11.19.2008 — Does the CE industry really need another movie server? Start-up Envive thinks so.

At EHX Fall, the company showed its TheaterStation, which appears on the surface to be yet another me-too server, but it does in fact boast some compelling features.

For starters, the price.

TheaterStation retails for $2,795 for a 1 TB model. That may seem pricey when compared to a PC with RealDVD software ($49 if the courts OK it) or a Windows Media Center like the Velocity Micro FuzeBox ($1,999 includes the software necessary to import and manage protected DVDs).

But the TheaterStation is cheaper than other dedicated, custom-oriented products on the market including:

• Axonix MediaMax (starting at $3,795 for 250 GB)
• Codex Novus HDCodex (starting at $3,999 for 1.5 TB)
• Escient Vision (starting at $4,000 for 500 GB)
• Request ICM ($2,495 for the player only, excluding networked storage)
• Fusion Research Genesis (less than $7,000 for 1 TB)
• Kaleidescape Servers (starting at $10,000 for the 1U server)

Granted, some of these costlier solutions have many features that TheaterStation does not, for example, the ability to add generic storage to the server, photo libraries, Blu-ray, and one especially critical feature: multizone support.

Currently, TheaterStation supports only one zone. At CES in January, though, the company is expected to demonstrate clients for multiroom distribution.

The TheaterStation does, however, offer a few interesting software elements. For example, users can change metadata fairly simply through the TV interface.

"If it's a PG movie and you don't want your kids to watch it, you can change it to an 'R' rating," says John Boyd of David Lee Marketing, which reps the product.

You can also change the cover art image if the standard movie or album cover is objectionable. Pressing a single button takes you to Google Images for checking out alternative images and downloading your fave.

In general, Envive's "Spin" user interface is pretty slick. Users can cycle through titles by genre, alphabet and other parameters.

The TheaterStation has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. "We're trying to figure out how to control it from your phone," Boyd says.

Discrete codes are supported for RS-232, IP and IR control and integration.

Is it Legal?

Envive has not licensed the CSS (Content Scramble System) DVD decryption software from the DVD CCA. Therefore, it will not be subject to breach-of-contract claims, the likes of which have threatened Kaleidescape.

Lacking the license, though, Envive does not load DVD decryption software onto the TheaterStation. The dealer or consumer will have to take care of that themselves.

The courts have not yet ruled definitively on the legality of DVD copying. For the complete run-down on the issue, see the links below.

Envive TheaterStation Specs

• 1 TB Storage
• Store and Sort Alphabetically, by Genre, Year and More via included remote
• High Definition Video Output over HDMI, DVI, and Component
• Analog 2ch and SPDIF Digital Optical 5.1ch Output
• Easily Updated via TheaterStation Online Service
• View and Archive Movies Simultaneously
• Full Featured Parental Controls with PassKey Access
• Dimensions: 17.5" x 5.5" x 16.3"

Click here to view the TheaterStation in action.

		DVD Ripping: The Latest on the Legal Front This compilation of articles on the legality of DVD ripping, and related fair-use cases, will be updated continuously. Latest on DVD Ripping: RealNetworks, Control4, Crestron, Kaleidescape RealNetworks may be the first big-name brand to offer DVD ripping software, as Kaleidescape case is appealed; Escient, Crestron, Control4, Request take different approaches. Is DVD 'Ripping' the Same as 'Archiving?' Is the term "ripping" generally understood as the "illegal" form of copying a disk? Likewise, is "archiving" known as the bit-for-bit "legal" way of doing it? Can You Be Sued for Helping Clients Rip DVDs? EFF attorney Fred von Lohmann explains some of the legal issues involved in selling and installing products that enable users to copy DVDs. Is Your DVD Server Legal? Manufacturers Say Yes! Developers of movie-ripping products insist their products are legal. Here's how the manufacturers justify their solutions. Copy Protection Group Sues Kaleidescape (2005) Kaleidescape has a license from the DVD CCA to employ CSS decoding in its media servers, which it does. Now, DVD CCA is suing Kaleidescape for breach of contract. Kaleidescape Prevails in DVD Ripping Case (2007) Manufacturer can continue to make video servers, but Judge did not rule on copyright issues in general. DVD CCA Appeals Kaleidescape Decision on DVD Ripping (2007) Organization claims, "The trial court erred in its interpretation of the CSS licensing agreement."
With RealNetworks introducing DVD ripping software, the legality of the practice is on the forefront. How are integrators affected?