Alienware High Definition Media Server
Alienware High Definition Media Server
Summary
- Product Name: High Definition Media Server
- Manufacturer: Alienware
- Review Date: February 04, 2008
- MSRP: $TBA
- First Impression: Pretty Cool
- Specifications
-
Operating Systems
Windows Vista Home Premium
Optional Windows Vista Ultimate - required to support 4 CableCARDsProcessors, Chipset & Memory
Intel Core 2 Quad 45 Nanometer Processors
Intel X38 chipset
Up to 4GB Low Latency DDR3 at 1333MHzGraphics & Video
Standard: ATI® 2400 HD Graphics with DVI to HDMI Adapter (1080p)
Video out Standard:
DVI/HDMI Video
VGA
S-Video
Component Video Out
Component video out with S-Video to Component adapter
Dual Cable Card Internal Combo Tuners (OCUR)
Up to 4 Cable Card Tuners (2 External OCUR)Storage
Standard 250GB x 4 with 250GB Reserved for OS partition in RAID 5
Optional 4TB with 1TB Reserved for OS partition in RAID 5Optical Drives
8x DVD-ROM/CD-RW
Optional Dual Layer Blu-Ray/DVD±R/W/CD-RW BurnerWired Connectivity
Dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN with Load BalancingAudio
7.1 Channel Digital Preamp Output
Analog Audio in
Optical Audio out
Coaxial Audio outPeripheral Connections
RS232 Control
6x USB 2.0
IEEE 1394a (4-pin) port
2 eSATA ports
External CMOS Switch
IR in
2x IR out
RF connect switchCase & Chassis
Height: 3.5” without feet and 4.0” with feet.
Width: 16.93” without rack mount and 18.9” with rack mount
Depth: 18.3”
Weight: 29 lbs
Executive Overview
The just announced Alienware High Definition Media Server got our attention for a number of reasons. Sure, it's Alienware which has long been associated with high (priced) quality computer builds, but also because of the hot-swappable RAID 5 drive bays. It was when we took a closer look that we really started to get excited. While it boasts HDMI output, it is really only a DVI port with an HDMI adapter. Why is that important? Well, it negates audio output (but you'll still get a 1080p picture).
Disappointed, we were about to move on when we noticed the 7.1 analogue outputs. This means that (theoretically) the Alienware HD Media Server could provide output for all those high definition audio formats. With the optional Blu-ray read/write drive, the audio will almost certainly be available. The HD Media Server come standard with 250GB x 4 but can be ungraded all the way to 4TBs. That's a lot of storage. With an upgrade to Vista Ultimate the unit can control up to four TV tuners (two cable card slots are available with a second pair needing to be external. Lastly, the HD Media Server will allow you to access your files remotely with nothing but an Internet connection and Windows or Windows Mobile device. Sounds interesting. At this time no pricing has been announced but we expect it to be very expensive. We'll give it this - it is probably one of the best looking media servers we've ever seen - we just wonder how loud it is.
For more information, visit www.alienware.com.
