VidaBox launches ZERO, another "100 percent" silent Media PC

We've seen a ton of media PCs as of late, and they all come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. The latest VidaBox model, dubbed the ZERO, is the most recent model to also takes noise output into account as well (yes, we've eyed many more previously) -- the company even goes so far as to promise that the ZERO will be "100 percent" silent. VidaBox's $4,400 machine is packed with an AMD X2 dual-core CPU, up to 1.5TB of storage, dual standard def tuners, optional dual HDTV tuners, an HDCP-compliant NVIDIA Geforce 7950GX2 graphics card, and most enticingly, optional Blu-ray or HD DVD drives. In addition, all ZERO systems -- along with future VidaBox high-def CableCARD systems -- will be upgradeable to CableCARD compatibility in 2007, which is when Vista is supposed to be released (cross your fingers). Although the model pictured above comes in black, VidaBox says that other color options, including silver and "combination" are also available -- perfect for the few but proud Oakland Raiders fans out there.

[Alex @ Sep 22nd 2006 2:24AM]

hooty hoo, i guess im the only engadget reader at midnight...HARDCORE haha

[Chris W. @ Sep 22nd 2006 2:36AM]

Psh, sure you is, Alex.

But uhh, nice one- "few but proud Oakland Raiders fans out there"
Those people spread through California like locusts!

[Alex @ Sep 22nd 2006 2:47AM]

HEY buddy...this is MY MOMENT TO SHINE
and im going to take advantage of it to say

PLEASE ENGADGET GIVE ME THE ZUNE

I've been planning everything perfectly, i looked up MP3 players, waited for the Zen Vision M to come out, then waited for Gigabeat S to come out (i was the only one in my school who thought it was gonna kick a## and i was RIGHT) and then i waited to see what microsoft would do (i love their gadgets) and they delivered...so i will wait for Zune and then compare with Gigabeat S, or just drool at some new touchscreen MP3 player and wait another year :) except no

[Jason @ Sep 22nd 2006 2:50AM]

Silence isn't worth that much to me.

[Matt @ Sep 22nd 2006 2:54AM]

How do they silence the whirring and clicking of 1.5 terrabytes of hard drive whizzbang?

No PC with a hard drive, or any moving part for that matter is "100 percent" silent.

[MMN Maniac @ Sep 22nd 2006 9:45AM]

Hey Matt,

The hard drives are enclosed in specially designed mufflers, so there's really no "open path" for noise to travel through. These mufflers also act as heatsinks, so the HDD doesn't overheat and burn itself out.

[Mephistophelian @ Sep 22nd 2006 3:12AM]

Vidabox = Lifebox ??

[Andy @ Sep 22nd 2006 9:51AM]

"upgradeable to CableCARD compatibility in 2007" - Does that mean next year's models will have CC? Or will you be able to order an OCUR module to plug in? I thought that wasn't going to be an option?

[Sergio DeAlbuquerque @ Sep 22nd 2006 10:08AM]

**Official VidaBox, LLC Response**

Customers will be able to send the system back to the factory and receive the cableCARD upgrade when it is available in 2007. This will be a factory installed upgrade. In this way, customers can purchase this system without fear of losing the investment later on because on the new HD upgrades. This also gives customers the ability to take a wait and see approach but still enjoy all the other benefits of owning a media center.

[B166Er @ Sep 26th 2006 5:21AM]

Im loving the idea of the fanless case/heatsink design, but there are no aftermarket designs of such, 'sides the wayyy crazy Zalmann....

[Billy @ Nov 22nd 2006 11:42AM]

The official web page says the pricing starts at $4399 ... ouch. It'd be nice if you could get a bottom o the barrel one that didnt have all the high tech crap. I just want a small, quiet media center. This one looks awesome but I have a lot better uses for $4399.

http://www.vidabox.com/Products/STEALTH.htm