Stream Netflix, Vidi, and FrontRow with SA’s Mediabox: pricing, specs
Mediabox, a South African start-up that wants to build a media player based on an open architecture and ecosystem, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to raise the money it needs to start production.
The device the company wants to bring to market is also called MediaBox (MBX for short), and is an Android-based media device similar to the Apple TV.
In addition to supporting playback from external media directly connected via USB, the MediaBox will be able to connect to video on demand (VOD) services.
This includes support for international services such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as ones launched locally like Vidi and MTN FrontRow.
“We have support for any VOD service that has an Android App,” Mediabox co-founder Roeland van Nieuwkerk said.
The ability to watch content from Vidi and FrontRow on a TV through a device like MediaBox is a huge boon for the services, as they only officially support Android and browsers on PCs that can run Silverlight.
Netflix, on the other hand, has apps for just about every platform from video game consoles and smartphones, to the TVs themselves.
“We remain VOD vendor agnostic but we do test all VOD apps to make sure they work on the devices,” Van Nieuwkerk said. For example, he said they’ve noticed the latest release of Vidi’s app is “a bit flaky.”
Controlled from any device
In addition to striving to support all media formats and VOD services, MediaBox aims to support as many mobile platforms as possible.
This includes controlling the MediaBox and sharing media from an Apple iPhone or iPad, Android phone or tablet, and Windows or Linux-based phones and tablets.
Mediabox said its apps for the MBX also include the ability to mirror whatever is on your mobile device’s screen, regardless of brand or manufacturer.
Funds raised from the Indiegogo campaign will go towards finalising these applications, MediaBox co-founder James Muir said.
Campaign funding will also go towards final product packaging, testing, and shipping.
Pricing and availability
Mediabox has two models planned for the MBX initially: one with 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity (MBX–3G), and the other with just Wi-Fi support (MBX).
The MBX–3G will be able to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot for those who do not have one in their homes.
With plans to target Africa and India initially, Mediabox aims to launch both the MBX and MBX–3G during June 2015.
On Indiegogo the MBX is listed with an estimated retail price of $150 (US), and is available to 240 backers for $90.
The MBX–3G is set to retail for $200 overseas, and the first 240 backers to claim one can get it for $120.
In South Africa, the suggested price of the MBX will be R1,450, while the MBX–3G is expected to retail for around R2,100.
Specifications
For those interested in the hardware used in the MBX and MBX–3G, some of the key specifications are summarised in the table below.
| MediaBox specs | |
|---|---|
| Hardware | |
| CPU | 1.6GHz quad-core Cortex-A9 |
| RAM | 2GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 8GB (1GB) EMMC Flash |
| Storage expansion | MicroSD (up to 32GB) |
| Antenna | Internal antennas for Wi-Fi and 3G, with optional external antenna for 3G |
| Software | |
| Operating system | Android 4.4.2 |
| Input | Bundled full QWERTY keyboard and touchpad |
| Connectivity | |
| Ethernet | 10/100Mbps LAN |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 |
| 3G | MBX-3G only up to 21Mbps HSPA+ |
| IR sensor | Infrared receiver for universal remote compatibility |
| Power LED | Controllable power light from within Android settings |
| USB | 2 USB ports and 1 on-the-go port |
| HDMI | 1.4 |
| Other A/V | Composite video/audio output |
| Environment | |
| Work environment | 5°C — 38°C, 10% — 90% humidity |
| Storage environment | -20°C — 60°C, 10% — 90% humidity |
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