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The Media Center DirecTV HDPC-20 caught in action

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Nov 19th 2008 at 1:48PM Featured Story


Microsoft invited us, with a few others, to tour the eHome team office and lab's and of all the great things we saw -- pictured in the gallery -- the one that got us the most excited was to see the rumored DirecTV HDPC-20 USB tuner in action. Our dreams were a little dashed though, as we were reminded on numerous occasions that although Microsoft tests lots of hardware, not everything makes it to market. So in other words, the presence of any hardware in the lab is no way an announcement of future products. But this here tuner wasn't the only thing we saw, as there were even a few indications that DISH Network was being tested as well, and while we did see DISH multi-switches and a DISH TV screen up on a Media Center PC, we didn't see any specific DISH equipment connected to Media Center. This could mean the tuners are internal or maybe the tuners were just cleared out before we came through. More pictures of the HDPC-20 in action after the jump.

Continue reading The Media Center DirecTV HDPC-20 caught in action

CyberLink unveils PowerCinema 6 HTPC software

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 8:01PM

Most recently, CyberLink has been ensconced behind the DIRECTV2PC operation, but now it's stepping out again on its own to showcase the PowerCinema 6 software. Designed to give HTPC owners easy access to multimedia (photos, TV shows, music, etc.) as well as handle TV recordings / scheduling and channel management, the new piece now boasts support for high-definition TV -- an obvious requirement for you and your peers. Obviously, that means you'll also find MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) support, though it doesn't include a player for Blu-ray Discs. If that's not a bother, the software can be acquired right now for between $49.95 and $129.95 depending on the bundle you choose.

What's the best HTPC under $3,000?

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 13th 2008 at 11:37PM


We had a lively Ask Engadget HD this week, so figured we'd point our dear readers in the direction of Engadget Classic for another HD-related inquiry. This week's question is about HTPCs, particularly ones that won't absolutely shatter the bank. We know you've got some creative thoughts as to how to get a robust system without blowing north of three large, so head on over and chime in, won't you?

AMD's Maui HTPC platform now on sale

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 10th 2008 at 4:05AM


HTPC-centric motherboards aren't exactly everywhere these days, so we figured it prudent to pass along this heads-up. AMD's flexible Maui platform is now on sale, bringing with it a low-power Phenom or Athlon X2 processor, an AMD 780-series (or higher) IGPU, an ATI TV tuner and AMD's Live media center software elements. Reviews from buyers have been generally positive thus far, and you can snag one now for $189.99.

[Via HotHardware]

Silicon Mountain's Allio: 42-inch HDTV with built-in PC / Blu-ray player

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 10th 2008 at 12:00AM


Talk about putting all of your eggs in one basket. Silicon Mountain has evidently taken a note from Lumenlab with its incredibly multifaceted Allio. For starters, the 42-inch set arrives with a full-blown PC within, including an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 CPU, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive and Windows Vista Home Premium. You'll also find a smorgasbord of inputs, a number of USB ports, wired / wireless networking options and a 1080p panel; speaking of the TV itself, it features a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness and twin 12-watt speakers. On top of all that, the California-assembled unit even includes a slim-line Blu-ray player, theoretically beating both Sharp and Funai to the market with Blu-ray-infused HDTVs. As of now, six different configurations are available (including a 32-incher) starting at $1,599, and the company is planning on offering "low-cost" versions with Ubuntu in the near future. Head on past the break for the full release.

Continue reading Silicon Mountain's Allio: 42-inch HDTV with built-in PC / Blu-ray player

ABI survey ties video diet to age

by Steven Kim, posted Nov 6th 2008 at 11:07PM

Family tree
On the heels of our own roundtable discussion, ABI Research has a survey that ties video consumption methods to age. No big surprises -- the younger crowd leads the way on gaming consoles, VOD, internet downloads and cell phone video -- but still, some interesting trends emerged. DVRs look to have achieved uniform adoption across all age groups, whereas the older VOD technology is still largely used by young adults. To VOD's credit, up to half of those who try it get hooked, regardless of age, so carriers just need to get people started (we're thinking free trials are in order). Internet downloads are really only on the radar of the under-30 crowd, chalked up to "inconsistencies in the process," which might explain why some people's eyes glaze over when we try to explain how to get content via the internet. On the other end of the age spectrum, videogame console use more than doubled in the 65+ year-old group; but we figure a lot of those units are Wiis that won't be used for watching content (officially or otherwise). Hit the link for more details and chime in with your take.

Windows 7 to natively support DivX and transcoding?

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Nov 5th 2008 at 5:20PM


Currently getting 3rd party codecs like DivX and Xvid working within Windows Media Center has worked well enough with 3rd party solutions, but the next best thing is native support. We'd already gotten the official word that H.264 support was included in Windows 7, but a tipster has lead us to believe that the pre-beta version of Windows 7 also includes native support for DivX. In addition, MKV is also expected to be supported; but that isn't the best part. Because although we've always been able to add these codecs to Media Center anyways, the real crux has been when you try to watch the very same content on an extender -- like the Xbox 360. So in an attempt to bring the entire Media Center experience to the extenders it appears Microsoft has added native transcoding. So now if Media Center can play the file, it can also convert it on the fly to a format that your extender supports. Of course like all betas, there's no guarantee these features will make it into the final build, but we sure hope they do.

Netflix opens 'Watch Instantly' to Mac owners who opt-in

by Steven Kim, posted Nov 2nd 2008 at 1:24PM

Netflix 'Watch Now' on Mac
Mac owners who have been waiting for Netflix to open up the 'Watch Instantly' option just got a little something to light up their day -- the service is now available to the public; or at least members of the public who opt in via a web form. It's all based on Microsoft's Silverlight, so you'll need to download and install the plugin for your web browser, but please mind the six device limit if you've got a small cadre of 'Watch Instantly' devices in use. So if you can live with the fact that Microsoft tech is the lynchpin to your Mac streaming enjoyment, hustle on over and sign yourselves up for that non-HD, but ample selection of streaming content.

Microsoft's Silverlight to get adaptive streaming boost from Akamai

by Steven Kim, posted Oct 30th 2008 at 8:22PM

Microsoft and Akamai Smooth HDMicrosoft is hoping to spread the HD to more than its Xbox 360, and has partnered up with Akamai to demo its latest combination of technologies that will send 720p content smoothly over the internet. A beta release of the Silverlight player plus Akamai's AdaptiveEdge Streaming will debut in early 2009, but the aim is as old as the hills -- deliver smooth (or at least, smoothly degrading) HD video to internet viewers with standard web servers, as opposed to dedicated video streaming servers. The videos will stream at 720p and maintain a 24fps minimum, eating up 2 - 6 Mbps in the process, all the while adapting the transmission based on the quality of the connection. Curious? There's a demo link in the source below, so get some post-Olympics use out of that Silverlight plugin you installed this summer!

What's new in Windows 7 for Media Center

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Oct 30th 2008 at 1:40PM


Our good friend Charlie Owen highlighted the most interesting parts of Windows 7 on his blog -- you know, the Media Center parts. Overall we're a bit disappointed to see that most of the changes to the TV functionality were just brought over from the OEM only TV Pack, in fact almost all the other changes are cosmetic. We're not sure we like the new look yet (like the new info menu pictured) but we'd like to get accustomed to it before we pass judgment. That's not to say that there aren't any new features though, as there are plenty of changes for the pictures and music's features -- which are much appreciated. It should go without saying that we're mostly interested in features that enhance our HD viewing. The biggest addition to us is one that was expected in the TV Pack, but left out: H.264 support. Although this can be a nice feature all on its own, the real excitement is because we hope that this means DirecTV fans will finally get to watch HD on their Media Centers. We're hoping that this isn't the only feature that Redmond isn't letting on to just yet, but we'll all just have to wait and see what's to come in the final release.

Psystar slaps Apple around, releases Mac clones with Blu-ray / GeForce 9800GT

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 28th 2008 at 4:34PM


While suits from Psystar and Apple are currently attempting to work things out via alternative dispute resolution, the former company is doing something the latter company won't: offer OS X-capable machines with built-in Blu-ray and NVIDIA's GeForce 9800GT. Showing no mercy whatsoever in a recent release, Psystar calls Steve Jobs out for his controversial "bag of hurt" comment and proceeds to inform the general public that it's "now shipping" OS X-compatible PCs (better known as Open Computers) with Blu-ray optical drives and the GeForce 9800GT GPU. Based on pricing figures gathered from the company's website, a 6x Blu-ray writer is a $310 upgrade over a dual-layer DVD burner, while the 512MB GeForce 9800GT will set you back $200 more than the 8600GT. Whatcha got to say now, Steve? Huh? Huh?

[Via MacUser]

ZeeVee introduces the free public beta of Zviewer

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Oct 27th 2008 at 9:04AM

Zviewer
If you've been looking for a simple way to access your favorite Internet content on your HTPC, the Zviewer might just be the software you're looking for. The Zviewer offers the same experience that we enjoyed when we reviewed the ZvBox, but without the $500 price -- of course for it to be useful you're going to want to have a PC connected to your HDTV and a remote of some kind. We assume that ZeeVee will also offer its remote separately with the RF receiver, but considering just the remote is listed on the site for $129, we're not sure it's worth the price. Overall we like the way the Zviewer brings together all of our Internet content in an easy to use interface that is referred to as a "lean-back" experience, but there's no doubt it's still in beta. And oh, by the way, although it is based on Mozilla, it is PC only. But any way you shake it, for the price its worth your time to download it and check it out.

**Update** ZeeVee dropped us a note to let us know that the public release was delayed, so we'll let you know when as soon as we do.

Windows Media Center Gadgets for SideShow finally released

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 25th 2008 at 12:07AM


This release may have been a bit more important had it been done back when SideShow had a chance of being viable, but now that the technology is all but forgotten, we aren't too sure that many of you will be able to take advantage. At any rate, those still looking for more ways to utilize those SideShow-enabled wares can download the Windows Media Center Gadgets for Windows SideShow application today, which is conveniently available in both 32- and 64-bit versions. Media Center users can tap into a SideShow-enabled remote, for example, to browse the TV program guide (as well as schedule recordings and the like), sift through your playlists, browse pictures / play slideshows and get a glimpse of what's currently playing in Media Center. Hit the read link and give it a go -- if any of you out there even have the hardware to take advantage.

[Via On10, thanks Ian]

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best pre-fab HTPC?

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 22nd 2008 at 12:00PM Featured Story


The dedicated HTPC may not be quite as "mainstream" as it was in years past, but there's still a solid sect of people who want a full-fledged box running beneath their HDTV. There's also a subset of those people with no extra time to build their own. Thus, we present Chester's question:

"I'm tired of looking at media streaming options and I've decided I just want a dedicated HTPC connected to my HDTV. I'm not much into PC building, so I was hoping to buy a pre-fabricated unit from a company that sells media PCs. Which is my best option? CableCARD support would be preferred. Thanks for any advice."

Time to drop the gloves and speak your minds, people. What HTPC should this fellow splurge on? One of Dell's boxes? What about Okoro Media Systems? Niveus for the ballers? Sound off below!

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

DIRECTV2PC actually goes live, for real this time

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 21st 2008 at 12:38PM


Heads-up, DirecTV users. That DIRECTV2PC software that you've been waiting so anxiously for is finally available for download. Like, for real this time. Just as a refresher, the CyberLink software enables PC users to stream HD recordings from their DirecTV Plus HD DVR receiver to a connected computer in the home, and if that sounds like something you'd be interested in, may we encourage you to hit the read link and follow the steps to downloading. Oddly enough, the direct URL to CyberLink's site only seems to work when you connect through DirecTV's site, but we're hoping a fix is in the works.

[Thanks, Albert]




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