Remember how Microsoft is only sending the TV Pack upgrade to OEM partners and not allow end-users an upgrade path? Fluid Digital is one of those OEMs and it seems they are one of the first companies annoucing availability. Their updated quad-tuner equipped servers will be available sometime later this year and will, of course, have ClearQAM capabilities thanks to the Media Server TV Pack. Honestly, these systems sound sweet; check out the specs to their high-end A4 model:
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 Quad 3.2GHz processors with 1600MHz FSB
4GB DDR3-1600 Memory
AMD ATI Radeon HD 3870
LG Blu-ray HD-DVD Combo Drive
32GB Solid State OS Drive For Quick Boot-up and Silent Operation
5 x 1TB 7200rpm HDD in RAID 5 (4TB Usable Storage) in external eSATA connected storage
Four ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable
Vista Compliant Remote Control
Logitech DiNovo Mini Bluetooth
Premium Aluminum Chassis
Matching eSATA Connected Storage
256×64 pixel front panel OLED display
After a brief talk with their VP, Chris Morley, we have some solid facts about the company. Currently, the systems are only available through select AV installer channels which means Best Buy and Circuit City aren’t going to stock ’em. As for pricing, sharpen up your negotiating skills as your local dealer can price them as they see fit. We’ll get more info at CEDIA ’08.