Many of you have been waiting for a full tilt review of an Acer Aspire Revo 3610 Atom ION 330. Well, here it is. Possibly the first one on the Internet with this level of detail. It’s taken a week of use to get the full impression of it’s power and abilities and this review should leave no doubt! So, here goes.
Some of you may already know that I’ve been on a quest for the ultimate “cut the cable” solution and save $70 + a month on crappy cable service with bloatware content. Well, it’s been a year now and I’ve looked at a lot of software, desktops, NAS items and network media players. I’ve run different programs on Windows and Xboxes too, like XBMC and Boxee. Both of which I love! But none of those items were yet able to give my family a complete media experience. So, what is that experience? None of those devices or media center programs offers BOTH network share (music, video, pictures) and complete Internet content. Though Boxee comes closest, and their new improved Boxee Beta arrives December 7,2009, but it still falls very short of fulfilling my needs with regard to Internet content. That will change over time as media companies embrace Boxee and alliances are forged with media and hardware developers, but that’s a whole other post.
Also, with so many media formats like; Adobe Flash 10.1 Beta, HD, h.264 .mkv, AVI, MOV, mpg4 and Blue Ray, there is nothing yet available with the ability and power to play such a wide diversity of content. Plus, Boxee & XBMC do not provide an browser to view Internet content as well as surf the Internet from your couch. Ultimately, I kept returning to a HTPC with Windows as the only solution. And that’s where the Acer Revo 3610 with Windows-7 64bit comes in! Oh, I can hear the Linux and Mac people just wincing and building up steam. You guys can get the same thing too, so if that’s your flavor go for it. But this is a Windows thing happening here. So, lets get down to business.
What’s Inside?
The Acer Revo 3610 Atom Ion boasts the Intel Atom 330 dual core 1.66 GHz processor, Nvidia Ion GPU that supports full 1080P via an HDMI cable and 5.1 surround sound. Comes with Windows-7 64bit Home Premium installed. Wow, that’s a lot going on there and all for $330.00 USD!
Operating System- Windows® 7 Home Premium
Processor- Intel Atom Processor N330 (1MB L2 cache, 1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB)
Chipset- NVIDIA ION
Memory- 2GB (1/1) DDR2 800 SDRAM installed in two of two memory slots
User upgradeable up to 4GB (one 2GB memory card in each slot)* subject to availability of 2GB card
Storage- 160GB* SATA hard drive, 5400RPM, Multi-in-one card reader supports optional Memory Stick®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital or xD-Picture Card™
Video- NVIDIA® ION™ graphics VGA and HDMI™ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface™) ports
Audio- High-definition audio support Two external USB speakers Headphone and microphone ports
Interface Ports- RJ-45 LAN VGA DC-in Headphones Microphone HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface™) eSATA Optical SPDIF Six USB 2.0 (two front, four back)
Card Slot- Multi-in-one card reader supports optional Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital or xD-Picture Card
Communication- Gigabit LAN, wake-on-LAN ready802.11b/g/Draft-N WLAN
Expansion Slot- One PCI Express® Mini
Dimensions- 7.1″ (180.0mm) W x 7.1″ (180.0mm) D x 1.2″ (30.0mm) H without bezel
User Interface- Wireless keyboard and mouse- Included
Power- 65W AC adapter with power cord
Compliance- Energy Star® 5.0PC2001
Security Feature- Kensington® lock slot
Warranty-One-year limited warranty*
Included Software- Acer® Arcade Deluxe, Acer® eRecovery Management, Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, eSobi™ *, McAfee® Internet Security Suite (trial version), Microsoft® Works 8.5 (full version), Microsoft® Office Home & Student 2007 (60-day trial), MyWinLocker®, Nero® 9 Essentials* ,Oberon Gamezone*.*OEM, not full-featured, version.
The Atom Dual Core 330 1.66 GHz processor does not consume a lot of power at all yet has enough oomph to push up to 1080p Blue Ray HD content with ease courtesy of its close integration ION GPU that supports graphics acceleration and offloading. The Intel Atom & ION is a single mobo unit that incorporates the use of NVIDIA’s GeForce 9400M chipset. All this provides a low power consuming, high end video device in a tiny package! The unit is, dare I say it, silent! Even while viewing 1080P content, when the fan is throttled up I have to put my ear up to it in order to hear a whisper of sound. Unlike competitors such as the AsRock 330, which is somewhat audible at 26+dB. Also, the unit is cold to the touch at idle and barely gets warm to the touch when under heavy use.
There’s MORE on pages 2-3!
Hey Paul, first off, thanks for the in depth review!! I have a question for ya… Maybe another later…
I read where you said you could do some multitasking.. like surfing and watching a video, or even 2 at once. I am wanting to be able to do a lot of video and photo editing as well as be able to have either Firefox or Office running in the background. Can you do this without waiting forever for something to load up? I’m currently on an OLD built system with an All in wonder 9800 installed. Need to get Firewire added to the system somehow too, but I’m sure there is a solution somewhere.
Luckily, my PC gaming days are pretty much over because of my PS3, 360, and Wii, so I don’t need a gaming rig any longer.. WOOHOO!! Time to get rid of this HUGE Thermaltake tower!
.-= Nathan´s last blog ..Geno =-.
Nathan,
Well, photo and video editors (adobe) are quite CPU and memory intensive by nature. I have done the multitasking I and you mentioned, but I have not tried Photoshop and Excell and Netflix at the same time. I mean, the Revo is fairly robust “for a 1.66 ghz 2-core” system. Without testing it, I would have to just say your needs are probably a bit much for this unit. Especially the video editing part if you want to do multiple things while doing that.
Buy the Zino HD with the 1.8 ghz dual core, 3 gb ram and the bad ass video card for about $550. Now that may handle it. But anything under 2.0 ghz is going to be potentially a laggy unit if overtaxed with the right mixture of apps. Basically, if your expectations are high, then you may need to buy a higher end HTPC.
Thanks for the response… how about running a video or photo editing app on its own? I think this is the article that initially gave me hope for an Ion powered Nettop:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/io_1238648403400.html
.-= Nathan´s last blog ..Geno =-.
Hi Paul, Still no success.
I can find NO reference to HDMI anywhere in Control Panel or NVidia control panel.
I’ve tried another HDMI lead which works fine on my cable box and TV.
I’ve updated everything I can find from the NVida website.
Acer were singularly unhelpful.
Here’s some data from NVidia control panel:
ION Driver = 191.07
Video BIOS 62.79.6C.00.01
Video and TV server are:
nvViTvS.dll, v. 8.6.11.9107
nvViTvSR.dll, v. 8.15.11.8634
Otherwise everything works fine, except that I can’t use CTRL +C to copy and CTRL + V to paste from IE8 or Sea-monkey. I’m assuming that somewhere these have been disabled for security? They work fine in Win XP and Mac Snow Leopard!
Howard
Nathan,
I’m sure Adobe will work well on it solo. But I’m concerned about saying that high CPU usage programs like adobe will work well while also playing video and running many things at once. I’m sure one high CPU usage item and a smaller one will be fine.
Howard,
I’ll do a screen shot of mine, but the video resolution list should be sorted by VGA and HD & SD above that. Very odd.
Copy paste works for me. Hmmm. I’ll test and look around.
Thanks for the information.. I may end up going for the Zino HD with the Neo processor and Radeon 4300 and a couple other beels and whistles…. I love the fact I could mount the Revo or the Asus one on the rear of my monitor, but fo the price of the Asus, I can get a more powerful processor and gpu… Am I wrong in that assumption?? Is the discrete gpu and neo processor that much more powerful?
.-= Nathan´s last blog ..Geno =-.
Nathan,
No, the Asus EB1501 and all the others have the same exact parts (CPU, MOBO, ION, RAM). Nothing different other that it has a DVD rom. If you’ve got the extra money ($550 USD) get the Zino HD with the Radeon 4300 and the Neo processor….I’ll most likely get that as my main PC for my office and connect it to a 27-32 HDTV on my desk
The NEO processor is a 1.8 ghz dual core vs the Revo / Asus 1.66 ghz dual core. So, not that much faster really. You’re mostly paying an extra $120 USD for a DVD rom and 3 gig of ram. The Zino HD is not that much better than the Revo, but it has more bells and whistles as you said.
What about the Discrete video card option.. how much more powerful than the Ion is it??? Just curious… And thanks again.
.-= Nathan Calvert´s last blog ..Geno =-.
Nathan Calvert,
Sorry, but I’ve not done a comparison on the ION video card and the “descrete” video card. I’m not sure what “descrete” means????
They have an option for a separate video card.. the 4300… As opposed to the one that is already onboard.
.-= Nathan Calvert´s last blog ..Geno =-.
One more thing… I’ve been reading up on the Zino Hd, and it seems that media playback on flash 10.1 isn’t up to par with the Revo…. Not sure if that would make me want to keep with my decision on the Zino hd…. If there was an option to create backups onto a Flash Drive rather than buying a dvd burner, I would probably go with the Revo.
.-= Nathan´s last blog ..Geno =-.
Hello Paul – strange my last response got blocked as from a recognised spammer, but nix via McAfee…
Anyway, I’ve now got the whole caboodle going – aprt from CTRL+C and CTRL+V which stilll won’t work in IE or SeamMonkey,, which sggests it’s not a prograam problem. But the work in non-internet apps!
I’m now very ery pleased with my REvo.
I’ve also got Photoshop CS3 and Adobe Lightroom 2.5 running on the Revo as well,no hitches so far. Thanks for your help!
Nathan,
I’ve not read that there are any issues with Flash 10.1 Beta on the Revo. Not to mention, since I have a Revo with Flash 10.1 on it and it works Flawlessly! Everyone I’ve dealt with here or on the Boxee forums has no issues at all with Flash 10.1 Beta and the Revo or any Aton/Ion PC. Heck, Adobe developed the Flash 10.1 just for the Revo and all ION or GPU accelerated video cards.
Now, some people with Windows XP on any PC are having issues with Flash Beta. I could not run it on my XP machine as it made the screen flash colors and dots. The older Revo’s with XP may be having issues, but not Revo’s with Windows-7 64.
So, not sure what people are saying that is bad about it, but no one I’ve dealt with, including myself, have had any issues with Flash or Revo or Atom/Ion pc’s with Windows-7 64. If you have any specifics, post a link. OK?
Howard,
I have no issues with your posts here. None are stuck in my server’s que as spam. Not sure what you saw there, buddy.
First, did you sort out the HDMI sound? There is an option to use the Realtech HD Audio or the HDMI audio from the sound Icon on the left hand task bar. You may have it set to the other and causing no sound on the HDMI. Let me know.
The cont+V issues in IE sound like a permissions issue and not a Revo issue. I googled “CTRL+V not working in IE” (without the ” “)and found that some people have the same problem. Seems sometimes other installed programs take over those key commands and may block it from working in other programs. You will have to do some digging and reading on that one.
I knew that Adobe would run on the Revo, I was concerned about your expectations of multitasking Adobe and other things at the same time and then being disappointed with the overall performance. Glad it’s working well. That helps others here learn what these cool little boxes CAN do! Thanks.
Excellent review! I bought a Revo 1600 based in part on this and am getting it setup. I bumped the memory up to 3GB, put in a Wireless-N mini PCIe card and installed Win 7 x64. After updating the drivers from the NVidia site, the Acer site does not have x64 drivers for the ION LE chipset, things seem OK
My problem is that I have not gotten the Flash 10.1 beta to install. It looks like it does, but going to the Flash webpage says I do not have Flash installed. I am using IE x86, not IE x64. Nothing supports the x64 version yet, I dont’ even use it on my desktops with x64.
Thoughts?
Homer
I’m sold… But Newegg no longer has them… GEEZ!!!
.-= Nathan´s last blog ..Geno =-.
Nathan,
That’s because Acer has made a new part number for the USA that now includes the VESA mount that the original AR3610-U9012 did not. The new one is supposed to be AR3610-U9022. Keep an eye out at newegg for the new 3610 to show up soon! But it may not be until after Christmas though. ;-(
Homer,
Thanks for the kind words on the review.
Honestly, I’m not sure why you got the 1600 and paid for the wifi and ram. You could have gotten the 3610 and been done with it and cheaper too. Are you not in the USA or something? Just curious.
I would say that you need to make sure that you are uninstalling the old Flash first before installing the new Beta. Do so in the Add & Remove programs section of Windows. Then install the Flash 10.1 Beta.
Make sure you are installing the latest Nvidia Chipset too as well as the 195.62 video drivers. The Nvidia site has an option to install an Active X so it can scan your REvo and determine what all is available for it. You should be able to get all drivers for 64bit. The Revo 1600 here in the USA uses Windows 7 64.
That’s what I got for ya so far. Start with uninstalling the old flash then install new. Test. Then look closely at what Nvidia offers for the Revo.
Keep us posted.
Paul,
I’ve been following the comments here, as I have a Revo 3610 that I recently purchased and have set up as an HTPC. Unfortunately, I appear to be the one person who is still having playback problems after the Flash 10.1 and NVIDIA updates. I installed as everyone suggests, and there are still issues. Any clue as to why that could be happening?
Thanks for being so thorough in your coverage of this unit. If I can get this playback issue resolved, I’ll be in hog heaven.
Zach,
Thanks for the kind words on the review!
Boy, I’m not sure. Other than make sure you uninstall the old flash first before installing Beta 10.1.
I guess I have more questions for you, but the answers may or may not help.
Q’s:
What OS is installed on yours? Win-7 64?
Is yours a USA unit or another?
What Nvidia video, chipset, and HDMI drivers do you have installed?
Are your playback issues only with Flash Content or everything?
Using a web browser, player, or Boxee or all?
Give some more details. I, or someone watching, may see a reason for your troubles.
Paul,
Yep, I uninstalled the old Flash player first. My unit is from the U.S., and it has Windows 7 (64-bit). When I first set it up, I updated the Nvidia video and Flash, as suggested on an HTPC forum; things were improved, but not perfect.
These playback issues are exclusively within Flash, as far as I can tell, though the only other video sources I have tried have been online and through a browser. For example, content at ABC.com, viewed with Firefox, comes through beautifully. The same content through Hulu (in-browswer and with the desktop player) stutters badly.
I had not updated the Nvidia chipset drivers, but just did after noticing that you mentioned it here. Interestingly, that made it worse. I’ve double-checked everything, and I’ve updated with all the correct files. Would the order in which I updated things matter? Just thinking aloud, really …
What about removing more bloatware from the machine? I didn’t wipe it clean; instead, I removed those obvious pieces of software I didn’t need. I did, however, leave some of the Acer stuff on there.
If you or anyone else has ideas, I’d love to hear them. Thanks for the help!
Zach,
You’ve got me stumped here. Hmmmm.
The only difference is that I’m not using Ffox. I normally do on my regular machines, but I chose to keep installations and mods to a minimum on the Revo to prevent such issues. Not that it would cause issues, but wanted to keep things fairly stock for consistency and performance. Then add things after I’ve got it running perfectly, which I do now. I run and have installed only IE browser.
FFox requires it’s own Flash add-in and I’m unsure of how it will perform with Flash Beta and acceleration to the Ion chip. If you’ve not installed or updated it, that may be the cause or it’s just not compatible with the beta. Have you tried IE? That’s all I’ve chosen to use with this machine. Try IE x86 (32 bit), not the 64 bit IE. Both are installed on your Revo.
Flash: Did you install BOTH the Windows Flash Plug In and the Windows Flash Active X? If not, do so. Then run all Windows updates. Then try Hulu in IE and Hulu Desktop.
Honestly, the only other thing Ive installed is the newest DirectX from microsoft. But that does not affect Flash.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3
Order of install should not matter, though something you did or didn’t install could be interfering with how Flash works.
It’s ok to remove bloatware. I too left anything labeled Acer, but everything else ….GONE!
Report back and let us know how things are going.
Hi Paul, yes all sorted…the cut and paste business IS a Revo issue in the sense that it may be caused by the default McAfee Internet security installation. I decided to subscribe to this, and that is when I noticed the problem. I then installed Firefox, without success until I looked in Firefox help and found a Firefox plugin to resolve a general cut and paste issue. Voila – it worked and all the browsers worked properly again….
Normally I get rid of all trial software but my normal antivirus software is yet available for Windows 7 so I bought McAfee as it seems to have a good reputaton!
Now, I wonder if you can create a partition and install Mac Snow Leopard….(I prefer the mac interface!!)
Thanks Paul, your support has been invaluable!
Howard,
Glad to hear it’s fixed and I played a small part!
I’ve heard of the AV and FF issues, but did not think of it. It’s not really a Revo issue though. That’s an issue with the software settings when they are installed. Like I mentioned earlier, I keep things simple now. I use IE and the new MS free anti virus. I’ve found that other programs and AV offerings end up creating all sorts of issues and I spent more time twisting them to stop doing annoying or unwanted things. Like AVG installs a FF add on that protects you from search queries and blocks some things. WTH? I don’t need or want that…LOL. Now IE can be a nasty little devil too these days.
Snow leopard huh? Well, if you must.
You would have to use the drive management system in Win-7 to crate a partition on C drive. You can actually reallocate drive space inside Windows now. Very cool. You may need to allocate some of the D drive storage over to C so you have more room for the Mac OS. Dual boot systems need to have both OS’s on the same drive letter. If you cannot move some storage space from D to C with Windows 7 hardware management controller, then you’ll have to use something like Partition Magic to do the dirty work. Then hook up a dvd rom and install Snow on that new partition. Now, you may need to install something else to get Mac OS to work on a Windows machine. But that is not my forte’, so you better do your research on that part.
Good luck and keep us posted how things develop!
I don’t know though, the Revo works too well as is to mess with it in my Book. BTJMHO
Paul,
It looks like 32-bit IE does the trick!
I uninstalled Firefox, seeing as how it was giving me fits; following that, the Hulu player began working a little better, but not perfectly. Interestingly, the 64-bit version of IE is telling me I need to “update” Flash, as it doesn’t seem to recognize the beta version.
However, 32-bit IE works pretty well with Hulu. I see a touch of stuttering, but it’s barely noticeable. I’ve tried a few other Flash-based sites, and the results are the same. So, it looks like I don’t have to take drastic action.
I’ll continue to check Adobe and Nvidia for updates (and final versions), of course, but I have a working solution at this point. Thanks for the assistance!
Paul,
I got the 1600 because it is the first of a planned three units, so I wanted to start small. Also, I could pick it up locally and play over the winter holiday. I got the Flash sorted out, I was trying to install the plug in and not the activex. I don’t think flash is installed with Win 7 from the DVD, so no prior flash. I have to go exchange the mini-card (Intel 5100) it apparently has issues with Linksys routers. Which card is in the 3610?
How can I tell if the flash is using hardware acceleration? I think it is a key combo but I couldn’t remember it.
Thanks!
Homer
No, flash is not installed by default. You must install it the add-in AND the active X for IE.
Flash is easy to see if it’s working as it should. First, if viewing Hulu via IE or Hulu Desktop, CPU usage will be around 20-25%. If not, the CPU will be pegged at nearly 100% on the 1600 and 60% on the 3610. So, install the Flash 10.1 beta. And they just released a new Flash 10.1 and Nvidia released a new video driver beta to match it.
Oh, the wi fi card? Hmm, I can’t remember, but I can look. I really don’t see how a wifi card unto itself will not relay a signal from a specific router. That just seems very odd. It has to be the overall settings.
Flash is not compatible with IE 64 at all. It won’t work. It’s posted on the flash site too.
[NEWS] Flash Beta 10.1 P2 Released
Flash Beta 10.1 P2 Released
The second release of the Flash Beta 10.1 P2 was released on 12/17/09. This replaces the 10.1 P1 from early November 2009. The Windows Plug in and Active X are available as well as Mac and Linux options.
This for those with GPU acceleration and Flash supported video cards, especially those Atom Ion machines, consider replacing your current 10.1 P1 Beta with the new P2 Beta.
Of course it is beta, so user beware. I still have the P1 if anyone needs to go back.
http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashplayer10/
Nvidia Video Driver Beta for Flash 10.2 P2
Nvidia 195.81 Beta
This is a beta driver for GeForce 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, and 200-series desktop GPUs and ION desktop GPUs.
This driver is identical to the 195.62 WHQL drivers except for the following:
* Several bug fixes to support the new Adobe Flash 10.1 Beta 2 release. Learn more here.
* Adds new SLI and multi-GPU profiles for Avatar Demo, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising Demo, and Wings of Prey.
* Fixes 3D Vision display detection for CRT and DLP displays.
Select your OS and 32 or 64 bit: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Find.aspx
A lot seems well now. Went with a USB dongle for the wireless, perfect N connections with my router.
Flash 10.1 b2 is installed. Got Hulu desktop and Netflix working under Media Center. Also Yougle. There is one shortcut, can’t recall which now, that wants to install Flash, even though 10.1 is there. I’ll blame that one on the beta for now…
I wanted to order the 2nd one, a 3610 this time, but it is out of stock almost everywhere. Looks like they are clearing it out for a slightly revised model. Does anyone know what the model number is?
Thanks!
Homer
AR3610-U9022 If you find it somewhere, let me know as I’m waiting for it too.. It’s my Christmas present from my wife!!!
.-= Nathan´s last blog ..Colby =-.
Nate,
Thanks, for that reference. I thought I already posted that info here.
Yes, the rumor is that the new AR3610-U9022 is exactly the same except they are going to now include the VESA mount. I would suspect that the new model may start showing up any day or week now. But that boat from China can take a while with customs too. I would bet on first week of January.
Keep your eyes on NewEgg first. They have a direct hook up with Acer that no other retailer has.
Ok, glad you go the wifi working. Very odd.
If you find out what triggers the flash install again, post back OK. Helps me tech out others on the Boxee forums.
I tried out MC just to see it in action. Once it indexed my huge collection from the server, I felt it too laggy. I’ve been running Boxee for over a year now and luv it. It has some caveats at the moment, but the new Beta is great on the Revo! Im a mod and tester for them, if interested, I can keep you up to date on when the final is available and you can test drive it then. I feel it’s better than MC and you may like it and it’s performance on the Revo much better.
The flaky shortcuts are in the main menu “Internet TV”. It includes a lot of network programming like CBS and PBS.
I’m not totally set on MC, I wanted something that would play: local, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other internet sources. The first and the last seem the hardest. So far, MC is the only one I think that does that without a PlayOn server. Seems like an odd use of resources to dedicate a PC to stream to another in your house. Isn’t that what the internet is for? If Boxee release does that, since the beta 2 is closed, I can always switch them.
Homer
I forgot: Google Intel 5100 and Linksys. I was not alone. I assume it is something in each vendor’s implementation of Draft N. OT- Shouldn’t every company offer a Final-N download for every piece of hardware they sold with Draft-N?
Homer
Homer,
Well, MC is laggy and I found the content provided by CBS, NBC etc, is way too limited and the quality of the playback in MC is pretty crappy. It’s being double encoded or is being converted from Flash to Silverlight.
MC is not needed to play Hulu, Netflix, youtub, fancast, cbs, nbc, abc. You can use IE to play those sites directly. Or use Boxee Beta.
I have the latest Boxee Beta and Hulu, Netflix, Fox, CBS all work well inside Boxee. No need to go out of it and run IE. No server needed. Install Boxee on the Acer and if you have another server or PC where you have movies, pictures an music stored…just give Boxee access to it and now you can watch it on the Acer through Boxee. That’s what I do. I have Windows Home Server and all my media is stored on it. The media is a “share” not streamed or encoded like Mith TV, PlayOn or anything.
The Beta goes public on January 7 at CES. It’s private two more weeks while we iron out the final bugs. I’m not alowed to show pics or video just yet, but I have it ready to publish on Jan 7th.
Homer,
The AR3610-U9012, like mine, was discontinued and a new replacement of AR3610-U9022 replaces it. It is exactly the same, but now includes the VESA mount. I suspect it may be a few weeks out until the boat from China shows up in Cali. NewEgg has an almost exclusive deal with Acer, so I”d keep an eye out there for the new unit and scarf it up as soon as you see it for sale!
Thanks! I sent NewEgg an email to see if they can post the new model so I can get an email when it is available. I tried the Boxee alpha and Netflix never loaded. I associated my Netflix account in Boxee and it browsed fine. It got stuck on the red screen that says loading or something. You could hear The Office playing, but just the red screen for video. I went to Netflix in MC and it was fine. I’ll chalk that one up to the alpha.
I’ll keep using MC until the Boxee beta goes public and try again. Hopefully, they will have a new Flash beta around the same time. It’s all good!
Homer
Homer,
Well, if you’ve not been using Boxee there are some things you need to know about. First, Alpha does not support ANY GPU acceleration, so Hulu and NetFlix do not work very well or at all. Also, in Netflix requires you to activate it via your boxee settings on your web profile page before it works. Your symptoms of sound and no video is normal.
Beta will blow you away! Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to share video of it working or much else outside the Boxee forum. Stay tuned.
New Flash Beta around the same time? Flash Beta is out and works perfectly….don’t understand.
As I mentioned, some applications don’t recognize 10.1 beta as “flash” and so want to install a flash before they will play. That was what I meant.
I guess I just have to wait a few weeks for the Boxee beta to go public.
BTW Newegg replied they cannot post anything regarding a new model, so we just have to watch the site.
Homer
Hi Paul,
I found your review very helpful!
Does the HDMI output carry 5.1 audio? I’m trying to decide between the Revo and the Asus EB1012, and it appears that the Asus machine provides 5.1 audio only through S/PDIF. If the 3610 can do 5.1 via HDMI, that probably seals the deal (assuming that they come back in stock some time soon!).
Alan
Homer,
Which programs don’t recognize flash 10.1? IE 64 bit will not, but IE 32 and Hulu Desktop will work fine. So, what else that you need flash to work with?
Yeah, just two weeks on the Boxee Beta
Keep your eye on NewEgg. I need two more myself.
Alan,
Yes, it supports 5.1 via HDMI and the SPDIF out. The Asus units use the same exact hardware, so performance will be identical to the Revo. The only difference is that Asus has a unit with a DVD rom, which would make it a sweet deal. But they are not on sale yet anywhere.
Thanks for the kind words on the Review. And keep us posted with what you end up buying.
I thought is was the Asus EB1501 that has the drive?
Homer
Homer,
Sorry, I was just saying that some (one) of the Asus unit(s) have a drive. Basically, the same as Revo except those with a drive.
Did you see my post asking more about your flash programs? What else is asking you to install flash other than IE 64?
BTW,
I have a blog post with video coming up after the public release of Boxee Beta. I’ll explain how Boxee works, show how it works and how the Revo handles it all.
Stay tuned come January 7th.
In MC, the flaky shortcuts are in the main menu “Internet TV”. It includes a lot of network programming like CBS and PBS.
Homer
Update on my 3610. Just got it back from Acer Repair a few days ago – the motherboard was replaced.
All seems well again. I just happened to get a bad unit, I guess. It happens. Out of 200+ tech purchases, I’ve only had 2 DOA so far, so I still consider myself lucky.
Just got a 1600 to use Windows Home Server on too.
Happy Holidays all!
brandon,
Great to hear that Acer fixed the problem for you and now you’re back in biz!
On the Revo 1600 for WHS. I assume you are installing several USB drives (at least 1-2. I’d install two 1TB drives) to span your data across and turn duplication on the files? Otherwise, WHS will not do much good. Fill us in on your plans.
Otherwise, the little revo 1600 would make a decent WHS unit. Low power, peppy processor, etc. But those damn USB drives and wall worts for each. Hmmmm. got me thinking now.