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Monsoon "Volcano"...for those waiting for Sling/HAVA support.

colnago

Android Expert
Nov 17, 2009
3,091
218
It looks like Monsoon (HAVA) is coming out with stream-your-TV support for Android in March, via Volcano (there may be a fee?). Performance on the Droid looks really good in the video from this link:

Monsoon adds streaming, sideloading sweetness to new Volcano placeshifting box -- Engadget


Monsoon Multimedia Introduces World's First Convergence Device with 4 Major Disruptive Video Technologies

Monsoon's Volcano Incorporates Similar Functionalities of TiVo, Slingbox, Roku and Remote DVR All in a Single Convergence Box

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- CES -- Monsoon Multimedia, a leader in video convergence technologies and maker of the popular HAVA place-shifting products, today announced Volcano, its next generation home video convergence device. Volcano incorporates major features of TiVo (time shifting), Slingbox/HAVA (place shifting), Roku (Internet video such as Netflix movies) and new functionalities that support streaming and recording video to smartphones, all in one box. Volcano supports all major smartphone and computer operating systems such as Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Windows and Mac.

Volcano allows consumers to schedule and record any of their familiar TV channels remotely from a smartphone to the Volcano's hard-drive and watch the video at the same time or transfer the stored content to a smartphone for later viewing. This can be accomplished through a 3G or Wi-Fi connection from anywhere in the world including airplanes, cars, trains, offices or hotel rooms. Unique, integrated players and EPGs (Electronic Programming Guides) can be downloaded by Volcano users on to any of the popular smartphones or their Windows/Mac computers.

Smartphone users on average can download 128 hours of video or 84 movies of 90 minutes duration on to their phones thanks to Monsoon's powerful video compression technology. Computer users can download considerably more content on to their hard-drives. A full-length movie can be downloaded on to a smartphone in minutes using a broadband connection. Smartphone users also have the option of viewing any program live without recording it.

With the included hard-drive and a remote control, Volcano can also be used as a TiVo DVR at home. Slingbox/HAVA features included in Volcano enable consumers at home or in remote locations to watch their TV programs live on their smartphones or computers. Volcano is connected to the analog output of a set-top box. At 150kbps uplink speed and by using Monsoon's new technology deploying H.264 compression, Volcano now allows consumers with lower uplink bandwidth to stream video to the Internet and view the video in high quality in remote locations.

In addition, Volcano owners can surf the web using the included remote control to watch YouTube videos or view movies from online services including CinemaNow! and others on their big screen TV. Many more television and video applications like Boxee will be added to the Volcano throughout 2010.

"With the ubiquity of the TiVo, Slingbox/HAVA and Roku (Netflix), consumers have become accustomed to having access to diverse television and Internet infotainment content and services when, where and how they like it," said Colin Stiles, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Monsoon Multimedia. "No one wants a box for each separate feature in addition to their cable/satellite set-top box, or to spend a fortune in acquiring them. Our new Volcano convergence product provides all of these exciting features plus remote DVR in a single sleek, easy-to-use unit, allowing consumers to have multiple video features for a fraction of the cost. As new disruptive video convergence technologies emerge, Monsoon will integrate them in its Volcano through software upgrades."

Consumers can also use their smartphones instead of a physical remote controller to control all the Volcano features at home. The installation of the device is through a simple one step process innovated by Monsoon. Automatic wireless set up is achieved through 801.11n wireless technology embedded in the Volcano. Volcano has built-in infrared technology to control the set-top box/TV remotely.

Monsoon Multimedia Volcano:

* All-in-One video convergence device combines major features of TiVo, Slingbox/HAVA, Roku and Remote DVR features for a fraction of the cost
* High-quality video playback
* Includes hardware remote control; smartphones and computers have on-screen remotes
* Free app with EPG supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones
* Streams high-quality video at H.264 and MPEG-4 standards at 150kbps
* Enables full remote control and channel changing capabilities of any TV source such as Cable, Satellite, DVD or TiVo
* Wireless N for video uplink and broadcast throughout the home
* Smooth video over 3G as well as Wi-Fi
* Browse EPG for schedules, series and episode descriptions
* Built in infrared to control set-top box remotely
* Multiple users can have recordings on the Volcano hard-drive and access them independently

Pricing and Availability

The Volcano comes in two different configurations. Volcano and Volcano Pro have a projected selling price of US$199 and US$299 respectively. Volcano will come with 4GB of flash memory, while the Pro version will come with a 250GB hard-drive. Volcano products will be available in March of 2010 through leading on-line etailers, and can be directly purchased with a lifetime or term based subscription from Monsoon (HAVA - Play Your TV Anywhere - HAVA Video Streamer; HAVA Place-Shifter; HAVA Mobile TV).

A customized version of Volcano is slated to be available at all the leading retailers worldwide starting this summer. This product will be offered by a Monsoon technology licensee.


volcano07.jpg



volcano01.jpg



volcano04.jpg
 
I'm really surprised with the smooth playback. The article mentioned something about "150Kb uplink"...given that my slingbox will use up every bit of 1Mb+ if given a chance, and doesn't look nearly as good, then Monsoon must have some hellafied compression technology. That and my Motorola Q must not be good w/video. :)

Since they'll probably never have Maemo support, I hope they get Android dual-boot w/the 900 finalized. I really don't want to have to carry a 2nd device to watch TV. Although @ $299, the Archos 5 tablet does look appealing.
 
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I have a Hava, and would absolutely love the ability to watch my Directv on my phone.

I already told my wife I am buying it, no discussing about it, I already pay for the Sunday NFL ticket, but not going to fork over $100 a year to watch the games on the phone, this has a ROI of three years
 
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I have a Hava, and would absolutely love the ability to watch my Directv on my phone.

I already told my wife I am buying it, no discussing about it, I already pay for the Sunday NFL ticket, but not going to fork over $100 a year to watch the games on the phone, this has a ROI of three years


Yeah, its handy when the "better half" requests your presence when she's clothes shopping...during the playoffs. :)

I'm not sure about the "subscription" for Monsoon that they mention though. I hope its not for the basic functionality of streaming live feeds. I can see if they record it for you, then send the files to the phone while its "idle".
 
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Yeah no problem...its the "one" app I have left to get. Just sux I don't have Android anymore. :p

...and my bad on the name. Looks like its "Vulkano":


Monsoon's HAVA Video Streaming and Place-Shifting Devices: Official Press Releases, HAVASoft


Monsoon Multimedia Combines Apple iPad with Vulkano to Create Stunning TV and Movie Experience





Vulkano Enables iPad Owners to Watch, Schedule or Record Live TV Shows and Movies From a Set Top Box or DVR from Anywhere in the World. Over 500 Movies Can Now Be Recorded over Wi-Fi or 3G to an iPad



San Mateo CA. January 29, 2010 -Monsoon Multimedia, a leader in video convergence technologies, today announced the Vulkano video convergence device is compatible with the Apple iPad. Monsoon’s Vulkano incorporates major features of TiVo (time-shifting), Slingbox/HAVA (place-shifting), Apple TV and Roku (Internet video link) and new functionalities that allow simultaneous viewing and recording of content from any source to an iPad over Wi-Fi and 3G networks...
 
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Darn. the Hava already has iPhone support

Rats, I hope the droid ain't far behind

Don't really need the new machine, just the new player


Well given that the demo was on a DROID, and this press release ;):


Pricing and Availability

The Volcano comes in two different configurations. Volcano and Volcano Pro have a projected selling price of US$199 and US$299 respectively. Volcano will come with 4GB of flash memory, while the Pro version will come with a 250GB hard-drive. Volcano products will be available in March of 2010 through leading on-line etailers, and can be directly purchased with a lifetime or term based subscription from Monsoon
 
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Well given that the demo was on a DROID, and this press release ;):


Pricing and Availability

The Volcano comes in two different configurations. Volcano and Volcano Pro have a projected selling price of US$199 and US$299 respectively. Volcano will come with 4GB of flash memory, while the Pro version will come with a 250GB hard-drive. Volcano products will be available in March of 2010 through leading on-line etailers, and can be directly purchased with a lifetime or term based subscription from Monsoon
I saw the demo on an CES interview, but I already have a HAVA player, don't need to fork the $300 if they come up with a player for the Droid, as it looks like the iPhone already has it
 
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I saw the demo on an CES interview, but I already have a HAVA player, don't need to fork the $300 if they come up with a player for the Droid, as it looks like the iPhone already has it

I hear ya...its all about market saturation. He who has the most devices on the market, gets the most app support.

Sling is working on Android support, and I thought HAVA's was supposed to be coming out before them (software for current devices). But the Vulkano is the only concrete support with a target release date.
 
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just got a email from monsoon today. According to those idiots the android app that is scheduled to be released aug 10 will not work on the HAVA boxes. It will only work on the vulkano. Unreal, they are coming out with software for products that are not even available yet. All of us with hava boxes just got the middle finger and was told to pretty much go buy a new vulkano!
 
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Fair enough...but just like the Android app for sling, the new mobile app does not support all the older sling boxes. If Monsoon updated the hadware/software on the Vulkano, then it stands to reason that the app to access it may have to be updated as well.

But yes, that does suck if they do not release a compatible app for "current" HAVA boxes.
 
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