Monsoon adds streaming, sideloading sweetness to new Volcano placeshifting box

Blazing a different path from Sling or even its own HAVA line, Monsoon's Volcano is not just an HD placeshifting device -- it can play back video from attached storage devices, NAS or PCs, plus internet video from YouTube or CinemaNow. Existing remote DVR and streaming features are joined by sideloading, as it can deliver compressed recordings to compatible mobiles (Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Mobile) over 3G for later offline viewing. Other additions include an OS X client, MPEG-4 support plus plans for downloadable apps like Boxee and an open SDK for developers. Pricing is set at $199 with 4GB of flash memory included or $299 with 250GB HDD. Check out a video of our quick demo of the client running on a Motorola DROID and a press release with all the other details after the break.
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Monsoon Multimedia Introduces World's First Convergence Device with 4 Major Disruptive Video Technologies

Monsoon's Volcano Incorporates Similar Functionalities of TiVo, Slingbox, Roku and Remote DVR All in a Single Convergence Box

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- CES -- Monsoon Multimedia, a leader in video convergence technologies and maker of the popular HAVA place-shifting products, today announced Volcano, its next generation home video convergence device. Volcano incorporates major features of TiVo (time shifting), Slingbox/HAVA (place shifting), Roku (Internet video such as Netflix movies) and new functionalities that support streaming and recording video to smartphones, all in one box. Volcano supports all major smartphone and computer operating systems such as Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Windows and Mac.

Volcano allows consumers to schedule and record any of their familiar TV channels remotely from a smartphone to the Volcano's hard-drive and watch the video at the same time or transfer the stored content to a smartphone for later viewing. This can be accomplished through a 3G or Wi-Fi connection from anywhere in the world including airplanes, cars, trains, offices or hotel rooms. Unique, integrated players and EPGs (Electronic Programming Guides) can be downloaded by Volcano users on to any of the popular smartphones or their Windows/Mac computers.

Smartphone users on average can download 128 hours of video or 84 movies of 90 minutes duration on to their phones thanks to Monsoon's powerful video compression technology. Computer users can download considerably more content on to their hard-drives. A full-length movie can be downloaded on to a smartphone in minutes using a broadband connection. Smartphone users also have the option of viewing any program live without recording it.

With the included hard-drive and a remote control, Volcano can also be used as a TiVo DVR at home. Slingbox/HAVA features included in Volcano enable consumers at home or in remote locations to watch their TV programs live on their smartphones or computers. Volcano is connected to the analog output of a set-top box. At 150kbps uplink speed and by using Monsoon's new technology deploying H.264 compression, Volcano now allows consumers with lower uplink bandwidth to stream video to the Internet and view the video in high quality in remote locations.

In addition, Volcano owners can surf the web using the included remote control to watch YouTube videos or view movies from online services including CinemaNow! and others on their big screen TV. Many more television and video applications like Boxee will be added to the Volcano throughout 2010.

"With the ubiquity of the TiVo, Slingbox/HAVA and Roku (Netflix), consumers have become accustomed to having access to diverse television and Internet infotainment content and services when, where and how they like it," said Colin Stiles, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Monsoon Multimedia. "No one wants a box for each separate feature in addition to their cable/satellite set-top box, or to spend a fortune in acquiring them. Our new Volcano convergence product provides all of these exciting features plus remote DVR in a single sleek, easy-to-use unit, allowing consumers to have multiple video features for a fraction of the cost. As new disruptive video convergence technologies emerge, Monsoon will integrate them in its Volcano through software upgrades."

Consumers can also use their smartphones instead of a physical remote controller to control all the Volcano features at home. The installation of the device is through a simple one step process innovated by Monsoon. Automatic wireless set up is achieved through 801.11n wireless technology embedded in the Volcano. Volcano has built-in infrared technology to control the set-top box/TV remotely.

Monsoon Multimedia Volcano:

* All-in-One video convergence device combines major features of TiVo, Slingbox/HAVA, Roku and Remote DVR features for a fraction of the cost
* High-quality video playback
* Includes hardware remote control; smartphones and computers have on-screen remotes
* Free app with EPG supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones
* Streams high-quality video at H.264 and MPEG-4 standards at 150kbps
* Enables full remote control and channel changing capabilities of any TV source such as Cable, Satellite, DVD or TiVo
* Wireless N for video uplink and broadcast throughout the home
* Smooth video over 3G as well as Wi-Fi
* Browse EPG for schedules, series and episode descriptions
* Built in infrared to control set-top box remotely
* Multiple users can have recordings on the Volcano hard-drive and access them independently

Pricing and Availability

The Volcano comes in two different configurations. Volcano and Volcano Pro have a projected selling price of US$199 and US$299 respectively. Volcano will come with 4GB of flash memory, while the Pro version will come with a 250GB hard-drive. Volcano products will be available in March of 2010 through leading on-line etailers, and can be directly purchased with a lifetime or term based subscription from Monsoon (www.myhava.com).

A customized version of Volcano is slated to be available at all the leading retailers worldwide starting this summer. This product will be offered by a Monsoon technology licensee.