AMEX Digital launches M505-BDR Blu-ray recording HTPC

We've known this Blu-ray-equipped media center PC was on the horizon, and now AMEX Digital is finally dropping the pimped-out M505-BDR in Europe with even crazier specs than we originally thought. Aside from sporting that swank single-layer Blu-ray burner -- which not only plays Blu-ray titles, but also upscales normal 'ole DVDs to "stunning 1080p" resolution -- the M505 apparently houses an unidentified Intel Core 2 Duo processor on the Intel 945P Express chipset, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 1.5TB of SATA disk space, and a UK-friendly dual hybrid analog / digital DVB-T TV tuner. This beast also rocks Gigabit LAN, 802.11b/g WiFi, a FireWire connector, 8.1 channel HD audio, and, of course, an HDMI port that doesn't bother to tout its HDCP compliancy (or lack thereof). This Windows Media Center 2005-powered machine delivers that crystal clear HD video via the ATI X1600 graphics card, and AMEX even throws in a "multi-function" remote to control the action from your oh-so-comfy loveseat. The drool-worthy device is set to be released to European markets on August 28th at a cost of near $2,000 -- but considering the lofty prices for standalone Blu-ray burners and players alike, we'd say this looks like a bargain; and don't forget the free Blu-ray title (apparently of your choice) that comes with the purchase, perhaps sending fence-sitters squarely into the "buyers" camp.

[Tim Haines @ Aug 21st 2006 5:11AM]

Jeeez that thing sounds so damn sexy. I bet it will be an age before you can walk into a store in New Zealand and pick yourself up one of those beauties.

[akijikan @ Aug 21st 2006 6:01AM]

so its basically a media-center PC with a blu-ray drive.

[glfp @ Aug 21st 2006 6:01AM]

No DHCP !

[Kevin @ Aug 26th 2006 4:19AM]

Holy crap... 1.5TB Hard Drive, 4GB RAM, & a Blu-Ray burner.. How are they only charging 2000 for this?

[IT Baby @ Aug 21st 2006 7:47AM]

fantastic blu-ray recorder i want buy 3set home, office showroom, girl friend.
i checked spec. can supprot HDCP for Blu-ray & HD play back.
Where can buy?

[Patrick @ Aug 21st 2006 8:01AM]

I gotta say, that is an extremely reasonable price!

[Dan @ Aug 21st 2006 9:42AM]

Are you sure that isnt GBP and not USD? I really don't know if I could build a system with 1.5tb, 4gb ram a core2 and a blu-ray drive for under 2k...

[Stephane @ Aug 21st 2006 10:22AM]

I'm just afraid of software bugs and glitched for a first generation product like this one. A player is a lot easier to program compared to a recorder.

[Jon @ Aug 23rd 2006 10:39AM]

I'm thinking this is a case of the 'trans-atlantic typo' -- I'm betting this is set for 2K pounds sterling, which would be about 4K USD, which seems about right considering the tremendous spec's on this beast.

My question is... Why can't DYI case manufacturers like Silverstone, Ahanix, etc., come out with awesome HTPC cases like these guys?!?!

Jon

[MrNutmeg @ Sep 21st 2006 5:40AM]

It was a bluff�

I was interested in buying Amex Digital M505-BDR and sent three e-mails to Amex Digital asking where I can buy it, but still no reply�

Finally I found out that Highend Studio in Finland sells it.
Their answer:
Yes it is possible to ship to Sweden from Finland.
The system costs depend on the combination. How much hard disk space, memory size, which processor.
I think that a reasonable combination will cost about 3000�.

3000� is about $3700 not $2000�

I sent a new e-mail to Highend Studio:
In the press release I read, �Price from $2,000 come with free Blu-ray movie title�.
Now I wonder what specification would an Amex Digital M505-BDR for 1600� have?

Their reply:
Thank you for your mail.

To be honest, it was a misleading information about $2000 high-end combination containing Blu-ray. Actually the Panasonic Blu-ray itself costs $1300 in a American Internet shop.

Best regards,
Tapani Isoranta
Highend Studio

Respect to Highend Studio for finally giving me some answers.

It was to good to be true.
Amex Digital did not tell the truth when they said it would cost $2000.

[yalphak @ Oct 2nd 2006 12:49PM]

That is surely possible for buying this for $2000 in either GBP or USD we here in Hong Kong.

Its chassis cost only about USD$180 with VFD from iMon. Blu-ray player from Panasonic cost only USD$700.