Vizio Co-Star Google TV Stream Player Review

The VIZIO Co-Star turns any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV with 1080p and 3D support; Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box and this eature allows viewers to enjoy full screen web browsing with Adobe Flash Player and HTML 5, access to entertainment apps such as the OnLive Game Service, Netflix, YouTube and more  without switching inputs or remotes thanks to the universal touchpad remote with keyboard. Connectivity for the box includes WiFi b/g/n and a single USB port for hard drives or other accessories, you can also stream content from other hardware via DLNA. August 14th is the current estimated shipping date and brings along its remote with QWERTY keyboard on the underside and integrated IR blaster.

VIZIO announced pre-order availability of its highly anticipated stream player , the VIZIO Co-Star with Google TV. Consumers can now visit VIZIO.com to pre-order the Co-Star for $99.99 (US) and take advantage of the limited-time offer of free shipping. The VIZIO Co-Star turns any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV. With 1080p and 3D support; Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box. This feature allows viewers to enjoy full screen web browsing with Adobe Flash Player and HTML 5, access to entertainment apps such as the OnLive Game Service, Netflix, YouTube and more without switching inputs or remotes thanks to the universal touchpad remote with keyboard. The VIZIO Co-Star is the first stream player to offer video games on demand. Through OnLive, users can demo, watch and play hundreds of top-tier video games directly from the "cloud," eliminating the need for an independent game console. In addition, the VIZIO Co-Star offers popular apps such as Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, iHeartRadio and more – all available for download through the Google Play Store. Online pre-order opens on July 24, 2012 at www.vizio.com/costar. The VIZIO Co-Star stream player will be available exclusively on VIZIO.com for $99.99 (US), with an introductory free-shipping offer, while supplies last.

Specs:

• TYPEAudio / video player
 
• VIDEO SERVICESNetflix, Unbox (Amazon),...
 
• AUDIO SERVICESPandora, Other
 
• VIDEO CODEC SUPPORTh.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
 
• AUDIO CODEC SUPPORTAAC, MP3, WMA
• VIDEO OUTPUTSHDMI (1 outputs)
 
• WIFI802.11 b, g, n
 
• ETHERNET10/100 [Fast Ethernet]
 
• DIMENSIONS1.6 x 4.2 x 4.2 in
 
• ANNOUNCEDJanuary 10, 2012

General

• TypeAudio / video player

Supported media

• Audio codec supportAAC, MP3, WMA
• Video playbackYes
• Video codec supporth.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
• Photo viewerYes

Services

• Video servicesNetflix, Unbox (Amazon), YouTube, Other
• Audio servicesPandora, Other
• Photo servicesPicasa

Storage

• USB2.0 (1 ports)

Remote

• Remote (included)Yes

Other features

• Upgradeable firmwareYes

Outputs

• Video outputsHDMI (1 outputs)

Inputs

• Video input supportYes

Networking

• WiFi802.11 b, g, n
• Ethernet10/100 [Fast Ethernet]
• Media protocolsDLNA

Size & weight

• Dimensions1.6 inches (h)
  4.2 inches (w)
  4.2 inches (d)
• Weight.66 pounds

Pricing & availability

• AvailabilityPre-release
• Announced (US)January 10, 2012
• Original price$99.99 USD

Myriad Alien Vue Android Apps Service For HDTVs Review

Myriad Group is probably best known for creating a solution that brings Android apps to some decidedly non-Android devices and it looks like the Zurich-based company has set their sights on app-ifying yet another screen in your life, Myriad’s new Alien Vue software is meant for television service providers looking for a bit of an edge against the robust media experiences that Google and Apple can deliver. In addition to supporting Android apps, Alien Vue will also support HTML5 apps and access to the internet, Alien Vue also comes with an app store that can be branded by service providers and supports additional plugins like Myriad Connect & Share and so on. Targeted at OEMs and service providers who want to take advantage of Android apps, yet maintain control over the whole user experience, Myriad Alien Vue seems like the way to go and Alien Vue comes with an app store and support for features like multi-screen playback and cross-platform TV/smartphone/tablet viewing.




Myriad Group AG, the company powering billions of rich mobile social and web experiences on any connected device unveils the latest chapter of Myriad Alien Dalvik, called Myriad Alien Vue. Myriad's latest Alien release enables Internet access via TV allowing Android apps to run alongside existing television functions, in a unified user experience. Myriad will be showcasing Alien Vue, demonstrating Android apps on TV for the first time at CES 2012 January 10-13. Myriad Alien Vue is a complete end-to-end solution that enables TV service providers to add apps to their existing managed service offerings, in order to respond to the threat of new over-the-top content distribution channels from Apple, Google and others. The release, powered by Myriad Alien Dalvik technology, includes an app store developed in conjunction with AppCarousel that can be fully branded by service providers. Myriad Alien Vue also supports additional plug-in components like Myriad Connect & Share, providing multi-screen functionality for personal and premium content. Myriad Alien Vue is unique in that not only does it allow customers to leverage their existing TV and set-top box equipment, it also works seamlessly with mobile phones and tablets giving users complete control over their TV experience. "Since launching at Mobile World Congress early this year, we have had an incredible response to our Myriad Alien Dalvik software," said Simon Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Myriad Group. "We have shown how Android apps can work seamlessly across non-Android devices, including mobile phones, tablets and iPads, and now, with Myriad Alien Vue, we have delivered Android to another key screen in people's lives, the TV." This new release supports apps designed to run on GoogleTV and HTML5, including YouTube, Netflix and Twitter. Apps, content and services appear and function as they would in their native environment with no disruption or loss of performance. "Alien Vue provides a great alternative to OEMs and service providers who want to harness the Android ecosystem, while leveraging existing investments and retaining control of their customer's TV experience," added Wilkinson.