Digital Living Room HAVA Compared to Slingbox | HAVA Compared to Slingbox |
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| Written by Rich McComas | |
 When one product totally dominates a niche market, and an upstart comes out with a competiting product, even if you can save a few dollars, the first question that always comes to mind is, "What can they really do that I can't do now?" Simply put, while both products can transmit video to internet-connected devices with some limitations, HAVA appears to be best for distributing and recording HD quality video inside of a home network and to Media Center PCs.
Below are a couple of things I did with my HAVA Titanium Pro product that I couldn't do with the Slingbox: Video Recording: Within the first few days, I found myself recording video to two different computers on the network, something you cannot do on a Slingbox without installing aftermarket software. One was a HD documentary that I recorded to the DVR that I wanted to share with someone via a laptop. Another was a old home VCR that one of the kids had been requesting for sometime, but I never seemed to have time to connect the VCR to a dedicated recording card or even hookup a . HD Video on a Media Center PC: I've been meaning to get another cable set top box to connect to the Media Center PC, but with HAVA, I can scratch that one off the list. HAVA is completely MCE compatible.
The only comparable product from Slingmedia is the new Slingbox HD Pro, which we have not reviewed yet. However, the Slingbox costs twice as much and it looks like you still cannot record nor is it compatible with Windows Media Center. HAVA mobile device software is still in beta, and there are some quality issues, so if streaming low resolution video to your phone is your top priority, you may still want to consider one of the lower-end Slingboxes. For more information on HAVA, visit: www.myhava.com |
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TECH2 LAKE HOUSE
UPDATE - The exterior of the Technology Lake House is complete and we are now working on interior finishing and electronics. Last year, San Francisco's Channel 7 ABC News ran a special video report on the construction progress of the Technology Lake House, and we expect them back for a follow-up soon. Click HERE for a DLINK Live Video Feed with pan and zoom features (userid=user, no password, daylight hours only).
Ron Rosberg's current project home, the Technology Lake House, is currently under construction on the shores of Clearlake in Northern California. Even though the house is a wireless demo house, we have installed more than seven miles of wires in the walls for dozens of flat panel TVs, speakers, control panels, and sophisticated lighting. So far, more than a dozen technology and fixture manufacturers have agreed to sponsor this project, which has been simmering in Ron's head since he attended the first CES show in New York in 1967. The 7,500 square foot project (plus three existing rustic cabin guest houses) is being built on a five-acre Honeymoon Cove resort with 500 feet of beach directly across from Konocti Harbor Resort. This summer retreat will host technology gatherings annually, inviting Western states home builders, contractors, and technology consultants for a live open house showcasing the latest in home technologies. There is room to park plenty of boats, so plan on coming up for some lake fun after the project is complete. For more info, send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 707-995-2683. To see the latest photos, visit Ron's Flickr gallery.
We are currently looking for products to evaluate in these areas:
- Home automation: lighting, security, and entertainment
- A/V technology for the 500 SF home theater media demo room
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