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Amulet shows off Kinect voice control for Windows Media Center (video)
The Amulet Devices team has been pushing voice control for Windows Media Center through its remote accessory, but now it's dived into the pool of Kinect hacks with a demo (video embedded after the break) using the Xbox 360 add-on instead. The company blog breaks down some of the hardware capabilities of the device that make it ideal for voice control (as previously seen in the Xbox apps for ESPN3, Hulu Plus and Netflix) and also details some of the efforts used to make it work here. If there's enough interest it may release the demo software for free, and already plans to bring out a full version when Microsoft unleashes a commercial version of the Kinect SDK. We're still not sure if voice control is ready to take over for standard remotes but at least talking to the TV is less of a strain than gesture control on our weak made-for-blogging arms.
Is Windows Media Center not dead after all?
When Microsoft dissolved the eHome team that developed Media Center and renamed the MVP program to Windows Entertainment and Connected Home, there was some serious questions about the future of the product. While that question won't really be answered until September, when Microsoft is expected to reveal the feature complete beta at the company's Build Conference, a few leaked screen shots at TheGreenButton.tv show the same old Windows 7 Media Center running on Windows 8. We can't saw we're surprised, since all indications are that Windows 8 will be a dot-one release, in terms of compatibility with Vista and 7, so there's really no reason for Microsoft to pull it. We're not the only one who'd be surprised to see new features though, as everyone we know seems to agree it would be silly to think otherwise. The real scary\sad thing is that Windows 7 has been out for almost two years, and no other DVR has managed to match many of its features.
AllVid still seems like a dream, but new CableCARD rules go into effect soon
It's no surprise that a government entities' own deadlines are never met, but while the FCC's Broadband Plan originally expressed its intent to apply bandaids to CableCARD in the Fall of 2010, November 1st 2011 is the date most feeling the pain can circle on their calendar. That is the day all cable providers will be required to allow self installs, while December 1st is the day that the new useless IP interface must start working -- certainly to be made useless by unlicensable DRM, like 5C did to 1394. These new CableCARD rules are still great for TiVo, Moxi and InfiniTV customers, but the dream of AllVid seems destined to follow a similar fate with 2011 half way over and almost no progress towards the promise of a 2012 deployment made.
InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner adds $100 instant rebate, new retailers
While there's no official price drop yet, Ceton has officially authorized several new retailers for the InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner, and announced partnerships with several new retailers. The shocking price drops spotted over the weekend seem to have mostly dried up -- the $282 eBay auction shows 3 left, Amazon's super low offer has disappeared, Buy.com is sold out and Erwin Computer's price is up to $278. However, the addition of new retail partners means snagging a card for $299 is easier than ever, and while that may not put some Hamiltons back in your pocket it should at least provide some peace of mind.
InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner prices are dropping, down to $256 shipped from $399 previously
Whether it's due to pressure from SiliconDust's HDHomeRun Prime or as a result of simplified hardware is unclear, but Ceton's InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner is now available for as little as $256 shipped. Forum posters at Missing Remote noticed a $282 fire sale for the HTPC cable TV adapters going on eBay Friday, before prices dropped precipitously at Buy.com ($264), and an Amazon third party ($265). Lesser known Erwin Computers currently claims the lowest price, while Ceton's official Amazon listing and those of other resellers like Cannon PC and Fluid Digital remain at the $399 MSRP -- for now. The choice is yours -- wait for official word and to see if prices drop any lower or click the buy button now and get some (network sharable) cable TV reception for your computer in time for the second episode of Teen Wolf on MTV.
Remote Potato for Media Center hits v1.0, serves up recorded TV, videos, and music to wherever you are
If you want control of your Windows PC and access to the media stored on it -- including Media Center recordings -- while you're actually somewhere else, the free Remote Potato server powers many solutions to enable that and recently hit version 1.0. Some of the new features include fully seekable video streaming in a web browser, on iPhone or iPad, and streaming of videos in "most major formats." Check the video demo above for an example of just what this software can do or hit the source link for the full changelog.
AirPlay for Windows Media Center beta now available
Thomas Pleasance has released a beta of AirPlay for Windows Media Center, which does just what you think: it streams video and photos to a Windows Media Center PC via Apple's AirPlay. To get started, install Apple's Bonjour for Windows and Pleasance's client on your Media Center PC. From there, fire up your iPhone or iPad and send over some photos or movies (note that music isn't supported yet). The Digital Lifestyle has posted a hands-on with the setup, noting, "I was impressed how quickly video playback started, within seconds of selecting Windows Media Center Airplay option my Media Center PC was playing the video and without leaving Media Center at all." Sounds good! Let us know how this goes if you try it out.
AirPlay for Windows Media Center does exactly what you're thinking it does
This isn't the first time Windows has been invited to the AirPlay party, but Thomas Pleasance's AirPlay for Windows Media Center addin seems to already be one of the smoother combinations we've seen and it's still in beta. Unsurprisingly, it does what the name says, so after installing Apple's Bonjour service and the free client on your Media Center PC you should be able to stream video or pictures to it (there's no support for music yet) from an iPad or iPhone with a simple click. The Digital Lifestyle has already gotten a quick hands-on with the app and got it working seamlessly as seen above, check that out for more details or hit the source link to download the necessary software to make it all work.
HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner officially available for preorders for $249, six tuner version next week
After a false start when it passed certification earlier this month, SiliconDust's three CableCARD tuner HDHomeRun Prime is finally available for preorder from Newegg for $249. The release date is scheduled for June 29th but those interested in getting it hooked up to their HTPC as quickly as possible may want to wait until next week when the six-tuner 6CC version goes up for preorder, as those are expected to begin shipping first. There's no volume discount on the tuners at $499, but at $83 per tuner you might be able to justify it as a better value than the four-tuner and also network-sharable InfiniTV 4. Either way, if you just need a bit more information before purchasing, you'll find it on the sales page, on the linked PDF below or in the video trailer embedded after the break. [Thanks Justin & @TheReal_PeterF]
Hands-on and unboxing the InfiniTV 4 v2
There isn't much new about the second generation of the InfiniTV 4, but that didn't stop us from appreciating the new box and revised design. You have to look pretty hard to find the differences because while they're there, they are subtle. The card is slimmer and obviously simpler, and Ceton went with a new dongle connector that now sits flush with the plate and doesn't get in the way anymore when switching it to low profile mode.The original card had a bit of a identity crisis with Ceton brands on the front and back, but the new one is InfiniTV all over. Obviously the biggest improvement is Ceton's new found ability to produce enough of these cards to meet demand, but we'll be putting it through it's paces just in case while we wait for the other anticipated CableCARD tuners to hit the street. %Gallery-122846%
SecondRun.tv v2.5 Media Center plugin arrives with upgraded integration of locally stored files, Netflix, Crackle
While most of our focus on Windows Media Center is working with cable or OTA sources, the SecondRun.tv plugin is all about tying in strictly internet distributed video by building a TV guide full of streams from Hulu, the websites of the major networks and more. It's upgraded to version 2.5 recently and according to the changelog will let users bring in movies from their local folders (with automatic meta data lookup), Netflix and web based RSS feeds like Crackle.com. There's also a new extender optomized UI for viewing your local files and more. It will set you back an entire $3.99 for the pleasure, check out the website for more info on the features and a link to purchase.
Ceton InfiniTV 4 tuners now available on Amazon
Ceton's supply of InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuners must be running strong now, as it's finally available through another retailer -- some tiny outfit called Amazon. The MSRP is still $399 just like everywhere else but as usual Prime customers can score cheap/free shipping. Let's see how waiting on that HDHomeRun Prime feels now that the buy button is this close.
ShowAnalyzer developer is hard at work on v2.0
One of the most important pieces of our official Ben-o-vision toolkit should be getting an update soon, as ShowAnalyzer developer Jere Jones mentioned on his Android Buffet podcast that he's been busy for the last few months on v2.0. For those not already in the know, the software automatically detects commercials in your Windows Media Center recordings so they can be removed providing you with uninterrupted viewing pleasure -- we break down how to make it all work here. The Digital Media Zone speculates based on forum postings that there won't be a cross-platform version for OSX or Linux, but notes some are hoping to see the Schoolhouse app (or something similar) for adjusting commercial detection return in this version.
Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD backorders are finally cleared, order away
It's hard to believe it's been a year since we published our review of the InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner from Ceton, although it's probably easier if you've been waiting all that time to get one in your HTPC. Those days should be long gone now however, as Missing Remote points out the order fulfillment thread on The Green Button indicates a slew of satisfied customers have been getting their packages recently. Retailers CannonPC and Fluid Digital are both indicating they're caught up with back orders and have the cards in stock, so if only the prospect of a long delivery wait has been stopping you from purchasing, it's time to buy. Of course, as is the way of things, by now you're probably waiting around for the HDHomeRun Prime -- good luck.
Ask Engadget HD: All-in-one DVR to replace my HTPC?
As much as we love DIY projects, HTPC owners know that from time to time the "yourself" part can be the most frustrating one when things don't work quite right. That's where our friend Chris finds himself on his current project, and he's looking for a way out: "Last year, I built my latest generation of Windows Media Center HTPCs. They're quad-core beasts w/ SSD OS drives and 1 TB storage drives. 4 GB of RAM, Blu-ray drives, Windows 7, gyro-mouse remote -- the works. I've got 4 total tuners via 2 HD Homeruns connected to 3 separate attic/rooftop antennas. On paper, it all sounds like a dream. The reality is, Windows Media Center has been a nightmare to use and maintenance is a never-ending chore. Codecs, subtitles, driver issues, more codec issues, software glitches, more codec issues, problems with going to/waking up from sleep, poor performance even on these powerful quad-core machines, etc. etc. Needless to say, I'm in the market for a replacement. Here is my small (and what I think is a very reasonable) checklist. At least 2x ATSC tuner that works w/ OTA antennas. I know a lot of people are convinced they can get everything they need from the web, but when there is free HD video being broadcast, and plenty to watch on the dozen or so channels in my area, I feel like it is a very logical request to have my streamer/HTPC box include tuners. DLNA support. It has to be able to fetch/store metadata and cover art. It doesn't have to get carried away with cast/crew photos or anything..just basic cover art, description, runtime, rating, etc. would do. Netflix/Hulu Plus. These are an absolute must, but it'd be nice to do Youtube and a few other basic streaming services if possible. (Continued after the break)
Internet Explorer 9 RC causing Netflix errors in Windows Media Center? Here's a fix
Apparently some of those who are catching Netflix Watch Instantly streams on their Windows 7 Media Center PCs are getting cut off after installing the Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate, but they're in luck as there is a fix. The Digital Media Zone points out a Microsoft Knowledge base article 2512239 that can solve the problem either with a one click "Fix It For Me" option or just the instructions on how to dig deep in the registry and DIY if you're so inclined. The problem is apparently caused by some changes to the way the new version of IE handles JavaScript, but we'd rather you get back to watching season two of the X-Files or whatever you were watching than worry about details like that.
Android devices have a new Media Center remote app
If you're running a Windows Media Center HTPC setup there's more than a few remote control options available on iOS and Windows Phone 7, but The Digital Lifestyle points out the new Remote Media Center App as a new option for Android users. Priced at the low, low cost of free it has a guide grid, the ability to brows channels and programs, schedule recordings, listen to music, browse pictures and even watch videos or recorded TV. It does require users run at least version 0.98.6 of the Remote Potato Server, check out the original post on The Green Button Forums or Appbrain for more information, QR code is to the right.
Mediaroom rumors could put Microsoft IPTV on the fast track to success
We're hearing rumors today that Microsoft's already hardworking Mediaroom could be putting in overtime in the near future. According to ZDNet, not only is Microsoft working on a Mediaroom client for Windows Phone (aka Rome), but it's also got a Silverlight-for-Mediaroom project (aka Taos) in the pipeline, with a possible Silverlight-for-Mediaroom STB (aka Santa Fe) also on the way. As if it didn't already have a heavy workload, the platform is also up for a possible tie-in with Windows Media Center (aka Monaco). All this comes on the heels of chatter that the software giant is considering a new Xbox 360 TV service, incorporating Mediaroom, and news of a Silverlight SOC that could be worked into an STB like Santa Fe. All code names and acronyms aside, it looks like Microsoft is gearing up to give Apple and Google some serious internet TV competition, which means Mediaroom's going to have say goodbye to happy hour and hello to some serious all-nighters.
My Movies plugin for Media Center will add support for TV shows in March
Brian Binnerup, developer of the long running My Movies plugin for Media Center, has announced plans to test support for TV series beginning in March for "select users" with more than 2,500 points accumulated. Users who have been looking to slot DVD/Blu-ray series boxed sets next to their movie cousins will finally be able to do so, with the cover art and metadata delivered via the web. An official 4.0 release will come afterward, possibly by the end of March.
The home theater PC is dead, long live Windows Media Center
There has been a lot of discussion in the Windows Media Center community about the product's death. The theory is that Microsoft is throwing in the towel, focusing on the Xbox 360 and intends to let the best DVR software available become stale -- or worse, eliminate it from future versions of Windows altogether. After watching the Ballmer keynote at CES last week, it was hard not to get on this train as we all watched the 360, Windows Phone 7, and Windows highlighted on stage. But then something happened when the show floor opened: Windows embedded products were highlighted in private meetings and elsewhere. There was a buzz around Media Center embedded and even a price and ship date; meanwhile, home theater PCs got no love. So after years of trying, it appears that all hopes that HTPCs will ever emerge from their niche status are gone, but the same can not be said for Windows Media Center.
