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[jeff_rigby]

So will the next XBOX be able to function as a receiver for Direct TV?

I seriously doubt it but it looks like all Direct TV DVR boxes from HR24 on support RVU and Direct TV has mentioned support for PS3 and I think Xbox 360.

RVU is a technology built into the DIRECTV Home Media Center HD DVR that allows you to enjoy DIRECTV programming and HD DVR functionality on multiple TVs without the need of additional receivers. You can enjoy DIRECTV service and watch recorded programs on every TV, and record programs from every TVs-all with just one receiver. To take advantage of this feature, your additional TVs must be RVU-enabled.

There is a $6 monthly fee for each RVU-enabled TV connected to your Home Media Center HD DVR. A monthly Advanced Receiver Service fee also applies. To learn more about RVU, please call 1-800-DIRECTV.

This is going to be a selling point for Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2013 as people have a choice of buying a RVU enabled TV (DLNA + DTCP-IP + browser for UI + Java & Javascript to support XTV apps + h.264) called for the most part a Smart TV or using a RVU enabled set top box (network connected blu-ray player) like the PS3 and Xbox 360 (later versions support 1080P).


That brings up an interesting point: DOCSIS cable modems use one or more (DOCSIS 3.0) cable channels to provide high speed Internet access. Could one or more tuners in the Xbox 720 like the higher end model with 8T and 6 gigs of memory also include a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem? 6 Tuners was in the ALLVID FCC proposal (looks like AllVID also had Internet access as part of the 6Tuner device) and is in the Sony NASNE, 8 Tuners in the Xbox 720 seems overkill if everyone else is targeting 6 Tuners; 2 tuners for DOCSIS 3.0 and 6 Tuners for the DVR?

The above makes the Xbox 720 more expensive than a PS4 but it includes features that must be added with accessories for the PS4 which make the total PS4 ($299) + NASNE ($215) + Cablemodem ($95) more expensive than the Xbox 720(8T) by about $200. (guesses on PS4 & Xbox 720 price).

The XBOX 720(8T) would be a better long term investment. Sorta the reverse of the early Xbox 360 - PS3 buying decision where the PS3 included many features (at higher price) that we would want in a all-in-one entertainment box. It only does everything next generation would apply more to the Xbox 720 than the PS4. All this from rumors and the leaked Xbox 720 powerpoint. We don't know Sony PS4 plans other than through simi-firm leaks of performance targets that match other leaks for the CPU-GPU....there is nothing for Sony about specs and features outside the main Silicon CPU-GPU except for the Sony CTO interview.

Also, the Leaked Xbox 720 Powerpoint appears to be targeted to "Partners" as in Cable companies so it is most likely for SKUs that contain support for Cable TV. Most likely there was no need for a Powerpoint proposal for a SKU that does not contain tuners......So there may be a Game Console only version of the Xbox 720.

SteveP rumors of slow and fast RAM in the Xbox 720 may be accurate but might indicate a second SoC for Cable/DVR support with it's own memory that connects to the Main SoC through a PCIe buss. The APP pool would be applications that run on main memory and use/control the second SoC.

How would AllVid break down this wall? FCC chairman Julius Genachowski described the gadget 10 months ago, indicating cable, satellite or telco video providers would send their signals to “a small adapter on the customer’s premises that would present a standard interface to all consumer devices.”

AllVid could be connected to TVs, computers — pretty much anything that can show multichannel video or internet fare. Thus internet and multichannel TV would be integrated.

The FCC is proposing this as a replacement for its failed CableCard device — the data and security card that was supposed to let consumers pick their own set-top box. Its limited capabilities made it a flop on the video device market.

If this proposal goes through then the Xbox 720 described in the leaked 2010 powerpoint is not needed, Sony's Nasne is not needed.

 

[yn-neko hates a cat]

How will things be with BC? i'm buying another 360 today, this late in the gen yes.

Dang turk! Didn't you just build a PC??? I building my PC partly because of work but partly because I'm sick of waiting for next-gen :/