SageTV HD Extender Update

[jvl711]

I just ordered one. I have been waiting for the new version to come out. I have one HD100, and a HD200 will be a nice addition to my system.

If this thing really has upnp I can not wait to see what things I will be able to do with this box.

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by Brent

Based on what I know, I think it is very likely it will support a Wireless N bridge (its similar to some other media player devices that can do this) but I would think it would require a firmware update by SageTV to enable this. I agree it is something they should do.

Why is a firmware update required? The wireless bridges that connect via the ethernet jack should work fine. People might have problems if there's a lot of interference though.

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by Brent

Very much like the old HD100 except for:

• Snappier UI
• Faster firmware upgrades
• Faster CPU
• More Memory
  ...

Have these been confirmed, or is this just speculation based on a comment that its suppose to be "faster" than the HD100? My understanding is that Sage was pretty quiet about the technical details surrounding the HD100, but it would be nice to see a comparison table between the HD100 and the HD200.

[valnar]

Originally Posted by Brent

Very much like the old HD100 except for:

• Snappier UI
• Faster firmware upgrades
• Faster CPU
• More Memory
• Active USB ports
• Stand-alone mode
• Smaller form factor
• No buttons on front of unit

For the same price. It has to be based on a little different sigma chip then the HD100 or the above wouldn't be possible right... So I would say yes it is an evolutionary change to the HD100 with slightly better hardware at the same price.

Well, most of those things are superficial or not important to the end user experience (most, not all - no flames please).

USB might be nice, but I'm not sure how many Sage users will need standalone mode. No additional audio support is the biggest con IMO.

[Brent]

Originally Posted by reggie14

Why is a firmware update required? The wireless bridges that connect via the ethernet jack should work fine. People might have problems if there's a lot of interference though.

I'm not positive here, but I would have thought there would need to be a driver installed on the HD200 for the wireless bridge???

Now that I think about it, I guess a wireless bridge would work just fine as is. I was thinking about a wireless USB card which I think would work but WOULD require a firmware update to include the driver. Sorry for the confusion on that - just thinking out loud...

[Brent]

Originally Posted by valnar

Well, most of those things are superficial or not important to the end user experience (most, not all - no flames please).

That depends on the user of course. For me adding USB and stand-alone and the snappier UI for the same price is a good thing. I still would have bought the HD100 if it was sold, but I look at it as I'm getting a little more for the same money. My point was just to say, "yes this is a hardware upgrade - even if a slight upgrade".

USB might be nice, but I'm not sure how many Sage users will need standalone mode. No additional audio support is the biggest con IMO.

Understood. I think USB is a very nice addition. Standalone will mostly appeal to those who aren't sure about SageTV as a full-blown HTPC, but might be interested in a networked media player with features built-in.

Think of it as a possible entry-point for future SageTV users. Once they use it for a while and want more, they can install SageTV on a computer in the home and already have an excellent extender.

Again, I'm not saying this thing is the best thing since sliced bread - it doesn't do everything everyone wants, but it is a nice little improvement. I'm confident we'll eventually see newer and better versions of the extenders/players some day but for now this should satisfy the need/demad for those wanting very good extenders.

[Ralphjb]

Originally Posted by reggie14

Why is a firmware update required? The wireless bridges that connect via the ethernet jack should work fine. People might have problems if there's a lot of interference though.

Is anyone doing this with a wireless bridge?

Another quick question - will this play Blu-ray files?

Ordered one. Considering another one.

Very happy to have this available!

[wayner]

I just ordered 3. I personally don't think it makes much sense to make this a PC-less media client as opposed to just a Sage extender - to me they are different markets and there are good products for that market.

Maybe this is asking too much but would you be able to plug in a USB wireless-N device into the HD200's USB port to turn it into a wifi unit?

What's the over/under on when it goes out of stock? I have Dec 18.

edit - One more thing - this unit is BUTT UGLY. I hope it wasn't designed by whoever does the UI work.

[Opus4]

Stand-alone mode isn't just for non-SageTV systems. Maybe someone doesn't want to have to start up their server just to watch something. Or, for me, it is nice to use when visiting family for a few days -- just load up some recordings on a USB drive & I've got full resolution movies & kids shows at another location instead of having transcoded for placeshifter mode.

- Andy

[valnar]

The issue I have with standalone mode (sans Sage) is the Popcorn Hour A-110 device is better in almost every way. Which is why I'm surprised Sage didn't at least move up to those hardware specs.

[Brent]

Any SageTV users care to keep those Engadget readers from totally messing up the point of this device? Endgadget has a good write-up here, but there are several AppleTV fanboys that seem to think 1080p and iTunes makes AppleTV a more useful product

[jerryt]

Does this statement in the HD200 PDF manual;

"HD Theater can access media files on USB storage devices attached directly to the player"

mean that adding an "External Slim USB DVD drive" would enable DVD movie playback?

That would be great !!!!

[ybrew]

Don't need this yet. (if it supports Hulu, please don't tell me. Gotta buy Christmas gifts for my son first.)

I've got two HD 100s and 3 MediaMVPs. I'll wait till next year to retire some more of my MediaMVPs.

[bhyman1]

I ordered one.

Since I needed another extender anyway.

[dotheDVDeed]

Originally Posted by jerryt

Does this statement in the HD200 PDF manual;

"HD Theater can access media files on USB storage devices attached directly to the player"

mean that adding an "External Slim USB DVD drive" would enable DVD movie playback?

That would be great !!!!

Well if all your DVDs don't have any copy protection... maybe

[wado1971]

This statement:

"All your favorite online video from YouTube, Google Video and major TV networks on your TV at the press of a button on your remote control!"

... makes it seem that hulu is coming?!? Or maybe just improved online feeds. It seems like a strong statement if referring to the existing online content currently provided.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by reggie14

Have these been confirmed, or is this just speculation based on a comment that its suppose to be "faster" than the HD100?

It is faster, noticably.

My understanding is that Sage was pretty quiet about the technical details surrounding the HD100, but it would be nice to see a comparison table between the HD100 and the HD200.

See my post above. Nothing really groundbreaking so far (other than the standalone mode).

Originally Posted by jerryt

Does this statement in the HD200 PDF manual;

"HD Theater can access media files on USB storage devices attached directly to the player"

mean that adding an "External Slim USB DVD drive" would enable DVD movie playback?

That would be great !!!!

If they don't have CSS, it will probably work.

[dravenone]

But now I am excited about being able to plug a usb drive and play content from that. I had been debating about getting the WD HD playback unit, know I have that functionality and a Sage extender in one unit that is small enough to take with. Well done Sage, for me it was worth the wait.

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by stanger89

See my post above. Nothing really groundbreaking so far (other than the standalone mode).

You seem pretty knowledgeable about this. Is that a hint that you were a beta tester?

Do you know if the HD200 includes a new Sigma Designs chip? I know people have been having problems with very high bitrate H.264 files and that's been attributed to using a lower-end/older Sigma chip. It would be nice to know if the H200 fixes that.

[Brent]

Originally Posted by wado1971

This statement:

"All your favorite online video from YouTube, Google Video and major TV networks on your TV at the press of a button on your remote control!"

... makes it seem that hulu is coming?!? Or maybe just improved online feeds. It seems like a strong statement if referring to the existing online content currently provided.

I'm not seeing that quote anywhere. Could you link to where you saw that please.