Windows Media Center
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Windows 7 Media Center gets component HD capture support
Can you even believe that it has been over two years now since the first consumer priced HD component capture device hit the market? It doesn't seem that long to us, but if you're a Window Media Center fan and think the native CableCARD tuners are no option at all, then you might feel differently. The great news out of Hauppauge though is that the HD PVRs driver site has been updated and you can now download a file that'll make Windows 7 Media Center recognize your HD PVR as a tuner. The said analog capture device still runs about $200 and since it outputs MPEG4, the 360 is the only Extender that can play back it's content. On top of all that only a single tuner per Media Center PC is currently supported, but that is way better than nothing for someone who can't/won't get cable TV and wants to enjoy their favorite provider's HD signal on the best DVR software currently available. The driver is still in beta at the moment and we can't wait to try it for ourselves, so keep an eye out for more on this one.
Windows Media Center Netflix plugin updated for Watch Instantly in HD
We already knew Windows Media Center users could stream Netflix Watch Instantly in HD now, but after an update it is able to note which titles support HD streaming to the PC. The next time you pull it up, expect to download the app like it was the first time and sign in all over again, otherwise things are pretty much the same. We poked around a bit and didn't see any other UI tweaks beyond that "HD" tag below the supported movies and TV shows, but it's still one of the slickest Netflix frontends around -- at least until Roku gets its update. Want to see if you're actually getting the 720p feeds? Hold down ALT + SHIFT and left click to bring up the stream manager, speeds of 2600kbps or 3800 kbps mean you're there. [Thanks, George]
Netflix turns on HD indicator, queue for PC (including WMC) & Mac Watch Instantly streamers
Not that there was any doubt left, but we're getting numerous reports of users seeing the "HD" indicator appear while watching Netflix streams through the Silverlight player for PCs and Macs. Also, a special queue indicating the subset of content available for off-TV HD streaming is live now so users can see what is and isn't on the list (the HD is available boxart popup notifications are there as well, but don't appear to be entirely accurate.) Media Center streamers are in luck as well, as posters on The Green Button have noticed, although there's no indication within the client or queue itself in the WMC frontend the 3800kbps HD streams come through just fine. Unfortunately, we don't recommend anyone else watch Lost season one right now -- after last week's Across the Sea debacle it's just too painful.
HDHomeRun CableCARD will feature three tuners in time for the holidays
What you're looking at here is a picture of the board that makes the new HDHomeRun CableCARD tuner work. You might notice the four squares on the right, those are the tuners, yes there are four -- don't get too excited -- but one of 'em is for the out of band data and can't actually be used to record HD. But that's still one more usable tuner than initially announced at CES and the best news is that the price remains the same at $249. There isn't a hard release data yet, but the goal is to release the beta details in the coming weeks, then submit it to CableLabs for certification and then finally have it in your HTPC in time for the holidays -- when exactly do holidays start again? The actual case isn't done yet, but there won't be a hump like the classic HDHomeRun and as you can see the gigabit network tuner's connections are all on the back including one coax, one USB, power, and a single CableCARD slot for all three tuners -- the USB doesn't do what you're thinking, it's for the Tuning Adapter. Contrary to some reports -- a USB version isn't on the table and we can't say we're surprised as that wouldn't be Silicon Dust's style. A picture of the connections on the prototype after the jump.
Is this the first Windows 7 Media Center embedded set-top box?
We've never heard of this German company Reycom before, but from the looks of it this could be the very first embedded Windows 7 Media Center. The Reycom Entertainment Solution is marketed to content providers in Switzerland and Germany, is powered by an Atom processor and is small and slick. All the user interface images on the site should look familiar to Windows 7 Media Center fans, but the newly announced embedded version of Windows 7 isn't mentioned by name -- even the image on the about page has a women holding a Media Center remote. Of course this doesn't mean much for those of us State side, but this is exactly the type of box we had in mind when we first heard of an embedded version of Windows Media Center.
Windows Media Center gets an app store courtesy of a 3rd party
Everything and everyone needs an app store and if the platform's developer isn't willing to make it happen, then those in the community will step up to make it happen. In the case of Windows Media Center the 3rd party plug-in ecosystem has always been one of the platform's biggest perks, but what Made for Media Center does is bring all these apps to you via a 10-foot interface and the ability to install 'em without breaking out a mouse or keyboard -- can't beat that. Right now everything seems to be free and at first glance it appears that all of our favorites are there. If you use Media Center there really isn't a reason not to check this one out.
Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review
We don't review many HTPC tuners around here because honestly they usually aren't that interesting; you plug them in and they either work or they don't, what else is there to really say about 'em? But every so often something totally different comes our way, something that does get us excited. The first HDHomeRun was one of those and the new InfiniTV 4 from Ceton easily qualifies. We mean who wouldn't get excited about being able to record 4 HD shows at once and from any channel you want? This is especially true when you consider how difficult it's been for HTPC fans to record premium content until now. Well it seems that for HD loving HTPC fans, your time has finally come, now anyone can build there own DVR that can do things that no other DVR can -- when the tuner starts shipping in May that is. %Gallery-88624%
Ceton CableCARD tuner briefly appears on Amazon flying the InfiniTV flag
It's gone now, but for at least a moment there was an opportunity to pre-order Ceton's quad-tuning CableCARD solution for Media Center PCs on Amazon, a sure sign that it is moving even closer to reality. Branded the Ceton InfiniTV (not to be confused with XFinity) 4 digital cable tuner card, the read link is the now-busted address for your F5ing pleasure -- do it too much and you'll go blind.
Big Screen EPG by remote isn't the Webguide replacement we've waited for
For those not familiar with the tragedy, Microsoft hired Doug Berrett a few years back and he was the developer of one of the greatest 3rd party plugins for Vista Media Center. His WebGuide would not only let you do something that even the crapiest of DVRs can do today, remotely schedule recordings, but it would also let you watch your recorded shows over the internet. Well with Windows 7 came a new Media Center EPG database which broke WebGuide and while Microsoft built show streaming right into Windows 7, the void for the rest has never been filled. Recently we've seen two new add-ins that try to fill in the gap with the latest being Big Screen EPG "by remote." But we're sorry to say that the wait isn't over. The problem with Big Screen EPG isn't that it is a pay app, but that it is using Microsoft's guide data. Now this is a problem because they don't have a licensing agreement to use this data (that we know of) and we'd be shocked if Microsoft let this go unnoticed. But the bigger issue is that the remote interface is built on Silverlight which means it doesn't work on mobile phones -- although the developer left a comment stating that mobile browser support is on the road map -- and since Microsoft doesn't seem interested in letting Doug spend some company time on this, who knows how long this wait will go on.
EyeTV Netstream DTT tuner streams reruns of The Fall Guy to your entire home network
If you're looking to bridge the gap between the boob tube and YouTube, Elgato (literally, "the gato") has always been a good bet. The company's newly announced EyeTV Netstream DTT takes the ol' EyeTV tuner we've all grown to know and love and lets you connect it to your router, allowing you to watch DTV on any computer connected to your network, provided it's a Mac or a PC. Plays well Windows 7 Media Center and ships with both TerraTec Home Cinema (Windows) and EyeTV 3 (OS X). Available now for €250 (about $350). Hit the source link and never miss an episode of The New Benny Hill Show again. PR after the break.
Extenders for Media Center aren't dead, they just seem like it
Many Windows Media Center enthusiasts were very disappointed by the fact that Microsoft didn't mention Extenders for Media Center at CES 2010. This anxiety started some time ago when both Linksys and HP let it be known that their current Extenders had been discontinued. Of course not every was shocked, as Extenders aren't as popular as many had hoped -- which is expected considering they left so much to be desired. Sure they were quiet, power efficient and easy to setup, but with a few new features in Windows 7 Media Center not being supported, the Extenders looked pretty antiquated. Not only do the existing Extenders not support H.264 in the new WTV container of Windows 7 -- commonly used for broadcast TV in the UK and other countries -- but even worse, the new internet streaming features included with Windows 7 require Flash and Silverlight, neither of which are supported by Extenders. Now although we understand the Media Center community's belief that Microsoft has given up on Extenders for Media Center, we think it is a little premature. In fact if you click through you'll not only find out why, but you'll also learn when we think new Extenders might make it to market.
Ceton's CableCARD tuner to work over the network too
Weighing yet to be released CableCARD on PC products against each other? Add this tidbit to the comparison: Ceton's MOCUR should work as a networked tuner, according to a post by VP Jeremy Hammer on The Green Button forums. His post indicates that, like the HDHomeRun CableCARD, Ceton's product will be available to other PCs by bridging it with the host computer's Ethernet card, and not blocked as it was with ATI's product. That might help to smooth the $399 price tag when it goes on sale soon, for those still stuck on reply hit the forums with your questions or check out our CES hands on for another look. [Thanks, @brennokbob] %Gallery-82026%
Hands-on with the low profile Ceton quad CableCARD tuner
We caught up with Gary Hammer from Ceton this morning and snapped some pictures of the low profile quad CableCARD tuner that will be the first version to reach consumers. The card includes a little RG6 dongle so that it'll fit in either a full or low profile PCI-E slot and will be available late in the first quarter for $399 -- an exact date wasn't given, but we believe this means March 31st. The other new tidbit is that there is a new fan on the card that helps keep things cool. The tuner will at least be available for purchase on Ceton's new website via Amazon, but we're told there's plenty of interest from other retailers to carry the product when it launches. Ceton's intention is to offer this to the mainstream, so the initial product will be in a retail package and will also be bunlded with new PCs. We tried to get Gary to tip his hat in regards to other configurations that might reach the market and although he's on the same page with our dreams, he wanted to focus on the initial offering for now, but did promise multiple configurations are in the works and expected in 2010. %Gallery-82026%
Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Windows Media Center gets a price
We love Windows Media Center but without access to our favorite HD content it just isn't that interesting. So obviously we got excited when we first learned that Ceton planned to release a PCI-E card that would allow us to record four HD shows at once with a single CableCARD, but the question has been, how much? Now we knew it'd be cheaper than the $1200 that ATI would charge us for four digital cable tuners but according to Dave Zatz the yet to be announced price is $399. In addition, he has learned that Steve Balmer will demo the card in the big CES keynote Wednesday -- which of course we'll be covering live. This leads us to believe that there might be some other good news for Media Center fans, and since we're dreamers, we're hoping for some new Extenders for Media Center.
Are CableCARD tuners for Media Center sold out everywhere?
It figures that Microsoft would finally give DIY Windows Media Center users the ability to add a Digital Cable Tuner with CableCARD to their PC and now the devices are no where to be found. Since these devices were never actually available to the public, they've always been a little hard to come by, but we have seen 'em for sale from Dell as well as from Cannon PC and even on Sony's site. This entire situation only makes us even more sure that ATI's days in the Digital Cable Tuner business are numbered. What we mean is that there is no doubt that ATI knew this was coming to Windows 7 long before we did, so any company who actually wanted to sell something would have actually had them available at retail by now. One thing is for sure, there is a pent up demand for CableCARD tuners in the Media Center community and a more affordable, more available, option can't get here soon enough. While we wait for the 1st quarter of 2010 to come, you can pay through the nose for one on eBay in the meantime.
ViewSonic heats up phone collection, V901 spotted on Microsoft China site
In just one week, ViewSonic has gone from a glint of a 3G phone maker to having two models prominently on display. We've already seen VPC08 Windows XP phone, and now up to bat is the V901, found in the pages of Microsoft China's official site. The Windows Mobile 6.5, apparently TouchWiz-skinned device has a 3.6-inch, 480 x 800 touchscreen, a Marvell PXA310 processor, 128MB RAM and 256MB ROM storage with microSD expansion, 5 megapixel camera, GPS, Bluetooth, all hailing to the wavelengths we call CDMA EV-DO Rev. A. Launch is Q4 2009, so sometime very soon -- but we get the feeling this is China-only, at least for now.
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
ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings & SDV are a go
Microsoft delivered the first half of two promised ATI Digital Cable Tuner-related updates as the 1.19.12.09050155 firmware update is now available from Windows Update (listed with the optional udates) that will relax the way it handles DRM on its recordings and add support for Switched Digital Video. With the new update applied, all Copy Freely-marked programing will be recorded without DRM allowing you to move it between PCs, convert it to another format or whatever you wish with ease, however as our hands on experience with the new firmware indicated you'll still need your cable provider to pass along the right bits to make it all operate properly. Still waiting in the wings is the Advisor Utility that will allow Digital Cable Tuners to work with any PC, no OEM purchase or hacking skills required. [Thanks, Rob]
How to automatically skip commercials in Windows 7 Media Center
Skipping commercials on a HTPC DVR has been around for a long long time, but it isn't always the easiest thing to setup. And even if you do get it working, there are so many options, it can take some time before you get it working the way you want it. So in the spirt of Windows 7 day, and the fact that the next major version of ShowAnalyzer is being released, we figured we'd write up a how to with a few tips and tricks of our own. We start by downloading and installing the main components; DVRMSToolBox, the DTB Media Center Add-in and ShowAnalyzer, and finish off with some troubleshooting for when things go wrong. So if you use Media Center, click through and never pick up the remote to skip a commercial again.
Microsoft officially delays Digital Cable Tuner firmware and Advisor Utility
Ever since CEDIA Windows Media Center enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting the announced firmware update for the ATI Digital Cable Tuner and the Advisor Utility. While the firmware will finally relax the DRM on recording made with the Digital Cable Tuner and enable support for Tuning Adapters, the Advisor Utility will make it so anyone can add a Digital Cable to Tuner to their Windows 7 PC. Although a hard release date was never announced for either of these, it was fully expected that both would be available at the same time as Windows 7. Now Microsoft has posted over at The Green Button letting us know that we can stop checking as neither will be released today. To add insult to injury no new date was given, only that it would be available as soon as possible. So yeah, big time bummer for Media Center fans.
