|
|
Featured Digital Media Server Reviews
Up one level
Recently Reviewed
We don't have a ton of info on this, but DISH Network was demoing a cool new technology that made use of Windows 7 Media Center and integrates Dual HD Tuners via USB. What's so interesting about this is that it bypasses the ridiculous CableCARD format in favor of using the existing USB standard. What? Bypass an all-but-failed CableCARD format for a standard already used and which takes up less space and can be more easily integrated into existing equipment? That's preposterous. Apparently, someone over at DISH Network (and Microsoft) are putting on their thinking caps and doing some real innovation in terms of bringing DISH to Windows Media Center.
Yamaha MusicCAST2
Tom Andry
— last modified June 24, 2009 12:04
The new MusicCAST2 introduces a completely new MusicCAST system redesigned from the ground up. The system consists of three different products, the MCX-RC100 Network Music Commander remote, the MCX-P200 Pre-amp Network Music Player, and the MCX-A300 Amplified Network Music Player. It gives you access to Rhapsody, Internet radio, or tracks stored on your computer (up to 16 on a network), USB sticks, and Bluetooth devices (with additional BlueTooth receiver). iTunes is supported as well as MP3, WMA (no lossless or PRO), AAC (no Apple lossless or FairPlay DRM), FLAC and WAV audio files.
Linksys by Cisco Premier Kit Wireless Music System
Aaron Howard
— last modified April 13, 2009 12:45
Cisco seems to understand the need to expand and grow. Needs change; we are not the same person we were 10 years ago, or even last year. If I want a house be full of music one day, and the next, I just want to listen to music on my headphones, then so be it. That progressive adaptability is what the Linksys Wireless Music System provides. Linksys takes some of the latest wireless technology, asks you where you want music, and then responds, "I can do that."
DISH Network brings an interesting take on the DVR with the ViP 722 satellite receiver. This DVR is a dual-tuner, two-TV receiver that allows 55 hours of high definition record time, or 350 hours of standard definition (or a combination of both). What's helpful about this receiver is that it comes with an RF remote control that enables non-line-of-sight control of the unit from other rooms. This means that while the HD tuner is used in one room, the system can be controlled elsewhere - like in a bedroom.
VTech's new IS9181 is attempting to hit the market as a "high end audio solution" for less than $200. The device also serves as a music hub and enables consumers to play Internet radio selections, stream music libraries stored on their computers (PC/Mac-compatible) and connect any digital audio player using the line-in cord provided.
Aurora V-Tune Pro HD
Tom Andry
— last modified January 08, 2009 09:44
Aurora Multimedia Corp is now shipping the V-Tune Pro HD, the latest in the company's long history of TV tuners. So why do you care? Well, if you have a legacy system it pretty much does everything including decoding just about every video codec plus is IP-based, has HDMI and coxial outputs, and has all the tuners you need. Why don't you care? IT COSTS $1300!?!
Toshiba Cell TV
Tom Andry
— last modified January 08, 2009 19:37
Toshiba again talked about its upcoming Cell TV technology which utilizes the IBM/Sony PowerPC-based Cell processor to allow for advanced video processing and frame interpolation o both standard definition and high definition content. There is a lot being talked about, and a working demo on the show floor, however now they are claiming that this will be shipping in 2009!
The Samsung MR-00EA1 Extender for Media Center has its good and bad points. Rather than looking at the specs, however, I recommend you think about the kind of end-user you are. If you are worried about maximizing features and trying to eek every bit of performance out of your Media Center, this might not be the product for you. But if you are a casual user that is just looking for a way of getting you content from your Vista computer to your Samsung display, the MR-00EA1 might be the right choice.
This week, Logitech unveiled its new Squeezebox Boom all-in-one network music player. The system, which is not portable so much as it is self-contained, features an integrated 30-watt Class-D amplifier and speakers - a first for the Squeezebox family. Logitech is betting that the network music player will be the CD player of the 21st century. Now that Squeezebox has successfully added its SqueezeNetwork service, users can actually listen to Internet radio and other web-based music services without an active PC networked in their home. Adding a PC with the free SlimServer software also means that you can listen to all of your music (including those on iTunes) anywhere in your home.
View All Articles in Digital Media Servers
|
http://www.audioholics.com
|
