Where are the Co-Star Reviews

[VAVA Mk2]

This is not google tv I have 3 revue's and plex works amazing on it. Also the remote has been programmed to run DirectTV with no issues. The dvr button works and google tv and movies searches and changes the channel immediately. This is a Vizio problem. I also owned sony blue ray with google tv and had none of these issues.

Once we get root and XBMC and XDA has time to play with it, I think it could be closer to the device we imagined. I see this as analogous to Apple TV: a machine for hobbyists and enthusiasts who want to tinker with Google TV.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Android Central Forums

 

[badbradd2]

I just spoke to a Vizio rep when trying to return my device, and he says that a fix to the Audio not playing on some movies, which I think is a DTS issue, is currently in testing and that an update will be pushed out.

 

[long2know]

I've had my Co-star for a few days now, and most everything I have tried works.

OnLive worked ok - I used the remote control as a controller on Lego Batman and that worked well.

I don't have a set-top box / TV service, so I can't speak to how well the HDMI pass-through / overlay functions.

The one - and this is MAJOR - thing that does not work worth a crap is the DLNA player. I could not get a single mkv/mp4 on my DLNA server to play properly. Most would play for a second and return to the menu. The few that I got to play would play without sound. They all play flawlessly on my Logitech Revue(s). This, for me, is a major deal breaker.

Another annoyance is that none of the side-loaded apps (and I'm assuming this is just GoogleTV's lack of NDK support) worked. My expectations were that since the Co-star is ARM based, I would be able to finally get some apps working on the TV.

At this point, without functioning/workable DLNA streaming, the device is just collecting dust. I just watch shows/content on my Nexus7 or use the Revue in my living room. If a root method comes out that lets me just run ICS/Jellybean on the device, I'll go that route. Previously, I used Android x86 on a spare PC and thought it worked really well.

 

[jcolec]

My Co-Star arrived yesterday and I finally got a chance to install it around 10:00 PM last night.
Installation - very easy and straightforward. Had it hooked up in less than 5 minutes.

Set-Up - The guided set up probably takes longer than it should - but no issues. Got my DirecTV box and Polk Soundbar set up with the remote. After all was setup the box downloaded an update which probably took 10-15 minutes.

So overall it was at least 30 minutes before I could actually DO anyting on the Co-Star.

I played with it until about midnight.

My initial impressions are generally pretty positive.

The remote seemed to work well. Definitely not the most ergonomic remote I've ever used. I need to find the 'sweet spot' of speed on the touch pad. It was too fast initially and I backed all the way down and would say that it is too slow now.

I actually really like the "TV and Movies" app. Very good looking and a cool way to see what is on TV (DirecTV that is), Netflix and other online sites.

Also liked the Search feature. I typed in Seinfeld just for kicks and found a current episode playing on DirecTV and episodes available on Crackle. Also like you can choose to just show Free Episodes.

Chrome - browser experience seemed okay. I just looked a couple of sites very quickly. A heavy text-based site looked great to me. I clicked through a link to a more graphic page and it displayed well.

Amazon - must have missed something there. Signed in - but never really saw where the free videos for Amazon Prime members were. As others have said - pressing the Amazon button does not launch an Amazon APP but takes you to the Amazon website.

That's it for now...
Want to do:
A close side by side review of the Netflix experience comparing to my Roku.
WAF - Wife approval factor.
Try some Apps.
Deeper analysis of the whole system.

Overall - I think I like it. I'll work it pretty hard this weekend and see what happens.

 

[Hand_O_Death]

At this point, without functioning/workable DLNA streaming, the device is just collecting dust. I just watch shows/content on my Nexus7 or use the Revue in my living room. If a root method comes out that lets me just run ICS/Jellybean on the device, I'll go that route. Previously, I used Android x86 on a spare PC and thought it worked really well.

I really want mine to work for DLNA purposes. Since the PogoPlug app is not working on it yest, I hope that I will have some way to stream media to the TV for my kids. I would take a ICS upgrade but can not go for a JB one since I also want Amazon Prime and without Flash we would be SOL.

 

[kenbarnum]

A couple tips:
This guy got audio with plex:
How I got audio to work with Plex

Here is a fix for comcast audio problems:
Vizio-Co-Star (Reviews), Your Hands On Experience - Page 12

I hear these things might get worked out in a firmware update.

 

[PRapz]

I have had my co-star for a few days and it is a major disappointment.
My first problem is no button for DVR access. Is this false advertising? The list button does nothing on my Verizon fios.
My second problem is no way to turn on CC from the remote for tv or cable box.
Third, absolutely no remote control customizing. Logitec revue had it right. They just need a better processor.
Oh yeah and my bluetooth headset only works less than a foot from the co-star..
I'm still holding on to the co-star because all this could be fixed from an update. I'm hooking up my Logitec revue until that happens.

Same issue I'm having. No way of accessing the DVR function on the FIOS box. Even hitting the menu button and then the DVR button does not trigger the DVR function. This needs to be fixed or it's back to the revue.

 

[Phillykef]

If anyone is having lag or freeze problems, or if your remote is flaky, do a hard reset on the box and start over. That's what I did, and it made a huge difference (although I'm not sure why it just didn't work the first time).

 

[brentgolden44]

Re: Where are the Co-Star Reviews....(here's one!!!!!)

Pre -ordered 2 co-stars. Stupid me. Have 2 new Vizio tvs. Hooked up co-stars to both. NEITHER worked. Got black screens or solid green screens. Used the "famous" customer service to re-set up again, FOUR times, and FOUR hardsets. One guy even told me to plug tv and co-star into a different outlet. Does he understand that MOST living room receptacles are on the same circuit? Do they expect me to drag an extension cord throught the house? Still won't work. DO NOT BUY THIS JUNK!!!!!!! Trying to get a refund, and no one will return my calls.....................figures.

 

[luvsmobile]

My only problem is it's slow!! Laggy.. It feels a HTC Hero after I use a GS3.
The Hardware seems to be there go figure.