2013-02-12, 05:48
History:
My XBMC history is extensive; I have used an original XBOX for 5 years and moved on to systems that will run HD.
1 - Celeron 2Ghz, Nvidia 9300 (ION)
2 - Atom D510, Nvidia (ION2)
These systems cost me around $600 (AUD) when I first purchased them.
I have used, Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), XBMCLive and Openelec. I am a Windows guy for my day job.
I have used Openelec exclusively for the last 2 years, and have to say that it is hands down the best platform to run XBMC on.
Friends and family have all seen XBMC and love it, but not many of them are interested in building their own or spending good money on their media solution.
I find this interesting, as the same people will happily spend $100's of dollars on Blu-ray/DVD-Recorder/TiVo appliances. Maybe it's not a money thing?
So is the XIOS any good?
Yes, yes it is very good
There are a few things that really make the XIOS great.
1) XBMC-Linux install
The install is painless, you don't need to know any Linux or even understand that the OS is there. The distribution gives the device an 'appliance' feel, and it just works.
2) Remote Control
In my opinion, there is only one real way to control XBMC, and it is with a remote. The Web-Interface and iPhone/Android remotes are all very cool, but there is no substitute for a real remote.
The XIOS remote just works. No config, no stuffing around. It is exactly what you would expect from a DVD/BluRay player. For my liking the remote feels a bit "cheap". The Microsoft RC6 remote is about as good as it gets (IMHO).
3) Low power
This thing is great on power, it is likely to use LESS power than any PC that is turned OFF! (Seriously, don't be surprised that your old PC sucks more than 30w turned off!)
4) HD resolution
Not only does this device allow for hardware decoding, but it takes a lot of the guesswork out of screen resolution issues. There is no need for screen refresh hacks or choosing 23.976/25/50/60hz. By removing a lot of this option, there is also no need to re-sample any audio.
5) Silent
This thing has no moving parts, and no fan. It is silent. Not "almost silent". 0db.
6) Cheap
The device is cheap, you couldn't build any better for the price. While there are competitors they lack the polish of all of the points listed above.
So what's not so good?
1) CPU
OK, so there is always a trade-off when something is cheap. In the case of the XIOS it is the grunt of the processor. While the system performs well (much better than other media players, looking at you WDLive), it is simply not as fast and fluid as a full PC.
You also don't have the heat, POST, noise, standby issues either!
Would I use this instead of my ION or ION2 system?
No.
Why?
Basically the ION and ION2 systems perform better, with more fluid menus and a nicer feeling remote. Plus I have already spent the money years ago and should have forgotten about the purchase price.
Would I recommend this to my friends and family?
Yes, without hesitation.
What could Pivos do to make it better?
Offer a more expensive version for the enthusiast. When you have spent $2000 on a TV, $1000 on audio the $110 purchase price for the player is nothing.
Offer the product within Australia, it cost me $40 (AUD) to get the thing shipped from USA->Australia! (ouch)
Conclusion:
Get an XIOS for your bedroom, spare room, holiday house, in-laws.
If you want the best experience, get a Mac-Mini at 10x the price.
My XBMC history is extensive; I have used an original XBOX for 5 years and moved on to systems that will run HD.
1 - Celeron 2Ghz, Nvidia 9300 (ION)
2 - Atom D510, Nvidia (ION2)
These systems cost me around $600 (AUD) when I first purchased them.
I have used, Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), XBMCLive and Openelec. I am a Windows guy for my day job.
I have used Openelec exclusively for the last 2 years, and have to say that it is hands down the best platform to run XBMC on.
Friends and family have all seen XBMC and love it, but not many of them are interested in building their own or spending good money on their media solution.
I find this interesting, as the same people will happily spend $100's of dollars on Blu-ray/DVD-Recorder/TiVo appliances. Maybe it's not a money thing?
So is the XIOS any good?
Yes, yes it is very good
There are a few things that really make the XIOS great.
1) XBMC-Linux install
The install is painless, you don't need to know any Linux or even understand that the OS is there. The distribution gives the device an 'appliance' feel, and it just works.
2) Remote Control
In my opinion, there is only one real way to control XBMC, and it is with a remote. The Web-Interface and iPhone/Android remotes are all very cool, but there is no substitute for a real remote.
The XIOS remote just works. No config, no stuffing around. It is exactly what you would expect from a DVD/BluRay player. For my liking the remote feels a bit "cheap". The Microsoft RC6 remote is about as good as it gets (IMHO).
3) Low power
This thing is great on power, it is likely to use LESS power than any PC that is turned OFF! (Seriously, don't be surprised that your old PC sucks more than 30w turned off!)
4) HD resolution
Not only does this device allow for hardware decoding, but it takes a lot of the guesswork out of screen resolution issues. There is no need for screen refresh hacks or choosing 23.976/25/50/60hz. By removing a lot of this option, there is also no need to re-sample any audio.
5) Silent
This thing has no moving parts, and no fan. It is silent. Not "almost silent". 0db.
6) Cheap
The device is cheap, you couldn't build any better for the price. While there are competitors they lack the polish of all of the points listed above.
So what's not so good?
1) CPU
OK, so there is always a trade-off when something is cheap. In the case of the XIOS it is the grunt of the processor. While the system performs well (much better than other media players, looking at you WDLive), it is simply not as fast and fluid as a full PC.
You also don't have the heat, POST, noise, standby issues either!
Would I use this instead of my ION or ION2 system?
No.
Why?
Basically the ION and ION2 systems perform better, with more fluid menus and a nicer feeling remote. Plus I have already spent the money years ago and should have forgotten about the purchase price.
Would I recommend this to my friends and family?
Yes, without hesitation.
What could Pivos do to make it better?
Offer a more expensive version for the enthusiast. When you have spent $2000 on a TV, $1000 on audio the $110 purchase price for the player is nothing.
Offer the product within Australia, it cost me $40 (AUD) to get the thing shipped from USA->Australia! (ouch)
Conclusion:
Get an XIOS for your bedroom, spare room, holiday house, in-laws.
If you want the best experience, get a Mac-Mini at 10x the price.