This unit may be the Mack Daddy of DVRs. The Sony “Type X” DVR sports 1TB of storage and 7 tuners for you to catch all of your favorite shows at once. This is truly for those who are into sports for you can catch all of the games you care about at once. The problem will be finding the time to watch them all.
You can learn more about it here, if you can read Japanese.
Source: Engadget
This board is unlike any other board currently available. Its main target? Those interested in building a Media Center PC. Home Theater and Media Center PC’s have gained quite a bit of interest over the past few months and Soyo is quite aware of this growing trend and that is why they have introduced the new SY-P4VAL. Sporting an advanced BIOS technology, this board allows you to turn “it” on without actually turning it on. What? Well, the board features a new version M BIOS (”Direct ON”) which gives you access to multimedia functions without having to go through the whole boot up process.
ExtremeMhz has a very nice review of this new motherboard that is worth the read. For those of you that don’t care for all the technical details I have included a portion of their conclusion for sometimes it’s good to just skip to the chase.
The Soyo SY-P4VAL Version M exceeded all of my expectations. The new BIOS Multi-Media features worked flawlessly and
you’ll be able to take full advantage of them if you opt for the soon to be released bundle that includes the compatible TV Tuner and Remote. The ability to gain access to your multi-media devices without the need for an operating system is quite genius. The motherboard itself is feature-packed and offers you just about everything including onboard audio and video. Its performance was good, especially when compared to other motherboards in its class. For those who crave the extra power, it supports up to a 3.06GHz Pentium 4 processor. The only thing I would have liked was for it to be a Micro ATX motherboard. This is the first in a series of products from Soyo that will target the media center market so perhaps a future release will be offered in a Micro ATX form
factor. It’s an affordable all-in-one multimedia solution that would make an excellent entertainment PC or even a second PC for the home.The Soyo SY-P4VAL Version M will have a standalone price of only $69. It will also be offered complete with a compatible TV tuner card, remote control and remote receiver for an MSRP of only $129.99. The motherboard will be available starting March 9th.
More information on this board can be found on the SOYO website.
MacOSX reports that Apple may be working on a unit that will go head to head with TiVo and DVD player/burners. The report states that this unit will be quite stylish, much like the iPod, but the sleek pearl white encasement measures 10 inches long, 6 inches wide and 1 - 1 1/2 inches thick. The features sound impressive and if this report is valid Apple will have another product that they can rely on to be a big money maker.
The iBox plugs into your TV and acts as a hub for your digital devices and computers. Unlike the EyeTV from Elgato, the iBox is a standalone machine, not something to plug into an existing computer. The iBox can be scheduled to record TV, but unlike TiVos it does not serve as a “what’s on and when” service rather a hard drive / media based recording device (new aged VCR). With its built in 802.11b & 802.11g from its AirPort Extreme card, one can access the home folders of any user on any wirelessly networked Mac or PC. The iBox has its own version of the popular iPhoto and iTunes software which is a welcoming plus to Mac OS 10 veterans and easy for Windows users to adopt as well.
The iBox has a built in hard drive meaning it can be used as a network’s hub for homes or offices which would like to share photos, music, or other files. Not only does it act as a hub which can connect wirelessly or by Ethernet, it also calls upon its hard drive to record live TV. The iBox has its own on-screen set up and scheduler, but you also have the option of setting the iBox remotely.
MacOSX has listed a set of current specs for the iBox but claims that they have changed from when they first seen them. Here is the list as it appears now:
Processor: 500 MHz G3 (while the most recent revision/model I’ve seen has the 900 MHz PowerPC 750fx which was the last processor put in the G3 iBooks, with the same 512k L2 and everything).
Ram: 128MB built in, and no empty slot to upgrade.
Storage: 120 gig
Ports:
1 FireWire 400
2 USB 2.0
10/100 Ethernet port… (there is no 56K or similar telephone jack)
Standard RCA in and out for video and audio, and S-Video support. There has been some confusion on who produced the card for this, but there have been multiple sources Apple has looked to including Techno Trend, Elgato, and Heuris, among others.
Optical Drive: SuperDrive
AirPort Extreme
Built in Bluetooth - (something similar to what Jonas Salling has made will be offered as a download soon after the announcement. I haven’t a phone with bluetooth to test it, but other testers have been fiddling around with a phone controlled remote for the iBox.)
Please remember that as of now this Apple product is a strong rumor and that it is also rumored that Apple may announce the iBox as soon as the Jan 6. The pricing for the iBox will be in the range of $400 - $600 based on the configuration. Definitely take a look at the MacOSX article for more info.
Thanks go to Gizmodo
PVRBlog has an informative article on the standings of HTPCs. The future is looking bright. Make sure you are part of it.
My good friend Rob, a non blogging friend, pointed me towards this article on ExtremeTech, a couple days ago. (sorry I took so long getting to it) ExtremeTech outlines a few ways to get your audio, still images, and video to your TV system in a wireless means. The one strategy that stands out is the use of your game console via 802.11b/g. Here is one solution for the XBOX:
Xbox: A SourceForge initiative
calling itself the Xbox Media Player (XBMP) Project has created a
Linux-based media player that can run on the Xbox, turning the console
into a streaming media jukebox/client. XBMP requires a mod’ed Xbox that
can boot Linux. Version 2.4 of XBMP supports:
- AVI, MPEG, unencrypted VOB, WMV, XviD and DivX video formats
- OGG, WMA, MP3, AC-3 and MPEG-1/2 audio formats
- JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG, TIFF, TGA & PCX image formats
- Built-in FTP Server
- IMDb information (The Internet Movie Database)
- Internet Radio - Shoutcast/Icecast support (native or streaming via RelaX)
- File streaming from a PC or Server over a network from a XNS (XStream Server) software
- File streaming from a PC or Server over a network from Windows SMB (Samba) share/s*
While the list of supported features is
quite impressive, you’ll need to be able to boot Linux on your Xbox.
Several web sites have demonstrated how to do this.
If you have a PlayStation, there is a solution for this too. This is just another step in making that Media PC Dream a reality.
ExtremeTech has a review of a new remote that can possibly replace ALL of your existing remotes. The slogan “If you’ve got more remote controls than you can count, then maybe you need to bring a little Harmony to your life.” is catchy. The idea sounds unique but if you are like me you may be skeptical about buying yet another universal remote.
Setting up the Harmony remote is very straightforward, but unlike most others, you will need a PC to make it work. Installation was easy, just plug the remote into a free USB port and install the device driver. Along with the device driver, a System Tray applet gets installed that senses when the Harmony has been connected and then connects it to the internet via your web browser
The web interface is what sets the Harmony apart. Using your browser, you can update the remote’s settings, add new devices easily, and change the current setup. You will need a live Internet connection to complete the installation/configuration of the remote.
The first time you’re taken to Harmony’s site, the configuration app walks you through defining what devices you have in your home entertainment system. Harmony has an impressively large database of device configurations for most major manufacturers’ home electronics devices. Here are the defined devices that you can use the SST-768 to control:
ExtremeTech was unable to find the exact match for one of their test remotes so I would assume that we would have one of the main problems a lot of universal remotes do, they can’t emulate all the functions of the original remote. They have a work around which involves buying more equipment. (Or you can do like you already do, keep your original remote and do the special things with it.)
My skepticism aside, this product seems to be on the right track for solving the “too many remotes” problem and as usual, it has peek my curiosity but I would like to see some more reviews. Extremetech has done a thorough review touching, setup, configuration and use of the remote. So if you are in the market, go check this out.
A couple weeks back, I wrote about a media player by PRISMIQ. A buddy of mine, Rob, is the one that pointed me toward the item. He purchased one in hopes that it would be all that it claims to be. I’m sad to say that the product just didn’t cut it. Rob left comments on my original post describing why the product falls short on its claims. The issues are numerous; slow 802.11b transmissions, no video playback, S/PDIF compatibility, and a non-intuitive OS.
1. It is SLOOOOOOW over 802.11b. Video playback flat out did not work. Jpg file retrieval was very slow.
2. The O/S is SLOOOOOOW (prolly due to the SLOW MIPS processor; not sure of the actual clock speed, but it’s more sluggish than my 1st gen REPLAYTV unit).
3. The S/PDIF connection doesn’t seem to be compatible with my receiver, and I’m not about to purchase a new receiver to get this sucker to work.
Rob goes on and describes some things that should be included in the next product he tries, ie. lacking from the PRISMIQ MediaPlayer. He also describes his experience with the incorporated Media Manager software. I will say that I have much faith in Rob’s technical skill and he ability to read directions and install complex software, for these are traits of his profession. If anyone else has had some experience with the PRISMIQ MediaPlayer, please leave your comments.
I’m back on my Media PC kick. I just know that Media PCs will be all the rave in the next few years. Here is a product that will bring entertainment from your PC to you TV or stereo system. Enter Prismiq!
The PRISMIQ MediaPlayer offers consumers a multitude of home entertainment options, with just a few clicks of the remote control:
- Present DVD-quality video in MPEG-1/2/4 or DivX format
- Play Surround Sound and CD-quality audio
- Stream a personal library of PC-stored MP3, and WAV audio files
- Play Internet radio on the stereo
- Display digital photos on the TV
- Browse the web on the TV
- Display live, personalized news and information on the TV
- Instant Message with friends and family on the TV
This is a very impressive piece of technology but it is still new and there is room for improvement. For one, the unit cannot send a DVD movie from your PC to your TV, due to DVD encryption. Something like this will need to be solved. There are other areas that seem limited, read the FAQS to get the complete picture.
Tivo, move over! I have been waiting for the right PVR unit to come along so that I could jump on the bandwagon. Admittedly, I was so close to buying a Tivo but now there is something new. Charter Communication’s new DVR.
The box, to be released in the fall, records programming onto a hard drive, has a built-in DVD player and can serve as a media center for digital photos and music. The dual-tuner device supports two TVs, allowing users to simultaneously record two different shows, or watch one program in one room while playing another show in another. It also supports high-definition television, video-on- demand and pay-per-view services.
The above description of the box alone sounds awesome, but there is more. Ethernet or wireless networking, and BroadBand capabilities are also included. The idea behind this is to allow the user to transfer music and photos between the unit and the PC, bidirectionally, to a 80-gig hard drive. Digeo’s Moxi is the software that will be powering the system. Digeo is generating some good press which will pave the way to a great debut. Charter Communication will debut its new set-top-box this fall, starting with their digital cable customers in Rochester, Minnesota.
I was in the local computer store (COMPUSA) earlier today and I noticed that they had the CoolerMaster ATC-610-GX1 in stock. This is a very nice case for building your special HTPC. The beauty of this case is that it is a desktop type of case that will fit nicely with your existing electronics for it comes in 2 standard colors, silver and black. This model, the 610, is an aluminum chassis, microATX form-factor, with a mount for 1 60mm fan. A power supply is not included with the case, so you will have the fun of installing everything to your own specs. I couldn’t find a picture of the case with the front panels open, but be assured that there are 2 panels that allow access to all components from the front. The front bays are 5.25″ (2), 3.5″ (2), internal (2) and the case has 4 expansion slots. This looks like it will be a popular item, it is definitely worth taking a look at.
Today ExtremeTech posted an article on building an Extreme TIVO PC. Their Build It section has loads of information on building just about any type of PC you like. The Tivo PC is an attempt to duplicate the features of a Tivo on a Windows based machine. They admit, just as I have, that the technology, as of now, is not as good as Tivo’s but we are getting close. Soon the media PC will surpass Tivo, keep your eyes open for if you blink, you might miss it.
Sony really put some thought into this product.
The new device will feature a TV tuner, hard disc drive and a DVD recorder alongside the games console functionality, making it into an “all in one” device for gaming, media recording and playback.
Details of the device are a bit thin on the ground at the moment, but it’s expected that it will offer hard disc video recorder functions, similar to the TiVo and Sky Plus systems, and will feature a high speed internet port to allow downloads of music and possibly movies through Sony’s media distribution systems, in Japan at least.
I think the competition will have to scramble to keep up with this one. Good move, Sony.
“Wired News is reporting that the new owners of ReplayTV are considering dropping the Commercial Advance and Send Show options features.” I had bad luck with that function chopping out bits of show anyway. Between that and the 30 second skip function, I’m surprised ReplayTV has lasted this long!
(more…)
 |
 |
A startup company called Niveus Media introduced its ONEbox Media Center This PC is built around a VIA Mini-ITX M10000 Motherboard with a 1 GHz processor. Priced at $999 it includes a standard settop box case, 80GB hard drive, a DVD-ROM drive, an ATI All-In-Wonder VE TV card, 10/100 ethernet, firewire, USB serial and parallel ports. Operating system is the home edition of Windows XP. Niveus Media has developed its own software — called ONEbox Media Center — to control playback of DVD, video, music, photos and TV. Titan’s electronic programming guide (EPG) is also included in the package for TiVo-like PVR functionality. The OneBOX will work with Comcast’s digital cable, but other digital cable services are also not currently supported. The system has left room for user enhancements like swapping in a DVD burner or adding wireless networking. Niveus Media is currently testing an HDTV version with PVR capabilities.
The RD-X2 is a collaborative product by Toshiba and Tivo. One of the main reasons why I never bought a Tivo was for the fact that you couldn’t easily save your recorded programs off the machine. Including a DVD recorder is the next logical step in the evolution of Tivo. Toshiba improved upon Tivo’s unit by incorporating a DVD-RAM/DVD-R burner. DVD-RAM offers all the benefits of DVD including high-capacity, (double-sided: 9.4 GB total storage), high speed (x2/x4/x8 dubbing from HDD to DVD-RAM) and backwards, maintaining the integrity of the MPEG2 digital signal. DVD-RAM is re-writeable, offers quick access with high-quality images and sound. Overall, the RD-X2 is a step in the right direction but until the price settles a bit (original : $1499, now can be found for $820) I won’t be making that move. To read more about it, checkout the key features and the technology and benefits.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hush Technologies has released what they would like to be a Home Theater PC (HTPC). Some of the most interesting features of this machine are that it is virtually quiet, the case is like that of piece of audio equipment, and its motherboard is a MiniITX form factor. What is MiniITX? The form factor was originally proposed by VIA to be an ultra small form factor, smaller than the FlexATX and MicroATX form factors that were the smallest at the time. The original MiniITX boards were feature rich boards with a CPU soldered onto the board. This was cheap to produce as there was no discrete packaging cost for the integrated processor. The case is designed to fit right in with existing media equipment. The review of this product shows the many different colors the case comes in. It is of a sturdy design that allows for optimal passive cooling of its contents. Cooling of the Hush PC is done strictly by the case. There are no fans in this setup. Now normally on the Via EPIA M-9000 the CPU is cooled by a small heatsink with an 40mm fan. Hush have taken this off and thrown it away as it’s far too noisy. To replace the original cooling the heatsink has been replaced by a solid aluminium heatsink with a heatpipe that is then attached to the side of the case. This means any heat is transferred to the case and is then cooled by the use of the fins on the outside of the case. The overall configuration works well for the Hush PC. My concerns would be in the areas of personal customization. The components have been carefully picked for this machine with careful attention heat specifications and noise output. Can you add a second hard drive or replace the existing one with a different brand? I don’t know. How about expansion cards? The motherboard looks unable to accept expansion cards. To me, this Hush PC is a nice start at a media PC but there is room for improvement. I will keep an eye on this company to see what they turn up for their next cut. Read the review, here.
Hush Technologies Silent Mini-ITX PC
- Black or Silver Hush Mini-ITX PC Enclosure
Price: $667.25
A good friend pointed out another article on the subject of building a Home Theatre PC on ExtremeTech
· Building a Home Theater PC, Part I
I have been thinking about a new project for my home. I would like to create a Media PC. Basically a computer that will work along side (or replace) most of my electronics. It should be able to handle MP3s, DVDs, Audio/Video Streaming, TV tuner, TV recording and playback, gaming and WebSurfing. I would like to get all of this and more into a box and then connect it to a nice sized plasma screen. In doing this, controlling all aspects of the Media system will become centralized. Instead of using a remote control, you can use a wireless mouse control. If the Media PC is built correctly, we can also eliminate the need for a multitude of wires connecting various components to the TV and Receiver. I found an article on T3’s website that can be a helpful guide for completing the project.
Enjoy!
