media center Archive
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VidaBox adds tablet control for its Media Center PCs, iPad is first in line
Posted on June 24, 2010 | No CommentsTablet control for HTPCs is nothing new to VidaBox, but with users quickly buying up tablets of their own it's switched focus from the proprietary vPad and $2,600 TouchClient to wider compatibility through web apps. This iPad control interface demonstrated at the Asian Pacific CEDIA Expo, lets users browse and control their Media Center PC's videos and music with cover art and related information right in the palm of their hands. Built on the company's vAutomation 2.0 platform the software can control other connected devices including lights and cable boxes, while integration with online sources like Rhapsody and Pandora is also in the works. The iPad version is scheduled to make it to dealers and integrators in Q3 and its web based roots should make Android or other platform support a snap, though you will need to own one of the company's systems to take advantage.
Continue reading VidaBox adds tablet control for its Media Center PCs, iPad is first in line
VidaBox adds tablet control for its Media Center PCs, iPad is first in line originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Big Screen EPG gets a Windows 7 update
Posted on June 22, 2010 | No CommentsHere in the US we take for granted the free guide data that Microsoft provides for Windows 7 Media Center users, but it isn't like that in every country of the world. Nope, in many regions of the world there is no EPG data at all and any DVR without guide data is basically a VCR. Luckily 3rd parties have filled the void and the most renown has finally starting distributing Windows 7 compatible binaries. But unlike some other great 3rd party plug-ins, Big Screen EPG comes with a price, which seems pretty reasonable if it means actually being able to use Media Center. Especially when it includes so many other features like channel logos and enhanced series matching and meta-data imports. If you still aren't sold, you can try out a none expiring trial that simply has a subset of the features before dropping the full $20 for a 2 year family license.
Continue reading Big Screen EPG gets a Windows 7 update
Big Screen EPG gets a Windows 7 update originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Comcast to roll out more MPEG-4 starting with 3D
Posted on June 18, 2010 | No CommentsAnd you 3D haters thought that nothing good could come of 3D technology, then we find out that Comcast is finally putting its 10 million MPEG-4 compatible set-top boxes to use -- although ESPN is only sending out ESPN 3D as MPEG-4, the Comcast's Media Center is sending out two streams -- the original and the transcoded MPEG-2 variety -- to its facilities around the country. The local Comcast office picks which to send out your way for now (which caused lots of issues on launch day since most didn't realize their MPEG-2 only box wasn't compatible) but that changes in August when all 3D signals will be sent via MPEG-4 and those with older boxes will just have to upgrade to enjoy their new 3DTV -- so much for the benefits of frame compatible 3D. MPEG-4 is a win win for consumers and the cable provider, as it takes less bandwidth on the providers network and uses less space on those pitiful 160GB cable DVRs.
Comcast to roll out more MPEG-4 starting with 3D originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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DVBLink turns any ATSC or clear QAM tuner into a networked tuner
Posted on June 18, 2010 | No CommentsA craze that was started by Silicon Dust years ago is very popular for a very good reason -- network tuners are incredibly flexible -- and it just came to any ATSC or clear QAM tuner. The company DVBLogic has made it possible to turn any DVB tuner into a network tuner for some time, but since we don't DVB in the US, it hasn't been very useful on this side of the Atlantic. The latest release of DVBLink includes said ability which might be just the way for you to watch live HD on your laptop using the existing tuner in your HTPC. It isn't free software, but we're betting if you have the need the ~40 Euro price won't keep you from it -- assuming the free 30 day trial works as advertised.
DVBLink turns any ATSC or clear QAM tuner into a networked tuner originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google TV: Who is the competition and what are they saying about it?
Posted on May 21, 2010 | No CommentsThe Google TV has landed and is already sending ripples through the marketplace, but what about all the companies already blending internet and TV? Whether they are already planning to work with the new initiative (Rovi), even more firmly staking a claim on their existing technology and vision for the connected TV (Microsoft, Yahoo), sounding like it's an option for the future (Samsung, VIZIO, Boxee) or already working on their own Android on TV projects (People of Lava, MIPS) each one should tell a little bit about where this market is headed in the coming months and years. Read on for their statements -- and a quick breakdown of what each is bringing to the table in case you weren't already running a network cable to your HDTV years ago.
Continue reading Google TV: Who is the competition and what are they saying about it?
Google TV: Who is the competition and what are they saying about it? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 21 May 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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