I recently started using boxee as one of my main tv viewing platform. I have had it for awhile on my apple tv, but we added a boxee box to the system in the basement. Basically boxee pulls content from across the web and you would not believe how much content is out there.
Here are a few observations about boxee:
- Really simple to use and set-up
- Real content power comes from adding applications. Navi-x is one of my favorites
- Almost any movie you can think of is out there
- Sometimes you need to be patient as it can take time for the content to stream
- The only drawback I can see to not move from satellite/cable is an ability to watch live sports
If you have ever tried boxee, I would love to hear your feedback and what apps you use?
Hey Don,
I’ve thought about the Boxee over and over again. I waited with anticipation for its launch but was disappointed by all of the negative reviews when it did. I hear a lot of complaints about the content available online not being HD, or not being able to adequately size up to your full TV size without blurring or pixelation, or not being available in Canada (Thank you CRTC). I know the resolution issue is because of the video quality of the content posted rather than Boxee itself. The biggest complaint I hear is that it is brutal with a wifi connection and can only adequately stream with a wired connection.
What I have heard is that it’s very good at consolidating all of your digital content into a single player. However, in our house, we don’t do the Torrent thing. We have this thing about illegally pirating content. Hence, for us it’s all about “Can we replace our satellite dish?”.
Funny you should mention sports. We recently dramatically reduced our monthly satellite subscription service because of our increased use of Netflix. The biggest thing for us on Satellite programming was Sports and certain cable channels like Discovery, TLC and HGTV. We ended up spending $200 on a PVR instead of a Boxee.
Keep us in the loop on your purchase as you enjoy it more. I may still make the investment someday. Until then, we love our Apple TV.
Keep on posting.
Darryl:
Do you have an older Apple TV? If so, you can get boxee on it. I have it on both my apple tv and I have a boxee box in the basement. I also have it on my computer for traveling and never turn on the tv in hotel rooms as I can decide what I want to watch!
I have one system on wifi and the one in the basement wire to one of those HD Livewire things–both work equally well. The apple tv will only do 720p, while the boxee box does 1080p and looks great on the 52″. I don’t do any torrent things and there maybe some content on Navi-x that has been pirated, but it does tell you where the content comes from! There is a ton of Discovery Channel and TLC stuff on boxee! Boxee really shines when it is used with some of the apps that are available to put on it!
If you have a decent computer kicking around, load boxee on to it and hook the computer up to your tv. Test it out!
Don