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[Agent Unknown]

Try again, 360 already does some of this stuff, just without the additional functionality and features being offered here.

Kinda true but fixed.

 

[Kacho]

Can someone explain to me how TVii works exactly. I'm completely clueless about the whole thing. I can use my Wii U to sync with my FIOS cable subscription and watch TV from the Wii U without a cable box?

 

[Berg]

Can someone explain to me how TVii works exactly. I'm completely clueless about the whole thing. I can use my Wii U to sync with my FIOS cable subscription and watch TV from the Wii U without a cable box?

Here is a video explaining what nintendo TVii is for people who don't know...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPydMW0zY-I

and no, you can't watch TV on your gamepad.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Can someone explain to me how TVii works exactly. I'm completely clueless about the whole thing. I can use my Wii U to sync with my FIOS cable subscription and watch TV from the Wii U without a cable box?

No. It's just an interface to control your existing box.

 

[Dunlop]

I'm kinda lost as to what this does for me as a Canadian, we do not get Amazon Instant Video or Hulu plus.

 

[Thoraxes]

Calling it now, this thing is going to feel a bit half baked tomorrow and many people will write it off. When the rest of the features are added, it might be pretty decent but a lot of people wont give it a second chance.

Hope I'm wrong though :-(

As long as the livewatch thing is working when Breaking Bad starts up again, I will be a happy camper

 

[KU_]

Excited to try this out.

 

[masud]

Here is a video explaining what nintendo TVii is for people who don't know...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPydMW0zY-I

and no, you can't watch TV on your gamepad.

Correction, I didn't know about the sports stuff, I will use the fuck out of that.

 

[Fess]

i want it to control a receiver as well as a bluray/dvd player

i just redid my living room- painted it, redid the home theater setup(27"standard tv(15yrs old) with a kenwood receiver(10yrs old or so) a VCR(yes VCR ~17yrs old, still works great) and a sharp dvd player(12yrs old) with

a 60" plasma tv (LG 60pn6500),
a new receiver (42 dollars, clearance open box@best buy -samsung hw-d600)
&
a new samsung bluray player(wifi netflix etc)
and a HD capable cable box from Comcast.

just in case they do not add this functionality- a harmony 650 remote

I can actually already control my receiver with the Gamepad, kind of. With HDMI Control.

I have everything connected through the receiver, both picture and sound, and changing HDMI inputs, increase volume etc on the TV, with the Gamepad, does the same on the reveiver.
It kind of sends the remote input to the next source like this:

Input on Gamepad > Input change, HDMI3 on TV > TV source selected on the receiver.
Input on Gamepad > Input change, HDMI2 on TV > WiiU source selected on the receiver.
Volume up on Gamepad > volume up on TV > volume increased on receiver.

Can't change anything else though, only input source and volume.

 

[Deku Tree]

Here is a video explaining what nintendo TVii is for people who don't know...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPydMW0zY-I

and no, you can't watch TV on your gamepad.

Just watched the video. I can do all that already on my 10" iPad with a 10 hour battery life. Granted I have to switch between apps and the web browser. I guess it is cool if the Wii U is your main living room touch screen.

 

[Tagg9]

I'm kinda lost as to what this does for me as a Canadian, we do not get Amazon Instant Video or Hulu plus.

Yeah, I'm not sure either. Presumably it shows a TV guide and lets you switch channels on your cable box?

 

[popeutlal]

TVii is a search function, that's it. You search for a tv show, TVii will let you know on what service or tv channel that show can be watched on.

 

[jaxpunk]

Just watched the video. I can do all that already on my 10" iPad with a 10 hour battery life. Granted I have to switch between apps and the web browser. I guess it is cool if the Wii U is your main living room touch screen.

I watched the video too and also have a ipad, what magic app and web page does all this?

 

[Tathanen]

TVii is a search function, that's it. You search for a tv show, TVii will let you know on what service or tv channel that show can be watched on.

This is maybe one tenth of what Nintendo TVii does, so that is hardly "it."

 

[Dreamwriter]

Just watched the video. I can do all that already on my 10" iPad with a 10 hour battery life. Granted I have to switch between apps and the web browser. I guess it is cool if the Wii U is your main living room touch screen.

Your iPad can automatically change your TV's channels for you to bring up the show you want to see? Mine can't, I guess I need to get some sort of deluxe iPad?

 

[Thoraxes]

Probably have to also buy Apple TV or something.

 

[popeutlal]

This is maybe one tenth of what Nintendo TVii does, so that is hardly "it."

Well the other nine tenth being that TVii will be able to switch your tv channel or open the service where that show is located on.

 

[Sushigod7]

I guess this is pretty cool but was thinking Netflix was going to be involved on rollout. Now delayed to next year nice. I have Hulu and Amazon but use Netflix more so just keep using the app I guess. I'll play around with it hope it becomes more useful.

 

[Deku Tree]

Your iPad can automatically change your TV's channels for you to bring up the show you want to see? Mine can't, I guess I need to get some sort of deluxe iPad?

Many cable providers have an app now that does this. Xfinity does. It changes the channel, controls your DVR. Sets and cancels future recordings. All via the Internet, and it is very fast. Also works with my iPhone.

 

[Berg]

TVii is a search function, that's it. You search for a tv show, TVii will let you know on what service or tv channel that show can be watched on.

No. thats not it. I'll post this video again...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPydMW0zY-I

Add to OP? ^^

Many cable providers have an app now that does this. Xfinity does. It changes the channel, controls your DVR. Sets and cancels future recordings. All via the Internet, and it is very fast. Also works with my iPhone.

But then there is the whole interactive feature...

 

[Tathanen]

Well the other nine tenth being that TVii will be able to switch your tv channel or open the service where that show is located on.

Please go watch some videos or something, you are vastly misrepresenting what this software does.

 

[Tucah]

Your iPad can automatically change your TV's channels for you to bring up the show you want to see? Mine can't, I guess I need to get some sort of deluxe iPad?

Many cable providers have apps that do exactly this.

 

[AtomicShroom]

So uh, how does this thing know what my Cable subscription plan is? My cable or set-top box are not connected into the WiiU!

 

[Thoraxes]

No. thats not it. I'll post this video again...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPydMW0zY-I

Add to OP? ^^

Since so many people keep asking, fo sho

 

[Berg]

Please go watch some videos or something, you are vastly misrepresenting what this software does.

How is he misrepresenting? Thats exactly what it does.

 

[forrest]

Hold on. You mean up to this point current owners of the WiiU have been unable to use all of the cool Tv/Streaming features Nintendo has been pimping for their new console?

 

[Dave Long]

Many cable providers have an app now that does this. Xfinity does. It changes the channel, controls your DVR. Sets and cancels future recordings. All via the Internet, and it is very fast. Also works with my iPhone.

This is true, but the Xfinity app is feature limited. You can't extend recording time on your DVR which is crucial for sports recording for example.

It's also kind of flaky on the iPhone because it's got different touch things happening all over the screen. I like it when I'm on the go because it's nice to have it, but it's not the best.

 

[Dreamwriter]

Many cable providers have an app now that does this. Xfinity does. It changes the channel, controls your DVR. Sets and cancels future recordings. All via the Internet, and it is very fast. Also works with my iPhone.

That's neat - I just looked into it, Comcast (XFinity) only does if you have the right cable box, the box they gave me last year wouldn't have supported it. Of course, right now I have no cable service, I watch everything on local TV stations (and Hulu, Amazon, Netflix...), so an iPad can't change my TV channels, while Wii U can.

 

[Tathanen]

How is he misrepresenting? Thats exactly what it does.

That is a miniscule fraction of what it does. Please also watch the linked video.

All of it, not just a minute or two.

 

[Berg]

Hold on. You mean up to this point current owners of the WiiU have been unable to use all of the cool Tv/Streaming features Nintendo has been pimping for their new console?

You can, as of day 1, use the gamepad as a TV and cable remote.
There are streaming services on the wiiU, day one, like netflix, hulu plus, amazon video.
The update will add a new service, nintendo TVii. look at OP for hands on video.

That is a miniscule fraction of what it does. Please also watch the linked video.

All of it, not just a minute or two.

Sorry, thought you were saying that it doesn't do those things.

 

[TriGen]

Cool. It will be interesting to check out.

 

[Thoraxes]

That is a miniscule fraction of what it does. Please also watch the linked video.

All of it, not just a minute or two.

This brief article explains some things too.

 

[Dreamwriter]

Hold on. You mean up to this point current owners of the WiiU have been unable to use all of the cool Tv/Streaming features Nintendo has been pimping for their new console?

We've been able to watch Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube, and change our TV channels manually. But there was no central organizing app that let you see which of your favorite shows were available through all of your different services including live TV, jump right to that service from the app, and then start chatting with other people online about the show while getting some second-screen info about the show. That app comes tomorrow.

 

[AzaK]

TVii U... because we heard you- this is TV not just for 'we', but for 'you'. We and you, one TV. TVii. U.

Just rolls off the tongue don't it?

 

[abstract alien]

The very next thing I need for my Wii U is a bigger battery. This looks so interesting for the moment I do watch tv, but I can tell this will suck up some juice. Especially if you want to game right afterward. Nintendo TVii could really be huge.

This we will get a commercial about it or something? Maybe a spot light on espn? It seems especially nice for sports watchers.

 

[Agent Unknown]

This we will get a commercial about it or something? Maybe a spot light on espn? It seems especially nice for sports watchers.

I doubt it since Nintendo can barely be bothered to run ads for the console itself.

 

[Alec]

I'm excited but I'm not confident that everything is going to work properly with my cable provider.

 

[abstract alien]

I doubt it since Nintendo can barely be bothered to run ads for the console itself.

Damn I butchered that first sentence. Guess I was excited lol

As for your post, you are probably right. Proper marketing is the last thing we can depend on when it comes to them.

 

[DeuceGamer]

The very next thing I need for my Wii U is a bigger battery. This looks so interesting for the moment I do watch tv, but I can tell this will suck up some juice. Especially if you want to game right afterward. Nintendo TVii could really be huge.

This we will get a commercial about it or something? Maybe a spot light on espn? It seems especially nice for sports watchers.

I can't wait to try this while watching sports. Should be an awesome experience.

 

[Marda]

No HBOGO or Netflix? No Gamecube classics...C'mon Nintendo, get me to buy this console. Glad they got this out (albeit, not to its full potential) somewhat soon after launch.

 

[Dead Prince]

excited verily.

 

[abstract alien]

No HBOGO or Netflix? No Gamecube classics...C'mon Nintendo, get me to buy this console. Glad they got this out (albeit, not to its full potential) somewhat soon after launch.

Netflix has been there since day 1. Where did you hear that it wasn't?

 

[Oppo]

That is a miniscule fraction of what it does. Please also watch the linked video.

All of it, not just a minute or two.

Ok, so I watched all 7:35 of that video, and that description is accurate – it's a cross-service search and recommendation engine, with an auto-tuning capability that takes you right to the program you want. There are some nice little extras like sports scores and the like but that's nothing you don't see on other boxes. What is this vast functionality we're missing? Please, actually tell me, don't just link me somewhere.

 

[Shadow Hog]

No HBOGO or Netflix? No Gamecube classics...C'mon Nintendo, get me to buy this console. Glad they got this out (albeit, not to its full potential) somewhat soon after launch.

Well, the Wii U has had a Netflix app in the US since day one. It's a shame it won't be integrated into TVii as soon as it should be, but if you live in the US and want a Wii U for Netflix (not sure why Wii U over every other piece of technology ever, but why not), you can still do it.

 

[kunonabi]

Well, the Wii U has had a Netflix app in the US since day one. It's a shame it won't be integrated into TVii as soon as it should be, but if you live in the US and want a Wii U for Netflix (not sure why Wii U over every other piece of technology ever, but why not), you can still do it.

It kinda sucks that netflix on the wii u isn't where it should be. It should be on tvii from the get go and you should be able to browse on the pad while watching on the tv.

 

[Tathanen]

Ok, so I watched all 7:35 of that video, and that description is accurate – it's a cross-service search and recommendation engine, with an auto-tuning capability that takes you right to the program you want. There are some nice little extras like sports scores and the like but that's nothing you don't see on other boxes. What is this vast functionality we're missing? Please, actually tell me, don't just link me somewhere.

Well you seem to just hand wave away the other functionality as "nice little extras." The point is that it is not just a "view guide, watch program with button" software, "and that is all." It provides a significant amount of ancillary information for anything you watch, be it wikipedia or IMDB data funneled directly into the interface, and at your fingertips on a second screen while you watch the program. It tracks your preferences and lets you customize your guide for multiple users. It funnels people who are watching a program into a shared "room" of sorts where you can discuss the program over social networks or Miiverse asynchronously. It highlights "moments" of programs for discussion. For sports it provides huge amounts of data pertaining to the game as it goes, including scores, plays, etc. If I'm not mistaken it even has quiz stuff in there.

You compared it to a cable guide, and said "that's all it is." There is much more in there.

 

[OG_Original Gamer]

Nice. I do hope the fix the remote settings. If I have both my Directv box and TV setup I can't change the inputs on the TV but can control everything else. If I just have the TV setup I can change between the inputs but that does me no good if I can't control the Directv box.

Yes, I support this message. Ooh, give me access to the Guide as well as my DVR playlists all on the Gamepad.

 

[Skiesofwonder]

The big question for me is will I be able choose what program I want on NTVii and then hop into a game or browse the web on the Gamerpad while watching? I know NTVii is accessible while pausing a game, wouldn't that therefore suggest that you can?

 

[Oppo]

Well you seem to just hand wave away the other functionality as "nice little extras." The point is that it is not just a "view guide, watch program with button" software, "and that is all." It provides a significant amount of ancillary information for anything you watch, be it wikipedia or IMDB data funneled directly into the interface, and at your fingertips on a second screen while you watch the program. It tracks your preferences and lets you customize your guide for multiple users. It funnels people who are watching a program into a shared "room" of sorts where you can discuss the program over social networks or Miiverse asynchronously. It highlights "moments" of programs for discussion. For sports it provides huge amounts of data pertaining to the game as it goes, including scores, plays, etc. If I'm not mistaken it even has quiz stuff in there.

You compared it to a cable guide, and said "that's all it is." There is much more in there.

Ok, fair enough. I am thinking of what it offers in comparison to, say, an Apple TV, or even an iPad on it's own. IMdB and sports scores are additional data, but they aren't the core function, which is pretty much as I described. You're right in that it's not "all that it is", but I can't agree with the earlier "miniscule fraction of what it does". The search/connect is most of what it does. Stuff like "moments" is kind of being hilarously spun, that's just a preview reel. And I can chat with anyone while I watch TV right now, it's called instant messenger. It's on my phone. Like everyone has.

It's a nice interface, if a little pokey (and Netflix needs work) but I think it's sort of neat. I just wonder what sort of damage little Nintendo can do in this area where so many have tried and failed. You have to admit, there are many shades of Google TV (and earlier, Web TV) in this thing.

 

[Lupin the Third]

Tathanen: The "that's all" comment was done by user Magic Ovaries, not Nerfgun.