MCE
Latest
Rock Box melds MCE jukebox with beer cooler
Talk about one-upping. No sooner than the cutesy soccer ball cooling station graced our eyes, MCE Integrations is upping the ante quite substantially with its latest cooler / jukebox hybrid. Partnering with Icehouse, this brew-lover's dream come true sports the tried and true jukebox allure, a built-in cooler for keeping the stash on ice, a flipout touchscreen HDTV, and an Aopen Mini PC to run the show. Current models are still running Windows MCE 2005, but the company promises that we'll see Vista Home Premium loaded on them later this year. Although we don't expect the Rock Box to be hitting any mainstream retailers in the near future, those looking to add yet another novelty to their game room or recently opened pub can snag the baseline unit for around $6,500, and for those abstaining from alcoholic intake, the cooler can be replaced by a subwoofer for some serious (and sober) room-rattling action.
Dish Network eying deal with Microsoft for HTPC TV cards
We figured they'd come around, and sure enough, it looks like Dish Network is now the one in talks with Microsoft to bring satellite programming to the media PC. After DirecTV began this same journey, finally inked a deal with Gates and Co., and actually started playing nice with Viiv-enabled PCs, Dish Network couldn't just stand around hoping that its fabulous deals on the ViP622 HD DVR would be good enough. According to a brief, albeit informative, interview that DBSTalk had with Dish, the company is reportedly "working with Microsoft" to bust out HTPC TV cards, which could steal the thunder from the uber-pricey CableCARD and give DirecTV's rendition a run for its money. Of course, there's "no set timeline" just yet, and if you already had a hunch what the holdup was, you'd likely be correct -- apparently, "DRM issues" are still lingering, and until both companies come up with a solution that "satisfy the copyright holders," we'll all be parking it on the bench waiting for this to move forward.
Trinion L7 HTPC touts integrated touchscreen LCD
Just in case you're looking for something similar to OriginAE's latest LCD-equipped HTPC enclosure, but would rather the unit come fully stocked and ready to rock, the Trinion L7 should fit the bill. This Korean-based unit packs a sexy, silver chassis, seven-inch 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen LCD monitor, 1.66GHz Intel T5500 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 250GB hard drive, 8-channel onboard audio, gigabit Ethernet, combo drive, and Windows XP Media Center Edition pre-installed. Additionally, the company offers up an IR remote to control the action from afar, front-panel flash card readers, USB / FireWire connectors, and audio in / out ports, and the built-in UI provides easy access to DVD playback, games, office applications, photos, TV episodes, etc. While we're not sure when South Koreans can expect this to land on local shelves, be sure to click on through for a more shots of the machine in action.
MCE intros Blu-ray burner for Mac Pro, Power Mac G5
Japan's Logitec may have been the first to lay claim to a Mac-compatible Blu-ray burner, but it looks like MCE Technologies gets the bragging rights for the first Mac-friendly internal burner, which also has the added benefit of actually being available 'round these parts. As with the Logitec, MCE's Mac Pro and Power Mac G5-compatible drive will give you 2x reading and writing speeds on Blu-ray discs, as well as the usual less-than-speedy burning times for CDs and DVDs. The key to the Mac compatibility is, of course, Roxio's Toast 8 Titanium software, which first declared its Mac Blu-ray support last summer but so far hasn't been able to put it to much use. While you'll have to crack open your case, you will be somewhat rewarded for your effort, with drive setting you back considerably less than Logitec's external offering, available now direct from MCE for $699.[Thanks, Dave]
Monster unveils Lifeware Media Center PCs / extenders
While there's been a plethora of new kit flowing from CES, media center extenders has certainly not stolen the limelight. Oddly enough, one of the first to announce such a device comes from the cabling company we all love to hate, as it introduces its forthcoming lineup of media center PCs and extenders. Additionally, Monster has partnered with Exceptional Innovation to bring Lifeware automation software onto their HTPCs, dubbing the customized package "Experience Lifeware." While details are all but nil on each, Monster said that the new lineup would fall in its newly-unveiled "Monster Life" brand, which seeks to create media-centric PCs for "distributing media around the home." Notably, the extenders could actually be integrated into PowerCenters, which are those unsightly devices that reportedly protect anything connected from a small nuclear disaster (or similar), potentially meaning that you'll be forced to purchase 18 additional AC outlets that you have absolutely no use for to take advantage of Monster's media center extender. Per usual, no word on pricing or availability just yet aside from knowing that the "package will be available through select (read: Best Buy) retailers," but history tells us that those who admire a good dollar-to-utility ratio will probably pass on this one.
Watch downloaded Vongo movies on your TV
At the last CES, Starz announced its new movie download service, Vongo, for portable devices and regular PCs. For those who are unfamiliar with it, the strangely-named service gives you access to over 1,000 movies and 2,500 "video selections" all for 10 bucks a month. This time around, Vongo has been selected as the "launch partner" for Vista, meaning that folks with the Premium or Ultimate versions will be able to legally display that content on a TV. You'll also be able to use MCE extenders, so you can stream stuff to that big screen connected to your XBox 360 console if you like, as well. Just save us a seat when you download "Talladega Nights," ok? We'll bring the popcorn.[Thanks, Will W.]
I-O Data unveils internal / external Vista-approved TV tuners
In a bid to become one of the first in what's sure to be a mile-long list, I-O Data is launching two new TV tuners that tout Windows Vista compatibility. Making sure that both laptop and desktop owners alike are satisfied, the firm has released both a PCI flavor (GV-MC/RX3) and an external edition (GV-MC/TZ), but both units handle essentially the same capturing and channeling duties, save for the RX3's handy coaxial input, of course. Both units feature S-Video / composite inputs, 10-bit DACs, noise reduction capabilities, and the assurance of functioning perfectly in Microsoft's forthcoming operating system. Optionally, the couch-dwellers out there can spring for the IR remote kit (¥4,230; $36), which provides your standard volume, channel, and playback controls, as well as a few "Media Center-centric" buttons to keep your PVR on track. Both tuners / converters are slated to hit shelves in "late January" to coincide with that looming OS release date, and while the RX3 will run you ¥12,500 ($105), the TZ will demand ¥14,600 ($123).[Via Impress]
Makayama's Mobile TV Center builds link between Windows MCE and WinMo handsets
Sure, there's always been that painstakingly slow method of manually / batch converting your shows to play nice on your Windows Mobile-powered phone, but Makayama's Mobile TV Center is here to make everyone's lives (at least those with Windows MCE) at a lot easier. Once you've installed the software on your PC, you simply select your handsets from the (admittedly clean looking) MCE-inspired interface, and everything else is reportedly "automatic." Scheduled / previously recorded shows will be converted in the background to a video format optimized for your mobile's screen, and once you connect your device via USB, the files are copied over and ready to view. While miracle apps like these always sound terrific in theory, we wouldn't dive right in without a thorough test drive, so be sure and hit the read link for a very welcome demo before throwing down your £18.80 ($37).[Via CoolSmartphone]
Philips launches a handful of Vista MCE-compatible remotes
While we've already seen a few Windows Vista Media Center Edition remotes, Philips has just rolled out a whole host of its own along with assorted USB receivers. These range from a more standard style remote (RC1974501/00) with the huge number of buttons up and down to its slightly upgraded counterpart, the RC1974502/00, which appears to be the same, except with backlighting on the keys. The third version of the family, the RC1974603/00 also has backlighting, but adds "advanced IR learning," although we're not really sure what makes it more advanced than a remote with standard IR learning. However, the top model of the family includes an RF receiver and transmitter, just in case you need that extra range. Beyond that, there's also some PC-card remotes that'll jack in with your laptop, but the best one out of all of them is the TINO SRM7500/xx -- this larger model comes with its own built-in LCD so that you can navigate and control music playback without turning on the screen of your home entertainment center. Plus, its got them learnin' smarts too, so it can show those other remotes who's boss. Philips neglected to mention how much any of this stuff will cost, nor when it will be released; until we find out, we'll just have to settle for our more traditional channel-changing wands.[Via Zatz Not Funny, image courtesy PVR Wire]
Ricavision's Vista MCE SideShow remote does Bluetooth at 100-meters
Just one day after seeing the first "officially announced" SideShow remote for Vista Media Center Edition, out pops this slider from Ricavision. Their loquaciously named remote -- the Microsoft Windows Vista SideShow Media Center Remote Control -- is a confirmed IR and Class 1 Bluetooth device. That gives you a 100-meter (or so) operating radius when coupled with the included USB RC6 (IR) receiver and Class 1 Bluetooth receiver. Nice, however, what's most notable is that sweet, sweet 2.5-inch QVGA LCD display for Microsoft's promising SideShow technology; a bit of magicking that hooks the remote into a suite of Media Center "Gadgets" allowing you to extract and display information related to your media. In short, you'll have damn-near full control over your media center's TV recordings and schedules, music library, radio presets, and collection of pictures and video. Better yet, the remote works with any Gadget assigned through Vista's SideShow Control Panel like eMail, calendar, and RSS feeds just to name a few. Great, now add a touchscreen and hack that thing in half and we'll be able to carry it around in our pockets. Nevertheless, we'll have to give this, and other SideShow remotes a thorough hands-on at CES in January to see if they're worth the premium. Otherwise, you'll just be in suspense, wondering how to spend the $199 the MWVSMCRC will cost ya when hitting in April, 2007 -- that would just be mean. More product renderings after the break.Read (not live until CES in January)
DirecTV now friendly with Viiv boxes, other PCs to come?
After DirecTV's long-awaited HR20 HD DVR finally got its rightful announcements and actually hit users' hands, it wasn't too long before folks were plugging and praying in hopes of getting their new toy to play nice with that HTPC beside it. While we knew the two firms had gone hand-in-hand awhile back, we finally got the thumbs-up that a new, Viiv-alicious DirecTV Plus HD DVR would be unveiled soon to interact out-of-the-box with Viiv-enabled systems, but more importantly, that a software update was coming to the plain ole HR20s to accomplish the same thing. The time has come, and users are reporting over at DBSTalk that the "0x108 software" has opened up the Ethernet port for use, and allows browsing / connections via a Viiv-certified machine, but definitely made things difficult for those not exactly keen on shelling out for a few new components. Nevertheless, there's already been somewhat of a workaround worked out, which allows PCs with just Windows MCE installed to "see" the HR20, but not "serve up files in a way that HR20 can work with," which we're all but certain will change as the wheels spin in owners' heads. Reportedly, DirecTV is establishing a dedicated website to getting folks up and running with the new connectivity options, and be sure to keep an eye on the linked thread for any "future developments" regarding non-Viiv-savvy PCs.[Via PVRWire]
MediaREADY kicks out budget-friendly MC HTPC
While not quite available to hit one of Engadget's Gift Guides, MediaREADY is deviating from the MP3 / PMP market to unveil a svelte new box that boasts very respectable innards and a very tempting pricetag. Simply dubbed the MC, this media center PC sports a typical, AV-like enclosure made to sit pretty beside your receiver, DVR, and theater-guarding Robosapian, and packs a decent listing of specs. Touting its own "television-optimized interface," the machine apparently provides all the comforts of Windows MCE, including TV recording, CD / DVD playback, digital slideshows, jukebox functionality, and the bevy of other multimedia-related tasks HTPCs are known to handle. Beneath the hood lies a mysterious 2.8GHz Intel processor, anonymous TV tuner / hardware video decoder, 512MB of RAM, 200GB hard drive, DVD burner, Ethernet, built-in 802.11b/g, wireless keyboard / trackball combo, and an IR remote. On the flip side, you'll find USB connectors, inputs for composite and S-Video, outputs for VGA, DVI, component, and S-Video, and audio ports for the usual stereo and optical / coaxial digital goodness. The sweetest bit about this well-rounded machine isn't the average assortment of components nor the overly simplistic name, but rather its $899 pricetag, which will look mighty appealing next to the much more expensive competitors when it lands in January.
IBuyPower offers up sub-$2,000 AMD Quad FX rig, undercuts Intel
Alright, so you knew very well the micro-sized 4x4 was on the way in, and we even filled you in on the nitty gritty a bit earlier, but before all that silicon-based information can even sink in properly, IBuyPower is already dishing out a very tempting way to blow two grand (or much, much more). Hot off the manufacturing lines, you can get your very own AMD Quad FX-based machine for around $2,000, which is monumentally less than the first few systems we noticed packing Intel's oh-so-pricey QX6700 processor. Granted, the $2k version is relatively stripped down, especially compared to the souped-up Intel counterparts, but you can certainly max out that increasingly large spending limit if you try. The firm offers the FX-70 in the low-end flavor, while you can opt for the speedier FX-72 or FX-74 should you so desire, while complementing it with a kilowatt-draining 500+ watt power supply, 512MB to 2GB of RAM, your choice of NVIDIA graphics card, and a bevy of various sized HDDs. Considering the likely stagnant retail prices of this fresh chips, the overall pricing isn't too outrageous, but we all know how things will look just a few months down the road anyway.[Via TGDaily]
Is this the real Windows Vista MCE remote?
Considering the brick of a device we previously assumed would grab the role of being Vista's MCE remote didn't exactly fit the shiny, smooth look that's (apparently) taking coders so long to master, it's not too surprising that it probably, well, won't. While the previous rendition may have very well been some early prototype, we've now got good reason to believe that a sexier, more curvaceous replacement may take its place. Delving through the latest Windows Vista Product Guide manual discloses a svelte new remote with a much more fitting design, including the oh-so-crucial (DVR) playback buttons at the top, directional pads in the center, and your typical number pad layout taking up the lower half. There's also a row of four "shortcut" buttons that will presumably trigger just the right components to make the magic happen. Per usual with devices that haven't even neared mass production (nor tout actual confirmation of their existence), there's no pricing or availability info to speak of, but this version sure fits the stylish design Microsoft is apparently going for.[Via Digg]
Pinnacle rolls out PCTV To Go placeshifting box, bundles WiFi
If you're scouting the perfect placeshifting device to cure those television blues while stuck at your TV-less grandmother's house for Thanksgiving, the Slingbox might not be the obvious choice anymore. Granted, it'll probably be awhile before the current king is dethroned, Pinnacle is giving the shifting game its best shot with the PCTV To Go. Sporting built-in WiFi / Windows MCE support, this content liaison works essentially like any other timeshifting device out there, and channels MPEG4 video to wherever you're logged in (or MPEG2 if connected locally). It also allows full control over your attached DVR, giving you the opportunity to schedule a recording for that oh-so-critical rerun of Nick Arcade, Season One. It reportedly works seamlessly with your home entertainment system, acting as a pass-through device that won't complicate things when wiring it up, but there's no word on whether it supports HD signals. The Pinnacle PCTV To Go should be available just before Turkey Day for a very competitive $249.99.Update: Thanks to an eagle-eyed reader who prefers to remain anonymous (apparently Pinnacle's got some leg breakers on its payroll) we now know that this is little more than a rebranded HAVA box from Snappy -- not that there's anything wrong with that, just sayin'.[Via PVRWire]
Okoro Media Systems busts out a pair of Blu-ray media PCs
While Sony and AMEX Digital have already busted out Blu-ray-equipped media PCs, it looks like Okoro Media Systems is finally making the leap, too. Just a few months after stuffing Core 2 Duo chips in its machines, the company has now unveiled the OMS-BX100 and OMS-BX300 HTPCs, which both sport Blu-ray drives and HDPC-compliant 1080p outputs. The thinner, sleeker BX100 packs an Intel T7200 Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, front panel LCD, optional 7-inch touchscreen, 500GB SATA hard drive, ATI X1600 PRO 256MB PCI-e graphics card, built-in TV tuner, and the usual complement of ports including 4-pin FireWire, audio in / out, USB 2.0, and just about every video output imaginable. The larger, more feature-packed BX300 houses an Intel 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo E6600 processor, 2GB of memory, a terabyte of internal storage, NVIDIA GeForce 7600 256MB PCI-e graphics set, dual OTA tuners, and touts the same port selection as its smaller sibling. Both units come with your choice of operating system and HTPC software, and while both boxes are available now, the low-profile BX100 starts at $2,995, and the beefed-up BX300 will set you back $3,495 (or much, much more).[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Klegg Electronics goes big with its 40-inch, MCE-infused LCD TV
Klegg seems to be kicking it up a notch from the wee LCDs it's accustomed to producing, as the 40-inch KLM-4010 is more suited for your living room than your front pocket. While it's certainly not the first LCD TV to stuff MCE functionality into its confines, this brushed aluminum beast packs quite a laundry list of impressive specs. It boasts a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 500cd/m2 of brightness, 1,366 x 768 resolution, HDMI, a pair of DVI ports, component, S-Video, composite, digital audio output, and a built-in Hauppauage PVR-150 MCE tuner. Additionally, it rocks an Intel Pentium 4 3GHz 630 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce 6200 graphics card, dual-layer, slot-loading DVD burner, FireWire / USB 2.0 connectors, flash card reader, and dual seven-watt integrated speakers. This PC / TV hybrid touts the ability to download video directly from the internet and store it without the need for a separate HTPC, but unfortunately there's no (presumably high) pricetag or release details to ponder over.[Via CrunchGear]
Sneak peek at Microsoft's Windows Vista MCE remote
Joining the celebratory Windows Vista soft drink as accessories that have hit the streets long before a finalized copy of the operating system itself, the Vista MCE remote was out and on display at this year's Digital Life expo. A curious fellow over at Neowin got a brief glimpse of the remote in action, and even got some hands-on time with the yet-to-be-released media liaison. The remote appears oddly rectangular -- an unusual deviation from the curvaceous trends we've seen in remotes -- yet was said to "fit in your hand beautifully despite the squared edges." While the obvious Vista logo dominates the face, the remote is otherwise subtle when it comes to labeling, striking a surprisingly clean look compared to the sticker-ridden devices we've become accustomed to. Moreover, the kiosk was supposed to demonstrate how Vista (and presumably the remote) interacted with the Xbox 360, but a "number of technical difficulties" prevented that anticipated show from commencing. As of now, there's been no word concerning price, expected delays, or eventual availability, but we're sure this is just the first of many media remotes we'll see coming down the pike for Microsoft's forthcoming OS.[Via PVRWire]
ADA's iHome Multi-Center: a Windows MCE which plays iTunes's DRM'd music
The iHome Multi-Center on display at CEDIA has been around for awhile but somehow managed to slip below our radar. Still, when a Windows Media Center Edition device touts the ability to playback Apple's DRM-protected AAC files, well, it makes sense to double-back and take notice. The device is said to exploit iTunes and the Quicktime APIs to create a two-zone (analog and digital audio) music server in addition to its MCE capabilities. The magic created by using Quicktime as the output driver makes the iHome the only server product we know of that will playback your FairPlay tracks purchased off the iTunes store. The slab even busts-out an IP control server which generates both full-sized and mini flash-based HTML pages for two-way control over the system from any networked device sportin' a web browser with Flash support. Sweet. The iHome MCE features a couple of 400GB disks (750GB disks coming early next year) and an HDTV video card for a luxurious, $8,000 addition to your home audio rack. You do have one don't you?[Via TalkAbout:CEDIA]
Inteset's "Julia" touchscreen-based MCE unit
Inteset continues its unique naming scheme for its MCE devices, adding the Julia to its line-up to compliment its Denzel, Vana and, um, TeraRAID units. This one's particularly notable for the inclusion of a touchscreen display, which is no easy feat given Media Center's decidedly touchscreen-unfriendly interface. To get around that, Inteset whipped up some custom pop-up menus and keyboards so you can navigate your way around without cluttering up your desk or countertop. The unit itself packs a 17-inch widescreen display, along with a CD/DVD drive, TV and FM tuners, 80GB hard drive, and Ethernet and WiFi capabilities. While the Julia's designed to work in conjunction with Inteset's other media server products, it'll also apparently work as a standalone unit, which would suggest it's got a bit more under the hood, though exactly what isn't clear. Neither are price nor availability, unfortunately.
