The folks at Sony Insider have published some awesome pics as well as a hands-on video of the new Sony VAIO L Touch HD PC/TV system here on their website. For those of you not familiar with the new VAIO L Touch, it’s essentially an All-in-One (AIO) PC featuring a 24 inch Full HD multi-touch enabled display, Intel Core 2 Quad processor, dedicated NVIDIA GeForce series graphics, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, built-in TV tuners, and optional Blu-ray support.

For those of you with HP TouchSmart PCs, Sony Insider claims the TouchSmart’s touch-screen display are not as good as the VAIO L Touch touch-screen displays. Having used the TouchSmart PC myself, it’s probably not too hard to believe that to be true – I’ve always found the touch-screen on the TouchSmart a bit slow and sluggish.

As for the concept of a touch-screen HTPC system that can be hung on the wall – I love it. I’ve always wanted an all-in-one HTPC system that I can hang on the bedroom wall where interactions are as simple as touches and swipes. My only complaint – can’t we have a system with a larger screen size than 24 inches?? In due time I suppose (of course there needs to be higher demand for such systems..).

In any case, check out Sony Insider’s coverage of the VAIO L Touch. VAIO L Touch systems will have a starting price of $1300.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony VAIO L Series HTPC

Elgato EyeTV users will be happy to hear that the company has released an EyeTV app for the Apple iPhone/iPod touch allowing users to watch live TV or recorded TV directly on their devices as well as browse the detailed program guide. Other features include:

• The ability to connect to any Mac running the latest EyeTV version (3.2)
• Automatically finds Macs on a network via Bonjour
• Remote access Macs running EyeTV using a free locator utility called “My EyeTV” also being introduced as part of EyeTV 3.2
• Support for Apple’s new HTTP streaming technology introduced with iPhone OS 3.0. Relies on Apple’s specs for adaptive streaming using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. Also uses iPhone’s hardware acceleration for playback
• Once connected to a Mac, plays live TV, change channels, watch EyeTV recordings, browse the Program Guide, and start/schedule recordings
• Requires Wi-Fi connection (sorry no 3G support here)

EyeTV is available for a price of $4.99 at the iTunes Store. EyeTV 3.2 is a free update for EyeTV 3 users. Now if someone would only release a Windows Media Center compatible app for the iPhone…

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Elgato EyeTV, iPhone Application

The idea’s pretty straightforward – Mirics leverages NVIDIA CUDA-enabled GPUs to help execute certain video decoding algorithms – thereby freeing up CPU resources for other activities and removing any need for additional hardware. This is a boon for low-end, low-cost systems which might not normally have the necessary horsepower to decode HD video. With this solution, users will be able to enjoy global TV reception – both in SD and in HD resolutions – on low end systems – even on netbooks

The FlexiTV solution is currently sampling to select customers and will be demoed at the NVIDIA Emerging Companies Summit being held right now in San Jose.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Mirics, FlexiTV, NVIDIA CUDA

With CrestaTV Universal Broadband Receiver Technology, manufacturers can ship a single TV tuner module which they know will work no matter what country the device is located in. The integrated GPS receiver helps the system figure out which regional channel guide to pull up for the area. 

The receiver itself supports formats including DVBT, ATSC, Cable QAM, NTSC and PAL, along with FM radio and GPS capabilities. CrestaTV is made up of the CTC-200/201 programmable RF and Interface IC as well as multi-threaded signal processing software. Equipment manufacturers can implement CrestaTV on PCI Express cards, PCI mini-express cards, or USB TV modules.

Here’s hoping that the next time I travel around the world, I’ll have a device with the CrestaTV technology embedded.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: CrestaTech, CrestaTV Universal Broadband Receiver, TV tuner

Oh and one more item – Lenovo will also be updating their IdeaPad U series of notebooks with the new IdeaPad U450p laptop – a new 14 inch thin and light notebook.

Let’s jump right to it shall we?

First up, there’s Lenovo’s first ever home theater PC – the IdeaCentre Q700.

Features and specs to the Q700 include:

• About the size of a consumer DVD player
• Can be placed vertically or horizontally
• Supports 1080p full HD playback
• 7.1 digital surround sound
• Your choice of fast Intel Core 2 Duo processors
• Support for up to 1TB of disk space
• Eight USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA port
• HDMI and VGA connector

Lenovo currently has one model’s specs up on their website (Q700-3015). This system features the following:

• Intel dual core Pentium Processor E5200
• 4GB PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
• Intel GMA X4500 graphics
• One VGA, One HDMI with HDCP support
• Choice of 320GB, 500GB, or 640GB 7200RPM SATA drive
• Multi-format DVD burner
• 4 in 1 media card reader
• Intel G43 Express Chipset
• Eight USB 2.0 ports
• microphone
• headphone
• FireWire 400 connector
• Realtek ALC888s HD audio
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Optional NTSC/ATSC tuner
• Black color bezel
• Measures 2.36 x 7.87 x 9.84 inches and weighs 5.69 pounds
• Available in August according to the PDF

The Q700 will be available through business partners and www.lenovo.com with a starting price of around $499 (yes.. I’m lining up for one of these bad boys I think..)

Moving onto storage now, as we mentioned earlier this morning, Lenovo’s first ever Windows Home Server product will be the IdeaCentre D400.

Features of the D400 include:

• Support for up to 8 terabytes of total disk space
• Hot swap different brands and capacities of hard drives
• Five USB ports including a front mounted port with one-touch data copy function
• eSATA port for high-speed data transfer
• The D400 will have a starting price of $499

Next up, Lenovo has these down-right super-sexy, super-thin nettops – the IdeaCentre Q100 and Q110.

Featuring a new stylish black patterned design, the nettops measure a mere 0.7 inches thin making them about the size of a book! Features include:

• Intel Atom processor
• The Q110 model will be equipped with NVIDIA ION graphics which means this box will be able to support HD video and provide accelerated media conversation etc
• Measures 6 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Q100 runs on just 14 watts when idle and 40 watts at full operation
• Q100 supports VGA output while Q110 supports 1080p HD video with DirectX 10 graphics along with NVIDIA CUDA technology
• The Q100 will have a starting price of $249
• The Q110 will have a starting price of $349

Finally, here’s information on the newly announced IdeaPad U450p notebook/laptop.

• Intel Pentium SU2700 processor or Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Intel Integrated Graphics X4500
• 3-4GB RAM
• 14 inch HD antiglare display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• Touchpad
• 250 – 320GB 5400 RPM HDD
• DVD burner
• 6 cell lithium ion battery
• Wi-Fi
• Prices starting at $799

Have to admit – the IdeaPad U450p looks pretty sweet in terms of portability. These inexpensive thin and lights are certainly making heads turn if you ask me.

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, IdeaCentre Q700 HTPC, IdeaCentre D400 WHS, IdeaCentre Q100/Q110 Nettops, IdeaPad U450p Laptop

Now despite this, I’m still keenly interested in what goes on in the world of HTPCs – especially when it comes to case designs. This is why I found this recent ExtremeTech article interesting. The site profiled four HTPC cases from Antec, Chieftec, nMedia, and of course SilverStone and wrote up their impressions here.

The truth is.. I personally find these cases really.. how shall I say it.. UGLY? but hey.. what do I know right? In any event, the four cases profiled are:

Antec Veris Micro Fusion 350

Chieftec HM-02

nMedia PC HTPC 1000B

SilverStone Grandia G02

Enjoy!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: HTPC cases, ExtremeTech

Netflix is finally officially available to Windows Media Center users. Starting tomorrow, users running Windows Media Center on Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate systems will see a new Netflix tile powered by Microsoft Silverlight within the “TV + Movies” section.  Just click into the tile and login with your Netflix account information. Once you’re in, you’ll have full access to the Netflix library as well as access to both your Instant and DVD queues. You’ll also be able to use the Windows Media Center remote control to navigate the player controls as well as the user queues within Netflix. The only down side – this is not available to users of Windows Media Center on any build of Windows 7 at this time.

[Check it out via eHomeUpgrade]

Technorati Tags: Netflix, Netflix Streaming, Microsoft, Windows Media Center

Korean PC manufacturer, Moneual, has announced a new Intel Atom-based HTPC system called the MiNEW A10 (though quite honestly, this is really more of a nettop system that a full fledged home theater PC given the Atom processor inside). According to Akihabara News, specs for the MiNEW A10 include the following:

• Intel Atom 230 or 330 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD
• Intel X3100 GPU
• Measures 220 x 67 x 220mm

Gotta admit – the A10 certainly looks cute enough.

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Moneual, MiNEW A10 HTPC

[Check it out via eHomeUpgrade]

Technorati Tags: SnapStream, BeyondTV, Mac

Looking to watch a little digital TV on your Eee PC netbook? Check out ASUS’s new USB digital TV accessory – the MYC-U3100Mini. Features include:

• USB 2.0 interface
• ATSC/QAM digital tuner
• Watch and record digital TV programs on your PC or Netbook
• ASUS Pop-Up TV technology
• ASUS GadgetTV Technology – Vista sidebar TV
• Eee PC certified
• Support for Windows Vista, XP

Technorati Tags: ASUS, MYC-U3100Mini, CES 2009

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 gets a small accessory in the form of the newly announced Dell USB digital TV tuner stick. Designed in conjunction with Siano Mobile Silicon and Hauppauge Computer Works, The stick will be available in region specific versions later this quarter with availability first in Europe followed by North America, Asia-Pacific, and China. Features of the stick include:

• Receive digital and high definition (HD) TV broadcasts where available
• ATSC support in the U.S., DVB-T in Western Europe, ISDB-T 1-seg in Japan, and CMMB in China
• Supported OSs including Dell customized version of Ubuntu Linux 8.04, Windows XP, and Windows Vista Basic
• Built-in telescoping and articulating antenna which retracts into the black case

Expect the Dell Digital TV Tuner for about $50 dollars.

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Dell USB Digital TV Tuner, Inspiron Mini 9

The new SageTV HD Theater media center extender device allows you to enjoy your videos, music, and photos in full HD on your HDTV sets wherever they are in your home. As with previous SageTV extenders, the HD Theater will allow you to watch live or recorded HD broadcasts from the PCs or Macs running SageTV Media Center software. Digital content can be played off of PCs, Macs, network storage devices, or even USB storage devices. 

In addition to local content, the HD Theater extender will be able to stream online video directly from sources such as YouTube, Google Video, and major TV networks without the need of a PC.

Here’s a list of the SageTV HD Theater Specifications:

Video format supported: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 up to 1080p, AVI, MKV, MOV, ASF, VOB, WMV9/VC-1 up to 1080p

Audio format suppported: MP2, MP3, AAC, WMA, Vorbis (stereo only), AC3 (stereo down-mix/pass-through), FLAC, DTS (pass-through)

Video Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 Component, 1 Composite, 1 S-Video

Audio Outputs: Left/Right audio output and optical S/PDIF

Maximum Number of SageTV HD Theaters: Limited only by your home network bandwidth, each HD video stream may use 20 Mbps or more of home network bandwidth.

TV Set Requirements:

• HDMI, Component, Composite or S-Video input (NTSC)
• Left and right audio input jacks, optical or HDMI audio input

Network Requirements:

• One 10/100 RJ-45 port on a Router, Hub or Switch network with DHCP server on network

  or

• Direct connect from SageTV HD Media Extender to PC running DHCP server via cross over LAN cable (not supplied)

You can purchase the SageTV HD Media Extender for $199.95 each.

[Check it out via eHomeUpgrade]

Technorati Tags: SageTV HD Theater Media Center Extender

Ian Dixon from The Digital Lifestyle.com has created a pretty nifty video showing off the Windows Media Center SideShow Gadget running on his Windows Mobile handset. His posting also details the steps he took to get everything running – pretty cool stuff for all you Media Center fans (which includes me).

[Check it out via eHomeUpgrade]

Technorati Tags: Windows Mobile, Windows Media Center SideShow Gadget

PC Magazine has published a review of that new monstrous all-in-one PC system from Sony – the new VAIO RT series. The reviewed system was the VAIO VGC-RT150Y which has an Intel Core 2 Quad processor,  1 TB of disk space, an NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT GPU, Blu-ray drive, and of course, a crazy 25.5 inch widescreen display. Here’s what PC Mag had to say about it:

The Sony VAIO VGC-RT150Y is even more expensive and powerful and has a bigger screen than previous all-in-one PCs. It will compete with the iMac for digital-content-creation artists.

Yes, it’s big.. it’s all in one.. AND it’s expensive!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony VAIO RT, All-in-one PC, PC Magazine, Review

If you’re looking for an all-in-one PC with a little more oomph, then you might be interested in the new Sony VAIO RT series. Featuring a 25.5 inch XBRITE-FullHD Technology LCD display, Intel Core 2 Quad processor, loads of memory and storage space, the RT series makes for a great high definition all-in-one TV/PC system. On the PC side of things, the VAIO RT is a multimedia powerhouse thanks to the Intel quad core processor, 4 to 8GB of memory, and loads of disk space. On the TV side of things, the system supports full HD resolutions, has a Blu-ray drive and comes with an HDMI input for connecting other HD devices such as a Sony PlayStation 3 or an Xbox 360 game console.

• Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q8200 or Q9400
• 4GB to 8GB of memory
• 1TB storage capacity (2 x 500GB 7200 RPM SATA HDD)
• RAID 0 technology
• 25.5 inch 1920 x 1200 XBRITE-FullHD Technology LCD display
• Blu-ray Burner
• Media Card Reader
• Intel HD Audio with Dolby Digital Live
• 2.1 channel speaker system (2 x 5 watt stereo speakers + 11 watt subwoofer)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT GPU
• Intel P43 Express Chipset
• NTSC/ATSC TV Tuner
• 5 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 IEEE 1394 port
• Headphone, SPDIF, Ethernet, A/V input, eSATA, HDMI input, HDMI output
• Intel Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit OS
• Measures 26.1 x 17.3 x 9.3 inches

The VAIO RT is now available for pre-order with prices starting at $3299.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony VAIO RT, All-in-one PC, full HD

Above is Brando’s USB 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard – a keyboard that’s probably ideally suited for mobile and HTPC environments. The keyboard measures 262 x 112 x 23 mm and features 78 keys, a built-in trackball with 1000/1500 dpi resolution, and an operating distance of up to 10 meters. The keyboard communicates over 2.4 GHz RF to a separate USB receiver which connects to your PC. Brando offers the keyboard for $48 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Brando, USB 2.4Ghz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard

Ever wish you could bring the TiVo user interface to the PC platform? Well soon you’ll be able to do so thanks to the upcoming Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC package. LiquidTV | TiVo PC is essentially another DVR application for the Windows OS except this one happens to bring along the famed TiVo user interface. If you’re one to record and watch TV content on your desktop PC, then you definitely might be interested in this package.

Major features of the Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC package include the following:

• Features TiVo’s user interface
• Watch and record shows in HD or SD format on your TV or PC
• Export shows to portable media players
• Burn shows to DVD or save them to your hard drive
• Schedule TV recordings online
• Pause Live TV on your PC
• Includes 12 month subscription
• Features TiVo KidZone, Season Pass and WishList etc

Now keep in mind – this isn’t exactly a full on replacement of Windows Media Center. The Nero app won’t manage your music or photo collection for you like Windows Media Center can. However, if you’re just interested in recording television shows and having a near endless amount of storage space for TV shows, then the LiquidTV app is certainly something you should consider (along with Media Center and any number of other competing DVR applications). Now if you MUST have the TiVo interface, then heck.. this is your only way to go on the PC platform.

As this PC Mag review notes, LiquidTV is not a replacement for the TiVo DVR device. This is a package that’s designed for folks who are ok with the notion of watching and recording TV on their PCs. Also – remember that LiquidTV supports OTA ATSC which means you won’t be able to record premium HD channels unless you hook up a cable set-top box to your PC (you’ll also record lower quality video via S-Video).

Speaking of the PC Mag review, here’s what they thought of it.

Nero’s LiquidTV brings the top-notch TiVo interface and all its talents to your PC. While it’s not a replacement for a traditional TiVo DVR, it’s a solid attempt at convergence between your computer and your living-room entertainment.

Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC will be available in two packages. There’s a $199.99 hardware/software bundle that includes the software application, a 12 month subscription to TiVo, a TV tuner card with A/V cables and antenna, a TiVo PC remote control, and an IR blaster and receiver. If you don’t need the hardware, there’s also a $99.99 software package which includes the application and a 12 month subscription to TiVo.

[Check it out via News.com]

Technorati Tags: Nero LiquidTV | TiVo PC

The folks at ExtremeTech have published a review of the SageTV HD Media Extender device here on their website. The SageTV HD Media Extender plays back content from a SageTV enabled PC directly on a television set. The device connects to your home network via a Fast Ethernet connection and has connectors for component, composite, analog/digital audio out, and HDMI out. Supported video formats include MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 up to 1080p, AVI, VOB, WMV9/VC-1 up to 1080p. The device in many ways is similar to what you’d expect from an extender device – especially if you’re familiar with Windows Media Center Extender devices. So what did ExtremeTech think of it?

The SageTV HD Media Center offers a simple connection to HDTVs, and works well under some conditions. But the playback glitches we encountered, plus lack of WMA Lossless or Apple Lossless support is problematic.

Here’s hoping SageTV will resolve some of the issues the publication encountered. The SageTV HD Media Extender has an MSRP of $199.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: SageTV HD Media Extender, ExtremeTech, Review

Sling Media announced the new Slingbox PRO-HD flagship product is now available for purchase at www.slingmedia.com or at leading retailers nationwide for a price of $299.99. As with previous Slingbox products, the Slingbox PRO-HD “place-shifts” your home video content from where it’s at to wherever you’re at via a network connection. All you’ll need to watch the content is a computer or a mobile device and the SlingPlayer software. What sets the Slingbox PRO-HD apart is the inclusion of a digital tuner and support for high definition streaming over the network (assuming you have the necessary bandwidth). The Slingbox PRO-HD’s built-in digital tuner supports over-the-air (OTA) digital signals (ATSC), digital cable channels (Clear QAM), and content directly from an HD device via component connections. The component connections support up to 720p/1080i content.

The device features Sling Media’s new SlingStream 2.0 technology which actively adapts the audio/video stream for the best performance based on the network bandwidth available at the time. Speaking of network connections, you’ll need an upstream speed of at least 256 Kbps for standard definition and at 1.5 Mbps upstream speeds for high definition content.

Here’s what you’ll find on the back of the Slingbox PRO-HD:

• Power connector
• Ethernet connector
• USB port
• In/out stereo audio, composite video, and s-video
• In/out stereo audio, S/PDIF, component video
• Coaxial input/output with support for ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM

Sling Media lists the following as possible devices that can connect to the Slingbox PRO-HD:

• Basic Cable TV Set-top Box or Digital Cable Set-top Box
• DVR from cable/satellite provider
• DVD player/recorder
• Satellite receiver
• Video/security camera
• Apple TV
• Windows Media Center PC
• Digital antenna
• Digital Cable (Clear QAM)
• HD component input support for 720p/1080i

Again, you’ll be able to order the new Slingbox PRO-HD directly from Sling Media or via various retailers and online e-tailers. Folks who pre-ordered the Slingbox PRO-HD should have their units shipping as of today.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sling Media, Slingbox PRO-HD

Thanks to Amazon, it looks like the new Samsung MediaLive Digital Media Adapter (Extender for Windows Media Center) model MR-00EA1 will be coming out on October 15th, 2008. Price for the system is a fairly inexpensive $199.99. Now before you go out and pre-order this unit, you have to be aware that the MediaLive extender only works with 2008 Samsung HDTV sets – series 4 TVs 26 inches and up and series 5 and higher TVs. The extender measures 6.1 x 1.2 x 4.9 inches and weighs a mere 14.1 oz. Connection wise, the MediaLive extender supports Ethernet and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi networks and supports 1080p streaming from a Media Center PC to a Samsung TV set.

Bummer that I have a Samsung 2007 TV set..

[Samsung MediaLive via Ian Dixon's Blog, EngadgetHD]

Technorati Tags: Samsung MR-00EA1 MediaLive Digital Media Adapter, Media Center Extender, Extender for Windows Media Center