September 2009 - Ian Dixon's Blog - The Digital Lifestyle.com: Windows Media Center news, podcasts, videos, forums and wikis

Video: Zune HD Unboxing Part 2: AV Dock

One of the great things about the new Zune HD is the new HD AV Dock for connecting the Zune HD up to a TV via HDMI. You can use the Zune HD almost like an Extender. In this video I take a look at the AV Dock, connect it up to my TV and take a look at...

Published Wed, Sep 30 2009 8:53 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Podcast: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 01D

Derek has posted the latest edition of The Custom Integrator Show . As well as discussing my new Zune HD we talk wrap up Derek’s CEDIA trip Direct Download – Subscribe via RSS - Subscribe via iTunes - Subscribe with Zune This installment wraps...

Published Tue, Sep 29 2009 2:43 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune, CEDIA

Video: Zune HD Unboxing

I really like the new Zune HD, the hardware is impressive and the UI is very slick. In this video I unbox the device and take a look at the new Zune. In part two I will look at the new HD AV dock Download WMV – Download M4V – Watch via Youtube

Published Tue, Sep 29 2009 12:43 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune, Video

Windows Home Server tips for Windows 7 and PP3 delayed?

On Microsoft’s Home Server blog they have an update on progress of Windows Home Server PP3 and some tips on how to get Windows 7 working best with Windows Home Server until the Power Pack is released. One thing I have noticed is that the release...

Published Tue, Sep 29 2009 9:47 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Home Server

UK Freeview users don’t forget to re-scan your TV channels on Wednesday

On Wednesday (30th September) UK Freeview users will need to re-tune their TVs, set top boxes and Windows Media Center systems. Freeview are getting ready for HD and implementing other changes to the channel line up so after 12pm on Wednesday you will...

Published Mon, Sep 28 2009 11:44 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Freeview

Tranquil to launch cooler for the Xtreamer

One of the issues I had with the Xtreamer media streamer ( see my video review ) apart from the UPnP issues was the fan noise. While I didn’t find it to much of an issue (I have lived with the Xbox 360 fan noise) I know some people will. So its good to...

Published Sun, Sep 27 2009 8:43 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Hardware

Video: Internet TV Beta for Windows 7 Media Center

The new Internet TV Beta for Windows Media Center showed up this week on my systems and to my surprise it has UK content. It has full TV shows, news, music videos and movie trailers and a UI that is pretty nice. This video takes a quick look at the beta...

Published Fri, Sep 25 2009 3:42 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows 7

Screenshots of the FiOS Copy Freely channel lineup

More from Derek Flickinger on CableCARD and copy freely ( see yesterdays post ). Derek has sent me some screenshots of his FiOS line up and here they are for those of you that are interested in that kind of thing

Published Thu, Sep 24 2009 4:36 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: CableCARD

Podcast: The Media Center Show #224 – Ben Drawbaugh

As promised last week here is the interview I recorded with Engadget HD’s Ben Drawbaugh talking about his CEDIA experiences and looking back at how well he did with his predictions, some came off and some didn’t! The main news seems to be...

Published Thu, Sep 24 2009 11:16 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Internet TV for Windows Media Center available in the UK

At last Internet TV Beta 2 for Windows 7 Media Center is available in the UK and it has content! Remember the MSN UK Video services that was launched a couple of months ago? Well all that content is available in Windows Media Center, the plug in well...

Published Thu, Sep 24 2009 10:21 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows 7

Microsoft Windows Media Center “how to” videos

While I was looking at Microsoft’s Windows videos on youtube I noticed there are a couple of how to videos as well as the new Windows 7 adverts . One of the videos shows how to make a music playlist in Windows Media Center another on how to burn a CD...

Published Thu, Sep 24 2009 9:51 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows 7

Microsoft Windows 7 advert shows off Windows Media Center

Microsoft is starting to ramp up its advertising campaign for Windows 7 and has a series of videos showing off Windows 7 features and one of them focuses on Windows Media Center. The video start of showing Media Center on a laptop which is something Microsoft...

Published Wed, Sep 23 2009 10:13 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Electronic House reviews S1Digital P500 Media Center

S1Digital have a fantastic range of high end Media Center systems and the Electronic House have a review of the P500 model which is part of the ProLine Series. You can hear Paul from S1Digital explaining about the new range on The Media Center Show #220...

Published Wed, Sep 23 2009 10:03 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Windows 7 With ‘Copy Freely’ Support

Our very own Derek Flickinger has been playing with the updated CableCARD firmware that enables Copy Freely and so far he seems impressed. He told me “It looks like ALL of the FiOS channels are showing as unprotected (Copy Freely)” He did...

Published Wed, Sep 23 2009 9:48 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Installing Zune 4.0 on Windows Home Server

If you using Windows Home Server to store all your music and you have Zune you may want to install the Zune desktop software on Windows Home Server so you can manage syncing with your device. Out of the box the Zune software will not install on WHS but...

Published Wed, Sep 23 2009 9:59 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Home Server, Zune

Podcast: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 01C

Derek has posted the latest edition of The Custom Integrator Show . In 01C we talk about the CEDIA show and Derek's observations at the trade show The Custom Integrator Show Installment 01C is live. Ian and I discuss my trip to CEDIA in Atlanta...

Published Tue, Sep 22 2009 10:16 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: CEDIA

First impressions of the Zune HD

I have only had the unit for a couple of hours so I have not had any time to play around with the Zune and I will be doing an “first impressions” video soon but I wanted to do a quick post on my initial impressions of the HD. After taking it out of the...

Published Tue, Sep 22 2009 3:42 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Andy VT’s guide to installing Ffdshow

Andy Val Till has a guide up on how to install Ffdshow , ffdshow is an open source codec for decoding formats like divx and Andy’g guide takes you step by step through installing the app and how to get it up and running. If you looking to go beyond the...

Published Mon, Sep 21 2009 9:55 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Zune store in the Xbox 360

Not sure how long this video has been around for but its an interesting video that shows off how the Zune store will work in the Xbox 360. I would expect the Zune brand to appear in more Microsoft products over time with the Xbox link up just the first...

Published Sun, Sep 20 2009 8:19 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

picoStick USB Digital TV tuner – Tiny TV Tuner

If your looking for a small TV tuner for your new Small Form Factor PC or to take it with you for your Netbook then checkout the tiny new tuner from Hauppauge. The PCTV picStick is the size of a small memory stick and costs £59 (Europe only). It...

Published Fri, Sep 18 2009 2:57 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Hardware

HP Launches the HP DreamScreen Infotainment Display

Another device vying for a place on our coffee tables is the new HP DeamScreen, with a 10.2 or 13.3 inch screens, wifi, local storage, USB and built in speakers this is kind of photo frame meets music player. I don’t think it’s a DLNA device which is...

Published Fri, Sep 18 2009 12:05 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP

Windows 7 Special Student Offer

Good news for UK students wanting Windows 7, they can now get Home Premium for £30. Full details from Microsoft: 17 September – Windows 7 – available to UK university students for pre-order for £30 from 30 September Today, Microsoft has announced...

Published Fri, Sep 18 2009 11:51 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows 7

Podcast: The Media Center Show #223 - Anders Fomsgaard

This week I am talking to Anders Fomsgaard a Danish Media Center enthusiast about the state of Media Center in Denmark and we talk DVB-C and getting it to work with Media Center. We also talk about automating Media Center with applications like Girder...

Published Thu, Sep 17 2009 1:00 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Zune HD SDK available for download

Microsoft have updated the XNA Game Studio Zune extensions to including new development features for the Zune HD that include: The ability to develop and deploy games to the new Zune HD media player using XNA Game Studio 3.1. New touch APIs to the XNA...

Published Wed, Sep 16 2009 9:57 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Media Center Studio - Aka MCE Menu Mender for Windows 7 Released

Mike has details of the new version of what used to be called MCE Menu Mender and is now called Media Center Studio. It’s a great little free app arranging the Media Center menu however you like. Its beta at the moment but I have to say its looking...

Published Wed, Sep 16 2009 4:28 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins

Tip on how to sign in with the Zune software from outside the USA

One of the first issues I had with the new Zune 4.0 software is that I could not sign in and therefore could not go to the marketplace or use the social side of the software. I have never been able to purchase tracks from the marketplace but I have used...

Published Tue, Sep 15 2009 3:42 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Screen shots of the Zune 4.0 Software

I thought I would post a couple of screenshots from the new Zune 4.0 software that launched today. There is also an update to the Zune firmware to 3.2 from 3.1 but I haven’t seen any differences on the device yet. The 4.0 software is geared towards the...

Published Tue, Sep 15 2009 9:46 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Microsoft Introduces a Powerful New Zune Media Player, PC Software and Online Services

The Zune HD is out and there is new 4.0 version of the Zune PC software, here is the official press release: REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 15, 2009 — Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end digital entertainment service and media player, today announced significant...

Published Tue, Sep 15 2009 9:34 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

First look at the Zune HD

I am waiting for my Zune HD to make its way across the pond so in the mean time Jason Dunn of Zune Thoughts has a series of videos looking at the Zune HD. The first video is an unboxing and then Jason compares the the relative sizes of the Zune HD with...

Published Tue, Sep 15 2009 9:23 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

HP Launches New Home Server with Enhanced Features for PCs and Macs

HP are updating their Windows Home Server models and replacing the EX485 and EX487 with the new EX490 and EX495, details from HP: PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2009 – HP today launched the HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers, new models offering...

Published Tue, Sep 15 2009 8:44 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Home Server

Apple Dumps 40GB Apple TV, Lowers 160GB by $100

As part of my ongoing experimentation with connecting media devices to my PC I have got hold of a Apple TV which is now hacked to run Boxee and other apps. I have to say so far I have been a little underwhelmed with the Apple TV but to be fair I haven...

Published Mon, Sep 14 2009 10:04 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Apple TV

Xtreamer 50% off

If you liked the Xtreamer I reviewed last week Tranquil have a special offer from now till the end of September. If you order a SQA-5H-1000 or SQA-5H-2000 (Windows Home Server) you get 50% off the Xtreamer and if you order a SQA-5H-3000 you get the Xtreamer...

Published Mon, Sep 14 2009 5:06 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Hardware

Alarm to wake-up VMC and play LiveTV

Spotted a great little tip in The Green Button forums on how to setup Media Center to startup and play a live TV. The VBScript file will start up Media Center and select the required channel. I hope the poster LeeroyBrown won’t mind me me posting a very...

Published Mon, Sep 14 2009 1:40 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

BBC opens the Tomorrows World archive and shows the home computer of ‘60s

OK I know this is not directly Media Center related but I know lots of you will enjoy this. The BBC has opened up some of the early episodes of the technology show Tomorrows World including editions from the ‘60s, ‘70s and 1980s. There are full episodes...

Published Mon, Sep 14 2009 11:06 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: TV

Video: First Impressions and Unboxing of The Xtreamer

The Xtreamer is a £99 media streamer capable of streaming HD content around the home. It works with network shares, UPnP servers and local storage plus it will play MVK files so its great for watching downloaded content. In this video I unbox the...

Published Sat, Sep 12 2009 8:57 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Hardware

Hauppauge to Sell CableCard Tuners by End of 2009

Looks like its good news for the DIY CableCARD market, Hauppauge are said to be coming out with a CableCARD tuner later this year. With Microsoft lifting the OEM restrictions for CabelCARD and Ceton entering the market things are looking brighter on the...

Published Sat, Sep 12 2009 8:26 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, CableCARD, CEDIA

It's official: no plans to sell Zune HD outside the US

I know its not new news but its further confirmation that the Zune HD will be US only, Arstechnica have a quote from a Microsoft spokesperson saying: "Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets...

Published Fri, Sep 11 2009 3:25 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Ceton CableCARD tuner

Ben Drawbaugh had a hands on with the new Ceton CableCARD tuner, its a PCI-E card that seems to work like the ATI tuner (with UPnP as explained by Dr Flick on The Custom Integrator Show ). Checkout Ben’s post for the details and I am sure we will be talking...

Published Fri, Sep 11 2009 11:14 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, CEDIA

Video: Dish Network Media Center tuner in action

Ben Drawbaugh continues his excellent CEDIA coverage with a video of a Dish Network Media Center tuner in action. Of course this is a demo and the project is “on hold” but its good to see it working

Published Fri, Sep 11 2009 10:43 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, CEDIA

Microsoft and Partners Help Media Companies Innovate in a Digital World

Another press release from Microsoft but what is interesting regarding Media Center is the list of supported TV formats: Windows 7 natively supports ATSC, DRI (US Cable), DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, ISDB-S, ISDB-T and QAM. At IBC 2009 Microsoft’s hardware...

Published Thu, Sep 10 2009 1:24 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

September 2009 - Ian Dixon's Blog

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