How many people have computers with Viiv?

[deebeeeff]

Everyone seems so excited about the ViiV thing, but I am wondering how many people have ViiV processors?

[ajwillys]

Perhaps you should make this a poll.

Do you have a Viiv computer?
Yes
No

[PoitNarf]

I'll have one at the end of January :D

[Capmeister]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viiv

Won't be me. I get AMD CPU PCs.

[sigma1914]

I do, on a recently purchases Dell XPS 400. I honestly don't know if I've utilized it yet, but hope to run MP3s to my HR20 through the stereo.

[Stuart Sweet]

I guess I'll consider buying a computer with Viiv next Christmas, but until then, nope.

[Earl Bonovich]

I added a poll.

[sp44]

which PC's have it? I know Intel chips.

[Strejcek]

Probably won't matter, none of this software for the HR20 has been released. I'm guessing maybe never will, considering how DTV works. :D

[Kapeman]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viiv

Won't be me. I get AMD CPU PCs.

Ditto that!

Plus, I just bought a new PC in April for the first time in 6 years. (There were very few original parts on that sucker by the time the new one came in.)

From my experience, there will be a very small subset of customers that will be able to use this new feature.

[solo1026]

I will let you know after Christmas:( Then I will know how much money I have left:D

Happy Holidays :goodjob:

[ajwillys]

Probably won't matter, none of this software for the HR20 has been released. I'm guessing maybe never will, considering how DTV works. :D

Umm, true for you since you're in FL but those West Coasters have it already.

[bonscott87]

No. I built my latest computer over 2 years ago and other then a recent video card upgrade to run Obvlivion I have no need for more power. So no Viiv for me for quite some time.

[PoitNarf]

which PC's have it? I know Intel chips.

If your computer has this logo on it, you're set:

http://www.tomshw.it/guides/howto/20060308/images/viiv_logo.jpg

[Strejcek]

Umm, true for you since you're in FL but those West Coasters have it already.

Yeah, guess it sucks to be us. But considering this is another extended staggered roll out, there is no telling that this release will go national. I have my doubts. :nono:

[LameLefty]

This whole co-branding/marketing thing gets old fast. :rolleyes: There's no technical reason ANY modern computer - be it OS X, Windows or Linux - can't stream music or videos or whatever using standard networking protocols to a box like the HR20. This is just an Intel-D* marketing deal that locks out choice in the marketplace. Screw 'em. I want to watch an iPhoto slideshow or a QuickTime file off my Powerbook, I'll just connect a DVI cable straight to my 56" DLP and bypass the HR20 entirely.

[Strejcek]

Screw 'em. I want to watch an iPhoto slideshow or a QuickTime file off my Powerbook, I'll just connect a DVI cable straight to my 56" DLP and bypass the HR20 entirely.

It would be safe to say it would probably run a whole lot better with fewer or no bugs. Maybe Apple should make DVR's that are fully functional when released to the public. :rolleyes:

[PoitNarf]

But considering this is another extended staggered roll out, there is no telling that this release will go national. I have my doubts. :nono:

Most releases from here on out will probably be staggered roll outs. Get used to it.

[Mixer]

I do not have a VIIV and I doubt I will upgrade for MP3 and Picture sharing with my HR20. However if D* is redicluous with this, and when they add On Demand, through Broadband next year, they insist on doing it for VIIV only, then I guess at that point I would have to upgrade. VOD is certainly something I don't want to be without on the HR-20.

There was some discussion that it would be easy enough way to trick non VIIV PCs to also be able to connect to the HR20 through the LAN port so hopefully that will come sooner than later.

[deebeeeff]

I added a poll.

Cool. Thanks Earl.:hurah:

[LameLefty]

Maybe Apple should make DVR's that are fully functional when released to the public.

Check the 'net for rumors of an "iTV" or the like - it's coming, as a competitor to Windows Media Center, though of course it's not integrated with digital cable or satellite.

[jclark]

This whole co-branding/marketing thing gets old fast. :rolleyes: There's no technical reason ANY modern computer - be it OS X, Windows or Linux - can't stream music or videos or whatever using standard networking protocols to a box like the HR20. This is just an Intel-D* marketing deal that locks out choice in the marketplace. Screw 'em. I want to watch an iPhoto slideshow or a QuickTime file off my Powerbook, I'll just connect a DVI cable straight to my 56" DLP and bypass the HR20 entirely.

Agreed. I know that Intel gains a lot from this because you can't use the new feature until you have the latest greatest machine, but how does this work for D*? People are complaining that it still doesn't work as a DVR, and now that are spending development time and resources on non-DVR functionality. I am not sure what they were thinking. :nono2:

[walters]

Yep, there should be an option for "I'll wait for or participate in the development of the hack" :D

[PoitNarf]

I do not have a VIIV and I doubt I will upgrade for MP3 and Picture sharing with my HR20. However if D* is redicluous with this and when they add On Demand through Broadband next year they insist on doing it for VIIV only then I guess at that point I would have to upgrade. VOD is certainly something I don't want to be without on the HR-20.

The VOD stuff will most likely be computer independent,

[Angelus7310]

I am kind of confused with this ViiV thing. I have read all of the posts and all of the info I could get my hands on. I already have my PC hooked up via DVI to my Tv and via digital audio connections to my A/V receiver. Is there any benefit to running my info through my HR20? Sorry if this is a nubish question, I just haven't been able to find any real specific benefits other than streaming music and looking at photos. :confused:

[PoitNarf]

Yep, there should be an option for "I'll wait for or participate in the development of the hack" :D

Isn't that this option?

"I have a PC; but will look for a way to get ViiV to work"

[jgrade]

This whole co-branding/marketing thing gets old fast. :rolleyes: There's no technical reason ANY modern computer - be it OS X, Windows or Linux - can't stream music or videos or whatever using standard networking protocols to a box like the HR20. This is just an Intel-D* marketing deal that locks out choice in the marketplace. Screw 'em. I want to watch an iPhoto slideshow or a QuickTime file off my Powerbook, I'll just connect a DVI cable straight to my 56" DLP and bypass the HR20 entirely.

AGREE!! No way I am spending hundreds just because D went with VIIV. I just plug in my daughters Macbook Pro and watch everyting in 1080p on my Sammy 71". The HR20 can't compete with that. I will look forward to a work around.

[Strejcek]

Agreed. I know that Intel gains a lot from this because you can't use the new feature until you have the latest greatest machine, but how does this work for D*? People are complaining that it still doesn't work as a DVR, and now that are spending development time and resources on non-DVR functionality. I am not sure what they were thinking. :nono2:


That's the problem, they're NOT thinking. They should be concentrating on getting the thing working like it's supposed to, like OTA, stability, and reliability, before turning this box into a network gateway. It's got enough problems being a DVR let alone something else.

[HDtoshiba]

They def need a VOD feature before a networking one. The networking is useless to 90% of users.

[Meklos]

VIIV is all about hardware DRM.

[opelap]

I am kind of confused with this ViiV thing. I have read all of the posts and all of the info I could get my hands on. I already have my PC hooked up via DVI to my Tv and via digital audio connections to my A/V receiver. Is there any benefit to running my info through my HR20? Sorry if this is a nubish question, I just haven't been able to find any real specific benefits other than streaming music and looking at photos. :confused:

That is the benefit if you do not have your PC directly connected to your TV. It will work as a limited media center(since it won't do videos). I however would rather have it pull data from network storage, not just a PC.

[Mixer]

If you have your PC directly connected to your TV/Monitor/Home Theater thn I would say there is no benefit at this time to the VIIV features being discussed for the HR20 at this time.

I am kind of confused with this ViiV thing. I have read all of the posts and all of the info I could get my hands on. I already have my PC hooked up via DVI to my Tv and via digital audio connections to my A/V receiver. Is there any benefit to running my info through my HR20? Sorry if this is a nubish question, I just haven't been able to find any real specific benefits other than streaming music and looking at photos. :confused:

[Earl Bonovich]

That's the problem, they're NOT thinking. They should be concentrating on getting the thing working like it's supposed to, like OTA, stability, and reliability, before turning this box into a network gateway. It's got enough problems being a DVR let alone something else.

They are... just because they have a large enough team, with one "sub-team" that is working on XYZ... doens't mean they are not working on the other things.

If they did everything in a waterfall method... it would take years to get everything done, that they want to get done with the unit.

[Earl Bonovich]

If you have your PC directly connected to your TV/Monitor/Home Theater thn I would say there is no benefit at this time to the VIIV features being discussed for the HR20 at this time.


And even that is going to be a very small subset of people out there.
Probably even smaller then ViiV.... and chances are likely that a lot of people that have a system that does that.... it is a ViiV system.

[Slip Jigs]

I've read up on it, but as most MS published articles go, it doesn't spell it out.

1. Is the "Enjoy with Viiv" replacing "Plays for Sure"?

2. Plays for sure simply meant a device that could play Windows Media protected content - many devices could that were not officially labeled "Plays for Sure." Is this a parallel with Viiv, or is it absolute: No Viiv Dual Core chip = No compatibility?

3.. How does the HR20 connect to a Viiv Computer? What software delivers the contect the HR20? How does the HR20 diplay the content?

4. Edited to add: and if the PC is connected over this Viiv pipline, will it allow DVD playback and upscaling, and HD-DVD playback with the computer as the source?

[Slip Jigs]

If you have your PC directly connected to your TV/Monitor/Home Theater thn I would say there is no benefit at this time to the VIIV features being discussed for the HR20 at this time.

That's true. Currently I don't, and I'm exploring various media center solutions. This is just another to look at!

[Earl Bonovich]

I've read up on it, but as most MS published articles go, it doesn't spell it out.

1. Is the "Enjoy with Viiv" replacing "Plays for Sure"?

2. Plays for sure simply meant a device that could play Windows Media protected content - many devices could that were not officially labeled "Plays for Sure." Is this a parallel with Viiv, or is it absolute: No Viiv Dual Core chip = No compatibility?

3.. How does the HR20 connect to a Viiv Computer? What software delivers the contect the HR20? How does the HR20 diplay the content?

I can answer #3 (I am working on a document to explain it more, so please be patient)

It connects via Ethernet.
There is a Intel ViiV Media Server that is running on a ViiV system. (hence the ViiV requirement)
HR20 displays it on the screen, how else? (seriously though, the pictures will do better to explain then words can)

[Slip Jigs]

I can answer #3 (I am working on a document to explain it more, so please be patient)

It connects via Ethernet.
There is a Intel ViiV Media Server that is running on a ViiV system. (hence the ViiV requirement)
HR20 displays it on the screen, how else? (seriously though, the pictures will do better to explain then words can)

Thanks - yeah, I guess the screen would be a good place to display the content! :) I'll wait for the document - this is all new to me, so I'm getting a little excited - hopefully it can provide a complete media solution.

[HarleyD]

I've had a ViiV computer for about 9 months.

I'm still waiting before I get an HR20 though.

For one thing, Dual Live Buffers is a "hot button" issue for me.

All I need is Dual Live Buffers...and OTA...and a Slimline dish.

And that's ALL I need!

[Slip Jigs]

I've had a ViiV computer for about 9 months.

I'm still waiting before I get an HR20 though.

For one thing, Dual Live Buffers is a "hot button" issue for me.

All I need is Dual Live Buffers...and OTA...and a Slimline dish.

And that's ALL I need!

Are you using any of the Viiv features with any devices?

[HarleyD]

Are you using any of the Viiv features with any devices?

Not really, no.

But the sticker on the CPU looks really cool.


However, I digress...


In all seriousness I guess it isn't really "my" computer.

We have four of them on a home network. My wife (who happens to be a professional photographer) just needed a new computer last spring. Her Sony Vaio was getting very long in the tooth and just didn't cut it any more.

When we went looking, the one best suited for her just happened to have the ViiV chipset and setup.

[houskamp]

I have 5 computers including 2 laptops and a network server that also does security cameras.. most are under a year old... I'm NOT replacing them all just for Viiv! sounds like a 'sony' idea to me, and hopefully will die just as fast.......

[greenwave]

I just bought a new Dell XPS last month, but I don't recall anything about Viiv. Nor does it have a Viiv sticker to my recollection. Wouldn't this type of capability be standard on the XPS product line? Is there a way to tell if your computer has this capability (other than looking at a sticker)?

[danko]

Example of D.. using intel`s hardware copy protection,at the users expense,they could easly done the same thing without ViiV and everyone could have used it

[Slip Jigs]

Example of D.. using intel`s hardware copy protection,at the users expense,they could easly done the same thing without ViiV and everyone could have used it

If it's truly hardware protected that is. I'm just thinking of the devices that "Required" Windows Media Center - when all they were really looking for was either Windows Media connect or some other Upnp server software.

[HarleyD]

Is there a way to tell if your computer has this capability (other than looking at a sticker)?

There's a configuration matrix on Intel's web site...

Intel® Viiv™ Technology∇-based PC Requirements (http://www.intel.com/products/viiv/requirements.htm)

[Slump Buster]

Is anyone aware of a decent deal on a viiv motherboard/cpu bundle? Like a lot of people, my stuff is fairly new but it wouldn't be too bad if I could just swap in a new mb and cpu.

[opelap]

If it's truly hardware protected that is. I'm just thinking of the devices that "Required" Windows Media Center - when all they were really looking for was either Windows Media connect or some other Upnp server software.

Just remember Intel is a hardware vendor not software. Everything I have seen on VIIV is that it is a hardware platform certification. Right now that means Intel processor and VIIV certified motherboard ( I have no interest in Intel processors so I haven't looked if there are secondary manufacturers or if it must be an Intel board as well.)

Its primary purpose is content protection. While the current feature set of the HR20 does not use the DRM functions, it eventually could. VIIV was not created for the HR20.

[Ed Campbell]

Earl -- it occurs to me that Viiv might be the core of the "iTV" stb Apple is to introduce 1Q 2007. My wife is the only geek in the family actually earning a living in IT, nowadays -- and she introduced our wing of the family to OS X and a couple of flavors of Linux.

She's already budgeted for us to acquire the "iTV" -- name to be changed on release -- to be able to stream IPTV shows to the TV in the living room. Easily. Reliably. Hopefully including HD via component -- which avoids the DRM.
--------
Just checked Intel site and the processor in my MacIntel Mini is Viiv capable. Don't think I'm interested enough to get Parallels and stuff a copy of M$oft's MCE into this critter, though.

[Slip Jigs]

Just remember Intel is a hardware vendor not software. Everything I have seen on VIIV is that it is a hardware platform certification. Right now that means Intel processor and VIIV certified motherboard ( I have no interest in Intel processors so I haven't looked if there are secondary manufacturers or if it must be an Intel board as well.)

Its primary purpose is content protection. While the current feature set of the HR20 does not use the DRM functions, it eventually could. VIIV was not created for the HR20.

True - that's the way it looks. Windows Media DRM is purely software based - licesnes and have a a program that can read them

But the entire next-gen DRM systems seem to have hardware requirements - The Chip, Compliant Video cards down to the actual HDMI cable!

[sp44]

well it says my laptop (Dell E1505) processor has it (T7200) but I have no sticker :(

[PoitNarf]

well it says my laptop (Dell E1505) processor has it (T7200) but I have no sticker :(

There is a compliance tool you can download from Intel's website to determine if your machine is Viiv compatible. Try running that to see if your machine is up to snuff.

[Slip Jigs]

There is a compliance tool you can download from Intel's website to determine if your machine is Viiv compatible. Try running that to see if your machine is up to snuff.

The tool won't even run on a machine that's not Media Center - heh, so I guess that's that for me (for now).

And the lovely thing and Windows Media Center - you can't even upgrade (or crossgrade to it) - it's OEM only. Hopefully Vista will solve that one.

[PoitNarf]

The tool won't even run on a machine that's not Media Center - heh, so I guess that's that for me (for now).

The software installer won't go either. And it won't work on Vista right now as well, at least not the current Viiv version 1.5 software. Probably have to wait until next month for a Viiv software release that will be Vista compatible.

[dwenn]

If there is an easy way to add VIIV to my current Windows XP pro I would consider it but don't se that likely soon.

[Mixer]

The funny thing is that I have a card reader already hooked up to my HT so I am not sure why I care so much about the VIIV on HR20. I guess it is just the techy in me coming out.

LOL

[dconfer]

I do, on a recently purchases Dell XPS 400. I honestly don't know if I've utilized it yet, but hope to run MP3s to my HR20 through the stereo.

I have the same system but the version of Viiv is 1.04 and it said on D* site that you need 1.5. Didnt know if you saw that or not.

[Canis Lupus]

Yup. :)

This whole co-branding/marketing thing gets old fast. :rolleyes: There's no technical reason ANY modern computer - be it OS X, Windows or Linux - can't stream music or videos or whatever using standard networking protocols to a box like the HR20. This is just an Intel-D* marketing deal that locks out choice in the marketplace. Screw 'em. I want to watch an iPhoto slideshow or a QuickTime file off my Powerbook, I'll just connect a DVI cable straight to my 56" DLP and bypass the HR20 entirely.

[houskamp]

This whole co-branding/marketing thing gets old fast. :rolleyes: There's no technical reason ANY modern computer - be it OS X, Windows or Linux - can't stream music or videos or whatever using standard networking protocols to a box like the HR20. This is just an Intel-D* marketing deal that locks out choice in the marketplace. Screw 'em. I want to watch an iPhoto slideshow or a QuickTime file off my Powerbook, I'll just connect a DVI cable straight to my 56" DLP and bypass the HR20 entirely.

Yep this is just what is killing Sony.. betamax,Memorystick,and problably Blueray next...

[AlexCF]

I can only think of a couple reasons why I'd want to connect my PC to my DVR. One, it'd be nice to be able to transfer recorded content to the PC to burn onto DVD. They'll never let that happen. Two, it'd be nice to have access to my iTunes folder from my living room, but ViiV isn't likely to touch any of the Fairplay protected files. So, it's pretty much a useless feature for me. Even if I bought a ViiV PC, it still wouldn't be a useful feature.

I'm thinking that Apple's iTV device is going to be nearly as popular as the iPod has been. Why? They have the catalog of content. You can download movies already, you can download music already, you can download pod casts and TV shows. It's all there. My only dislike is that the video content is, at best, 640x480.

If D* does VoD, what titles are they going to offer? The meager selection they have on their PPV? Would I be able to burn it to DVD if I want to keep it? Could I download it to a video iPod or equivalent device? Probably not.

[Ed Campbell]

You can download movies already, you can download music already, you can download pod casts and TV shows. It's all there. My only dislike is that the video content is, at best, 640x480.

If the folks producing the IPTV are up to it, you can download serious screen resolution -- either via iTunes or directly, still utilizing Front Row for presentation.

We watch both weekly episodes of dl.tv -- "the Patrick and Robert Show" as we call it -- in H.264, 4x3 SD. And we watch the [usually] weekly episodes of Leo LaPorte's "MacBreak" in H.264, 1080p, 16x9. Both on an Apple Cinema display, currently at 1280x800 -- I don't bump it higher than that because I'd need new reading glasses for everything else I do :). You can run Leo's show at 1980x1080.

Download the shows via cable modem @ 6mbps.

[btmoore]

If your computer has this logo on it, you're set:

http://www.tomshw.it/guides/howto/20060308/images/viiv_logo.jpg

For DMR to work right it needs to be an end to end soloution, you don't just need a VIIV computer all you hardware need to be VIIV complient. To avoide the "Searching for authorized content" messages you will need these VIIV accessorys:

http://www.theinquirer.net/images/articles/viivsofa.jpg

http://www.theinquirer.net/images/articles/viivchairs.jpg

Don't forget the audio system:
http://www.theinquirer.net/images/articles/viivshelf.jpg

Now just releax as big brother Intel and DirecTV protect you from your fair use rights, all is good under the happy VIIV rainbow of love:
http://www.theinquirer.net/images/articles/viivrainbow.jpg

The loyal citizens of Intelia and DirecTVia do not fear Big Brother DMR, but in fact love and revere it. They feel DMR protects them from ungood and evildooers.
http://www.theinquirer.net/images/articles/viivsunset.jpg

This Truth brought to you by Minitrue

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fe/Telescreen.png/350px-Telescreen.png

[newcs]

Everyone seems so excited about the ViiV thing, but I am wondering how many people have ViiV processors?

Many newer processors from Intel have Viiv enabled, however the motherboard isn't set up for it, being BIOS retrictions, etc.

My PC is only a month old, my processor is Viiv enabled, however I have the ATI motherboard by HP, which doesn't have drivers to enable it. If I replace the motherboard, with one specified for Viiv, then it would be fine.

[PoitNarf]

For DMR to work right it needs to be an end to end soloution, you don't just need a VIIV computer all you hardware need to be VIIV complient. To avoide the "Searching for authorized content" messages you will need these VIIV accessorys:

You spent way too much time on that post :lol:

[houskamp]

pretty hard to replace the motherboard in my pavilion zd8205us or zv8313us...:(

[Herdfan]

I answered "Considering getting a ViiV computer".

Considering is not really acurate since I WILL be getting one in February. And it will be a ViiV.

[Canis Lupus]

ROFL. Awesome.

You spent way too much time on that post :lol:

[Canis Lupus]

Again. Yup. :)

Then connect by S-Video, VGA, DVI, or whatever you've got out from your Mac and into your TV. I watched a Dave Chapelle piece from iTunes in 640 x 480 through S-Video and it looked great considering it was 1Gb for 1:30:17 of content.

With iTV I'll assume you'll now be sending video wirelessly as well, so for 299 why would you want Viiv? And as others suggested, Apple actually has content.

BTW - Apple apparently has hired a bunch of gaming programmers, so you might see an iTV/game console hybrid from them as well.

If the folks producing the IPTV are up to it, you can download serious screen resolution -- either via iTunes or directly, still utilizing Front Row for presentation.

We watch both weekly episodes of dl.tv -- "the Patrick and Robert Show" as we call it -- in H.264, 4x3 SD. And we watch the [usually] weekly episodes of Leo LaPorte's "MacBreak" in H.264, 1080p, 16x9. Both on an Apple Cinema display, currently at 1280x800 -- I don't bump it higher than that because I'd need new reading glasses for everything else I do :). You can run Leo's show at 1980x1080.

Download the shows via cable modem @ 6mbps.

[dlw283]

I bought a high end system last Christmas and even it does not fully support Viiv.:eek2: So unless we all go out and by new intel systems with Viiv support, we are screwed. Great addon Directv.:mad:

[Newshawk]

I guess I'm fortunate that I'm looking at replaing my 2001 vintage PIII early next year. I can move right into the ViiV camp.

[dvrblogger]

Example of D.. using intel`s hardware copy protection,at the users expense,they could easly done the same thing without ViiV and everyone could have used it

VIIV encryption is DTCP/IP and is software based . VIIV is about devices,routers, pcs, wireless setup. The Content protection is to enable streaming content that is already drmmed so the blame should be directed at content providers Intel helped get PC accepted as "secure devices" ha ha ha

[Jomanscool2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viiv

Won't be me. I get AMD CPU PCs.

AMD ftw!

I built my first AMD CPU when they first released the 64 bit. Too bad I didn't know no games or drivers are made for 64 bit...

Guess I'll just have to wait another 5 years for 64 bit games to come out...

[ShapeGSX]

VIIV isn't a processor. It is a complete platform that includes certain motherboard chipsets that have "instant on" or "away mode" enabled, certain Intel processors, Media Center, and the Intel VIIV software.

My latest Core 2 Duo E6700 computer that I built was supposed to be VIIV compliant, but the MSI VIIV motherboard that I bought was horrible. It got sent back, and I got an Asus instead that is not VIIV compliant because it lacks away mode.

Anyway, you can guy AMD if you want...







...a slower computer. ;)

Before you ask, yes I do work for Intel. :hurah:

[walters]

Is Viiv even a big deal? I was looking at ads for computers in the newspaper this morning and couldn't find a single Intel-based PC that mentioned Viiv.

[Earl Bonovich]

Is Viiv even a big deal? I was looking at ads for computers in the newspaper this morning and couldn't find a single Intel-based PC that mentioned Viiv.

Yes and no...

Intell screwed themselves, but introducing ViiV before they had any real usage for it.... Now, devices are starting to appear that are ViiV ready... but the PC makers have already moved on....

(There is a wireless digital picture frame that I was looking at that is ViiV ready).

So is it that big of a deal? not really... as their are readily available alternatives to what ViiV does.

[ShapeGSX]

There are 2 VIIV computers advertised in Sunday's Best Buy ad. :shrug:

[mjs31]

No ViiV here. Build my own pc's and I am an AMD person.

[deebeeeff]

Interesting results. I guess ViiV is just too new for most of us. Too bad D* couldn't come up with some other technology.

[walker]

imo, this is one of the worst over-estimations in history by a manufacturer/s of their power and influence over their industry. when at least semi-technologically educated people are actually asking "wtf is this and wtf has it?"(including myself) about a REQUIRED element to a huge feature of a state of the art new product, there's a major problem. you can't just force something on a population who's majority regard computers as a necessity of life, therefore, already have computers, 99% of which don't include this element. it is just impossible. i have no doubt that there will be a very quick fix for this compatibility issue. i definitely wouldn't be running out to buy a new pc just b/c it has viiv. if i was already planning on getting a new one and i decided on a computer with viiv, then so be it, but i think a year from now this "strategy" will be thought of with the likes of windows me, new coke, and waterworld.

[houskamp]

I got a dell b310 (read cheap) with xp home and wmp11, works great to serve up my 30 gigs of mp3s and pictures! thats all I ever wanted it to do :D definately won't be investing in viiv!

[CoriBright]

I'd just need a digital tuner for this notebook to be Viiv compliant, I meet or exceed (and in most cases well exceed) the specs. But I can't be bothered.

[Dave_S]

I wouldn't rush out and buy a new pc just to be able to display pictures on my tv thru the HR20. I think it is cool that D* has enabled this technology, it shows they are definitely interested in expanding the role of the HR20, but it is not enough for me to spend money on. I won't buy a new Windows PC until Vista Media Center debuts, hopefully with a D* sat card?? I will be definitely looking at the Mac iTV solution as well. D* is going to have to enable more than picture/music sharing across the HR20 before I put any money into it.

[Nick]

What is Viiv, and is it D* or HR20-dependent, or is it adaptable to other tv sources/providers? :confused:

EDIT: Never mind -- I found the other thread -- I'm not interested. :shrug:

[tfederov]

I responded, "I have a PC; but not ViiV and I won't replace it" because I just bought this monster about 5 months ago and would rather spend my money when FTM is released.

[Slip Jigs]

BUMP! - Gee these threads get buried quickly -

Anyway - while the jury is still out on whether or not actual Viiv machines running the actual Viiv Intel server software (with its quick resume or whatever) actually is more stable than WMP or Twonky (I have a suspicion it will be) -

Would the guaranteed stability along with the promise of video integration inspire anyone to get a Viiv machine?

I would consider it if I could play HD movies...

[DaHound]

What is Viiv, and is it D* or HR20-dependent, or is it adaptable to other tv sources/providers? :confused:

EDIT: Never mind -- I found the other thread -- I'm not interested. :shrug:

Tell Santa to bring me one of those in your avatar!