So this is my first post for this blog so what better way to start then with some new killer technology, or what has the promise to be “killer”. I am talking about ZillionTV. This company has been in super stealth mode for the last year with only high end renderings of what the equipment will look like to bait users into signing up for beta testing. I was one of those, with talk of Wii style UI controls for content surfing I had to try.  So on October 9th here is the email I got:

“Congratulations. You have been selected to participate in an invitation-only pilot offering that is being extended to a limited number of qualified viewers. This offering will not be promoted to the general public and will be available for only a limited period of time.

You are eligible to become one of the first television viewers to register for the ZillionTV(TM) service for a 1-Time payment of only $99 (plus tax). The ZillionTV Device and motion-sensing remote are FREE, including FREE shipping. There is NO monthly subscription fee. The ZillionTV(TM) Service is all about putting you in control. Choose the movies and TV shows you want to watch, when you want to watch them; choose the ad categories you want and view for FREE, or watch no ads at all and pay a nominal ‘pay-as-you-go’ fee. It’s your very own personal television experience.

ZillionTV has created an ever-expanding library that will continue to grow every day. Gain access to a compelling combination of new and classic TV shows, Hollywood movies, classic movies, sports, documentaries, music and so much more. More new titles are being added daily. ZillionTV(TM) Service includes:

-A breakthrough television entertainment platform that gives TV lovers instant access to their favorite television shows and movies – all on-demand and directly from their television via their existing broadband provider

-Advance notice of programming updates to the ZillionTV(TM) Service

-Advance notice of special offers from leading global advertisers and brands

-Participation in ZillionTV viewer forums that insure ongoing feedback and dialogue regarding service improvements that are important to you

-Access to an exciting new Loyalty Rewards program (planned for 2010)

Every day we are working hard to add even more value for our viewers. We will continue to update you on all the new developments as they become available. So get started and register today. Hurry, offer expires December 31, 2009.”

I know it’s $99 for a beta but figured with a return policy what’s the worst right? Well we will see. I received box in the mail a few days later and looking forward to setting it up. I did take a picture of what the box looked like and planning to review the experience soon. For now here is a pic and a review from a comment taken from zaznotfunny.com. After reading this feel this ma  have been a terrible idea but will “carefully” set it up and see if there is in fact any free content of if this is just an AppleTV wannabe with out a hard drive.

This is the post that gets me worried:
“Tarzanboy October 26th, 2009 at 8:03 pm – - I actually took the bait. I put the $99 on my cc and they sent me a box within 3 days. The streaming video quality was excellent (it showed as 1080i on the TV but the resolution looked a bit lower). The box shipped to me had a heavy metal old school type shell.

I used the HDMI connection. Boot time was about 3 minutes from a fresh start or restart. I had to restart the device several times as it would freeze if you kept it running over night.

The free with ad features (TV/Movie) were very limited. Most of the features required $1.99. Most of the free stuff was old series and low budget movies.

The interface and remote were top notch in the cosmetic arena but took time to get comfortable with the operation.

I called ZillionTV to complain about the lack of free content and they offered to waive my $99 to keep the box. I agreed but got a call the next day saying they could not waive the $99 but could give me a free 90 day trial. I sent the box back.

To wrap this up, I think ZillionTV is a great idea with several flaws:

1. You do not own the box. If you cancel service, you have to return the box or pay a mystery hardware charge. I inquired about the charge and was told that they expected to charge a $300 lost/replacement fee. If any part of the box or remote have damage, you will have to pay a repair/replacement fee. This includes returning all cables. If you don’t return the HDMI cable, you will be charged a $50 replacement fee.

2. Several bugs in the interface. The OS will freeze if you leave it on all night. The OS will freeze if you watch several movies in a row. All of the above require a 3 minute reboot.

3. Very little customer service as of yet. Lots of mystery charge that you are warned will be applied to your credit card if you fail to follow their rules.

4. Very little free content. Most of the content is already available on HULU and it requires no registration fee.

5. Did I mention, the $99 is only a registration fee. The box is only loaned to you. “