DViCO

We interviewed Jeff Lee, CEO of Dvico head office in Korea. For this first interview, our questions focused on the future of the user interface, the implementation of micro-transaction platforms, and HTPCs.

DigitalVersus: Compatibility is incredibly important in multimedia centres. However, to vie for a place in what is now a highly competitive market, they also need a high-quality interface.

With Dvico’s Tvix multimedia centres, users can create a video jukebox with a page for each film. To do this, however, they have to use their computer to run the Tvixie application that creates the pages. What’s more, this application was developed by members of the community rather than by Dvico itself. All of this can be a little off-putting for less-experienced users. Do you think you’ll integrate a similar such function directly into your media centres to make the process automatic and a whole lot easier?

Jeff Lee: We’re actually currently studying a way in which we could integrate that directly into the media centre so that users won’t have to use a computer or a separate software application. Given that Dvico has servers, I’m sure we’ll be able to find a solution to put our idea into practice. [Note: in this case, the server would be used to store information about films, in a similar way to IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes and other such sites].


DV: Several manufacturers have said they’re working on entirely Flash-based interfaces. Are you looking to do something similar for your existing products (Tvix 6632N / N1)? Also, do Realtek chips allow for the use of Flash?

JL: Flash and 3D are clearly the next steps for user interfaces and we’re currently working to develop something in this field. Realtek is also working on Flash, but I’m not sure what they will be able to come up with.

DV: Multimedia centres are becoming increasingly web connected. Picasa, YouTube, Flickr and weather modules are now pretty much standard but they often have an inferior-quality interface that makes them little more than a novelty. Do you think you’ll continue developing this type of module by setting up a kind of ‘module store’ as is already the case for certain smartphones? This would make a quick and easy way to add new modules (free or paid for) created by developers in the community.

JL: I think that this type of application should use an operating system like Android. In any case, we’re currently working on a system allowing direct downloads from a website, or something of the kind.

DV: More and more Blu-rays players can now read multimedia files, and conversely, more and more hybrid multimedia centres can now read Blu-ray discs (e.g. PCH C-200, HDI Dune). Does Dvico plan to release a hybrid product?

JL: For the moment, at least, we don’t plan to release a hybrid device of this kind.

DV: Some of our readers find multimedia centres too expensive. Some also say that for the same price, they might as well buy a Home Theatre Personal Computer (HTPC), offering better performances and more possibilities. What’s your opinion on the matter and what advantages do your products offer over multimedia-oriented PCs?

JL: HTPCs are primarily aimed at advanced users—or power users—who can configure their graphics card, install codecs, configure playback software, install a remote control and pick a quiet enclosure. Plus, it’s quite difficult to find a sound card that’s compatible with HD audio [Note: DTS HD MA, Dolby TrueHD]. Over time, an HTPC will end up costing you more than a multimedia centre. The term ‘over time’ is very important here. You may well start off with an HTPC to read files, but ‘over time’ you’re sure to end up kitting it out with extras, and ‘over time’, you’ll easily spend £1,000 before you know it. It can be quite deceptive.

The Total Cost of Ownership and ease of configuration are definitely two things that multimedia centres like the Tvix range can offer users.

Many thanks to Jeff Lee at Dvico, Korea.