Digeo’s Moxi HD DVR, you know it as the other DVR that’s sort-of like TiVo, is getting a big software update that brings the sexy DVR up to speed with TiVo. Actually, these updates on paper make the Moxi box seem ahead of TiVo. Moxi’s calling card previously was a killer GUI and that hasn’t changed. Content on demand is being addressed this time around with PlayOn and DLNA support.
PlayOn notably brings Hulu and Netflix support to the DVR. It’s too bad that the DVR doesn’t get native support, but at least Digeo is throwing in the $40 PC software. Rhapsody has also been added, including the free 30-day trial of the music streaming service.
The DLNA update brings a simple browser interface to the box for streaming network local content to the box. Now, this isn’t a Boxee or XBMC type interface, but it essentially gets the same results. Expect a very simple file system structure-type layout. At least it still brings the Wolverine workprint to the big screen though.
Oh, there is more. Flickr support gets added in a swanky “Mosaic” view. Digeo even threw in a taste of home automation with Z-Wave devices and various IP cams. Plus, there is MoxiNet that lets you bookmark your fav websites – like CG – and browse them on the DVR.
Overall the huge update is a step in the right direction for the $800 DVR. The high price tag for the 500GB DVR must be a big turn off when the similarly priced TiVo comes pack’n a 1TB storage system. Yeah, it’s got a monthly fee, but even 1TB isn’t enough storage in high-def land. If Digeo can develop a XBMC-type media browser for network-stored files, the Moxi will win over a lot more buyers. That’s what I need.
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Digeo® Releases Major Enhancements to Flagship Moxi® HD DVR
Moxi® Entertainment Experience Gets Even Better with PlayOn™ Internet Video; Rhapsody®
Music; Home Theater Controls; and Enhanced Photos, Internet Services and DLNA-Certified™
Home NetworkingKIRKLAND, WA – April 09, 2009 – Digeo, Inc. today announced new features and enhancements to the
Moxi® High Definition Digital Video Recorder (HD DVR), further advancing the world’s best DVR. The
Moxi HD DVR has new services available directly from the on-screen menu including Internet video from
YouTube, Netflix, Hulu™ and more streaming directly to the TV through MediaMall Technologies’
PlayOn™ media server software as well as the streaming digital music service from Rhapsody®. The
Moxi HD DVR also now includes eControls, a home automation feature that allows users to customize the
home theater experience by adjusting lighting and other Z-Wave supported products. The Flickr® online
photo service and MoxiNet Internet browser were also enhanced, and Moxi is now certified to support the
DLNA® standard for improved home networking.These new services will be available automatically to customers with a Moxi HD DVR via a software
upgrade at no additional charge from Digeo.Additionally, as part of this new functionality, the company is offering existing and new Moxi customers a
PlayOn® license key (value $39.99) free for a limited time, as well as a free 30-day Rhapsody trial (value:
$12.99).“In the current economic climate, people are more focused on at-home entertainment options and on
getting the most out of their HD investments,” said Greg Gudorf, CEO, Digeo. “The world’s best HD DVR
now delivers even more valuable entertainment services for the best home entertainment experience.”The Moxi HD DVR is designed to appeal to the most demanding digital cable entertainment enthusiasts.
With its native HD interface and Emmy® award-winning Moxi Menu, dual tuners, and up to 75-hours of HD
recording space (up to 300 hours at standard definition, and expandable well beyond with an external
eSATA drive), the Moxi HD DVR makes it effortless for consumers to discover, experience and share high
definition media from their digital cable provider, PCs on the home network and the Internet.Adding to an extensive list of advanced features and services, the enhancements announced today as
part of the Moxi HD DVR Spring 2009 software release include:• PlayOn – This media server software currently provides access to Internet videos from YouTube,
Hulu, CBS, Netflix, CNN, ESPN and more through the Moxi HD DVR from a PC on the home
network. Video formats are automatically converted so Moxi users can watch Internet video
directly on their widescreen HDTV.• Rhapsody® – The leading on-demand digital music service is now available through the Moxi HD
DVR, allowing users to easily listen to any one of more than 7 million songs from all the major
record labels and hundreds of smaller independent labels. Rhapsody delivers complete control
over the music experience, helping users to easily find and play full length tracks, build playlists of
favorites or listen to Rhapsody’s professionally programmed genre & artist channels. Starting
today, Rhapsody and Digeo are bringing music without limits to every user of the Moxi HD DVR.• Media Link – Certified to support the DLNA home networking standard, Media Link connects the
TV or home entertainment system to PCs on a home network. Moxi users can easily stream
digital movies, videos, music and photos from their PCs for viewing or listening from the comfort
of their home entertainment environment.• eControls – Moxi users can now manage their home entertainment environment through the Moxi
menu to set the mood. Users can adjust most Z-Wave-certified products such as lighting (e.g.,
turning sets of lights on, off or dimming), control volume and power on AV devices, as well as
monitor IP baby-cams or outside cameras, all from the remote control.• Mosaic – A new browsing feature for the Flickr® online photo service available through the Moxi
menu, Mosaic allows users to rapidly scroll up, down and across their photos as they are
displayed as mosaic tiles on the display.• MoxiNet –Moxi registered users can now bookmark their favorite websites at Moxi.com and
browse them on their home entertainment display using the Moxi remote as a virtual mouse. This
expands upon MoxiNet’s quick access to news, sports scores, movie times, weather and other
information from the Internet.For more details, including details of the PlayOn license key offer, technical specifications and screen
images of the Moxi HD DVR expanded feature set, please visit: www.moxi.com. You can also follow Moxi
on Twitter at www.twitter.com/moxi_hd or on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/c9vuxf
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