Moxi’s Next-Gen TV and Media Recorder

In my view, one of the most exciting new developments for the TV watching world will be the widespread introduction of Digeo’s Moxi Home Cinema Edition HD DMR (digital media recorder) this summer.

I first saw this all-in-one digital media powerhouse at CEDIA, and was blown away by its interface and features—think Tivo on steroids. The device combines digital video recording, TV broadcasts, HDTV, video on demand, a DVD player (with upscaling), music jukebox, games, and other multimedia files in a unified, searchable screen. The interface is very slick and intuitive, and using the remote you can scroll through all of the video feeds on one screen—programs on the hard drive, broadcast, HD, and pay-per-view are distinguished only by color-coding–and it includes sophisticated searching capabilities to find programs quickly. A generously-sized screen sits in the top corner of the interface so you can continue watching TV while you browse channels and the like.

With a Linux backend, the Moxi has inputs for coaxial cable and IP, and uses both to collect its programming and guides. The device also has a DVD/CD player and can rip music to the hard drive, or you can offload content to an external drive. There are remote boxes—called Moxi Mates—that can be used to create multi-room systems that deliver all of the same features as the main unit. Using multiple tuners, the Moxi is also able to play two shows or record two shows at the same time. In future versions, the Moxi will add four tuners, for even more flexibility. Digeo is also designing a Linux-based version of the product for release next year, and it has an even more flexible, tech-savvy design that can be customized by CE companies who wish to license it.

There are Moxi trials currently underway in over 100 markets in the U.S, where about 400,000 customers are leasing the devices from various cable companies. Digeo will have a retail launch of the Moxi Home Cinema Edition HD DMR this summer, and pricing has yet to be announced. Mike Fidler, Digeo’s CEO, said today that the company is considering using a tiered pricing system for the service.

In July of this year, cable companies are required by the FCC to provide CableCARDs for customers who want to use an independent set top device like the Moxi, and so Digeo will need to market its product and service much like Tivo in order to gain customers. And judging from the look, feel, and features in this next-gen media recorder, it shouldn’t
take Digeo long to find a captive audience.

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