Ian Dixon: Windows Media Center

Round up of posts

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:50:15 GMT

You can get the RSS feed for my Blog here and head over to TheDigitalLifestyle.com for all my content

First Impressions of the Linksys Extender

Tonight I had my first play with Linksys's DMA2100 Media Center Extender, so here are my first impressions. I have been using an Xbox 360 as an extender for nearly two years now and am very happy with it so going to be hard for the new Extenders to match...

Bigscreenglobal.com + v2 products

Niall Ginsbourg has launched his new site http://bigscreenglobal.com and the public releases of Big Screen Photos v2 and Big Screen Weather v2 As I did with this weeks The Media Center Show next week I will be giving away a full copy Big Screen Photos...

Video: Walking the CES show floor with Tim Cutting from Niveus.

This is my last video from the 2008 CES. Tim Cutting from Niveus and I walked the show floor looking at Extenders and had some fun searching for Sideshow devices. Lookout for a Niveus product announcement at the end where Tim mentioned a free application...

Video: Linksys DMA2100 Unboxing and Setup

As promised on my "first impressions" post here is the video of the unboxing and setup of the DMA2100. The video shows the unboxing and how I setup the Extender to connect with my Media Center PC. It wasn't all plane sailing, mainly due to the...

Niveus Media Companion for Free!

In case you didn't watch the CES video I recorded with Niveus founder Tim Cutting (why not!), Niveus are releasing Media Companion Basic edition for free. I really like Companion ( see my review ) and its a great move by Niveus to offer the software for...

Media Center Extenders top PCPro's "Ten techs to watch in 2008"

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:23:23 GMT

It that time of year to predict trends for the new year and PC Pro have their predictions for the top techs of 2008. In the list are things like Rich Internet Applications, 10 gigabit Ethernet and commercial P2P, topping the list are Media Center Extenders, which is properly the first time I have seen Media Center related technology top a list like this. Part of the reason why they top this list is the fact that they will be available in the UK for the first time.

HP and Linksys released Media Center Extenders in 2004, but they didn't take off in the US and never made it across the pond. They're back for 2008, this time from Linksys, D-Link and Niveus - and they're coming to the UK.

By streaming the Windows Media Center interface directly to a receiver, you get all the same features as when using the computer locally, but in a small, silent box. This includes access to the PC's TV tuners to stream live broadcasts, watching or scheduling TV recordings, or viewing music, photos or video

It's good to see Media Center getting the attention it deserves and with a bit of marketing by Microsoft and it's partners Media Center could be one of the success stories of 2008, hopefully given a boost by some announcements at CES. Other one other Microsoft product in (at no8) the list is Windows Home Server

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/146148/1-media-center-extenders.html

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center Extenders

Ed Bott gets a Media Center Extender and loves it

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 08:38:24 GMT

As the Extenders for Windows Media Center have finally started shipping Ed Bott has got his hands on one. Ed's first impressions seem very positive especially for things like startup time and quietness. The unit Ed got is the diskless DMA2100 which looks incredibly small and neat. I am looking forward to seeing the Extenders at CES

Performance on menus is fast, very fast. It takes about 10-12 seconds to go from a cold start to the Media Center interface. By contrast, the Xbox 360 had to first load its own interface, then log me in, and then finally connect to the remote system, a process that could easily take a minute or more. In operation, the system is faster as well. I’m using a Logitech Harmony remote to control the extender, and response to each button press is instantaneous. That wasn’t always the case with the Xbox 360.

http://www.edbott.com/weblog/?p=1840

Technorati Tags: Windows Media Center,Extenders for Windows Media Center

DIRECTTV and Sky Media Center hope? - Chris Lanier's Blog

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:53:46 GMT

Chris Lanier has a glimmer of hope that Sky and DIRECTTV maybe coming to Media Center. He found a couple of jobs indicating that development has started.

There is nothing official but like Chris I am hoping that some new will be out at CES

According to the job posting, Microsoft is working with newly developed dual satellite tuners. Among the basic features will be Pay-Per-View (PPV) access and H.264 HD. These features aren’t that exciting if you understand how satellite works; you must have two-way communications for it to function so you are not going to run into the one-way OCUR issue and DIRECTV has moved to H.264 for all new HD. That said, it is now confirmed that it will support both.
In addition, DIRECTV support in Media Center appears to support in-band EPG data. Instead of using Internet-based EPG listings, it looks as if Media Center will use the EPG data currently delivered by satellite. This is important for several reasons, but among the top is more accurate data delivered whenever needed.
In a second posting, Microsoft states that they working with satellite TV providers in both the US and in Europe, which could just mean Sky TV users will have something to look forward to next year as well.

First DIRECTV Tuner Details? - Chris Lanier's Blog

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, DIRECTTV, SKY

Zepto Helios TV with Media Center?

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:25:46 GMT

I reader sent me a link to Zetro's latest Helios LCD TV and the interesting thing about this TV is that on the web site it say that you can add the option of a built in "Wireless MediaCenter". A flash demo on the site shows the TV displaying Windows Media Center via a wireless connection. It does not say its a Windows Media Center Extender so I don't think its the same as HP's MediaSmart TVs with Extender for Windows Media Center built in but it does look to offer the same functionality.

I wonder how they are doing this? My guess is Wireless video sending. Have a look at the site and see what you think.

http://www.zepto.dk/helios/site_com/main.html

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Zepto

Update on Media Center Health Monitor

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:38:47 GMT

I thought I would do an update on the status of Media Center Health Montior. The Windows Client has been updated to fix a number of bugs and the Web service has been significantly updated. All the pages on the web site have been "Ajaxed" so the main status page now automatically updates when there are any status changes and with it being Ajax there is no unsightly page refresh. I have also added RSS feeds to the application. There is an RSS feed for the status of your Media Center systems and an RSS feed for the events coming from Media Center. This means you don't have to visit the web site to check the status you can use your favourite RSS reader (I have tested it with Google Reader and IE). With the RSS feed you can use the RSS feed Reader gadget for Windows Sidebar and get the status alerts there.

The 10 Foot Media Center UI only does not work on Extenders due to a security problem but I am re-writing it so that it will work and it will monitor multiple Media Centers

To register for the service go to Health.TheDigitalLifestyle.com, create an account and download the client software

Any feedback go to the forums or email me beta [at] Thedigitallifestyle.com

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Media Center Health Monitor

Microsoft start big push for Media Center Extenders

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:04:04 GMT

I have a conference call today with Microsoft on Windows Media Center Extenders and managed to get some details:

Today Microsoft has started a marketing campaign explaining the benefits of Windows Media Center Extenders, so far the marketing of Extenders has been low key but now with the coming of CES Microsoft appear to be raising their profile. They are going to be advertising Extenders in numerous places on the web and they are even adding a title in Media Center promoting the Extenders.

Some additional details on the Extenders:

Dlinks DSm750 supports XP via their own Media Lounge software, so if you have XP you can still make good use of the Extenders (Sadly no availably on UK release but there are hints that the European devices will support 50Hz)
HP MediaSmart TVs with 1080p and Media Center Extender functions, built in wireless, again no European rollout plans
Linksys will be releasing their models in the UK and with 50hz HD output!!!

Technorati Tags: Windows Media Center Extenders

Media Center Health Monitor Update - Now with Web Service and Alerts

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:20:27 GMT

I have added some more features to Media Center Health Monitor . The application now also sends updates to a web service on TheDigitalLifestyle.com where you can log in and check the status of all of your Media Center Systems. If you enable the web service on the client software it will send a status update at regular intervals enabling you to view its overall heath and the events happening on each system, such as Recorded OK, Recording Errors, Service problems and disk space issues.

You can also tell the client to email main status changes and Recorded TV problems to your email address.

The system is still in private beta at the moment, so if you want to test it email beta [at] TheDigitalLifestlye.com

UPDATE: The web login is available now, so if you want to test it go to http://health.thedigitallifestyle.com, create an account and wait for a reply back from me and then you can download the software and monitor the health of your system online.

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Media Center Health Monitor

Great Video Demo of Media Center and its possibilities

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:44:28 GMT

This video on On10.net shows Steve Lindsay from Microsoft showing this Media Center system. He shows off Webguide, his 4 tuner system, Windows Home Server and a custom application for streaming DivX files.

What I like about the video is it shows the real possibilities of Media Center using existing components and some ingenuity.

http://on10.net/Blogs/Brianjo/amazing-media-center-setup/

Steve has started a blog on Media Center too

http://on10.net/Blogs/EnglishBloke/time-to-introduce-myself/

I think it's time for Vista a "Home Media Suite"

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:15:02 GMT

Joe Wilcox posts an interesting article on the problems Microsoft has had with Bundling and Vista. He highlighted that with Windows XP Media Center Edition, Media Center had it's own identity and that now its integrated in to Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate it is now "invisible"

The point: Integration doesn't need to be a problem, but Microsoft has made it one by the way it bundles features into Windows. A year ago, Media Center was a clearly identifiable Windows sub brand. Now, it's nearly invisible. That's too bad, because Vista Media Center is a great improvement over its predecessors.

Twelve months ago we were all heralding the fact that Media Center would be bundled with Vista and how that would raise the profile of the product. Could we have been wrong? Is Media Center Invisible now? How could Microsoft improve the marketing and branding of Media Center to raise it's profile?

I know plenty of people with Home Premium that have not even loaded Media Center yet. In Joe's article he points out Apple's strategy is to bundle the application as a suite of applications rather than integrated features.

So my idea is that Microsoft could offer just one SKU of Windows Vista then ship an optional business pack for business users and a "Home Media Suite" containing Windows Media Center, Windows Live Photo gallery, an updated Windows Movie Maker and other consumer orientated products and this would be the option offered by OEMs selling to the consumer

What do you think?

Microsoft Watch - Channel - The Problem with Bundling

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center

Big Screen Weather 2 update

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 09:07:35 GMT

One of my favourite developers of Media Center applications is Niall Ginsbrough, Niall has been nominated for multiple awards in this years Media Center Show Awards and his latest application looks a real winner. Big Screen Weather v1 was a great looking application but it only covered Australia, now with v2 it covers most of the world. Looking at the screen shots it really makes use of the power of MCML (Media Center Markup Language). Release looks like being Jan 08 with no pricing detailed at the moment.

More details on the Big Screen Blog

Latest Detailed Global Weather Observations (for over 5000 locations worldwide - including Europe, Asia, Africa, N/S America, Australasia)
Forecasts (3-7 day) for over 4000 locations worldwide
Satellite Imagery, Animated Radar Loops (US + Australia only) and Charts - with a preset catalog of over 1400 images.
'TV Weather' style Geo Browsing of worldwide observations - with panning and zooming to locations (Continent, Region, Country and State levels).
MultiLingual UI and Weather data (9 languages) : English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish + Danish. (DBCS + RTL Language support such as Hebrew + Japanese are planned for Q1 next year).

Dell CableCARD from $1079

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 08:50:19 GMT

Chris Lanier reports that Dell is offering CableCARD on it's XP420 range, and once the price doesn't seem to bad according to Chris.

For only $1,079 you get a Q6600 Quad-Core, 3GB of RAM, 320GB HDD, DVD Burner, ATI Radeon HD 2400, and a single ATI Digital Cable Tuner. Want a second tuner? Just add $180 and take your order total to $1,259. Windows Vista Ultimate is also an option, adding $149.

http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/archive/2007/12/07/1384849.aspx

Technorati Tags: Windows Media Center,CableCARD

10 Foot version of Media Center Health Monitor coming soon

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:45:50 GMT

I have spent a fair amount of time on Health Monitor (to much!) and thanks to some good feedback I have added a number of function, including a 10 foot version.
The two foot version monitors your system and there is an addin for Windows Media Center for you to be able to check the status directly from Media Center. It's a bit rough at the moment, Media Center Markup Language is a very steep learning curve and the more you play with it the more you realise its possibilities, but for the first release the 10 foot version will be very basic. I also have plans to add alerts for when your not on your network, eg email

If you want to beta test the application send an email to Beta [at] TheDigitalLifestyle.com and I will send download instructions. At the moment the download is only the two foot version as I am still working on the installer for the Media Center components.

I also want to point to some resources on the web for Media Center developers that I wouldn't have even got my first screen up and running without.

http://discuss.mediacentersandbox.com/

The Digital Lifestyle Developer Blog

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center Development, MCML

Looking for Beta Testers for "Media Center Health Monitor"

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:08:07 GMT

For a while I have been working on a small program that gives me a little piece of mind when working with Recorded TV in Media Center. A while back I had a problem with Recordings not working due to a corruption in Recordings.XML, I only noticed the problem a while after it has started and I missed quite a few recordings. So that go me thinking that I would like to have some kind of monitor on the status on Media Center, something not unlike Windows Home Servers heath status. Now I know that corruption errors are very rare (once this year for me) but I wanted to get the status of other errors too, like if Media Center missed a recording due to the power being off or a IR blaster cable has been pulled out etc. Plus it's nice to see easily everything is ok . I also wanted an excuse to play with Visual Studio 2008 and thought it was better to start with a hobby program rather than on my core apps at the office :)

So I have written "Media Center Health Monitor", this monitors the Media Center Event Log and warns of Recording errors and any service issues that would effect the recordings. The program sits in the tray has has health status, Green = All is OK, Yellow = Warnings and Red=Service Errors. See the screen shots bellow:

The app is written in VB using .NET framework 3.5 and deployed using ClickOnce. This beta is a desktop only version but I do have plans for other ways of being alerted in the future, eg Sidebar, other network devices etc

So I am looking for beta testers to have a play with the application, if you interested email beta [at] thedigitallifestyle.com and I will send you a URL

The forum to discus the application is Thread for my new application Media Center Health Monitor

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Media Center Health Monitor

How to get Windows Media Center receiving premium HD cable content without CableCARD

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:13:10 GMT

I just read an interesting article on Hometoys.com about how to get Premium HD cable content in to Media Center without using CableCARD. The solution uses an undocumented feature of Motorola Set Top Boxes (specifically the QIP6200-2 in this case) to get the content.

The RF output connection (the ‘F’ connector labeled RF out) sends out “clear QAM” (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) in addition to standard NTSC signals. QAM is the same modulation technique used by the cable companies for transmitting multiple streams of high definition video through their cable infrastructures. Most people connect the RF connector from their Set Top Box to a NTSC tuner tuned to Channel 3 or 4 (usually a VCR). However, NTSC limits the resolution to 520 interlaced lines while high definition needs to go up to 720p or 1080i.
We simply put an off-the-shelf AVerMedia AverTV Combo PCIe MCE tuner card into a Windows Vista-based PC with Windows Media Center and let Windows Update load the appropriate drivers. This tuner card supports QAM connectivity in addition to NTSC. It also supports Over The Air (OTA) ATSC, but we did not use it for this installation. We plugged in the standard USB Microsoft eHome IR Receiver as we normally would and attached the IR blaster to the Set Top Box as we would using the lousy-looking standard definition S-Video solution provided by Microsoft.
We initially assumed that Windows Media Center would use the NTSC tuner capability and require us to use Channel 3 or 4 to match the NTSC output from the Set Top Box, but much to our surprise, the standard TV setup procedure found the QAM signal and used it for the TV input without requiring any other setup. It then asked us if we had a Set Top Box, which we configured the same way we normally do. Voila! We were receiving “in the clear” high definition video unencrypted by the Set Top Box. We can record it, copy it to other machines, and stream it to any number of devices we want.

Looks an interesting solution, read the rest of the article HERE

Technorati Tags: Windows Media Center,CableCARD

Delay on UK Shipments of Extenders till February

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:02:22 GMT

As Chris Lanier pointed out the V2 extenders have been delayed to late December / January. This is disappointing, when they were unveiled in October there was a lot of buzz about these products and that fact they they would be available for Christmas.

In the UK there are STILL has no acknowledgment of them being available at all, they have been listed for pre-ordering with November as the shipping date but it seems like the UK units have been delayed until at least February

Updating your order status; Linksys DMA2200 - Media Center Extender with DVD is not yet in stock.
We have today received information that the UK release date for this brand new product line has been moved to 1st February 2008.
We will keep these items on back order; no charges are made to your payment card until the goods are in stock.
If you prefer not to wait or would like to amend to your order, please contact our sales team by return email.
Please accept our apologies for this delay.

Thanks to Gordon for the tip off

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Extenders for Windows Media Center, Linksys

mControl Developer Program

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:00:06 GMT

Embedded Automation have released details of the mControl Developer Program. The mControl Developer Program allows developers to extend the functionality of mControl by getting the mControl Driver Development Kit (mControl DDK) and creating devices using the .NET framework. This is great for adding protocols to mControl that are not natively supported.

The mControl DDK consists of samples and documentation – allowing users to develop mControl Add-Ins, using the Microsoft .NET language and development environment of their choice. Once developed, mControl Add-Ins can be fully integrated within the mControl system, allowing administration and control from all mControl user-interface clients and software utilities. Additionally, developers can submit the Add-In to Embedded Automation for validation. Embedded Automation’s certification process ensures that the Add-In properly and robustly implements the interface to mControl.

Technorati Tags: mControl,Home Automation

Media Center meets Piano

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:44:10 GMT

Ever wish your Media Center PC was installed in a piano? No, me neither but that is on sale on ebay.This Media Center/Piano hybrid is a full Media Center PC with 26 inch LCD and the old Media Center Remote keyboard in place of the piano keys (I hope they don't try and use the keyboards mouse pointer)

For $20,000 (buy now price) I would have like Vista and not XP Media Center in it!

Windows Media Center SDK 5.3 Now Available

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:54:03 GMT

Microsoft have updated the Windows Media Center SDK

Here are the changes according to the mediacentersandbox.com

MCML Preview Tool Automation Model
An improved automation model allows a tools developer to load an MCML file, refresh the current view, and close or get the position and size of the current instance. New command-line switches specify a folder to watch and automatically refresh when any resource in the folder changes.
Changes to the MCML Preview Tool Launcher
The improved MCML Preview Tool Launcher takes advantage of the new MCML Preview Tool automation model and command-line switches.
Additional Documentation on Animations in MCML
Check out the new or improved documentation on these topics:

Working with Animations in MCML
Using Keyframes in Animation
Applying Interpolations to Keyframes
Setting the Weight on Interpolations
Playing Different Types of Animations in Response to Events

MCML Animation Explorer
MCML Animation Explorer is a new tool that helps developers learn animation in MCML. Instead of writing XML you can work with a bunch of knobs and switches in a graphical user interface and see the resulting MCML as well as the visuals in the MCML Preview Tool.
New Visual Studio Templates
The following templates have been added for C#:

The Windows Media Center Application – Background template creates a project for a Windows Media Center background application.
The Windows Media Center Application – Fundamental template creates a project that provides a basic framework for creating a Windows Media Center application.

Visual Studio 2008 Support
The application templates now work with Visual Studio 2008.

Interesting to see that Hosting for XAML applications has been deprecated, does this mean that XBAP (XAML browser applications) have officially failed

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center Development

Niveus Media honored with Design and Engineering Award

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:03:29 GMT

Denali Limited Edition takes Best of Video Components and Sierra Edition is named an Honoree in Home Theater Accessories.

New York, NY – November 13, 2007 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA^®) today announced Niveus Media, the leader in high-end digital entertainment solutions for the connected home, as an International CES Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Awards winner. Niveus’ Denali Limited Edition, boasting video scaling up to 1080p, 2TB of storage, and 7.1 Pro Audio, was awarded with Best of Innovations 2008 in the Video Components product category. The Sierra Edition, Niveus’ first eco-friendly media server designed for large volume homebuilders, was selected as an Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award honoree in the Home Theater Accessories product category.

“The Niveus team is very proud to be recognized on the CES Innovations Honoree and Best-of roster, once again,” expressed Niveus CEO and Co-Founder, Tim Cutting. “Niveus is dedicated to developing the most sophisticated whole-home entertainment solutions and we incorporate the most advanced audio, video, and performance features to do so. Winning Best Of for Denali LE testifies to our commitment.”

As a recipient of one of the highest scores in the Video Components product category, the Denali LE boasts impressive video capabilities and incorporates Nvidia’s GeForce Series 8 graphics featuring PureVideo^™ HD technology for high quality video scaling up to and beyond 1080p. In addition to the award-winning video performance, one of the most distinguishing features of the Denali LE is the “Pro Audio” chipset for the highest fidelity audio reproduction. The dedicated sound card provides the cleanest and highest resolution audio from all channels (up to 7.1), and features digital-to-analog converters from Burr-Brown, chosen in top professional or consumer audio equipments around the world.

Additionally, the Denali LE features the compelling Windows Vista^® operating system, CableCARD technology, HD DVD, Intel processor technology, Niveus’ ConvergencePanel™ (patent-pending), and Niveus’ Glacier™ Passive Cooling technology; resulting in a silent, high-performance, A/V-style media server designed for the digital home. The Denali LE provides pristine audio and video performance for superior home theater production and remarkable whole-home entertainment.

Set to debut at CES 2008 as a proud 2008 Innovations Honoree, the Sierra Edition Media Server incorporates proprietary technology and represents Niveus’ base-level offering, intended for those that appreciate the benefits of Media Server functionality and are looking to create an environmentally friendly, digital home. Full product details and availability will be announced at CES 2008.

Since 1989, the prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards recognize achievements in product design and engineering in the consumer electronic category. Selected by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade press to honor outstanding design and engineering in consumer electronics products, entrants are judged on an extensive list of criteria, including: engineering qualities, including technical specifications and materials used; product’s intended use/function and user value; aesthetic and design qualities; unique and novel features; contributions to consumers’ quality of life; and impact on the manufacturer’s business model.

Niveus Media’s Denali Limited Edition and Sierra Edition will be displayed at the 2008 International CES, which runs January 7-10, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honorees by product category at Innovations Plus at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Booth # 70621. Visit www.CESweb.org/innovations for details.

Introducing The Niveus Media Extender – Edge

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:40:09 GMT

Of all the Extenders this is the premium device! I hope to get a first hand look at this while at CES.

Introducing The Niveus Media Extender – Edge – The first Windows Media Center Extender designed for the custom install channel, EDGE is ISF certified and available in time for the Holidays!

Shortly after the unveiling at CEDIA Expo 2007, Niveus Media, the leader in high-end digital entertainment for the connected home, formally introduces the Niveus Media Extender – EDGE. A hardware device that gives users the ability to enjoy the Niveus Media Center experience throughout the whole home, EDGE has become the first Windows Media Center Extender to receive the prestigious Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) Video Quality Certification.

“We’re excited to formally introduce the Niveus Media Extender – EDGE,” states Tim Cutting, CEO, Niveus Media. “EDGE represents the final building block of the Niveus Entertainment Experience, a complete end- to end server/client product architecture that allows high definition entertainment to be accessed from any room of the house. No other vendor can offer this complete solution based on the Microsoft Media Center Platform. This, along with our recent ISF certification of EDGE, is a huge advantage over competing solutions.”

Through the introductions of EDGE and the robust storage and control solutions (Niveus Storage Server and Niveus Control Server/Niveus Companion), Niveus now offers a supremely sophisticated Media Center eco-system, properly dubbed The Niveus Entertainment Experience.

Also on Niveus:

Upgraded Niveus Media Servers Deliver Audiophile Quality Sound – With Intel processing, Pro Audio and advanced functionality, Niveus’ 2008 product offers the highest fidelity entertainment experience.

Niveus Media, the leader in high-end digital entertainment solutions for the connected home, introduces the 2008 line of Media Server products. Now boasting Pro Audio and powerful Intel processing, Niveus has optimized their Media Servers to provide pristine audio and video performance for superior home theater production and remarkable whole-home entertainment.

As part of the 2008 focus to develop the most refined devices for exceptional digital entertainment throughout the home, Niveus has beefed up their entire Media Server offering including the passively cooled Summit Series Rainier and Denali Editions and the Pro Series n4, n7, and n9 Editions. Advancements to all servers include new Seagate^® DB35 Series^™ hard drives for video streaming performance, acoustics & reliability and Nvidia’s GeForce Series 8 graphics featuring PureVideo^™ HD technology for high quality video scaling up to and beyond 1080p.

One of the most distinguished upgrades sure to resonate loudly in the audiophile market is the addition of a “Pro Audio” chipset in the Pro Series n7 & n9 and the Summit Series Denali Edition and Denali Limited Edition. The dedicated sound card provides the cleanest and highest resolution audio from all channels (up to 7.1), and features digital-to-analog converters from Burr-Brown, chosen in top professional or consumer audio equipments around the world.

Technorati Tags: Niveus,Windows Media Center

Coming up on TheDigitalLifestyle.com

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:26:13 GMT

I thought I would post about some of the items coming to TheDigitalLifestyle.com.

On Tuesday I am going to be recording a video review of 10ftmedia.com's new Media Center PC and I will also be streaming the recording of the session and I would love readers to join in and ask questions in the chat room. The recording will be 8:30pm GMT / 12:30 PST on Tuesday November 13th, the URL is live.thedigitallifestyle.com

This coming week I will also have out a video review of Tranquil's Windows Home Server, thanks to everybody that joined the live session on Tuesday

On The Media Center Show this week I have Russ Sound talking about integrating Windows Media Center in their whole home audio solutions and why they have chosen to support WIndows Media Center

Here are some shortcuts to content on TheDigitalLifestyle.com

podcast.thedigitallifestyle.com - The Media Center Show
blogs.thedigitallifestyle.com - blogs from TheDigitalLifestyle.com
videos.thedigitallifestyle.com - video reviews
developer.thedigiallifestyle.com - Media Center developer resources and blogs
forums.thedigitallifestyle.com - TheDigitalLifestyle.com forums, come and join the discussion
live.thedigitallifestyle.com - live streaming

Oh and if your on Facebook make sure you join our group

Microsoft Announces Winner of Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:13:43 GMT

Microsoft selects Imperium Smart Systems of Herriman, Utah, as the winner of the Ultimate Install Contest for its unique deployment of Windows Media Center in a custom home installation.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Nov. 7, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today named the winner of its Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest. The announcement was made at a Microsoft-sponsored luncheon at the Electronic House Expo in Long Beach. The winning entry, submitted by Tyler Jennings of Imperium Smart Systems LLC, was for a family that was looking for a solution to integrate all their pictures, music, home videos, TV and DVDs into one simple interface. Based in Herriman, Utah, Imperium Smart Systems is a custom electronics design and installation firm specializing in whole-home services and solutions.

“We are honored to be named the winner in this contest,” said Tyler Jennings, president of Imperium Smart Systems. “Windows Media Center is a terrific platform for custom installations, and we worked hard to create a unique, functional and successful deployment to provide our customer with a whole-house entertainment solution that benefits their life.”

A unique opportunity for custom installers, this design contest sought to find the residential custom electronics systems installation business that best utilized Windows Media Center in a custom installation solution. The contest was announced at CEDIA EXPO 2007 to challenge industry professionals to present their most unique and creative installations using media center technology.

Each entry submitted to the contest was judged based on the following criteria:

•

Use of Windows Media Center as primary user interface (UI) for media consumption in room or system (depending on scope of install)

•

Use of Windows Media Center experiences (for example, television, music, video, pictures and DVD library)

•

Integration with other, non-PC consumer electronics devices

•

Ability to create a seamless user experience

•

Creativity and originality

Judged by a panel of Microsoft Media Center experts, the winning entry best captured each of the five criteria. With 12 distributed audio zones and multiple entertainment access points ranging from in-wall touch panels, Xbox360 consoles, televisions and even an Ultra-Mobile PC, the project featured Windows Media Center at the heart of the installation. The homeowner’s experiences embraced numerous categories including management of family’s music, pictures, recorded programming and DVD movie library. In addition, Life|ware home automation software, an add-on to Windows Media Center, enabled the installation to go beyond entertainment to include the family’s management of all of their home systems including lighting, security and surveillance, heating and cooling.

Jennings said, “The homeowners love the technology and love how easy it is to use. The husband has always loved technology, but this is the first time the wife actually feels confident in controlling the technology in her home — thanks to Media Center.”

“We’re extremely pleased to recognize and celebrate the winner of our first annual Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest,” said Scott Evans, group manager in the Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft. “Imperium Smart Systems’ incredible result serves as a great example of how the creativity and integration capability of professional installers combines with the platform power of Windows Media Center to create the ultimate connected home experience. We’re excited to enable superior home system designers like Imperium to implement and achieve their customers’ visions.”

As the contest winner, Imperium Smart Systems will receive a full photo shoot of the project and both Jennings and his winning installation will be featured on the Resources for Consumer Electronics Installers Microsoft home page, http://www.microsoft.com/ceinstaller. In addition, Microsoft will provide Jennings and a guest with a trip to Microsoft Studios and a weekend vacation package in or near the Seattle area.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

Have your say on the 'Connected Home' dream

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:30:19 GMT

It looks like Charlie Owen has taken onboard some of the comments about the disconnectedness (is that a real word?) of some of Microsoft's consumer products. Eg no Recorded TV integration in the V1 Zunes or no Media Center integration with Windows Home Server.

In his post Does This Cover The Scenarios it looks like Charlie is trying to put together some resources to connect the pieces together. I think this is great idea and something that should have been done from day one but at least its being looked at now. The first question Charlie asks is whether he has covered all the scenarios and combinations of devices we have. If you have ever struggled to get Recorded TV working with Windows Home server you will appreciate the effort. So go to Charlie's blog and make your you usage is covered.

I'm going to head up an effort here at Microsoft between the Media Center, XBox and Zune teams to give you a set of resources which help you put our products together and begin to realize the 'Connected Home' dream. It will probably start out as a whitepaper -- it *might* include things like scripts or tools -- but don't hold me to the latter

Extenders to launch in the UK soon?

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:23:13 GMT

UK users waiting for news of the new V2 Extenders ("Extenders for Windows Media Center") may not have to wait much longer. According to a post on vista.blorge.com there are two models coming from LinkSys and will be prices at £199 and £229

The Extenders are said to be available from December 3rd. I don't know how true accurate the post is , hopefully it is true, we have been waiting for news of the next generation of Extenders since the US announcements at Digital Life last month, lets hope there are some official details out soon

There are two boxes to choose from. The basic media extender model DMA 2100, which features just the streamer, is price at £199 and the higher model with a built-in DVD player DMA 2200 is at £229.

Thanks to a reader Gordon Lindsay for the tip off

Technorati Tags: Media Center Extenders

How developers are improving Media Center

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:00:56 GMT

Over on my Tech.co.uk blog I have posted an article on how developers are improving Media Center. Readers of this blog will know about the many 3rd party applications for Media Center and how good they are, but over on Tech.co.uk my aim is to enlighten readers about the benefits of the Media Center platform. Applications like TV Toolbox and Big Screen Headlines really expand the functionality of Media Center.

So head over to the blog and find out why I think enthusiast developers can make a difference with Media Center

http://www.tech.co.uk/media-centered/general/blogs/2007/11/01/how-developers-are-improving-media-center

Technorati Tags: Windows Media Center , tech.co.uk

EMUCenter 0.5.0

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:25:08 GMT

Steven Harding has released a new version of EMUCenter. EMUCenter lets you launch your classic games from your Media Center using Arcade emulators such as MAME. So if you like your arcade games download from his new community site

Developers should checkout Steven's Developer blog for some background on how he developed the application

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, MAME

MVP Developers Impressed with Media Center

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:03:45 GMT

Yesterday I attended an open day for MVPs at Microsoft's Reading Office. As well as having presentations from Microsoft employees on various technologies (Silverlight was a highlight for me) there were presentations by other MVPs. Andrew Cherry (interviewed on show 120) presented an introduction in to developing Media Center applications which attracted a good crowd. I think most where there just to see what this "Media Center thing" can do but after watching the presentation they were very impressed with the potential of the platform and a few left with a real interest in starting Media Center development. I think that the MVPs were amazed at the potential the platform has and thanks to Andrews great presentation how accessible devolvement is. Andrew went from Hello World to a Music browser step by step and it showed that it is possible to product a great looking application in Media Center using your existing .NET skills

The problem seems to be that developers don't know how extensible Media Center is and by showing the technology off to a handful of developers yesterday Andrew has properly got a few new MCE developers on board, now if presentations like this could reach a wider developer community I think we would have more developers interested in Media Center.

Technorati Tags: Windows Media Center Development , MVP

Refresh Rates in Windows Media Center

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:02:36 GMT

In this weeks Media Center Show I will have a couple of emails on refresh rates and Windows Media Center, so I wanted to create a discussion on refresh rates.

In the show (out Thursday 18th) one mailer from Sweden asked about a way of automatically switching Vista to the correct refresh rate to match the content, eg PAL 50hz and NTSC 60hz as he couldn't live with the mismatch of refresh rates.

Another email came in asking about whether the Xbox 360 supports 50hz output for HD content as 60hz refresh rate was making content broadcast at 50hz look very jerky on his TV.

This is not the first email I have had on the subject so I have created a thread on TheDigitalLifestyle.com forums to discus the issue and would love to hear your thoughts on it.

So how do you find the refresh rates in Media Center and Extenders?
Do you find the mismatch in rates a problem or do you think there is no problem?
Do you have a workaround?

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Refresh rates

Niveus Media Center Companion Review

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:51:46 GMT

Niveus Media Center Companion software is something I have been waiting for since I got my Samsung Q1 UMPC. At first the companion software looks like a remote control solution for Media Center but it is more that that.

You install the server part of the package on your Media Center PC and the client part on any number of other PCs. You then have complete control over your Media Center PC from the companion PC. While the program does have a virtual remote control what it does is much more impressive.

On the UMPC or laptop you can go in to My TV browse your recorded TV, get the metadata of the program and play the file and then on your Media Center PC the selected program plays. No need to touch a remote control or interrupt what you are doing on Media Center.

The same goes for music you can remotely browse you library play tracks and cue up tracks. You can select pictures, slideshows and videos. The best thing for me is that fact that the user interface is similar to Media Center and it works on the small screen of my UMPC and also on a larger laptop screen.

When I started up the Companion software on my UMPC I could browse the Zones available on the network. A Zone is a Media Center host PC so if you have the software installed on multiple Media Center PCs you can control each one separately including all Extender sessions (which is great as I mostly use Media Center on my Xbox 360)

So if you have Media Center PC connected to your Home Theater you can control that PC at the same time as controlling what music is playing in your kitchen via a kitchen Media Center PC. I should also say that the processing of connecting to a zone is very simple, the companion software lists all available host pcs and you just click on it to get started, one issue is that it will connect to any Media Center PC with the host software installed without any form of authentication which for me is no problem but I guess some people would prefer some kind of security like the way an Xbox 360 connects to Windows Media Center

Once you are connected to a Zone you are presented with a interface which is very reminiscent of XP Media Center 2005. Listed is My Videos, My Pictures, My TV, My Music, My Movies and My Remote.

Selecting My TV lists all your recorded TV files, again in a similar style to XP Media Center 2005 you then simply click on the file you want to play, you are presented with the meta data of the show and you can click on play to start the show playing.

Music is a very nice feature, you can browse your collection by Albums, Artist, Genres and Playlists. Once thing I liked doing is use the companion software to cue up music, so you don't need to be in the room that the Media Center PC is located. You could have the PC linked to your home audio system and from anywhere in the house (with wifi) you can browse and select music, no need to turn on the monitor or TV

My Remote presents a virtual Media Center remote so you can do everything you do with a remote but without having to be within Infra Red range.

The program also tells you what is currently playing on Media Center, so if you have cued up a selection of music you can see what is playing, including the Album Art.

All this means you do not need to turn on your monitor to listen to music , just use your laptop or UMPC to set it up.

One problem I did find with it is that the present screen resolutions did not match the resolutiuon of my UMPC, running on the a Sony UX1 at 1024x600 I had to run the software in a windows and I would have preferred it full screen, but after speaking to Niveus they pointed out a full screen option which is exactly what I was wanted .This software would work great with a wall mounted touch screen PC as it could control all your Media Center session from anywhere in the house.

Niveus Media Center Companion is in beta at the moment and no prices have been announced yet. You can download the beta from

http://niveusmedia.com/software/Companion/companion3.html

If you have a laptop or a UMPC I can see this being of real interest, and if your setting up multiple Media Centers around the home this is the idea way of controlling them from one location.

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Niveus

Niveus Media Center Companion Review

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:09:42 GMT

Once you are connected to a Zone you are presented with a interface which is very reminiscent of XP Media Center 2005. Listed is My Videos, My Pictures, My TV, My Music, My Movies and My Remote.

My Remote presents a virtual Media Center remote so you can do everything you do with a remote but without having to be within Infra Red range.

The program also tells you what is currently playing on Media Center, so if you have cued up a selection of music you can see what is playing, including the Album Art.

All this means you do not need to turn on your monitor to listen to music , just use your laptop or UMPC to set it up.

Niveus Media Center Companion is in beta at the moment and no prices have been announced yet. You can download the beta from

http://niveusmedia.com/software/Companion/companion3.html

If you have a laptop or a UMPC I can see this being of real interest, and if your setting up multiple Media Centers around the home this is the idea way of controlling them from one location.

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Niveus

Niveus Media Center Companion - Beta Download

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:03:08 GMT

Niveus have opened up a beta of their Companion software. This is a package for controlling your Media Center PC from another PC, eg UMPC. So far this has only been available to Niveus customers. I am downloading now and will have a play

Niveus Media Center Companion™ software is the ultimate networked remote control for the Niveus Media Center & Niveus Media Extender. Picking up where the award-winning Niveus Pocket Remote™ leaves off, Niveus Media Center Companion™ empowers you to take full control of the media experience by integrating remote control abilities for your digital photos, music collection, Internet radio stations, videos and more.

http://niveusmedia.com/software/Companion/companion3.html

(Via Missing Remote)

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center, Niveus

PowerPlaylist Sample Application Now Available on CodePlex.com

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:35:35 GMT

Charlie Owen has posted a neat addin for Media Center called PowerPlaylist. This sample application adds a custom Start Menu strip to Media Center and each title represents an audio and slideshow combination. Great if your in the mood for some music and with one button it will kick off your playlist and slideshow. The application is a sample app that Charlie has posted full source code on Codeplex.com

It would be nice to see some developers pick this up and make some interesting applications with it, especially as this years Media Center Show Awards is going to featuring 3rd party and enthusiast developed Media Center applications.

Windows Media Center Sandbox - PowerPlaylist Sample Application Now Available on CodePlex.com

Technorati tags: Windows Media Center Developerment

The Windows Experience Blog on Internet TV Beta

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:07:42 GMT

Yesterday I was commenting on the Internet TV Beta launch and asked readers for their thoughts on it. Brandon LeBlanc commented on the my blog that he had reviewed Internet TV on his Windows Experience Blog. He has a look at the new beta, and he details some of the content offered.

The beta should be coming online today, so look out for that and let me know your thoughts, ian at TheDigitalLifestyle.com

Streaming Internet Content with Internet TV Beta to Windows Media Center

Technorati tags: Internet TV Beta

Roundup of the Extender News

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:15:25 GMT

Just finished watching Joe Belfiore keynote from DigitalLife and most of the news from that has been published already. It was good to see the hardware Extenders in use, but it seems like the price point may be an issue for some people

If you have a HP MediaSmart TV you should be happy, the TV set will have a free software upgrade to enable Media Center Extender functionality which I think was scheduled for early next year, but I may be wrong.

Niveus Media's Extender looked great as you would expect. It's called EDGE, no price yet but I expect it will not be cheap. The two Linksys extenders are the standalone DMA2100 at $300 and the DVD Player DMA2200 at $350. D-Link's DSM-750 is $349.99 (no UK prices or even time frames yet)

Also shown was the new Internet TV Service

So now all the hardware pieces are there we need more developers to target Media Center, I hope we see more enthusiast developers working on Media Center projects

Internet TV for Media Center

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:50:21 GMT

Seeing as I won't be getting Microsoft's Internet TV anytime now as it's US only I watched Joe Belfiore keynote with interest when he demonstrated the new service. It goes live for USA users tomorrow morning (Friday) and judging it by the demo it looks a nice service that adds some value to Media Center. The content comes from MSN Video and offers music videos, concerts and TV shows. MSN Video is starting to build up a good selection of content so it makes sense to offer a 10 foot Media Center interface for the content. The content is standard definition and as far as I could tell over a web stream looks good. The user interface looks like a standard Media Center design with galleys and pivots. So seeing as I am not going to be seeing this until I get to CES I would love to know how US readers are getting on with it.

Now to start a campaign to get the service in the UK!

Technorati tags: Internet TV, Windows Media Center