It looks like next generation optical discs are getting closer and closer for the HTPC masses. At B&H Photo, you can get a Pioneer BD-ROM for $299. It reads single layer discs at 5X and double layer discs at 2X. It does NOT support writing to Blu-ray discs, but will burn standard DVDs. B&H The BDC-220B 5x BD-ROM SATA Drive from Pioneer […]
Read moreLet’s see if I get this: XM and Sirius are contractually forbidden to merge. XM and Sirius agreed to those terms. XM and Sirius now want to merge. So, they’re willing to offer more options to their customers if they’re granted a complete monopoly on satellite radio? Somehow, I just don’t see how the two can even… umm… remotely… be […]
Read morePretty harsh words from Netflix, but the price war is certainly good news for consumers. Every dollar helps! Has anyone tried out both services? I’d like to hear what the pros and cons are of each one, since I’ve never subscribed to either of them. Reuters Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in April that he planned to grow the company’s […]
Read moreThe Tivo Series 3 Lite is being given the once-over at Ars Technica. I can definitely appreciate the price cut! ARS The S3L will sport nearly everything that the regular Series 3 has, and it even some improvements. First, the basic "what can it do" stuff: it will support recording two shows at once from a mix of inputs (HD, […]
Read moreWhere are all the media center computers with digital cable tuners? Digital cable tuners were supposed to have ushered in a new era for media center PCs, allowing HD cable television to be watched on your computer. Unfortunately, reality has been less than exciting. VelocityMicro PC is the only viable vendor for purchasing such a computer system. HP is no […]
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While this is intended for laptop users, the ultra-small size of the USB receiver makes it perfect for any HPTC and would barely be noticed even sticking out of front-mounted USB ports. I wish I could trade in my other Logitech receivers for one of these… hmm… anyone know if it’s possible to use Logitech receivers with other Logitech mice? […]
Read moreHigh capacity? Check. Speed? Check. Reliability? Check. Power efficiency? Check?!?! Indeed, WD is leading the pack when it comes to making drives that users want. A 40% reduction sounds great. I hope that they can continue to keep it cool and quiet, since this drive will definitely be eyed by the HTPC crowd… Gizmodo Company’s First One Terabyte Drive Enables […]
Read moreChris, MVP extraordinaire, has written up a very nice guide the explains the ins and outs of CODECs. Covered in his guide is container format, a link to a quality FFDShow build (hard to come by) and a few other useful tidbits. Chris Lanier Codecs installed by some third party programs like Nero Burning ROM work poorly in Vista Media […]
Read moreVista ViewTM LLC introduces the Saber DA-1N1-Etm PCIe Combo tuner card. This tuner combines the best Analog tuner technology with the best Digital tuner technology. This PCIe tuner card is the almost twin sister of the Saber DA-1N1-I, introduced in mid July. Both cards give you 2 tuners, 1 Digital and 1 Analog, on one card. On both cards the […]
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Jennyfur submits (and says not a peep), so I’ll comment… I am NOT a fan of this design! Reminds me of those old 1980’s VCR remotes. Seriously though, so I think it’s great that the receiver is now a mini usb thing, but not sure how that’s going to play with the IR blasters of cable boxes? Hopefully they’ll get […]
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