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Xtreamer media streamer promoted with a video
Media streamers really are a dime a zone these days so it makes sense for them to just keep getting smaller and cheaper, while at the same time adding support for every codec and container known. The Xstreamer is the latest to hit the scene and is featured in this promotional video (after the jump) and looks pretty, pretty good. Of course we'd really like to experience the user interface first hand because while it seems these devices usually hit all the feature requirements on our check list, it is usually the user experience that is lacking. [Via eHomeUpgrade]
Initial release of Viiv Media Center PC's not to feature Digital Media Adaptor support
Digitimes is reporting that Intel's line of Viiv media center PC's, set to launch at CES this week, will not feature support for Digital Media Adaptors. According to Alex at eHomeupgrade, this also means no Media Center Extender or Xbox 360 streaming support. Ugh, I hope the other features Intel will unveil make up for this lack of functionality (apparently it will be added in June in a Viiv 1.5 release). We'll have all that news and more in our CES coverage later this week.Update: Alex updated to mention he's not sure exactly what Digitimes means by the statement, which I have to agree with, it's really vague, especially since we don't know exactly what Viiv is all about yet. Like Windows Media Extender would, in my mind, be a function of the Media Center OS, so why wouldn't the PC's be able to do it, unless there is more to it than that, I guess all will be revelaed in a few days.
BeyondTV 4 review @ eHomeUpgrade
eHomeUpgrade took a look at the latest version of the software, this time featuring HDTV suppport, and seem to be very impressed. The ability to recognize multiple tuners, DVR functions, and OTA HDTV support weigh heavily in BeyondTV's favor, it can even compress shows using DivX, unlike Windows Media Center's built in software.Anyone thinking about building a HTPC should definitely take a look at this review, it's a powerful bit of software that should work well for anyone wanting to watch HDTV on their PC.
