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Common Questions

   


Here, you can find some of our most commonly asked questions. If yours isn't listed here, please feel free to post on the forum and we'll have an answer for you as quickly as possible.




General Topics

What is a VidaBox™ Media Center?
I already have a DVD player, a TiVo®, a CD changer/stereo, and/or VCR.
          · What would having a VidaBox™ do for me?

Is the VidaBox™ affordable?
Are there any monthly fees to use the VidaBox™?

VidaBox Features

Can the VidaBox™ tape shows like a TiVo®?
Can I copy DVD movies to my VidaBox™?
Everything I have is already easy to use, why would I want a VidaBox™?
Is the VidaBox™ HDTV compatible?
Can I get HDTV with my VidaBox?
Can I use the VidaBox™ like a regular computer/desktop PC?
Why would I want a noisy PC in my living room? Is the VidaBox™ quiet?

Installation Questions

Is it hard to install the VidaBox™ on my own?
Is the VidaBox™ compatible with my digital cable or satellite box?
How can I connect the VidaBox™ to my TV?
Which is the best video connection to use?
Which is the best audio connection to use?
How can I connect my receiver to the VidaBox™?

Ordering Questions

What are the differences between the VidaBox™ models? 
          · What sets them apart from each other?

How long does it take to get my VidaBox™?
Can I get an option that I don't see listed for my new VidaBox™?
Do you ship VidaBox™ systems overseas?




Question:

What is a VidaBox™ Media Center?
Answer: A VidaBox™ is an “all-in-one” device that combines the functions of multiple home entertainment components such as a DVD player, CD/MP3 player, computer, and TiVo® box into one, easy to use appliance.


Question:

I already have a DVD player, a TiVo®, a CD changer/stereo, and/or VCR. What would having a VidaBox™ do for me?
Answer: Instead of having different devices and remotes for each device, you can get every feature of these devices, plus more, on one single VidaBox™. Best of all, all these features are controlled by an easy-to-use remote. The VidaBox™ also has enhanced functions, such as storing tons of music, TV shows, pictures, and more - which is not available on standard devices!


Question:

Is the VidaBox™ affordable?
Answer: Definitely! You can purchase any VidaBox™ unit with up to 12 months of interest-free financing through Paypal Buy Credit- making the VidaBox™ extremely affordable - call us for details!


Question:

Are there any monthly fees to use the VidaBox™?
Answer: No - every standard VidaBox™ function have no monthly fees. All the programming guide information, CD music track information, cover art, etc. are downloaded from the internet for free.


Question:

Can the VidaBox™ tape shows like a TiVo®?
Answer: Yes, using the built-in, easy-to-use guide, you can record shows or entire series with the touch of a button. Also, all VidaBox™ models come with DVD writers, which allow you to share your favorite TV shows with friends and family.


Question:

Can I copy DVD movies to my VidaBox™?
Answer: Yes, you can copy any unencrypted DVD to your hard drive with the VidaBox™. Note that most DVD titles are copy protected by a system called CSS, which in most countries, including the USA, is illegal to break. Because of that, the VidaBox™ (based in the USA) cannot provide anyone with the software that removes CSS copy protection, and attempting copying CSS protected discs will fail within the first percentages of the copy.

If you live in a country where breaking CSS copy protection is legal, or it does not apply to you, you can run a tool called SlySoft AnyDVD. AnyDVD removes copy protection at driver level, and lets "My Movies" and other programs access the DVD as if it was not copy protected.


Question:

Everything I have is already easy to use, why would I want a VidaBox™?
Answer: The VidaBox™ has dozens of additional features that standard devices do not have, such as storage for all of your music, pictures, TV shows, and DVD's, and the ability to access all of that on another television by connecting it to a media extender. All VidaBox models also come with standard DVD writers that you can use to share your media with other friends and family.


Question:

Is the VidaBox™ HDTV compatible?
Answer: Yes, the VidaBox™ can output video resolutions from 480, 720, and up to 1080p!


Question:

Can I get HDTV with my VidaBox?
Answer: With the current generation models, you can get over-the-air (OTA) HDTV signals & HD Cable content (uQAM & CableCARD) by purchasing a upgrade. HDTV received through your satellite box is not currently supported, but will be available in next generation models.


Question:

Can I use the VidaBox™ like a regular computer/desktop PC?
Answer: Yes! Even though the VidaBox™ is designed to be an entertainment appliance, you can still use it as a regular computer or desktop PC and surf the web, check email, or write papers. All units include with a wireless keyboard with integrated trackball, or a keyboard and mouse combination.


Question:

Why would I want a noisy PC in my living room? Is the VidaBox™ quiet?
Answer: The VidaBox media centers are designed with quietness in mind! We have the fanless ZERO and STEALTH systems which noiseless, while fan-based VidaBox™ systems are specially engineered and manufactured with noise-silencing technology, minimizing any noise that would disturb the entertainment experience. At a 1 meter range, fan-based models emit a noise level of less than 30dBA nominal, which is quiet as a whisper!


Question:

Is it hard to install the VidaBox™ on my own?
Answer: Connecting the VidaBox™ is much simpler than you think! Every VidaBox™ shipped comes with comprehensive manuals covering hardware installation and software configuration - to walk through with and assist you every step of the way. All VidaBox™ units also come with live installation and troubleshooting support - FREE for 14 days.

Connect Hardware Configure Software Finished!


Question:

Is the VidaBox™ compatible with my digital cable or satellite box?
Answer: Yes, the VidaBox™ will work with virtually all major cable & satellite boxes in the market today, using an infrared blaster, to do tasks such as changing channels.


Question:

How can I connect the VidaBox™ to my TV?
Answer: The VidaBox™ family of media centers can connect to any TV with a variety of outputs, such as HDMI, DVI, component, VGA, or S-Video. We also supply converters that also allow you to connect it via a composite or coaxial connection.

HDMI DVI Component  VGA Connection Composite Coaxial



Question:

Which is the best video connection to use?
Answer: With the myriad of televisions and monitors available, it can be confusing to pick out which video connection to use. Video quality is dependent on a number of factors, starting from:

  • The quality of the video source
  • The device used to render the video (DVD player, VCR, etc.)
  • The television or monitor output quality
  • The connection cables used, and lastly
  • If there are any inteference sources.

Assuming that the only difference is the type of video connection while all else remains constant, below is a quick ranking of video connections, starting with the best choice.
  • DVI/HDMI/VGA (Best Quality, most direct connection)
  • Component
  • S-Video
  • Composite (RCA Video - Converter/Adapter required)
  • Coaxial (Converter/Adapter Required)

HDMI DVI VGA
Component Composite Coaxial



Question:

Which is the best audio connection to use?
Answer: Audio quality, just like video, is affected by a number of factors, such as:

  • The quality of the audio source
  • The number of channels from the audio source
  • The device used to render the audio (DVD player, VCR, etc.)
  • If applicable, the receiver input/output quality
  • Speaker output quality & its positions
  • The connection cables used
  • Your room's audio acoustics, and lastly
  • If there are any inteference sources.

Assuming that the only difference is the type of audio connection while everything else remains constant, below is a quick ranking of the available audio connections, starting with the best choice.

  • SPDIF Optical Output (also known as TOSLink®)
  • SPDIF Analog/Coaxial Output
  • 7.1 Channel Output
  • 5.1 Channel Output
  • 2.1 Channel Output
  • 2.0 Channel Output

Question:

How can I connect my receiver to the VidaBox™?
Answer: Every VidaBox™ comes with both coaxial and optical (TosLink®) SPDIF outputs for digital sound - use this connection for the best audio experience.. You can also connect it via the standard RCA stereo audio cables - it's your choice!

SPDIF TOSLink  RCA Stereo 

 

Question:

What are the differences between the VidaBox™ models? What sets them apart from each other?
Answer: All VidaBox units have all the standard media center capabilities, such as storing music, pictures, TV, DVD's. etc. Please see our product comparison page for specific differences and details.


Question:

How long does it take to get my VidaBox™?
Answer: Depending on availability, standard, in-stock VidaBox™ units may ship within 24 hours, plus delivery time. Upgrades and special, custom-builds can take about 2-3 weeks to ship. Please contact our factory for details - .


Question:

Can I get an option that I don't see listed for my new VidaBox™?
Answer: Yes - we can quote custom-built VidaBox™ units or specific upgrades. Please contact our sales team with your specific needs - .


Question:

Do you ship VidaBox™ systems overseas?
Answer: Yes - please contact us to find a local dealer in your area. Please note that wire transfer payments are required for overseas systems orders. No credit cards are accepted.