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[d0g_bear]

does a modern wifi router have enough bandwidth to send uncompressed 1080p 60fps from the computer to the steam link?

If you're just going to connect the two with an ethernet cable, then how is the steam link better than a long hdmi cable? They're both cables you have to have running through your house.

 

[BBboy20]

I would imagine announcing Source 2 would be something presented in an astronomical manner.

Seems more like a bulletpoint right now.

 

[Jams775]

does a modern wifi router have enough bandwidth to send uncompressed 1080p 60fps from the computer to the steam link?

If you're just going to connect the two with an ethernet cable, then how is the steam link better than a long hdmi cable? They're both cables you have to have running through your house.

Doesn't HDMI only certify up to like 15ft? I think wireless does support that but it's probably a higher latency.

 

[thetrin]

Don't really care that no game was announced. It's far more exciting to hear that Source 2 is going to be free. Along with the recent UE4 news, it's going to be an exciting time for indie devs.

 

[texhnolyze]

I'm so pre-ordering that Steam Link.
How is it compared to other already available streaming device though, I wonder. I'm totally new to this pc home streaming.
Linking them with cable would be best I think, wireless would give higher latency.

 

[RionaaM]

This is good. Don't think I'll ever use Steam Link, but sounds like a nice device.

 

[Nzyme32]

I'm so pre-ordering that Steam Link.
How is it compared to other already available streaming device though, I wonder. I'm totally new to this pc home streaming.
Linking them with cable would be best I think, wireless would give higher latency.

In the steam in-home streaming group, there are a lot of tips on how to improve wireless performance (obviously wired will be the best). IIRC most routers are set to a frequency that is poor and interference filled - switch to 5ghz. Then there are some other things you can do with channels etc, but it is perfectly possible to get great performance at 1080p 60fps. The great thing about whatever tech Valve use, it is getting better all the time.

 

[NoWayOut]

I hope that at some point it will be possible, with Steam Link or otherwise, to stream games without making the host PC unusable for any other purpose.

Given that the host machine has enough power, it would be nice to have the streaming running in the background and still be usable by a local user for other purposes.

 

[OnionPowder]

does a modern wifi router have enough bandwidth to send uncompressed 1080p 60fps from the computer to the steam link?

If you're just going to connect the two with an ethernet cable, then how is the steam link better than a long hdmi cable? They're both cables you have to have running through your house.

My TV is next to my router and my computer is hardwired, so for someone like me this would prevent me having to wire an HDMI cord around my apartment.

 

[ekim]

I would imagine announcing Source 2 would be something presented in an astronomical manner.

Seems more like a bulletpoint right now.

Yeah - I also find it a little bit odd. Maybe the press release got slipped early?

 

[Maybesew]

does a modern wifi router have enough bandwidth to send uncompressed 1080p 60fps from the computer to the steam link?

If you're just going to connect the two with an ethernet cable, then how is the steam link better than a long hdmi cable? They're both cables you have to have running through your house.

For people that have already wired their houses with Ethernet.

 

[lefantome]

Yeah - I also find it a little bit odd. Maybe the press release got slipped early?

I heard a press release was planned for the same day at 3pm, it was released 1 hour later.

I think it's just Valve being Valve. They sucks at announcements.

 

[ekim]

I heard a press release was planned for the same day at 3pm, it was released 1 hour later.

I think it's just Valve being Valve. They sucks at announcements.

Well the press release also links to the steam universe site for more information... guess what's on it...

http://store.steampowered.com/universe/

 

[texhnolyze]

In the steam in-home streaming group, there are a lot of tips on how to improve wireless performance (obviously wired will be the best). IIRC most routers are set to a frequency that is poor and interference filled - switch to 5ghz. Then there are some other things you can do with channels etc, but it is perfectly possible to get great performance at 1080p 60fps. The great thing about whatever tech Valve use, it is getting better all the time.

I see, thanks for the heads up.
I'll definitely check that group out.

 

[Nzyme32]

I hope that at some point it will be possible, with Steam Link or otherwise, to stream games without making the host PC unusable for any other purpose.

Given that the host machine has enough power, it would be nice to have the streaming running in the background and still be usable by a local user for other purposes.

It was the original vision Gabe set out back at the start of 2013. He also suggested that the most powerful PC you had would be act as a server for multiple game calls to multiple screen around the house.

 

[Skytylz]

Doesn't HDMI only certify up to like 15ft? I think wireless does support that but it's probably a higher latency.

Problem solved.

 

[lefantome]

Well the press release also links to the steam universe site for more information... guess what's on it...

http://store.steampowered.com/universe/

which was updated yesterday I guess?

 

[Vanillalite]

does a modern wifi router have enough bandwidth to send uncompressed 1080p 60fps from the computer to the steam link?

If you're just going to connect the two with an ethernet cable, then how is the steam link better than a long hdmi cable? They're both cables you have to have running through your house.

The good ones can handle it, but if you are still holding on to your decade old wrt54g you will have issues. Hell you probably already do.

 

[Barzul]

So all it does is stream Steam correct? Nothing else.

 

[ekim]

which was updated yesterday I guess?

Well there is "information coming this week" text.

 

[Nzyme32]

which was updated yesterday I guess?

This is the only thing on the page but new:

"Stay tuned for more information this week about a new family of products designed to bring the best games and user-generated content to exciting new destinations"

So all it does is stream Steam correct? Nothing else.

Steam Link you mean? In which case, yeah - but - Steam is changing on all platforms by adding a whole host of new features from what we can tell. New app types, streaming services and adding your own library of media etc. I'd assume you will be able to stream a whole bunch of stuff via Steam, in a similar interface to whatever SteamOS' and the client's BPM are modified into

 

[Maxim726X]

I'm assuming most people have a powerful gaming PC who visit this forum... If not most, than many.

So my question is this- Why would we spend close to $1,000 for a competent Steam machine when the option to stream games from our already beefed up gaming PC exists?

I have a powerline network set and ready to go... Does anyone actually believe that Valve can deliver a 1080p, 60hz experience with little lag? If they do, it's a game changer for me.

 

[Devildoll]

I'm assuming most people have a powerful gaming PC who visit this forum... If not most, than many.

So my question is this- Why would we spend close to $1,000 for a competent Steam machine when the option to stream games from our already beefed up gaming PC exists?

I have a powerline network set and ready to go... Does anyone actually believe that Valve can deliver a 1080p, 60hz experience with little lag? If they do, it's a game changer for me.

I assume the steam machines are for people with office computers at home, or no computer at all.

People who don't know what to look for when buying a gaming pc.

 

[ROBOKITTYZILLA]

Awesome news. I was planning to use leftover parts form my last PC build to make a dedicated living room box but now I'm really interested in Steam Link.

 

[Maxim726X]

I assume the steam machines are for people with office computers at home, or no computer at all.

People who don't know what to look for when buying a gaming pc.

Well, it really depends on the quality of streaming service. If a hard-wired connection can get you full 1080p with little lag, I assume that for a large portion of the gaming audience wouldn't look to Steamboxes.

I get that they're trying to crack into the home console game, but they'll need to rope in some people with already huge Steam libraries (like myself) that would occasionally like to game on the couch.

 

[Gumbie]

Not sure if they covered this but will I be able to plug a 360 wireless controller dongle into the steam link? My biggest issue now is range from my PC to my living room and my wireless 360 controller constantly cuts out.

 

[LilJoka]

Not sure if they covered this but will I be able to plug a 360 wireless controller dongle into the steam link? My biggest issue now is range from my PC to my living room and my wireless 360 controller constantly cuts out.

Extremely likely.

 

[Aesthet1c]

I'm definitely picking up the Steam Link. I've been looking for a cheap option to stream to my living room for a while now and this is perfect.

 

[LapinAgile]

HOLY SHIT ITS HAPPENING

HALF LIFE 3

COUNTERSTRIKE 2

TF3

LETS GO GO GO VALVE

Orange Box 2..... they still escape the trilogy... it's perfect.

 

[Aesthet1c]

Not sure if they covered this but will I be able to plug a 360 wireless controller dongle into the steam link? My biggest issue now is range from my PC to my living room and my wireless 360 controller constantly cuts out.

Yeah I really hope the controller support is there. I use a Bluetooth dongle and a PS4 controller. Hopefully I can continue to use that.

 

[BRocknRolla]

I'm assuming most people have a powerful gaming PC who visit this forum... If not most, than many.

So my question is this- Why would we spend close to $1,000 for a competent Steam machine when the option to stream games from our already beefed up gaming PC exists?

I have a powerline network set and ready to go... Does anyone actually believe that Valve can deliver a 1080p, 60hz experience with little lag? If they do, it's a game changer for me.

I don't get the impression that steam machines are for those of us whole already have good PCs. It's about bringing the fence-sitters and previously console only folks to the fold. Likewise, a time may come when you or I will lose interest in keeping up on PC tech, and would instead prefer a boxed system we're confident will work with our existing libraries. But yeah, I don't think steam machines are for us right now.

 

[Gumbie]

Yeah I really hope the controller support is there. I use a Bluetooth dongle and a PS4 controller. Hopefully I can continue to use that.

I hope it supports wireless headset dongles like my G930 too.

 

[LilJoka]

I hope it supports wireless headset dongles like my G930 too.

Beauty of a custom PC, it supports everything lol.
99 questions on how to build a PC.
Theres still 99 questions on pre builts, even consoles.

For example, X1 FLAC support? PS4 MKV? MP3? G27/G25? What heatsets? Audio jack sizes?

Whatever purchase you make, there is always research involved.

 

[I H8 Memes]

So is this like officially announced? Or is this still a preview situation? Seems really stupid to announce your awesome new engine and then not show so much as a screenshot from it.

 

[Sinfamy]

I will bet my GAF account (

Spoiler

for one week

) that there will be a Half-Life 3 at E3 this year.
Time to line up.

 

[Pezus]

Isn't there a Valve conference today? HL3????

 

[PLASTICA-MAN]

I like how Valve announced Source Engine 2.0 without even showing it in the event where they HAVE TO show it. This really puts HL3 state in question. I think even if "one day" the game get released, it will play like this MOD: http://www.moddb.com/mods/blind-monks-society

 

[Gumbie]

Beauty of a custom PC, it supports everything lol.
99 questions on how to build a PC.
Theres still 99 questions on pre builts, even consoles.

For example, X1 FLAC support? PS4 MKV? MP3? G27/G25? What heatsets? Audio jack sizes?

Whatever purchase you make, there is always research involved.

I have a custom PC now and a hdmi cable running into my living room. Like I said though the wireless range for devices (keyboard, headset, 360 controller) is a problem. I really hope the Steam link acts as a pass through for this stuff so I can set it up in my entertainment center and be 10 feet away from it with those wireless devices.

 

[hellocld]

I know Tommy Refenes posted about a GDC presentation, largely believed to be Valve's - http://tommyrefenes.tumblr.com/post/112374757762/first-impressions

If that is a Valve presentation he's talking about, where would they be presenting it? Only thing I can think of is maybe their talk on Vulkan happening tomorrow?

 

[Roshin]

So my question is this- Why would we spend close to $1,000 for a competent Steam machine when the option to stream games from our already beefed up gaming PC exists?

As others have mentioned, Steam is growing rapidly and attracts a lot of people who maybe haven't done any PC gaming previously. A Steam machine is the perfect solution for those people.

 

[ekim]

I know Tommy Refenes posted about a GDC presentation, largely believed to be Valve's - http://tommyrefenes.tumblr.com/post/112374757762/first-impressions

If that is a Valve presentation he's talking about, where would they be presenting it? Only thing I can think of is maybe their talk on Vulkan happening tomorrow?

VR I think. The HTC Vive wasn't announced yet when he made that post.

edit: he says he will be able to talk about it on wednesday and afaik the Embargo for the press that already used the Vive is also ending today. It makes sense.

But I highly expect some Source 2 demos being there as well. My gut even tells me, we can expect a game announcement from Valve.

 

[EatMyFace]

I could have sworn his was already a thing.

 

[NoWayOut]

It was the original vision Gabe set out back at the start of 2013. He also suggested that the most powerful PC you had would be act as a server for multiple game calls to multiple screen around the house.

If they can manage to do that, it would be awesome. For my needs, the current streaming is not very useful if the main desktop is not usable while I stream to my laptop. Let's hope they can make it happen.

Doesn't HDMI only certify up to like 15ft? I think wireless does support that but it's probably a higher latency.

I use this 50ft. cable and it works great at 1080p 60Hz.

 

[Demon Lizardman]

VR I think. The HTC Vive wasn't announced yet when he made that post.

edit: he says he will be able to talk about it on wednesday and afaik the Embargo for the press that already used the Vive is also ending today. It makes sense.

But I highly expect some Source 2 demos being there as well. My gut even tells me, we can expect a game announcement from Valve.

I hope so, Announcing a new engine without showing it should be illegal.

 

[Croatoan]

Is source 2 going to be competition for both unity and UE4? As in, something indies and larger companies can use to publish games to all kinds of platforms?

What scripting language does source 1 use, and will source 2 use the same?

 

[Journey]

Wow, I remember joining Steam back with CounterStrike Source was released and then getting Half Life 2. They have come a LOOONG way since then.

 

[Zia]

I'm assuming most people have a powerful gaming PC who visit this forum... If not most, than many.

So my question is this- Why would we spend close to $1,000 for a competent Steam machine when the option to stream games from our already beefed up gaming PC exists?

I have a powerline network set and ready to go... Does anyone actually believe that Valve can deliver a 1080p, 60hz experience with little lag? If they do, it's a game changer for me.

Steam Link and the Machines are a cool option for someone like me that's primarily a Mac user. I don't have the space for an ultra high-end desktop gaming PC but I could have a powerful Steam Machine hooked up to my television, and stream keyboard and mouse-centric games to my Mac or Windows partition, while the Steam Machine itself I'd use for console ports and controller-centric indie games that I'd traditionally play at the desk, which is particularly useful for my household as we play a lot of local multiplayer PC games (Samurai Gunn, Sportsfriends, TowerFall).

 

[Nzyme32]

VR I think. The HTC Vive wasn't announced yet when he made that post.

edit: he says he will be able to talk about it on wednesday and afaik the Embargo for the press that already used the Vive is also ending today. It makes sense.

But I highly expect some Source 2 demos being there as well. My gut even tells me, we can expect a game announcement from Valve.

I think so but I think that would be something for E3 perhaps. Valve are being pretty open with their tech and still remaining fairly agnostic on platforms, so I wouldn't be surprised to see console and PC releases of something or even a VR thing for them or both

 

[ekim]

I think so but I think that would be something for E3 perhaps. Valve are being pretty open with their tech and still remaining fairly agnostic on platforms, so I wouldn't be surprised to see console and PC releases of something or even a VR thing for them or both

The last big Valve announcements were made online and they usually don't attend E3. But yeah lets wait and see what happens but a game also launching alongside the Steammachines which can be bundled would really help elevating the platform/OS. (L4D3 is my guess)

 

[hellocld]

I think so but I think that would be something for E3 perhaps. Valve are being pretty open with their tech and still remaining fairly agnostic on platforms, so I wouldn't be surprised to see console and PC releases of something or even a VR thing for them or both

I'd agree with this, but does Valve even attend E3 anymore? Not to say they won't still have console releases, but the last time I can recall anything Valve-related at E3, it was Gabe at the Playstation event announcing Portal 2 on PS3, and that was pretty much it.