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Ask Engadget: What's the optimal DVD archival solution?
This week's Ask Engadget question is a bit on the specific side, but it's one we've heard asked time and time again. Thus, we figured it was time to finally get it out in the open for you readers to debate."I have an extensive DVD library that I would like to archive on a network drive and be able to access via my PS3, menus and all. I am currently using TVersity to stream videos from my PC to the console. I've seen walk-throughs for archiving DVDs, but I haven't seen anything that will present these via a DLNA server (to my PS3) with their original menus intact so that you can access special features such as commentary tracks and featurettes. I am not even sure that it is possible to navigate the menus via the PS3 remote. Any recommended solutions out there?"Can't you just hear the hopelessness in poor Ron's voice? Throw the guy a bone, will ya? And while you're at it, throw our highly sophisticated email sorter a question of your own at ask at engadget dawt com.
Sony launches eyeVio HD Pro video sharing service in Japan
Although Sony's eyeVio service has been live since April of last year, a recent announcement from the company is trumpeting said program's leap into the high-def world. The aptly-titled eyeVio HD Pro service will enable users to post and share HD video files from their PCs as well as their HDTVs if using the PlayStation 3 or BRX-NT1 network TV box. It should be noted that Adobe's Flash Player 9 is required to view the clips on PC and file uploads are capped at 500MB apiece, but hey, it's a start. YouTube, you listening?
Ask Engadget: What's the best home media server?
So we've asked you which HD media streamer you prefer. And we've done the same for NAS drives. But what if you're the type that's looking for the best of both worlds? Take it away, Stuart: "We have a laptop and a desktop, with plans to add another computer in the near future. I'd like something that can primarily provide a large (1TB+) storage repository that can be accessed via our network, as well as have space for data backups and media streaming capabilities. I've read articles on Drobo and Windows Home Server-based devices, but after a certain point my brain just starts to get overloaded. Which solution out there would be best for me? I'm trying to stay below $700 if possible." We think your task is pretty clear cut here, reader. Which home server out there is a notch above the rest? Would you recommend a pre-built device or a homegrown solution? After giving this one a whirl, toss your own inquiry over to ask at engadget dawt com - your very words may grace this space next week.
ZeeVee's ZvBox streams your PC to your HDTV over coax
Startup ZeeVee isn't out to flood the market with yet another ho hum media streamer, it's out to change the way you look at 'em. The June-bound ZvBox ($499) plugs into one's computer (VGA) and sends on-screen content to every TV in the house over existing coaxial cabling. Put simply, the unit enables users to view any kind of internet media right on their television with no subscription fees or wireless dropouts. Aside from bringing internet video over, users can also access any other computer application (web browser, built-in DVD player, etc.) right from their set. In order to handle said tasks, the box comes bundled with a wireless ZvRemote / Zviewer, but those comfortable with managing their own desktop won't be bothered with any fancy interfaces. Suffice to say, those looking to easily pipe their Media PC recordings to the family TV will certainly find reason to take notice. Head on the past the break for a few more details. %Gallery-21839%
D-Link's MediaLounge PC-on-TV DPG-1200 now shipping
Remember that DPG-1200 that got overshadowed by the outpouring of other media streamers landing at CES? Welp, D-Link has just announced that its PC-on-TV Player is finally shipping to eager customers and will soon be channeling web-based content directly to living room (or bathroom, kitchen, garage, underground bomb shelter, etc.) televisions for the marginally respectable price of $239.99. For those in dire need of a refresher, this MediaLounge device links up to your TV via VGA / component / composite and connects to your PC via WiFi; the bundled remote can then control the on-screen action, bringing YouTube, Google Video, Veoh Networks, etc. material from the intarwebz straight to your set. Whether or not the convenience is worth the cost, however, is totally your call.
Actiontec's zControl router extends networks to TVs, cellphones
We really, really wish we knew a bit more about Actiontec's ZCHAV1, but our interest has been officially piqued, regardless. Following in the footsteps of a few niche products already announced, this "router accessory" claims to extend home networks to televisions, cellphones and "other devices," and it will reportedly enable users to "control all network components from any display platform." Granted, this firm is no newcomer to cranking out multifaceted networking gizmos, but it looks like we'll be playing the ole wait-and-see game with the zControl.
Moxi's CEDIA booth tour
Well, it seems like the Moxi HD DMR is progressing along just fine, you know, considering that the thing had an entire booth at CEDIA dedicated to it. According to the firm's website, everything is still scheduled for a "fall release," and while we're still not sure how much this stuff will run you, the demo stations looked might impressive, indeed. The hardware units all tout a sleek, stylish and simplistic enclosure, and the crystal clear interface was a sight to behold. Don't believe it? Check it out for yourself below.%Gallery-7062%
Philips preparing assault on Apple TV
Now this is Interesting. According to TrustedReviews, Euro-powerhouse Philips was showing off this dedicated media streamer at Computex last week. The brushed aluminum enclosure packs HDMI and optical audio outs for your home entertainment rig and a 40GB disk which can be expanded via USB 2.0. Unfortunately, neither the interface nor the specs were on show. Now, anyone care to guess what that stubby slot is for? Read-on for a picture of the backside. [Via Gadget Discovery]
D-Link's Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge enables HD streaming
It's not too tough these days to find a router with HD streaming in its arsenal, but D-Link is aiming for a slightly different set with its dual-band Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge. Essentially, this liaison connects to your existing router in order to add 5GHz 802.11n abilities to your setup, which purportedly "helps avoid interference by allowing the user to use the 5GHz frequency band to provide a stable high-performance wireless link for streaming HD video." Clearly designed with the DIR-655 in mind, this device also allows up to five Ethernet-enabled media devices to become attached on a separate unit for even more high-definition WiFi streaming. Notably, the DAP-1555 itself doesn't seem to double as an Ethernet router, and unfortunately, you'll have to wait until the thing ships in Q3 to find out how much it'll dent your wallet.[Via SmallNetBuilder
Finally, on the fly WMV transcoding for the Xbox 360
We realize the fall update's only been out a few weeks, but it seems like an eternity for those of us that have been waiting since last November to stream media to our Xbox 360s without the need for a Media Center PC. A new TVersity patch allows users to transcode video to WMV -- now in real time -- for immediate distribution to their 360 over Windows Media Connect without the pain of duped files and finding a good WMV encoder. A little fuss, a little muss, and a few minor niggles to keep this from being a prime time solution, but still, there isn't exactly a plethora of ways to get your DivX onto your Xbox, so be grateful you've got at least something for now as the hardworking hacker front actually gives the people what the people want, whether or not it fits into Microsoft's digital media business plan.[Via Joystiq]
Verizon to offer "Home Media DVR" to FiOS customers
If you're tired of waiting for DirecTV's continually-delayed HD DVR, or just one of the lucky few who actually have access to FiOS service (and want to extract every ounce of greatness from it), Verizon is looking to hook you up. Available only to those in its (slowly) expanding FiOS network, Verizon is out to give subscribers a kinda sorta new way to watch television, and, of course, to cash in on the time-shifting craze while the window of opportunity is still open. The presumed selling point of its Home Media DVR is its ability to function as a "multiroom streaming media solution" that enables "up to three simultaneous viewings" of recorded material (whether or not this tidbit is worth $19.95 per month is debatable). Of course, the media can only be streamed to other "Verizon-approved" receivers -- whatever they may be -- and it's not yet clear if your Verizon cellphone will be one of those treasured devices. While we can imagine the list of restrictions on this streaming gig are quite lengthy, the company has stated that it will support "DVR-to-PC connectivity," thus enabling DVR viewing on a networked PC, though there's no mention of supporting wirelessly connected computers a la Slingbox. Apparently the DVR system will utilize a run-of-the-mill Motorola QIP6416 (dual HD-tuners and a 160GB hard drive) as the "hub" and a Motorola QIP2500 (basic STB that can receive content from the hub), both of which will communicate via MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) technology. While this rigamarole creates more questions than it answers, we're glad to see progress towards a centralized content viewing / streaming solution, but getting cable companies and the almighty content providers to warm up to the idea of slinging material around on a home network (and beyond?) probably won't be easy.[Via Ars Technica]
Seagate goes 1TB with Maxtor Shared Storage II
Seagate knows that you can never have too much storage space at your disposal, which is why the company's just bulked up its well-received NAS line with the 1TB Maxtor Shared Storage II. Like other products of the same ilk, the SS II allows up to 20 connected Mac or Windows PCs to send and receive data to and from the two 7,200RPM 500GB hard drives, which can also be configured in a RAID 1 array for an extra level of protection. A high-speed Gigabit Ethernet connection should ensure rapid file transfers, and two built-in USB ports allow you to connect a printer or other peripheral device for sharing among multiple users. You're also getting UPnP support here, so with the proper adapters you can stream tunes, vids, and pics to compatible networked A/V gear throughout your pad. The Shared Storage II is scheduled for release sometime this month, but such a capacious device doesn't come cheap: expect to throw down around $900 if you're interested in this whole-house storage and backup solution.
Maxtor's Shared Storage Plus NAS device reviewed
Reg Hardware seems to agree with our own astute pundit Ross Rubin that Maxtor's Shared Storage Plus Network Attached Storage device is a winner as a solid backup solution while doing double-duty as a capacious media server. Testing the 500GB version of the SSP, El Reg found the device easy to setup and share among several users, with software that provides a simple way to set up incremental backups, network printing, or media streaming to compatible uPnP devices. There do seem to be a few downsides here, most notably the irritating fan whine and skimpy one year warranty, and less importantly, the fact that it tags the icons of folders selected for backup with a little tick mark. If tick marks and fan noise don't bother you, though, the $465-as-tested SSP sounds like a pretty good way to backup data for small offices and homes with multiple computers, while giving you a little extra functionality to boot
