Filed under: Home Entertainment, Storage

This week’s Ask Engadget question is a bit on the specific side, but it’s one we’ve heard asked time and time again. Thus, we figured it was time to finally get it out in the open for you readers to debate.

“I have an extensive DVD library that I would like to archive on a network drive and be able to access via my PS3, menus and all. I am currently using TVersity to stream videos from my PC to the console. I’ve seen walk-throughs for archiving DVDs, but I haven’t seen anything that will present these via a DLNA server (to my PS3) with their original menus intact so that you can access special features such as commentary tracks and featurettes. I am not even sure that it is possible to navigate the menus via the PS3 remote. Any recommended solutions out there?”

Can’t you just hear the hopelessness in poor Ron’s voice? Throw the guy a bone, will ya? And while you’re at it, throw our highly sophisticated email sorter a question of your own at ask at engadget dawt com.

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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

Just in case you weren’t satisfied with the plethora of media streamers out there already, startup ZeeVee is hoping to catch your eye with its admittedly unique offering. The June-bound ZvBox ($499) plugs into one’s computer (VGA) and sends on-screen content to every TV in the house over existing coaxial cabling. Put simply, the unit enables users to view any kind of internet media right on their television with no subscription fees or wireless dropouts. Aside from bringing internet video over, users can also access any other computer application (web browser, built-in DVD player, etc.) right from their set. In order to handle said tasks, the box comes bundled with a wireless ZvRemote / Zviewer, but those comfortable with managing their own desktop won’t be bothered with any fancy interfaces. Suffice to say, those looking to easily pipe their Media PC recordings to the family TV will certainly find reason to take notice. Head on the past the break for a few more details.

Continue reading ZeeVee’s ZvBox streams your PC to your HDTV over coax, Apple TV cowers

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Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless

Remember that DPG-1200 that got overshadowed by the outpouring of other media streamers landing at CES? Welp, D-Link has just announced that its PC-on-TV Player is finally shipping to eager customers and will soon be channeling web-based content directly to living room (or bathroom, kitchen, garage, underground bomb shelter, etc.) televisions for the marginally respectable price of $239.99. For those in dire need of a refresher, this MediaLounge device links up to your TV via VGA / component / composite and connects to your PC via WiFi; the bundled remote can then control the on-screen action, bringing YouTube, Google Video, Veoh Networks, etc. material from the intarwebz straight to your set. Whether or not the convenience is worth the cost, however, is totally your call.

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Networking

We really, really wish we knew a bit more about Actiontec’s ZCHAV1, but our interest has been officially piqued, regardless. Following in the footsteps of a few niche products already announced, this “router accessory” claims to extend home networks to televisions, cellphones and “other devices,” and it will reportedly enable users to “control all network components from any display platform.” Granted, this firm is no newcomer to cranking out multifaceted networking gizmos, but it looks like we’ll be playing the ole wait-and-see game with the zControl.

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