Amazon's FireTV Fail

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I got the Amazon Fire TV 2 days ago, plugged it in and got up and running pretty quick.  Amazon actually links your account info when you order direct and all you have to do is connect to network.

Setup couldn't be much simpler.  Plug in power, plug in HDMI, put 2 AAA batteries in remote and power on, enter in wifi info, watch an intro video and you're off!

I was able to watch a few 'free-with-Prime' membership episodes with no problem starting out.  A few episodes into a show I had to make a phone call so I paused my fireTV and was gone for a good 15 minutes or so.  Came back, and the screensaver was on.

I could not get out of the screensaver.  No button presses on the remote worked.  I took the batteries out (supplied btw), put them back in and the remote worked.

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Boxee TV 2013 Update Review

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Boxee TV = Do Not Buy

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I very rarely ever say flat out not to buy something that I was so excited about in the first place.  Well this is that one time this year.

Do Not Buy the Boxee TV.

OK, so the first one I bought was simply dead out of the box.  Plug it in - absolutely, nothing.  No response, no flicker, nada.

So I went to back to Walmart, and get a new replacment.

Over the course of 2 weeks in testing:

  • Consistently failed to record scheduled recordings.
  • Failed to produce a TV image the last 3 days of testing.
  • Streaming recordings on my FIOS (75 Down / 35 Up) was like trying to watch an HD stream on dial-up = frustrating.
  • No less than 3 software updates during the 2 weeks, still unusable.
  • Included antennae was all but useless.
  • Not able to schedule or start recording from the unit - must schedule online.
  • Very few channels can be recorded in Los Angeles Area.
  • Monthly fees to use the DVR feature = $15 / month after free trial

On the positive side, the HD tuner with a good signal produced very good picture quality.

The Boxee TV simply is not ready.  It feels more or less like an alpha product, not even suitable for beta testing.  Steer clear of this until they fix it.

Sezmi Review

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TiVo Premiere

 

If you've come here to get a full on Sezmi Review, you've come to the right place.  At this time I can only recommend the Sezmi if you:

 

  • Have really good high speed internet access
  • Don't watch a lot of TV, so don't care to pay a regular priced cable bill
  • Are willing to put up with a clunky and slow interface
  • Don't mind beta testing a new product

 

I've got several videos on the Sezmi below for you to see if you want to go into more details on what you get for your money.  My conclusion is audio only and is the last video on this page.  Well worth listening to if you only have 10 minutes or so.