Moxi
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| Digeo, Inc. | |
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Kirkland, Washington, USA |
| Key people | Paul Allen, Chairman; Mike Fidler, CEO; Greg Gudorf, President |
| Industry | TV/Video equipment |
| Products | Moxi digital video recorders, Moxi software |
| Website | www.moxi.com; www.digeo.com |
The Moxi media center utilizes a special user interface with a two-tuner HDTV DVR unit. It is an electronic device that allows users to record television programming to an internal hard drive for reviewing at a later time.
Moxi has won two consecutive Emmy Awards for its user interface (2004) and for its media center feature set (2005). However, unlike most other DVRs, the Moxi does not include a grid-based program guide similar to TV Guide listings.
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[edit] Operation
The Moxi box is roughly the same size as a standard set-top box or home entertainment component. It can digitally record two programs at once while playing back previously recorded content. Users can choose what content they would like to record by using a number of search options or the record option available with every program.
[edit] Standard user functionality
- Trick play modes Pause and rewind live TV. Fast-forward (3 speeds) through previously recorded/buffered content.
- One-click record option (available on remote)
- Search features Moxi searches broadcast and On Demand programs simultaneously in a variety of parameters: search by title, keyword, category or channel
- Auto-record series
- Advanced record options Skip re-runs, start/stop recording early or late
- Mini-TV window Program continues to play while in menu. Pause option available in this mode.
[edit] Additional features
[edit] Jukebox application
(this feature is available only on some models and only in very limited markets)
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- Captures music from CDs and stores on hard drive as MP3 files
- Identifies and displays song info: title, album, artist
- Stores up to 5Gb (approximately 800 songs, depending on the selected encode rate)
- Default encode rate: 192k (can be adjusted in settings category to 128 or 256)
- Browsing and playback options through Moxi Menu
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- Play options: play album, shuffle songs, play individual songs
- Sort by artist, genre, alphabetical song listing
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[edit] Photos application
(this feature is available only on some models and only in very limited markets)
- Requires external memory card reader. Supports most memory card formats, including CompactFlash-I, CompactFlash-II, Smart Memory, Memory Stick, MicroDrive, Multimediacard and Secure Digital Card
- Upload groups in individual albums, labeled by date
- Supports JPEG format
- Basic editing functionality: rotate photo by 90 degrees; delete photo or album
- Slideshow. Plays back photos full screen (or in Mini-TV) with transitions and audio track. User can manually fast-forward or rewind.
- Browsing and playback options through Moxi Menu
[edit] Games
(this feature is available only on some models and only in very limited markets)
- Choice of single or two player games available that can be played with the remote. Titles include: solitaire, battleship game, checkers, video poker, blackjack, Bijoux, Blast It, Tomato,Invasion Wave and bowling.
All of the above features may vary by region, depending on the cable provider.
[edit] Hardware configurations
- High definition recording and playback
- CD/DVD player (Motorola BMC9022 model)
- USB 2.0
- Firewire
One box has access to standard and high definition cable programming, as well as everything in the Moxi Service. Depending on location, the cable provider will deploy either a Motorola Broadband Media Center (BMC9012 or BMC 9022) or a Moxi Media Center for PowerKEY.
The remote control features large buttons, grouped to make it easy to use in a darkened room, although the buttons are not back-lit.
The Moxi platform has been designed so that applications can be developed for Moxi using common languages and developer tools.
The complete Moxi platform—including current and next generation set-top boxes—is designed for third party development, and Digeo has created a Software Developer Kit (SDK) for start-up. Moxi does not currently have an ISV program.
Running a Linux operating system provides a library for device support. The software runs Java platform and C++ applications with access to the system's core services. In addition, Flash is supported for development of games and other graphic applications. Digeo works with OpenCable Application Platform OCAP, which allow the company and 3rd parties to build applications in that environment.
The use of Flash-based graphics in pre-version 4 software, in combination with rather antiquated hardware (733 MHz x86 CPU with 128 MB RAM) make the graphical user interface very non-responsive. Speed improvements have been reported with software version 4.1, although this is currently limited to very small markets.
[edit] Features
[edit] Moxi Menu
(User Interface)
The Moxi user interface is liked by some, but not by others. The menu displays content choices at the top of the screen, and category filters let you browse by category HDTV, Movies, Sports, Kids, News and Music). The Mini-TV window and Moxi Flip Bar allow users to browse program info and set programs to record without leaving the current program. The integrated menu displays cable programming and media applications like Jukebox, Photos and Games (availability limited to small markets). Action menus present choices (such as watch and record) in pop-up menus.
From the Moxi Menu, users are able to search two full weeks of guide data, including On Demand and Pay-Per-View listings, by title and keyword. Parental controls block shows by TV rating, movie rating, channel, or On Demand and PPV purchase options. The turbo speed function enables speedy surfing through channels and categories.
Unfortunately, menu response is very slow and no grid-based guide is available. Only one program title on a single channel is viewable at any one time. A software update allows viewing program titles for multiple channels simultaneously, but only for one time slot at a time, and the update may or may not be made available to all customers. The lack of a grid-based guide is related to Digeo's inability to reach agreeable licensing terms with Gemstar, the patent-holder on this feature (also see below).
[edit] HDTV
The Moxi DVR lets you watch and record channels broadcast in High Definition TV (HDTV). The device supports a variety of resolutions, including 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. It also supports down-conversion to Standard Definition TV (SDTV) for output to a second TV with Multi-Room Moxi. For TVs that support multiple resolutions, Moxi allows automatic resolution switching to pass through the native resolution of source programming. Cross-conversion between HD signals (720p and 1080i) and down-conversion from HD to SD are very good. However, up-conversion from SD to HD introduces significant video artifacts, and 480p output produces a very soft picture. It is recommended that 480p not be used, and that any up-conversions be done by the display hardware rather than the Moxi.
Output options are 16:9 and 4:3 with Digital Video Interface (DVI) and Component video outputs (in addition to RF, composite and S-Video connectors). Many DVI incompatibilities have been reported with the Moxi and various displays that work with other digital video devices. In addition, the DVI hand-shaking process is quite slow on the Moxi, so it is recommended that component video be used instead, unless there is a compelling video quality improvement with the digital connection. The far more common HDMI digital video interface is not available on the Moxi.
Dolby Digital and surround sound decoding also add to the Moxi viewing experience.
[edit] DVR
The BMC9012 version of the Moxi DVR contains an 80-GB hard drive, which is very small by today's standards. It can record up to 11 hours of HD programming, although only about 7 hours can be recorded without facing possible deletion. If only analog SD programming is recorded, this model can hold 21 hours. Approximately 35-51 hours of digital SD programming can be recorded. The rarer BMC9022 version of the Moxi has a 160-GB hard drive, and the recording capacity is approximately double that of the BMC9012. The Moxi can pause and replay live TV, as well as fast-forward and rewind shows at different speeds. Its two tuners let you watch one show while recording another, or record two shows while playing back a third. Other noteworthy features include HDTV recording and playback, as well as automatically recording a favorite series.
[edit] On Demand
Moxi’s interface allows you to browse, preview and purchase On Demand programming. Users can surf through On Demand titles in a designated menu category, or find On Demand titles included within the search and browse results alongside Pay-Per-View (PPV), live TV and recorded show listings.
[edit] SuperTicker
The Moxi SuperTicker provides one-touch access to weather, sports scores, news and other information. It appears as an info crawl at the bottom of the screen and plays beneath the program, so as not to interrupt viewing. Unlike bound tickers, Moxi’s SuperTicker stays on the screen even while you change channels. The SuperTicker allows you to back up to catch a missed headline, scroll ahead to change topics or click through to read the story behind the headline. It also allows you to lock on a specific topic (to follow a football game, for instance). Topics are updated throughout the day.
[edit] Photos
(this feature is available only on some models and only in very limited markets) Moxi’s Photos option features one-touch import from memory cards, which stores photos on media center hard disk drive. Photos can also be imported from a digital camera via the USB port. Once imported, users are able to view their photos in an easy-to-use slideshow format. The Photos feature can be accessed directly from the Moxi Menu.
[edit] DVD
(this feature is available only on some modelsts)Moxi’s built-in DVD player uses the same interface and is controlled by the same remote as all other Moxi applications. Features such as skip forward and instant replay are consistent with the Moxi DVR. When playing DVDs, an on-screen pop-up menu displays options for switching to alternate commentary and language tracks or subtitles. Multi-room access allows users with a Moxi Mate to view DVDs from either room. The player also plays audio CDs, with the option of storing the music in the Moxi Jukebox.
[edit] Games
(this feature is available only on some models and only in very limited markets) Moxi Games range from casino favorites to arcade classics to intuitive family games. The games have been optimized for the Moxi remote control, and are designed to be played with the arrow keys and OK buttons. Game titles include: Solitaire, Battleship game, Checkers, Video Poker, Blackjack, Bijoux, Blast It, Tomato,Invasion Wave and Bowling.
The Moxi-exclusive Tomato game allows you to throw a virtual tomato and watch it splat on anything that appears on your TV screen.
[edit] PC Link
Although the Moxi has an ethernet port and future home networking capabilities (PC Link) are planned, this is not available. In addition, transfer of recorded programs using this future feature is not envisioned.
[edit] Jukebox
(this feature is available only on some models and only in very limited markets) The Jukebox feature allows you to import music from CDs—as well as browse your collection by album, artist, genre, and song—all from the Moxi Menu. Your music can then be accessed from multiple rooms on any TV that has Moxi. The Jukebox is also equipped with a shuffle feature.
[edit] Search & Record
Search options include find by title, keyword, category and channel. In addition to search broadcast EPG data, Moxi also includes metadata from On Demand sources to provide users with combined results of available content.
Recording is available anywhere in the menu that programming content is displayed. There is also a quick key on the remote to instantly record live content. Recording options include: series record, skip repeats, start early and end late.
[edit] Parental Controls
Moxi provides access to parental controls through the settings category. Users can lock shows by TV, movie rating or channel. On Demand and Pay-Per-View purchase options can also be restricted.
[edit] Multi-Room Moxi
(this feature is available only on some models and in limited markets) Moxi Mate is a small, secondary box that works with the BMC9022D. It allows Moxi programming to be played in multiple rooms, although only in standard definition. Moxi Mate lets you schedule recordings, pause live broadcasts and use all other transport controls—including instant replay, rewind and fast forward—from both TVs. Applications such as DVD, Jukebox and Photos are also accessible from either room, and parents can set separate parental controls for each room.
[edit] Hardware
Motorola BMC9012 Broadband Media Center with Moxi
- Two analog/digital/HDTV video tuners
- 80 GB hard disk drive with expansion through USB 2.0
- 733 MHz x86 CPU, 128 MB DRAM and 4 MB Flash
- 3D graphics processor with 32 MB of dedicated DRAM
[edit] Motorola BMC9022D Broadband Media Center with Moxi
- Two analog/digital/HDTV video tuners
- 160 GB hard disk drive with expansion through USB 2.0
- 733 MHz x86 CPU, 256 MB DRAM and 4 MB Flash
- Dual 3D graphics processors with 64 MB of dedicated DRAM
[edit] Moxi Mate
- Uses existing coaxial cable
- Connects to TV through RF or composite video
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 10.3” x 2” x 6”
- Weight: approximately 3 lbs.
[edit] Remote Control
- Ergonomic design optimized for single-hand use (all buttons are within reach without repositioning your hand)
- Frequently-used buttons fall within thumb’s reach and are larger for quickest access
- Five keys drive entire Moxi Menu
- Same controls for all applications
- Controls for TV and A/V receiver
- Direct one-button access to On Demand, SuperTicker, and live TV
- Compatible with all Moxi set-top boxes
[edit] Emmy Awards
[edit] 2005: Advanced Media Technology Emmy
Digeo’s Moxi Media Center was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) for outstanding achievement in the category of the Creation of Non-Traditional Programs or Platforms. The award recognizes the Moxi Media Center’s innovative new features in multi-room technology and digital lifestyle applications. The features highlighted were Multi-Room, Photos, Games and Jukebox.
[edit] 2004: Best TV User Interface
Digeo, Inc. was awarded an Advanced Media Technology Emmy for its innovative Moxi Media Center User Interface, called the Moxi Menu. The Moxi Menu’s dual-axis navigation puts content choices on the menu’s top level, minimizing the number of clicks a user needs to go through. In addition, the Mini-TV window allows viewers to watch programming while surfing through the menu.
[edit] History
Corporate Info Digeo, Inc. was founded in 1999, and is based in Kirkland, Washington. Digeo was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 1999 as Broadband Partners, Inc. In the same year, Rearden Steel was founded by Steve Perlman, who later spun out Moxi Digital in 2000. Moxi merged with Digeo in 2002.
[edit] DVR Market Overview
Since TiVo launched in 1997, DVRs have gained recognition for their ability to allow viewers to watch TV on their schedule. Prompted by the popularity of TiVo as a standalone device, satellite and cable operators began bundling DVR service with other offerings. DirecTV initially partnered with TiVo to offer DVRs to their subscribers before launching their own unit. Satellite providers as a whole have launched DVRs with nearly 20% of their subscribers—compared to a 17% penetration within the cable market.
Time Warner Cable began offering DVRs in 2002, and now 25% of their digital cable subscribers have one in their home. Additionally, since Comcast started deploying DVRs, 16% of their digital subscribers have added one. Most cable operators offer some type of DVR service and have seen equally good results in their adoption.
Other service providers have added DVRs to their packages. Telephone companies (Telcos) entice customers with low- or no-cost units to drive higher penetration among their subscribers. In fact, Verizon and AT&T will make a multi-room DVR solution available as a standard offering for their customers. The Telco market share is smaller, projected to reach approximately 5.8 million by 2008.
Recording shows on a PC has been available for quite a few years, but the learning curve and lack of hardware and software support has curbed its growth. Only about 1% of households record TV to their computer, and this number is not expected to top 3% in the next few years.
As the DVR market expands, projections place satellite saturation at 70% and cable deployments at 60% by 2011. Increased competition between providers will influence the types of features included in DVRs. Multi-room capability, Internet applications and multimedia features such as music and photos will continue to drive customer choices.
Statistical Source: Forrester, June 13, 2006, Toward DVR Ubiquity
[edit] Battle with Gemstar
Digeo is currently locked in a legal battle with Gemstar. Digeo filed an antitrust lawsuit against Gemstar when Digeo asked Gemstar to license a subset of the 249 patents in Gemstar's Interactive Program Guide portfolio, but Gemstar insisted Digeo license the entire portfolio. Digeo claims that Gemstar stated that if Digeo didn't sign that licensing agreement, it would be sued by Gemstar for patent infringement.
Digeo alleged that Gemstar's actions "established a pattern that injures competition and consumers by denying business opportunities for Gemstar's competitors; hindering innovation; and reducing consumer choice, product differentiation and product quality".
Since Digeo filed the antitrust lawsuit Gemstar reacted by filing a lawsuit against Digeo claiming the Digeo EPG infringes its own patents. Gemstar also filed a motion for dismissal of the antitrust lawsuit. Digeo replied to the motion stating that "Gemstar has not challenged the legal sufficiency of Digeo's complaint and that the motion should be denied on factual and legal grounds". [1]
[edit] Service availability
Moxi is currently available only through its partnerships with cable providers across the nation. Currently Charter, Comcast, BendBroadband, Eagle Communications, New Wave, Service Electric, Time Warner, and Sunflower provide the Moxi service. Check the list on the official Moxi web site to see if Moxi is available in your town.
