LookeeTV – Yay or Nay? [UPDATED]

This year was great for new tech gadgets at CES 2011 held in Las Vegas.  Many new ideas were put to use and hopefully in 2011, a few of them will make it to market.  A company Best Supplier, based out of Burnaby BC, has introduced a rather unique product(s) and will be on the market in 2011. The company won Global’s Bright Idea Award at CES 2011 for it’s LookeeTV product, and will receive a $20,000 targeted channel marketing campaign, plus guaranteed distribution with a top-tier distributor, such as Ingram Micro.

Now, the product… LookeeTV. They have designed 3 models of the device, and all of them do essentially the same thing: Offer access to stream over 2000 TV channels and over 30000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world via Wi-Fi connection. The 3 models include a desktop LCD (alarm clock form factor), a portable LCD, and a set top TV box.

The desktop LCD model contains a 4.3″ LCD, which is a bit small for a kitchen, so the only place this may seem to work would be in a bedroom on the night stand, if you do not have a smartphone dock to charge your phone. The device makes no mention of internal memory, so we are not sure of the storage capabilities on the device.  Best Supplier claims this will support all forms of file types including FLV and MKV, so we would really like to see the quality and the performance with these file types. Also there is no mention if a firmware update can be performed on the devices, as with media file types, codecs are always changing and the ability to upgrade the device is a make/break factor in purchasing a device that streams video/audio.

UPDATE:  LookeeTV has advised the product does ship with 500MB internal memory.  Firmware updates are provided which is great news.  Lookee TV has provided some more information  and is provided below.

Everytime a firmware upgrade is implemented, the Lookee TV device will prompt the user to download and install the upgrade for free the next time they start up their device. We do upgrades relatively often to ensure the product runs as well as possible. To give you an idea…We have done four such upgrades since CES this year. This process also allows us to add new applications and content streams on a constant basis. In addition, there is a slot on the device to insert a micro SD card to provide more storage
for media files.

Product features: • Stream over 2000 TV channels and over 30000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world via Wi-Fi connection. • Browse channels by regions, genres, languages, keyword search, and my favorites lists. • TV-out function supports resolutions at 720 x 480 pixels. • Stream videos, music and pictures from your home or office PC by UPnP function. • Media player reads and plays videos, music and picture files from built-in memory and SD/MMC cards. • Digital picture frame slide show with background music option. • Supports video formats: AVI, FLV, MKV, WMV; Audio formats: MP3, AC3, FLAC, WAV, WMA; Photo Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF • Built-in speaker and earphone jack for your shared or private listening. Enjoy music from built-in speakers and stereo earphones. • FM radio and dual alarm clock included. • Wake up to internet radio, FM radio, music or a buzzer. • Remote control, AV cable, FM antenna and AC adapter included.

Specifications • LCD: 4.3″ TFT 480 x 272 pixels, high resolution 16:9 display • AV Out: CVBS and YpBpr • Audio Output: 1×0.5W Mono Speaker and Stereo Earphone jack • I/O ports: – Mini 5P USB connector and Power jack – Earphone jack – CVBS AV jack – YPbPr AV jack – SD card slot • Wi-Fi: – WLAN security: Support WPA, WPA2, WEP – Wi-Fi search: Auto Search; Manual Search – IEEE 802.11 b/g • Power: 1600mAH Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery for 4-6 hours TV or Video Playtime. • Dimensions (L X W x D): 142x85x15mm

Accessories Included in package: Adapter, FM Antenna, CVBS Cable, Remote Control.  Optional?USB Cable(optional), YPbPr Cable (optional), Headset (optional).

The portable LCD form factor seems to be similar to the desktop version, with the ability to watch the internet tv on the go. The LCD is again a 4.3″ display and the device is claiming 4 to 6 hour of battery life with a 1600MAH Rechargable Battery.  Again, no mention is made on the internal storage or the ability to update firmware.  The device does offer tv out ability but only in a 720×480 resolution (DVD QUALITY). 

UPDATE:  LookeeTV has advised the product does ship with 500MB internal memory.  Firmware updates are provided which is great news.  Lookee TV has provided some more information  and is provided below.

Everytime a firmware upgrade is implemented, the Lookee TV device will prompt the user to download and install the upgrade for free the next time they start up their device. We do upgrades relatively often to ensure the product runs as well as possible. To give you an idea…We have done four such upgrades since CES this year. This process also allows us to add new applications and content streams on a constant basis. In addition, there is a slot on the device to insert a micro SD card to provide more storage
for media files.

 

Product features: • Stream over 2000 TV channels and over 30000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world via Wi-Fi connection. • Browse channels by regions, genres, languages, keyword search, and my favorites lists. • TV-out function supports resolutions at 720 x 480 pixels. • Stream videos, music and pictures from your home or office PC by UPnP function. • Media player reads and plays videos, music and picture files from built-in memory and SD/MMC cards. • Digital picture frame slide show with background music option. • Supports video formats: AVI, FLV, MKV, WMV; Audio formats: MP3, AC3, FLAC, WAV, WMA; Photo Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF • Built-in speaker and earphone jack for your shared or private listening. Enjoy music from built-in speakers and stereo earphones. • FM radio and dual alarm clock included. • Wake up to internet radio, FM radio, music or a buzzer. • Remote control, AV cable, FM antenna and AC adapter included.

Specifications Specifications • LCD: 4.3″ TFT 480 x 272 pixels, high resolution 16:9 display • AV Out: CVBS and YpBpr • Audio Output: 1×0.5W Mono Speaker and Stereo Earphone jack • I/O ports: – Mini 5P USB connector and Power jack – Earphone jack – CVBS AV jack – YPbPr AV jack – SD card slot • Wi-Fi: – WLAN security: Support WPA, WPA2, WEP – Wi-Fi search: Auto Search; Manual Search – IEEE 802.11 b/g • Power: 1600mAH Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery for 4-6 hours TV or Video Playtime. • Dimensions (L X W x D): 142x85x15mm

Accessories Included in package: Adapter, FM Antenna, CVBS Cable, Remote Control.  Optional?USB Cable(optional), YPbPr Cable (optional), Headset (optional).

And finally we have a tv set top box to compete with the big boys. This year we have had many boxes released to market including BoxeeBox, AppleTV, Western Digital, and iXtreamer to name a few. Each box offers its own advantages.  Each of the boxes providing access to Internet TV.  So here we have a set top box, offering 720×480 (DVD QUALITY) resolution, while each of the boxes listed above provide full 1080P HD tv out.  We are not sure who the target audience is for this device, but anyone looking for HD quality will not find it here.  And again, no mention of internal storage.

Update:  LookeeTV has provided the following information:

We are in talks with North American content providers, to provide access to high quality streams of primetime level content. And stay tuned as we are developing an HD capable device which will be launching soon.

Product features: • Stream over 2000 TV channels and over 30000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world via Wi-Fi connection. • Browse channels by regions, genres, languages, keyword search, and my favorites lists. • TV-out function supports resolutions at 720 x 480 pixels. • Stream videos, music and pictures from your home or office PC by UPnP function. • Media player reads and plays videos, music and picture files from built-in memory and SD/MMC cards. • Digital picture frame slide show with background music option. • Supports video formats: AVI, FLV, MKV, WMV; Audio formats: MP3, AC3, FLAC, WAV, WMA; Photo Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF • Remote control, CVBS A/V Cable and AC adapter included.

Specifications • AV Out: CVBS and YpBpr • I/O ports: – Mini 5P USB connector and Power jack – CVBS AV jack – YPbPr AV jack – SD card slot – RJ-45 Ethernet Jack (optional) • Wi-Fi: – WLAN security: Support WPA, WPA2, WEP – Wi-Fi search: Auto Search; Manual Search – IEEE 802.11 b/g • Power: AC100V-240V 60/50Hz • Dimensions (W X H x D): 150x95x32mm

Accessories Included in package:Adapter, Remote, CVBS Cable, Remote Control.  Optional?USB Cable(optional), Audio Cable (optional), YPbPr Cable (optional)

 

Verdict:  Nay.  Based on the specifications, these devices would cater to yesterdays audience. The devices have a  MSRP of approximately  $149.99. If the quality of the feed and the content provided can rival or exceed that of other competitors, we see the portable LCD version being popular. Gone are the days of SD though and this is a major deciding factor.

Update:  LookeeTV has provided some great information confirming the devices will ship with 500MB of internal space, and the device firmware can also be updated for free.  As for the set top box, they are in the works to provide primetime content and an HD box could be popping up in the future.  Our verdict remains unchanged,  for the following reasons:

1. Internal space is not sufficient at 500MB.  Even to store 1 television episode in a compressed format would be 200MB, so given the 500MB is approximate and also has the operating files in the same 500MB, you may get 2 episodes at best.
2. HD, HD, HD. Today there are many other boxes being launched, and they already have an  HDMI port and enable full 1080P streaming.  Some of the boxes, such as AppleTV, and Boxee Box  already have locked in content providers, and for similar price point, you could be enjoying HD content. Perhaps when an HD version is available and there is primetime content, we will re-evaluate. 

[spoiler]

 

LookeeTV edged-out other Bright Idea Award finalists with its innovative technology that streams over 1,000 TV channels, plus more than 30,000 radio stations and podcasts, from around the world via a Wi-Fi-enabled compact device about the size of a portable alarm clock, with no subscription fees whatsoever. The device offers a high-resolution, 4.3” screen with built-in speakers and support for virtually every video and audio format, including the ability to stream videos, music and pictures from home and office PCs. LookeeTV also enables users to browse by regions, genres, languages, keyword searches, and ’my favorites’ lists. With an MSRP of $149.99, LookeeTV will be available at major e-tailers late next month or sometime in March.

“While all of the submissions we received for the Global Bright Idea Awards – especially the other finalists – were worthy of strong consideration, ultimately LookeeTV edged-out the other competitors with its unique product that has universal appeal,” said Tony Esfandiari, CEO of Global. “Global looks forward to providing marketing, distribution and other related services for LookeeTV as we partner with them to enhance their growth in 2011,” added Esfandiari.

Other finalists for receiving the Global Bright Idea Award included: True Surge, from BITS Ltd.; Jorno, from Cervantes Mobile; Glocam, from Glonex, Inc.; Guide 10 Adventure Kit, from Goal Zero; ZenBound2, from InteraXon; Jade Live Broadcaster, from MCN Technologies; O Car, from Oxygen Audio North America; and Wellbeing Monitor, from Sonamba.

The Bright Idea Awards reflect Global’s ongoing commitment to discovering and growing the most innovative technology products and companies worldwide, and is open to all companies exhibiting at and/or attending CES who have an innovative technology product. Since 1996, Global has successfully launched more than 5,000 products for over 400 companies.

About Global Marketing Partners, Inc.
Established in 1996, Global Marketing Partners, Inc. (Global) is a marketing and distribution company focused on introducing and launching new, emerging technology companies with innovative products to resellers throughout the world.

Global’s mission is to introduce and create short-term market demand, and then eventually distribute a client’s products and services throughout the supply chain. This is achieved by utilizing intelligent marketing and promotional tools, as well as by leveraging the logistics and channel distribution capabilities of our partners – such as Ingram Micro – to place and sell new products.

Woodland Hills, Calif. – Jan.12, 2011

[/spoiler]