Recently Filed in Digital Media Servers

VUDU just announced more high-def flicks. Now they’ve got a new box to celebrate that wealth of entertainment. The new VUDU XL2 still delivers the same VUDU content, including the company’s HDX format, but in a much slimmer package. The company flattened out the form factor a bit, so you could fit the 1TB device into one rack unit (1U) of space. Other features include both IP and IR control, 1080i output over component, and the option to route/switch high-def signals via off-the-shelf video switchers.… View this story
Digital Media Servers • Set Top Boxes • Home Theater • Product News

The number of electronics that can’t be controlled with an iPhone or iPod touch continues to dwindle, much to Steve Jobs’ delight. The latest company to hop on the bandwagon is Qsonix. The California company has its own products that let you manage your media libraries, including all the playlist and queue possibilities, but the latest software update brings all of that glory to your Apple device too. Qsonix’s Version 2.48 software lets the interface reach your Qsonix media library two ways: one by directing… View this story
AV Components • Digital Media Servers • Portables • Multiroom AV • Enhancements • Product News

Is it a media server? A traditional set-top box? A portal to get Internet and PC-stored media easily to your TV, a la ZeeVee? 2Wire’s MediaPoint solution might be all of the above. 2Wire announced the product today as “a simple means of browsing, downloading, and viewing DVD-quality video and movies, listening to streaming music, viewing and sharing photos, and accessing personal networked media content—all on the television, using any broadband connection.” And it includes a nifty little box that you can add to your… View this story
AV Components • Digital Media Servers • Set Top Boxes • Miscellaneous • Web Services • Product News

Everyone is starting to stream Netflix, but the real rage is being able to do the deed in high-def. TiVo, Samsung and Microsoft have all announced plans to have their respective machines provide HD content, now Roku could be following suit. Roku’s Netflix Player was the first to announce its streaming capabilities. Now it looks like they will be the last one to come to the HD party. They didn’t have a parade or even a press release. Instead, RokuTim (who Hacking NetFlix says could… View this story
Digital Media Servers • Digital Media Stores • Set Top Boxes • Web Services • Movies and Music • Home Theater • Product News

Wireless music is pretty convenient for your home. Controlling it with an iPhone is really convenient. And channel surfing through 15,000 radio stations, creating your own radio playlists or accessing tunes on your home network—well, what could be a more convenient way to listen to and discover new music? Yep, we’re fond of Sonos because it’s all about marrying music and convenience, and the company had two announcements today that enhance both for your wireless multiroom system. For one, they’re hopping on the iPhone/iPod touch… View this story
AV Components • Digital Media Servers • Multiroom Audio • Multiroom AV • Enhancements • Product News

If you’re tight on space, or your shelves of CDs have lost their luster as a showcase in your living room, maybe it’s time for some digital storage. Colorado vNet is trying to lend a hand with its entry-level, lower cost (contact a dealer for pricing) AS2-400/3 Vibe Audio Server, aimed at people who live in apartments, condos or other MDUs (multidwelling units). The AS2-400/3—part of Colorado vNet’s Vibe Audio System—can pack in up to 400 CDs on its 250-GB hard drive, and not crush… View this story
AV Components • Digital Media Servers • Multiroom Audio • Audio • Product News

You hit the alarm on your car when you get home from work. You lock all the doors before going to bed. Automatic scans check for viruses on your PC. You even bought a media server to protect all your digital music, pictures and files. So what’s protecting your media server? According to the folks at HP, the first company to introduce a Windows Home Server, the Home Server can pretty much take care of itself. Tough security and limited access to the outside world… View this story
AV Components • Digital Media Servers • Computer Systems • Software • Enhancements • Info and Answers

After months of waiting and wondering, SlingMedia announced that the SlingCatcher is finally available. The set-top box brings all of your media, including broadcast TV, web favorites, and other personal PC content to the TV. Just hook the box to your home network, and the TV, of course. Now those web favorites do include sites like YouTube, Hulu, ABC.com, Netflix and the like. However, Wired says that you can’t just stream content direct from the web, or get files off any PC in the network.… View this story
Digital Media Servers • Set Top Boxes • Home Theater • Product News

Q. I own more than 6,000 LD/DVD/HD-DVD/BD, and would like a media server capable of handling even more. Is there anything out there (other than Kaleidescape’s $30k option) to handle this volume? - Michael, NYC A. While pricey, Kaleidescape is one of the best and most reliable systems available. They do offer other systems that can start as low as $15,000, but you have 6,000 movies which will take a considerable amount of space. I am one for having reliability with movies/music and other general… View this story
Digital Media Servers • Home Theater • Ask a Pro

A few weeks back, there was a buzz that VUDU would soon add Blu-ray-quality rentals. Now it’s official. The company just announced HDX, a new video format that delivers full 1080p at 24 fps to screens 40 inches and up—all via web distribution. Thanks to the company’s TruFilm technology, it’s supposedly the best that money can buy. Even better, it’s the same money you were spending before. That’s right; VUDU says they won’t charge extra for HDX titles. “VUDU HDX truly raises the bar on… View this story
Blu-ray • Digital Media Servers • Digital Media Stores • Web Services • Movies and Music • Home Theater • Product News

Bummed that Netflix‘s streaming video service seems to only have movies from the 70s and 80s? You got some good news today then when the rental giant teamed with Starz to announce the availability of 2,500 more choices. That includes the likes of this year’s Oscar winner, “No Country for Old Men,” and other newer titles to fill your movie-watching needs. Netflix seems to have been praised for its streaming “Watch Instantly” queue service, but the one negative reviewers note is the predominance of catalog… View this story
AV Components • Digital Media Servers • Digital Media Stores • Miscellaneous • Web Services • Movies and Music • Enhancements • Product News

The issues surrounding DVD ripping are downright dumbfounding. What’s legal and what isn’t? Who is potentially liable for copyright offenses – manufacturers, installers, end users? Is it better to have a CSS (Content Scramble System) license from the DVD CCA (Copy Control Association), or does that just open you up to litigation as in the case of RealNetworks and Kaleidescape? If the DVD CCA can’t catch you, can you be prosecuted under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act? Can manufacturers create DVD-ripping solutions, as long as… View this story
Digital Media Servers • Manufacturers • Home Theater • Info and Answers