Vista Media Center -- Engadget

DIY'ers successfully build their own CableCARD equipped HTPC

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Apr 29th 2009 at 4:28PM

HTPC fans were devastated when it was revealed that only OEM PC builders would have the privilege of building Vista Media Center PCs with CableCARD support, but hope is here: it looks like a few members of The Green Button forum have figured out how to build their own CableCARD ready HTPC. There's two barriers to overcome, which unfortunately still make it more difficult than just picking up an internal or external ATI Digital Cable Tuner, but they're not terrible: would-be system builders just need to score an OCUR tuner product ID number and use a BIOS contains the correct OSFR table. No one's figured out how to tweak just any BIOS yet, but apparently most ASUS P5Q motherboards work fine -- so really you just need to score some used CableCARD tuners off eBay and ask the seller for the PID from their computer. Or you could throw caution to the wind and plug in the generic PID of 263DJ-2Y9YT-6X9G6-W28DB-697TF, which may or may not work. Anyone feeling brave enough to grab a new mobo and CableCARD tuner and give this a shot?

Amulet Remote actually listens when you yell at it

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 12th 2009 at 1:11PM

Now here's a novel concept. The Amulet Remote, designed specifically for Vista Media Center but likely adaptable to other setups, is a voice-activated controller that enables users to record a series, watch a recorded show, skip to a new playlist or queue up a photo slideshow by simply hooting and hollering. The built-in microphone is there to take whatever vocal abuse you feel is warranted, and there are even a few actual buttons if you're still fond of the tried-and-true approach. It's expected to ship in March for a palatable $299; have a look at what it can do for you in the video after the break.

[Thanks, Vanbrothers]

Continue reading Amulet Remote actually listens when you yell at it

Engadget HD gets a first hand look at the Vista TV Pack (aka Fiji)

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Aug 6th 2008 at 1:29PM

Still a month away from its official announcement at CEDIA -- Engadget HD got their hands on the final release of the Vista Media Center TV Pack (codename Fiji) and although the most anticipated features are missing, (H.264 and DirecTV) what is there, is well received. So if clear QAM, improved tuner support, and favorites is just what you ordered, then head over and have a look at the update that unfortunately you'll probably never get without buying a new PC.

Next Vista Media Center leaked -- no DirecTV HD till 2010?

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Jul 5th 2008 at 5:44PM

Engadget HD has gotten the latest on the highly anticipated update for Vista Media Center and it doesn't look good. The first release candidate made it into testers hands recently and they weren't happy to see that the most anticipated features -- support for a DirecTV HD tuner and native H.264 support -- got pushed to Windows 7. So head over to Engadget HD for more details (screen shots included).

Media Center Extender shootout commences at Engadget HD

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 19th 2008 at 1:10PM

Here it is folks, the matchup you have (or haven't, that's cool) been waiting for: Microsoft's Xbox 360, Linksys' DMA2100 and D-Link's DSM-750 have been pit against one another and put to the test in order to find the champion of Media Center Extending. Here's a hint -- the race is a lot tighter than you probably think. Check out the full rundown (video included) over on Engadget HD.

MyNetflix (beta) Vista Media Center plugin with Watch Now streaming

by Thomas Ricker, posted Feb 11th 2008 at 8:13AM

Anthony Park just released his MyNetflix Media Center plugin. The application lets you add/remove movies from your Netflix queue, browse for movies, and view history and recommendations. The part that will tempt you into installing the beta software however is the ability to stream "Watch Now" movies from the warm comforts of your Media Center. You do have a Netflix account don't you?

[Via Chris Lanier's Blog, thanks Matt]

Amex's TSK-VX7 Windows Vista Keyboard with Touch Senses keys

by Thomas Ricker, posted Mar 5th 2007 at 9:44AM

Sure, we get the whole touch-sensitive keypad on phones. Nevertheless, we still prefer to slather on the tactile feedback when it comes to our full-sized keyboards. That being said, touch-tech still might have a niche for limited QWERTY action while driving your Media Center from the couch. So check it Vista boy, that's the TSK-VX7 Windows Vista Keyboard up there sportin' Amex's new "Touch Senses Keys" spotted earlier on their dual-mode Skype handset. It uses 2.4GHz RF technology for 30 feet of wireless travel away from the USB dongle. Fine, but what really caught our attention is Amex's claim that their new take on the touch-sensitive keyboard is so good that it "delivers the ultimate in feel and response." Doubtful, but we'll be sure to go hands-on with this one in Hannover Germany where it'll be on display for the big CeBIT show starting March 15th.

[Via Akihabara News]

Envive E-Center A/V Vista Media Center PC

by Peter Rojas, posted Jan 8th 2007 at 6:01PM

High-end Media Center PCs aren't exactly rare, but we're still in the early days of Vista, so it's still slightly novel to see one running Microsoft's new OS. The E-Center A/V, which runs on Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, does have up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, up to two NTSC and two ATSC tuners, up to 1.5TB of storage, HDMI, 7.1 channel surround sound, and your choice of either a dual-layer DVD+-RW, Blu-ray or HD-DVD drive. No support for CableCARD, which is sort of a dealbreaker for a few us around here, but obviously not a huge deal for everyone. Units start shipping at the end of the month.

[Thanks, dark54555]