RF does introduce a few challenges however as most universals are infrared (IR), so it is difficult to drive the device (even in a more limited way) from a single remote. For those who fall into the “or not” category, the remote works over RF so line-of-sight is not required to control it, making placement behind the TV (or in a cabinet) possible without control complications. We have seen this style of remote gaining popularity hopefully it continues to do so. The QWERTY keyboard on the bottom keeps the profile slim and one-hand friendly while navigating, while also enabling a rich experience when text entry is required. The Boxee Box remote is almost flawless in execution with my only real complaint being the lack of buttons on the top side makes some actions, like selecting a DVD menu or changing audio/subtitle tracks, unnecessarily tedious. After removing the top we find the 2.4GHz Wireless-N add-in, and a small, quiet fan for cooling the CE4100 based system. Taking the device apart was more difficult than expected the entire non-slip pad on the bottom must be peeled off to expose the screws that hold the case together. Component (YPbPr) is notably missing however which, given the form factor, is understandable but limits the Boxee Box to modern HDTVs with HDMI or DVI inputs and is a limit in one of its market segments–buyers with older displays who want an over-the-top applications platform without buying a new TV. Along the back we see all but one of the inputs (there is an SD card slot on the top) offered by the device including Ethernet (10/100), two USB, HDMI, TOSLINK (optical S/PDIF), analog stereo audio and power. How desirable that is will depend on preference personally I would like subtle, but still find it quite attractive in a quirky way. Love it or not, the Boxee Box is certainly unique–sure to stand out in any environment.
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