stratman said:
Looks like a stellar product, but $4399.00 for a media server? That's stiff.
If Vida can come up with a unit with a price tag of sub 1500.00 they couldn't keep them on the shelves. I know more folks on this site would really take a very hard look at it.
Hi stratman,
Thanks for reading!
Ahh... a sub-$1500 media center system. I'll be honest and tell you that they're available now, and we can surely "whip one up" to meet that price point. Media center prices run the gamut, starting from $500+ Dell or Gateway systems.
However, like their low prices, these media centers are also missing important features, like:
1. Dual Tuners
2. Set-top box compatibility
3. TV-friendly outputs like DVI/HDMI, Component, or S-Video
4. High quality SPDIF digital audio outputs
5. Auto switching sound chips for true Dolby Digital and DTS signal rendering
6. Massive storage capacities (500GB+)
7. Protected storage - not just RAID, but isolated operating system & storage drives
8. ..the list goes on...
Much like cars, one can easily buy a $10,000 Hyundai, or s/he can buy a $20,000 loaded Accord. If the Hyundai is so much cheaper, than why is the Accord selling so much better? Two simple reasons - Features & Reliability. Accord's are much better engineered and have loads of "extra features" on them that people like. Are those features necessary to get from "point A" to "point B"? Not really - but they are good to have and are very handy when you do need them!
The same applies for media centers. I'll honestly say that the STEALTH is very expensive and personally prefer the SLIM. After being installed in an entertainment center, you won't hear any noise after you've turned on your music, TV, or DVD movie. It's almost half the price too at $2500.
I recently demo'd the VidaBox LUX DUAL HD system at
CRN, a major publication that focuses on Integrated and Custom Retailors. Their editors have reviewed several systems and got to see many of them first hand (including some LOUD ones) - they actually commented (without me pointing it out) at how quiet the LUX system really was. They were shocked when I told them that the LUX has 5 fans.
Why is it quiet? Instead of putting 1 or 2 large, loud fans to do all the work, careful engineering allows us to set up 5 slower-speed fans to create a more efficient air flow/circulation pattern within the LUX's infrastructure, permitting maximum heat transfer while minimizing fan noise.
In the end, the STEALTH and ZERO systems are designed for true Audiophiles who can't tolerate ANY fan noise at all. For most people (myself included), I'd say to save your money and get one of the fan-cooled models - you'll barely be able to hear the fans once the TV's on.
Thanks again for your interest!
Sincerely,
Steven C
VidaBox LLC
