RSS
Home
Visionman Allio PCTV review - Part three: Home and entertainment use
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
The Allio PCTV
This section of the Allio PCTV Review looks at the aspects of the Allio that would apply to home users. If you’ve found this portion first, you might want to back up to the start of this review series.
The Allio boasts a decent processor and entertainment engine. It is fully possible to use it just as a normal TV, without the PC even being turned on, and watch cable or satellite, or whatever source is hooked up to it. The addition of the PC to the mix brings a new dimension to the capability. While one could accomplish the same thing by having separate components, those who want a clean system can enjoy the included wall-mount and know that they do not need to try to hide a computer somewhere in their living room.
Examples are given including watching a live football game while managing your fantasy football team, or watching business news while taking care of online stock trades. The multi-tasking capabilities definitely add the function of the comfort that most people find in their living room sofa as compare to their office. The old keyboard/mouse combination that shipped with the Allio was replaced by a keyboard with an integrated touchpad, which is much more convenient to use on your lap or held across your arm, though see the caveats given at the end of the specifications section.
Where this system shines though is in the IPTV access category. Downloaded and streaming content ranging from pay systems like iTunes, Netflix, and StarzPlay, to free sites like Hulu and TitanTV are all accessible. Unlike integrated IPTV systems that have access to a limited number of sites (often just one), the Allio PCTV can be used to view video from any site that a Windows Vista system can display video from.
The HD TV tuner that comes with the Allio coordinates with both WinTV and Windows Media Center (WMC). Both of these software packages have the capability of recording shows, so this creates a one-tuner PVR system. If you are able to split a multi-channel RF signal, you can connect the signal to the TV’s tuner directly for live viewing while the PC is busy recording another show at the same time.
The PC itself is suitable for casual computer use. One thing to consider is that the current configuration of the system does not allow any access to the computer components without opening the entire chassis. Silicon Mountain (the creator of the Allio) implies a potential early-to-mid 2009 release of Allio models that allow panelized access to the hard drive and memory of the system, as well as possible RAID capability.
The second thing to consider is that the integrated video card in the system is not at all suitable for high end 3D applications such as games. While it does accommodate casual gaming, fans of major titles, FPS players, and gamers who demand quality in their game view will want to wait for the planned Allio Extreme which will purportedly come with a video card around the capability of an nVidia GeForce 8600 (subject to change). Speculation has this system available early 2009.
The low end system carries DVD capability and the mid and high end systems feature BluRay access, so you can consider that you may no longer need to worry about getting an expensive BluRay player. The only downside to take into account is that the disc access is accomplished through the PC itself, so does require you to wait for the PC to be running and fully booted if it is currently turned off.
Continue onward to the next article for business applications of the Allioand the summary.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
Continuing along the idea of product reviews for products that you don’t see very often, today brings us into the world of Electronic …
Gearing up with… well… gear… doesn’t have to be expensive. Frugal shopping can get the job done and keep more money in …
