Ian Dixon: Blog

The Media Center Show #170 - Musicgiants

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:19:43 GMT

This week I am talking to Scott Scott Bahneman, CEO of MusicGiants about their HD audio and video services that can deliver high quality music and videos directly in to Windows Media Center. As more of us connect Media Center up to AV Receivers having a source of high quality content available is very appealing. I also have a round up of news and your email

Please keep the email coming show [at] theDigitallifestyle.com

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This show is sponsored by mControl - Home Automation for Vista Media Center

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

The Media Center Show #169 - Ed Bott on TV Feature Pack

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:14:19 GMT

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Last week Microsoft released details on the Windows Media Center TV Feature Pack (the update formally known as Fiji) and that provoked a passionate debate around the limited (OEM only) availability of the update. So to get a expert view on the subject I chatted with Windows expert Ed Bott. We streamed the show live and had some great questions and opinions in the chat room. Ed has some interesting thoughts on the update and is always great to interview. I also have email, news items and a chance to win a copy of Kaspersky anti-virus 2009

Please keep the email coming show [at] theDigitallifestyle.com

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[mp3]http://thedigitallifestyle.com/audio/TDL_MediaCenter_20080814_169.mp3[/mp3]

This show is sponsored by mControl - Home Automation for Vista Media Center

Show times and all the links talked about in the show are on the Podcast Blog

The Media Center Show #168 - Mark McCall and a naked guy

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:55:26 GMT

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This week I am talking to Automated Home's Mark McCall. We recorded the interview live and took questions from the chat room, we covered a wide range of topics from pre-installed crapware to home servers, Xbox Media Center to Apple TV. Oh and listen out for an unexpected guest half way through the interview. I also have your email and a round up of news items from the blog

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
Jon The Media Center Show Group on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter

This show is sponsored by mControl - Home Automation for Vista Media Center

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

New Roundup

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:24:53 GMT

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

It’s that time of week for a post round up. I have my interview with Engadget’s Ben Drawbaugh, Open Media Library goes public and an statement from HP on their Windows Home Server update

HP Update Slowing down MediaSmart Windows Home Servers?

In Podcast 11 I reported a slowdown of my HP Media Smart Server after installing PVConnect. I attributed this to PVConnect creating a database of the many Photos, Videos, and Music files I have stored on my MSS. I viewed it as a normal process. Indexing...

What “How To” topics would you like to see covered?

I am working on a series of “How To” articles that will either be blog posts, part of The Media Center Show or videos and I wanted to get your feedback on what subjects would be worth tackling. When I asked the question on Twitter I got some good suggestions...

Dell’s new Studio Hybrid would make a great Media Center PC

Sean Alexander has posted details on Dell’s new Studio Hybrid. First off it looks a great, takes only 65watts of power and has HDMI. It would make a great Media Center PC either directly connected to a TV or serving Extenders. This could be an ideal Media...

Official Statement from HP on Windows Home Server PP1 Slowing Issue

There have been reports of the new HP Update Slowing down MediaSmart Windows Home Servers (see David's post on The Windows Home Server Blog ) and Brian Burch )Director of Marketing for HP Connected Entertainment) has provided me with an official statement...

Open Media Library 0.1 Goes Public Beta

Open Media Library has gone in to public beta, OML is an open source Movie library application for Vista Media Center, that looks fantastic and has features like DVD streaming to Extender along with support a good selection of video formats . I have been...

TVTonic 3.3 Released

TVTonic is a great addon for Windows Media Center, it provides a platform for downloads internet video straight in to the Media Center UI. As well as providing content channels you can use it to subscribe to any video RSS feeds ( like the one for my video...

The Media Center Show #167 - Ben Drawbaugh (Engadget HD)

Listen Here (mp3) This week I am chatting with Engadget HD's Ben Drawbaugh. We will be talking about Windows Media Center, Home Automation, remote controls and the recent Extender shoot he did for Engadget HD. I also have your email and a round up of...

The Media Center Show #167 - Ben Drawbaugh (Engadget HD)

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:33:21 GMT

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This week I am chatting with Engadget HD's Ben Drawbaugh. We will be talking about Windows Media Center, Home Automation, remote controls and the recent Extender shoot he did for Engadget HD. I also have your email and a round up of the weeks news.

Please keep the email coming show [at] theDigitallifestyle.com

Direct Download Link
Subscribe via iTunes
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Vote for the show on podcast Alley
Jon The Media Center Show Group on Facebook
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Show times and all the links talked about in the podcast show notes

Post Roundup

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:37:12 GMT

I had a day off with the kids and managed to put my back out so that delayed me unboxing HP's new TouchSmart but I got there in the end and recorded a video of my first impressions and what a fantastic system it is. Here is a roundup of some of this weeks posts

Paul Thurrott reviews Media Center Extenders

You may remember me getting a bit upset by Paul Thurrott’s dismissal of the new generation of Extenders for Windows Media Center. Basically he said the extenders were no better than the old models and they were not worth looking at. I totally disagreed...

Video: Unboxing and a first look at HP’s new TouchSmart

I was really looking forward to getting hold of HP’s new TouchSmart PC (the IQ500) ever since I first saw the product back in Berlin . In this video I unbox the TouchSmart, fire up the unit for the first time and take a look at the TouchSmart UI. Since...

Samsung MediaLive Extender launches

Remember the Samsung Media Center Extender I saw at CES? (see this video ) well it finally due for release and has had a name change from Home Digital Media Adapter to MediaLive. This is the extender for Windows Media Center that is designed for 2008...

HP IQ500 TouchSmart First Impressions

Due to me putting my back out yesterday I wasn't able to unbox the TouchSmart last night so today I had some help and managed to get the unit unboxed. I recorded an unboxing / first impressions video but to be honest its not until I put it in the living...

Big Screen Installers Updated

Nial's blog has been quiet for a while but he is back with an update on the Big Screen applications. He has updated the installer to support future versions of Windows Media Center. Check out Niall's blog for more details In preparation for future Vista...

Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 released to manufacturing

Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 has been in beta for what seems a very long time and I have been running it on my MediaSmart server with no issues. The biggest part of the update is that it fixes the data corruption bug as well as adding x64 support...

How to Remove The Microsoft Games in Program Library

Charlie Owen now back blogging has gone for a less controversial post and posted a handy tip on how to get rid of the pesky games that install themselfs in the Program Library in Windows Media Center I'll admit it somewhat irks me we shipped games inside.

The Media Center Show #166 - HP on Windows Home Server Updates

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:32:38 GMT

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This week Microsoft put out Power Pack 1 for Windows Home Server, this includes a fix for the data corruption bug, x64 support and extra backup features. Also HP put out an update for the HP MediaSmart Server so HP's Allen Buckner joins me to talk about PP1 and what is new in the HP update. 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

This show is sponsored by mControl - Home Automation for Vista Media Center

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

This weeks posts

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:20:58 GMT

Back again with this week in Media Center world, there is the Media Center university part 5 (how may parts are there!), Ed Bott on running Windows Home Server in a virtual environment, Charlie Owen starts a firestorm and I am planning for future shows

Media Center University: Whole House Integration of Media Center Systems – Part 5

The Consumer Electronic's blog has with part 2 of Todd Rutherford's presentation (part 5 of the Media Center University series) looking at integrating Windows Media Center into a whole home solution Download: iPod | MP3 | WMA | WMV | WMV (high) | Zune...

Microsoft brings Netflix streaming to the Xbox 360

Looks like the rumours where true, Microsoft are enabling Netflix streaming straight in to the Xbox 360. It would be nice to see an smiler official solution for Media Center users. Details from Engadget : After months of speculation and rumors , Microsoft...

HP Touchsmart available in US stores

I really liked the HP Touchsmart PC I saw in Berlin (see this video ) and for US consumers it's available in stores now. If you get chance to have a play with the Touchsmart I would recommend taking a look at as the UI is very nice. I asked about UK availability...

Ed Bott on running Windows Home Server in a virtual machine

A few people have mentioned to me about the possibility of running Windows Home Server on a virtual machine and I did try it with Virtual PC back when Home Server was in beta but while it worked I found the performance was not very good and it didn’t...

Microsoft show off Media Center and Extenders at Magnolia AV stores

It looks like Microsoft are getting the idea that for Media Center and Extenders to be a success they need to show them off in stores. They have just completed fitting out all 13 Magnolia AV stores with a merchandising rack showing off the Windows Media...

Damian Meher: Screencast on creating a simple Media Center application

Damian Meher the developer behind BeebMC has created two screencast on how to create Media Center applications. Part 1 looks at the tools used for Media Center development and starting a new project and part 2 looks at using a template to create a BeebMC...

VidaBox PicoPC Brings PC Features to HDTVs

CE Pro have details of a interesting new product from Vidabox. The PicoPC is a tiny little box with no moving parts and Windows XP, so you can browse the web, listen to music and watch pictures all from the 13 ounces device. It has USB and R232 designed...

Tweak Vista Media Center with Tweak MC

Remember TweakMCE for XP Media Center? Wondered where the Vista equivalent is? Wonder no more as Microsoft have released TweakMC for Vista Media Center (what took you so long guys!) The new application is available on MSDN is also available in source...

Charlie Owen on Historical Perspectives on DVD Streaming Feature

Charlie Owen is back blogging and seems to have gone straight for a controversial post! He has posted this thoughts on why DVD streaming is not a feature of Media Center (and properly never will be). So far it’s been left to the community to come up with...

Planning for the future

I am planning guests for future shows and I thought I would take the opportunity to find out the community opinions. So what kind of shows would you like to see? More developer shows? More interviews with OEMs and Microsoft? Or features looking at related...

The Media Center Show #165 - mPanel

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:05:28 GMT

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This week I am talking to old friend of the show Ted Singh from Embedded Automation. Ted will be talking about mPanel a new wall-mountable touch screen that you can play music from and control the home, Ted will also be updating us on mControl 2.1. I also have your email and a round up of the weeks news

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 on the podcast blog

Post Roundup

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:43:35 GMT

Back with another post round up with some rumours on future updates, Media Center university videos and BBC Radio on Media Center

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

No DirecTV HD for Vista Media Center until 2010?

First I want to say I have no inside information on this one way or another but Engadget HD are saying that “H.264 and DirecTV support have been pushed to Windows 7” here is one other possibility though, at least one well respected member of DBSTalk reported...

Media Center University Part 4

Todd Rutherford presents part 4 of the Media Center University this time looking at Whole House Integration. You can download the video in a variety of formats including including iPod , WMV , WMV (high) and Zune Media Center University: Whole House Integration...

Mike Garcen reviews HP’s MediaSmart Connect Extender

I am still using my HP MediaSmart extender full time at the moment and am very happy with it and Mike Garcen at Missing Remote has written a great review of the unit After including their extender technology strictly with their HP branded flat panel televisions,...

Microsoft to Train Installers and unveil “new technologies” for Media Center at CEDIA Expo 2008

Microsoft continues [edit thanks Jim for the correction] to target Media Center at Custom Installers: At CEDIA Expo 2008 they will be training installers on setting up Windows Media Center and other related topics like Windows Home Server, Extenders and...

Update on Engadget HD's Media Center Update story

It looks like Engadget HD have some details on potential future updates on Media Center: The update expected this month is mainly focused around International support, which has evidently really been lacking up until now. The Japanese can expect ISDB-T...

BeebMC - BBC Radio addin for Windows Media Center

Damian Mehers has developed a BBC Radio addin for Windows Media Center that enables listening of BBC Radio streams directly from the Media Center user interface. It’s a simple app that Damian originally developed for his own use and has made it available...

The Media Center Show #164 - CaptionSeeker

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:29:22 GMT

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This week I am talking to Tony Leung from TeVeStream about CaptionSeeker and application that enables you to locate a scene in a recorded TV show by searching for a keyword or phrase in captions and jump to the scene in Media Center. We also talk about the other application that TeVeStream have developed. I also have your email and news items. Please keep the email coming show [at] theDigitallifestyle.com

This show is sponsored by mControl - Home Automation for Vista Media Center

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

The Media Center Show #163 - Stream DVDs to Extenders

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:53:45 GMT

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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

Live Q&A session next week

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:08:11 GMT

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

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

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:26:20 GMT

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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

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

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:03:21 GMT

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:

Ed Bott, http://www.zdnet.com
Ian Dixon, http://www.thedigitallifestyle.com
Patrick Norton, http://www.tekzilla.com
Mike Garcen, http://www.missingremote.com

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

Post roundup

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:46:57 GMT

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

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...

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

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:19:20 GMT

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.

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

Ed Bott, http://www.zdnet.com
Ian Dixon, http://www.thedigitallifestyle.com
Patrick Norton, http://www.tekzilla.com
Mike Garcen, http://www.missingremote.com

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

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:22:19 GMT

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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

Off to Berlin for HP Connecting Your World event

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:33:39 GMT

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 bringing 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.

This weeks posts

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:10:13 GMT

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...

The Media Center Show #159 - Autonomic Home

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:00:42 GMT

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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

This weeks posts

Fri, 30 May 2008 14:44:11 GMT

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

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:19:06 GMT

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

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

Thu, 22 May 2008 11:59:40 GMT

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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

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

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:59:11 GMT

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

Post Roundup

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:52:46 GMT

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.

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

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

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:32:41 GMT

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

Zune gets an update

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:37:26 GMT

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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:11:31 GMT

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

Watch the video on Youtube (Part 1 and Part 2)
Watch via MSN Video
Watch via direct download

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Ian Dixon: Blog

The Media Center Show #170 - Musicgiants

The Media Center Show #169 - Ed Bott on TV Feature Pack

The Media Center Show #168 - Mark McCall and a naked guy

New Roundup

The Media Center Show #167 - Ben Drawbaugh (Engadget HD)

Post Roundup

The Media Center Show #166 - HP on Windows Home Server Updates

This weeks posts

The Media Center Show #165 - mPanel

Post Roundup

The Media Center Show #164 - CaptionSeeker

The Media Center Show #163 - Stream DVDs to Extenders

Live Q&A session next week

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

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

Post roundup

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

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

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

Off to Berlin for HP Connecting Your World event

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

This weeks posts

The Media Center Show #159 - Autonomic Home

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

This weeks posts

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

Recent Post Roundup is back!

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

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

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

Post Roundup

The Media Center Show #155 - Lagotek

Zune gets an update

Video: Unboxing a HP HDX Dragon Entertainment PC