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Microsoft debuts Extenders for Windows Media Center, adds DivX and XviD
Ok, we're gonna break this down, Microsoft really didn't do us any favors of simplicity this time. As you may remember, back in late 2004 Microsoft's hardware partners announced Windows Media Center Extenders, which were basically STBs that could replicate a cheesy version of Media Center's interface on your TV over your home network. Not surprisingly, people didn't want another box (let alone a box with a crappy UI that wasn't as good as a real Media Center) so those boxes never took off. But the best (and most frequently used) implementation came way later on with the Xbox 360, which was able to far better replicate the XP and Vista Media Center experience.So today Microsoft is announcing a reinvigorated Media Center Extender effort called... wait for it... Extenders for Windows Media Center. Ok, the name totally sucks, but the important part is Microsoft upgraded its wayward Extender system with a new version that takes full advantage of Vista (including live HDTV streaming), supports 802.11n, and adds something that really blew our mind: codecs we actually care about, namely XviD and DivX. Niveus, Linksys, and D-Link will all be launching new devices based on this software platform, so watch out for those -- as well as DVD players, TVs, and all manner of other home theater devices Microsoft is apparently trying to get this new system built right into. Unfortunately this new Extender rev isn't being announced for the Xbox 360 (yet), so we'll all have to wait a while longer before playing XviD and DivX movies on that thing -- without transcoding, anyway.%Gallery-6954%
WoW Moviewatch: Vials of Eternity
This raid movie is so well crafted, I don't even know where to begin. Take the excellent "story behind the story" video Legend of Stalvan and mash it up with the elegant, well-edited and highly entertaining Serpentshrine Caverns raid video and throw in moments of bizarre humor plus the most memorable rendition of an 80s emo tune ever to be sung a capella over Teamspeak and you have this machinima masterpiece. Guild Numen of the UK Silvermoon server have unequivocally set the bar for raid videos.Don't be put off by its twenty minute plus run time. It's worth every moment of your time. Highlights after the jump.
Toshiba's DPF7XSE seven-inch digiframe plays nice with DivX
Not satisfied with just unleashing a pair of HD DVD players for the European crowd, Toshiba has now announced a forthcoming digital photo frame for the same set that does a whole lot more than shuffle through old photo albums. The DPF7XSE boasts a seven-inch 800 x 480 resolution panel, dual one-watt stereo speakers, SD / MMC / CF / Memory Stick support, USB 2.0 connectivity, and 256MB of built-in storage space. Most notable, however, is the supported format list, which includes JPEG, MP3, WMA, MPEG4, and DivX. Currently, Tosh hasn't released details surrounding a price for the fall-bound frame, but users picking this one will reportedly find an infrared remote and USB cable bundled in.[Via TrustedReviews]
Pioneer intros well-spec'd AVIC-N4 in-dash navigation system
Less than a month after Pioneer loosed details on its AVIC-X3, along comes word that we can also expect an AVIC-N4 in the not-too-distant future. This single-DIN unit boasts a motorized, flip-out seven-inch touchscreen, optional iPod / Bluetooth compatibility, CD or DVD playback, XM / XM NavTraffic-readiness, and a Tele Atlas database for routing you around. Regrettably, the lack of an internal HDD means that you'll be forced to insert the map DVDs in order to access guidance, but users can feel free to toss in discs with MP3, WMA, AAC, or DivX files when the drive is clear. Furthermore, the unit can even accept tunes streamed in wirelessly from a mobile handset when utilizing the CD-BTB200 adapter, as it understands both A2DP and AVRCP protocols. So, now that you've found a satisfactory replacement for that aging factory head-unit, you've only got to scrounge up $1,600 to make the swap.[Via NaviGadget]
D-Link, DivX link up on DSM-330 DivX Connected HD Media Player
First came the GejBox, then came Connected, and now the DSM-330 DivX Connected HD Media Player is checking in as the final version of DivX's first foray into the hardware realm. Hooking up with D-Link, DivX has announced its first piece of kit designed to "enable the seamless streaming of media from digital devices directly to the television set." Additionally, the DivX Connected platform -- which includes built-in support for the Stage6 DivX video service -- will indeed be open, thus allowing "consumers to access media content and services from the PC and internet through a range of consumer electronics devices." Reportedly, the device is slated to hit the UK, France, and Germany in Q4 of this year, but details surrounding a pricetag and availability for the rest of us remain undisclosed.
Creative's 16GB Zen gets reviewed
Creative's Zen -- which comes with 16GB of built-in storage as well as an SD slot for expansion -- may not be a real iPod challenger in the eyes of Apple fanboys and those sold out to the click wheel interface, but for those with vast DivX collections and no real allegiance to another brand name, this new PMP looks to be a winner. In a recent review, the player's support for a variety of formats, decent design, and impressive amount of flash storage were all hailed as major pluses, but the 2.5-inch display isn't exactly large enough for (comfortable) extended movie viewing. Overall, Creative's 16GB Zen managed to garner quite a bit of praise from the folks at Popular Mechanics, but they pretty much mirrored our own sentiments by concluding that "you'd be an absolute idiot to buy the Zen before Apple's September 5th announcement."
Daewoo's portable DVD and iPod dock rocks DivX on 8-inch LCD
Daewoo is set to show their new DPC-8099PD-I portable DVD and iPod player at IFA on Friday. Should you care? Well, you might if you're in the market for a portable DVD player with full iPod integration and 8-inch LCD. You know, if Philips' gear just won't cut it. Specs include integrated stereo speakers and headphone jack; DVD/VCD/CD and CD-R/RW media support; MP3, JPG and DivX formats; and USB and multi-format memory card reader for slotting in additional media. No pricing or release information but we'll be sure to give her a spin while taking in the show later this week.
DivX sez 100 million certified video devices have been shipped
Moving 100 million of anything is no easy feat, and DivX is using this very milestone to throw itself a party. Reportedly, over 100 million DivX Certified video devices have shipped out "since the launch of the DivX Certification program in 2003," and it notes alliances with LG, Philips, Samsung, Sony, and Thomson (what, no SanDisk?) as key steps along the way. More specifically, over 2,500 individual product models have been loosed that support DivX playback, and the company estimates that around "32-percent of all DVD players sold worldwide support DivX." Way to go, now how's about unleashing that Connected box of yours to the masses?[Via PhotographyBlog]
TiVo rolls out Vista-compatible, DivX-supporting Desktop 2.5
TiVo's official website still doesn't show any indication of it, but Dave Zatz of Zatz Not Funny! says the company's PR folks have confirmed to him that TiVo Desktop 2.5 is now official, and a download link has already been turned up on the TiVo Community Forum. Headlining the updates this time around is Windows Vista compatibility, not to mention support for the transfer and playback of DivX and Xvid files, along with support for conversion of previously transferred recordings. TiVo's also now finally added the iPod to the list of portable devices, and it'll kindly send converted files straight to your iTunes library. Hit up the link below for the download.
TiVoToGo v2.5 supports Vista / DivX, release imminent
Don't look now, but TiVo is apparently gearing up to unleash TiVoToGo version 2.5 to the masses any moment. The firm's webpage has already been updated to show the v2.5 graphic, yet the download link still takes you to the existing build. Nevertheless, TiVoPony has unveiled that the forthcoming update will enable support for Windows Vista as well as DivX / XviD formats for web video conversions, and it will also allow users to "convert individual shows from Desktop's Now Playing list at any time, to any profile, by right-clicking." Unfortunately, that last feature still won't be available for Series3 or TiVo HD devices, but those looking to browse photo slideshows can expect higher resolution support (huzzah?). So twiddle your thumbs a bit and keep checking the read link periodically, it's bound to show up sometime soon.[Via TiVoBlog]
DivX GejBox redubbed Connected, spotted in the wild
Well, would you take a look at this. That interestingly titled GejBox that we peeked last month has seemingly been redubbed DivX Connected, received a slight facelift, and best of all, has been caught in the wild. According to DivX, "Connected is a digital home platform and interoperability standard for networked media devices, PCs and, online services," and it can supposedly access Stage6, Google Video, and ShoutCast internet radio when not playing back media on any of your networked machines. The boxes are apparently being doled out on a very limited basis and are still marked as beta hardware, but judging by the photos, it features an Ethernet port, built-in WiFi, a USB connector, and a remote to keep you firmly situated on the sofa. You know the drill, check out a few more pics after the jump.[Thanks, Dave T.]
The Helios H2000: your $99 upscaling multiformat DVD player
Those familiar with the Helios name probably haven't forgotten the uber-cheap H4000 that landed late last year, but the firm has outdone itself once again by slipping under that oh-so-magical $100 price point with the H2000. This slim multiformat player can not only upscale your standard DVDs to 1080i, but MPEG2/4, DivX, and even XviD files can also be upconverted for your viewing pleasure via component, HDMI, or VGA. Moreover, this device also outputs unprocessed 480i / 576i signals via the HDMI port if you're sending it to an external video scaler, and while we're sure you may be willing to give your first second born for all these niceties, Helios Labs will only be asking for $99 when it arrives next month.
Memup's 30GB Orizon PMP looks oh-so-sleek
Mmm, nothing like a sleek, glossy black PMP to get your juices flowin'. If you tend to agree with that sentiment, Memup's Orizon should suit your fancy quite well, as the 30GB unit comes in an ebony outfit, sports a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 resolution display, and even includes an SD / MMC card slot to watch media clips stored on your flash memory. You'll also find a text viewer and built-in FM tuner to complement the obligatory MP3, WMA, MPEG4, JPEG, BMP, and GIF file support, but the ability to play nice with Motion JPEG and XviD are welcome extras. Unfortunately, you're going to have to love the looks some kind of fierce in order to find value in the purported $378 pricetag. [Warning: PDF read link][Via AnythingButiPod]UPDATE: Looks like this creature may actually be a straight up rip of another. Check out Coby's PMP4330 to see for yourself.
Newman M669 20GB portable media player
Newman's had a thing for kicking out low-cost, fairly well-spec'd portable media players over in China, and the M669 looks to uphold that reputation quite nicely. This pocket-friendly PMP reportedly includes a 3.6-inch LCD, 20GB internal hard drive, support for MP3, WMA, OGG, and MPEG1/2/4, video out, FM tuning abilities, e-book support, a photo viewer, voice recording, and USB 2.0 connectivity. Of course, the aesthetics leave something to be desired and the specifications are just barely above ho hum, but word on the street is that this here PMP is going for around $131 over in its homeland, which changes the complexion around real quick like.[Via DAPreview]
Sony's eight-inch DVP-FX850 portable DVD player
Sony's been known to toss out some fairly glitzy portable DVD players in the past, and it's keeping the tradition alive by cranking out the relatively sexy DVP-FX850. The clamshell player sports a "high-resolution" eight-inch widescreen LCD and 180-degree swivel, claims up to six hours of battery life, and plays nice with just about every flavor of DVD (yes, that includes the eight-centimeter variety) you can think of. Moreover, users will be happy to see DivX support tacked on, an AV input / output, twin headphone jacks, digital audio output, a 12-bit / 108MHz DAC, and a worldwide power supply. Notably, Sony also tossed in a USB port for loading up music and photos whilst on the go, and even includes a slim wireless remote for handling the controls from afar. Look for this kid-pleasing gizmo to land sometime next month (and hopefully in America).
SanDisk inks licensing agreement to support DivX
Good news for all you video-playing SanDisk owners out there, as the creator of your PMP just inked a licensing agreement to support DivX in the very near future. As a part of the deal, future SanDisk video products will include interoperability with the DivX Stage6 video website, and while it wasn't directly stated that firmware would be pushed out to upgrade existing units, we've got our collective fingers crossed. Unfortunately, SanDisk apparently isn't quite ready to divulge exactly what products (if not all of the video-playing varieties) will indeed be stickered with a DivX-certified logo, but it did say that it would relieve that tension and let us all know "later this year."[Via TGDaily]
DivX GejBox media streamer hardware revealed
Looks like we were right about DivX developing some hardware: say hi to the DivX GejBox (no, we're not spelling that GejBox;-), sorry guys). Basically this thing is a media streaming beta box to test out DivX's new connected hardware platform initiative, so it's safe to say that while a select few beta testers will get to play around with a GejBox, this device will most likely never make it to market -- at least not in its current form. (DivX is really trying to get harware-makers to pick up their platform, we don't think they want to be in the box business.) Still, it does have some interesting features, like S/PDIF, and HDMI, and because the platform is intended to be incredibly extensible, not only do you have the requisite home network video / picture / audio streaming, but it's also got support for live DivX Stage 6 high-def internet video streaming, and even a Google Video plugin not too different from the YouTube Apple TV plugin we saw debuted at D. Check out the pictures!%Gallery-3831%
Free DivX Pro license if you act quickly
The fine folks over at Macenstein spotted this special deal: a free license for the Mac version of DivX Pro, if you send in your email address today -- a $20 value. I can't see the end-of-offer indication on the site, but I'll take their word for it.With the Pro version you get the free player (naturally), plus DivX Converter for batch encoding and the DivX Pro codec for export from QuickTime Pro-aware applications. Based on the theory that you can never be too rich, too thin or have too many video compression applications, it's worth checking out.Thanks Jonathan & Nik!
Is DivX working on hardware?
We saw DivX posted looking for beta testers for "super-secret stuff" this week, but only now are we getting a slightly better idea of what's at hand. We have it from a trusted insider that DivX is at work on a connected hardware platform in the connected home devices category (PC-to-TV, see: SlingCatcher, Apple TV, Xbox 360, and countless other media streaming devices). We don't know what this hardware's actually going to be capable of, or what form it will eventually take as it makes its way into consumers' hands, but it stands to reason this is a proactive (and long overdue) approach on DivX's part to make sure more home media devices support that company's format, which is rarely found in US hardware these days.
IGS's Rapsody N35 media player
IGS of Japan has released a hard drive-based media player that supports up to 1TB internal drives, and plays back various high-definition video and audio formats. Similar to the MediaGate line, the Rapsody N35 supports DivX and XviD, MPEG-1,2, and 4, and WMV HD at up to 1080 lines of resolution over DVI, component, or S-video outputs. The Rapsody also plays back OGG, MP3, and WMA audio over its digital coax and optical connectors. With the 10/100-speed Ethernet jack and included NDAS software, you can connect to remote computers on your network, and the local USB port allows for connecting devices directly. The N35 is available for 28,000 ¥, or $235 US.
