Official Ceton Echo Extender Info Thread - Page 8

If I had to choose between a PC running Softsled and an Echo that could play Blu-ray and DVD folder structures (with HBR bitstreaming), I'd choose the Echo in a heartbeat.

Actually I already did in a fashion, I've got 4 SageTV HD extenders in lieu of PC's running SageTV Client, in fact I switched from PCs with Sage Client to extenders and it was about the best thing I ever did in my system.

I wonder how or if the Echo will overcome the 29/59 bug??

But my HTPC's don't have those limitations.

And I still don't use the browser. **shrug**

Look, whatever floats your boat. I just don't use the capability, and I do all my web browsing on my laptops and iPad.

As for whether or not 'most people want it' -- no clue, but I get the feeling that, like me, when many of those that are clamoring for browser capability actually have that capability, they'll essentially never use it. That's just from my personal experience.

LOL I wonder a whole lot of things about this thing.

The funny part of this whole thread is the fact that we're already assigning problems to it when we really have no idea WTF it really does.

I was wondering when someone was going to add something rational into the mix. People are already complaining about what it can or cannot do when Ceton doesn't even know what capabilities will be included yet.

Not sure if this has been mentioned or not, but it would be really nice if the Q were able to set up recordings remotely, via web server.

The tablet and smartphone apps they are developing should allow you to do that. I think that was demonstrated in one of the video demos I saw from CES. I can't remember which one though.

Same way the Linksys, D-link and HP extenders do. It doesn't bother them. Doesn't bother ATI video cards either.

I want it to go to the kitchen and make me a sammich...I am quite certain it will not do that. If it does, I will buy two. I am not a slave driver, they will take turns.

the 29/59 issue has to do with an interaction between MCE and EVR on Windows - Extenders aren't subject to it (well, softsled might be, but that's a moot point...)


Sandwich making is only available in the Premium version of Echo, and even then, you have to attach it to your Roomba

Yes! If I attach it to my scooba will it clean the dishes when I'm done?

Wow...i want three of these the day they come out! (i know i'm late to the party)

I read through the thread and I didn't see any updates on release...is it still just "2012"? not even which quarter? How about which half?

yeah i get what your saying... but i still think being able to browse is important.. I know i use it a lot and so do all the people i know with media centers... for looking up stuff we talk about quickly so everyone can see easily or youtube.. etc..

but yeah other than that i love this product..

just like i like having flash on Android... all these apple people convincing themselves they dont want it.. lol

really looking forward to these, not sure i will need a q but the echos could be a wish come true, xbox is good but its file and bit rate support are limiting. If these can match other streamers on offer and allow for plugin such a media browser then im a happy chap, oh and HD tv like xbox too

any ideas or guesses on release dates?

That was my thought as well. There's some definite variance in price between the different versions of xbox out there. I'm excited about and interested in the Echo. But, if I'm actually going to plunk down money, this thing will need to:

1) Operate over WiFi.
2) Be able to grab and use a LIVE TV tuner with my current 7MC + Ceton InfiniTV setup (which Eric seems to be indicating it will)
3) Be under the price of an Xbox 360 4GB Slim.


If it can do those things, this is going to be worth looking into. I'll probably buy one, if not two or three. But things such as Blu-Ray streaming, Netflix connectivity, and features exclusive to the Q are virtually worthless to me. I already have MULTIPLE devices hooked up to Blu Ray players that have access to NetFlix applications. And I've already invested in a HTPC and an InfiniTV card.

The xbox is always going to have functionality that this thing won't: playing xbox games. Now, I've already got one (and likely a second) xbox, so I certainly don't need a third. But if this thing costs more than an xbox, than I'm going to buy another xbox. If it can do the three things I listed above and keep $50 in my pocket in the process? I'm in.

For me, the two most important things are file compatibility (preferably 1080p x264/MKV with the HD audio formats would be supported, but I don't know what'll happen there), and a faster boot-time than the 360 booting into Media Center.

Faster boot-up would certainly be appreciated. Good call.

Hopefully it doesn't draw as much power as the xbox does, either.

This is the main thing for me too. Not the boot time but format support. If it can't do mkv's then its useless to me as I am not re-doing my whole collection.

Lets put it this way - I have a lot of MKV content, and will personally throw a fit if it doesn't play it

Good to hear. I take it I won't have to install a codec pack on my HTPC? How will the content be made to appear to the extender? I would be thrilled if it could be a client for XBMC, as I am very happy with XBMC for all video besides TV and have no interest in expanding my use of Media Center beyond TV.

Do your MKVs happen to have TrueHD/DTS-HD MA audio tracks? And would you happen to have some "raw" Blu-ray folder rips.

Of course personally, I'm still most wondering if such functionality will require the Q. I'm not clear on whether the limitations of the current extenders are fundamental to the extender protocol or just limitations of current extender implementations.

Great news Eric!!! I'm totally in for one when the time comes. Just being able to watch my recordings from the living room in the bedroom will be great.

My test matrix includes making sure that video content from *cough*popular internet sources*cough* plays properly

Man, this device cannot come quick enough. Sign me up for 2.

I actually couldn't care less about internet sources (save Netflix/Amazon/etc maybe), I just care if BDMV structures from the BDs on my shelf can be played.

...while connected to something that can record HD from Dish Network or DirecTV.

I wouldn't hold your breath

Windows Media Center can do it, so if the Echo supports MKV/BDMV while connected to a Windows Media Center machine, that would qualify.

My point is the Echo is of no use to me if it only supports MKV/BDMV when paired with the Q (unless the incredibly unlikely thing happens of the Q supporting the HD PVR or something similar).

Do we have an ETA on these things?

I shouldn't have replied so fast, I suppose I wouldn't hold my breath for the q to support dish or directtv. I think it's safe to assume that the echo will stream any recording from a DIY htpc.

AFAIK, it's been described only as a Media Center extender, and Media Center plays just a handful of formats. That's why I asked earlier about how it will be made aware of the .mkv files it supposedly will be able to play.