Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Amulet shows off Kinect voice control for Windows Media Center (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/amulet-shows-off-kinect-voice-control-for-windows-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/amulet-shows-off-kinect-voice-control-for-windows-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/amulet-shows-off-kinect-voice-control-for-windows-media-center/#comments The Amulet Devices team has been pushing voice control for Windows Media Center through its remote accessory, but now it's dived into the pool of Kinect hacks with a demo (video embedded after the break) using the Xbox 360 add-on instead. The company blog breaks down some of the hardware capabilities of the device that make it ideal for voice control (as previously seen in the Xbox apps for ESPN3, Hulu Plus and Netflix) and also details some of the efforts used to make it work here. If there's enough interest it may release the demo software for free, and already plans to bring out a full version when Microsoft unleashes a commercial version of the Kinect SDK. We're still not sure if voice control is ready to take over for standard remotes but at least talking to the TV is less of a strain than gesture control on our weak made-for-blogging arms.

Amulet shows off Kinect voice control for Windows Media Center (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcamuletamulet devicesAmuletDeviceshdkineckmedia centerMediaCenterMicrosoftremotesdkvoicevoice controlVoiceControlwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterwmcxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 06 Aug 2011 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Recorded TV HD plugin for Media Center adds commercial break indicator]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/recorded-tv-hd-plugin-for-media-center-adds-commercial-break-ind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/recorded-tv-hd-plugin-for-media-center-adds-commercial-break-ind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/recorded-tv-hd-plugin-for-media-center-adds-commercial-break-ind/#comments The Recorded TV HD app for Media Center users debuted earlier this year, bringing the ability to sort saved TV shows by genre or personalized favorites list with additional metadata pulled in automatically. Today, developer Mark Terborg released v1.4.18, which adds a Sage TV-style commercial break indicator to the scrub bar, provided users are running properly configured commercial scanning software as well. The familiar look may ease the nerves of switchers jumping from the Sage ship, who can get a taste of the add-in during its 30-day free trial but will have to pay $19.95 for a license covering one PC plus extenders, or $39.95 for a whole household. Check after the break for a shot of the plugin's UI, or hit the source link for the full changelog.

Continue reading Recorded TV HD plugin for Media Center adds commercial break indicator

Recorded TV HD plugin for Media Center adds commercial break indicator originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mccommercial break viewerCommercialBreakViewercommercialsCommercialSkippingdvrmstoolboxhdmedia centerMediaCenterpluginrecorded tv hdRecordedTvHdsage tvSageTvShow AnalyzerShowAnalyzerwindows mediaWindowsMediaTue, 02 Aug 2011 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Remote Potato brings your Media Center HD video to the iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/remote-potato-brings-your-media-center-hd-video-to-the-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/remote-potato-brings-your-media-center-hd-video-to-the-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/remote-potato-brings-your-media-center-hd-video-to-the-ipad/#comments Remote Potato HD for iPad We suppose it isn't surprising that Windows 7 Media Center isn't tightly integrated with iOS devices, but even the cable company's DVR has an app these days, so why not. In this case an independent developer has felt the need to fill the gap, and this is where Remote Potato HD for the iPad comes it. In addition to its guide and DVR management functionality, it also allows you to stream content to your iPad at home or on the go, or event to an AirPlay device, as well as sync music for offline access, or just look at pictures. We gave it a quick go and found, it was easy to setup and offered great picture quality. The bad news is the software was not without its quirks, including slow loading guide data. One feature we were disappointed was missing, was that resume on the iPad didn't pick up where we left off on the big screen. Just one of a few things we'll be looking for when 2.0 rolls around, but for now check out the embedded video after the break.

Continue reading Remote Potato brings your Media Center HD video to the iPad

Remote Potato brings your Media Center HD video to the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcAirPlayHDiOSiPadstreamingWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterTue, 12 Jul 2011 22:14:00 EST<![CDATA[InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner prices are dropping, down to $256 shipped from $399 previously]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/05/infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-prices-are-dropping-down-to-256-shi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/05/infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-prices-are-dropping-down-to-256-shi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/05/infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-prices-are-dropping-down-to-256-shi/#comments Whether it's due to pressure from SiliconDust's HDHomeRun Prime or as a result of simplified hardware is unclear, but Ceton's InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner is now available for as little as $256 shipped. Forum posters at Missing Remote noticed a $282 fire sale for the HTPC cable TV adapters going on eBay Friday, before prices dropped precipitously at Buy.com ($264), and an Amazon third party ($265). Lesser known Erwin Computers currently claims the lowest price, while Ceton's official Amazon listing and those of other resellers like Cannon PC and Fluid Digital remain at the $399 MSRP -- for now. The choice is yours -- wait for official word and to see if prices drop any lower or click the buy button now and get some (network sharable) cable TV reception for your computer in time for the second episode of Teen Wolf on MTV.

InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner prices are dropping, down to $256 shipped from $399 previously originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mccablecardcablecard tunerCablecardTunercetonhtpcinfinitvinfinitv 4Infinitv4media cneterMediaCnetermsrppricesalewindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterSun, 05 Jun 2011 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner officially available for preorders for $249, six tuner version next week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-is-officially-available-for-preorders-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-is-officially-available-for-preorders-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-is-officially-available-for-preorders-f/#comments After a false start when it passed certification earlier this month, SiliconDust's three CableCARD tuner HDHomeRun Prime is finally available for preorder from Newegg for $249. The release date is scheduled for June 29th but those interested in getting it hooked up to their HTPC as quickly as possible may want to wait until next week when the six-tuner 6CC version goes up for preorder, as those are expected to begin shipping first. There's no volume discount on the tuners at $499, but at $83 per tuner you might be able to justify it as a better value than the four-tuner and also network-sharable InfiniTV 4. Either way, if you just need a bit more information before purchasing, you'll find it on the sales page, on the linked PDF below or in the video trailer embedded after the break.

[Thanks Justin & @TheReal_PeterF]

Continue reading HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner officially available for preorders for $249, six tuner version next week

HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner officially available for preorders for $249, six tuner version next week originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcbreaking newscablecardexternalhd homerunHdHomerunHDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunPrimehdhr3-6cc-3x2hdhr3-cchtpcmedia centerMediaCentersiliocondusttunerusbvideowindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterSat, 14 May 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on and unboxing the InfiniTV 4 v2]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/hands-on-and-unboxing-the-infinitv-4-v2/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/hands-on-and-unboxing-the-infinitv-4-v2/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/hands-on-and-unboxing-the-infinitv-4-v2/#commentsInfiniTV 4 box There isn't much new about the second generation of the InfiniTV 4, but that didn't stop us from appreciating the new box and revised design. You have to look pretty hard to find the differences because while they're there, they are subtle. The card is slimmer and obviously simpler, and Ceton went with a new dongle connector that now sits flush with the plate and doesn't get in the way anymore when switching it to low profile mode.The original card had a bit of a identity crisis with Ceton brands on the front and back, but the new one is InfiniTV all over. Obviously the biggest improvement is Ceton's new found ability to produce enough of these cards to meet demand, but we'll be putting it through it's paces just in case while we wait for the other anticipated CableCARD tuners to hit the street.

Gallery: Hands-on and unboxing the InfiniTV 4 v2

Hands-on and unboxing the InfiniTV 4 v2 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDCetonhands-onhdInfiniTVInfiniTV 4Infinitv4unboxingWindows Media CenterWindowsMediaCenterWed, 04 May 2011 21:22:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner passes CableLabs tests - Update: Preorder pulled, 6-tuner ships first]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-passes-cablelabs-tests-available-for-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-passes-cablelabs-tests-available-for-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/hdhomerun-prime-tv-tuner-passes-cablelabs-tests-available-for-p/#comments We've been waiting for SiliconDust's CableCARD-compatible HDHomeRun Prime for a little over a year and it seems finally ready to bring its triple tuner TV magic home, having gained CableLabs certification as of April 28th and subsequently showing up for preorder on Amazon. While this is mostly big news for Windows Media Center fans who need a new way to get premium channels on their box it also supports other DVR software like MythTV on Copy Freely-marked content. HTPC builders don't have to choose between this HDHR3-CC and the (suddenly in abundant supply and still $399) Ceton InfiniTV 4 just yet, since the listing has no shipping date and the last we'd heard from SiliconDust was that preorders would ship around 30 days after it completed certification. Check out our hands-on impressions from CES a few months ago if you're on the fence, but right now all that's standing between you and that grey box is a little bit of time... and $207.

Update: According to a post on its forum, SiliconDust confirmed the HDHomeRun Prime has been certified and an email announcement will follow shortly, however it expects to deliver a 6-tuner Theater version first with the three tuner box appearing afterwards. The post also notes sites are "incorrectly listing" the HDHomeRun Prime for preorder and "will not be first in line for delivering product" so you may want to wait for the official word on which "major retailer" has the go-ahead to make sure you're first in line. The option to preorder disappeared from Amazon this morning, we'll let you know when and where the option to purchase pops up next. [Thanks, robniep]

Gallery: Hands-on with the HDHomeRun Prime


[Thanks, Neil]

HDHomeRun Prime TV tuner passes CableLabs tests - Update: Preorder pulled, 6-tuner ships first originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 01:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mccable cardcable labsCableCardCableLabshd homerunHdHomerunHDHomeRun CableCARDHDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunCablecardHdhomerunPrimehdhr3-cchtpcmedia centerMediaCentermyth tvMythTvpreordersilicon dustSiliconDustthree tunerThreeTunerwindows 7 media centerWindows7MediaCenterMon, 02 May 2011 01:26:00 EST<![CDATA[SecondRun.tv v2.5 Media Center plugin arrives with upgraded integration of locally stored files, Netflix, Crackle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/secondrun-tv-v2-5-media-center-plugin-arrives-with-upgraded-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/secondrun-tv-v2-5-media-center-plugin-arrives-with-upgraded-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/secondrun-tv-v2-5-media-center-plugin-arrives-with-upgraded-inte/#comments While most of our focus on Windows Media Center is working with cable or OTA sources, the SecondRun.tv plugin is all about tying in strictly internet distributed video by building a TV guide full of streams from Hulu, the websites of the major networks and more. It's upgraded to version 2.5 recently and according to the changelog will let users bring in movies from their local folders (with automatic meta data lookup), Netflix and web based RSS feeds like Crackle.com. There's also a new extender optomized UI for viewing your local files and more. It will set you back an entire $3.99 for the pleasure, check out the website for more info on the features and a link to purchase.

SecondRun.tv v2.5 Media Center plugin arrives with upgraded integration of locally stored files, Netflix, Crackle originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mchdhtpchulumedia centermedia pcMediaCenterMediaPcnetflixpluginsecondrun.tvstreamingwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterWed, 27 Apr 2011 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton InfiniTV 4 tuners now available on Amazon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/ceton-infinitv-4-tuners-now-available-on-amazon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/ceton-infinitv-4-tuners-now-available-on-amazon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/15/ceton-infinitv-4-tuners-now-available-on-amazon/#comments Ceton's supply of InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuners must be running strong now, as it's finally available through another retailer -- some tiny outfit called Amazon. The MSRP is still $399 just like everywhere else but as usual Prime customers can score cheap/free shipping. Let's see how waiting on that HDHomeRun Prime feels now that the buy button is this close.

Ceton InfiniTV 4 tuners now available on Amazon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcamazoncablecardcablecard tunerCablecardTunercetonhdinfinitv 4Infinitv4media centerMediaCenterwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterFri, 15 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[ShowAnalyzer developer is hard at work on v2.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/show-analyzer-developer-is-hard-at-work-on-v2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/show-analyzer-developer-is-hard-at-work-on-v2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/show-analyzer-developer-is-hard-at-work-on-v2-0/#comments One of the most important pieces of our official Ben-o-vision toolkit should be getting an update soon, as ShowAnalyzer developer Jere Jones mentioned on his Android Buffet podcast that he's been busy for the last few months on v2.0. For those not already in the know, the software automatically detects commercials in your Windows Media Center recordings so they can be removed providing you with uninterrupted viewing pleasure -- we break down how to make it all work here. The Digital Media Zone speculates based on forum postings that there won't be a cross-platform version for OSX or Linux, but notes some are hoping to see the Schoolhouse app (or something similar) for adjusting commercial detection return in this version.

ShowAnalyzer developer is hard at work on v2.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mccommercial skipcommercial skippingCommercialSkipCommercialSkippinghdhtpcjere jonesJereJonesmedia centerMediaCentershow analyzerShowAnalyzerwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterwtvMon, 11 Apr 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 RC causing Netflix errors in Windows Media Center? Here's a fix]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/internet-explorer-9-rc-causing-netflix-errors-in-windows-media-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/internet-explorer-9-rc-causing-netflix-errors-in-windows-media-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/internet-explorer-9-rc-causing-netflix-errors-in-windows-media-c/#comments Apparently some of those who are catching Netflix Watch Instantly streams on their Windows 7 Media Center PCs are getting cut off after installing the Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate, but they're in luck as there is a fix. The Digital Media Zone points out a Microsoft Knowledge base article 2512239 that can solve the problem either with a one click "Fix It For Me" option or just the instructions on how to dig deep in the registry and DIY if you're so inclined. The problem is apparently caused by some changes to the way the new version of IE handles JavaScript, but we'd rather you get back to watching season two of the X-Files or whatever you were watching than worry about details like that.

Internet Explorer 9 RC causing Netflix errors in Windows Media Center? Here's a fix originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mchdie9ie9 rcIe9Rcinternet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9javascriptmicrosoftnetflixregistrystreamingwindows 7windows 7 media centerwindows media centerWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterFri, 11 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Media Center embedded TV hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/windows-7-media-center-embedded-tv-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/windows-7-media-center-embedded-tv-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/windows-7-media-center-embedded-tv-hands-on/#commentsWindows 7 Media Center embedded TV We didn't think much of Haier's mention in Microsoft's Windows 7 Media Center embedded press release, but on the show floor today we ran across this HDTV which was actually a full-blown Media Center including tuners and a harddrive. The details were very skimpy beyond that, with no mention of specific specs, prices or if the product would really make it to market. But the idea of an all-in-one TV and DVR running our favorite software certainly is something to get us excited about. What we didn't like ws the motion remote used for the demo which was almost impossible to navigate and had us seriously longing for our favorite Green Button.

Windows 7 Media Center embedded TV hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mccesces 2011ces2011embeddedHaierMedia CenterMediaCenterWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterSat, 08 Jan 2011 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Amulet voice-activated remote for Media Center demo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/amulet-voice-activated-remote-for-media-center-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/amulet-voice-activated-remote-for-media-center-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/amulet-voice-activated-remote-for-media-center-demo/#comments Although we scoured the CEDIA 2010 floor for products that use or are related to Windows 7 Media Center, we had a hard time finding anything. One of the only two booths we did find that wanted anything to do with Redmond's media software was Amulet Device's voice-activated remote for Windows 7 Media Center -- Vidabox was the other one. Overall it seemed to work, but didn't do what it was commanded on every attempt, which is what one might expect from beta software. As you can see in the video, the company has optimized many of the screens for voice control, but you can use the old favorites if you prefer too.

Continue reading Amulet voice-activated remote for Media Center demo

Amulet voice-activated remote for Media Center demo originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcAmuletAmulet devicesAmulet remoteAmuletDevicesAmuletRemoteCEDIACEDIA 2010CEDIA2010hdremotevoice-activatedWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterSun, 26 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[CableLabs amends OCUR spec, tuner sharing and MythTV are on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/cablelabs-amends-ocur-spec-tuner-sharing-and-mythtv-are-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/cablelabs-amends-ocur-spec-tuner-sharing-and-mythtv-are-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/cablelabs-amends-ocur-spec-tuner-sharing-and-mythtv-are-on/#commentsCeton InfiniTV 4 We told you that CableLabs had received a few requests to amend the OCUR spec that dictates what a CableCARD tuner for a PC can and can't do, and as expected the organization that many love to hate has come through -- we, expected it anyways. The first change is the most significant which is that each tuner in an OCUR can be paired with different PCs at the same time. This lets you buy one quad tuner and use it on four HTPCs simultaneously; one tuner per PC (a single tuner can't be shared simultaneous though). When we originally asked CableLabs about changing this they said, maybe, but it'd take three to six months to run through the process. The other change we're glad didn't take forever to become a reality is the one that stated that even Copy Freely content had to be transmitted securely, which meant that Windows 7 Media Center was the only way to watch any CableCARD tuner stuff, and while there isn't much encrypted QAM content out there marked Copy Freely, MythTV and SageTV fans will have access to at least some premium HD content. This isn't as big a deal as changing the meaning of Copy Once to something less draconian, it is welcomed news for those who just received their InfiniTV 4 (pictured above) and felt constrained by the old rules. We're sure there could be considerable time between when the change is made official and when the firmware is released to the public, but hopefully Ceton and SiliconDust don't waste any time making it happen.

CableLabs amends OCUR spec, tuner sharing and MythTV are on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDCableLabsCetonCeton CorpCetonCorphdHDHomeRunHDHomeRun PrimeHdhomerunPrimeInfiniTV 4Infinitv4MythTVOCURSiliconDusttuner sharingTunerSharingWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterSun, 15 Aug 2010 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hauppauge officially announces HD PVR support in Windows Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/hauppauge-officially-announces-hd-pvr-support-in-windows-media-c/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/hauppauge-officially-announces-hd-pvr-support-in-windows-media-c/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/hauppauge-officially-announces-hd-pvr-support-in-windows-media-c/#comments If you're thinking about going the Media Center DVR route but can't or won't get hooked up with a CableCARD don't forget there's another option available to pull in those premium channels now that the $199 Hauppauge HD PVR is supported as a TV recorder in Windows 7. There's been a few updates since the feature was added in beta back in June, which lets users select programs via the Media Center guide to be captured and encoded in MPEG-4 over the device's component video inputs (HDTV resolutions up to 1080i and 5.1 surround sound are supported) while the PC controls connected satellite or cable TV set-top boxes with an included IR blaster. There's still a limit of one tuner per PC and a thread over on TheGreenButton reveals the experience can still be a bit glitchy, but if you've just got to have Windows Media Center and NFL Sunday Ticket then some compromises will be necessary.

Continue reading Hauppauge officially announces HD PVR support in Windows Media Center

Hauppauge officially announces HD PVR support in Windows Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcanalogcapturecomponentHauppaugehd pvrHdPvrir blasterIrBlastermedia centerMediaCentertunerwindows 7Windows 7 Media Centerwindows media centerWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterThu, 05 Aug 2010 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo Premiere vs Windows 7 Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/tivo-premiere-vs-windows-7-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/tivo-premiere-vs-windows-7-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/tivo-premiere-vs-windows-7-media-center/#commentsTiVo Premiere vs Windows 7 media Center Although TiVo and ReplayTV were the first DVRs on the market, Microsoft's software actually powered the DISHPlayer Satellite DVR in late 1999. So here we are over 10 years later and while TiVo and Microsoft took different approaches to the same space, of the three original DVR software companies, they're the only two left. Which is the bigger success depends on your perspective, because while TiVo has the mind share (and sold more consumer branded products) Microsoft's technology is present in many other brand DVRs, like Verizon's FiOS DVR, and AT&T's U-Verse (which is built on Microsoft's Mediaroom platform). But our perspective of success is based on the user interface experience, so while we previously reviewed both the TiVo Premiere and Windows 7 Media Center, we wanted to also tackled the task of directly comparing the two. Of course there are some obvious differences that might sway someone in one way or another, like TiVo's simpler out of the box setup or Media Center's 3rd party plug-in architecture, there are many other points of distinction to discover if you click on through and read about the less obvious user interface differences as well as a few other baked-in non-DVR features.

Gallery: TiVo Premier vs Windows 7 Media Center

Continue reading TiVo Premiere vs Windows 7 Media Center

TiVo Premiere vs Windows 7 Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcfeaturemedia centerMediaCenterTivoTiVo PremierTivoPremiervideoWindows 7 Media Centerwindows media centerWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterWMCThu, 05 Aug 2010 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Screen EPG gets a Windows 7 update]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/big-screen-epg-gets-a-windows-7-update/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/big-screen-epg-gets-a-windows-7-update/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/big-screen-epg-gets-a-windows-7-update/#commentshttp://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/big-screen-epg-gets-windows-7-version// Here 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 on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCBig Screen EPGBigScreenEpghdMedia CenterMediaCenterWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWMCTue, 22 Jun 2010 22:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Media Center gets component HD capture support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/windows-7-media-center-gets-component-hd-capture-support/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/windows-7-media-center-gets-component-hd-capture-support/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/windows-7-media-center-gets-component-hd-capture-support/#commentsHauppauge HD PVR Can you even believe that it has been over two years now since the first consumer priced HD component capture device hit the market? It doesn't seem that long to us, but if you're a Window Media Center fan and think the native CableCARD tuners are no option at all, then you might feel differently. The great news out of Hauppauge though is that the HD PVRs driver site has been updated and you can now download a file that'll make Windows 7 Media Center recognize your HD PVR as a tuner. The said analog capture device still runs about $200 and since it outputs MPEG4, the 360 is the only Extender that can play back it's content. On top of all that only a single tuner per Media Center PC is currently supported, but that is way better than nothing for someone who can't/won't get cable TV and wants to enjoy their favorite provider's HD signal on the best DVR software currently available. The driver is still in beta at the moment and we can't wait to try it for ourselves, so keep an eye out for more on this one.

Windows 7 Media Center gets component HD capture support originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcHauppaugehdHD PVRHdPvrWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterFri, 11 Jun 2010 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Embedded doesn't support CableCARD, yet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/windows-7-embedded-doesnt-support-cablecard-yet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/windows-7-embedded-doesnt-support-cablecard-yet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/windows-7-embedded-doesnt-support-cablecard-yet/#commentsCableCARD tuner Sure the final release of Windows 7 Embedded just got delivered to OEMs last week, but we were afraid that it might not be all its cracked up to be and wondered why CableCARD support wasn't mentioned in the original press release. Well we reached out to Microsoft and learned that the initial release of Windows 7 Embedded doesn't support CableCARD tuners. We're not sure if this is a CableLabs technicality or just one of those things, but Microsoft does expect to release a quality fix engineering (QFE) update by the third quarter of this year that will make things right. Lets just hope it's in time to be included in the first embedded box to market; and that there's nothing else we love that's missing.

Windows 7 Embedded doesn't support CableCARD, yet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 22:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDembeddedhdWindows 7Windows 7 media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWed, 12 May 2010 22:09:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun CableCARD will feature three tuners in time for the holidays]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/hdhomerun-cablecard-will-feature-three-tuners-in-time-for-the-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/hdhomerun-cablecard-will-feature-three-tuners-in-time-for-the-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/hdhomerun-cablecard-will-feature-three-tuners-in-time-for-the-ho/#comments What you're looking at here is a picture of the board that makes the new HDHomeRun CableCARD tuner work. You might notice the four squares on the right, those are the tuners, yes there are four -- don't get too excited -- but one of 'em is for the out of band data and can't actually be used to record HD. But that's still one more usable tuner than initially announced at CES and the best news is that the price remains the same at $249. There isn't a hard release data yet, but the goal is to release the beta details in the coming weeks, then submit it to CableLabs for certification and then finally have it in your HTPC in time for the holidays -- when exactly do holidays start again? The actual case isn't done yet, but there won't be a hump like the classic HDHomeRun and as you can see the gigabit network tuner's connections are all on the back including one coax, one USB, power, and a single CableCARD slot for all three tuners -- the USB doesn't do what you're thinking, it's for the Tuning Adapter. Contrary to some reports -- a USB version isn't on the table and we can't say we're surprised as that wouldn't be Silicon Dust's style. A picture of the connections on the prototype after the jump.

Continue reading HDHomeRun CableCARD will feature three tuners in time for the holidays

HDHomeRun CableCARD will feature three tuners in time for the holidays originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARdCableLabsHDHomeRunHDHomeRun CableCARDHdhomerunCablecardMedia CenterMediaCenterSilicon DustSiliconDustWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterTue, 11 May 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Is this the first Windows 7 Media Center embedded set-top box?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/is-this-the-first-windows-7-media-center-embedded-set-top-box/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/is-this-the-first-windows-7-media-center-embedded-set-top-box/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/is-this-the-first-windows-7-media-center-embedded-set-top-box/#commentsReycom Entertainment Solution We've never heard of this German company Reycom before, but from the looks of it this could be the very first embedded Windows 7 Media Center. The Reycom Entertainment Solution is marketed to content providers in Switzerland and Germany, is powered by an Atom processor and is small and slick. All the user interface images on the site should look familiar to Windows 7 Media Center fans, but the newly announced embedded version of Windows 7 isn't mentioned by name -- even the image on the about page has a women holding a Media Center remote. Of course this doesn't mean much for those of us State side, but this is exactly the type of box we had in mind when we first heard of an embedded version of Windows Media Center.

Is this the first Windows 7 Media Center embedded set-top box? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 May 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MChdmedia centerMediaCenterMicrosoftReycomWindows 7 EmbeddedWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media Centerwindows mobileWindows7EmbeddedWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterWindowsMobileSun, 02 May 2010 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Media Center coming to embedded devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/windows-7-media-center-coming-to-embedded-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/windows-7-media-center-coming-to-embedded-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/windows-7-media-center-coming-to-embedded-devices/#comments Image

We love Windows 7 Media Center, but at the end of the day we'd never give one to our mom and expect it to just work the way an embedded DVR like a TiVo or a Moxi would. But dependability isn't the only concern about using a PC as a DVR, there is noise and how it looks in the living room to consider as well. The compromise before us might just be a thing of the past as Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 Embedded has been released to manufactures and includes many of the great features of the regular Windows 7 family, like Windows Media Center. At this point there aren't any announcements from manufactures leveraging these new found features, but in the press release Microsoft is certainly bolstering the broadcast TV and other media features in a set-top box. AOpen is the only manufacturer mention by name that we're familiar with, which also makes good small-form-factor PCs, but that won't stop us from dreaming of the best, easy to use and dependable whole house DVR ever.

Update: Video of Media Center on an embedded device in action after the jump.

Continue reading Windows 7 Media Center coming to embedded devices

Windows 7 Media Center coming to embedded devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCAOPenembeddedMicrosoftvideoWindows 7Windows 7 EmbeddedWindows 7 Media CenterWindows EmbeddedWindows7Windows7EmbeddedWindows7MediaCenterWindowsEmbeddedTue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun CableCARD tuner beta signup is on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/hdhomerun-cablecard-tuner-beta-signup-is-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/hdhomerun-cablecard-tuner-beta-signup-is-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/hdhomerun-cablecard-tuner-beta-signup-is-on/#commentsHDHomeRun CableCARD test board Ever since Microsoft and CableLabs removed the OEM hardware requirement, the CableCARD tuner market for the PC has really heated up. While it has brought some new players to the PC tuner market,it is has also attracted some old favorites. We caught up with SiliconDust at CES and at that point the dual CableCARD tuner was just the test board (pictured above), but today the beta sign up went live. Anyone interested can fill in a few details about their setup and hope to get selected, but the response has been so great that we're told the window will probably be shorter than two weeks. If you are selected you'll receive the beta hardware in about four weeks. We would of course like to try it out for ourselves, at which time you'll hear all about it.

Gallery: HDHomeRun development board

Single tuner ATSC HDHomeRun

HDHomeRun CableCARD tuner beta signup is on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDhdHDHomeRunMedia CenterMediaCenterSiliconDustWindows 7 media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWed, 14 Apr 2010 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Media Center gets an app store courtesy of a 3rd party]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/windows-media-center-gets-an-app-store-courtesy-of-a-3rd-party/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/windows-media-center-gets-an-app-store-courtesy-of-a-3rd-party/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/windows-media-center-gets-an-app-store-courtesy-of-a-3rd-party/#commentsMade for Media Center Everything and everyone needs an app store and if the platform's developer isn't willing to make it happen, then those in the community will step up to make it happen. In the case of Windows Media Center the 3rd party plug-in ecosystem has always been one of the platform's biggest perks, but what Made for Media Center does is bring all these apps to you via a 10-foot interface and the ability to install 'em without breaking out a mouse or keyboard -- can't beat that. Right now everything seems to be free and at first glance it appears that all of our favorites are there. If you use Media Center there really isn't a reason not to check this one out.

Windows Media Center gets an app store courtesy of a 3rd party originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mchdMade for Media CenterMadeForMediaCenterMCMicrosoftWindows Media CenterWindowsMediaCenterFri, 09 Apr 2010 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/ceton-infinitv-4-cablecard-tuner-review/#comments
We don't review many HTPC tuners around here because honestly they usually aren't that interesting; you plug them in and they either work or they don't, what else is there to really say about 'em? But every so often something totally different comes our way, something that does get us excited. The first HDHomeRun was one of those and the new InfiniTV 4 from Ceton easily qualifies. We mean who wouldn't get excited about being able to record 4 HD shows at once and from any channel you want? This is especially true when you consider how difficult it's been for HTPC fans to record premium content until now. Well it seems that for HD loving HTPC fans, your time has finally come, now anyone can build there own DVR that can do things that no other DVR can -- when the tuner starts shipping in May that is.

Gallery: Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review

Continue reading Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review

Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD tuner review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDcetonCeton CorpCetonCorphdInfiniTVInfiniTV 4Infinitv4Media CenterMediaCenterMOCUROCURreviewWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterTue, 30 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Media Center available for pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-media-center-available-for-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-media-center-available-for-pre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-media-center-available-for-pre/#commentsCeton InfiniTV 4 Digital cable tuner
That's right, you can now reserve your place in line to be the first to record four HD cable shows at once on your Windows 7 Media Center. The bad news is that ship date for the InfiniTV 4 is now May 31st. Ceton wasn't willing to share a specific reason for the 60 day delay, but we suspect CableLabs is to blame -- Ceton refuted this and insisted CableLabs has been very helpful, but we don't buy it. The other big news -- for those that were concerned with noise or fitment options -- is that the latest version of the PCI-E card pictured above no longer includes a fan. The InfiniTV name was the result of over 1000 submissions to Ceton's naming contest, of which Gary Petro came up with winner -- the name is not to be confused with Comcast's XFINITY. Future tuners in the line will share a variation of the name, so the dual external tuner would be the InfiniTV ex2 -- for example. But Gary isn't the only one receiving a free tuner, as two more submitters were deemed worthy. Rus Sanchez submitted 94 different product names, while Charles Fraser earned his free card with the funniest submission; Wicked Super, Super Duper, and Super Duper Alleyoopder. The last bit of news out of the Kirkland startup is a littler clarification in regards to the network capabilities of the card. Although you can share the tuners with a small form factor PC on the network, the bad news is that it gets paired per CableCARD, so all four tuners have to go to the same PC. Oh we almost forgot, the best news of all is that we received our review sample, so stay tuned for a full run down.

Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Media Center available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDCableLabsCetonhdInfiniTvinfinitv 4Infinitv4Media CenterMediaCenterWindows 7 media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWMCSat, 13 Mar 2010 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Screen EPG by remote isn't the Webguide replacement we've waited for]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/28/big-screen-epg-by-remote-isnt-the-webguide-replacement-weve-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/28/big-screen-epg-by-remote-isnt-the-webguide-replacement-weve-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/28/big-screen-epg-by-remote-isnt-the-webguide-replacement-weve-wa/#comments For those not familiar with the tragedy, Microsoft hired Doug Berrett a few years back and he was the developer of one of the greatest 3rd party plugins for Vista Media Center. His WebGuide would not only let you do something that even the crapiest of DVRs can do today, remotely schedule recordings, but it would also let you watch your recorded shows over the internet. Well with Windows 7 came a new Media Center EPG database which broke WebGuide and while Microsoft built show streaming right into Windows 7, the void for the rest has never been filled. Recently we've seen two new add-ins that try to fill in the gap with the latest being Big Screen EPG "by remote." But we're sorry to say that the wait isn't over. The problem with Big Screen EPG isn't that it is a pay app, but that it is using Microsoft's guide data. Now this is a problem because they don't have a licensing agreement to use this data (that we know of) and we'd be shocked if Microsoft let this go unnoticed. But the bigger issue is that the remote interface is built on Silverlight which means it doesn't work on mobile phones -- although the developer left a comment stating that mobile browser support is on the road map -- and since Microsoft doesn't seem interested in letting Doug spend some company time on this, who knows how long this wait will go on.

Big Screen EPG by remote isn't the Webguide replacement we've waited for originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCBig Screen EPGBig Screen EPG by remoteBigScreenEpgBigScreenEpgByRemotehdMedia CenterMediaCenterWebguidewindows media CenterWindowsMediaCenterSun, 28 Feb 2010 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Extenders for Media Center aren't dead, they just seem like it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/extenders-for-media-center-arent-dead-they-just-seem-like-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/extenders-for-media-center-arent-dead-they-just-seem-like-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/22/extenders-for-media-center-arent-dead-they-just-seem-like-it/#commentsExtenders for Media Center
Many Windows Media Center enthusiasts were very disappointed by the fact that Microsoft didn't mention Extenders for Media Center at CES 2010. This anxiety started some time ago when both Linksys and HP let it be known that their current Extenders had been discontinued. Of course not every was shocked, as Extenders aren't as popular as many had hoped -- which is expected considering they left so much to be desired. Sure they were quiet, power efficient and easy to setup, but with a few new features in Windows 7 Media Center not being supported, the Extenders looked pretty antiquated. Not only do the existing Extenders not support H.264 in the new WTV container of Windows 7 -- commonly used for broadcast TV in the UK and other countries -- but even worse, the new internet streaming features included with Windows 7 require Flash and Silverlight, neither of which are supported by Extenders. Now although we understand the Media Center community's belief that Microsoft has given up on Extenders for Media Center, we think it is a little premature. In fact if you click through you'll not only find out why, but you'll also learn when we think new Extenders might make it to market.

Continue reading Extenders for Media Center aren't dead, they just seem like it

Extenders for Media Center aren't dead, they just seem like it originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcExtenderExtender for Media CenterExtenderForMediaCenterhdMedia CenterMediaCenterWindows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterWMCE54AGMon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton's CableCARD tuner to work over the network too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/02/cetons-cablecard-tuner-to-work-over-the-network-too/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/02/cetons-cablecard-tuner-to-work-over-the-network-too/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/02/cetons-cablecard-tuner-to-work-over-the-network-too/#comments Weighing yet to be released CableCARD on PC products against each other? Add this tidbit to the comparison: Ceton's MOCUR should work as a networked tuner, according to a post by VP Jeremy Hammer on The Green Button forums. His post indicates that, like the HDHomeRun CableCARD, Ceton's product will be available to other PCs by bridging it with the host computer's Ethernet card, and not blocked as it was with ATI's product. That might help to smooth the $399 price tag when it goes on sale soon, for those still stuck on reply hit the forums with your questions or check out our CES hands on for another look.

[Thanks, @brennokbob]

Gallery: Hands-on with the low profile Ceton quad CableCARD tuner

Ceton's CableCARD tuner to work over the network too originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mccablecardcablecard tunerCablecardTunercetonhdhdhomerunmedia centerMediaCenternetworkedWindows 7 Media Centerwindows media centerWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterTue, 02 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Media Center gets networked tuners via DVBLink]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/windows-media-center-gets-networked-tuners-via-dvblink/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/windows-media-center-gets-networked-tuners-via-dvblink/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/windows-media-center-gets-networked-tuners-via-dvblink/#commentsDVBLogic logoAlthough not many service providers in the US have leveraged the new Protected Broadcast Driver Architecture (PBDA) in Windows Media Center, the folks over at DVBLogic sure have. You might remember the name DVBLink because it's the software that makes the Hauppauge HD PVR work with Windows 7 Media Center, and now the company has once again stepped up and filled a void in Media Center by enabling network tuners -- what's next a software Extender? The way this works is that you install server software where the tuner is installed and a client on the Media Center PC where you want to use it. This opens up some interesting possibilities like the ability to install tuners on your WHS, and use them on your small form factor PC sitting in the home theater -- sure you could just use a HDHomeRun, but this would work with any tuner. We've yet to try this ourselves, but the directions are not as straight forward as we just described it, regardless, as long as it works it sounds like any installation woes would be well worth the trouble.

Windows Media Center gets networked tuners via DVBLink originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCDVBlinkDVBLogichdMedia CenterMediaCenterWindows 7 Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterThu, 14 Jan 2010 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[HDHomeRun's CableCARD implementation lives up to the brand]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/hdhomeruns-cablecard-implementation-lives-up-to-the-brand/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/hdhomeruns-cablecard-implementation-lives-up-to-the-brand/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/hdhomeruns-cablecard-implementation-lives-up-to-the-brand/#commentsHDHomeRun development board We have always thought the HDHomeRun was an ingenius idea, especially since it's possible to share multiple tuners with multiple PCs over the network. When we first learned that SiliconDust was going to release an HDHomeRun that supported CableCARD, we were concerned that our favorite features wouldn't make it into the product. So we dropped by the booth and checked out the development board (pictured above) to learned more about the plans -- this is a dual tuner test board, despite the fact it looks like it has three. The best news is that you'll be able to share a tuner with multiple Media Center PCs, which is really cool. Now obviously only one PC can use a tuner at a time and if the content is marked Copy Once, you can only watch it on the PC where it was recorded, but it is still cool. The HDHomeRun software that works with the existing hardware, also works with this, but isn't required. SiliconDust expects to start the beta in the next few months -- no you can't sign up yet -- with a release later this year. The box will look a lot like the existing single tuner HDHomeRun (the blue one pictured in the gallery) but without the hump and will include a CableCARD slot and a USB port. Speaking of the USB port, it is for a Tuning adapter, but you can also plug it directly into the PC like the ATI or the Ceton card, but obviously that kind of defeats the purpose.

Gallery: HDHomeRun development board

Single tuner ATSC HDHomeRun

HDHomeRun's CableCARD implementation lives up to the brand originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDCESCES 2010Ces2010hdHDHomeRunMedia CenterMediaCenterSiliconDustWindows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterThu, 07 Jan 2010 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the low profile Ceton quad CableCARD tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/hands-on-with-the-low-profile-ceton-quad-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/hands-on-with-the-low-profile-ceton-quad-cablecard-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/hands-on-with-the-low-profile-ceton-quad-cablecard-tuner/#commentsCeton low profile quad CableCARD tuner We caught up with Gary Hammer from Ceton this morning and snapped some pictures of the low profile quad CableCARD tuner that will be the first version to reach consumers. The card includes a little RG6 dongle so that it'll fit in either a full or low profile PCI-E slot and will be available late in the first quarter for $399 -- an exact date wasn't given, but we believe this means March 31st. The other new tidbit is that there is a new fan on the card that helps keep things cool. The tuner will at least be available for purchase on Ceton's new website via Amazon, but we're told there's plenty of interest from other retailers to carry the product when it launches. Ceton's intention is to offer this to the mainstream, so the initial product will be in a retail package and will also be bunlded with new PCs. We tried to get Gary to tip his hat in regards to other configurations that might reach the market and although he's on the same page with our dreams, he wanted to focus on the initial offering for now, but did promise multiple configurations are in the works and expected in 2010.

Gallery: Hands-on with the low profile Ceton quad CableCARD tuner

Hands-on with the low profile Ceton quad CableCARD tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcCableCARDCESCES 2010Ces2010Cetonhands-onhdinfinitvinfinitv 4Infinitv4Media CenterMediaCenterWindows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterThu, 07 Jan 2010 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Media Center gets Mediaroom support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/windows-7-media-center-gets-mediaroom-support/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/windows-7-media-center-gets-mediaroom-support/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/windows-7-media-center-gets-mediaroom-support/#commentsMediaroom on Media Center During the Microsoft keynote, Ballmer mentioned that customers of IPTV providers like AT&T U-Verse will be able to watch TV on Windows 7 PCs, but he glazed over the how. The how is Windows 7 Media Center -- according to the press release that is available after the jump -- and there's no special hardware like a tuner required. The when wasn't mentioned because it is dependent on the provider, but when they do upgrade to Mediaroom 2.0, Media Center fans will have access to all the same content as a set-top like HD and on-demand, which is something pretty cool.

Continue reading Windows 7 Media Center gets Mediaroom support

Windows 7 Media Center gets Mediaroom support originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCATT U-VerseAttU-verseCESCES 2010Ces2010IPTVMedia CenterMediaCenterMediaroomU-VerseWindows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWed, 06 Jan 2010 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Windows Media Center gets a price]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-windows-media-center-gets-a-pri/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-windows-media-center-gets-a-pri/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/cetons-quad-cablecard-tuner-for-windows-media-center-gets-a-pri/#commentsCeton mutli-stream CableCARD tuner We love Windows Media Center but without access to our favorite HD content it just isn't that interesting. So obviously we got excited when we first learned that Ceton planned to release a PCI-E card that would allow us to record four HD shows at once with a single CableCARD, but the question has been, how much? Now we knew it'd be cheaper than the $1200 that ATI would charge us for four digital cable tuners but according to Dave Zatz the yet to be announced price is $399. In addition, he has learned that Steve Balmer will demo the card in the big CES keynote Wednesday -- which of course we'll be covering live. This leads us to believe that there might be some other good news for Media Center fans, and since we're dreamers, we're hoping for some new Extenders for Media Center.

Ceton's quad CableCARD tuner for Windows Media Center gets a price originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCCableCARDCESCES 2010Ces2010CetonHDHDTVMicrosoftWindows Media CenterWindowsMediaCenterTue, 05 Jan 2010 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Are CableCARD tuners for Media Center sold out everywhere?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/are-cablecard-tuners-for-media-center-sold-out-everywhere/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/are-cablecard-tuners-for-media-center-sold-out-everywhere/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/are-cablecard-tuners-for-media-center-sold-out-everywhere/#commentsIt figures that Microsoft would finally give DIY Windows Media Center users the ability to add a Digital Cable Tuner with CableCARD to their PC and now the devices are no where to be found. Since these devices were never actually available to the public, they've always been a little hard to come by, but we have seen 'em for sale from Dell as well as from Cannon PC and even on Sony's site. This entire situation only makes us even more sure that ATI's days in the Digital Cable Tuner business are numbered. What we mean is that there is no doubt that ATI knew this was coming to Windows 7 long before we did, so any company who actually wanted to sell something would have actually had them available at retail by now. One thing is for sure, there is a pent up demand for CableCARD tuners in the Media Center community and a more affordable, more available, option can't get here soon enough. While we wait for the 1st quarter of 2010 to come, you can pay through the nose for one on eBay in the meantime.

Are CableCARD tuners for Media Center sold out everywhere? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCATICableCARDCannon PCCannonPcCetonDCTDellhdMedia CenterMediaCenterWindows Media CenterWindowsMediaCenterWMCTue, 08 Dec 2009 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[SSD drives don't help dedicated Windows Media Center PCs much]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/ssd-drives-dont-help-dedicated-windows-media-center-pcs-much/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/ssd-drives-dont-help-dedicated-windows-media-center-pcs-much/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/ssd-drives-dont-help-dedicated-windows-media-center-pcs-much/#commentsSSD drive We had a chance to play with the Kingston 40GB SSDNow and of course we just couldn't wait to see what kind of magic it could work for our dedicated Windows 7 Media Center PC. The bad news is the answer is, not much. In fact we tried just about every combination we could think of from setting the SSD drive as the Live TV recording buffer, to just copying recordings to be scanned for commercials. But in the end Media Center just isn't an application that requires much disk I/O to perform well and there really wasn't any noticeable improvement. The real issue is that HD recordings are so big you can't fit many of them on the drive and at 40GB, you can only hold about 5 hours of HD, so recording to the SSD until it was scanned for commercials and then moving to a spinning platter just doesn't work. Now if the SSD was 120GB or bigger, then in this likely scenario we could avoid the UI lag that we experience if we try to record five HD shows at once while playing back one and scanning two for commercials. But at the current price of large SSD drives and frequency of that scenario, it just isn't something we think is worth the money right now.

SSD drives don't help dedicated Windows Media Center PCs much originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mchdKingston SSDNowKingstonSsdnowMedia CenterMediaCenterreviewSSDWin7Windows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[ ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings & SDV are a go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/ati-dct-firmware-update-pops-up-on-windows-update-drm-free-mce/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/ati-dct-firmware-update-pops-up-on-windows-update-drm-free-mce/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/ati-dct-firmware-update-pops-up-on-windows-update-drm-free-mce/#comments
Microsoft delivered the first half of two promised ATI Digital Cable Tuner-related updates as the 1.19.12.09050155 firmware update is now available from Windows Update (listed with the optional udates) that will relax the way it handles DRM on its recordings and add support for Switched Digital Video. With the new update applied, all Copy Freely-marked programing will be recorded without DRM allowing you to move it between PCs, convert it to another format or whatever you wish with ease, however as our hands on experience with the new firmware indicated you'll still need your cable provider to pass along the right bits to make it all operate properly. Still waiting in the wings is the Advisor Utility that will allow Digital Cable Tuners to work with any PC, no OEM purchase or hacking skills required.

[Thanks, Rob]

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ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings & SDV are a go originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.19.127mcaticablecopy freelyCopyFreelydigital cable tunerDigitalCableTunerdrmfirmware updateFirmwareUpdateflaghdmc7mcemedia centerMediaCenterocurotherssdvswitched digital videoSwitchedDigitalVideowindowswindows 7windows media centerWindows7WindowsMediaCenterFri, 06 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft officially delays Digital Cable Tuner firmware and Advisor Utility]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/microsoft-officially-delays-digital-tuner-firmware-and-advisor-u/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/microsoft-officially-delays-digital-tuner-firmware-and-advisor-u/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/microsoft-officially-delays-digital-tuner-firmware-and-advisor-u/#commentsATI Digital Cable Tuner
Ever since CEDIA Windows Media Center enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting the announced firmware update for the ATI Digital Cable Tuner and the Advisor Utility. While the firmware will finally relax the DRM on recording made with the Digital Cable Tuner and enable support for Tuning Adapters, the Advisor Utility will make it so anyone can add a Digital Cable to Tuner to their Windows 7 PC. Although a hard release date was never announced for either of these, it was fully expected that both would be available at the same time as Windows 7. Now Microsoft has posted over at The Green Button letting us know that we can stop checking as neither will be released today. To add insult to injury no new date was given, only that it would be available as soon as possible. So yeah, big time bummer for Media Center fans.

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Microsoft officially delays Digital Cable Tuner firmware and Advisor Utility originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCAMDATICableCARDDCTDigital Cable TunerDigitalCableTunerhdMedia CenterMediaCenterWindows 7Windows 7 Media CenterWindows Media CenterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterWMCThu, 22 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Media Center's upgraded Netflix Watch Instantly interface now available]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/windows-7-media-centers-upgraded-netflix-watch-instantly-interf/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/windows-7-media-centers-upgraded-netflix-watch-instantly-interf/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/windows-7-media-centers-upgraded-netflix-watch-instantly-interf/#comments Those already upgraded to Windows 7 ahead of Thursday's launch events (no, we're not coming to your party) should find a Netflix button parked under the Movies section in Media Center starting today. Clicking it revealed a slightly smoother install process than the initial Netflix upgrade for Vista users last spring, then it's off to the refreshed interface we first spotted at CEDIA -- extender support or HD streaming is still out. Also updated is the out-of-beta internet TV sliding under the TV tab (new from beta 2: Adobe Flash video support and region locking) with a wide assortment of streaming video available, though the picture quality still leaves something to be desired.

[Thanks, Daren & Craig]

Update: Not seeing it yet? Go to the Tasks -->Settings-->General-->Automatic Download Options and manually start an update there, the new tiles should arrive shortly.

Gallery: Windows Media center 7 with Netflix & internet TV


Gallery: Netflix in Windows 7

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Windows 7 Media Center's upgraded Netflix Watch Instantly interface now available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mcmedia centermedia pcmedia pcsMediaCentermediapcmediapcsmicrosoftnetflixstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlywindows 7windows 7 media centerwindows media cneterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCneterTue, 20 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Media Center's upgraded Netflix Watch Instantly interface now available]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/windows-7-media-centers-upgraded-netflix-watch-instantly-interf/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/windows-7-media-centers-upgraded-netflix-watch-instantly-interf/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/windows-7-media-centers-upgraded-netflix-watch-instantly-interf/#comments Those already upgraded to Windows 7 ahead of Thursday's launch events (no, we're not coming to your party) should find a Netflix button parked under the Movies section in Media Center starting today. Clicking it revealed a slightly smoother install process than the initial Netflix upgrade for Vista users last spring, then it's off to the refreshed interface we first spotted at CEDIA -- extender support or HD streaming is still out. Also updated is the out-of-beta internet TV sliding under the TV tab (new from beta 2: Adobe Flash video support and region locking) with a wide assortment of streaming video available, though the picture quality still leaves something to be desired.

[Thanks, Daren & Craig]

Update: Not seeing it yet? Go to the Tasks -->Settings-->General-->Automatic Download Options and manually start an update there, the new tiles should arrive shortly.

Gallery: Windows Media center 7 with Netflix & internet TV


Gallery: Netflix in Windows 7

Filed under: ,

Windows 7 Media Center's upgraded Netflix Watch Instantly interface now available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7mchdinternetmedia centerMediaCentermicrosoftnetflixstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlywindows 7windows 7 media centerwindows media cneterWindows7Windows7MediaCenterWindowsMediaCneterTue, 20 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST