No wires, no hardware, no problem!
Orb has been successful at making it easier to connect your home electronics to each other for a few years. The company boasts Orb TV, which allows you to watch online programming on your TV instead of your computer screen. With Orb Music, the Orb device connects all of your music sources to your stereo. Orb Live allows you to stream all your video sources to your smart phone. Last week, Orb released Orb BR.
Do you want your entertainment system to be clean, hassle free and effective? The folks at Orb are doing just that by bringing its streaming technology over to your PS3 and networked Blu-ray player. No monthly fee, just $19.99.
The Basics:
Orb BR is Orb’s latest brain child. Essentially, Orb BR is software that allows you to stream your online favorites like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon to your PlayStation 3 and coming soon to your networked Blu-ray player. Additionally, you can display your photos and personal videos, as well as music from your personal library or iTunes. Sirius and Pandora radio are also available. It streams from your computer using your wifi network.
The most radical twist is, although it is streamed through your Mac or PC, it can be controlled though your smart phone, your iPad or Android Tablet.
Setup:
Tools needed to get started: wireless network, computer, the Orb disc, smart phone or tablet (optional) and a Playstation 3. The setup is fairly easy and it includes downloading the Orb Caster software. Then link your accounts with the easy Orb wizard and pop the disc in the player. Download the Orb Controller App from the market place. It’s a free app and, as soon as you download it, it detects your device. You are ready to go.
Performance:
It was pretty easy to set up and use. I tested it by watching Netflix and Hulu; both worked fine and as expected. Furthermore, music streamed from my music library on my PC with no problem. Photos from my computer photo library and were nice and clear. Overall, the performance was fine after an initial glitch in the visuals that cleared up on its own. It did crash a few times, but recovered. I think the visual quality was close but not quite as clear as you would get from a direct connection to Netflix or Hulu.
As someone who always has his phone on him, I find this handy. I can walk from room to room of my apartment and change my music without having to be in the actual room as the player. I tested this with an HTC Droid Incredible and the Motorola Droid X. Both worked just fine.
Pros
- It supports 720p and 1080p.
- It’s really nice if you want to switch between Hulu and Netflix on the fly.
- Everything you need is in your hands.
- Search function allows it to search all your sources.
- No need to buy a new box or wires, just a simple disc.
- No monthly fees!
- No extra space taken up by another device.
- If you ever lose the remote, just call it!
Cons:
- You sacrifice phone battery with wifi.
- Surround sound and Blu-ray capability are not available yet.
Overall:
I find this to be a cost-effective device that allows you to turn the technology you already have into something more. It is convenient, easy to use, and makes your digital life easier and more comfortable. In the end, I don’t see myself only using Orb BR; I will continue to tinker with it and utilize its assets with other supports as well.