Let me start by saying that I am a full fledged Snapstream fan. Been a proud supporter since I started my HTPC venture 3 years ago. I've got the full rig so far...BTV, BM, and 3 x BTV Links, with 4 Hauppague tuners in all.
But in my struggle to truly make my media accessbile to me at anytime, anywhere, and at any place, Snapstream thus far has dropped the ball in one key area; The Media Extender. Yes I know that BTV Link was develeped for this reason. And it's great if you have a wireless laptop and want to watch some shows in your backyard. But let's face it. I'll be the first to tell you that I love my tech toys, but to place a PC next to every TV I own just to "extend" the Beyond experience that my family knows and loves....that's stretching it. I've been tempted many times to sway the MS way...due to their industry setting pressures that have 3rd party companies jumping to get onto the Media Extender bandwagon. So what does Snapstream have in plan for this. Surrely they must see this loopwhole in their business plan and want to fully address it. BTV Link as cool as it is, is honestly not the answer. And I think everyone who reads this would agree. What we need is a fanless, noiseless...extender type device that similiar to MCE's Media Extender, can extend the wonderous SS experience to other TVs in the house. What is required to make this work. I sometimes wish I worked for a Networking company like D-Link or Linksys so that I could approach Snapstream to initiate a project. Is something already in the works like this? I mean, if Microsoft can do it, I'm confident that Snapstream can. This I believe will truly put SS over the top. It already hands down kicks MCE feature for feature. But convenience is important too, and with XBOX extenders, MCE Extenders both leaning in MS's favour.
With all that being said...I am resorted to buying yet another PC (can't wait to explain this to the wife) for my master bedroom, just so I can extend my beautiful SS experience to my TV there. I have to go through pain staking measures to ensure that the case..fan...etc...are whisper quiet...not to mention to foot a bill of close to $650 CDN. The point here is that I can't wait to fulfill that vision. A SS Media Extender $1 less than what I am going to have to put out for this new PC would get me to switch in a heartbeat. Of course that' not to say I would like to see it retail for that much...but lets say a $299 CDN pricepoint would be feasible. I don't know. I guess I'm just ranting hear...but I sincerely think that SS needs to address this moving forward, because practically speaking the way it is now...it just doesn't make sense.
And that's just my 2 cents as a dedicated and loyal SS Evangelist. Replies welcome and encouraged
