Vizio Co-Star Android set top box with Google TV and OnLive support: $99

[Crow550]

With OnLive service going under anyone plan on returning this device now? I'm thinking about it. I have the package at home waiting for me but, i'm inclined not to open it now.

Onlive was purchased by another company.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

there was more to this device than onlive though. it's like a roku/wdlive/onlive console in one. makes a dumb tv into a smart tv also. still a lot to it.

 

[Slick5150]

Mine should be delivered tomorrow. Looking forward to playing with it.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Yeah, OnLive wouldn't even factor into my decision. If I want to play games I'll play them on my 360 or my PC. I was never convinced that OnLive would be playable given the input lag and I definitely would never pay for such a service.

Right now I have a WDTV that is doing well but if it were to die I'd definitely consider getting a Vizio CoStar, or whatever the best cheap smart TV box is at the time.

 

[smitbret]

Looks like codec support is pretty weak for local media. For those that have used it, how is the UI for handling the DLNA streaming of video and music from network locations?

 

[gorcorps]

Looks like codec support is pretty weak for local media. For those that have used it, how is the UI for handling the DLNA streaming of video and music from network locations?

Built in codec support might be poor, but being Google TV can't you download Plex? That's a necessary app IMO for proper media streaming.

 

[zoiks]

One of the posters on Engadget reviewed it and said that it's piece of garbage. Each button press takes a few seconds to register and some other crap.

 

[AstroManLuca]

One of the posters on Engadget reviewed it and said that it's piece of garbage. Each button press takes a few seconds to register and some other crap.

Well that sucks. I guess it's what you get for $99. The biggest complaint about my WDTV is responsiveness, so I'm not interested in buying anything until I can get a device that is fast and smooth.

 

[Crow550]

Wouldn't a patch fix that?

Maybe it was an OnLive issue?

Seems odd Vizio would release it knowing the buttons have a delay issue....

Guess well see....

 

[Robert Munch]

Well that sucks. I guess it's what you get for $99. The biggest complaint about my WDTV is responsiveness, so I'm not interested in buying anything until I can get a device that is fast and smooth.

Yeah, I also noticed a delay too, when I was within a certain amount of feet from the box. The remote is bluetooth and shouldn't require remote pointing.

Mine is setup in a bedroom and the box is probably 6-7 feet from the bed. I had to extend my arms toward the box for proper input. Game breaker? Could be for some who like to sit further away.

This box was supposed to replace my HDMI laptop setup but, I may return it and stick it out for other options.

 

[Crow550]

Complain to Vizio and hope for a patch.

 

[Robert Munch]

Complain to Vizio and hope for a patch.

Might be a BT hardware restriction. Don't think a patch can fix that.

 

[gorcorps]

Might be a BT hardware restriction. Don't think a patch can fix that.

I don't see how... There's blue tooth keyboards that work just fine without delay.

 

[Robert Munch]

I don't see how... There's blue tooth keyboards that work just fine without delay.

With my experience i'm only allowed to go so many feet within a short distance until the connection cuts out. Noticed similar results with various BT headphones too.

 

[s44]

The main fail on this is that two months after the original announced release, they haven't sent out or been open for more than the first batch of (day-one) preorders. Wtf?

 

[Super56K]

Hopefully, they're trying to make it more usable than a $99 paperweight. I thought this might replace my Patriot Box Office, but it's not looking too good at this point.

 

[brentgolden44]

Yeah, OnLive wouldn't even factor into my decision. If I want to play games I'll play them on my 360 or my PC. I was never convinced that OnLive would be playable given the input lag and I definitely would never pay for such a service.

Right now I have a WDTV that is doing well but if it were to die I'd definitely consider getting a Vizio CoStar, or whatever the best cheap smart TV box is at the time.

I bought 2 of them, neither work, and no one will return my calls about a refund. Set them up 5 times, with and without their support. NOTHING!!!! I guess I now own $220.00 worth of paperweights.

 

[brentgolden44]

Vizio Co-Star

Video

This seems more interesting to me than Nexus Q, and is only 1/3rd the price.

Have 2, still in boxes. Won't work on my new Vizio tvs. As far as I'm concerned, they are paperweights. Tried set-ups with and without support. FIVE times..............still nothing, and no one calls me back about a refund or replacement.