settop - Gizmodo

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Sneaky Unconfirmed Dealzmodo: Free Verizon FiOS Set-Top Box for Whiny Customers
Neuros Releases the Link, an Open Source, Web-Savvy Set-Top Box
Vudu Update Brings 80 More HD Movie Titles, Other Goodies
Netflix Box Coming Soon (??)

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Monty
11/23/08

In reply to Sneaky Unconfirmed Dealzmodo: Free Verizon FiOS Set-Top Box for Whiny Customers
I think this really has less to do with getting a discount on one of the boxes and just talking to the rep and getting a good deal on your monthly billing. They have a lot of flexibility in your billing, and if you get a nice guy, they can get you an outstanding deal on your overall cost. The key is to not order it online (or if you do, to call them up later and talk about lowering your overall cost) and to speak with someone at FiOS. (888-553-1555) The charges they list on their web site make it seem fairly expensive, but I can tell you that they can reduce your cost to sub-DirecTV/cable pricing easily and on a permanent basis. We have two HD TV's with a home media DVR, every channel on the planet (I might exaggerate), 20mb internet, and unlimited phone for ~$125 per month.

All that said, the biggest problem with FiOS TV is not the pricing, it is having it available in your area. I can't help you with that. But if it is available, you would be silly not to subscribe.
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stryder100
11/20/08

In reply to Neuros Releases the Link, an Open Source, Web-Savvy Set-Top Box
I want something like this but with an HD tuner and hard drive, in other words a DVR. Oh, yeah and a Blue-ray reader/burner. So, sorry, no.
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hexydes
11/20/08

@stryder100: Blu-ray? Seriously? What's the point. It'll be gone in a year or two anyway. The future is streaming, and it will be here before Blu-ray ever catches on with the masses. This device is just one more example of that fact.
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nutbastard
11/20/08

@hexydes:

i think you are forgetting that:

the number of people who rent movies > the number of people who will have internet connections capable of downloading gigantic media files in a reasonable amount of time, in the near future.

As of a month ago, only 55% of those with internet access had broadband. And as we all know, it's not really all that broad.

There will be, for quite a while, a market for people who either can't or aren't willing to deal with intangible media. One BD is what, 30-40 gigs? (im not up on BD)

I dunno, call me when we have gig/sec speeds.
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Sora57 is rendering
11/20/08

@hexydes: Blu ray may not catch on with the masses for a few years, but neither will streaming. Most people still don't have decent broadband and with the economy in the toilet, that will not be on their list right now. The future is streaming, but that future is still several years away.
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nutbastard
11/20/08

@nutbastard:

ok i have to retract that last part because i haven't had coffee yet, ugh i do realize that streaming doesn't present quite the issues that downloading does, but still requires unrealistic bandwidth if it's going to make BD obsolete enough to abandon this early.

*goes and gets coffee*
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GitEmSteveDave_DefinesTurgid
11/20/08

In reply to Neuros Releases the Link, an Open Source, Web-Savvy Set-Top Box
I like the keyboard. I was in the market for a media PC keyboard until I started VNCing my MediaPC with my living room laptop.
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tarrantm
11/20/08

@Git Em SteveDave loves this guy-->:

I got my HTPC a Logitech Mediaboard when they were going for 25 bucks each. Still working perfectly after a year of having dogs sit on it, dropped from the sofa and drinks spilled on it.
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GitEmSteveDave_DefinesTurgid
11/20/08

@tarrantm: I got a cheap Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo just before I learned about Synergy or VNC. I still have the keyboard and mouse connected as it's easier to pause the movie by hitting the space bar as opposed to firing up VNC.
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