gdgt

This product takes a good idea, and implements it poorly.

The general feel of the product is cheap. The quality is low, and so is the user experience.

I have had hours of frustration with this device, as I like the concept and would really like it to work. However, it seems like an alpha or beta product released to production too early.

Here are some of my experiences:

1. Received the first unit. Plugged it in to the HD tv via HDMI, and to the DirectTV receiver via same. Plugged in the power supply. Unit gives me off white screen, which alternates with black screen.

2. Vizio support says, unplug power supply from the Costar and power from DTV receiver, wait two minutes and plug them back in. About 1/3 of the time this results in the Visio logo appearing, and walks you through the setup. The other two thirds of the time, the white and black screens appear, and you can go no further. This by the way, happens any time you power off (unplug) the device and power it back on.

3. After working through the Q & A of the setup, the product downloads a firm ware update... the first unit had a weak WiFi receiver and it took 5 - 6 times to complete the update, approx 30 - 45 minutes per attempt.

4. After the update, the product was flakey. Clicking on the results of Google searches did not resolve to a website.

5. Customer support sent me a new product, I returned the first one.

6. With the new unit same issues re items 1 and 2 above. The units wi fi receiver was better, and updated the firm ware on the first attempt. However, after the update it took many more attempts to get past the black and white screens described in 2 above.

Eventually Netflix was setup and working. Watched a 30 minute episode of Doc Martin. Twice the unit was unable to keep up with the stream and paused for a reload, then continued. The last time (3rd) the unit crashed back to the black and white screens described in 2 above. I was unable to get past them.

This unit will be returned for refund.

My conclusion: This product is not ready for prime time... at least, not in my house.

A side note: I am not an Apple fan boy after this latest lawsuit re Samsung, but I have lots of their products... and regardless of what you may think about them, the products mostly work.

That can not be said re my experience with this product.

Here is an update 9/23/12:

I was eventually able to get the product working somewhat acceptably by swapping the ends of the hdmi cables, and playing with unplugging, turning off, re plugging as described above.

I could watch Netflix and Youtube most of the time.

I could get to the internet and check emails, browse, etc, but still much more painful that using a computer.

I have never been able to download a new app (not pre loaded on the device) from the Play store. For example, Pandora. App says it is "installing" but never installs.

This AM, YouTube quit, after some minutes of blank screen, gave me the option to force quit, then was able to restart.

Vizio support suggested as a fix for the play store download problem was to completely reset the device and start again from scratch (as this is the way to download the latest patch).

There ought to be some way to update the system software without requiring you to go completely through setup again.

I have previously wasted two days fussing with this thing setting up, etc (see above) and have lost patience with it. Vizio is sending me a return label for it.

My conclusion is that this device was shipped without sufficient consumer testing, and that it essentially is a Beta device... fine for those who want that kind of thing, not for one that wants a good reliable utility. I would return any compter or other device that is this unreliable and painful... and while I believe in cutting new technology some slack, this thing went beyond what IMHO is acceptable behavior.

I generally like Google products over apple, but in this case, not so much.

One good thing: Vizio support appears to be US based and most of their folks want to be helpful. The knowledge of how to fix issues varies greatly among support reps. Hopefully this product will improve over time.