November 10, 2007

Review: Monsoon Hava Titanium HD Set-Top Box

Gizmodo did an excellent review of the Monsoon Hava Titanium HD via a comparison to the Sling Pro. The Monsoon features component HD support and Wi-fi via USB, and like most set-top boxes allows you to pause, rewind, and fast forward programming. It also supports simultaneous viewing from local and remote connections, allows you to record to your hard disk and burn to DVD. Video playback is generally smooth with some artifacting. Downsides include slow response time for the on-screen remote, sub-par sound quality, and it only works with Windows meaning Mac users are out of luck.

The Sling Box Pro (only $191 at Amazon.com) on the other hand requires a $50 attachment for component HD (only $40 at Amazon.com) support and only supports Wi-fi via power lines. However video quality on the Sling is better and the user interface is better designed from a visual standpoint and is easier to use. Response time for the Sling Pro is vastly superior and sound quality is much better as well. Not to mention it works with both Windows and Mac software.

Prices are comparable with the Monsoon costing $249, more expensive than the Sling Pro, but also not requiring a $50 investment for component HD. Overall though, the Sling Pro was found a be a better deal.

Via Gizmodo