The Smiddy/HDTVfan0001 Report - With Pictures

Any mention of PIP or what size hard drives the new media center will have? Hope its 1TB or larger.

Thanks

 

Didn't ask about PIP, but we were told the hard drives would be "larger".

The prototype had a larger drive, but we were told that would not necessarily be the same in the production version.

I'd be inclined to think they'd put a 1TB drive or so in there, but we did not get it officially confirmed at the CES.

 

...But the CES was great....

More details to come.

 

You could eat a slice to her face to prove it .

 

Don't encourage him. :lol:

 

DirecTV didn't really have a choice. The dual-chip HR20 design cost DirecTV almost $450 to build, according to a quarterly conference call, and that was more than they could provide at no cost to new customers.

The HR21/HR22/HR23 were based on Broadcom's first DVR SoC with integrated MPEG-4. That chip made it possible for DirecTV to build a single-chip design, without OTA, at a much more reasonable $250 (HR21). Unfortunately, that SoC also offers half the memory bandwidth of the older dual-chip design, which translates to slower responsiveness and network throughput.

In 4Q 2008, Broadcom started shipping its second-generation MPEG-4 DVR SoC in volume. That SoC (BCM7400) doubled performance to support DVR designs with a high-definition interface and quad tuners. Dish Network shipped the ViP722K with this chip in April'09. DirecTV stuck with the old chip for the HR23 released in May'09, even though the new part would've eliminated most complaints about responsiveness.

Broadcom said last week that it was now shipping the final version of its next-generation BCM7420 to manufacturers. Originally announced at CES last year, this chip incorporates a significantly faster CPU and 2D/3D graphics, 1080p60 output, MoCA, robust power management for Energy Star compliance, and support for up to six tuners. Did DirecTV pass on the BCM7400 last year to wait for this new generation of SoCs? That would be great if true...but I wouldn't bet on it.

I wouldn't get your hopes up for that level of performance in a HR24. If DirecTV couldn't get the BCM7400 released in Oct'08 into a HR23 DVR shipped in May'09, how is it going to get a BCM7420/BCM7410 released in Dec'09 into a HR24 DVR shipped in late February or March?

From a support perspective, it would be advantageous for DirecTV to ship both platforms with the same SoC, but I just don't see how they do it and meet their 1Q'10 goal.

 

It was because of the Canadian cheese..shame on you...if it had been Vermont cheese it would have passed muster...hmmm probably not....she was passing the mustard as she ate your sandwich for lunch. BTW BH Canadian Extra Sharp Cheddar is my favorite of the Cheddars. Ya just can't slice it.

 

I use the Boar's Head Extra Sharp Canadian Cheese for Pimento Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Enchiladas and it is great with a tangy bite.

 

I suspect you will find that HR24 will be "different" than you depict...and folks aren't wrong to get their hopes up.

 

Excellent Post Ken and that probably explains what happened and that they will probably use the BCM7420 in the HMC30 and the BCM7400 in the HR24 but we will have to wait and see. It would indeed be nice if they used the BCM7410 or BCM7420 chipset in the HR24 for compatibility purposes and for supporting MRV when it comes out in the Future as has been announced by Directv.

 

I'll second that.

 

Then again...we don't KNOW for sure.

We only saw a prototype....

 

That is why I said they will PROBABLY use the BCM7420 in the HMC30 and the BCM7400 in the HR24 but WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE!!!

Of course we are just speculating and posturing about what has happened in the past and what might happen in the future. Fifty percent of what we talk about around here in this Forum is Speculation and Postulation about various topics.

And it has been stated repeated that this is a Prototype. That was the first thing I stated.

 

Yes indeed....but of course, this particular thread is about reporting on the CES, in contrast to speculation.

To set expectations on our report (photos are already here for your "entertainment and enjoyment", Smiddy are working on a formalized "report"...and it takes time.

We hope to have something as soon as we can, which will include content on a number of observations onsite at CES. Thanks for your patience.

 

If you wait too long you will lose your Audience at the Height of Anticipation so kick it in high gear and get it out there!!!

If you just report on CES and leave out all Speculation you won't have too much to report!!!

 

Given the HMC30 prototype is made by Pace, how similar / different is it likely to be to the Pace multiroom solution announced in November?:

"Pace’s HCS solution, an industry first, is now commercially available and enables full dual tuner HD-DVR functionality on every connected television in the home. The solution is built around a single Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that provides centralized storage and a shared list of recordings that can be accessed from multiple set-top boxes within a home network. Access to key features such as ‘watch and record’, pausing live TV, and managing recordings from connected televisions is being made possible through the well-known Rovi Interactive Program Guide (IPG)".

 

Wow Great Job Guys, the next few years as D* rolls this stuff out will make the days of the Santa release look like the wright brothers at kitty hawk. I am really looking forward to the Multituner DVR that can feed a bunch of clients in the home all via COAX

 

How's the official report coming? I'm waiting anxiously