Month: August 2005

Hollywood, Microsoft align on new Windows (CNET) | CNET has a piece of PVP-OPM (aka Protected Video Path) Also they have an FAQ on what it actually means to you.   Cory Doctorow (EFF) adds his opinion, and thinks PVP-OPM limits what you can do with your music and movies.  As usual, Cory is looking at this from the fact that DRM doesn’t work and is not needed (He’s generally right about that).  Microsoft, on the hand is looking at it the smart way from a business standpoint.   People don’t want to be limited on what they can do … Continue reading CNET on PVP-OPM In Vista, and Cory Doctorow on PVP-OPM

Sales of Media Center PCs have skyrocketed since July 9, according to a recent study by Current Analysis. For the week ending August 20, 2005, Media Center PCs accounted for 43% of all desktop personal computers sold in the U.S. retail market, based on data from a sampling of U.S. retailers.   Accounting for this phenomenon was a decline in pricing for Media Center systems, with the average price dropping below $900 for the first time ever. In addition to the more affordable price points, Microsoft has lead the charge to promote Media Center PCs at select retailers in an … Continue reading Media Center PC Sales Skyrocket in U.S. Retail Market

Doesn’t look like anyone is actually sure if there will be a separate Media Center SKU or not!  We have quotes from Steve Ballmer implying it will be a separate SKU, and now we have something from HEXUS.net saying “The biggest news which we have heard is that when Windows Vista ships it will be Media Centre enabled as standard.”   Of course, Media Center in every Vista PC would be a great thing!  The question is still out on if that will actually happen.  Bring on the official Press Releases!

The Media Center Show #22 | 25th August 2005 (38 mins 53sec) MP3 – 13.3MB (Download Here)   This week Ian Dixon talked with Doug Berrett, developer of WebGuide3 the remote scheduler for Media Center.  They talked about what is does, how it does it and future developments.   Remember, Vote for The Media Center show on Podcast Alley!

Today, Intel publicly announced there new Viiv Technology that will bring further move along the PC as a home entertainment device.  Here’s some of my thoughts on what Viiv means to Media Center, the PC in your home, and what it actually means to you!   Viiv is the start of making the PC the center of home entertainment, and it allows this to happen in several form factors.  For the person will wants a PC in the living, there will be form factors for you that are “similar to a stereo component or DVD player” and also traditional desktop … Continue reading Thoughts on Intel Viiv Technology

Xbox 360 Media Center Extender Demo (Via Media Center PC World) | “Microsoft has been showing off the Media Center Extender functionality of Xbox 360 at IDF…”

A new kind of personal computer (PC) will premiere in homes early next year when Intel Corporation introduces Intel Viiv technology designed to enrich consumers’ enjoyment of digital entertainment.   Working together with a variety of Intel-verified consumer electronics devices, online services and software — including movies, music, photos and games — Intel Viiv (rhymes with “five”) technology, disclosed for the first time at the Intel Developer Forum today, will help usher in a new era of entertainment choices for consumers. PCs based on Intel Viiv technology will be easy to use with a remote control and will be powered … Continue reading Intel Unveils New Platform Brand for Digital Entertainment in the Home

The Latest and The Best of Media Center PC’s | Robb Report Home Entertainment Magazine has an interesting article about the “Rise of Machine’s”, or what you can also consider The Latest and The Best of Windows XP Media Center Edition PC’s.  Featured systems include Okoro Media Systems, Niveus Media, Alienware, and VoodooPC.  [Thanks Isidore!]

Interview with Josh Goldman (CEO of Akimbo Systems) | “Akimbo CEO, Josh Goldman, recently spoke to [itvt]’s Tracy Swedlow about the company’s plans to distribute its programming on Microsoft’s Windows Media Center and other platforms; about announcements it expects to make over the coming months; about its strategy to differentiate itself from emerging competitors in the broadband programming space, such as TiVo; about how a videoblog called Rocketboom is proving to be one of the most popular offerings on its service; and more.”

Meedio Releases First Commercial DVR Application to Record High Definition ATSC, DVB-S, and DVB-T Digital TV Broadcasts | Meedio LLC, a leading provider of software for digital lifestyles released a free update to the Meedio TV digital video recorder (DVR) software today which adds support for viewing, time-shifting and recording standard and high definition digital TV broadcasts from ATSC and DVB sources. Meedio TV is the first commercial Windows® DVR to record digital TV from ATSC Over The Air (OTA), DVB-S, and DVB-T sources. Meedio TV includes a free electronic program guide (EPG) and is available at www.meedio.com for only … Continue reading Meedio Releases DVR Application to Record HD ATSC, DVB-S, and DVB-T Digital TV Broadcasts