The new SageTV HD Theater media center extender device allows you to enjoy your videos, music, and photos in full HD on your HDTV sets wherever they are in your home. As with previous SageTV extenders, the HD Theater will allow you to watch live or recorded HD broadcasts from the PCs or Macs running SageTV Media Center software. Digital content can be played off of PCs, Macs, network storage devices, or even USB storage devices.
In addition to local content, the HD Theater extender will be able to stream online video directly from sources such as YouTube, Google Video, and major TV networks without the need of a PC.
Here’s a list of the SageTV HD Theater Specifications:
Video format supported: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 up to 1080p, AVI, MKV, MOV, ASF, VOB, WMV9/VC-1 up to 1080p
Audio format suppported: MP2, MP3, AAC, WMA, Vorbis (stereo only), AC3 (stereo down-mix/pass-through), FLAC, DTS (pass-through)
Video Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 Component, 1 Composite, 1 S-Video
Audio Outputs: Left/Right audio output and optical S/PDIF
Maximum Number of SageTV HD Theaters: Limited only by your home network bandwidth, each HD video stream may use 20 Mbps or more of home network bandwidth.
TV Set Requirements:
- HDMI, Component, Composite or S-Video input (NTSC)
- Left and right audio input jacks, optical or HDMI audio input
Network Requirements:
- One 10/100 RJ-45 port on a Router, Hub or Switch network with DHCP server on network
or
- Direct connect from SageTV HD Media Extender to PC running DHCP server via cross over LAN cable (not supplied)
You can purchase the SageTV HD Media Extender for $199.95 each.
[Check it out via eHomeUpgrade]
Technorati Tags: SageTV HD Theater Media Center Extender
Written by flung on December 2nd, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Media Center Extender and Media Players and SageTV and SageTV HD Theater Media Center Extender and htpc.
Ian Dixon from The Digital Lifestyle.com has created a pretty nifty video showing off the Windows Media Center SideShow Gadget running on his Windows Mobile handset. His posting also details the steps he took to get everything running – pretty cool stuff for all you Media Center fans (which includes me).
[Check it out via eHomeUpgrade]
Technorati Tags: Windows Mobile, Windows Media Center SideShow Gadget
Written by flung on November 14th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on WINDOWS MOBILE and Windows Media Center and Windows Media Center SideShow Gadget and htpc.
PC Magazine has published a review of that new monstrous all-in-one PC system from Sony - the new VAIO RT series. The reviewed system was the VAIO VGC-RT150Y which has an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, 1 TB of disk space, an NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT GPU, Blu-ray drive, and of course, a crazy 25.5 inch widescreen display. Here’s what PC Mag had to say about it:
The Sony VAIO VGC-RT150Y is even more expensive and powerful and has a bigger screen than previous all-in-one PCs. It will compete with the iMac for digital-content-creation artists.
Yes, it’s big.. it’s all in one.. AND it’s expensive!
[Check it out]
Technorati Tags: Sony VAIO RT, All-in-one PC, PC Magazine, Review
Written by flung on October 8th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on All-in-one PC and Computer Systems and Computers and PC Magazine and Review and Sony and Sony VAIO RT and htpc.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one PC with a little more oomph, then you might be interested in the new Sony VAIO RT series. Featuring a 25.5 inch XBRITE-FullHD Technology LCD display, Intel Core 2 Quad processor, loads of memory and storage space, the RT series makes for a great high definition all-in-one TV/PC system. On the PC side of things, the VAIO RT is a multimedia powerhouse thanks to the Intel quad core processor, 4 to 8GB of memory, and loads of disk space. On the TV side of things, the system supports full HD resolutions, has a Blu-ray drive and comes with an HDMI input for connecting other HD devices such as a Sony PlayStation 3 or an Xbox 360 game console.
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q8200 or Q9400- 4GB to 8GB of memory
- 1TB storage capacity (2 x 500GB 7200 RPM SATA HDD)
- RAID 0 technology
- 25.5 inch 1920 x 1200 XBRITE-FullHD Technology LCD display
- Blu-ray Burner
- Media Card Reader
- Intel HD Audio with Dolby Digital Live
- 2.1 channel speaker system (2 x 5 watt stereo speakers + 11 watt subwoofer)
- NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT GPU
- Intel P43 Express Chipset
- NTSC/ATSC TV Tuner
- 5 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 IEEE 1394 port
- Headphone, SPDIF, Ethernet, A/V input, eSATA, HDMI input, HDMI output
- Intel Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit OS
- Measures 26.1 x 17.3 x 9.3 inches
The VAIO RT is now available for pre-order with prices starting at $3299.99.
[Check it out]
Technorati Tags: Sony VAIO RT, All-in-one PC, full HD
Written by flung on October 6th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on All-in-one PC and Computer Systems and Computers and Sony and Sony VAIO RT and Windows Media Center and full-hd and htpc.
Above is Brando’s USB 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard - a keyboard that’s probably ideally suited for mobile and HTPC environments. The keyboard measures 262 x 112 x 23 mm and features 78 keys, a built-in trackball with 1000/1500 dpi resolution, and an operating distance of up to 10 meters. The keyboard communicates over 2.4 GHz RF to a separate USB receiver which connects to your PC. Brando offers the keyboard for $48 dollars.
[Check it out]
Technorati Tags: Brando, USB 2.4Ghz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard
Written by flung on October 5th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Brando and Keyboards and USB and USB 2.4Ghz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard and htpc.
Ever wish you could bring the TiVo user interface to the PC platform? Well soon you’ll be able to do so thanks to the upcoming Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC package. LiquidTV | TiVo PC is essentially another DVR application for the Windows OS except this one happens to bring along the famed TiVo user interface. If you’re one to record and watch TV content on your desktop PC, then you definitely might be interested in this package.
Major features of the Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC package include the following:
- Features TiVo’s user interface
- Watch and record shows in HD or SD format on your TV or PC
- Export shows to portable media players
- Burn shows to DVD or save them to your hard drive
- Schedule TV recordings online
- Pause Live TV on your PC
- Includes 12 month subscription
- Features TiVo KidZone, Season Pass and WishList etc
Now keep in mind - this isn’t exactly a full on replacement of Windows Media Center. The Nero app won’t manage your music or photo collection for you like Windows Media Center can. However, if you’re just interested in recording television shows and having a near endless amount of storage space for TV shows, then the LiquidTV app is certainly something you should consider (along with Media Center and any number of other competing DVR applications). Now if you MUST have the TiVo interface, then heck.. this is your only way to go on the PC platform.
As this PC Mag review notes, LiquidTV is not a replacement for the TiVo DVR device. This is a package that’s designed for folks who are ok with the notion of watching and recording TV on their PCs. Also - remember that LiquidTV supports OTA ATSC which means you won’t be able to record premium HD channels unless you hook up a cable set-top box to your PC (you’ll also record lower quality video via S-Video).
Speaking of the PC Mag review, here’s what they thought of it.
Nero’s LiquidTV brings the top-notch TiVo interface and all its talents to your PC. While it’s not a replacement for a traditional TiVo DVR, it’s a solid attempt at convergence between your computer and your living-room entertainment.
Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC will be available in two packages. There’s a $199.99 hardware/software bundle that includes the software application, a 12 month subscription to TiVo, a TV tuner card with A/V cables and antenna, a TiVo PC remote control, and an IR blaster and receiver. If you don’t need the hardware, there’s also a $99.99 software package which includes the application and a 12 month subscription to TiVo.
[Check it out via News.com]
Technorati Tags: Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC
Written by flung on September 29th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on DVRs and Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC and TV Tuners and TiVo and htpc.
The folks at ExtremeTech have published a review of the SageTV HD Media Extender device here on their website. The SageTV HD Media Extender plays back content from a SageTV enabled PC directly on a television set. The device connects to your home network via a Fast Ethernet connection and has connectors for component, composite, analog/digital audio out, and HDMI out. Supported video formats include MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 up to 1080p, AVI, VOB, WMV9/VC-1 up to 1080p. The device in many ways is similar to what you’d expect from an extender device - especially if you’re familiar with Windows Media Center Extender devices. So what did ExtremeTech think of it?
The SageTV HD Media Center offers a simple connection to HDTVs, and works well under some conditions. But the playback glitches we encountered, plus lack of WMA Lossless or Apple Lossless support is problematic.
Here’s hoping SageTV will resolve some of the issues the publication encountered. The SageTV HD Media Extender has an MSRP of $199.95.
[Check it out]
Technorati Tags: SageTV HD Media Extender, ExtremeTech, Review
Written by flung on September 26th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on ExtremeTech and Media Center Extender and Review and SageTV and SageTV HD Media Extender and htpc.
On the computing front, Sony announced three new all-in-one PC/LCD systems last week - the VAIO JS, LV, and RT desktop models. These all-in-one systems are great for people who need the capabilities of an HDTV, a Blu-ray player, and of course, a desktop PC system, yet are constrained with real-estate space. Of course you can totally enjoy these systems even if you have all the space in the world. Here’s what you need to know about the three systems (Above are pictures of the Sony RT systems).
The VAIO JS features the following:
- 20.1 inch LCD display
- XBRITE-ECO LCD Technology
- Optional Blu-ray Disc ROM optical drive
- Integrated microphone and webcam with face-tracking technology
- Windows Vista Home Premium OS
- Available in black, silver, and pink with starting prices at around $1000
The VAIO LV features the following:
- Floating mirror design
- 24 inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display
- XBRITE-FullHD LCD technology
- Most models feature slot-in Blu-ray disc optical drive
- Up to 1 TB of storage
- Built-in DVR capabilities
- 1080p capable HDMI input
- wireless LAN
- integrated power supply
- wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad, mouse, and remote control included
- Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate
- Prices start at around $1600
The VAIO RT (pictured above) features the following:
- 25.5 inch LCD display with XBRITE-FullHD LCD technology
- Blu-ray optical drive
- Built-in digital TV tuners
- HDMI input and output
- Intel Core 2 Quad processor
- Up to 8GB of RAM
- Up to 1TB of HDD
- eSATA port
- CompactFlash slot
- Windows Vista Ultimate
- Wireless keyboard with integrated touchpad and mouse are included
- Built-in power supply
- Prices start at around $3300
The new all-in-one PC/LCD systems will be available in the middle of October.
[Check it out]
Technorati Tags: Sony, VAIO JS, LV, RT
Written by flung on September 7th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on HDTV and LCD Televisions and LCD displays and LV and RT and Sony and VAIO JS and htpc.
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