ChrisLanier
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Cannon PC starts offering internal CableCARD tuners for sale separately
If you're like some people we know - - yes Zatz, we're talking about you -- the idea of adding yet another box to your home theater setup isn't anywhere near consideration. Up until now, this meant that if you wanted to add an ATI Digital Cable Tuner to your Vista Media Center PC, you either had to hold your nose or spend the big bucks on one of the top tier OEMs that offered the internal version -- which is actually the same device sans a case, and yes it still connects via USB. Our friend Chris Lanier discovered today that Cannon PC started selling both the external and internal versions of the ATI TV Wonder DCT separately, so that finally those with CableCARD ready Vista Media Center PCs -- you know the OEM only ones -- can either add additional tuner, or opt to swap out the external variety for the internal type the takes less space, all for about $300 each. [Via The Digital Lifestyle]
DirecTV's Media Center Tuner still not on track for this year
It was a pretty big disappointment when we learned that the Windows Media Center TV Pack (code named Fiji) didn't include support for the long awaited DirecTV tuner, and unfortunately this means the smart money is on Windows 7 -- which will probably be out in early 2011 -- but of course this doesn't stop a few assumably uninformed DirecTV CSRs from telling customers it'll be out in November. Although we really have no idea when Microsoft will add native support for DirecTV, we do know it would be highly unusual for Microsoft to release anything without at least a few months of external testing. So with September half way over, it makes it next to impossible to believe we'll see it before the end of 2008. The thing that isn't as clear though, is that for whatever reason, the testers we've spoken to still aren't 100% convinced that the new tuner will require Windows 7, and although it seems like a slim chance, the tuner might just get here before Windows 7 after all, but your guess is as good as ours.
HP's MediaSmart Connect gets reviewed
We didn't get the chance to play with HP's MediaSmart Connect when we were reviewing the various Vista Media Center Extenders, but recently our friend Chris Lanier did and he was impressed. After reading his three part review, we're a little disappointed to read that the HP uses the same chip to do the heavy lifting as the D-Link and Linksys extenders, because this means it still doesn't achieve the graphic bliss that the 360 and a real Media Center can. Ultimately aside from the price, Chris recommends the HP over the rest, but admittedly there still isn't much difference if you think it is silly to leave Media Center to play your media.Read - Part 1Read - Part 2Read - Part 3
Does Dish have a Media Center tuner on deck too?
All this information about DirecTV's Media Center tuner has gotten us excited about Vista Media Center again. The last time we were this excited about MS's DVR platform is when we learned about the ATI CableCARD tuner -- that excitement was quickly dashed when the reality of obtaining one set in. But this new tuner offers us the same promise, but only enables one additional provider -- or so we thought. It seems that a commenter our friend Chris Lanier blogs and that he seems to put some merit in, claims that beta program letters have gone out to some Dish subscribers as well. Chris also points out that most of the technology like DVB-S and h.264 are already there, and that the main missing component -- a big one -- is Dish's conditional access system. Of course we always knew that collaboration between big companies like this is almost never limited by technology.
Will there ever be integrated HD media support in Vista?
If you want the ultimate HD media machine, it is hard to beat Vista Media Center. Seriously, you've got HD CableCARD support, HD DirecTV tuners are right around the corner and for less than $300 you can get a dual format HD DVD and Blu-ray drive. And no matter what your feeling are about Microsoft, it's hard to argue that the Vista Media Center isn't a pleasure to use. But the are a couple of caveats that are keeping us all from the ultimate HD media experience. The first -- which should be just a matter of time -- is the lack of support for any of the next-gen audio codecs, but the second might not ever happen. Vista Media Center can seamlessly playback DVDs, HD DVD or Blu-ray discs require a 3rd party application. Sure, it still works, but the overall flow is lost. Many had hope that eventually MS would come around and at least add native support for HD DVD, but considering the Blu-ray spec requires BD Java -- and we know how much MS loves Java -- MS insiders like Chris Lanier don't think it'll ever happen. So if HD DVD does go away only leaving with Blu-ray, we might not ever see the ultimate HD media experience all in one box.
Windows Vista will support HD-DVD after all
Our good friend and Microsoft MVP Chris Lanier moved to clear up some controversy over whether or not Vista would include native support for any next generation format, confirming that yes, it will ship all right and ready for your HD-DVD's. Blu-ray support will need to come from a third party, so look for an extra disc of software when you pick up that shiny new Blu-ray drive for your PC.No word however on whether or not Vista will include the vaunted "write your blog posts while you lay on the couch and play Xbox 360" feature. We'll keep you updated.
