August 2009 - Ian Dixon's Blog - The Digital Lifestyle.com

SinCast Multi-zone streaming explained

As more people are using PCs for distributing content around the home there is a need for distributing audio/video and television to multiple rooms for simultaneous playback and that is where SinCast comes in. I am going to be talking to the developers...

Published Sun, Aug 30 2009 8:16 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Streaming, network

Gizmodo review the Niveus ZONE Pro

Gizmodo have a review of the new Niveus ZONE Pro, I think small form factors PCs could be a way forward for home entertainment once lower price units become available but in the mean time there is the $2000 ZONE Pro. Gizmodo reviewed the new unit and...

Published Fri, Aug 28 2009 2:58 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: PC

Niveus announce new ZONE PRO Media Center system

I am reviewing one of the original Niveus ZONE boxes at the moment ( see this video ) and I really like the flexibly of a small form factor PC so I was interested to see Niveus announcing a ZONE PRO Media Center box, which looks like the same packaging...

Published Thu, Aug 27 2009 2:14 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Niveus

Remote Kitten iPhone Remote Control for Media Center

There is a new iPhone app out for controlling Windows Media Center, Remote Kitten uses a Windows servers that you install on your Media Center PC and the iPhone app comes advertising supported for free or $0.99 for an ad-free version. Details from the...

Published Thu, Aug 27 2009 1:47 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins, iPhone

Podcast: The Media Center Show #220 – S1Digital

This week Paul Heitlinger from S1Digital talks about their new range of products including a Windows Home Server based Digital Entertainment Platform that streams CableCARD content around the home. Paul also talks about their new Bluray changer for Media...

Published Thu, Aug 27 2009 12:04 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows 7

WonderMedia Windows 7 ‘Play To’ Compatible SmartFrame

eHomeUpgrade have details of a new DLNA/Play To compatible SmartFrame, its more than just a digital photo frame as it can do Internet radio, RSS feeds, email, video and web browsing. Unfortunately WonderMedia only have a reference design at the moment...

Published Thu, Aug 27 2009 10:23 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Play To, DLNA

Open Media Library 0.4 Beta is now available

A new build of Open Media Library beta is available, 0.4 comes in server and client versions, here are some of the features (thanks to David Shultz for the details) The Server includes all client functionality so if your only going with one machine then...

Published Thu, Aug 27 2009 9:02 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins

S1Digital Allows HD CableCard Streaming from Media Server to Media Center

I have a full interview out with Paul from S1Digital talking about the streaming solution on The Media Center Show in a couple of weeks, in the mean time checkout the press release via CE Pro ROCHELLE PARK, N. J., Aug 1st, 2009 – As households...

Published Wed, Aug 26 2009 3:55 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Apple to Release Connected TV, DVR?

Could this be a push that Microsoft needs to get some focus back on to Media Center? CE Pro are reporting that Apple may be releasing a connected TV that includes a DVR, home media functions and syncing with iPods. "The device would push Apple further...

Published Wed, Aug 26 2009 1:17 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Apple

My Movies 3.0 Screenshots and release date

I have some exclusive screenshots of the all new My Movies 3. On Tuesday I will have an interview with Brian Binnerup the developer behind My Movies and he is going to talk about the new features and UI in the Vista and Windows 7 version of My Movies...

Published Tue, Aug 25 2009 12:38 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows Vista, Addins, Windows 7

How to import HD movies into Windows Media Center

I know I am bit slow on this but last week Ben Drawbaugh put up a great guide for converting MVK files to DVR-MS files so that you can watch downloaded content on Extenders. I am becoming convinced that to survive Media Center needs to be able to handle...

Published Sun, Aug 23 2009 8:20 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Can Windows Media Center go beyond the enthusiast market? Does it matter?

A question that has been going around and around in the community for some time is can “Windows Media Center go beyond the enthusiast market?” My first thought is does it matter? What would the product going mass market really mean? Over the last few...

Published Fri, Aug 21 2009 10:56 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Media Center DISH Network tuner is on hold indefinitely

Not got to CEDIA yet but one of Ben Drawbaugh’s predication sadly looks wrong, there will be no DISH tuner for Windows Media Center. Engadget said: we've received a number of tipst letting us know that Microsoft and DISH have pulled the plug on the DISH...

Published Thu, Aug 20 2009 4:01 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Dolby Digital Plus Chosen as an Audio Format for Windows 7

Dolby Digital Plus Chosen as an Audio Format for Windows 7 San Francisco, August 17, 2009—Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) announced today that Windows® 7 will support Dolby® Digital Plus to offer high-quality multichannel audio. Available on the...

Published Thu, Aug 20 2009 2:44 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows 7

Windows Media Center Software Development Kit for Windows 7 RTM Now Available

While I have been away Microsoft put out the RTM version of the Windows Media Center SDK , good news but Niall Ginsbrough warns that you should stick with the Vista Media Center SDK if you want to will want to target Vista. The reason for this is that...

Published Thu, Aug 20 2009 1:34 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, development, Windows 7

Taking a few days off

I am taking a few days off so there will be little posting for the next few days, [tmsc] will be taking a break for this week too while I spend some time with the family and my G1 phone :) (shame my Zune HD is not here yet) Don’t forget to checkout...

Published Sun, Aug 16 2009 8:46 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: News

Optimum Voice MCE for Windows Media Center

MCEZone keep cranking out the Media Center apps, the latest's is Optimum Voice MCE a voice mail app for users of Optimum Voice. It’s a free download from MCEZone.com I just switched from Vonage to Optimum Voice so I decided to make another voice mail...

Published Sat, Aug 15 2009 8:15 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins

Video: Niveus ZONE unboxing and first impressions

On the TDL Video channel I have posted my first look at the Niveus ZONE: Niveus produce great hi-end equipment and recently they have launched a compact (6”x6”x2”) network media player called the ZONE . The idea being that you have multiple...

Published Sat, Aug 15 2009 8:00 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Niveus, Video

Apps coming to the Zune HD?

On Gottabemobile Warner has written about a developer being offered money (by Microsoft) to port his applications to the Zune HD platform. Apps are the one thing missing from the Zune HD and with the power of the underlying hardware it makes sense for...

Published Fri, Aug 14 2009 6:53 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Podcast: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 018

The latest edition of The Custom Integrator Show is out, wrapping up the last series of shows talking about Networking and DLNA. The Custom Integrator Show Installment 018 is live. In this Installment, Ian and I wrap up our series of Podcasts covering...

Published Fri, Aug 14 2009 12:55 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Podcast: TDL Mobile #3

Jose, Jon and Sheldon are back with the latest instalment of TDL Mobile . This show looks at the latest mobile news from around the world looking at Apple, Android and Nokia as well as taking a look at the Zune HD Listen Here (download mp3) - Subscribe...

Published Fri, Aug 14 2009 9:19 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: mobile

Niveus Media offers free Windows 7 Upgrades

I have a Niveus ZONE on review at the moment and I should have a video review out soon, so far the only issue I have is that its Vista and so isn’t part of my Home Group. The good news is Niveus have announced free upgrades to Windows 7 Buy...

Published Fri, Aug 14 2009 8:26 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Niveus, Windows 7

Is the Zune HD really HD? UPDATED: Yes it is

UPDATED: Microsoft have confirmed that it is HD, the output is 1280x720 and up to 30 frames per second I am going to be ordering a Zune HD and getting it shipped across the pond but while I was looking at the specs with Derek Flickinger we noticed that...

Published Thu, Aug 13 2009 3:07 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Podcast: The Media Center Show #219 – TV on the PC?

A Great show for you this week. I have Ben Drawbaugh , Garry Whittaker , Mike Garcen and Josh Shenkle talking about a range of topics including do you want “TV on the PC”, TV markets, downloading content and Ben’s CEDIA predictions....

Published Thu, Aug 13 2009 11:31 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, The Media Center Show

Zune HD ready for pre-ordering

If you want to get your hands on a Zune HD you can pre-order your unit now, Microsoft have posted more details and pre-order details on Zune.net . As we know its US only and I still don’t see any evidence of a world wide roll out. The Zune HD 16GB is...

Published Thu, Aug 13 2009 8:40 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Enabling Multi-Channel for Other Audio Formats

Andy Van Till has a detailed guide about enabling multi-channel audio for SPDIF and HDMI connections. The guide explains terms, options and how to configure the outputs. I have found getting the audio out in the right format can be one of the most challenging...

Published Wed, Aug 12 2009 3:36 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: HTPC

Windows 7 Media Center in Canada

Pete Near has a great set of posts up about Windows 7 Media Center and enabling content in Canada. His posts cover enabling ATSC in Canada, QAM in Canada and mixing Canadian guide data with US guide data. With the release of Windows 7 comes an updated...

Published Tue, Aug 11 2009 4:51 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows 7

More Zune HD news

More news on the Zune HD as we get close to the September release. Cnet have a hands-on with Zune HD browser, they say it has pinching and flipping gestures and auto-rotate. The browser has been engineered by the Internet Explorer team at Microsoft so...

Published Tue, Aug 11 2009 9:45 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Zune

Engadget HD: CEDIA Media Center Predictions

With CEDIA on its way Engadget’s Ben Drawbaugh has blogged about his Windows Media Center predictions . Ben will be on this weeks Media Center talking about “TV on the PC” and his predictions and I think he has some great ideas. I am not 100% we will...

Published Mon, Aug 10 2009 4:36 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

NETGEAR Releases Home Theatre Internet Connection Kit

We all want our devices connected to the network: HD TVs, Xbox 360s and PCs but running Ethernet is not always an option so powerline networking is a good way to go. I use a pair of Netgear Powerline adapters to get Ethernet in to my spare room and it...

Published Mon, Aug 10 2009 2:57 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Networking

TDL Post Roundup

Not much Media Center news but lots of posts from TDL this week. On The Media Center Show I talked to Microsoft’s Ben Reed about TV formats, on TDL Mobiles they talked the weeks mobile apps and news and on The Custom Integrator Show Derek and I...

Published Mon, Aug 10 2009 2:34 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: News Roundup

Magic Slideshow for Windows Media Center V1.1

Nick Kirkpatrick has updated Magic Slideshow for Media Center. The app offers an alternative to the standard slideshow that you can view whilst playing music in Media Center. Rather than taking it's selection from all of your photos, it will display photos...

Published Mon, Aug 10 2009 10:53 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins

Podcast: The Custom Integrator Show Installment 017

The latest edition of The Custom Integrator Show is out, we talk about Devices Profile for Web Services (DPWS) and machine to machine communication. The Custom Integrator Show Installment 017 is live. In this one, we extend the concepts we covered with...

Published Mon, Aug 10 2009 8:48 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: DLNA

Big Screen EPG v0.4e Released

The Big Screen EPG has been updated by Niall to coincide with the RTM release of Windows 7. There are new help files, auto mapping features and other fixes, you can get the new version from bigscreenglobal and read about all the retails on Niall’s post...

Published Sun, Aug 09 2009 8:37 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins

DVBLink for HDPVR 2.0 Beta 1

If your using a HDPVR with Media Center you may be interested in the new beta of DVBLink. The beta has the following features: Full support for Multiple HD PVRs Built-in line-up editor in HDPVRBridge Properties (simplified version based on GuideTool...

Published Fri, Aug 07 2009 9:55 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

Podcast: The Media Center Show #218 – Microsoft’s Ben Reed

Nice short show for you this week, Microsoft’s Ben Reed senior product manager for Windows Media Center talks supported TV formats in the Windows 7 version of Windows Media Center. Windows 7 adds support for some new formats and builds on the Windows...

Published Thu, Aug 06 2009 11:36 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

TunerFreeMCE to support MSN Video and work on Extenders

Yesterday I talked about the new MSN Video services in the UK that is streaming classic BBC shows and I said it’s a shame there is no Media Center addin. Well Martin Millmore has confirmed that he is adding MSN Video as a source in TunerFreeMCE and he...

Published Wed, Aug 05 2009 9:10 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins

Podcast: TDL Mobile Show #2

The 2nd edition of TDL Mobile Show is live, Sheldon and Jose look at the weeks mobile stories including the future of Windows Mobile. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show which is now available in iTunes TDL Mobile is back with show #2. Jon wasn’t...

Published Tue, Aug 04 2009 4:21 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: mobile

MSN Video Player now streaming TV shows

Microsoft have launched the online video streaming services talked about last week . The video player is UK only and offers over 300 hours of free content with shows like The League of Gentlemen, Bottom and Peep Show. Now this content would be ideal in...

Published Tue, Aug 04 2009 10:58 AM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: Windows Media Center

TDL Post Roundup

Another busy week at TDL, we launched a new podcast last week: TDL Mobile , the new show focuses on the mobile lifestyle and talking about the latest news from iPhones to Android, WebOS to Windows Mobile. On The Media Center Show we also looked at Mobile...

Published Mon, Aug 03 2009 2:02 PM by Ian Dixon

Filed under: roundup

August 2009 - Ian Dixon's Blog

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