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Featured Digital Media Server Reviews
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ZAGGbox Media Server Preview
Tom Andry
— last modified February 01, 2010 09:05
What is the ZAGGbox? While it hasn't been released yet and details are a little sketchy, it looks to be a recording device with universal remote and streaming capabilities. With a terabyte of storage, 4 USB ports for more, 3 HD and 2 SD inputs, and the ability to stream to your phone, it's got a lot of people talking. But will it have a lot a people buying? For us the real problem is the complete lack of HDMI inputs - likely due to the limitations of HDCP copy protection. Without them, the ZAGGbox can never receive HD audio and most Blu-ray players don't upconvert over component. If the ZAGGbox doesn't have a guide (and we don't think it will), then how interested is the public going to be in having both a DVR and a ZAGGbox? We're not sure.
The Olive Opus 4HD is the top of the line offering from Olive. This product is encased in a stylish aluminum case with a slated front in either black or silver. With Texas Instruments' 192khz/24-bit Burr-Brown PCM1792A DACs and 2TB of storage - it has everything you need. It seems that every new device on the market either has an Ethernet port or has wireless connectivity. This is bringing services like Netflix and Amazon OnDemand into the living room. It is also allowing streaming from networked computers. Newer receiver and display products are coming with this and more.But do you need it?
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!
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