Already Time To Send It Back?

[jinx]

I have been using Boxee for a while on the PC and loved it. I had all of my shows set up, episodes queued up, and it was all going well.

Like many, I pre-ordered the Boxee Box in hopes of getting the same Boxee experience but with more of a "set it and forget it" experience than you might get with a traditional HTPC. Also, I won't lie, the remote seemed pretty neat (even though it's pretty much useless in the dark beyond the most basic of functions).

After setting up the box last night, I found that a large amount of the shows I had added via the Boxee PC client now had feeds showing up on my Boxee Box. I'm guessing that had something to do with Hulu blocking Boxee (again). Shows from streaming from other sources, like Comedy Central for instance, worked just fine.

Honestly, I would have been completely happy just paying for Hulu Plus right then and there and getting the content, but there's no support yet. I can't even get Vudu access for rentals.

The Boxee Box looks nice and it was a great idea, but unless there are some MAJOR updates planned for the next day or so, I think it may be time for me to return the box and go back to an HTPC approach.

It's just a rather frustrating experience...

[stevo81989]

You have obviously never been an early adopter. Let me tell how it goes. Every company, microsoft, apple, google, and even boxee will struggle with their first major release/revision. Apple had plenty of issues with the iPhone, microsoft had issue's with Xp and so on. Boxee is not exempt.

You are free to return it, but i would hold off. I myself am experiencing some annoying issues but of course I prepared myself for them. Boxee is taking a major company philosphy switch. They use to be the we want to bypass every block you put in front of us. Now they want to do things the right way. ie only supporting Hulu plus and not hulu free. This ensures they dont hit lawsuits and continue to operate. Being a fan of this companies for a while now I can tell you they are probably the most devoted guys you will find. They will fix this soon!

[newboxeeuser]

Uh no...I had a 1st gen iPhone, it made calls, text was great, got my emails, surfed the web just fine. All wireless. The app store came later. But basic features all worked. I had an early 360, an early PS3, everything worked great, games played, media streamed etc.

Boxee Box launcvh compared to them? I don't see the analogy.

Boxee Box is missing all major features and ruined access to your local content via a new GUI...hardly a "minor glitch".

[l0th]

I understand what you're saying, but having played for month with the beta on PC I feel like I'm not really an early adopter and that the deal has been changed unexpectedly between my pre-order and the box delivery. Given how development has been with boxee, I'm really not confident that they're going to make any significant revision to the 1.0 UI any time soon.

I'm not so pissed that I will send back my box but I'm really disappointed that 1.0 feels like a step back. 0.9 now feels more like a marketing ploy than a beta.

[jinx]

I understand what you're saying, but having played for month with the beta on PC I feel like I'm not really an early adopter and that the deal has been changed unexpectedly between my pre-order and the box delivery.

Exactly! The suggestion for everyone in the past has been, "Just try it for free and see what you think." Well, now that we've gotten used to the experience on the PC/Mac/etc., the experience changes.


You have obviously never been an early adopter. Let me tell how it goes. Every company, microsoft, apple, google, and even boxee will struggle with their first major release/revision. Apple had plenty of issues with the iPhone, microsoft had issue's with Xp and so on. Boxee is not exempt.

I always expect new stuff to be a bit rough-around-the-edges, but when things have already been fairly well established (especially from a software side), it's different. This isn't something new and revolutionary. This is something that's been around for years. It's just being bundled with hardware from D-Link. There should be some issues, but the experience shouldn't be much different from running the Boxee client elsewhere. It's simply embedded.

I was fine with Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Vudu "coming soon", but I didn't realize free Hulu wouldn't be there. And what about stuff like YouTube HD, Justin.tv, last.fm that were simply gone?

For a device twice as expensive as Roku, I just felt like there should be less missing features and functionality.

I just feel like Boxee didn't do a good job of managing consumer expectations.

[l0th]

I just feel like Boxee didn't do a good job of managing consumer expectations.

I'm still vaguely hoping that they just didn't want to delay the release of the box again and that the 1.0 is just unfinished and might improve.

However, I think there are mainly two reasons to worry that things will not turn out this way:

1) separating local and media content is not a result of the UI being unfinished. It's a major change that can only result from business decision. I'm really unconvinced that, as it was argued during the launch event, that this was about clearing clutter on the home page. If anything, this new layout is less clear, simply because it's counter-intuitive to have similar content (say movies) in two different locations.

2) a number of things have been changed to accommodate an underpowered box. A number of disappearing features seems to point in that direction: no more video playing in the background, no more milkdrop in the music visualization, no more frequent scanning of local folders.

What's a bit scary is that it might be 1) and 2) together, but in either case, I'm afraid the 1.0 changes are here to stay (and that's not even taking into account that updates have been slow in the past anyway). Even if the boxee team listens to disgruntled beta-users, I think they will still focus their work on Netflix, Hulu and Vudu.

Oh well, we've been kind of scammed, time to get over it I guess...

[jinx]

Oh well, we've been kind of scammed, time to get over it I guess...

On the bright side, we still have a pretty good window of time to return it to Amazon. I'll still give the benefit of the doubt for a bit and wait on an update to address the major issues.

I originally had considered just ditching it in favor of an HTPC-based Boxee setup. I mean, that would take care of the "underpowered" aspect. But if there is a large enough shift in approach from the business side, eventually the PC version will have the same "features" that I don't like on the Boxee Box.

[pcgizzmo]

Uh no...I had a 1st gen iPhone, it made calls, text was great, got my emails, surfed the web just fine. All wireless. The app store came later. But basic features all worked. I had an early 360, an early PS3, everything worked great, games played, media streamed etc.

Boxee Box launcvh compared to them? I don't see the analogy.

Boxee Box is missing all major features and ruined access to your local content via a new GUI...hardly a "minor glitch".

No, the 360 didn't have any issues. Can you say Red Ring of Death. I'm still pissed at Microsoft for not having a total recall of the 360.

[stevo81989]

Give them a chance. I am dissapointed in the lack of features but they will come. And hulu is going to block the boxee box anyways, so i guess it makes since not to include it and then have people question why it doesnt work. Also I assume in order to get hulu plus they had to remove all hulu links.

Also, New boxee user:


[QUOTE=newboxeeuser;118657
Boxee Box is missing all major features and ruined access to your local content via a new GUI...hardly a "minor glitch".[/QUOTE]
Im not trying to be defensive, but how is it missing all major features and runing local content? I have had issues with internet video, but local content works flawlessly. It has found (slowly) all of my networked content over 500 files, found mostly all of the video information, put them in their own easy to find area under shows and plays them back without any issue. I am curious as to find out what is the problem with that.

Also, my thing about the iPhone was there were many many people who had experienced dropped calls early on, text messaging was not working and all sorts of issues. The xbox had Red Rings all over the place (they still do but not as frequent) and XP had some stability and legacy issues in the first year. I guess we also have to remember that this is a small company as where apple and microsoft are huge.

Boxee definately has some issues, but looking around the boxee links Andrew and Avner are also upset. This is one of the few companies that really is focused on the user rather than the money. Feel free to send it back, but I have faith that boxee will pull out and do what is best for the users and the fan base. They have been really good in the past about listening to their fans and changing their software accordingly!!

I also wanted to let you know that none of my notes were to be taken defensively, Im just here to strike up conversation! Have a great day!

[KennethC]

Mine is going back today. This is not what I thought I was getting for $200.

Back to the WDTV Live until something else comes along.

[stevo81989]

Mine is going back today. This is not what I thought I was getting for $200.

Back to the WDTV Live until something else comes along.

Just so the admins here can put it in the suggestion box, what were the issues with the boxee box and what does WDTV live have that boxee should adopt?

[l0th]

how is it missing all major features and runing local content?

You're right, there's still a way to get to local content, but 1) it's much more difficult to get there (one click in the beta) and 2) separating local media from online content is a step backward. In the beta, it used to be that you could access all media right away, click play and THEN you'd be offered the option of choosing between local media or online if the show/movie happened to be offered in those two versions. This was in some sense a major feature and it's gone.


This is one of the few companies that really is focused on the user rather than the money

I think you're right about that. I'm a bit worried though that the online/local separation in the UI that pushes online and bury local comes at the same time as the announcement that they are going to start making some money soon.

[stevo81989]

I agree. I was kinda upset. I liked having everything in one place. However I will give some conspiracy theories. At the boxee launching event it was made known that avner was not a fan torrents. Seeing how torrents are usually used for illegal activities, this is understandable. Boxee has also made it known it is trying to do the right thing by going through legal channels rather than back doors. Boxee really wants hulu plus to come to Boxee. Hulu probably isnt too ok with torrents.

Boxee most likely wanted to seperate themselves as much as possible from the illegal activities. They still support it but they dont want to mix the online stuff with the illegally acquired stuff. Its just a thought!

[filovirus]

My main reason to consider returning is the 1080i no video bug. 720p seems to work ok so far. I can give the devs a few weeks to correct it, but they need to remember we usually only have 30 days.

It will be interesting to see how long it takes for bug fixes to rollout. I hope they are like Marsalis Wallace in Pulp Fiction. "I'm on the motherfucker"

Filo

[JNM]

but local content works flawlessly. It has found (slowly) all of my networked content over 500 files, found mostly all of the video information, put them in their own easy to find area under shows and plays them back without any issue.

Did your BB find any MP3s that it put under Music -> Album and/or Artist?

Boxee Box found almost 6000 files, but they don't appear under music. It says 'No Music Yet'.

I think I'm sending mine back...

[l0th]

Boxee most likely wanted to seperate themselves as much as possible from the illegal activities. They still support it but they dont want to mix the online stuff with the illegally acquired stuff. Its just a thought!

All they had to do was remove torrent download functionality, which they have.
The put.io app is still available and still works in 1.0, so I don't think they redesigned the UI to prevent people from accessing content downloaded illegally, rather, it's a matter of pushing in your face the online content provided by your partners. It makes them easier to negotiate with and it makes your investors happier.
I might be wrong though. In that case, the put.io app might well be the next casualty.

[stevo81989]

Did your BB find any MP3s that it put under Music -> Album and/or Artist?

Boxee Box found almost 6000 files, but they don't appear under music. It says 'No Music Yet'.

I think I'm sending mine back...

Oh gotcha. haven't had a chance to check out the music yet. Doing that today. You can still play them, but maybe they are having issues with the scrubbing. Since im not familiar, I guess I cant comment. i honestly would suggest giving the dev team maybe a week or so. Its up to you and you will be missed.

however, like I said, you still should be able to play all of them by going into the directory itself.

[newboxeeuser]

Give them a chance. I am dissapointed in the lack of features but they will come. And hulu is going to block the boxee box anyways, so i guess it makes since not to include it and then have people question why it doesnt work. Also I assume in order to get hulu plus they had to remove all hulu links.

Also, New boxee user:



Im not trying to be defensive, but how is it missing all major features and runing local content? I have had issues with internet video, but local content works flawlessly. It has found (slowly) all of my networked content over 500 files, found mostly all of the video information, put them in their own easy to find area under shows and plays them back without any issue. I am curious as to find out what is the problem with that.

Also, my thing about the iPhone was there were many many people who had experienced dropped calls early on, text messaging was not working and all sorts of issues. The xbox had Red Rings all over the place (they still do but not as frequent) and XP had some stability and legacy issues in the first year. I guess we also have to remember that this is a small company as where apple and microsoft are huge.

Boxee definately has some issues, but looking around the boxee links Andrew and Avner are also upset. This is one of the few companies that really is focused on the user rather than the money. Feel free to send it back, but I have faith that boxee will pull out and do what is best for the users and the fan base. They have been really good in the past about listening to their fans and changing their software accordingly!!

I also wanted to let you know that none of my notes were to be taken defensively, Im just here to strike up conversation! Have a great day!

Maybe I was too harsh with that comment. But I feel robbed of a lot of great features and a nice GUI by Boxee Box and the new software. I still feel this thing isn't worth $199 today, maybe in the future, but certainly not today.

Its a really bad move to give people something then take it away. I'd rather never have something then to have it, love it, and have it stolen.

[stevo81989]

Maybe I was too harsh with that comment. But I feel robbed of a lot of great features and a nice GUI by Boxee Box and the new software. I still feel this thing isn't worth $199 today, maybe in the future, but certainly not today.

Its a really bad move to give people something then take it away. I'd rather never have something then to have it, love it, and have it stolen.

I agree. There are a lot of things taken away. I actually just got an email from avner specifically about the background video being removed. he (to sum it up) basically said they had a ton of complaints but plan on implementing it in a way that seems right. I have full confidence that they will start to bring back some of these features. Your right though, not worth 200 now but will be someday. I have needed a way to play local files and other stuff, since Im such a big fan of boxee, Im gonna stick with it. I guess you can label me a fan boy :rolleyes:

[l0th]

he (to sum it up) basically said they had a ton of complaints but plan on implementing it in a way that seems right.

Oh man, it sounds like Steve Jobs about multitasking on the iPhone... We might be in for a long wait and end up getting something that looks like video in the background but isn't (maybe a .gif made of screengrabs from the video?).

[stevo81989]

Oh man, it sounds like Steve Jobs about multitasking on the iPhone... We might be in for a long wait and end up getting something that looks like video in the background but isn't (maybe a .gif made of screengrabs from the video?).

ha! No, I should have mentioned that his main issue was with the way to get back to the video. people said it was inconsistent and some times annoying.

I am taking that to believe that backgrounding will work much the same way but getting to that backgrounded video will be different.

[stevo81989]

Needless to say, I too, am very diasappointed with the GUI update and the overall performance of the Boxee Box. I hope Boxee reverts back to the original GUI that was installed on the Boxee Box prior to the v1.0 update; otherwise, I too will be shipping mine back to amazon.

Im not sure if they will go back to the old one, but my guess is we will start seeing big updates from some of the bigger issues.

[burchfield1b]

I think mine is going back today as well. I can't watch anything, it is really slow to download any content and just gets hung up. I checked my download speed and it is 6.5-7Mb/s. I called tech support and they said they would call me back in about 48 hrs and were not sure if they would have a fix. It's ok to be part of a focus group, but typically you get some type of compensation for it and don't have to pay $200 bucks. When I pre-ordered I was expecting something completely different and was not expecting it to bee defeatured.

[newboxeeuser]

It's ok to be part of a focus group, but typically you get some type of compensation for it and don't have to pay $200 bucks.

Nice quote!

:D:D:D

[amheck]

Count me in as another vote to either go back to the old GUI, or come up with some drastic changes to the current one. I want this box to be my solution - I really do. I'll give it some time to see what they can do, but I have no problems returning it to Amazon should things not shape up.

[stevo81989]

I think mine is going back today as well. I can't watch anything, it is really slow to download any content and just gets hung up. I checked my download speed and it is 6.5-7Mb/s. I called tech support and they said they would call me back in about 48 hrs and were not sure if they would have a fix. It's ok to be part of a focus group, but typically you get some type of compensation for it and don't have to pay $200 bucks. When I pre-ordered I was expecting something completely different and was not expecting it to bee defeatured.

Fell free to do what you need to do. I am curious as to what you are having issues with...local playback works flawlessly for me. the only web video I had issues with was vevo. just personally i feel returning the device after one day is a little over reaction, but you need to do what you need to do. i am giving them 2 weeks to at least attempt to fix stuff. I have full belief that they will fix the issues. Like we have said in this thread before, Avner and Andrew are upset. This is their baby. This is one of the few companies that care unlike others cough *apple*...But once again, do what you need to do!

[marcel]

Guys

Please try with Ethernet and tell me if this is an improvement..Please make sure you are all using the same version 1.0.1.16125.

Please make alist of the content that is causing issues and we are working to fix it i know you have all paid a lot of money but we will be pushing out updates asap to improve the experience

[amheck]

Like we have said in this thread before, Avner and Andrew are upset. This is their baby. This is one of the few companies that care unlike others cough *apple*...But once again, do what you need to do!

I hope our cries are loud enough to them. My fear is that they want to more cater to the group who wants online media. Perhaps this is just the wrong box for us that don't care about online media and just want something to handle our local stuff.

I hope I'm pleasantly surprised with some of the changes they have in store. Although I doubt they can really abandon the new UI which I'm guessing they feel pretty happy about.

[l0th]

Fell free to do what you need to do. I am curious as to what you are having issues with...local playback works flawlessly for me. the only web video I had issues with was vevo. just personally i feel returning the device after one day is a little over reaction, but you need to do what you need to do. i am giving them 2 weeks to at least attempt to fix stuff. I have full belief that they will fix the issues. Like we have said in this thread before, Avner and Andrew are upset. This is their baby. This is one of the few companies that care unlike others cough *apple*...But once again, do what you need to do!

local playback does work. And it does work on a PC with command line. The issue is not that it's broken, it's that it's been separated from online content and then buried in the UI, that you cannot search it or do things like displaying it by genre, etc.

I agree that sending the box back after 1 day is maybe to over react. I'm ready to give them a couple weeks to fix it. But I would really like an announcement within the next few hours to let me know that I'm going to be waiting for something. I think that they can fix the UI (and other) issues, but I'm not convinced that they are free to do so. I'd like to hear that they are.

[met_fan]

Fell free to do what you need to do. I am curious as to what you are having issues with...local playback works flawlessly for me. the only web video I had issues with was vevo. just personally i feel returning the device after one day is a little over reaction, but you need to do what you need to do. i am giving them 2 weeks to at least attempt to fix stuff. I have full belief that they will fix the issues. Like we have said in this thread before, Avner and Andrew are upset. This is their baby. This is one of the few companies that care unlike others cough *apple*...But once again, do what you need to do!

I can't watch anything either. The first couple videos I play after a restart work fine, then video disappears, regardless of whether it's a local file, app, or anything else. Right now, the only things of use are apps like Pandora or Wolfgang's Vault that don't have video.

[stevo81989]

local playback does work. And it does work on a PC with command line. The issue is not that it's broken, it's that it's been separated from online content and then buried in the UI, that you cannot search it or do things like displaying it by genre, etc.

I agree that sending the box back after 1 day is maybe to over react. I'm ready to give them a couple weeks to fix it. But I would really like an announcement within the next few hours to let me know that I'm going to be waiting for something. I think that they can fix the UI (and other) issues, but I'm not convinced that they are free to do so. I'd like to hear that they are.

Local play back is seperated from the internet. My guess is to seperate the illegal from the legal. maybe so the investors have an idea that they do not support such activity. The local files are super simple to find, go to shows > files. To go directly to the directory, Files > then choose the folder.

I think it is best to wait a week. I really think they will be fixing these issues. They have pretty much stopped most communication through email, twitters and even updating the forums. This tells me that avner and his gang are preparing a statement and will issue it on their blog announcing their mistakes, issues and what lies ahead. I cant verify that and I they may not be, but I just have a feeling that is what is about happen, just have faith!! :)

[stevo81989]

I can't watch anything either. The first couple videos I play after a restart work fine, then video disappears, regardless of whether it's a local file, app, or anything else. Right now, the only things of use are apps like Pandora or Wolfgang's Vault that don't have video.

Thats actually surprising. I had issues with internet playback, but flawless local playback. Have you tried a factory reset?

[burchfield1b]

I am using an ethernet connection through my router that is hooked to my cable modem. I believe that is the build I am using as well, tech support checked all of that last night when I called them. I really hope you can get things to work, the idea is great. I work in product development as an engineer all day and work through bugs all of the time, but I don't expect to do it with the products that I purchase. It seems like it was too early of a release and not enough testing, I would suspect that the engineers were not ready to release it.

[newboxeeuser]

I am using an ethernet connection through my router that is hooked to my cable modem. I believe that is the build I am using as well, tech support checked all of that last night when I called them. I really hope you can get things to work, the idea is great. I work in product development as an engineer all day and work through bugs all of the time, but I don't expect to do it with the products that I purchase. It seems like it was too early of a release and not enough testing, I would suspect that the engineers were not ready to release it.

Check that version carefully, someone mentioned 26 got replaced/retroed back to 25 version. Factory reset and update.

[iRoNBiLL]

I'm am incredibly surprised by how much blowback I am seeing from buyers of the Boxee box. You guys aren't expecting this thing to morph into a Transformer are you??? I would love to demo this puppy if I could just to see if I am going to be just as disappointed as you. To create a forum post titled "Already Time To Send It Back?" and to go through the extra effort of capitalizing each letter in the statement... why don't you just punch Avner in the balls and spit on his face... it would hurt a lot less than asking if it's time to return a Boxee box over some minor discrepancies.

Really folks, you can't try to hold Team Boxee hostage just because things didn't go your way from the very beginning... and for ANYONE to say this or that about their experience of a product in the past doing this or that, is splitting hairs at best... either you enjoyed the product for it's working features or you returned it, end of story!

Many things can and will be iron'ed out in later updates to Boxee box... this is what updates are for people. Honestly, if you are a consumer and are pissed about Boxee box, go try other alternatives and see how you fair out. I think it's obvious the platforms don't even compare to one another in many circumstances. If you think the grass is greener on the other side, go check it out. There will always be a warm patch of grass for you over here in Boxeeland. :)

By the way, I'm glad to report I am hearing that our app, Navi-X appears to be working great on the new Boxee box and it seems to be making people happy... which gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside as well. :D

And to the rest of you with criticisms, please stop overblowing certain issues and make sure you are very specific about your gripes. As it is, as consumers we tend to let things fly off the handle when expressing our frustrations over something minor like the Boxee box not "morphing into a truck" like you were hoping for. Just a thought.

iRoNBiLL

[burchfield1b]

Thanks, I will try tonight.

[stevo81989]

I hope our cries are loud enough to them. My fear is that they want to more cater to the group who wants online media. Perhaps this is just the wrong box for us that don't care about online media and just want something to handle our local stuff.

I hope I'm pleasantly surprised with some of the changes they have in store. Although I doubt they can really abandon the new UI which I'm guessing they feel pretty happy about.

I don't how log you have been a fan. i have for a little while. Even my smallest, dumbest suggestions have been met with a response. Avner treats treats this company like his baby and will be doing all he can to make it right!

[Flick]

I think that they can fix the UI (and other) issues, but I'm not convinced that they are free to do so. I'd like to hear that they are.
Seems simple enough to me: they should have a basic mode that ships out of the box, like the v1.0 that we all don't like, and then an advanced mode that is activated by power users that know how to do so, maybe via some sort of hidden switch. For example, L, R, L, R, MENU, MENU, ENTER. Only those folks that have used the software before and those new users dedicated enough to come to the support forums would be able to find the code to activate it.

Seems like everyone would be happy with such an approach...

My 2¢.

Peter

[jinx]

Please try with Ethernet and tell me if this is an improvement..Please make sure you are all using the same version 1.0.1.16125.

I've been on Ethernet since the beginning and the first thing I did was apply the latest update.

My biggest gripe from last night was primarily with shows that previously had worked with Boxee but didn't seem to work with BB. When I went to these shows, all I saw was a large gray icon, but no text or any option. I'm guessing that meant there were no streams available. The odd thing is, the shows still should have had feeds from Fancast, Fox, etc.

I'd just be a bit more confident if there was an official area of not just "here's what isn't available currently" but also the why.

Lack of background video, for instance, makes sense if usability testing showed that it was confusing consumers or whatever who were new to the platform.

It's a combination of missing features, apps, etc. and large GUI changes (like the online vs local content stuff already mentioned) that has most people upset. Finding out that things that seemed they would be on BB at launch will hopefully be in place within two months is not the end of the world, but it's frustrating.

There's never going to be a system that's perfect for everyone. I'm just still on the fence as to whether BB will be "good enough" in the long-term. I feel like better visibility of what's planned, what isn't, what was intention, and what wasn't would be really beneficial -- especially as more and more people start debating whether to return their BB.

Given how many early-adopters of BB are likely tech bloggers, podcasters, and just gadget-lovers, a lot of the online reviews and word-of-mouth discussions of BB are going to have an impact on sales to the average non-tech consumers.

[stevo81989]

Seems simple enough to me: they should have a basic mode that ships out of the box, like the v1.0 that we all don't like, and then an advanced mode that is activated by power users that know how to do so, maybe via some sort of hidden switch. For example, L, R, L, R, MENU, MENU, ENTER. Only those folks that have used the software before and those new users dedicated enough to come to the support forums would be able to find the code to activate it.

Seems like everyone would be happy with such an approach...

My 2¢.

Peter

Ooooh, thats sounds nice. I think that would be a worthy idea. It wouldnt even have to be hidden. One thing though is that if it "opens" the boxee box to other platforms like XBMC, you can expect to lose VUDU, Netflix and Hulu Plus. It would be done to protect content providers...

[pcm2a]

To create a forum post titled "Already Time To Send It Back?" and to go through the extra effort of capitalizing each letter in the statement... why don't you just punch Avner in the balls and spit on his face... it would hurt a lot less than asking if it's time to return a Boxee box over some minor discrepancies.
These sure are NOT minor descrepancies. I would relate it to you going into the store and playing and an iPhone 4. Then when you get home and open your new box, inside is an iphone 2g 1.0 version. You wouldn't understand why they would cripple it so bad.

[spankadoodle]

"I'm am incredibly surprised by how much blowback I am seeing from buyers of the Boxee box. You guys aren't expecting this thing to morph into a Transformer are you??? I would love to demo this puppy if I could just to see if I am going to be just as disappointed as you. To create a forum post titled "Already Time To Send It Back?" and to go through the extra effort of capitalizing each letter in the statement... why don't you just punch Avner in the balls and spit on his face... it would hurt a lot less than asking if it's time to return a Boxee box over some minor discrepancies."


The problem iRoNBiLL is that it arrives with the beta software that Is vastly superior to the 1.0 software. If you had it, and were able to see what you are forced to give up via a system update, you would understand the hostility.

"As it is, as consumers we tend to let things fly off the handle when expressing our frustrations over something minor like the Boxee box not "morphing into a truck" like you were hoping for. Just a thought."


Your analogy is weak at best. Nobody want's a truck. they want what they had out of the box, that was taken away after 18 hours. We went from having a fully organized media library in which we could sort by multiple sub-genre to having to go WAY out of the way to view our own personal media. Once you can view your media, you are no longer able to sort it.

I said it in another post, and I'll say it here. I got the box on boxee box on Wednesday and loved it. It was sleek and sexy like a new sports car. What Boxee did with the 1.0 software was like send some guys from the dealership to take out the engine and front seats from my car after I'd already drivn it for a day.

[jinx]

You guys aren't expecting this thing to morph into a Transformer are you???

...wait, it doesn't do that, either?!?!?! :eek:

I don't know about being a Transformer -- more like Decepticon. The slogan could be, "Boxee Box: Less Than Meets The Eye"

At least we'll get some good updates soon, I hope, and things will get back to normal... I'm certainly hoping for the best.


I would love to demo this puppy if I could just to see if I am going to be just as disappointed as you.

I'm disappointed only in that I liked the experience on the PC version a lot and was hoping BB would essentially be the same -- just embedded in some D-Link hardware.

Given the amount of comments others have made, certainly I'm not the only one who had these expectations.

I enjoy Boxee a lot and I think the dev team has done awesome work in the past. I even got a chuckle from all of the times Dave Matthews would try to pimp Boxee on shows like Cranky Geeks.

At the end of the day, when the free experience of using Boxee on an existing PC trump the $199 experience of using Boxee on a dedicated "Boxee Box", yes, I'm going to be frustrated enough to Capitalize Every Single Word :)

I'll still give things a few weeks to straighten out. It just wasn't a good first impression for me.

[stevo81989]

I'll still give things a few weeks to straighten out. It just wasn't a good first impression for me.

Well said and the right attitude. We should all give them two weeks to either fix the issue or at least give us a timeline...

[estoppel]

Got my BB yesterday. Some good and some bad.

Boxee was definitely running smoother on my macbook pro. So that sucks.

Also shitty is that the apps seem chuggy as shit. Especially NHL Gamecenter. And if I can't watch NHL games smoothly then I may too have to join those returning the box.

It's not worth $200 if the only thing it does well is play my local media.

[stevo81989]

And if I can't watch NHL games smoothly then I may too have to join those returning the box.


Just take a breathe and relax. The boxee team is working their asses off. Give them 2 weeks. they should have all the bugs fixed, if not then go ahead and return it.

[Govnah]

Both mine are boxed up and ready to send back as well. I am pissed that I was duped by both Boxee and Dlink. I dloaded the software and loved it so I purchased the BB based on my experience with the software. Received the BB and boom all the features and apps I enjoyed on the previous software, gone....Can you say bait and switch. What a huge disappoint. Bring back the old UI......

[stevo81989]

Both mine are boxed up and ready to send back as well. I am pissed that I was duped by both Boxee and Dlink. I dloaded the software and loved it so I purchased the BB based on my experience with the software. Received the BB and boom all the features and apps I enjoyed on the previous software, gone....Can you say bait and switch. What a huge disappoint. Bring back the old UI......

Lol, what an over reaction...Bait and Switch is not Boxee style. I have been a fan for a long time. I've lost count. This is Avner's (the CEO's) baby. he loves this company and their fan's more than any other company I have dealt with. I have submitted several (dumb) ideas to Avner himself. And he himself responded. The boxee team LOVES ideas and customer response. I can guarantee you they are not happy and are working heir asses off to fix this.

Its definitely an over reaction, but you are free to return them as you please :) I however would urge you to wait two weeks. You have 30 days to return teh item so I suggest waiting for a blog post that I predict will come very soon. If they mention where they plan to take this box within the next two weeks and you dont like it, return it. But my guess is they will address the issues at least with a timeline on when they will fix everything. Dont give up hope!!!

[Roondawg]

"I'm am incredibly surprised by how much blowback I am seeing from buyers of the Boxee box. You guys aren't expecting this thing to morph into a Transformer are you??? I would love to demo this puppy if I could just to see if I am going to be just as disappointed as you. To create a forum post titled "Already Time To Send It Back?" and to go through the extra effort of capitalizing each letter in the statement... why don't you just punch Avner in the balls and spit on his face... it would hurt a lot less than asking if it's time to return a Boxee box over some minor discrepancies."


The problem iRoNBiLL is that it arrives with the beta software that Is vastly superior to the 1.0 software. If you had it, and were able to see what you are forced to give up via a system update, you would understand the hostility.

"As it is, as consumers we tend to let things fly off the handle when expressing our frustrations over something minor like the Boxee box not "morphing into a truck" like you were hoping for. Just a thought."


Your analogy is weak at best. Nobody want's a truck. they want what they had out of the box, that was taken away after 18 hours. We went from having a fully organized media library in which we could sort by multiple sub-genre to having to go WAY out of the way to view our own personal media. Once you can view your media, you are no longer able to sort it.

I said it in another post, and I'll say it here. I got the box on boxee box on Wednesday and loved it. It was sleek and sexy like a new sports car. What Boxee did with the 1.0 software was like send some guys from the dealership to take out the engine and front seats from my car after I'd already drivn it for a day.
Totally agree with Spankadoodle.

Just give us a choice if we want to stay on .9 version and deal with any of its shortcomings and allow us to decide when we want to upgrade to 1.0

That would make everyone happy who like .9 and those who love 1.0

Its quite simple.

[met_fan]

Thats actually surprising. I had issues with internet playback, but flawless local playback. Have you tried a factory reset?

yes...twice

[stevo81989]

yes...twice

You may have just received a bad unit. Not too many people are experiencing local playback issues.

[iRoNBiLL]

@spankadoodle, While your first response earlier was constructive, your second response was not. You are still splitting hairs about what the Boxee box does or does not do.

You also were so focused on the word "truck", you overlooked my Transformers reference. I didn't say anybody wants a truck... you are putting words into my mouth. The fact that something doesn't meet the ultimate reality you so desperately desire doesn't make it garbage and I don't think it's fair to throw your Boxee box under a bus because of relatively minor shortcomings. This is the point I was making... not everyone is expecting a truck, lol!

After more reading, peoples major gripes seem to be lack of organizing content and a change of the interface. I am also seeing people complaining of the interface being very sluggish on their Boxee box. These are specific complaints that go far to address these problems on the backend of development.

I also understand your frustrations but let's keep it civil. As long as you focus your energies on what really makes you mad, all is well. The more your concerns are heard, the more likely it will get addressed before I purchase a Boxee box, so you are only benefiting people like me and others and I am greatful for this. People act like the Boxee box hasn't been an effort in the making for nearly a decade since XBMC... I was EXPECTING issues from the very beginning :) ... the problem is others were not and this is why they are so pissed right now.

PCM2A and Jinx... thanks for specifics on your responses... I'm still getting details on users about the Boxee box and your feedback was helpful.

iRoNBiLL

[stevo81989]

yes...twice

Is yours set to 1080i ? If so Avner mentioned that there are playback issues. If that is the case, change it to 720p and let us know!

[met_fan]

Is yours set to 1080i ? If so Avner mentioned that there are playback issues. If that is the case, change it to 720p and let us know!

I tried that and I had the same issues

[estoppel]

Just take a breathe and relax. The boxee team is working their asses off. Give them 2 weeks. they should have all the bugs fixed, if not then go ahead and return it.

I will give boxee/d-link this ... the hardware is so pretty when it glows I may keep it as a paper weight even if the issues can't be resolved.

As bonus though, it would be nice if I didn't bet on the wrong company though.

[Drone-01]

Boxee should hand out some cheese to go with all this whinning....

[spankadoodle]

@spankadoodle, While your first response earlier was constructive, your second response was not. You are still splitting hairs about what the Boxee box does or does not do.

You also were so focused on the word "truck", you overlooked my Transformers reference. I didn't say anybody wants a truck... you are putting words into my mouth. The fact that something doesn't meet the ultimate reality you so desperately desire doesn't make it garbage and I don't think it's fair to throw your Boxee box under a bus because of relatively minor shortcomings. This is the point I was making... not everyone is expecting a truck, lol!

After more reading, peoples major gripes seem to be lack of organizing content and a change of the interface. I am also seeing people complaining of the interface being very sluggish on their Boxee box. These are specific complaints that go far to address these problems on the backend of development.

I also understand your frustrations but let's keep it civil. As long as you focus your energies on what really makes you mad, all is well. The more your concerns are heard, the more likely it will get addressed before I purchase a Boxee box, so you are only benefiting people like me and others and I am greatful for this. People act like the Boxee box hasn't been an effort in the making for nearly a decade since XBMC... I was EXPECTING issues from the very beginning :) ... the problem is others were not and this is why they are so pissed right now.

PCM2A and Jinx... thanks for specifics on your responses... I'm still getting details on users about the Boxee box and your feedback was helpful.

iRoNBiLL


iRoNBiLL, first first let me state no offense was meant.


The real problem is at the beginning, I had no problem. Everything worked great out of the box. The 0.9 software is what everyone was used to with the beta software on the PC.

Then we were force fed a software "update"

Using your transformer reference, the Boxee box transformed from a Porsche 911 to a Pinto.

I'm not exagerating when I say that 60% of the features I bought the device for disappeared.

Music is Gone. The Media library is Crippled. As a Canadian, I have to push the down Button 150 times in the movies tab to access my files. I used to push one button. Now there are 600 independent and foreign films I have absolutely no interest in clogging up my movies tab.

When i click TV I get a window with 258 shows I don't watch, but will stream in a horrible quality... Oh wait. version 1.0 killed the streaming for many of these files as well. My local files are mixed in there as well, but i can't sort which ones i have, they are mashed and spread out into a giant pile of thumbnails.

If I go to the files section, I can't sort my media by Genre anymore.

It's a major let down.

I think I'll drive my pinto back to the store in a couple weeks if things are not fixed.

[lukad]

Not having the box, and having the ability to cancel my order, my faith in this company is what compels me to remain confident in the box's ability. Avner and friends made it very clear that when purchasing this box, you wouldn't feel as if you had something obsolete in a year. With that said, I'm sure their team is working around the clock to make vital improvements to the 1.0 bugs.

In the end, releasing the box when they did was to get it in the home's of users for the holidays. Although I and 3/4 of the people in this forum agree that 1.0 was not ready for this maneuver, I'm confident in this team's ability to bring this box to 100% by the year's end. From then on, expect more and more features down the road. It's an investment; it's only going to get more valuable to you as time passes and new features are integrated.

[iRoNBiLL]

@spankadoodle, WOW!! That's pretty crappy to see the issues you stated now! I can see why the release was such a big let down for you.

Missing music and streaming of many files is a huge let down for me too! I didn't know this was happening on the Boxee box. I am not a big fan of forced updates either!

Thanks for specifics on this... I know that content organization has been a real let down for many users as well. For me it's no biggie cause I just stream or watch, then delete most stuff, but 18 hours of work is nothing to scoff at.

Thanks for your feedback Spankadoodle! Very useful.

iRoNBiLL

[newboxeeuser]

ironBill, using your analogy of the Transformer...

Them:
"Hey here are the parts to build your own Optimus Prime! Build it yourself!"

Us:
"Hey this is AWESOME!"

Them:
"We are selling it for $199 already made too ya know!"

Us:
"Awesome!" *goes out and buys one*

Us:
"Hey, this isn't Optimus Prime, its a gimped Bumblebee, spray painted green, with a broken leg ... who can't transform!"

Get the picture?

(whoops posted at same time as you)

[Govnah]

I agree probably sound advice, but I can not imagine why the regressed the UI, from my perspective. I really liked the older UI and I wish there was a way to install the older UI. Also I am having an issue with the remotes. I purchased 2 BB, one in my theater and one in the bedroom. When I use either one there are major conflicts and are unusable, which I have to power one down. I read the start up guide to pair the remotes but no success. I will wait a couple of weeks and see how things progress.

[met_fan]

You may have just received a bad unit. Not too many people are experiencing local playback issues.

I think my problem might be cleared up finally. It appears it actually was the 1080i issue. While initially changed it to 720 and saw the same problems, it wasn't until I did another reboot and then started out in 720 that my video problems seem to have gone away. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything stays good the rest of the night as I play with it.

[ScareCity]

I'm in the same boat. My box should be here anytime and I'm going to hold onto it. I understand people's frustrations, but I think everyone needs to take a breath. If i remember correctly, Boxee has been has been pretty good about listening to their users and putting out quality software. Not only is it a new software release, it's the their first hardware release. While I think a little more beta testing should have been done, I think they will make things right with coming updates. It would be nice if someone from Boxee would pipe up and let us know what's up, but hopefully they are busy with v1.1


Not having the box, and having the ability to cancel my order, my faith in this company is what compels me to remain confident in the box's ability. Avner and friends made it very clear that when purchasing this box, you wouldn't feel as if you had something obsolete in a year. With that said, I'm sure their team is working around the clock to make vital improvements to the 1.0 bugs.

In the end, releasing the box when they did was to get it in the home's of users for the holidays. Although I and 3/4 of the people in this forum agree that 1.0 was not ready for this maneuver, I'm confident in this team's ability to bring this box to 100% by the year's end. From then on, expect more and more features down the road. It's an investment; it's only going to get more valuable to you as time passes and new features are integrated.

[aerochrome2]

List of problems:

1) No local content on windows 7/x64 computer despite hours of tinkering

2) No vudu on launch, despite launch events claiming we would at least have that while we waited for hulu/netflix, etc

3) Video quality is iffy. I have a 10mb down connection (as tested, not as advertised) and I still cannot find a video that looks even close to HD. I tried Ted talks, how I met your mother, etc. I am not sure if the problem is that the content is not HD, but another issue is that its hard to even tell what is or isnt. AND I would test my own video files, but I cannot get local content working [see gripe 1]

4) I am giving this about a week before it goes back to Amazon with an inspired 1 star review.

[marcel]

Are you using the latest version 1.0.1.16125 http://support.boxee.tv/entries/328816-how-do-i-manually-upgrade-the-boxee-software

regarding the windows 7 try this ..

Network type needs to be set to 'home' on the PC

File sharing needs to be enabled

Either guest access needs to be enabled for the share, or they need to have a user/pass that the box can handle (not a domain user account, for example, as we can't auth against a domain controller without being in the domain)

When entering the username/password, omit the workgroup; just use the raw username for the W7 user

[hawkesbury]

Boxee Team,

I still like Boxee a lot, but I am pretty upset about changing so much on launch day. However, only three things really, really bug me.


Putting our local media/'files' to the side. I want the option to make my local media front and center. I would like them to be displayed first under the main 'Shows' and 'Movies' sections, without going to 'Files' first.

Live (or more frequent) change detection for watch directories. I want to be able to drop a video into a shared folder on my PC, then go sit down on the couch and have this video appear when I browse to my Shows.

Big home screen change. I actually really liked the look of the 0.9 beta. It was fun yet classy. The new interface looks bland and like some type of 'alpha' product.


I would be totally in love with this perfect home media device if at least the first 2 of these 3 things were fixed! Thanks.

[cblank21]

The inexcusable attempt to DUMB down the interface is sacrilege!!! Boxee users are not APPLETV users! WE understand how to use our products, we do not need a dumb interface, that is why we chose BOXEE in the first place. If I wanted to be talked down to about my media choices, I would use the APPLE ecosystem of locked down devices, where nothing can happen because Steve unless wants it to. I beg of you Boxee, restore the old interface. It was intuitive enough for my Mother to use, ie the standard user with little to no computer skills can use!

[bxpressiv]

One saving grace, and it was pointed out in this or another thread, if you purchased through Amazon the return date is 31 Jan 2011 (check to be sure) so it gives enough time to see if the extra features are added by Christmas.

I don't even know whether I will unbox mine...

[Nialith]

I wish I could even get to the point of possibly complaining about the GUI. My BB boots up but has no video. :(

Tested on multiple TV's, swapped out cables for known working ones, tried recovery mode, everything. It simply doesn't work. Mine is going back tomorrow and might try again once the dust settles.

[Bathroomninja]

The inexcusable attempt to DUMB down the interface is sacrilege!!! Boxee users are not APPLETV users! WE understand how to use our products, we do not need a dumb interface, that is why we chose BOXEE in the first place. If I wanted to be talked down to about my media choices, I would use the APPLE ecosystem of locked down devices, where nothing can happen because Steve unless wants it to. I beg of you Boxee, restore the old interface. It was intuitive enough for my Mother to use, ie the standard user with little to no computer skills can use!


I actually wouldn't mind a 'simple' interface if it was actually easy to use and was consistant across the board. Unfortunately for the new interface, there is no easy access to the menu (unless you back out of everything = pain), the buttons don't always function the same depending on what video player boxee is using (I'm looking at you Youtube Leanback), and the device just can't seem to get anything 'right'. Everything is 'off' by at least a little and in some cases it's off by a lot. Even though I personally didn't like the look of the old layout, it was easy to use and it worked.

[met_fan]

I wish I could even get to the point of possibly complaining about the GUI. My BB boots up but has no video. :(

Tested on multiple TV's, swapped out cables for known working ones, tried recovery mode, everything. It simply doesn't work. Mine is going back tomorrow and might try again once the dust settles.

Are you in 1080i? I had the same problem, but rebooted and immediately switched to 720 before viewing any video and everything has worked fine since.