Both Boxee and Windows Media Center are amazing and among the most popular media playback programs. However, they don’t really work together as they are both more platforms than anything else. You have to close out of one program to start the other and that’s not an easy task if you’re controlling your HTPC with just a remote from your couch. Enter Boxee Windows 7 Media Center Integration 1.0 plug-in. → Read More
So I was all prepared to give Niveus Media’s new Sirius XM Windows Media Center plugin a try. (As I found out during a meeting with Microsoft while at CES, Windows 7 comes with Windows Media Center built in. I 100 percent didn’t know that till the Microsoft guys told me. Amazing. What else does Windows 7 do that I didn’t know?) Right, so I was all prepared, installed it, then tried to run the configuration. Oh, sorry! It’s Sirius-only! I’m an XM man, grandfathered into this whole Sirius XM debacle, so I can’t use the plugin. Great. → Read More
Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 beta has been out for just over a month and it’s a welcomed update. It adds a whole slew of Windows 7 and Media Center functions, along with fixing a ton of little bugs. But if you’ve been on the fence about installing the beta release, check out this extensive video tour by the Power Pack 3 beta Program Manager, CJ Saretto. If you’re already rocking the beta, you still may wanna check out the video for some undiscovered functions. → Read More
Looks like Windows Media Center, that hub for video and audio which I’ve never used, is getting full Netflix streaming support. This is good news for those of you running HTPCs with Vista on them — no need for an extra layer or frontend, just open up WMC, enter your info and you’re on your way.
If you’re not a member, hit up some free trial action and you could be watching a movie in about two minutes without leaving your chair. → Read More
I’m no expert in these little home media boxes, but I suspect they are excellent investments for those of you with too much money. Certainly the abilities of a Vista Media Center type setup are enviable, but for $2000 you could have put another 10 inches on that screen and built a media box yourself. But I digress (and am probably wrong). This FUZEbox has up to 2TB of space, does DVR and basic media stuff, and networks itself into your home (360 support coming) — if you know how to do that or are willing to pay. Interestingly, in the press release it promises “The capability to back up and distribute DVDs and Blu-Rays to various video zones,” but in the FAQ it helpfully states “There are a multitude of software options available for individuals to purchase that allow archiving of DVD content to their personal computers.” In other words, you’re on your own — but we won’t ask any questions. A safe position, I guess, but it would have been nice to have that capability on board. Watch the demo video here if you’re curious. → Read More
MediaLive accessory introduced by Samsung allows for the streaming of digital content to most 2008 Samsung HDTV’s. Using Windows Media Center, photos, music and movies can be streamed in real-time. It has the capability to connect via an existing wireless network or using old–fashioned wires. With access to online content providers such as Vongo, MovieLink, Showtime TV, XM Radio, and FOX Sports, consumers will be able to view a wide variety of entertainment. In the U.S., Windows Media Center features the Internet TV beta program, which offers access to viral videos, news stories, movie trailers, sports clips, cast interviews, movie concerts and more. Available in August for an estimated $200 street price, the MediaLive will play H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and WMV videos along with familiar audio formats and jpeg pictures. → Read More
Keyspan has announced that the RF remote for Windows Vista is now shipping. That’s right, it’s using radio frequency rather than infrared, because it you don’t need to be standing in front of the paired device for it to work, the signal is far greater (up to 90ft) and it functions through walls, but I digress. One more point about RF and we can move on. Because the remote works through walls or furniture for that matter, you have the option of hiding your PC or AV equipment in a different room (not very smart, but it’s an option) or you can enclose everything into a cabinet. Would be burglars or guests will be amazed at your non-existent home theater. I apologize for that tangent, but I felt it necessary. Anyways, the Keyspan remote operates your Windows Vista Media enabled devices for the low, low price of $49. Keyspan’s RF Remote is Certified for Windows Vista and works with Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate. Product Page → Read More
In case you can’t tell just by looking at this picture, this woman is very excited to be accessing the digital video on her Windows Media Center PC through one of more than 550 mobile devices with the help of Makayama Interactive’s Mobile TV Center. Or she’s just sitting in a room with a TV pretending. Either way, the app exists as of today. The software takes the shows that you record with your Windows Media Center, automatically converts and moves them to your mobile phone, iPod, PSP, Pocket PC or Palm. If you have the right ingredients to make it work i.e. a Windows Media Center PC, one of 550 mobile devices and at least 128MB of storage (either integrated or by flash memory card), it seems like a $35 no-brainer for adding TV shows to your mobile lifestyle. Like the woman pictured. Or maybe no. Makayama Interactive [company site] → Read More
