Gizmodo
-
wii
Roxio CinemaNow Brings Streaming Movies to the Wii (in Japan)
Well, it's Japan-only for now, but the Wii is finally starting to compete with the PS3 and Xbox 360 in the only category in which it's in third place: Media center functionality. CinemaNow, apparently, is the guinea pig of choice. More »
0
9
By Dan NosowitzComment by OMG! Ponies!: Sorry but in my house, the XBox 360 won the media center war because of the Netflix streaming. It... 3 Responses | Other threads
-
media center
Windows Media Center Gets Sports Channel With Pretty Good College Hoops Coverage
Microsoft's bringing the "Sports Channel" to Windows Media Center (Vista), which is to College Basketball what the Olympics On The Go was to the Beijing Olympics. More »
0
By Jason ChenComment by framitz: Anyone know how to remove this crap from the menu? 3 Responses | Other threads
-
windows 7
Windows 7 Media Center: The 10-Foot Experience's New Features
Microsoft has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to the living-room PC experience, thanks to Media Center. Slick interfaces and powerful audio/video features combine with the power of a full computer to create a nice experience—though it pays if your PC is CableCard-compatible, for full HD over cable. In Windows 7, Microsoft added even more functionality to an already polished package.
More »
0
Comment by tweaked: 'Cept you didn't mention the one most loathsome thing about this lovely media centre, and the one that keeps me... 2 Responses | Other threads
-
ces 2009
Toshiba Bringing Windows Media Extender To LCDs, Standalone Players Second Half of 2009
Toshiba's jump into the network-enchanced home entertainment game is partnered with Microsoft—Windows Media Extender functionality, along with Yahoo widgets, will hit their Regzas, combo LCD/DVD players and a standalone player—but we'll have to wait. More »
0
By John MahoneyComment by baconwaffles: Ok...so they are working on all this media center stuff for tvs and set top boxes...when can I use it... 2 Responses | Other threads
-
0
Comment by EnochLight: Well... this looks cool and all but... I now have to get my ass *OFF OF THE COUCH* and actually... 10 Responses | Other threads
-
bang & olufsen
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 5 is a Reasonable Media Controller (For Your Megayacht)
When Bang & Olufsen, maker of very expensive things that use electricity, let slip a photo of their upcoming BeoSound 5 home media controller, I saw a lot of potential. The interface looked nice, the hardware classy, and the screen crisp — in other words, if this thing connected with network music shares and played nice with a variety of home A/V equipment, it could be a winner. Well, we've got our hands on the official announcement, and it looks like we might have been a little optimistic. More »
0
By John HerrmanComment by Herman: That thing is uglier than a 400 pounds man's ass. 4 Responses | Other threads
-
apple tv
Free Boxee XBMC-Based Media Center Now Installable On Apple TV
Boxee has been turning any PC, Mac or Linux box into a capable, social-networking equipped media center for a while in its extended alpha phase—and now, news is that it will also work on your Apple TV for a free way to go beyond the iTunes lock-in for streaming all DRM-free media. Like aTV before it (which isnot free), Boxee installs on a flash drive (this time using Mac-only for now ATV USB Creator) and sports a similar interface as the original Xbox version that started it all. Sign up for the alpha: [Boxee]
0
By John MahoneyComment by dombutchello: f nyn nds n lph nvt, lv m yr ml! 5 Responses | Other threads
-
-
dealzmodo
Dealzmodo: Linksys DMA2100 Media Center Extender for $99
If you are looking for a super cheap way to stream content from your Media Center PC, it doesn't get much better than this $99 DMA2100 deal from Newegg. The cheapest we have been able to find it elsewhere is around $140—and that is still pretty good. The DMA2100 is not as flashy as the 2200 version, but it has all of the basic features you need to get started. [Newegg] -
cedia 2008
Lifeware's LMS-810 Media Center PC Can Drive Ten TVs at Once
See these 10 TVs? They're all being driven by the same, single Media Center PC. Taking what they came with last year and doubling it, Lifeware has crammed eight CableCARD tuners (two on board and six more in the external Lifetuner box on top) into a dual Intel Quad Core, 12TB RAID 5 box that can stream out to ten Media Extenders (here, Xbox 360s driving Samsung LCDs). The box can record from all eight of its HD streams while streaming to all 10 Extenders at once, so if you've been wondering what to do with your home's 8 spare digital cable feeds, now you know. No price yet for a pre-Christmas release, but last year's model with half as many CableCARDs was $15k. More »
0
By John MahoneyComment by ripfire: 8 cable feeds? Couldn't you just split the signal 8 ways? 2 Responses | Other threads
-
apple tv
aTV Media Center Hack for Apple TV is Back, Now With GUI Installer and Support For USB Drives
After disappearing for a while due to a fair use scuff-up, the aTV software that helps turn the Apple TV into the media center it should have been is now back and freshly updated. Big new features are a GUI installer for loading the hack onto a USB stick, eliminating the messy command line work that used to be required, and support for external USB devices for connecting a bigger hard drive or NAS for more storage, on top of everything else this nifty unofficial upgrade does for your Apple TV. More » -
centerstage
OS X Media Application CenterStage Merges With Plex
CenterStage, the great Media Center-like UI for OS X, has merged with the Plex project, an alternative interface in hopes of creating a de facto product for any Mac user looking for more functionality that Apple TV currently affords. The application can play back many formats the Apple TV, and even iTunes, can't, like XviD, AVI, Video_TS, and others, straight through your HDTV. It also has additional features like streaming Internet radio and built-in game emulators. The excellent Plex UI will mix with what CenterStage already has built, the end result being a universal application for Mac-centric Media Centers that's easy to use. Check out the new UI demo and screen shots after the jump. [CenterStage] More »
0
By Matt HickeyComment by drgonzo2k2: Yeah, but does it group compilations when browsing? more » | Other threads
-
media center
Windows Media Center Update Might Get Partner Later In the Year
Windows Media Center still isn't what Microsoft wants it to be, but it has its fans, and its getting an update this month that they've been waiting for. Word is coming down, though, that this update isn't the one the users are lusting after, the one with H.264 and DirectTV tuner support. Instead it's a minor upgrade that adds things like international support. But fret not, users, as now it seems like there's another rumor flying around about another update later in the year which will add many requested features. Patience, my fellow home theater nerds, we'll get our updates. [EngadgetHD]
0
By Matt HickeyComment by robinandtami: @racermd: I've been waiting for that for a long time. The sooner the better. I know it went into beta... more » | Other threads
-
ovei isolation pod
Ovei is $100,000 Isolation Chamber for Gadgety Privacy
Sometimes you just want to shut the world out and tackle the next level of your fave game, don't you? The Ovei isolation pod, launched this week in the UK, will let you do just that. For the sum of $100,000. And before you fall about laughing, that cash will get you a unique capsule, designed by Lee McCormack and made by Mclaren Applied Technologies (the Formula 1 guys, yes). It's custom-built exactly how you want: media center, gaming rig, interior and exterior...the sort of bespoke stuff you'd expect for 100 grand. The rest of us will have to settle for the traditional laptop-under the duvet, earphones jammed-in isolation when the house is too noisy. [PocketLint via Born Rich]
0
By Kit EatonComment by VioletArrows: A computer (or other electrical devices). Shut up with you. In a cramped plastic and leather compartment. With ONE ventilation... more » | Other threads
-
nbc
Microsoft Will Totally Bork Your Media Center DVR If NBC (or Anyone) Asks It To
Last week, courtesy of NBC, people with a Windows Media Center DVR setup got a rude reminder that broadcasters can flip a switch (called a broadcast flag) to tell DVRs not to record a show. Here's the thing: Honoring the flag is actually optional for software and hardware makers, after courts smacked down the FCC proposal to make them mandatory. But Microsoft has confirmed that they do whatever the broadcaster tells them, again, even though they don't have to. NBC hasn't confirmed yet whether or not the American Gladiators flag was intentional, but their history doesn't give me a fuzzy feeling. Update: NBC says it was an accident. More »
0
Comment by Xeno: My media center is now loosing all it's DRM randomly and will not let me watch or record anything. This... more » | Other threads
-
ipod docks
Geneva Lab's Shiny New Media Center Has iPod Dock, Unsurprisingly
The guys over at Apartment Therapy Unplugged spotted a pretty sweet media center that'll be coming soon to a living room near you. Made by Geneva Lab, a company known for its high-end iPod speaker docks, the new cabinet system includes four midrange 5.5-inch speakers, two tweeters, a 12-inch subwoofer, a cabinet to hold A/V components, and (of course) a dock for everybody's favorite MP3 player. It's expected to hit stores in late Fall 2008, and will cost $3,500. More pics after the jump. More »
0
By Elaine ChowComment by rg: Monday: I plop down $3500 for a TV stand with an iPod adapter. Tuesday: Apple's big news, complete redesign of the... more » | Other threads
-
media center
Media Center's Do Not Record Broadcast Flag Is Still Alive
Recently, some Windows Media Center owners were blocked from recording American Gladiators and Medium because of an incorrectly set broadcast flag from NBC. What's the deal here? The broadcasters (NBC, ABC, HBO) can turn on a flag in their data stream that tells whatever DVR machine on your end that it's NOT alright to record a show, protecting Pay-Per-View or premium channel content from being archived. This has actually been around for years. More »
0
By Jason ChenComment by theDagda: The Broadcast Flag is not supposed to work with Free to Air TV, since the FCC's mandate on implementing it... more » | Other threads
-
media center
Amex Digital's iMON HD Mobile Media Center Also Controls Your PC
Amex Digital's iMON HD seems a pretty unusual beast: it's a "portable media center" that acts as an IR receiver to control your PC, and also has a built-in VFD screen. This can display an equalizer or streams of useful info, like weather reports, news, your email and so on— a little like a low-graphics Chumby perhaps? There's not much more info than this, so we can tell you it supports Windows Vista Media center, it'll come in black and white colors and has a remote controller, and that's about it. [Akihabaranews] -
watching netflix on xbox 360
Watch Netflix Downloads On Your Xbox 360
By installing the vmcNetflix plug-in to a Vista Premium Media Center computer, you can watch streamed Netflix content on an Xbox 360. It's buggy, but it's a lot better than watching Netflix on a laptop screen. (Providing you have Netflix, an Xbox 360 and a Vista Media Center.) Maybe Netflix should open up streaming to lots of devices, not just windows PCs as of today. I know Mac support is coming, but combining wide support for their online services with disc delivery, it could be a pretty sweet hybrid of the old and new. Video demo post jump. [vmcNetflix via Hacking Netflix and Thomas Hawk, thanks Mike] More » -
gadgets
EZ Commander Media Center Remote Features Trackball, 1980s Beige Color Scheme
Ignoring the retro styling of this EZ Commander remote, it's got one remarkable feature that makes the whole five-buck-design worthwhile: a trackball. Even though trackballs went out of style for most computer users (some die hards still swear by them) they make plenty of sense to use with a remote, so you can mouse around the screen without having to actually use a mouse. It's too bad that it costs $80, which is a good $50 more than standard Media Center remotes go for these days. [Think Geek via Gadgettastic via DVice] -
media center
Windows Media Center Universal Remote IR Quirks Fixed
Windows Media Center users who use universal remotes—not the default Microsoft IR remotes—have run into a quirk where only some button presses register. Here's the deal: media center receivers expect to see an alternating IR code for functions like channel changing or volume switches in order to eliminate IR "bounce," which is apparently caused by IR signals bouncing off stuff and hitting the receiver twice. In order to turn this off and fix the problem for universal remotes that don't support the alternating IR codes, just change a registry entry and you're done. Hit up CEPro for more details. [CEPro]
0
By Jason ChenComment by Xeno: @jdame95: Ditto, my 880 has 0 issues with my media center. more » | Other threads
-
media center
Niveus Upgrades Media Storage Servers to 2, 4TB
The high end (read: super expensive) Niveus Storage Server and Storage Server Pro doesn't just act as a file dump for your movies—any network attached storage can do that—it interfaces with much of your networked media equipment as well. More »
0
By Jason ChenComment by JaymzThePooh: @mikecoscia:If you have more than 500 uncompressed (unpirated) DVDs, why don't you just get a couple massive DVD changers. It... more » | Other threads
-
netflix
MyNetflix Media Center Plug-In Turns Your PC Into a True Netflix Box
Anthony Park's MyNetflix plug-in for Vista Media Center is an awesome little add-on that lets you do pretty much anything you want with Netflix from within MC. More » -
review
Lightning Review: Linksys 2200 HD Media Center Extender
The Gadget: Linksys' slightly fancier Windows Media Center Extender, which streams the Windows Vista/XP Media Center interface over the network so you can watch live or recorded TV and downloaded files on TV in HD. More »
0
By Jason ChenComment by aphex242: @tehronin: He can't, because those don't work, as I said. @x23: .avi is a common wrapper, but not for h.264 formatted... more » | Other threads
-
pcs
Sony VAIO TP Media Center PC Features Dual CableCARD Configuration
The Sony VAIO TP-25 one ups last year's media center offerings with a dual CableCARD PC, while adding 500 GB of storage (good for 50 hours recording), a BD-ROM drive and a 2.1 GHz T8100 Penryn processor for $3000. The non-CableCARD TP-20 can also be had for $1600.
More » -
home entertainment
Niveus's Sierra Windows Media Centers Goes Intro-Level for Home Builders
Branching out from their full-featured (read: Expensive) Media Centers, Niveus is introducing a Sierra Edition Media Server, which is also designed for the home-builder market. The Sierra, which is half the size of their normal units, also consumes "low power" and uses an HD DVD drive, 500GB storage, a GeForce "Series 8", and 1080p streaming. It'll be available in Q1 2008 for "volume integrators", which means people who will be installing them in homes or other markets which you probably don't qualify for buying this for yourself.
More » -
gadgets
Niveus EDGE Media Center Extender Ships Now
Our friends at Niveus, whose EDGE media center extender was already seen back in September, tell us that the unit is finally shipping. It's the first Windows MCE unit to receive the ISF Video Quality Certification, but does what other extenders do—stream live and recorded video, plus pictures, plus music from your Windows Vista or XP computer with Media Center. We got hands on with their Media Centers last year. -
hdtvs
HP MediaSmart SL4282N and SL4782N HDTV with Media Center Inside
The Skinny: MediaSmart 1080p LCD TVs are coming of age—both the $1,900 42" and the $2,400 47" will have built-in Microsoft Media Center Extender connectivity and an improved higher-contrast panel (2000:1). They have 3 HDMI ports, 2 component inputs, integrated Wi-Fi in A, B, G, and N flavors and Ethernet. Has ATSC and QAM Tuners and 500cd of brightness. More » -
roundup
Afternoon News: HP and Compaq Laptops May Brick, Comcast and DirecTV Have a Catfight, I Weep For My Home Town and More
• A security researcher published code that is capable ofbrickingcorrupting Windows boot sectors on most HP and Compaq laptops. That doesn't sound too good. [Slashdot] More » -
home entertainment
DirectTV-Enabled Media Centers Still Coming, Says Microsoft Job Listing
Chris Lanier, Media Center fan, has just found a couple job postings by Microsoft that point to an long-delayed introduction of DirecTV support in their Media Centers. The job postings point to Pay-Per-View access, HD in H.264, two-way communications to and from the satellite, and integration with both US and European satellite systems. The one note that Chris adds is that the Xbox 360 Extender will need to get another H.264 update in order to comply with the DTV's standards before this whole tuner business ships. [Chris Lanier's Blog] -
digital life
Niveus EDGE Media Center Extender Does 1080p, is Whisper Quiet, But No Wireless N
The fourth and final MCE extender is by niveus is the best looking, has 3 USB ports which is two more than what you probably need for thumbdrive playback, and best of all passive cooling. The passive cooling, if it is like the type in the full sized Niveus Media Center PCs, it uses heatpipes that go from processor blocks to the finned, aluminum case that acts like a giant heatsink. It does not, unfortunately, have any wireless capabilities. At least it's 1080p. [Niveus] More » -
d-link
D-Link DSM-750 Media Center Extender 2.0 in the Wild
Like the Linksys leaked today, all the new extender hardware is coming out of the woodwork, and aside from the updated MCE interface, it's interesting to see what each manufacturer is bringing to the table. On top of dual channel N support, this box has an HDMI and component output, ethernet, and a USB port for media playback. The box'll also hit up uPNP and WMP 11 sources and cost a hefty bit of cheddar — $350. Um, isn't that the price of an Xbox 360 that can do the MCE extension (minus new codecs), download HD movies to its HDD, plus play a whole lot of awesome games? This has to be less than $200 to work, I'd say. -
home entertainment
LaCie Silverscreen Media Center Plays Back DivX In 1080i
LaCie's revived their old Silverscreen brand to bring you a 1080i, 500GB capacity media player that handles DivX files. It plus directly into your TV via component, and can even support 5.1 Dolby Digital via its optical out. MP3 audio files and JPG picture viewing is also included, but unfortunately the Silverscreen still doesn't include video recording, just playback. A DVR this ain't. [Fosfor] -
cedia07
Webguide for Media Center Streams All Your Content to Any Browser
Webguide was bought by Microsoft and made a free upgrade to all Media Center users. It basically streams all video, music, photos and TV across the net. It even re-encodes HD streams to lesser pixel counts. More » -
cedia07
FYI: New Media Center Extender Getting H.264 and HDMI
Got some eyes-on time with the upcoming refreshed Media Center Extender v.2 boxes. Here are the features that weren't in the press release that will hopefully keep it from being DOA like the older MCE 2005 extenders and differentiate it from current-gen Xbox 360.
More » -
home entertainment
Alienware Shows High End Rackmount Media Center Server
Made for those super, super nerds who actually have rackmounts at home, Alienware's HD Media server has 1080p via HDMI, internal cable card (OCUR) support, Dolby Digital 7.1 preamp output, and built-in Media Center Blu-ray support. In addition to that, there's going to be native iTunes support so you won't have to exit the Media Center app to listen to your music. Plus, there's the 4 terabytes of hot-swappable storage that ensures you will never run out of room to store your HD shows this coming season. [CEPro] -
media center
Okoro's Vista media centers are now shipping with CableCard. [MSMVPS]
-
loewe
Loewe Connect Series TVs Offers Built-In Network Media Player
Loewe's network media center concept promises an intelligent TV set in a modern design. Loewe Connect has 3 sizes ranging from 32 to 42 inches, each with a built-in network media player, USB port, Ethernet port, WiFi and an integrated HD tuner. An additional model labeled the Connect Media DR+ has a built-in HDD recorder for recording HDTV programs. No price or release date is available, but the Loewe's Connect Series will be on display at IFA 2007. More »
0
Comment by fusiongtdotcom: Pioneer Elite's can connect to your router and stream music/video/pics from your Windows media player. If these Loewe can get... more » | Other threads
-
pcs
Sony's quiet, Oreo-shaped TP1 Vaio media center is finally for sale, still doesn't have CableCARD. [SonyStyle] -
buyer's guide
Ten Things You Should Know Before Buying a High Def DVR
With the recent launch of CableCARD Vista Media Centers, many people are reconsidering buying (or upgrading to) a high definition DVR. But with all the different choices and various benefits and drawbacks of each, it's hard to choose the one that's right for you.
More »
0
By Jason Chen
Comment by ChuckC: Is it even necessary? When I first got cable service in my new home, I tried the Comcast digital. My... more » | Other threads
media center
Gizmodo Team
Tip your editors:
tips@gizmodo.com
Editorial Director:
Brian Lam | Email | Twitter
Editor:
Jason Chen
Email | AIM | Twitter
Features Editor:
Wilson Rothman
Email | Twitter
Senior Associate Editor:
Jesus Diaz
Email | AIM | Twitter
Associate Editors:
Mark Wilson
Email | AIM | Twitter
Matt Buchanan
Email | AIM | Twitter
Adam Frucci
Email | Twitter
Contributing Editors:
Sean Fallon
Email | Twitter
Jack Loftus
Email | Twitter
John Herrman
Email | Twitter
Dan Nosowitz
Email
Editorial Assistant:
Chris Mascari
Email
Andrea Wang
Email | Twitter
Columnist:
Brendan I. Koerner
Comment Intern::
Nick Ellenoff | Email
Comment Account Questions:
Comments@gizmodo.com
Original material is licensed under a Creative Commons License permitting non-commercial sharing with attribution.
