Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

MvixBOX media server: 2TB of web-enabled, media streaming goodness originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Home Entertainment, Storage

No, this ain’t a Craigslist ad, this is just a bomb-diggity home server set to officially be released by Tranquil PC tomorrow. The SQA-5H is a cube-shaped server with five hot-swappable drive bays, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom 330 processor and 1GB of RAM (2GB maximum). Additionally, it touts a Quick System Backup for piping your stored data onto an external HDD, a “Mode” button for quick capacity checks and an optional SQA-EX slave unit which provides five additional drive bays connected with a single cable. Expect to find pricing details within 24 hours on the November-bound device.

[Via WeGotServed]

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Nearly two full years after DViCO introduced its TiVX 5010-P HDTV recorder, along comes a new duo in the line to finally up the ante. But it’s not the infantile TViX R-2230 ($399; pictured) that we’re really interested in — though it can play back ripped VOB / ISO files. Rather, it’s the $599 TViX-HD 6500, which also includes support for playing back Blu-ray backups via HDMI. We’ll spare you the legal spill, but for those too frightened to potentially scratch their precious Blu-ray Discs, this looks to be the unit for you. So far as specs go, you’ll find HDMI 1.3, component, S-Video and composite jacks, support for a smorgasbord of file formats, a USB port for loading up media from flash drives / external HDDs and an optional digital TV tuner to boot. Why do we get the feeling both of these things will be next to impossible to locate in the US?

[Thanks, Geller]

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Blusens hit the scene in a big way last October, but for whatever reason, we haven’t heard from ‘em since… until now, that is. The Blu:Brain Home Entertainment Device features a somewhat misleading name, as there’s (regrettably) no built-in Blu-ray drive to speak of. What it does have, however, is a remarkably sexy shell, twin digital TV tuners (DVB-T), a removable internal hard drive, Ethernet / WiFi connectivity and a USB port. Essentially, this here box can serve up all sorts of multimedia (high-def content included) via HDMI, though word on the street says it won’t even be available to order until 2009.

[Via Gizmos]

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Filed under: Desktops, Home Entertainment

Here’s another mouth-watering concept on display at CEATEC today: Toshiba’s Media Server — not to be confused with some kind of nefarious explosive device from an early episode of Doctor Who. It uses NFC to download files from your cell phone, which in turn can be displayed on a TV via WirelessHD. But best of all, it’s shiny and looks nothing like some of the mundane media servers we’ve seen in the past, which is reason enough for us to want one, or perhaps a pair to make 2d12. Here’s hoping it gets past the concept stage.

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

It was under two years ago when we initially caught wind of Alienware’s Hangar 18, and while the outfit seemed pretty bullish about the thing just 12 months ago at CEDIA, things have apparently went south. As of right now, the Hangar 18 website simply redirects back to the company’s homepage, and CSRs are now informing inquiring consumers that the HTPC is simply no longer available for purchase. We know, this thing was overkill in every sense of the word, but it’s not like that’s stopping Niveus, Exceptional Innovation and all those other guys from making headway. So long, Hangar 18 — we barely knew ya.

[Thanks, Aaron]

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs, Storage

Niveus Media came to this year’s CEDIA locked and loaded, and while most typical consumers won’t look too far past the sub-$2,000 Vail system, those with cash to spare and colleagues to impress will certainly appreciate the Core i7-powered $19,999 Pro Series n9 media center PC. The rig setup on the show floor had said HTPC connected to four dual-CableCARD boxes via USB ($1,500 a pop), giving it the ability to record eight HD shows simultaneously while streaming HD movie clips to eleven other Media Center Extenders (without a hiccup, might we add). The mid-range Denali was also on hand, and Blu-ray drives were found across the board. We also spent a tick with the new v1.5 Niveus Movie Library, which very neatly enabled us to surf to any media stored locally or on the networked 16TB Cargo Media Server. Even if you can’t afford it, this stuff is still worth a look — check it all out here at Engadget HD.

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

PlayOn wants to make sure you can get your daily dose of Barackrolls and Airwolf episodes beyond the desktop, while Hulu might not have a slick streaming set-top box of its own, this media server software turns flash video RSS streams into easily browsed folders for your DLNA-compliant hardware. PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and HP MediaSmart HDTVs being at the top of that list (with Nintendo Wii support planned by year-end) owners can grab the beta release of the software and stream low-res episodes of Psych, or any assortment of YouTube video they please. With Netflix support “just down the road” this could provide an end around for PS3 owners looking for streaming love, or Xbox 360 owners without Xbox Live Gold (we know you’re out there.) Bad news is the beta only lasts 60 days and there’s a $30 pricetag waiting at the end of the free lunch highway. Our experience was good, with no stutters in a Psych episode streamed via Wi-Fi to the PS3 (albeit with no choice of HD clips), but we’d wait for confirmation on the whole Netflix bit before dropping any dough.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

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Filed under: Storage

Sans Digital caught our eyes earlier this month with a simple, albeit remarkably nifty CF to SATA adapter, and now it’s doing so again with a 2-bay NAS enclosure. The AccuNAS AN2L is a RAID 0/1 chassis that supports file sharing in Windows, OS X and Linux, and it also enables playback of files via a PS3 / Xbox 360 or any other UPnP / DLNA-certified device. You’ll also find that this thing doubles triples as an iTunes music server and BitTorrent client, which makes it all the more tempting, does it not? No word on pricing at the moment, but if you’re strangely uncomfortable with loading in your own HDDs, the outfit will be selling these with 500GB to 2TB pre-installed for an undisclosed premium.

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Filed under: Ask Engadget, Home Entertainment, Storage, Networking

So we’ve asked you which HD media streamer you prefer. And we’ve done the same for NAS drives. But what if you’re the type that’s looking for the best of both worlds? Take it away, Stuart:

“We have a laptop and a desktop, with plans to add another computer in the near future. I’d like something that can primarily provide a large (1TB+) storage repository that can be accessed via our network, as well as have space for data backups and media streaming capabilities. I’ve read articles on Drobo and Windows Home Server-based devices, but after a certain point my brain just starts to get overloaded. Which solution out there would be best for me? I’m trying to stay below $700 if possible.”

We think your task is pretty clear cut here, reader. Which home server out there is a notch above the rest? Would you recommend a pre-built device or a homegrown solution? After giving this one a whirl, toss your own inquiry over to ask at engadget dawt com - your very words may grace this space next week.

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Nothing like washing down an all new WiFi-enabled digiframe with an all new home media server, right? Apparently Sony is firmly in agreement, as it’s also launching its latest multimedia server / NAS drives today in Japan. The 1TB VGF-HS1 / 1.5TB VGF-HS1S would stack nicely atop your VAIO HTPC, and aside from boasting gigabit Ethernet, DLNA compatibility, an integrated display, USB connectivity and a hidden multicard reader behind the front panel, this unit plays nice with AVCHD, MPEG2, HDV, JPEG, BMP, PNG, WAV, MP3, ATRAC (saywha?), AAC and WMA file formats. Word on the street has these shipping on May 17th for ¥60,000 ($570) / ¥80,000 ($760) depending on capacity, but only time will tell if Sony sees fit to send ‘em Stateside.

[Via Impress]

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

There are a ton of DVRs with media server / streamer features out there, but the new Media Giant from Conceptronic manages to distinguish itself by being one of the more flexible units we’ve seen, at least on paper. The 1TB DVR features UPnP setup with DLNA support, a built-in analog tuner, a Twonky server, component, composite and firewire inputs, HDMI and component out, digital audio out, an optional PowerLine networking adapter, and a laundry list of supported codecs, including DivX, XviD, WMV9, SVCD and VOB. Not a bad little box — but we won’t know about pricing or availability until it gets officially official at CeBit next week.

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/tech_news/Niveus_goes_Blu_ray_exclusive_ditches_HD_DVD’; Not like it’s any huge surprise or anything — after all, the HD DVD deathwatch is already in full effect — but Niveus has just informed us that due to “customer demand and format war influences,” it will be adding support for Blu-ray and “ceasing production of HD DVD-based servers.” According to CEO Tim Cutting, “incorporating Blu-ray into its offerings has always been part of the plan, but the demand from its customers, market trends, and recent announcements expedited its decision to come to market with Blu-ray support sooner rather than later.” Adding more salt to the wound, he continued by saying that “while it has stood behind HD DVD as a viable high-definition platform, company engineers have been running Blu-ray in its testing facilities and are very impressed with the performance and integration with its servers.” Another one bites the proverbial dust, eh?

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Filed under: Home Entertainment, Storage

It’s been a blisteringly hot minute since Niveus saw fit to really revamp its aging Storage Server, but for whatever reason, today’s the day all that changes. Yep, starting on Valentine’s Day, users can grab hold of a 2TB Storage Server or 4TB Storage Server Pro, both of which include the firm’s own Reflection technology for keeping data synced across multiple storage units. The duo also sports a rack-mountable design and includes automatic backup software, uPnP Media Server support, remote access via secure login, RAID 0 / 5 capabilities and a wicked high price tag. How high, you ask? Try $2,999 for the 2TB edition or $5,999 for the 4TB model. Yeah, that high.

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Alienware’s Hangar 18:HD 1080p media server — the rackmountable high end edition of the already impressive Hangar 18 — has officially launched. The silver beast promises up to 4TB of hard drive space, Blu-ray read/write, 1080p output, CableCard support and Dolby Digital 7.1 sounds. We suggest you don’t ask how much it costs, it just shows how woefully far we you are away from being able to afford it. Those ready to jump into the high priced media server market can contact their local authorized reseller and loose themselves of the Benjamins that can so uselessly clog ones bank account.

Read - Homes Fall Under Control of New Alienware High Definition Media Server
Read - Digital Home Channel Program Resellers

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Filed under: CES, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

Because you’ll need somewhere to download/install those 1080p flicks from VideoGiants, Envive has announced its TheaterStation Media Server. Light on hardware details, Envive’s focused on its Spin interface to ease content browsing via remote. The base model’s hard drive reportedly holds at least 200 hours of DVD quality movies, and can be upgraded to hold ten times as much although that’ll drive up the $2,495.99 starting price. Equipped with HDMI, component and DVI outs its available for preorder now,

[Vie eHomeUpgrade]

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

The last time we heard from Moneual, it was showing off a funky fresh tubular HTPC at CEDIA, but now it seems the firm is putting its poker face back on for the thoroughly traditional 972 Home Media Server. This rig rocks a tried and true flat black chassis, built-in display (at least it sure looks like one), a minimalist feel and a built-in Blu-ray writer to boot. ‘Course, you’ll find all the usual media PC amenities here including PVR functionality, but mum’s the word on actual hardware configurations. Keep it locked for more just as soon as we find out.

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Storage

If you’re scouting a decent media server that just so happens to double as a NAS drive and BitTorrent server, we’d probably wait out this weekend. Apparently, the Popcorn Hour website is set to go live in T-minus two days, but an eagle-eyed individual manged to pull down what appears to be a screenshot of the firm’s forthcoming Networked Media Tank. The NMT reportedly enables users to “watch, store and share digital content on your home network,” and it also allows for “seamless integration between your digital media and your entertainment system.” Best of all, buyers can toss in a hard drive of their choosing, and the 1080p output is sure to please the HD buffs. According to the capture (shown in full after the jump), all this functionality will only run you $179 (sans an HDD), but we’ll out find out for certain in a matter of hours.

[Thanks, Johan W.]

Continue reading Popcorn Hour’s Networked Media Tank seen early

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Storage

Apparently, releasing one external hard drive with 500GB of storage isn’t enough for one week, as LaCie has now introduced its half terabyte Ethernet Disk mini Home Edition Personal Media Server. As with previous iterations, this drive is meant to “save, show, sync and share” your media, and it boasts the ability to “stream multimedia files through DLNA-compatible UPnP media players and act as an iTunes music server.” Additionally, users can setup “free remote access to their personal information via LaCie’s media portal,” and aside from the gigabit Ethernet port and USB 2.0 socket, you’ll also find an additional USB jack for backing up data to another external HDD. This one’s slated for an October launch and should carry a $199 pricetag.

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!