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Ian Dixon

Windows Media Center and The Digital Lifestyle
July 03

The Media Center Show #163 - Stream DVDs to Extenders

Listen Here

This week Pete Stagman Windows Media Center MVP talks about how to stream DVDs to Extenders from a Media Center System. Pete worked on the project with a group of Media Center MVPs and they have put together a guide on how to setup your system for DVD streaming.  For some people this is the Holy Grail of a Media Center setup!

I also have your email and news items. Please keep the email coming show [at] theDigitallifestyle.com

Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

Show Times and all the links talked about in the show are in the podcast show notes

June 27

Live Q&A session next week

Don’t forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com

I haven’t done a live show for a while so next Tuesday 8:30pm UK / 12:30pm PST I am going to hook up the webcam and do a live Q & A session. I am open for questions on any digital lifestyle or Media Center topic but I especially want to take the opportunity to talk about HP’s MediaSmart Connect as it will be connected up and we can try anything out on the device, lets see if we can break it (just don’t tell HP) lets see if we dive in to the feature set :)

I want to take your calls so you can call in via Skype or a landline (I will give the number out on Tuesday), or I can call you if you send me your number.

I will be using Yahoo Live to stream the session and if you have any question you want to send over before hand drop me an email (Ian at the digitallifestyle.com) or via Twitter

June 26

The Media Center Show #162 - Warner Crocker on going mobile

Listen Here

I have a great show this week, Warner Crocker from Gottabemobile.com talks about making your digital lifestyle mobile. We talk about the rise of the low cost mobile PCs, UMPCs, tablet PCs and MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices)  and how the product categories are getting blurred.

I also have your email, news items and don't forget about the HP Webinar on the new MediaSmart Connect I will be a guest on

Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

Show times and all the links in the podcast show notes

June 24

Don’t forget to register for HP’s Webinar on the new HP MediaSmart Connect

Don’t forget to register for HP’s Webinar on the new HP MediaSmart connect. The first one is with Ed Bott today at 10am PST and I will be the guest on Thursday 1pm PST (9pm UK) with Mike Garcen and Patrick Norton guest on future Webinars.

Here are the official details:

This summer, join HP and Microsoft for a series of webinars on HP's sleek, new connected entertainment device: the HP MediaSmart Connect, featuring Extender for Windows Media Center.

 

In this live online event you’ll get to meet the experts and learn why the HP MediaSmart Connect is the ’must have’ device that:

  • Displays a single list of all the digital media gathered from all the hard drives on your home network

  • Offers a rich Extender for Windows Media Center experience

  • Supports Windows XP or Windows Vista-based notebooks and desktops, network storage devices, home servers, USB drives, and HP’s Pocket Media Drives

  • Gives you access to great entertainment from Web sites like CinemaNow, Snapfish and Live365

Brian Burch, Director of Marketing for HP's Connected Entertainment group, will lead an interactive demonstration of HP's latest advanced digital media receiver, and discuss other products on the market today. Brian will be joined by these industry experts who will share their impressions of the HP MediaSmart Connect and their thoughts on how this device will transform your living room experience:

Representatives from Microsoft will also be on hand to answer your questions about Windows Media Center and Extender technology.

REGISTER NOW for one of the upcoming events and take the first step towards taking back control of your digital life!

Click on the webinar date to go to the registration page for that session.

Tuesday, June 24th
10:00 am PST - Ed Bott - ZDNet

Thursday, June 26th
1:00 pm PST - Ian Dixon – The Digital Lifestyle

Tuesday, July 8th
10:00 am PST -Patrick Norton - Tekzilla

Thursday, July 10th
1:00 pm PST -Mike Garcen – Missing Remote

More details: http://www.microsoft.com/hpmediasmartconnect

June 18

Post roundup

Don't forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com

One of the most exciting products being at HP’s Berlin event is HP's new TouchSmart system. As I said before the hardware is a beautiful looking all in one design: This is combined with HP's own touch software that you can edit photos, view calendars, create playlists...

June 2008 Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista

Microsoft have posted the June update for Media Center:   SUMMARY Microsoft has released the June 2008 Cumulative Update for Windows Media Center for Windows Vista. This update rollup is intended for computers that are running...

Join me on one of HP’s Webinar on the new HP MediaSmart Connect

As Brian Burch from HP talked about on show 156 HP are launching the MediaSmart Connect a new Extender for Windows Media Center and over the next couple of months HP and Microsoft are hosting a series of webinars talking about and demonstrating the new...

Windows Media Center expands features in Japan

Microsoft looks to be expanding Windows Media Center features for the Japanese market. They will be adding ISDB-T support which is the Japanese digital TV format and multilanguage closed-captioning. Also being added is TV Asahi, NHK, NTV, TBS and Fuji...

Origami Experience 2.0 Released

Back at CES Microsoft where showing off the Origami Experience 2.0 for UMPCs. This is add on application for UMPCs that is designed for touch and the 7 inch screen. 2.0 looks like a complete re-write of the original software and has features like touch...

HP announce the HP MediaSmart Connect

HP have launched the MediaSmart Connect (formally known as the HP MediaSmart Receiver). This is the dedicated Media Center Extender first shown at CES that as well as being a Media Center Extender will also stream content from other sources. So far there...

June 12

Join me on one of HP’s Webinar on the new HP MediaSmart Connect

Don’t forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com

As Brian Burch from HP talked about on show 156 HP are launching the MediaSmart Connect a new Extender for Windows Media Center and over the next couple of months HP and Microsoft are hosting a series of webinars talking about and demonstrating the new Extenders. Brian Burch (guest on show 156) Director of Marketing for HP's Connected Entertainment group will be leading the sessions along with:

  • Ed Bott, http://www.zdnet.com

  • Patrick Norton, http://www.tekzilla.com

  • Mike Garcen, http://www.missingremote.com

  • Ian Dixon, http://www.thedigitallifestyle.com ,yes that's me!

    So make sure you register for my session which is on Thursday, June 26th here are all the official details:

    This summer, join HP and Microsoft for a series of webinars on HP's sleek, new connected entertainment device: the HP MediaSmart Connect, featuring Extender for Windows Media Center.

    HP logo

    In this live online event you’ll get to meet the experts and learn why the HP MediaSmart Connect is the ’must have’ device that:

    • Displays a single list of all the digital media gathered from all the hard drives on your home network

    • Offers a rich Extender for Windows Media Center experience

    • Supports Windows XP or Windows Vista-based notebooks and desktops, network storage devices, home servers, USB drives, and HP’s Pocket Media Drives

    • Gives you access to great entertainment from Web sites like CinemaNow, Snapfish and Live365

    Brian Burch, Director of Marketing for HP's Connected Entertainment group, will lead an interactive demonstration of HP's latest advanced digital media receiver, and discuss other products on the market today. Brian will be joined by these industry experts who will share their impressions of the HP MediaSmart Connect and their thoughts on how this device will transform your living room experience:

    Representatives from Microsoft will also be on hand to answer your questions about Windows Media Center and Extender technology.

    REGISTER NOW for one of the upcoming events and take the first step towards taking back control of your digital life!

    Click on the webinar date to go to the registration page for that session.

    Tuesday, June 24th 10:00 am PST

    Ed Bott - ZDNet

    Thursday, June 26th 1:00 pm PST Ian Dixon – The Digital Lifestyle
    Tuesday, July 8th 10:00 am PST

    Patrick Norton - Tekzilla

    Thursday, July 10th 1:00 pm PST

    Mike Garcen – Missing Remote

    More details: http://www.microsoft.com/hpmediasmartconnect

  • The Media Center Show #160 HP’s Connect Your World

    Listen Here

    A special show this week as for the last three days I have been in Berlin at HP’s Connecting Your World event. HP had a massive launch of new notebooks and the fantastic new TouchSmart System. I managed to get a range of interviews including Terry Walsh from Wegotserved.co.uk talking about Windows Home Server Powerpack 1 beta, GottaBeMobile.com’s Sierra Modro talking Notebooks and HP on the Notebook and TouchSmart launches.

    Email and news items will be carried over to next week

    Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

    Thanks to the show sponsor Techradar.com

    Links talked about in the show this week:

    Music by Ian Dixon

    Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, podcasts

    June 07

    Off to Berlin for HP Connecting Your World event

    Don't forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com

    On Monday I am heading over to Berlin for HP's Connecting Your World event. HP will be discussing their new products and strategy and I hopefully will be clip_image002bringing you some interviews on systems for the connected home and the digital lifestyle.  On Wednesday I will be on a panel discussing mobile lifestyle so that should be fun.

    So if you have any questions or issue you think I should ask let me know as intend to grab a bunch of interviews (post question as comments HERE or email me show [at] theDigitallifestyle.com) . I will be blogging when I can so keep an eye out on the RSS feed and I will be posting on Twitter regularly too.

    June 06

    This weeks posts

    It’s been a busy week with hardware announcements coming out of Computex 2008, like the AMD and ASUS launches plus Finally Windows Sideshow comes to Windows Mobile and I ask “How do you take your media with you?”

    How do you take your media with you?

    Most of us use Media Center centrally store our content, it could be TV, music, picture and DVDs . So what about accessing this content when your out and about? I have another a number of different ways of accessing my content. I have my Zune 30 which...

    AMD Live! Home Cinema Changes Home Theater PC Market?

    Somewhat overshadowed by the AMD’s “Puma” launch this week was AMD launch of AMD Live! Home Cinema at Computex 2008 and according to Jake Ludington this could be game changer.  Jake says that AMD’s chipset supports HD (including Blu-ray) through...

    Video: Media Center University: Optimizing for Entertainment & Networking – Part 1

    On Microsoft’s consumer electronics blog they have a link to part 1 of the Media Center University video. The video was taken at EHX Spring's Media Center University , I am watching it now, it has some good tips on connecting up a Media Center system...

    ASUS Debuts World's First HDMI-Ready Sound Card

    If your on the look out of the a new sound card and want the highest quality you should checkout the latest sound card from ASUS. The ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 is the first HDMI ready sound card, the card is HDMI 1.3a compliant and decode audio from HD sources...

    AMD Launches Next-Gen Notebook Platform "Puma"

    AMD’s new platform for laptops “Puma” look interesting for mobile users wanting to take their content with them. It combines the AMD Turion X2 processor and a Radeon HD 3000 graphics chip and promises to deliver “ Full HD Experience ”. It will be interesting...

    Consumer Electronics Installer Blog : CGMS-A, Broadcast flag and Windows Media Center

    A few weeks ago there was a bit of outcry by some bloggers that Microsoft had enabled DRM in Media Center when users were blocked from recording “ American Gladiator ” ( see this story ) and that “once again Microsoft kills its products with DRM”. Chris...

    Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile Developer Preview release

    Finally Sideshow comes to Windows Mobile, well in a developer preview. This means that you will be able to use Sideshow gadgets on your Windows Mobile phone. I have just downloaded and installed it and the first thing I noticed is that its says you need...

    vmcNetFlix goes Open Source

    One of the Windows Media Center NetFlix addins vmcNetFlix has gone open source. While I can't take advantage of (no Netflix in the UK) I do think Windows Media Center is ideally situated to be the central point for download services like Netflix, why...

    June 05

    The Media Center Show #159 - Autonomic Home

    Listen Here
    This week I am talking to Michael Toscano from Autonomic Home a company developing some interesting solution for Windows Media Center including control software for UMPCs and laptops. They also have a very interesting solution for whole home audio, using a 7.1 sound card to deliver 4 channels of stereo audio around the home.  I also have your email and news items, please keep the email coming!

    Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

    Thanks to the show sponsor Techradar.com

    Show times and all the links talked about in the show are in the show notes

    May 30

    This weeks posts

    Are you interested in a book on Media Center development?  Or having problems with XP Service Pack3 and Extenders? Check out this weeks post round up:

    Would you like to see a Media Center Development book?

    Steven Harding on The Digital Lifestyle Developer Blog is working on a Media Center development book and is asking would you like it in traditional book format or an inexpensive PDF copy. I think a PDF is a great idea as its a much cheaper way of distributing...

    Consumer Electronics Installer Blog : In-room Extender Design Strategy

    Previously Microsoft's Consumer Electronics installer blog talked about using Media Center with a rack mounted solution for distributing content around the home. While this was a interesting solution the idea of having all the equipment in a rack didn't appeal to me so I like the look of the in-room solution they are showing in....

    AMEX RM-mp1 Media Center Remote

    Engadget have a nice picture of AMEX's RM-mp1 Media Center Remote. It has a touchpad, laser pointer, wireless USB receiver and it works with Media Center. It sure looks nice, shame there are no more details   AMEX offers up RM-mp1 media center remote...

    Having problems setting up an Extender on XP SP3?

    Microsoft's Aaron Stebner details the issue that is causing Extender setup to fail on some XP SP3 installations and while the eHome team work on an update he has a manual workaround to resolve the issue Root cause of the issue I looked in the source code...

    TeVeStream CaptionSeeker - New Software for Locating Recorded TV Scenes by Captions

    Not sure if anybody has tried this but I just spotted a post about TeVeStream CaptionSeeker, an application for searching captions in TV shows and then you can seach for text in the show and jump to the scene in Media Center. Looks...

    Don't forget to Vote for The Ultimate Media Center Enthusiast Setup

    There is still time to vote for your favourite Enthusiast Setup from our Flickr group and if you vote you get chance to win some great prizes, here are the nominations: jbworks mattingly47302 elootos fyiguy1 DWAnderson Take a look at their pictures send...

     

    and finally don't forget this weeks podcast:

     

    The Media Center Show #158 - Fuze Media Systems

    Listen Here Back at CES in January I came across FUZE Media Systems ( see this video ), they have a different approach to Media Center using a hybrid system of their own code and parts of Media Center to create a locked down whole home media solution...

    May 29

    The Media Center Show #158 - Fuze Media Systems

    Don't forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com, please subscribe to the RSS feed 

    Listen Here
    Back at CES in January I came across FUZE Media Systems (see this video), they have a different approach to Media Center using a hybrid system of their own code and parts of Media Center to create a locked down whole home media solution and this week I talk to Bob Silver from FUZE about their system and it's features.  I also have your email and news items, please keep the email coming!

    Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

    Thanks to the show sponsor Techradar.com

    Show Times and all the links talked about in the show are on the show blog

    May 22

    Recent Post Roundup is back!

    Don't forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com

    I haven't done one of these for a while, so here is a round up of recent post on my blog.

    How do you use Home Automation?

    On The Media Center Show we talk about Home Automation frequently, with packages like mControl home automation is affordable and can scale from a single light switch all the way to full security systems and environmental control. I want to know how you...

     

    Beta Test Windows Home Server Power Pack 1

    In the coming weeks Microsoft are planning to put out the beta of Power Pack 1 for Windows Home Server on the connect beta site and as Philip Churchill says on his blog "with the primary focus on getting the Server Storage component tested". As Power...

     

    FUZE Media Systems incorporates Blu-Ray capability

    I met with FUZE Media Systems at CES back in January and they will be on the show in a couple weeks. Today they added Blu-Ray capabilities to their whole home media systems. They are partnering with ArcSoft to provide the Blu-ray support and Arcsoft seems...

     

    CyberLink Live 2.0

    Cyberlink have launched 2.0 of CyberLink Live a placeshifting application that looks to rival to Orb and Webguide.  With Cyberlink Live you can watch Live TV, browse your EPG and schedule recordings and as with Orb and Webguide you can also stream...

     

    Fixing Windows Vista, Part 4: Get smart about services

    Ed Bott continues writing about how to get the best out of Windows Vista and debunking many of the myths around the operating system. In part 4 Ed looks at services and counters the myth that you should disable many of the Windows services. Today’s...

     

    MyNetflix developer heads to Netflix

    Anthony Park the developer behind mceBrowser and recently MyNetflix has announced that he is going to work for Netflix. Anthony is a great developer of Media Center application and I am sure his skills will be very useful for Netflix and I hope this means...

    The Media Center Show #157 - Microsoft's Hakan Olsson

    Listen Here
    Continuing on from last weeks conversation about Extenders, Hakan Olsson from Microsoft returns to the show to talk about HP's entry into the market and the other Extenders available. I also have an interview with the winner of the HP HDX Dragon Entertainment PC, Paul was very please to win the unit so I called him up to find out his plans for it. As ever I have your email and news items.

    Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

    Thanks to the show sponsor Techradar.com

    Show Times, links and all the details in the show notes

    May 15

    The Media Center Show #156 - HP on the MediaSmart TV

    Listen Here
    A couple of weeks ago HP updated their MediaSmart TV to add Media Center Extender functionality making it the first TV with a built in Extender, so this week I am talking to Brian Burch, Director of HP Connected Entertainment about the MediaSmart TV and the soon to be available MediaSmart Receiver. I saw the TV in person at CES and it looks a great and having an Extender built in means less cables and boxes. I also have your email and news items.

    Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

    [mp3]http://thedigitallifestyle.com/audio/TDL_MediaCenter_20080515_156.mp3[/mp3]

    Thanks to the show sponsor Techradar.com

    For full details of the times and links talked about in the show go to the show Blog

    May 08

    Post Roundup

    Don't forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com

    It's been a busy week this week. I have been looking at the HP HDX Dragon Entertainment PC I am giving away, it's a fantastic laptop the most powerful Vista machine I have ever used. I will be giving away the unit starting May 9th so keep an eye on the blog for details of how to win.

    Other posts this week:

    What Power Settings do you use on your Media Center system?

    A question came up in the forums about power settings and sleep mode and how even with Vista some people don't risk Sleep mode on their Media Center system. I have to admit I don't use Sleep mode on my Media Center box as it now operates more like a server...

     

    MyNetflix v2.2.1 - Instant Queue Feature

    Anthony Park has updated MyNetflix to include new Instant Queue features This feature ties in well with what many people have been requesting for MyNetflix. So, this morning I added the code necessary in MyNetflix to use this new Instant Queue. Now in...

     

    First Impressions of the HP Dragon

    Last night I recorded an unboxing video of the HP Dragon that I will be giving away ( as part of the 31 Days of the Dragon ), I should have the video up in a couple of days so in the mean time I thought I would post my first thoughts. The first thing...

     

    Video: Unboxing a HP HDX Dragon Entertainment PC

    As part of the 31 days of Dragon I am giving away a HP HDX Entertainment PC and in this video I unbox the monster machine and take a quick look at the Vista performance rating and Windows Media Center. As I said in my first impressions post it is the...

     

    Zune gets an update

    Today when I fired up my Zune desktop software it prompted me to download the new version (2.5). It looks like the social elements got updated plus other new features. You can find out more details on the featues via Zunethoughts.com and it looks like...

     

    D-link DSM-750 Now Shipping

    Just got a press release from D-link saying the DSM-750 is now shipping. I actually thought the unit was already shipping but I must have been wrong :) A lot of people have been impressed with the D-link Extender as it seems to have better performance...

     

    Windows Media Center experience throughout the house with rack-mounted Extenders

    Microsoft's customer installer blog takes a look at how you can use Media Center Extenders to distribute audio and video around the home. They show how you can put all your AV equipment, PC and Extenders in the same rack and then each Extender's video...

    The Media Center Show #155 - Lagotek

    Listen Here
    This week I am talking Home Automation with Lagotek, they have an interesting software based approached to home automation and home entertainment. You can even control your home from mobile devices like an iPhone. I have a sneak preview on how to win the HP HDX Dragon Entertainment PC and software bundle worth around $5000 as part of the 31 Days of the Dragon (you can see me unboxing the laptop)
    Plus I have news items and Email.

    Direct Download Link - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe via RSS - Vote for the show on Podcast Alley - Join The Media Center Show Group on Facebook - Catch me on Twitter

    Thanks to the show sponsor Techradar.com

    Show times and all the links talked about in the show are on the show blog post

    May 06

    Zune gets an update

    Today when I fired up my Zune desktop software it prompted me to download the new version (2.5). It looks like the social elements got updated plus other new features. You can find out more details on the featues via Zunethoughts.com and it looks like the video download service has been expanded 

    Here are the details from Microsoft

     

    REDMOND, Wash. — May 5, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Zune, the company’s all-in-one digital entertainment brand, is adding new software features and content to the Zune online store, music community and Zune Pass monthly subscription service. Zune is expanding its video store to include downloads of popular television shows from COMEDY CENTRAL, FUNimation® Entertainment, MTV, NBC Universal, Nickelodeon, Starz Media (including Manga Entertainment), Turner Broadcasting, Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) and VH1 that consumers can sync to their device and enjoy on the go. In addition, by further integrating the Zune music community into the core experience, the new software makes it easier for people to find and listen to the music they want, share it with friends, and take it with them wherever they go — whether they choose a Zune Pass or a la carte MP3 downloads. Zune Pass subscribers can now set up automatic, real-time feeds of the music their friends are listening to and add those songs to their collection or Zune device.

    Starting today, consumers can choose from more than 800 episodes of popular television series to download and watch on their computer or their Zune, including COMEDY CENTRAL’s “South Park,” FUNimation’s “Afro Samurai” and “Witchblade,” MTV’s “The Hills,” NBC’s “The Office,” “Heroes” and “30 Rock,” Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” SCI FI Channel’s “Battlestar Galactica” and “Eureka,” Starz’s “Ghost in the Shell” and “Street Fighter,” Turner Broadcasting’s “Metalocalypse” and “Robot Chicken,” UFC’s “The Ultimate Fighter®” and “Fight Night™,” and VH1’s “Rock of Love” with Bret Michaels. Each television show will be priced at 160 Microsoft Points per episode (approximately $1.99) at launch. With more than 3.5 million tracks, two-thirds of which are available in pure MP3 format, 800 television shows, 4,800 music videos and 3,500 audio and video podcasts, the Zune online store is a great place for consumers to find the entertainment content they want. In addition, the bright, full-color screen on every Zune portable media player delivers a high-quality video experience on the go.

    “Partnering with Zune will allow us to develop innovative content offerings for their customers, including flexible pricing and packaging options beginning this fall,” said JB Perrette, president of NBC Universal Digital Distribution. “NBC Universal is excited to offer our hit television shows to Zune customers.”

    A Better Way to Experience Music

    In a recent study commissioned by Zune, 54 percent of consumers surveyed said they were frustrated when trying to find new music, mostly because they said they didn’t have enough time, didn’t know where to look, or felt that they ended up wasting money on music they didn’t end up liking. At the same time, 89 percent said they would trust a friend or family member’s musical recommendation over a music critic’s.

    The growing Zune online music community enables consumers to explore, discover and share music. Members get a free, customizable Zune Card: a snapshot of their favorite tracks and the music they’re playing on their Zune. Previously this personal snapshot resided only on the Web, but with the latest software updates Zune Cards have become much more portable. Now consumers with the Zune Pass subscription have the ability to take what their friends are listening to from the Zune music community on the go via Zune Card personal playlists for easy exploration and access, when and where they want it. The Zune Pass subscription allows consumers to explore millions of tracks with no commitment other than the monthly fee similar to the price of one CD — $14.99 per month.

    “Consumers want more than the traditional transactional model of an online music store plus portable device,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of Global Marketing for Zune at Microsoft. “Zune is putting the strong combination of an online music community together with subscription to deliver a new experience centered on music discovery that’s good for consumers, artists and the industry. This approach exposes consumers to music they might not have otherwise tried, keeps them coming back, and gives them purchasing options that suit their preferences.”

    New updates to the Zune online music community include the following:

    Syncing Zune Cards to a device. Consumers simply drag and drop Zune Cards from friends to a Zune device and get updates on what friends are listening to every time they sync. If the song is available with Zune Pass, subscribers automatically have the full tracks on their Zune while nonsubscribers have full album information and artwork. If consumers hear something they like, they can add it to their collection with one click. Next time the user syncs his or her Zune, he or she will be asked to confirm the purchase.

    Enhanced friends search. Consumers now have the ability to add their name, location and bio to their Zune music community profile, making it easier than ever to find their friends.

    Instant friends. The true power of the Zune online music community is unlocked when friends are added and consumers can follow the music they’re listening to. Now, when new Zune owners join the Zune online music community, they’ll find the top music editors from the Zune Marketplace team already added to their friends list, giving them a head start in finding new music.

    Artist and album reviews. Inside the Zune music community, members have the ability to write and post their own reviews for artists and albums, providing another community-driven feature to support the exploration and discovery of music. The music community helps to find and recommend the best music.

    Reputation badges. Now members of the Zune community can earn badges that are displayed on their Zune Card showing they’re passionate fans or active members.

    Windows Live connections. Windows Live Messenger contacts will now be able to see what users are listening to via the Zune software. Clicking on the tracks displayed in the “Now Playing” feature will connect the Windows Live Messenger friend directly to that artist’s page on the Zune Social.

    A More Integrated Way to Manage and Enjoy Entertainment

    Responding directly to customer feedback, Zune has updated and added features and functionality to address better integration between the software, the online music community and the store. In addition, the updates include frequently requested features such as the ability to sync multiple Zune players at once. Specific feature updates include the following:

    Auto playlists. Users can create an auto playlist that updates itself automatically as new music is added.

    Browsing videos. Consumers can browse their video collection by genre and series, plus they can preview videos before they play them on full screen.

    Editing album and track information. Users are able to edit track or album information (metadata) quickly via multi-select and drag-and-drop. The advanced metadata editing features make it easy to edit multiple tracks or survey albums and artist information.

    Organizing collections. In addition to sorting by artist or album, consumers can now sort by genre. While browsing by genre they can further sort music by artist, album or release year.

    Gapless playback. Consumers will now be able to listen to an album without the brief gap between tracks, both on their Zune and in the Zune software. This is a must-have for live-concert recordings and compilation albums.

    Syncing groups. Zune software now syncs to multiple Zune players simultaneously. Users can prepare which content on their computer to sync even when their Zune isn’t connected. Consumers can create custom sync groups for music, pictures and videos.

    Zune reminders. Experience is improved when a Zune player’s memory is nearing capacity, via an easy-to-use tool.

    More information on Zune and related images are available at http://www.zune.net/press.

    Video: Unboxing a HP HDX Dragon Entertainment PC

    As part of the 31 days of Dragon I am giving away a HP HDX Entertainment PC and in this video I unbox the monster machine and take a quick look at the Vista performance rating and Windows Media Center. As I said in my first impressions post it is the most powerful machine I have ever used, and the screen and speakers are fantastic. Don't forget I am giving this machine away

    You can subscribe to the RSS feed for video and the RSS feed for my Blog

    May 01

    New Roundup

    Don't forget I have moved my blog to TheDigitalLifestyle.com

    Here is this weeks news roundup. Most exciting is the massive giveaway coming soon: