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Dell's Inspiron Zino HD on sale now in America: starts at $229, doubles as an HTPC
Dell has taken its sweet time in bringing the 7.75- x 7.75- x 3.5-inch Inspiron Zino HD to market, but just 24 hours after it made its market debut across the pond, this little zinger is finally available to the Yanks in attendance. Starting at just $229, the mini PC is far more exhilarating than most ho hum nettops. Oh sure, the base configuration is fairly unexciting, but thankfully Dell enables you to add up to 8GB of memory, a 1.8GHz dual-core AMD Athlon Neo X2 6850e CPU, up to 1TB of HDD space, an optional Blu-ray drive, a 512MB ATI Radeon HD 4330 discrete GPU and WiFi to the mix. 'Course, speccing it out will obviously raise the price substantially, but it's always nice to see more power than anticipated within such a minuscule box. Of note, Dell also mentions that an optional TV tuner, wireless keyboard and mouse are available, but at least for now, the TV tuner is nowhere to be found in the configuration pages. Other inclusions are a 4-in-1 card reader, four USB 2.0 sockets and a pair of eSATA ports. Who says HTPCs have to breathe fire? Update: We've just heard that the TV tuner won't be available at launch (sounds a lot like what happened with the Mini 10), so there goes those dreams of immediately gratifying your urge for a new HTPC of the smallest scale.
RFiDJ: the coaster-controlled HTPC switches playlists while you switch drinks (video)
You know, RFID hasn't done much for itself in the consumer market. To most average Joes and Janes, the tech is really only around for use in complex supply chains and warehouses that they'd rather block from their minds. Thanks to Roteno Labs, we now have at least one glorious example of just how awesome RFID tags truly are, as the RFiDJ project demonstrates how tagged coasters can be used to instantly switch playlists stored on an HTPC. You simply set a designated coaster on top of the machine, and within seconds a new playlist is activated. We hear that videos actually do speak louder than words, so we'll just stop here and beg you to hop on past the break for a memorable encounter with splendiferousness. [Via Hack a Day]
Microsoft emancipates Digital Cable Tuners with second Media Center update today
Scant hours after the SDV tuning, DRM-relaxing firmware update for Vista and Windows 7 Digital Cable Tuner users became available, Missing Remote let us know Microsoft has come through on the other half of its CEDIA promise by pushing the Digital Cable Advisor to Media Center Extras galleries everywhere. This half should enable all Windows 7 PCs to work with the CableCard tuners, sans-OEM requirement or inconvenient hacking. Sure we could ask for more from Windows 7 Media Center, but for now Netflix and these two (in less than 100 days) will have to do. Read - MCE: Digital Cable Advisor Tool Available Now! Read - ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings are a go
Myka ION brings Hulu, Boxee and other web content to your TV
It's been almost a full year since we heard a peep from the fine folks at Myka, but it looks like we could be talking about 'em a lot more often judging by the specs list on its latest contraption. The simply-titled ION is an Atom-based media PC that relies on NVIDIA's Ion graphics set and a customized interface that brings Hulu, Boxee and pretty much any other web content you can stumble upon to your television. Within, you'll find a 1.6GHz dual-core Atom 330 CPU, up to 4GB of RAM, ten USB 2.0 ports, VGA / DVI / HDMI outputs, an eSATA connector, Ethernet and plenty of audio outputs. The fanless design ensures that things remain quiet, and for those oozing cash, a Blu-ray drive, HDD and WiFi module can be implanted. It's up for order right now starting at $379, but you'll be stuck waiting four to six weeks for delivery. %Gallery-77659%
XBMC ARM port teased, will manage HD playback from pocket-sized Beagleboard (video)
There was a time when the X in XBMC stood for Xbox, but now just look at it. The open source project is showing up on everything from MIDs to Apple TVs and soon will be in the wild running on ARM-powered devices, with the development team posting a teaser video of the software running quite well on a tiny 600MHz Beagleboard. It's a fraction of the size of most HTPCs and, at $150, a fraction of their cost, too. Right now the software seems to be struggling a bit with what looks to be 480p wide content, but the devs promise proper HD playback in the full release -- though they're not saying when that full release will be.
Cisco FlipShareTV streamer outed in FCC documents
Flip Video remote, meet your family. One of Cisco's latest FCC filings happened to keep its user manual outside the seal of confidentiality, giving us a pretty good look at FlipShareTV, a setup for streaming recorded video from the computer's FlipShare software, out the USB dongle transmitted wirelessly to the receiver connected to the TV... and that's about it. Nothing too thrilling here, and there's no indication of price or release date. More pictures below -- any Flip enthusiasts actually excited by this? %Gallery-76850% [Via Zatz Not Funny]
Windows 7 Media Center's upgraded Netflix Watch Instantly interface now available
Those already upgraded to Windows 7 ahead of Thursday's launch events (no, we're not coming to your party) should find a Netflix button parked under the Movies section in Media Center starting today. Clicking it revealed a slightly smoother install process than the initial Netflix upgrade for Vista users last spring, then it's off to the refreshed interface we first spotted at CEDIA -- extender support or HD streaming is still out. Also updated is the out-of-beta internet TV sliding under the TV tab (new from beta 2: Adobe Flash video support and region locking) with a wide assortment of streaming video available, though the picture quality still leaves something to be desired. [Thanks, Daren & Craig] Update: Not seeing it yet? Go to the Tasks -->Settings-->General-->Automatic Download Options and manually start an update there, the new tiles should arrive shortly. %Gallery-75959% %Gallery-72477%
GlideTV Navigator puts Media Center controls in the palm of your hand
Otherwise content users of Boxee or Hulu on the big screen in the living room, the tyranny of the keyboard and mouse may finally be over! GlideTV Navigator is a palm-sized remote control that features a trackpad and backlit AV buttons, just the thing to further enable your YouTube addiction beyond the confines of your computer nook. Works with Windows XP or Vista (we're assuming there's a Windows 7 version on tap as well), Mac OS X, and the Sony PS3, and the package includes a charging cradle and USB receiver. Sadly, the on-screen keyboard and integrated search apps are Windows only for the time being. Look to spend about $149 -- but not before peeping the gallery below.%Gallery-75429%
Sony's VAIO L 1080p all-in-one PC is perfect for rockin' moms (video)
Sony has a long history of VAIO all-in-one machines, usually taking the party line by offering swank aesthetics combined with slightly cringe-inducing price tags. When we went hands on with its latest, the VAIO L, we found it to look just as good as those earlier ones, but its $1,300 price tag to be rather fair. Built into a 24-inch, 1920 x 1080 (1080p) touchscreen it's meant to serve as both an HDTV and a PC, featuring an HDMI inport where you can plug in your PS3. Yes, that's what mom calls it before she starts rocking out with the kiddos in the video after the break. It has a 500GB drive for your apps and for DVR recordings through Windows 7 Premium, packs a Blu-ray writer, a Core 2 Duo processor, and "loads of RAM." Sure, there are cheaper ways to get an all-in-one, but only one comes standard with an inport.
Okoro delivers mini Media PCs with a full size price tag
Continuing its streak of questionably high priced media PCs Okoro has announced the new OMS-Q100 and OMS-Q200 Quantum mini Digital Entertainment Systems. Combining an Intel Atom processor and NVIDIA ION in the OMS-Q200 and Mobile Core 2 Duo in the OMS-Q200 with 4GB of RAM with 320GB of hard drive space, 7.1 audio outputs, OTA & QAM recording capability (plus optional digital cable tuner) these tiny, quiet boxes could find a welcoming home theater somewhere, though the starting price of $1,295 may make for a difficult fit. You probably don't need our help to put together something equivalent or better for less than that, but feel welcome to it.
Video: VIA's VB8003 Mini-ITX board has dual-HDMI, could rock your HTPC's world
Remember when the PlayStation 3 was going to have dual-HDMI ports so that games could pump 1080p video to two displays simultaneously? Ahh, those were good 'ol days. That configuration obviously didn't come to pass, but VIA's looking to deliver dual-HDMI and more in its next integrated Mini-ITX solution, the VB8003, which also packs DVI and VGA ports, as well as an LVDS output, meaning it could control five displays at once (though with only four discrete signals). It uses the Trinity Platform with a 1.6GHz Nano processor, a VX800 Media System Processor, and an integrated S3 GPU, all paired with up to 4GB of memory. 1080p playback is said to be easily handled, with the system supporting resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, even though such an onslaught of pixels would surely turn your HDTV into a smoldering ruin. There's no mention of price or availability yet, so you current set can relax -- for now.
Video: VIA EPIA-P720 Pico-ITX motherboard plays 1080p, doesn't sweat much
While NVIDIA's Ion has been getting all of the attention of late, VIA's been doing this 1080p thing for quite some time. We actually heard earlier this year that the company's EPIA-P710 Pico-ITXe board was capable of playing back glorious 1080p video clips, but now we've got video proof that the unit's successor truly can. According to VIA, this mobo is the first from it to come with the VX855 Media System Processor onboard, which is obviously the secret sauce involved in delivering the high-res graphics. Head on past the break for a peek at the demo, and good luck resisting the urge to build a new SFF HTPC over the weekend.
Packard Bell debuts oneTwo line of all-in-one PCs
It seems like a no-brainer, introducing small footprint, multitouch Windows machines to rooms usually off-limits to PCs. HP's certainly taking a stab at it, and now the "trendy lifestyle brand" (ugh) Packard Bell is going for the gold in Europe. First up, the oneTwo L sports a 23-inch (1600 x 900) display, an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 graphics, E-SATA, and optional Blu-ray drive and DVB TV tuner. For the more budget-conscious touchscreen fiend, the oneTwo M comes in with a 20-inch (1920 x 1080) display, Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD series 4500. Both will ship with Windows 7, up to 8GB RAM, PacBell's TouchGadgets (including TouchFriends social networking integration for Flickr and Facebook, TouchMusic media player, TouchMemo, and TouchMediaShare), a 5-in-1 memory card reader, and a webcam. You can expect to pay €999 ($1,452) for the former, or €599 ($872) for the latter. On sale October 22. Video after the break.
Niveus steps up Media Centers with SSD, RAID and white gloves
Today is officially the first day of CEDIA Expo 2009 and now that Microsoft has announced its Media Center news, it's the partner's turn. Up first is Nevius which is of course releasing new Media Center PCs with Windows 7, so of course the new looser DRM and other features are included. Niveus is stepping up the hardware though too by adding RAID and SSD drives to the Pro Series, and also a new Windows Home Server requirement for its full system restoration capabilities. The other new offering is the aptly named White Glove service, which basically means the services to integrators is getting an upgrade. Prices are promised before the official launch on October 22nd, but based on the existing offering, we'd bet we still won't be able to afford it.
Live from the Microsoft Windows Media Center event
If you can't wait to see what new announcements Microsoft will have surrounding Windows 7 Media Center, then you should head over to Engadget HD for our live coverage of the event. We made our predictions early, which means you can either look in awe of our genius or laugh as we miss every mark, either way click through to see what's new in Media Center.
CyberPower serves up water-cooled LAN Mini H2o SFF rig
If you're looking for an ultra compact, ultra quiet new machine to act as your resident HTPC, CyberPower might just have an option worth eying. The all new LAN Mini H2o is said to be one of the planet's tiniest water-cooled desktop gaming rigs, and while it's equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo / Core 2 Quad CPUs, NVIDIA or ATI graphics and more hard drive space than you'll initially know what to do with, there's absolutely nothing stopping you from repurposing this is a media center PC. The box checks in at 11.25- x 8.75- x 7-inches and weighs just ten pounds, and there's even room for a WiFi adapter, Blu-ray drive and HDMI socket. Feel free to customize yours now, with the Core 2 Quad Q9550-equipped base rig starting at $965.Update: Well, wouldn't you know it? Seems these guys got the idea from Vigor Gaming [.doc file].
Verizon launches FiOS TV Online trial
That smug FiOS guy wants you to know that Verizon has announced the launch of FiOS TV Online, extending your sitcom addiction to yet another screen with on-demand programming from TNT and TBS (with other providers coming "soon," apparently). If you thought watching Project Runway on your Motorola Krave was mind-blowing, wait until the latest Mark-Paul Gosselaar snoozefest is available any time, any day, on your laptop! Kind of makes Twitter widgets seem rather tame in comparison. Full PR after the break. Update: Here's that link to the Verizon Products Trials Program. FiOS customers, let us know how it works out for you!
Microsoft's CEDIA event September 9th to reveal what's new in Media Center
We had a good feeling that Microsoft might have a thing or two to announce around Windows 7 Media Center at the upcoming CEDIA show in Atlanta this September, but now we can start the official countdown. The after-hours event at ESPN Zone will help kick off the show in Atlanta at 6:30pm -- the event is invite only, but don't worry, we'll be brining you the events live as they happen. Although the specific announcements are anyone's guess, the invite did let us know that all of the Windows Media Center news and updates will break there, as well as the winner of the Ultimate Install Contest. So that's just over two weeks until all your home media hopes will be fulfilled -- or destroyed -- depending on your perspective.
ASUS Eee Keyboard rumored for October, Ion-based Eee Box and Eee Top even sooner
It's not official, but we'll take whatever information we can get when it comes to the launch of ASUS' all-in-one Eee Keyboard PC with 5-inch LCD. After seeing rumored launch dates come and go, out pops another, this time from DigiTimes and its Taiwanese industry sources who tend to be pretty accurate with hometown ASUS' plans. The date? October, with a price set to run between $400 and $500. DigiTimes also claims that the NVIDIA Ion-based Eee Box should arrive in September as will that 20-inch Eee Top. Eh, could be... those dates certainly jibe with what we've already heard.
Boxee locks up additional funding, plots route from underground to mainstream
We're not sure how this affects the zero-dollar revenue goal for 2009, but popular media player software Boxee announced it has closed a $6 million round of financing including a new partner, General Catalyst. We'll let the money men assess value, the key point for users is how this affects the company's plan to take the platform from underground darling to mainstream hit - embedding the software in connected TVs, Blu-ray player, game consoles and set-top boxes. With a Windows alpha release in the bag and latest support from MLB.tv Boxee seems well on the way towards reaching larger audiences, CEO Avner Ronen says to look forward to the beta release this fall, more content deals and extending the App Store and API support. Our advice is to avoid tearing an ACL itself dancing on stage like another recent independent performer turned-mainstream star, what would you like to see from Boxee now that the company has more resources to provide it?
