June 2008 - Ian Dixon's Blog - The Digital Lifestyle.com

Looking for a new Media Center PC

My main Media Center PC developed a power supply problem a few weeks ago and I have been on a lower spec backup PC and while it’s working it’s underpowered for driving 5 Extenders so I am on the market for a new Media Center PC. Over the last couple of...

Published Mon, Jun 30 2008 4:06 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Winner of the Ultimate Media Center Enthusiast Setup

You may remember the Ultimate Media Center Enthusiast Setup competition I ran a while ago, and that to your votes the winner was DWAnderson , it as a very close vote but I think DWAnderson won because of the lower budget for the project. He won the fantastic...

Published Sun, Jun 29 2008 9:14 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: The Ultimate Media Center Enthusiast Setup

Live Q&A session next week

I haven’t done a live show for a while so next Tuesday 8:30pm UK / 12:30pm PST I am going to hook up the webcam and do a live Q & A session. I am open for questions on any digital lifestyle or Media Center topic but I especially want to take the opportunity...

Published Fri, Jun 27 2008 5:01 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Live Streaming

Ten Reasons Why Vista Isn't That Bad – Gizmodo

Over the last year Windows Vista has come in for a tremendous amount of criticism, some of justified but most of it not and lots made by people that had never used the OS but I get the feeling that the perception is slowly starting to swing back Microsoft...

Published Fri, Jun 27 2008 1:22 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows Vista

How Microsoft can rescue Windows Media Center

When MSNBC called Windows Media Center PCs a miss earlier this week I wrote my reply but I thought I would save the post for my first post on TechRadar.com's Digital Home Blog . My thoughts were this: Windows Media Center is a service and not a product...

Published Fri, Jun 27 2008 11:22 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

The Next Generation HP MediaSmart Server - Codename Encore

Terry Walsh on WeGotServed.co.uk has the scoop on the code name for the next version of HP’s MediaSmart Server ( good job they avoided a country name ) Terry can’t give details of the features yet but he did say “I think you’re going to be impressed”...

Published Fri, Jun 27 2008 9:14 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP

Google launch Google Media Server

An interesting development from Google, they have launched Google Media Server a UPnP gadget for Google desktop. It will use Google Desktop Search to locate media files and server them to UPnP clients like the Xbox 360 and HP's MediaSmart connect. I guess...

Published Fri, Jun 27 2008 8:50 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Google

Join me today/tonight for HP’s MediaSmart Connect Webinar

Tonight I will be the guest along with Brian Burch, Director of Marketing for HP's Connected Entertainment group on HP’s Webinar talking about the new MediaSmart Connect. This is the new Media Center Extender for HP. The session is very interactive so...

Published Thu, Jun 26 2008 4:46 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP, Extenders for Windows Media Center

The Media Center Show #162 - Warner Crocker on going mobile

Listen Here I have a great show this week, Warner Crocker from Gottabemobile.com talks about making your digital lifestyle mobile. We talk about the rise of the low cost mobile PCs, UMPCs, tablet PCs and MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices) and how the product...

Published Thu, Jun 26 2008 12:15 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Podcast

BBC launches iPlayer 2.0 beta but still no official Media Center version

The BBC have launched a beta of the iPlayer 2.0 which they say has a more “cinematic” experience, great for slacking off work and watching TV but there is still no official Media Center version. If I miss a BBC show I want to watch it on my LCD TV along...

Published Thu, Jun 26 2008 11:48 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, BBC

Fiji nation upset at use of name Microsoft Fiji

Fun story of the week, apparently Fiji (the country) are upset with Microsoft over the use of the Fiji name. According to the post on Australia’s ABC radio news “Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told Fijilive his country wants an amicable resolution...

Published Thu, Jun 26 2008 9:23 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Fiji

Sony release two new VGX-TP1 media center PCs

Sony have released two new TP1 models. The TP1 is the circle shaped PC that would make a nice Media Center machine, according to EngadgetHD there are two models out one of which is in white with a 2.1GHZ Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, GeForce 8400M GT graphics...

Published Wed, Jun 25 2008 5:21 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Sony

HP’s TouchSmart 2 is shipping

I loved HP’s TouchSmart that was shown off a the HP event in Berlin ( see this video ) and according to engadget HP are shipping the unit now via the US store but nothing on the UK store yet.

Published Wed, Jun 25 2008 3:13 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP

Two new Windows Media Center Updates

Microsoft have put out a couple of updates for Windows Media Center, the first ( via Dennis Morgan ) is for the Extender functions on the Xbox 360. Issues that are resolved by this update: This update addresses the following issues. These issues occur...

Published Wed, Jun 25 2008 2:52 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Blogging from Windows mobile

I have been looking for a blogging tool for Windows Mobile for while somthing like Windows Live Writer for Windows Mobile and it looks like I have found one called Diaris 2.1. It supports Community Server,Live Spaces, Das Blog and other MetaWeblog providers...

Published Wed, Jun 25 2008 10:31 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Mobile

MceFM 1.0 Last.fm addin launches

You may remember the beta of MceFM I talked about back in March , MceFRM is a Last.FM addon for Vista Media Center with features like using the More option from Media Center to select MceFM and then listen to more artist like the one you selected. Damian...

Published Tue, Jun 24 2008 10:43 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Media Center Addons

TVTonic bring the Olympics to Media Center

I have been a TVTonic user since the I first got Media Center and it’s great to see that they are partnering with NBC to bring the Olympics to Windows Media Center. The nice thing about TVTonic is that it downloads and caches the content on the local...

Published Tue, Jun 24 2008 2:49 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Video: Unboxing and setup of a HP MediaSmart Connect

HP are launching a new Media Center Extender products called the MediaSmart Connect . It is not just a Media Center Extender it is also a digital media adapter that can stream content from both Vista and XP. One thing I like is from the Connect UI content...

Published Tue, Jun 24 2008 12:22 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, HP, Extenders for Windows Media Center, Video

Don’t forget to register for HP’s Webinar on the new HP MediaSmart Connect

Don’t forget to register for HP’s Webinar on the new HP MediaSmart connect. The first one is with Ed Bott today at 10am PST and I will be the guest on Thursday 1pm PST (9pm UK) with Mike Garcen and Patrick Norton guest on future Webinars. Here are the...

Published Tue, Jun 24 2008 10:55 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP, Extenders for Windows Media Center

Media Center University Part 2

On Microsoft's consumer electronics blog they have posted part two of the Media Center university video. This is a presentation given by Mike Seamons at EHX Spring 2008 and the video shows optimizing Windows Media Center, connecting with a Zune and removing...

Published Mon, Jun 23 2008 10:34 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Cannon PC Demos Media Center with 6 Cable Cards

6 Cable Cards on one system! How much TV do you need? I guess the rule is you can never have to many tuners and with 6 cableCARD tuners you will need plenty of disk space (via eHomeUpgrade ) Cannon PC , the award winning Media Center specialty company...

Published Sat, Jun 21 2008 9:16 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: CableCARD

The Media Center Extender shootout

EngadgetHD takes a look at Extenders available for Windows Media Center, incuding the Xbx 360, D-Link Extender, Linksys and the new HP Extender. I will be testing out HP's Extender on Monday evening Vista Media Center really sets itself apart from any...

Published Sat, Jun 21 2008 9:12 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Extenders for Windows Media Center

Automated Home.com's Top 10 podcasts

After a few days working away I am back and catching up on news and email. The first item in my in inbox is Automated Home's Top 10 podcast list and I was very pleased to see The Media Center Show make the top 10. What is especially pleasing is company...

Published Sat, Jun 21 2008 8:20 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Podcasts

Microsoft buys TV ad company Navic

Microsoft has bought TV ad company Navic and makes it's self a player in the Cable Ad market. Is this just another attempt to get in to advertising or a sign of a more cohesive look at advertising and content delivery? With the advertising in place...

Published Wed, Jun 18 2008 9:38 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Microsoft

Video: GottaBeMobile - Live Labs Seadragon on Surface

There is something special about Microsoft Surface and I am not sure I know what it is. At first it looks like just a touch UI but when you play with it ( as I did at CES ) it has a very different feel from any other PC input device. I am waiting to see...

Published Wed, Jun 18 2008 3:33 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Microsoft Surface

The Media Center Show #161 - The Innoventions Dream Home

Listen Here This week I am talking to Jason Leonardelli from Life|Ware talking about the Innoventions Dream Home at Disneyland . The project is a home of the future featuring Windows Media Center, Home Automation, Microsoft Surface and many other technologies...

Published Wed, Jun 18 2008 10:10 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Podcast, Media Center Show, The Media Center Show, Life|ware

eHomeUpgrade take a look at the Disney Innoventions Dream Home

Alexander Grunder from eHomeUpgrade got to visit the Disney Innoventions Dream Home that opened this week (and featured on this weeks The Media Center Show ) and has some great content showing off the home. Alexander has a good look at HP’s new TouchSmart...

Published Wed, Jun 18 2008 9:49 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

The Windows Experience Blog look at the HP MediaSmart Connect

Brandon on the Windows Experience Blog takes a look at HP’s new Extender (and don’t forget you can still register for the webinars ). Brandon looks at the form factor, the connections and the remote I will be hooking my review unit up to my system over...

Published Tue, Jun 17 2008 2:04 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP, Extenders for Windows Media Center

HP announce the HP MediaSmart Connect

HP have launched the MediaSmart Connect (formally known as the HP MediaSmart Receiver). This is the dedicated Media Center Extender first shown at CES that as well as being a Media Center Extender will also stream content from other sources. So far there...

Published Tue, Jun 17 2008 9:41 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, HP, Extenders for Windows Media Center

Automated Home Podcast with me!

Mark McCall of AutomatedHome.co.uk and previous guest on the The Media Center Show interviewed me last week about podcasting, blogging and the digital lifestyle, the interview is available for listening to now . It’s fun being a guest on a podcast...

Published Tue, Jun 17 2008 9:09 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Podcast

New Innoventions Dream Home Presents Tomorrow’s Connected Lifestyle at Disneyland Resort

Are you going to Disneyland Resort? If so make sure you checkout the new Dream Home, and I will be talking about the home on a future show: ANAHEIM, Calif., June 16, 2008 - Today, the Innoventions Dream Home became latest attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim...

Published Mon, Jun 16 2008 11:50 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows Home Server, Microsoft Surface, Windows Vista

Origami Experience 2.0 Released

Back at CES Microsoft where showing off the Origami Experience 2.0 for UMPCs. This is add on application for UMPCs that is designed for touch and the 7 inch screen. 2.0 looks like a complete re-write of the original software and has features like touch...

Published Sat, Jun 14 2008 7:55 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Vista, UMPC

Windows Media Center expands features in Japan

Microsoft looks to be expanding Windows Media Center features for the Japanese market. They will be adding ISDB-T support which is the Japanese digital TV format and multilanguage closed-captioning. Also being added is TV Asahi, NHK, NTV, TBS and Fuji...

Published Fri, Jun 13 2008 2:14 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Microsoft

Switching to a HP iPAQ 910 Messenger

I have been a happy Treo 750v user for quite some time it works well with Exchange for my corporate email and I can use Gmail's IMAP features for my personal email. As the Treo was getting a bit old I was thinking of trying some of the newer Windows Mobile...

Published Fri, Jun 13 2008 1:51 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP, HP Berlin 08

Pictures from HP's Connecting Your World Event

Here are a selection of photos from HP's Connecting Your World Event: HP's TouchSmart A selection of HP Notebooks HP MediaSmart TV with Windows Home Server to the left Voodoo's latest system Terry Walsh from Wegoserved...

Published Fri, Jun 13 2008 9:15 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HP Berlin 08

Windows Live for TV Beta shutting down on 9/24

On the blog for Windows Live for TV they have announced that Beta is closing down, not that anybody has been using this or that is a shock as Chris Lanier reported that it was closing down a while ago. While I don't think it was a good implementation...

Published Thu, Jun 12 2008 4:20 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Consumer Electronics Installer Blog : CGMS-A and Windows Media Center

If you have been following the problem with the copy protection bug that hit a few weeks ago Microsoft's Consumer Electronics Installer Blog has details on the fix that is included in the June update: On Tuesday June 10th, 2008, at 10AM PST, Microsoft...

Published Thu, Jun 12 2008 4:02 PM by Ian Dixon

Join me on one of HP’s Webinar on the new HP MediaSmart Connect

As Brian Burch from HP talked about on show 156 HP are launching the MediaSmart Connect a new Extender for Windows Media Center and over the next couple of months HP and Microsoft are hosting a series of webinars talking about and demonstrating the new...

Published Thu, Jun 12 2008 2:18 PM by Ian Dixon

The Media Center Show #160 - HP’s Connect Your World

Listen Here [EDIT: Audio problem fixed] A special show this week as for the last three days I have been in Berlin at HP’s Connecting Your World event . HP had a massive launch of new notebooks and the fantastic new TouchSmart System. I managed to get...

Published Thu, Jun 12 2008 1:20 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Podcast, The Media Center Show, HP, HP Berlin 08

June 2008 Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista

While I am here in Berlin Microsoft have posted the June update for Media Center: SUMMARY Microsoft has released the June 2008 Cumulative Update for Windows Media Center for Windows Vista. This update rollup is intended for computers that are running...

Published Wed, Jun 11 2008 1:54 PM by Ian Dixon

June 2008 - Ian Dixon's Blog

Syndication

Recent Posts

Tags

News

Site Links

Archives