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Fujitsu busts out the 17-inch LifeBook N6420 and friends
Not a whole lot to make this N6420, Fujitsu's new 17-inch flagship, stand out from the rest of the jumbo-sized WMCE laptops out there these days, but with a base configuration at $1,500, it doesn't look like the pricing will be too painful. The new laptop features options for an HD DVD drive in the high end, and when teamed with the fancy new Fujitsu Visual Optimizer, you should be getting some fairly sharp HD imagery -- even if it's a bit hard to tell at that screen size. There's also room for dual 200GB hard drives, but that's nothing too special these days, and the rest of the spec sheet looks pretty standard for a 17-incher. The laptop runs a 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7200 processor, 512MB (256MB dedicated, 256MB shared) ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics, 1GB of RAM, fingerprint reader / scroll button, a/b/g WiFi, PC and ExpressCard slots and a Media Center Edition remote. Of course, that specced out HD DVD version will cost you $2,770, while the base model has a mere DVD burner, 1.66GHz processor, 256MB X1400 graphics and single 160GB HDD. As for company, the N6420 is being released in the US alongside the A3110 and A6010 we've already spotted in Asia, which will start at $1,400 and $1,150 respectively. All three laptops are available now.[Via LAPTOP]
"Record Grey's Anatomy, HAL." "I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that."
While various solutions do exist for setting up recording times with your WMCE box remotely, we're not sure many of them could match Casey's new mobileRecord MSN chat bot for sheer geekery. Basically, it allows you to ping your WMCE unit via MSN Messenger with a last minute reminder to record those primetime soap opera episodes you forgot to program -- which sounds great as long as it doesn't get some sort of attitude. After a couple of questions to make sure it's on the right track, the bot takes over and schedules the recording for Media Center. The general idea is for use with a smartphone, but you can message from another desktop just as well. Apparently, the software also supports voice recognition using the Speech Server 2007 beta, which would allow you to just phone in your recording requests, but since Speech Server has been delayed until next year, it looks like it'll be all text requests for now.[Via MAKE]
DosPara's Super Mini 2 -- take that, Apple
Many have tried, but few have conquered the Mac mini when it comes to keeping slim and looking fit. Lucky for us -- or at least our Japanese friends -- DosPara seems to have managed both feats, and they even tossed in some Core 2 Duo action in there, just to show off. We couldn't really ask for much better specs on this little 1.7-inch thick dynamo. Beyond the 1.66GHz T5500 C2D processor, the box runs a dual-layer DVD burner, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, a 4-in-1 card reader, DVI and S-Video outs, and a TV tuner on the WMCE version. The 512MB of ram and 80GB HDD aren't quite as exciting, but we'll live. Unfortunately, the price isn't so hot, at 122,580 Yen ($1,043 US) for the base version and 139,980 Yen ($1,191 US) for the WMCE unit. Still, we like what we see, and we think we'll have to wish Apple and AOpen better luck next time.[Via Akihabara]
ADA's iHome Multi-Center: a Windows MCE which plays iTunes's DRM'd music
The iHome Multi-Center on display at CEDIA has been around for awhile but somehow managed to slip below our radar. Still, when a Windows Media Center Edition device touts the ability to playback Apple's DRM-protected AAC files, well, it makes sense to double-back and take notice. The device is said to exploit iTunes and the Quicktime APIs to create a two-zone (analog and digital audio) music server in addition to its MCE capabilities. The magic created by using Quicktime as the output driver makes the iHome the only server product we know of that will playback your FairPlay tracks purchased off the iTunes store. The slab even busts-out an IP control server which generates both full-sized and mini flash-based HTML pages for two-way control over the system from any networked device sportin' a web browser with Flash support. Sweet. The iHome MCE features a couple of 400GB disks (750GB disks coming early next year) and an HDTV video card for a luxurious, $8,000 addition to your home audio rack. You do have one don't you?[Via TalkAbout:CEDIA]
Monolith Media Center brings MythTV to the technophobe
If MythTV's promise of a free Windows Media Center alternative sounds exciting, but you can't quite bring yourself to navigate the trials of a Linux install on your own, then you might be interested in Monolith's pre-built Media Center PCs, which come with MythTV pre-installed on top of Ubuntu Linux. Models start at $650, and include a remote, an IRBlaster, and free electronic programming guide access -- none of those silly TiVo-style monthly fees. Specs range from a single analog tuner to dual HDTV tuners, and you can get a 400GB HDD and DVD burner as well. The 3.2GHz P4 CPU isn't exactly cutting edge, but all the same, the Monolith box should be fine for someone who doesn't want to mess with setup, and isn't afraid to spend a bit more than they would otherwise.
Snappy's HAVA Video Streamer
It might not be quite as edgy as the Slingbox in the design department, and the software support seems a bit lacking as far as client viewers, but the HAVA from Snappy Multimedia has a couple of welcome additions to the Slingbox repertoire. First off, the box includes built-in 802.11b/g WiFi, so adding it to your network shouldn't as much of a hassle. Second, the HAVA includes its own TV tuner, so you can have dual TV inputs if you'd like, or even use it as the primary (and wireless) tuner for your Windows Media Center box. Of course, all the usual location shifting capabilities are there, with up to 30fps DVD quality video available to multiple users over your home network, while lower bit-rate video can simultaneously be encoded for viewing over the Internets. Currently the HAVA is going for $200 after a pair of rebates, so if you're not bent on handheld or Mac support, and your inner fashionista is willing to take a hike, this little unit doesn't seem like a bad option for the remote viewing lifestyle.
Interact-TV's TellyRAID serves 2TB of TV
If the joys of prime time serial dramas such as 24, Lost and Desperate Housewives are proving a bit taxing on that garden variety DVR or WMCE of yours, it might be time to bump your storage with a bit of NAS action. Luckily, Interact-TV has an incredibly pricey solution to your woes, which doesn't just bump your storage, but includes a whole DVR/DVD/CD managing system to bear on your media problems. The newly launched TellyRAID, bundled with the TellyVizion, allows you to rip and store DVDs, CDs, Photos TV shows and surf the web for even more content to stuff into the 2TB TellyRAID. The TellyVizion can also burn CD playlists, and can be scheduled remotely via the Telly website. The RAID runs quietly, and can work with other computers or compatible media devices to serve up media over Gigabit Ethernet or USB 2.0. It supports up to four SATA drives, and can work with a USB network adapter for WiFi connectivity. All of this doesn't come cheap, you can get the pair for $2,860, but it should hold onto a season or two of those prime time good times.
Dell XPS M2010 reviewed
CNET's staff just strapped on their bionic suits and hoisted Dell's 20-pound XPS M2010 into the lab for a full, hands-on review. Calling this desktop/laptop hybrid a "striking feat of engineering" (that's a compliment, we think), the reviewer fawns over the M2010's premium components, bright 20-inch glossy display, and 8-speaker system with subwoofer which is said to deliver "rich, clear" audio and more low-end sound than any laptop he's seen. The guy's equally stoked by the magnetically held Bluetooth keyboard and gyroscopic Media Center remote which includes a small LCD screen for peeping music and video track details when not flittering the thing about to control the onscreen cursor. The M2010 also proved to be an "able gaming machine" though not the best. However, the M2010 is still "absurdly expensive" with a $3500 base config rocketing upwards to $8000 fully spec'd and the battery only lasted about 2-hours while the machine simply idled. Oh, and the pig is just too heavy to be truly portable thereby limiting its appeal. Still, if you're a smarmy sales type, LAN party trust-funder, or Ivy league media troll looking for a single all-in-one desktop / laptop / home stereo / TV(via optional USB tuner) then this hulk of Dell-icousness might be calling you home. [Thanks, Chris]
Apple has Media Center contender in the works?
With Apple's general method of publicly denying the demand for a product until they announce its imminent release, Steve Jobs' words at today's annual shareholder meeting were quite telling. Without giving much away, Jobs stated: "The new products in the pipeline are the best I’ve ever seen in my life." But in response to a particular shareholder's request for Apple to develop "the ultimate media center" to give Microsoft's WMCE a run for its money, Jobs responded: "we hear you loud and clear." Quite the strong words from such a secretive man, though he was on a bit of a roll. In regards to the recent 17-inch MacBook Pro's release, Jobs let everyone know, "Everyone wants a MacBook Pro because they are so bitchin’." Thanks for that, Steve. Jobs also mentioned the possible demise of the CRT in their lineup, due to environmental concerns and their general lack of bitchin-ness.
Yahoo Go TV takes Meedio and does it for free
Instead of merely devouring DVR software developer Meedio and leaving us to wait months for the results, Yahoo is releasing their new Meedio-based Yahoo Go TV software a mere week after announcing their acquisition. There's minor Flickr integration, and the software seems bent on answering the call of Front Row, along with the standard WMCE fare. If sounds like your thing, we've got even better news for you: it's free. At least for now, Yahoo! has the public beta of Yahoo! Go TV as a free download, so unless you have a certain aversion deep blue and purple stylings (lets hope the theming community jumps on this one right quick) there isn't much holding you back from giving it a spin.[Via Zatz Not Funny]
Escient ships new FireBall DVDM-552
We kind of thought Escient was somehow taking things in a slightly more "cost effective" direction with their $1000 Escient SE-D1 media manager last year, but they've just gone quite a bit the other way with their new $6000 FireBall DVDM-552 which just started shipping. From the looks of things they're spending most of that $6000 on component video hookups, though there's plenty more to love here. The DVDM-552 can manage up to 2000 DVDs or CDs stored in Sony DVD changers, can send multiple video or digital audio streams to multiple rooms, holds a 500GB HDD, and can stream networked media. Everything can be operated through a web control panel, a PDA, or from a particularly brave remote. Sounds pretty exciting, though for the amount you'd be spending on this thing it seems like you could afford to put a WMCE PC in each room instead. But we're not going to try and stop you or anything.[Via TRFJ]
SnapStream's FireFly Mini PC remote released
Looking to control your PC with an infrared remote that's not the size of French baguette? Look no further because SnapStream Media just let their FireFly Mini remote out of the bag. We've had one of these in the HDBeat labs for our upcoming BeyondTV 4 review and we're quite impressed with the size and functionality of the remote. Compared to the XBox 360 Media Center remote the FireFly Mini is noticeably smaller; to the point where it could fit in a pocket. Don't try that with the Microsoft Media Center remote unless your pants pockets are a like a foot deep! Shipping for the $29.95 remote starts today and the remote controls your PC, Beyond TV and even WMCE via the included USB-IR dongle. Read on for the full press release.
Joe Belfiore interview on WMCE - Engadget
In case you missed it, Engadget ran a great interview with Joe Belfiore on all things WMCE, Vista, HD-DVD and more on Thursday evening. Stephen Speicher got a chance to chat with Joe and the first part of the interview provides the Microsoft insight into topics we've been bantering around as late. Joe provides clarification as well as rationalization on the costly CableCARD certification process for both large and small OEMs. Microsoft's dealings with the satellite television industry get some attention, which is good news for you DIRECTV subscribers. If you were looking for Microsoft's involvement and reasons for Managed Copy (required in HD-DVD, but optional in Blu-Ray), that's in there too. All in all a great first part to the interview with something for everyone interested in high-def.
DIY Vista HTPC with CableCARD might be possible yet
There were several groans when we heard the CableCARD 2.0 certification fees for Windows Vista; that cert effectively put a nail into the DIY crowd's coffin. Perhaps a conceptually simple but slick workaround could do the trick, thanks to eHomeUpgrade. The thought here is, why not get a barebones or base certified system with the minimum specs, then hack it pieces and add the high-powered horsepower and hardware on your own. It's a small consolation at best, but it might get folks to have that terabyte of storage, triple-tuners, a QuadHD GPU or whatever else you can dream of. The one issue that jumps to mind is how Vista will handle hardware additions. Last year, we mentioned that Vista itself could limit or restrict hardware changes.
Increase the pause buffer on your WMCE
My bad! I said in this week's podcast that I found a way to change the pre-and post-record settings on a WMCE machine so you don't miss any of your favorite HD shows that run overtime. I goofed, but only a little. Now that I'm reviewing what I was gossiping about, I see it's really a method to increase the pause buffer. The standard pause is 30 minutes, but you can boost it all the way up to two hours with a sweet GUI-app that mods the registry entries thanks to TGB member, isomies. Our read link takes to you The Green Button forums, but if you want to skip all of the hoo-ha, you can download the application here. It certainly comes in handy for those high-def recordings when the phone rings and you get stuck with a long-winded telemarketer; just watch out for that disk space.[via Chris Lanier]
SkyHD plans SMS remote recording control
We stumbled upon a great report of SkyHD's next and future plans for the high-definition service prepping to launch this year, and one interesting tidbit grabbed our peepers. Not out of the gate, but sometime after launch, SkyHD consumers can text or SMS a command to their set-top box to set a recording. The example given was an SMS of “24.Sky1.Sunday” indicating to record the show "24" on the Sky1 channel this Sunday. No deets on the service charge, but we'd expect it to be nominal. We use the MSN Remote Record service over the web as part of Windows Media Center on our box and while that works well, not everyone has an Internet connection every time they suddenly remember to record a show. Folks typically do have a mobile phone however, so we would spread some HDBeat luvin' if someone could find or develop an SMS recording service for WMCE!
HP Digital Entertainment Center z556 - PC Magazine
If building your own Windows Media Center doesn't sound appealing, why not consider one out of the box? At $1,499 HP's Digital Entertainment Center z556 will cost you almost $600 more than the HD WMCE box we built, but it does offer more. The z556 has two more tuners than our system as it adds two SDTV tuners to complement the ATSC. No cable or satellite support in the z556, which is unfortunately much too common in the retail systems. On the flip-side, the z556 looks more at home in your home entertainment center with it's component look and feel.An Intel Pentium 4 running at 3.0 GHz, 512 MB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive and an NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GPU is also under the hood; specs that are close to what we cobbled for less. PC Mag gave the z556 four out of five stars, mainly because it does the basic job of recording your OTA high-def and because it's $500 less than last year's overpriced model. We say: do it yourself if you can; there are plenty of good spec'd out systems from our very own readers.
WMCE graphics and tuner hardware in Vista beta
Nothing earth-shattering here as Vista is still in beta, but there's some basic information on WMCE functionality and the beta build hardware requirements so we thought we'd let you know where things are heading. Any computer that meets the Vista hardware requirements will run the Media Center functions. According to Microsoft's MCE Hardware Requirements doc that beta testers can view for this February CTP build [disclosure: I am a beta tester], the only officially supported graphics cards are ATI's Radeon X-series or 9800 and NVIDIA's GeForce FX or 6-series. Again, these are the cards that are supported for beta testing, so don't panic or purchase new cards. There's a plethora of TV tuner cards that are supported in this beta build; a full listing is below, but a good portion are not DTV tuner cards and of course, it's way to early for any CableCARD 2.0 support. Unfortunately, Microsoft didn't add Windows Media Extender support yet in the Vista beta code available, so we won't be testing connectivity and HD streaming with our Xbox 360 just yet either.
Intel Viiv support: who needs it?
Oh, there's quite a buzz going on about Viiv and the buzz continues to get louder as more info surfaces. There's apparently a "Supports Intel Viiv" logo that we're just starting to see and that begs the question: what will wear this badge o' honor and more importantly, will this be a sticker that you as an HD-project tinkerer actually get? We doubt it; it seems pretty certain that like CableCARD 2.0 certified Vista systems, a Viiv cert will be OEM-based as well. Is that really a bad thing though? Not that we have a solid understanding of the Viiv platform (does anyone?), but it appears to simply be a way to put consumers at ease when mixing components and hoping that they work. If all of the components are Viiv-able, then your overall system should have no DRM challenges. If you cobble your own boxes together, you're on your own; which you realized when you started your little homebrewed high-def science experiment, right? If our interpretation of Viiv is right, then mainstream consumers should be happy. For the more technically astute, is Viiv really adding anything?
Netgear teams with DS2 for 200Mbps powerline networking
We weren't so impressed with Netgear's 85Mbps powerline solution (pictured), so we'll give them another shot with their 200Mbps attempt. Netgear nabbed DS2's chip for their up and coming 200Mbps Powerline HD solution. The theory is that any electrical outlet in your home can be used as a blazing fast Ethernet port with the equipment and 200Mbps is more than enough for multiple high-def streams. No product until the second quarter of 06, which is fine with us; we're still smarting over our failed attempts to stream HD, or SD for that matter, with the last product iteration. For now, we'll keep streaming our HD over 802.11a.
