Dvico’s new range of TViX boxes will need all the help they can get if they’re going to take on the likes of Tivo and Foxtel in the PVR market. Fortunately these new media units can play DVD ISO images and VOB files without self-destructing.
The nicest thing about receiving press releases from companies that are relatively unheard of is that they’re always good for a game of one-upmanship. Take for example, the new range of TViX PVRs, which claim to have it all.
So how good are they?
In a marketplace where formats such as DivX, Xvid and HDAVCD run rampant, it’s impressive to see a PVR that has the balls to look good (it’s designed in an eye catching black box) and have the goods under the hood.
Show us the support
The TViX-HD 6500 (expect to pay around $599) - which sounds like more like a terminator cyborg no matter how many times we write it - contains a wide spec list including support for Windows media, MPEG, AVI, MKV (Matrovoska video) and also records digital TV.
More impressive, it can play DVD ISO images and VOB files (geeks should be smiling!) without self destructing. There’s the usual parade of DivX, Xvid and WMV9 formats to play, while an optional DVB-T high-def TV tuner should win plenty of fans.
Tiny and proud of it
In this age of rampant miniaturisation, it hardly surprises us that Dvico have landed a world first with the world’s smallest PVR player. The favourably priced TViX-PVR 2230 ($399) is so small, Dvico says that you’ll be able to store it in a briefcase or laptop bag – about the average size of a DVD case.
With a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080i, an array of networking functions (and an optional USB wifi network adapter), 5.1 surround sound outputs, Ethernet ports and HDMI outputs – the PVR 2230 could be the perfect device for lifestyle freaks who favour streamlined aesthetics over larger, clunkier units.
Avaliability
The new TViX range will be available in Australia from October 27, 2008 at most major retailers. Try www.tvix.co.kr or www.dvico.com for more info if you’re already getting too excited to wait till the end of October.