richardgoodwin.com

My Xbox one continues to serve me well, but is unable to handle the newer hi-def quality media that I want to watch. I like the “instant on” capabilities of a console, but unfortunately most of the newer systems out don’t fit the requirements:

• WIDE codec support. If you can find it, I want to be able to play it. In HiDef. With AC3 From an ISO file Unfortunately this seems to pretty much mean a Windows based PC or appliance (or one with an insanely dedicated firmware update team behind it)
• “Always on” or “instant on”: no waiting for 2 minutes to boot, and no worrying about whether it actually will “boot” or was “properly shutdown”
• Quiet: Xbox 360 I’m looking at you here <grrrr>
• Wired ethernet option: HD streams are not always reliable over even 802.11g
• 1080i output (1080p would be nice, since my tv supports it)

I’ve heard good rumblings about the SlingCatcher, which is essentially a video transmitter from the PC, which means it should support anything your backend PC can. Not sure when it even comes out, or how reliable this is.

Ideas in the comments please!!