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Windows Media Center isn't ready for the digital transition
Media Center fans woke up to a rude awakening late last week when they realized that many of their OTA HD channels were missing guide data. After a number of reports at The Green Button -- where Microsoft is usually very receptive to programming data problems -- it become apparent that almost all the channels missing data were the very same ones where the broadcasters stayed on schedule and shut off their analog transmitters in February. We dropped a quick note to Microsoft to see what the deal is, but while we wait for a response we theorized that this might have something to do with the way OTA HD used to work in Windows Media Center Edition. Back in those days you had to have an analog tuner in order to add an HD tuner, so it makes some sense that the two were linked together, at least at some point. Further lending to this theory is the fact that those running the infamous TV Pack aren't affected and nor are those running a Windows 7 Beta -- MS completely rewrote how the tuners work in the newer releases. Now if you'll please excuse us while we go manually schedule all of our recordings, you know, like on an old VCR.
Boxee remote app for iPhone and iPod Touch available on App Store
We've made no secret of our love for the Boxee media center. Its lovable interface works great from 2ft. to 20ft. and covers just about everything an HTPC should on both the Apple TV and Mac mini. Now, after weeks of being in review, the folks over at the Boxee blog have finally announced the availability of the Boxee remote app (iTunes link). It's extremely affordable for everything it does (it's Free) and is available immediately. If you've lost your Apple remote, or for whatever reason don't have (or want) one, Boxee's remote app is a pure gem. Check it out now and then give Boxee some suggestions on how they can improve it.
CableCARD diagnostic tool gets previewed at Media Center University
Say hello to some of the first screens from the Digital Cable Tuner Diagnostics (DCTD) tool, courtesy of CE Pro, who got a peek as it was shown off during the Media Center University currently underway at EHX Spring. It can check individual channel strength, whether you're properly paired and provisioned with the cable company and that you've been set up with all the channels you're paying for. The bad news is you probably won't be doing any of this, unless the software leaks or something changes, since it's only going to be available for the ($500 membership fee required) Media Center Integrator Alliance. For those who've dropped coin on a high end custom media center installation, it should cut the time and heartache installed significantly, but detailed help for the rest of us is in another castle.
Engadget HD Podcast 126 - 03.08.2009
In this special edition of the Engadget HD Podcast we sit down for an all Media Center, all the time show with the new host of the Custom Integrator show, Derek R Flickinger -- or Dr. Flick as we like to call him. Derek isn't just a Media Center enthusiast, in fact he does this for a living and could quite possibly be the biggest Media Center fanboy ever -- loves himself some HDMI too. His new show is all about how to be a professional Media Center integrator and he's not focusing on easy installs. As you'll find out, his show covers the nitty gritty tips and tricks on how to design and install a reliable Media Center system in even the most exotic of homes. So yeah, you can learn more than a thing or two about Media Center. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes. [Zune]Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace [MP3] Download the show (MP3). Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh Guest: Derek R Flickinger Producer: Trent Wolbe LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG)
New CableCARD diagnostic tool for Windows Media Center makes installation slightly less frustrating
Let's be honest, getting a CableCARD to work with Windows Media Center is far, far, far from a smooth process. Thankfully, the Media Center Integrator Alliance -- this sort of the things is its bag, naturally -- are set to show off a Digital Cable Tuner Diagnostics tool at next week's Electronic House Expo. It'll provide all kinds of information on your tuner and CableCARD, including modulation type, format, frequency, carrier, PCR Lock, encoding level, and authorization -- and if all that goes way over your head, there's an option to export the data to XML and send it to someone who can help. No word on when we'll see an official release, but no matter what, it won't be soon enough.
HDMI-equipped ASUS Eee Box 206 eyes-on
A number of you bemoaned the fact that MSI's WindBOX lacked an oh-so-necessary HDMI port, so maybe the better option for you is an LCD mounted Eee Box 206. Yep, the HD-minded mini PC was set up here in Hannover, with one of the units hosted up nicely on the rear of a flat-panel monitor. The fit was flush and the connections were easily accessible, so those looking for a nice, if not underpowered media center should definitely give this one a glance. Speaking of glances, you do cast some right now in the gallery below.%Gallery-46966%
VidaBox's RoomClient: SE can get you started with HTPCs, no training wheels needed
Where does a HTPC enthusiast who needs some of Kaleidescape's ease-of-use, but is left cold by even the new Mini System pricing turn? We'd suggest rolling your own HTPC, but if that's out of the question, then VidaBox's new RoomClient:SE might fit the bill. For $2,250, you can pick up what amounts to a cute little Vista Media Center box packed with a single analog tuner (hey, it's good for a few more months) and a digital tuner, a 1TB hard drive, DVD burner, audio out via optical or 8x3.5-mm jacks and video output over HDMI (courtesy a DVI adapter), component, VGA or S-Video. Once you're ready to step things up, the RoomClient will pull duty as either a VidaBox Server or extender; sadly, the Blu-ray streaming of its bigger brother RoomClientHD didn't make the cut.
Hulu on its way to Windows Media Center via SecondRun.tv
promising There's no question that the hottest new video site these days is Hulu and every media streamer and HTPC software around it trying to get in on the action by offering a way to access the fast amount of Hollywood content on bigger screens. The latest in the mix is Windows Media Center via a plug-in called SecondRun.tv. Before you get too excited though, it should be noted it's still in a private beta, but the screen shots do look promising. Now if only the video and sound quality of Hulu wasn't completely unbearable on a 60-inch HDTV with surround sound.
Analyst: Game consoles are most Internet connected STB, but Blu-ray players will lead growth
Wondering about the progress of the "connected home" so effectively diagrammed above? In-Stat's got the numbers, noting that by June 2008, nearly 43% of U.S. Windows PCs were of the Media Center variety, and found 64% of respondents at least somewhat interested in streaming video from the Internet to their TV. As it is, it looks like getting your Internet video service onto a game console is the best move (you don't say?) since they're the most commonly 'net connected CE device, but thanks to BD-Live and plunging hardware prices, the analysts see Blu-ray players leading growth. We're just hoping the additional details in the $3,495 version include telling higher ups that we'd like more selection and surround sound to go with our streaming HD. Any other requests?
GeeXboX 1.2 LiveCD media center OS adds HDTV, widescreen tweaks
A lightweight option in the media center OS race, GeeXboX gives a full media PC solution in your pocket by virtue of its Linux LiveCD foundation. Boot it up anywhere and access media on your hard drive, discs or on the Internet without reconfiguring your entire system. The 1.2 release throws in 64 bit support for x86 processors, HDTV and widescreen optimizations, plus a Win32 installer to load it to the HDD if you so desire. Pictured above is a peek at the upcoming 2.x interface, but in the meantime head over and give version 1.2 a try right now.[Via Softpedia]
How-to guide explains boxee / Vista Media Center integration
We've already seen boxee for Windows previewed, but if you've been toying with the idea of integrating it into your Vista Media Center setup, you'll probably want to give the read link a look. In short, the step-by-step guide walks you gently through the integration procedure in order to provide easy access to built-in Windows functions (recorded shows, for instance) as well as boxee's portal to the best content the web has to offer. Have a look at the results video just after the break.
Missing remote covers the new highs and lows of Media Center in Windows 7
The Missing Remote spent a few weeks with the new Windows Media Center in Windows 7 and was nice enough to share the experience by posting an overview and a few nice videos. Most of the this has been covered before, but there were a few good tidbits like m2ts container support, which will come in handy for playing Blu-ray rips. The most interesting part though is the list of pain points that were not addressed, like the fact that you still can't record the live TV buffer, no channel logos, and there is still no native Blu-ray support. The author obviously isn't an avid EHD reader or he would've been intimately familiar with the new Cyberlink Blu-ray playback software that was shown at CES. As for our coverage of the new Media Center features in Windows 7, stay tuned.
boxee for Windows alpha previewed
Looking for another Windows Media Center complement / alternative? Download Squad's taken a look at the currently in private alpha Windows version of boxee and found the interface a breeze to operate with a standard Windows Media Center remote, not surprising since it was originally designed with Mac remotes in mind. Of course, without Media Center's DVR underpinnings it's not a full replacement, but with a slick video browser and often updated sources, it could find its niche as a way to navigate both locally stored and online streaming video. Hit the read link for more impressions if you haven't been invited to the party (now open to all on Mac or Ubuntu) yet.
DISH Network's Draco project brings programming to Windows Media Center
Aw, snap! Just over a month after DirecTV went and killed its totally promising HDPC-20 tuner, in flies this. DISH Network is apparently gearing up to unveil some sort of HD-capable DISH-to-Windows Media Center liaison, with current test setups involving a modified ViP 211K receiver attached via Ethernet to a PC. The initiative is being coined Draco, and we're even told that dual tuner setups (most likely using dual boxes for now) are in action and working beautifully. It's tough to tell if this is the same project that was rumored way back in April of last year, but it's safe to say DISH is hoping to pick up the pieces that DirecTV inexplicably dropped. Windows Media Center, you've just regained our attention.%Gallery-42371%
XBMC spinoff Media Portal reaches version 1.0, five year countdown to MediaPortal 2 begins
It's been five long years, but the devs behind MediaPortal have decided their Windows Media Center / SageTV / BeyondTV competitor is worthy of exiting beta, finally reaching version 1.0. A long way from its roots as a Xbox Media Center port for Windows, it promises easy access to music, movies and more from a full screen display, along with support for watching and recording live TV. DownloadSquad mentions MediaPortal 2 is now on the way, with the open source project looking to add media streaming to / from various devices to the mix. Certainly seems worth a look if waiting on a boxee invite isn't your cup of tea.[Via Download Squad]
Samsung MediaLive Digital Media Adapter review
One of the reasons why Microsoft's Media Center is so attractive is because of the extender functionality. It allows you to enjoy just about all the same content in every room of your house, without the need to buy more than one HTPC. But with variety sometimes brings hard choices, so this motivated us to start a quest to find the best Media Center Extender. While the Xbox 360 is the obvious choice for most, it isn't the best solution for everyone. So we started out by comparing it to every extender out there. But since our initial shoot out, a few more Extenders have made their way to market, and the most recent addition is the Samsung MediaLive Media Adapter. At first glance it seems that this is the perfect solution for anyone with a Samsung TV, and while the tight integration, great price, and diminutive size is attractive, you'll have to click though to find out why we're still on the hunt for the perfect Windows Media Center Extender. %Gallery-38727%
DirecTV "suspends development" on HDPC-20 tuner
File this one in the category of "Oh, no they didn't!" Sadly, it seems they really have. DirecTV has sent out an email stating the following: "DirecTV has suspended the development of the HDPC-20 tuner project that was designed to integrate DirecTV service into Windows Media Center after assessing the impact of missing the August 2008 release of Windows Media Center update and considering timing of the next release." The note goes on to say that both the satcaster and Microsoft understand that folks are clamoring for an easy way to get DirecTV content on the PC, and that both companies are "continuing to explore ways to integrate DirecTV service with Windows-based PCs in the future." And to think, that hands-on we got late last month just might be the last you ever see of this promising little box. Why... just, why?[Via Gearlog, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Beyond TV 4.9 officially released, packs in placeshifting, h.264, ClearQAM for $99
Dumping the beta tag, Snapstream's officially rolled out the placeshifting, Clear QAM-compatible singing and dancing Beyond TV 4.9, rolling previously optional $29.99 h.264 and DVD burning plugins into the standard package, upping the pricetag for new users from $69 to $99 (upgraders who never bought the plugins and don't want them can still hop in for the old price). If watching place shifted TV via web browser isn't interesting enough by itself, Snapstream threw in beta support for the Hauppage HD-PVR, new Web admin features and more. Enough to convince you to upgrade, or dive into the build it yourself DVR market for the first time?[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Boxee releases new alpha, adds Netflix support
It's a pretty awesome day to be a Netflix fan. Not only is the Watch Instantly service officially available for OS X, it's also now working via boxee, my favorite media center application!Boxee pushed out an impromptu update last week for Apple TV owners, specifically to address issues with the 2.3 firmware update. Today's update is targeted at all boxee versions and adds a host of new features, including the big dog: Netflix support for US customers. Note: Netflix support is currently only in the Mac version of boxee. The boxee team is working hard to bring it to the Apple TV, but they need to work around some of the hardware limitations. They'll be posting updates on the boxee blog on their progress.Here's the rundown: Netflix support for Mac users Improved Hulu performance and a new Hulu interface, including access to your personal Hulu queues Access to TheWB.com (US only unless you use a proxy) The Boston Globe's Big Picture blog - amazing photos from around the world MTVMusic - songs/artists in your collection are now linked with music videos New YouTube interface, improved performance and .h264 support Custom interfaces and improved playback for CNN, Flickr and Picasa All in all, this is a pretty stellar update. When I talked to the team from boxee last week, they made it clear that Neflix was the #1 priority. That they got Netflx running in boxee in under two weeks is nothing short of amazing. Yes, I do wish that support would be extended to Apple TV users, but I can be patient. If you haven't tried boxee, you can go to http://boxee.tv/tuaw and get an invite. You'll need an Intel Mac running OS X 10.4 or OS X 10.5 or an Apple TV. Boxee is also available for Ubuntu 7.10 and 8.04, though I'm unsure if the team was able to implement Netflix support for Ubuntu yet.Give it a shot and tell us what you think in the comments!
Ultimate HTPC build guide lays out your options
You could take the easy way out and just buy a pre-fabricated HTPC, but seriously, where's the joy in that? ArsTechnica has hosted up its refreshed Ultimate Home Theater PC build guide, and in addition to breaking down the pros and cons of investing in such a beast, it details a variety of builds based on your (probable) needs. Do you need a robust all-in-one system? A lightweight front-end to tap into your pre-installed home server system? Or how's about a heavy-duty back-end setup that can be utilized by lightweight clients at the TV? Whatever the case, all the information you need is just down there in the read link.
