Chris Lanier's Blog

Friday, March 14, 2008 - Posts

• Short Bits: $150 Extenders, Media Center Show

  Just a few reminders, Amazon is still selling Linksys Extenders at $100 off.  Some are getting that the code has expired, but most others are not.  If you are getting that it is expired, register for a new account and give it a shot.  The DMA2100 is $150 after the discount and the DMA2200 is $200 (both have free shipping options).  This is really a fantastic deal, and while you might not want to replace your Xbox 360 in your living room just yet the Linksys Extenders are perfect for the bedroom (my review of the DMA 2200 is here). Also, remember that I will be live on The Media Center Show with Ian on Monday at 1pm PDT.  I realized today that I’ve only got a slow DSL connection for my Spring Break vacation, so I’m hoping everything works with Skype.  I did a test today and it seemed to be fine so fingers are crossed! Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/ Posted Mar 14 2008, 05:58 PM by Chris - Moderator with no comments Filed under: Digital Media, Media Center, Extenders

• More Xbox 360 Blu-ray (Non)Talk by Microsoft

  I’m not going to put this one as high up as some other articles/reports, but I was just sent a link to an MCV UK interview with Chris Lewis, VP of Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Europe.  The quote…  “We have no plans to do anything at all in terms of further or additional movie playback peripherals.” While I firmly believe Microsoft will not offer Blu-ray, I can’t put to much stock on Lewis’ quote considering the rest of the article revolves around quotes like “My own view is very clear…” and “My own sense…”  I don’t know Mr. Lewis’ job responsibilities, but it doesn’t sound like he would be involved in such decisions anyway.  That said, as I've talked about in the past you would think such an idea would already be past the planning stages unless Microsoft is planning on offering a Blu-ray solution a year or so before the next console launch. Of course his quotes do yet again reinforce that Microsoft is already in the download business with 1080p downloads direct to the Xbox Dashboard. Thanks Warren! Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/ Posted Mar 14 2008, 03:55 PM by Chris - Moderator with no comments Filed under: Digital Media, Media Center, Xbox

• FUZE Media Systems Introduces Entry-Level Whole-Home Media Solution for Smaller Residences

  FUZE “Mini Edition” Is a Complete, One-Box Solution | Electronic House Expo Spring 2008 SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FUZE Media Systems, makers of the industry’s most complete whole-home media system, today introduced an entry-level solution targeted at vacation homes, condominiums, and apartments. The “Mini Edition” delivers the same ease-of-use, reliability, and whole-home functionality associated with a FUZE Media System—live & recorded TV, movies, music, photos, and more—but is specifically designed for residences with 2-3 TVs. The announcement reflects the company’s mission to enable consumers with every budget to enjoy a whole-home media system that can store, manage, and distribute all of a consumer’s desired home entertainment. The Mini Edition’s price and performance characteristics radically expand the market to which dealers can sell whole-home media systems. Bob Silver, VP of Sales & Marketing at FUZE, explained that “the industry is hungry for a cost-sensitive whole-home media solution with FUZE reliability, ease-of-use, and performance. Without sacrificing reliability or performance, this solution is perfectly suited for smaller homes and apartments. We’re excited that we’ve been able to deliver a whole-home media system, in a smaller form factor, with identical performance to our flagship FUZE Media System.” The FUZE Mini Edition comes standard with all necessary hardware and software for 2 video and 4 audio zones; a third video zone is offered as an option. The product works with EasyControl UPB, is FuzeTunes ready, and is 100% expandable and upgradable to a full FUZE Media System. The system’s server will come standard with 4GB memory, 750GB storage, and a 2.2GHZ processor. The solution will be available in Q2 2008. Integrators interested in learning more are encouraged to visit booth #2216 at EHX Spring in Orlando or attend one of the company’s manufacturer’s training events at the show on 3/13 and 3/15. About FUZE Media Systems FUZE Media Systems shatters conventional notions about home entertainment. FUZE is the first media-driven whole-home entertainment solution that leverages the power of Microsoft’s Media Center platform. Built from the ground-up to manage media, FUZE delivers a complete system that stores, manages, organizes, and distributes all digital media—to any part of the home. Equally important, FUZE serves as the home’s portal for the next generation of direct-to-consumer downloadable media content. To learn more, visit www.fuzeav.com. Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/ Posted Mar 14 2008, 10:09 AM by Chris - Moderator with no comments Filed under: Digital Media, Media Center

• Updated: Get $100 Off Linksys Extenders (Expired, or Not?)

  Amazon and Microsoft apparently have a special deal going that will give you $100 off either a DMA2100 or DMA2200 (Via The Green Button).  Enter the code “MSFTDEAL” at checkout and you can pickup a DMA2100 for $150 (the magic price!) or a DMA2200 for $200.  Both of them also have free shipping offers to boot. Amazon | Linksys DMA2100 - $150 after MSFTDEAL Amazon | Linksys DMA2200 - $200 after MSFTDEAL Update: Well thats crap, it's now expired! Update: Some are reporting it still working, so give it a try. Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/ Posted Mar 14 2008, 08:40 AM by Chris - Moderator with no comments Filed under: Digital Media, Media Center, Extenders

• Short Bits: EHX

  CE Pro has the latest news from EHX and among the top stories is that Mike Seamons who has been known for Life|ware is leaving Exceptional Innovation and joining Microsoft to “drive Media Center into all markets worldwide.”  Microsoft needed something like this, so I’m looking forward to Media Center finally making another push. In addition Microsoft announced that they are holding another Ultimate Media Center Install Contest.  Submissions are due August 1, 2008, and the winner will be announced at the CEDIA Expo in September.  If you are a custom installer working with Media Center send in a submission. Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/ Posted Mar 14 2008, 08:32 AM by Chris - Moderator with no comments Filed under: Digital Media, Media Center

• The Niveus Entertainment Experience at EHX Spring

  Multi-zone demo highlights Extender capabilities, new Storage Servers, latest software developments, and Blu-ray! Orlando, FL – EHX Spring 2008 – March 13-15th – Demo Room 231B – At EHX Spring 2008, Niveus Media and a number of industry-leading audio/video companies, will embark on Demo Alley to create a first-class, whole-home entertainment environment based on Niveus' awardwinning digital entertainment solutions. Witness a compelling demonstration of the Niveus Pro Series Media Server powering a multi-zone HD entertainment solution, including components from AIX Records, KEF, Krell, Intel, MusicGiants, Monster, Stewart Filmscreen, Velodyne, and Vidikron! Featuring a centrally located home theater and four separate EDGE Extender zones, Niveus will simulate a five zone home entertainment scenario, all powered by the rack mountable Niveus Pro Series Media Server. With robust multi-zone performance in mind, the Pro Series features an Intel® Core™ 2 Quad processor which provides four independent cores with dedicated threads, to efficiently off-load tasks and more readily serve up media including HD video to multiple rooms of the home. Additionally, Niveus will demonstrate the new Niveus Media Center Companion™ software which enables full remote control of an unlimited number of Windows Vista Media Center zones (including Extender zones) via any network attached Windows XP or Vista-based UMPC, laptop, desktop, or Tablet PC. Promising a captivating EHX demo, Niveus will utilize unique selections from premium content providers AIX Records, MusicGiants, and, for the very first time, Blu-ray Disc! Exclusive content reserved for the Niveus Demo Room will be provided by recording industry pioneer Mark Waldrep, of AIX Records, who will host a series of guest presentations daily at 10:30am and 2:00pm. Press Contact: Niveus Media, Inc. at 408.942.2929 or www.niveusmedia.com. Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/ Posted Mar 14 2008, 08:26 AM by Chris - Moderator with no comments Filed under: Digital Media, Media Center

• Niveus Media Launching Movie Gallery Plug-in

  Niveus Media is moving from My Movies to a new plug-in called Movie Gallery to catalog and display DVDs, HD DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs in Media Center.  The UI looks fantastic and basically mimics Kaleidescape from the photo posted on CE Pro. According to Tim Cutting, Niveus wanted to differentiate themselves from other Media Center manufacturers.  Developing an in-house plug-in like this is sure to do just that. (Image via CE Pro)  Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/ Posted Mar 14 2008, 08:17 AM by Chris - Moderator with 4 comment(s) Filed under: Digital Media, Media Center