iDVD or Interactive DVD players for your Home Network

 

A new generation of DVD players are hitting the stores in 2002 that offer much more than DVD playback. Utilizing your home network and/ or Internet connection, these players deliver optional extra content about the DVD or music CD you are playing. In addition these players might also offer much of the functionality found in ‘WebTV’ type boxes like a web browser and email. On the music side, these devices play MP3’s burned to a CDR or CDRW’s and might even decode streaming audio channels from the Internet.

These devices are the least expensive of the digital AV Convergence offerings.

Product Web Site / System Specs

No subscription Required

US Release: Q1 2002

The iDVD or Interactive Internet DVD player from iDVDBOX is a DVD, MP3, web and Interactive TV convergence device. The iDVD comes with a 56k v.90 modem built in or Internet access or an Ethernet adapter can be plugged into the USB port for broadband support. It should function very well from behind a broadband router.

The iDVD box sports a cool user interface for it’s interactive content that can display your DVD or broadcast signal in a PIP box or alpha-blended into the interface. The interactivity extends to DVD’s, CD’s and even broadcast video content.

An optional keyboard completes the Internet experience by allowing easy access to email and web browsing functions.

DVD Playback

Interactive TV – Supports ShowSync with NTSC broadcasting system

MP3 playback from CDR/RW

Email (POP3, IMAP4 & SMTP)

Web Browser with HTML 3.2, Javascript and SSL 2.1 and 3.0

 Real Audio 3.2, MP3 Streaming, MIDI, AU, WAV, AIFF

HPNA or Wireless networking support (through USB soon?)

 Progressive Scan Output

DVD-A

Product Web Site / System Specs 

Release Date: Q3 2002 < $300 US

No Subscription Required

Apex will be selling the Vialta Vi330 DVD player in the US sometime in 2002 – probably Q3. The Vi330 DVD features progressive scan output and MP3 playback from CDR and CDRW’s. It also has Internet access through the included 56k v.90 modem. At CES 2002, it was mentioned that broadband access would be available by the time the unit hit retail.

One of the cooler features of this DVD player is built in Compact Flash card reader. Not only does this player support KODAC picture CD’s, it can display JPG pictures directly from a compact flash card.

DVD Progressive Scan Output

Web Browser and E-Mail

CD/MP3, Digital Photo CD’s, Karaoke,

Compact Flash Card Reader

Broadband (soon?)

Internet Interactivity with CD, and DVD

DVD-A

Streaming Media Support

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