and I disabled the webserver in the network settings and that solved the buffering problems for me.
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post #4857 of 9561
1/21/11 at 7:24pm
Well since the "forced" update my usb drive connected to the BB no longer shows up as a networked drive.

This is why I hate having crap shoved down my throat. It was doing what I wanted and now it's not. As A canadian I don't benefit from any VUDU (not that I would want it anyhow) but I've lost a feature that I did use.

Even Microsoft and Sony don't "force" updates.

I try to stay positive about BB but it gets more and more difficult.
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post #4858 of 9561
1/21/11 at 7:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Izzy_Deadyet View Post

Well since the "forced" update my usb drive connected to the BB no longer shows up as a networked drive.

This is why I hate having crap shoved down my throat. It was doing what I wanted and now it's not. As A canadian I don't benefit from any VUDU (not that I would want it anyhow) but I've lost a feature that I did use.

Even Microsoft and Sony don't "force" updates.

I try to stay positive about BB but it gets more and more difficult.

Did u check the web server settings? Often with.media player updates the settings will be reset. I would guess this is what happened to you.
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post #4859 of 9561
1/21/11 at 8:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tennisbgc View Post

Has this just started for you? I had this happen and I disabled the webserver in the network settings and that solved the buffering problems for me.

Its on the PC as well, so i suppose it has to be some sort of external force which is hexing my youtube playing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Izzy_Deadyet View Post

Even Microsoft and Sony don't "force" updates.

I try to stay positive about BB but it gets more and more difficult.

Probably a requirement to have their "premium content"
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post #4860 of 9561
1/21/11 at 8:38pm
For the life of me i can't get House to show in the Tv Show section. I can find it under files. When browsing under files it you press "more" after selecting a episode. It shows all episodes with meta data like everything else. It just never shows up in the TV Show section.

This is the only tv show not showing up. Is this working for anybody else?

Other wise the c-200 is getting used less and less......so its getting better.
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