DBSTalk Exclusive First Look: C41-700 Genie client

We expect to see these out in the wild "very soon."

 

How does the speed of the C41 compare to the C31?

 

Another great first look from DBSTALK.

 

Thanks VOS - that's too bad.....

 

OK, so the main difference here is that while both the C31 and C41 can use RF remote control, the C41 like the HR44 specifically uses the RF4CE protocol for better remote performance?

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And of course a nice (as always) "First Look" Stuart ...

 

I think you could say that, yes.

 

So I'm taking it this is not a WiFi RVU client then and it must still be hooked up to a coaxial line to work?

Also looks like there is still only a digital coaxial audio output and not optical as some were hoping. I'm not suprised as I believe optical is still more expensive than coaxial and they are trying to make these things as inexpensively as possible.

Guess that answers two questions many here seemed to be asking.

As far as the speed goes, I'm not so sure it is the clients themselves that are the cause of the speed issues. I'm guessing the servers are more of the issue since the clients really don't do a whole lot, they pretty much just talk back to the server and tell the server what to do/output to them. That's why the RVU TV's etc also tend to have similar speed issues.

 

Beerstalker, this is not a wireless client. This is an evolution of the C31 that adds the ability to use the new RC71 remote.

 

That's what I figured, but enough people around here were speculating/hoping it would be wireless, so I wanted to get that answer stated definitely. I assumed not mentioning it in the first look meant that it wasn't, but wanted it stated so there was no confusion that it wasn't just forgotten.

As far as RF4CE goes, I believe that is the new RF standard for electronics that they are starting to try to get everyone to agree to. It hopefully will allow for things like universal remote controls like Harmony and URC to work over RF with various devices like they can now with IR, rather than everyone having their own proprietary RF system that won't work with other devices (so you have to rely on RF base stations and stick on IR emitters/IR blasters). I really hope that this takes off so we can start seeing it included in new TVs, Blu-Ray players, AV receivers, etc.

More info if people are interested:
http://www.zigbee.org/Specifications/ZigBeeRF4CE/Overview.aspx

 

Nice write up guys and gals. It looks great!

 

Does this client work with the HR34?

 

Good first look. A nice little box.

 

Yes, and very well I might add.

 

Will this Client see playlist from all other HR's in your system?

 

Yes