Extending HD

[flavius]

I finally got a chance this weekend to open the box and take the STX-HD100 for a ride. I'm a big fan of appliances, and I had big hopes for this one.

The following is purely subjective, of course.

1. The case: Since the extender is going to be 'visible', actually has to be visible, it will be seen. To be frank, I don't like the way it looks, it has this Sage-typically 'off' or 'undesigned' feel to it. Think cable sticking out of the front. I don't live in a dorm anymore.

2. Setup: As usual, I didn't read the manual, I did have to consult it, though, in order to finally switch to HDMI. Setup is truly easy.

3. The remote: some people don't like it, and I can see why, on the other hand I don't, it's not a masterpiece in industrial design, but it's functional. For the most part I like the functionality and where it's located. The relative weakness of the IR signal and / or the somewhat blocked IR sensor is a nuisance, and it should be fixed. I will try out my harmony 880, and see how that goes.

4. Playback: I was hoping for an appliance that would play SD content as well, at least as well, as the MVP and give me access to HD. You see, my expectations weren't that high, but that's only because the MVP is a pretty good piece of hardware Analog content does seem to look a tad better. FF/REW works more smoothly than it ever has (TiVo still rules, of course). I also copied a few DVD's to the server, just to try it out. I may be doing more of this.

Well, the IR issue that is upsetting people looks like a fundamental design flaw, something that I can easily live with, though, when I look at the complete package.

If only Sage would have a conversation with their 'design department'. Just make it look like something Apple would sell.

Edit: I can see putting another one in the basement, hidden behind the xbox.

[flavius]

Just filed the IR issue as a bug.