PopcornHour
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The Popcorn Hour C-200 media streamer makes its way into the wild
It looks like Popcorn Hour's C-200 media streamer is making its way into end-users' hands, so prepare yourself for a flurry of reviews. Our friend Brent over at GeekTonic should be jumping into the fray soon, and has kicked things off with a preview. Yeah, the C-200 is bigger than its sibling A-100, but it brings so much to the table that we'd say Popcorn Hour has packed in just as much -- if not more -- goodness per cubic inch. With space available for a hard and/or Blu-ray drive, wired and wireless networking, and USB ports to round out the input connectivity, the C-200 then adds a smorgasbord of codec support just to make sure your bits will survive the translation back into entertainment. With the "it plays anything" kind of capability the C-200 is promising, we've got a feeling that a positive review or two might be the only thing standing between us and a $300 dent in our credit cards. [Via ZatzNotFunny]
Popcorn Hour C-200 launch nearly upon us, preorders start tomorrow
As you may have noticed, the new Popcorn Hour C-200 media box didn't quite make its anticipated July launch, but the company now says that as of 12 a.m. PST August 27, pre-orders will open allowing the willing faithful to put in a request for the first batch, anticipated to ship September 3 or thereabouts. Don't remember the June announcement? The $299 Sigma powered box takes HDD, Blu-ray discs, USB or network inputs of nearly any video or audio codec available and brings them to your living room. Since then, pics and video of the units guts and interface have leaked out on the forums, check after the break or beyond the read link for a better look.[Via MediaSmartServer.net]
Popcorn Hour prices C-200 media streamer at $299, launches next month
Looking for a more official announcement than a forum post? Beyond the read link awaits Popcorn Hour's official press release for the C-200 containing some of the details we so desperately wanted, like a July release window and price of $299. Otherwise the details remain the same with support for nearly every codec we could ask for and a front mounted drive bay ready for HDD or optical drives of your choosing. We sent over a query about the Blu-ray and Blu-ray live support mentioned, but were unable to nail down any new details -- we'd bet on being able to play back your de-AACS'd rips & backups but that's about it. Any other questions that need answering once we score some hands on time with this do it all media box?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
PopcornHour's latest C-200 media box is Blu-ray (& anything else) ready
The followup to the popular PopcornHour media streamer series has finally been announced, and the list of features makes it look worth the wait. Revealed in a post on the Networked Media Tank forums the C-200 contains an upgraded Sigma SMP8643 667 Mhz processor, HDMI 1.3 out, two SATA slots, a drive bay for mounting your own HDD, DVD or even Blu-ray drive (requires internal HDD or 1GB USB stick) and supports a list of networking standards, codecs and containers far too long to recount here. At first glance, only DivX jumps out as missing from the list, have a look at the forum posting and let us know if you spot. Of course, there's already a video unboxing available, seen after the break (along with the copied list of specs) or check out the full Google translated early hands on impressions from HomeTheater.co.il. The most pressing questions of when will these be available and for how much, will have to be answered at another time.[Via HomeTheater.co.il & Geek Tonic]
Popcorn Hour A-110 review
With HD media streamers being a dime a dozen these days, when one particular one seems gain popularity we take notice. So we figured there was no better way to learn what all the fuss is about then to spend a little time with it. The main point of our curiosity was to go beyond the specs and to try and determine how usable it was. To learn what sets the Popcorn Hour apart from the rest, click on through. %Gallery-43685%
Popcorn Hour A-110 Hands-on
We've been on a media streamer kick lately and decided to check the Popcorn Hour A-110 to see what all the fuss is about. Our first impressions are positive, but we'll hold out sharing too much until we've had more time to play. We're willing to share a few details though like the fact that the remote feels really good considering the price point ($179), the thumbscrews on the top give easy access to the drive bay (drive not included). And on top of all that, we have to admit we appreciate it it when an HDMI is included. Stay tuned for more... %Gallery-43685%
Popcorn Hour caters to digital signage applications with S-210
Talk about broadening one's product portfolio. Popcorn Hour, the outfit that started small with a heralded media streamer last Fall, has delved head first into the wide, wacky world of digital signage. The minuscule S-210 media streamer was built to run around the clock with little power consumption, and it packs 2GB of internal USB flash storage along with no "complicated PC architecture." Everything that goes through the device is controlled by a bundled PC app, and the included HDMI 1.1a / VGA outputs link your advertisements (or other media) to a display. Check the read link for the lengthy list of file format compatibility, and if you're into it, add one to your cart at $219.[Thanks, elmopio]
Popcorn Hour's WN-100 dongle brings WiFi to your A-100, A-110 or B-110
Generally speaking, it's tough to find someone who doesn't love their Popcorn Hour media streamer. Not to say everything's perfectly kosher, however, as the lack of internal WiFi is a niggle that many cord haters have found inexcusable. Curiously enough, we heard back in May that the outfit was preparing a new trio of streamers, and one of 'em was destined to have WiFi built-in; we're still waiting on that unit, but Popcorn Hour is more than happy to give the option of retrofitting. The WN-100 is a draft-N WiFi adapter that adopts MIMO technology, supports 64- / 128-bit WEP encryption (along with WPA / WPA2, etc.) and comes sporting with a $37 price tag. Or, you can snag the A-110 with WN-100 bundle and save a whopping two bucks from buying separately.[Thanks, AFB]
Popcorn Hour's A-110 HD media streamer / B-110 motherboard reviewed
If you've been putting off that purchase of Popcorn Hour's evolutionary A-110 HD media streamer or all new B-110 motherboard, here's a decent compilation of facts and opinions to help you make up your mind once and for all. The cats over at DigitalReviews took the time to not only detail, test out and report back on the newest duo from the company, but it also revisited the original (and heralded) A-100 in order to give a better comparison. Overall, critics did tend to prefer the A-110 over its predecessor, but the minor list of changes made it a hard sell for folks teetering on upgrading. The B-110 was seen as an even tougher sell, with only the hardcore DIY crowd likely to even find it worth investigating. Nevertheless, we won't spoil the rest for you -- head on down to have a look for yourself.[Thanks, Anton]
Popcorn Hour's B-110 HTPC motherboard gets pictured, previewed
Ah, ha! There you are, Mr. B-110. When your partner in crime, the simultaneously announced A-110 HD media streamer, was spotted over at CNET UK, we knew you wouldn't be too far behind. Sure enough, the DIY motherboard -- which was designed for individuals looking to concoct their own HTPC -- has been unboxed and handled over at the aforementioned site. There is one part in particular that caught our eye in reading through the preview; the 7.1-channel analog outputs that are on the mobo will not be activated on this model, with CNETers suggesting that another, more robust version could be on the horizon. Yeah, HDMI 1.3a is still there for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD pass-through, but we are somewhat dismayed by the analog news. Anywho, check the read link for a few more snapshots and a read of what it's packing.[Thanks, John]
Popcorn Hour's A-110 HD media streamers gets hands-on treatment
While we can only imagine that the lead time for one of Popcorn Hour's A-110 HD media streamers is at least a week or so judging by the demand of the predecessor, at least one of these things has managed to make its way out. CNET's UK branch was able to wrap their paws around the latest Networked Media Tank, and while they did note that the design was essentially the same, the changes that were made (HDMI 1.3a in particular) were "seriously worthwhile." For a brief preview and a few more shots, check out the read link below.[Thanks, John]
Popcorn Hour puts A-110 HD media streamer, B-110 mobo up for pre-order
Who knows if Popcorn Hour really is still working on a couple more HD media streamers, but its latest one is definitely up for pre-order. First whispered about a few months back, the $215 A-110 is a revamped A-100 that adds 2.5- / 3.5-inch SATA HDD and USB Slave functionality, HDMI 1.3a support (for full HD audio pass-through) and an optical S/PDIF to replace the coaxial S/PDIF socket. For those of you looking for even more flexibility, you can take a look at the outfit's new B-110 Baseline. This "Home Theater Motherboard" arrives with the media enthusiast in mind, boasting support for HDMI 1.3a, optical / coaxial S/PDIF connectors, four USB 2.0 ports and a mini-ITX form factor. Both pieces should ship out within two to four weeks, but considering just how sticky things were when the A-100 launched, we'd tack on a few weeks to that estimation just in case.[Thanks, Stephen and Jeff]
How could Popcorn Hour's A-100 be improved upon?
Popcorn Hour's A-100 just can't seem to stay out of the spotlight, but even with a product that's universally loved, there's always a few things it could be better at. Now that you've had a few months to toy around with this thing, what aspects would you like to see improved? Head on over to Engadget Classic to chime in.
How would you change Popcorn Hour's A-100 HD media streamer?
When Popcorn Hour's Networked Media Tank / A-100 went on sale earlier this year, we didn't really foresee it gaining so much fanfare. Even months after launch the unit still had a waiting list, and just recently has the commotion died down enough so that supply and demand could meet in beautiful harmony. In all honesty, we haven't heard many negative feelings towards this potent little media server, but as these things go, there's always room -- if but a crack -- for improvement. So, what features would you like to see on the A-100 that aren't there currently? Who knows, Popcorn Hour may grant your wishes in one of its potentially forthcoming successors.
How-to video details HDD installation process in Popcorn Hour's A-100
As far as mods go, it just doesn't much easier than this. Popcorn Hour's heralded A-100 HD media streamer contains a gap just big enough for a PATA HDD, and if you've been too timid to flex your DIY muscle and throw one in there, we've got the video to guide you through. Anxious to store files locally and turn your unit into a mighty useful BitTorrent client? Check out a demonstration of the painless procedure just beyond the break -- and grab your screwdriver while you're at it.[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Popcorn Hour prepping trio of new media streamers?
Considering just how popular Popcorn Hour's A-100 has been with the media center crowd, we're not shocked at all to find the intarweb ablaze now that rumors of a new trio have surfaced. Said rumblings have originated from a curious post over at GeekZone, which sees a prospective reseller of Popcorn Hour products admit that "three new models" will be released "in the very near future," including one with WiFi. We are told that the three models will be priced around $250, $250 and $320, though not a bit of it has been confirmed. Hit the read link for a list of proposed specifications for each of the possibly forthcoming boxes, and in case you haven't figured it out, we'd keep those hopes low for now.[Thanks, Simon]
Popcorn Hour's A-100 HD media streamer publicly available for pre-order
What do you know? Yet another outlet for you to happily blow $179. As of today, Popcorn Hour's heralded A-100 HD media streamer is finally available for the public at large to pre-order. Previously, folks had to actually sign a list just to be blessed with the privilege of placing an order, but now it seems supply is at long last flowing in nicely. The company has even set up a forum to keep customers informed of order status, but we wouldn't dillydally around -- these are still being sold on a first come, first served basis.[Thanks, leland]
Popcorn Hour's Networked Media Tank gets reviewed
We'll be honest with you -- we haven't seen a dedicated media streamer get this much attention, well, ever. Nevertheless, Popcorn Hour's (apparently hard-to-get) Networked Media Tank / A-100 has been utilized for a month over at Networking Audio / Video's labs, and the take away is that it pretty much is just as impressive as expected. Aside from the lackluster interface and ho hum music playback, the unit appeared to perform admirably. BitTorrent integration was top shelf, video playback was impeccable and fetching content from nearly anywhere was a breeze. 'Course, we'd recommend poring over the review in its entirety before plunking down your $179, but things are certainly looking good from up top.
Popcorn Hour's A-100 media streamer gets official, has waiting list
For those that can bring back wish lists from last October, you'll undoubtedly remember the totally promising Popcorn Hour Networked Media Tank. Now, it seems the device has received somewhat of a facelift since our initial sneak peek and hasn't lost a bit of its popularity. The A-100 media streamer enables users to stuff an HDD within and transfer files via BitTorrent when not dishing out all sorts of media or acting as a NAS. Additionally, it supports 1080p output and plays nice with just about every format imaginable, including: MPEG1/2/4, MP3, AVI, ASF, WMV, MOV, H.264, XviD, AAC, WAV, JPEG and lots, lots more. Sadly, this $179 gem is currently backordered, and requires some sort of fancy sign-up process just to get in line. Still, with specs like these, the wait is probably worth it.[Via BoingBoing]
Popcorn Hour's Networked Media Tank seen early
If you're scouting a decent media server that just so happens to double as a NAS drive and BitTorrent server, we'd probably wait out this weekend. Apparently, the Popcorn Hour website is set to go live in T-minus two days, but an eagle-eyed individual manged to pull down what appears to be a screenshot of the firm's forthcoming Networked Media Tank. The NMT reportedly enables users to "watch, store and share digital content on your home network," and it also allows for "seamless integration between your digital media and your entertainment system." Best of all, buyers can toss in a hard drive of their choosing, and the 1080p output is sure to please the HD buffs. According to the capture (shown in full after the jump), all this functionality will only run you $179 (sans an HDD), but we'll out find out for certain in a matter of hours.UPDATE: Seems this could be a rebadge of another product -- guess we'll wait and see, eh? Thanks for the update, Gabriel M.[Thanks, Johan W.]
