Month: February 2007

While laying out my whole SideShow spiel the other day about in-wall keypads and Media Center control, I did leave out something.  ACS has been doing this for the past two years!  Their Graphical Media Center Remote Front Panel is a 128×64 serial controlled (RS-232) remote that also passes metadata.  It even includes a Configuration Utility so you can tell it what exactly you wish to display.  Looks to fit nicely in standard dual gang box, which is the perfect size! And the best part, retails for only $99!  You can bet that SideShow modules will cost more than that. … Continue reading Non-SideShow In-wall Media Center Control (Shipping Now)

Sony VAIO VGP-XL1B2 Media Changer (JR.com) | $800, $400, $300, and now only $200!  That’s right, JR.com has the 200-disc Sony DVD/Media Changer for only $200 now.  You should be able to get $10 off that using Google Checkout.  Works with MCE 2005 and Vista. While you are at it check out MCEtilities which might be the first tool to support batch DVD Ripping! Thanks Alex! var dc_UnitID = 14; var dc_PublisherID = 11967; var dc_AdLinkColor = ‘6699cc’; var dc_adprod=’ADL’;

ActiveAsp Software has just released MCEtilites v1.0 (Direct Download) for MCE 2005 and Vista Media Center.  Currently in beta, MCEtilities allows you to edit metadata on DVR-MS files and to view metadata for dvdxml files.  However, the software can also control DVD Changers!  Currently it can mount, unmount, eject, and even rip from DVD Changer’s like Sony’s XL1B2! Now, if you are like me you are still reading this post because you want to know if it will allow batch DVD Ripping, the Holy Grail for such an inexpensive DVD Changer that doesn’t support DVD Streaming.  Well, right now the … Continue reading Batch DVD Ripping In Sight? MCEtilites Beta Released

Speaking of Ricavision remotes, Ricavision also has some upcoming multifunction and universal remote controls for Windows Vista. Running from left to right, the first one pictured is just a basic Vista Remote Control and only works with your PC.  The next one is a Multifunction Remote Control and will control your PC and basic TV functions (power, input, volume, etc).  The last one is a Universal Remote Control that can handle your PC, TV, DVD/VCR, and more. Not sure what the prices will be, but these are some pretty nice looking remotes. var dc_UnitID = 14; var dc_PublisherID = 11967; … Continue reading Ricavision Intros Multifunction and Universal Vista Remotes

As Bryan pointed out in the comments on my Extender Concepts post, Ricavision is making Sideshow Module that will bring better 2’ control to Media Center.  Currently if you want to start playing music on your Media Center you need to turn on your display and navigate to My Music.  After you do that, your display basically needs to stay on in case you want to change what music is playing.  Considering a large majority of people are doing other things while listening to music (not glued to the screen), using a SideShow remote with an LCD screen to control … Continue reading SideShow | Great Media Center Extender Complement

I refuse to give up on Pika.  I know, I know, Microsoft and OEMs seem to be lagging way behind were they need to be getting them into the market.  While I don’t agree with Microsoft or their OEMs for being so slow (it’s not clear if it’s Microsoft or the OEMs that are the problem) I think that Pika could bring some very interesting devices.  We already know that DVD Players with Media Center Extenders will likely show, as will Media Center Extender HDTVs. But what about what could also be released, pending some smart OEMs.  The Pika development … Continue reading Tablet and In-wall Touchscreen Extender Concepts

Doug released his WebGuide Gadget that I talked about a few days ago. “The WebGuide Gadget allows you to connect to local Media Center or a remote WebGuide server. It allows for full access to the program guide, search, recorded TV and scheduled Recordings. You can even stream live TV when connected to a WebGuide server.” Download it Here and don’t forget to listen to him on The Media Center Show this week. var dc_UnitID = 14; var dc_PublisherID = 11967; var dc_AdLinkColor = ‘6699cc’; var dc_adprod=’ADL’;

The Media Center Show #96 | 22nd February 2007 (56mins 46secs) MP3 – 19.5MB (Download Here) This week Ian Dixon talked with Doug Berrett author of WebGuide, the remote scheduler application for Media Center and turns out it does a lot more than that.  Doug  will also talk about version 4.0 Checkout the new Media Center Show Community site there are a whole range of forums, blogs and other resources.  var dc_UnitID = 14; var dc_PublisherID = 11967; var dc_AdLinkColor = ‘6699cc’; var dc_adprod=’ADL’;

New York, NY, February 20th, 2007 — S1Digital, a leading builder of high-end Media Centers and Servers, today announced the launch of their ProLine Series which sets a new reference standard for Media Centers based on Microsoft Vista Ultimate. The ProLine Series includes S1Digital’s flagship rack mount Media Server Edition and the silent FX Edition. Designed specifically for custom audio and video installers, the ProLine Media Centers enable installers to offer their customers the latest in high-end digital home entertainment solutions. The Media Server Edition raises the bar for Media Centers by including up to 3TB of storage in six … Continue reading S1Digital Sets a New Reference Standard with ProLine Series Media Centers