The buzz surrounding Media Center-based home entertainment systems continues to grow, and S1Digital is heading up some of the higher-end buzz.

The Media Center and Server builder recently launched its ProLine Series that it says sets a new reference standard for Media Centers based on Microsoft Vista Ultimate. The ProLine Series includes S1Digital’s flagship rack mount Media Server Edition, which began shipping this month, and the silent FX Edition, which started shipping last month.

The Media Server Edition raises the bar for Media Centers by including up to 3 terabytes of storage in six hot swap drive bays, S1 says. Managed by a dedicated 3ware RAID controller, the Media Server can effortlessly record multiple HDTV streams while simultaneously streaming content throughout the home (via Media Center Extenders) and providing full data protection. The 3U rack mount chassis fits into standard 20-inch depth A/V racks for convenience. Other features include HD DVD playback, 1080p HDMI video output and dual HDTV and SDTV tuners enabling recording of up to four TV channels at the same time. The Media Server Edition is powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, includes Intel Viiv technology and runs on Microsoft Vista Ultimate.

If consumers prefer the more silent type, S1 says FX Edition features a sophisticated European design making it a centerpiece of any living room, and extruded aluminum heat sinks draw heat away from critical components via silent heat pipe technology. Other features include 1 TB of internal storage, HD-DVD playback as standard or optional Blu-ray drive and dual HDTV and SDTV tuners enabling recording of up to four TV channels at the same time. Just like the Media Server Edition, the FX Edition is also powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, with Intel Viiv and runs on Microsoft Vista Ultimate.

S1Digital’s ProLine Series products can be customized with add-ons to enable home automation capabilities, two-way control from Crestron, AMX and other touchscreens, and integration with Russound and Nuvo multi-room audio systems (coming soon), the company adds.

Visit www.s1digital.com for more information and check with your local custom installer for availability and pricing.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.