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Movie download device runs embedded Linux framework (LinuxDevices)

Movie download device runs embedded Linux framework (LinuxDevices)

Posted Jun 18, 2008 16:43 UTC (Wed) by syspig (guest, #41889)
Parent article: Movie download device runs embedded Linux framework (LinuxDevices)

I picked up this device on a whim...so cheap, it was hard to pass up. Also, we've got a
part-time place for which broadband can be turned on/off, and I've no desire to pay for
full-time sat/cable.

In short - it's a great and simple device. My bandwidth (6.0 down) allows video streams at the
highest quality (four "dots"), which provides image quality every bit as good or better than
my non-HD cable feed.

For kicks, I tossed a rule in my m0n0wall to traffic shape it down to a max of 1.5, which
brought the feed down to two "dots". It was still quite watchable on a 65" TV, and on our
smaller 20" one would never notice the difference.

I've had a couple minor (for me) tech glitches. First, while the wireless hooked up fine, I
couldn't get the bandwidth to max out - three dots max. Laptops in the house have no problem
with sustained 5.0 down, so something is hokey there. Using the LAN port solved that problem,
but that might not be an option for everyone. Second, the audio got out of sync, and didn't
correct on it's own. Exiting the show and restarting the stream took care of it. That's
happened once in about 20 hours of watching it.

Assuming the Netflix selection increases (only about 10% of their library is currently
available), I'm guessing this thing will continue to sell pretty well.


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