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News, Analysis, and Opinion on Microsoft Digital Media Technologies (and TGB News!)
January 2007 - Posts
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Coinciding with the launch of Windows
Vista on January 30th, Niveus, together with Harvey Home Entertainment, is
launching its new line of Windows Vista-based Media Servers.
New York, NY – January 30, 2007– Niveus Media, Inc., an award-winning
manufacturer of digital entertainment solutions for the connected home, will
showcase four new media centers including the Rainier and Denali Editions as
well as the Pro Series n7 and n9 at the roll out of their Windows Vista-based
Media Servers on January 30th at Harvey Home Entertainment in Manhattan.
The
2007 Niveus Media Server line delivers a high level of Windows Vista Media
Center-based performance for home theaters. Providing faster frame rates,
higher quality television, faster music encoding, rich graphics, and quicker
response time, Niveus’ 2007 editions are amongst the first Windows Vista Media
Center-based systems to incorporate Intel’s Viiv™ technology including Core 2
Duo processors, HD DVD and HDMI output; all in an audio/video component form
factor. Windows Vista, on a digital cable compatible system from Niveus, can
support CableCARDs™ from local cable providers. This technology allows
consumers to enjoy one-way cable programming and enables them to view and
record premium digital HD content without the use of a set-top box.. Niveus
Media Centers will also be amongst the first Windows Vista Media Center-based
products to offer stunning 1080p HD DVD playback.
“We’re
thrilled with the opportunity to bring our distinguished clientele what we see
as the future of high-end home entertainment,” said Harvey CEO Martin McClanan.
“This is the first time that a Harvey store has even considered carrying a
Windows-based server for the home. But as technology changes so must retailers
and we see extensive opportunities for our customers to integrate a Niveus
Media Server into their digital lifestyle. The convergence of high-end audio
video and Windows Vista Media Center-based products for the ultimate management
of uncompressed music, video, digital photos, and HDTV has arrived. This isn’t
just the future, this is now!”
“Niveus
is excited to launch our Windows Vista-based Media Centers with Harvey Home
Entertainment,” said Tim Cutting, CEO and co-Founder, Niveus Media. “With the
arrival of premium HD television support in the Windows Vista-based Niveus
Media Center, Harvey will be well positioned to deliver a feature packed,
whole-home entertainment system for managing their customers’ growing
collection of digital content and television recordings.”
Also
available through Harvey is the Niveus Digital Cable Receiver which supports up
to two CableCARDs for viewing and recording multiple, premium HD television
programs simultaneously. Niveus’ external design of the Niveus Digital Cable
Receiver ensures the ultimate in performance and flexibility when storing,
managing, and accessing, all digital media via a powerful Windows Vista
Ultimate-based media center interface.
All
of the Windows Vista-based Niveus Media Servers as well as the Niveus Digital
Cable Receiver will be available following the January 30, 2007 launch of
Windows Vista. Harvey has nine stores located in the metro NY, NJ and CT area.
For
more information on Niveus Media, Inc., please visit www.niveusmedia.com
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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New media
center computers with Vista deliver never-before-seen performance for audio,
video, and gaming.
Richmond, VA
– January 30, 2007 – Velocity Micro, the premier independent builder of custom,
high performance computers and workstations, announced today the availability
of their groundbreaking Vista media center PCs, the CineMagix Grand Theater and
the CineMagix Pro Cinema. The CineMagix Grand Theater, which was unveiled at
Digital Experience earlier this month, is Intel-based with up to 2.25 terabytes
of storage, while the CineMagix Pro Cinema features AMD products. Both PCs
feature premium a/v components and the same sleek design.
“We’re
bringing to market something very special. The audio/video quality is second to
none in the consumer electronic market with Dolby Master Studio certification
and a near perfect home theater benchmark score. We also took a radically
different approach to the whole out of box experience—including the cables and
documentation that consumers have come to expect from their home theater A/V
equipment, available for the first time with a PC-based media center, and only
from Velocity Micro,” said Chris Morley, Velocity Micro’s Director of Product
Development.
The new
media center PCs with Vista deliver a whole new level of media management and
playback. The CineMagix Grand Theater and Pro Cinema feature the groundbreaking
internal AMD TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner, allowing users to watch and record
HD digital cable content on their PCs for the first time. The new media centers
also feature Blue-ray and HD-DVD playback for the highest resolution, home
cinema quality playback available. Gamers can enjoy first class DirectX 10
graphics from NVIDIA and AMD, setting the stage for the next generation of
games, and play games on HDTVs from the comfort of their couch.
“The
CineMagix Grand Theater and Pro Cinema are powerful PCs in disguise. They’re
loaded with the industry’s most advanced technology, but their low-profile
design makes them look like stereo components. They fit right in with your
living room set-up,” said Morley.
About Velocity Micro, Inc.
Velocity Micro, Inc. is the premier high-performance personal computer provider
in North America. Founded in 1992, Richmond, Va.-based Velocity Micro custom
builds award winning gaming, mobile, multimedia, home office, and small
business solutions. Velocity Micro systems are now available at select Best Buy
retail stores and www.bestbuy.com. For more information on Velocity
Micro, please visit www.velocitymicro.com or call (800) 303-7866.
Velocity
Micro has earned over 30 industry awards, including nine PC Magazine Editor's
Choice awards. CNET, Maximum PC, Mobile PC, PC World, Computer Gaming World,
Computer Shopper, and PC Gamer editors have all chosen Velocity Micro systems
as some of the industry’s best-performing, highest-quality, and most reliable
PCs.
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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Remember that Family
Discount Reward that Microsoft is pushing out with Vista? The one that lets you purchase two additional
copies of Vista Home Premium for $49.99 each after you buy a retail copy of
Vista Ultimate? Well, it turns out that
the free copy of Windows Vista that active beta testers got is a retail copy,
so you can purchase two copies of Home Premium for $100, making it three copies
of Windows Vista overall for the wallet friendly price of, you guessed it,
$100! That’s a deal!
Click
Here to Bring Home More "Wow" for $100
Thanks pippen (via The
Green Button)
Update: I just tried mine. The first time it rejected it (copied the key wrong??). The second time, well look below.
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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Business Microsoft Premier Support got a started on the Windows Vista hotfix
party today (Via The
Green Button). Hotfixes not yet available
to the general population, only through Microsoft Premier Support, and only if you have
the exact issues in the KB articles
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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Update on Driver
Signing Bypass (Alex Ionescu's Blog) (Via
Engadget)| Alex Ionescu appears to have takin the first step to defeat that
evil DRM that prevents everyone from doing everything (or something like
that). He goes through the different
ways that Microsoft could patch Vista to disable his work, but ends with the
conclusion that it’s unlikely Microsoft can fix it.
Thoughts? Could he
really have broken PMP on today, Vista’s golden day?
I doubt, but now it’s time to play the waiting game. While playing, why not send some nasty mail
to random content owners to express your dislike with the content protection
systems they keep dreaming up,
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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Okoro Media Systems, manufacturer of digital entertainment
systems for the high end audio video market, is pleased to announce the
availability of the new GX300 for 2007. The new GX300 is based on the Intel®
Core™2 Extreme Quad core and Nvidia 8800 GTX technology. This model will
deliver unprecedented 3-D gaming performance and will provide better
performance for intense multimedia applications, streaming movies, and music “Our customers continue to hunger for a system that can
provide the greatest performance when they are playing the latest video games
on their HDTV while recording and streaming multimedia content. With Quad Core
technology and the NVIDIA 8800GTX video card, the GX300 will continue to be one
of the fastest media centers available,” said Christopher Curry, VP of Sales
& Operations. The 2007 OMS-GX300 now ships with Windows Vista Ultimate
Edition and comes with the following specifications: - Intel
Core™2 Extreme QX6700 Kentsfield Quad Core Processor
- 2
Gigabytes of high-speed Kingston HyperX memory
- NVIDIA
8800GTX HDCP video card
- 1
Terabyte (1000 Gigabytes) of storage
- Two
Dual-Layer DVD burners
- 7 inch
Touch screen display
- DTS
Connect and Dolby Digital Live Technology
- Windows
Vista Ultimate or other Operating System Packages available
The GX300 is currently available for purchase at www.okoromedia.com/model.asp?model=GX300 For more information
please visit www.okoromedia.com.
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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DVRBox
(SourceForge) | If you are looking for a free program to edit and convert
your DVR-MS recordings, you might want to stop by SourceForge and check out the
new open source DVRBox project. DVRBox allows for editing of
DVR-MS, batch processing, automatic crop detection, scheduled compression, and
more. DVRBox also easily outputs to several flavors of MPEG-4
including XviD, x264, and more.
Give it a
try.
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Something that I
personally find hilarious is that DefectiveByDesign, the Anti-DRM Group that was formed last year, is
getting trashed by the growing user base that actually understands some of the
problems behind content protection and DRM.
This is a very good day in the world of DRM and Digg.
Here’s a few example
comments from Digg about DefectiveByDesign’s upcoming Vista Launch Events in NYC.
- “So,
the guys at defectivebydesign.org are going toi be the jackasses that pretend
to be cool and nonconformist by going to a windows party and making fools out
of themselves? Thanks, we reaaally needed to know that, couldn't have survived
without it on the front page. P.S. all the info in the article is old news, no
reason to digg it.”
- “Wait wait, people are pissed off because Vista
supports HDCP? If I'm not mistaken, Vista has to support it in case Studio's
enable the god damn feature”
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“I'll say this loudly:IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH
DRM, DON'T USE MEDIA THAT USES DRM.
At least with Windows you have the FREEDOM to decide for yourselves, unlike
some operating systems I could think of.” - “Pathetic. Apple will also include the DRM
required to playback all new content that's produced and requires the ***.”
- “So what happens when media starts coming out
that needs the DRM systems, either others OS will have to implement it in some
way or hack a way round it which would probably be illegal.”
I’m a big fan of Digg
in general, buy generally don’t spend more then five minutes reading the ignorant
comments left by the users. I’m a fan of
targeted websites and blogs that can cover a subject without their user base
being subjected to incorrect information and endless FUD about certain
features, mainly relating to DRM.
I’m all for ending DRM
that restricts fair use; however I do believe that content owners should have
the right to protect their content if they want to. The problem is that we need to get to the
point where this can happen. AACS in HD
DVD and Blu-ray is a good first step, with the concept of Managed Copy. It’s not perfect by any means (I shouldn’t
have to pay for a copy of the media I already purchased) but it’s a good first
step.
DefectiveByDesign
needs to understand that if they want to help, they need to actually go after
the people that matter. Microsoft is not
who they should be going after. Stage
your foolishness at the MPAA, collectivity “Hollywood.” They are the reason that Microsoft has to
waste millions of dollars developing the framework to allow users to actually
play this media. Feel free to attack
Microsoft for the stupid things they do, like locking their Zune DRM out from
PlaysForSure. Attack Apple for not licensing
FairPlay. Attack the record labels
(RIAA) for requiring Microsoft, Apple, and others to develop their sort of
protection framework. Actually attack
the companies that are the problem, attack the root of the problem.
Of course, there are still loads of users that comment the
other way, but they seem to be increasing getting corrected by those who get
it.
DefectiveByDesign is
not helping anything, all they are doing to making fools of themselves.
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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The
Green Button Community Forums have undergone an update with Windows Vista
set to be released next week. We now
have subforums dedicated to Windows Vista and Windows XP Media Center
Edition. This should help everyone get
help and find the information you are looking for quicker and easier.
The Green Button is also going International! Very fun.
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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There are tons of people out there not understanding all of
this “Vista DRM”, mainly because of less than accurate media reporting. That’s
completely understandable, but lets run down a quick list here of some of the
popular content out there.
DVD Rip (DivX, XivD, etc) downloaded from Bit
Torrent/IRC/etc: Output at whatever resolution you want. No
restrictions. Works the same as Windows XP. Don’t pirate stuff!
DVD Rip (VIDEO_TS, ISO) download from Bit
Torrent/IRC/etc: Output at whatever resolution you want. No
restrictions. Works the same as Windows XP. Don’t pirate stuff!
WMV HD Downloads (MariposaHD, etc): Output at
whatever resolution you want. No restrictions. Works the same as Windows XP.
Apple/Quicktime HD Downloads: Output at whatever
resolution you want. No restrictions. Works the same as Windows
XP.
Videocasts/blogcasts/Internet TV/IPTV: Output at whatever
resolution you want. No restrictions. Works the same as Windows
XP.
DVR-MS (SD) Recordings: Output at whatever resolution
you want. You can still edit recordings, convert recordings, etc unless
they are CGMS-A protected. Works the same as Windows XP.
DVR-MS (HD) Recordings: Output at whatever resolution
you want. You can still edit recordings, convert recordings, etc. Works
the same as Windows XP.
MPEG-2/DivX/etc Recordings from 3rd Party PVRs:
Output at whatever resolution you want. You can still edit recordings,
convert recordings, etc. Works the same as Windows XP.
CableCARD: Content recorded from CableCARDs will
follow the same sort of output regulations as HD DVD and Blu-ray. Not
available in Windows XP.
DVD: Output at whatever resolution you want. If
using Component, output is limited because of Macrovision. Use AnyDVD or
like to output at whatever you want. Works the same as Windows XP.
HD DVD: If ICT* is set; output at 540p if you
are not using HDCP. If using a digital connection (DVI, HDMI) with HDCP,
output will be whatever you want always (ICT set or not). If ICT is
not set, you can output at 1080p with VGA and 1080i with Component. Works
the same as Windows XP.** CE (consumer electronics) HD DVD players (regular
set-top boxes) must follow the same rules, not specific to Microsoft or
Windows.
Blu-ray Disc (BD): If ICT* is set; output at
540p if you are not using HDCP. If using a digital connection (DVI, HDMI)
with HDCP, output will be whatever you want always (ICT set or not). If
ICT is not set, you can output at 1080p with VGA and 1080i with
Component. Works the same as Windows XP.** CE (consumer
electronics) BD players (regular set-top boxes) must follow the same rules, not
specific to Microsoft or Windows.
Additions:
DVD Ripping: No
restrictions. Works the same as Windows XP
Tools like BackupHDDVD/BackupBluray: No
restrictions. Works the same as Windows XP***
*AACS requires titles with ICT set be marked, so check the
package before you purchase the movie. Currently, no titles have ICT set.
** The content protection framework in Vista will also allow
for a more traditional DirectShow filter model of playback. Right now,
playback is limited to within PowerDVD or WinDVD.
***Though, I have not tested them under Vista, there is nothing to stop or prevent them from specifically working.
Spread the word, digg
it!
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Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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A common discussion with Media Center is where does the PC
actually belong in the home? It has been
thought by some that people in general don’t want a PC in the Living Room, they
would rather have a Set-top Box (STB).
Then, there are some people who think that a PC needs to be in the
Living Room. It is after called an “HTPC”
for a reason. This, of course ignores
the fact that the majority of people don’t have a true “Home Theater” to speak
of.
As I’ve said in the past a major advantage of Media Center
PC’s + Media Center Extenders is that it can fit into just about everyone’s
setup. You can take your standard PC in
your Home Office and connect Media Center Extenders in the rest of your
home. You can take the Media Center PC
(HTPC) that is designed to hit in with the rest of your components and put it
in your Living Room, and then you can connect Media Center Extenders in the
other rooms of your home. Or, you can
put Media Center PC’s everywhere. There
are also several other configurations that can happen.
What does your setup look like? Is it what you ideally want, or would you
change it based around hardware that might not be released yet (ex. v2 Extenders).
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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There is little reason for Media Center users to upgrade or
install Vista x64. Microsoft has shown
that it’s still not ready for primetime with several of their applications not
working correctly on x64. For Media
Center users and most consumers in general, installing x86 will serve you a lot
better.
Not only Microsoft’s own applications (such as Internet
Explorer, which has several issues), but drivers are another huge problem. With several companies lacking in the x64
driver department, it’s going to take a while for them to really get where
driver support should be.
Just install x86, maybe look at x64 sometime next year. Right now, x64 is just going to give you more
headaches that aren’t needed.
Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/
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