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

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

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

HP, Linksys, and D-Link won’t be the only ones with standalone Media Center Extenders anymore. Samsung has announced that their upcoming MediaLive adapter will be coming out in August for an estimated price of around $200 dollars. Like other Extenders for Windows Media Centers, MediaLive connects to PC’s running Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate and delivers the familiar Windows Media Center interface on a large screen TV set. 

MediaLive will support the streaming of the following forms of content:

• For online content, it will be Media Center online content providers such as Vongo, MovieLink, Showtime TV, XM Radio, and Fox Sports
• For audio, it will be WMA, MP3, and AC3
• For video, it will be WMV, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264
• For pictures, it will be JPEG

MediaLive supports both USB 2.0 Slave and USB 2.0 Host specs and has an HDMI CEC port as well as an Ethernet port. The unit measures 270 x 48 x 155 mm and weighs around 1.8kg. The MediaLive will be available in August for an estimated price of $200 dollars.

It’s also important to note that the MediaLive adapter is cheaper than the upcoming HP MediaSmart Connect Extender. Also note – the MediaLive picture is from Gizmodo.

Technorati Tags: Samsung MediaLive, Extender for Windows Media Center

Do you want the capabilities of the Roku Netflix Player on your TV set yet don’t want to shell out $99 bucks for the player itself? Well this posting on Lifehacker shows how you COULD get a similar experience IF you have an Xbox 360 and a Windows PC lying about on a home network. The key to making this work is a combination of an add-in called the vmcNetFlix add-in, Extender for Windows Media Center, and the Netflix Watch-Instantly component. The vmcNetFlix add-in software can be downloaded here and make sure to read the notes on the webpage.

I tried out the software last night and while I saw the plugin on my Extender screen, I failed to get video playback working. Truth be told – I didn’t spend too much time on it so I’ll look into it more tonight. Now, keep in mind folks – this is a cool alternative to the Roku Netflix Player IF you have all the components already. If you don’t have an Xbox 360 and you don’t play video games, then it probably makes very little sense to go and buy an Xbox 360 strictly for Netflix content. You’re better off getting the Roku player itself.  Having said that, there are also rumors that Microsoft and Netflix are closing in on a deal that would have Netflix’s Watch Now service available for the Xbox console. All good news for Netflix and of course the Microsoft Xbox 360 console.

[Check it out via News.com]

Technorati Tags: Netflix, Microsoft, Watch Now, Windows Media Center, vmcNetflix Add-in

HP has announced that their upcoming HP MediaSmart Connect device is now available for pre-order at various retailers including Amazon.com and Newegg for a suggested retail price of $349. The MediaSmart Connect was introduced at CES 2008 as a way to bring HP MediaSmart TV technology to non-HP HDTV sets. With the MediaSmart Connect connected to your HDTV and your home network, you’ll be able to stream digital content from your computers straight to your HDTV set. In addition, MediaSmart Connect features Extender for Windows Media Center technology which allows you to access Windows Media Center enabled PCs remotely over the network.

The HP MediaSmart Connect is able to connect to other UPnP and DLNA compliant devices as well as products from their MediaSmart product line including the HP Media Vault and the HP MediaSmart Server.

The technical specs are as follows:

• Supports 720p/1080i
• HDMI out, Component out, Stereo analog out, Digital audio out, 2 USB ports
• HP Pocket Media Drive Bay
• Wi-Fi – 802.11 a/b/g/n
• 10/100 Ethernet
• Photo – JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG
• Music – MP2, MP3, WMA, WMA-Pro, AAC(m4a)
• Video – MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MP@ML, MPEG-2 MP@HL, MPEG-4 ASP, DivX, WMV, WMV-HD, DVR-MS, H.264 (MP4)
• DivX certified
• Supports Snapfish, CinemaNow, Live365, YouTube(coming soon)
• Supports Windows Media Player 11, UPnP, and DLNA compliant systems
• Piano Black finish
• Gloss with Zen pattern
• Includes HDMI cable
• 5 device universal remote
• Measures 8.5 x 8.5 x 1.8 inches and weighs 3.5 lbs

The MediaSmart Connect can be preordered starting today for $349 at Amazon.com, BestBuy, CircuitCity, and Newegg.com. The device includes an HDMI cable, a learning remote control and a $20 dollar CinemaNow movie certificate.

It’s a shame that the MediaSmart Connect only supports 720p/1080i and not 1080p. Also – at $349 – it’s a bit expensive for a Windows Media Center Extender – especially without a built-in DVD drive.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: HP, MediaSmart Connect, Extender for Windows Media Center

What does this mean for current owners of second generation MediaSmart TV owners? Your TV sets will be able to connect to Windows Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate PCs and deliver (nearly) the same Media Center experience on the PC but via the TV set – AND you won’t have to physically connect the PC to the TV set.

If you don’t have an HP MediaSmart TV, don’t worry about it. HP is still planning to release a standalone Media Center Extender device in the form of the “MediaSmart Connect”.

As far as MediaSmart TVs are concerned, the sets have three HDMI ports, wired and wireless connectivity, and support for other UPnP and DLNA compliant devices. The update is available via a firmware upgrade which will be accessible via the Internet by the MediaSmart TV. Models SL4278N and SL4778N can be upgraded via the Internet accessible upgrade.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: HP, MediaSmart TV, Media Center Extender, HP, Microsoft, Windows Vista

While the new HP MediaSmart Receiver delivers Extender for Windows Media Center technology to non-HP branded HDTV sets, upcoming HP MediaSmart LCD TVs will have Windows Media Center Extender technology built right in. HP introduced two new models of MediaSmart TVs at CES 2008 – the 42 inch SL4282N and the 47 inch SL4782N LCD TV. Features of these new MediaSmart LCD TVs include:

• Full HD 1080p LCD support
• ATSC/NTSC/clear-QAM tuners
• HP Visual Fidelity Engine for clear picture and natural colors
• Plays your music, pictures, and video from a PC in your house directly on the HDTV
• Direct access to online media including on-demand movies from CinemaNow, photos from Snapfish, and music from Live365 radio
• Integrated Microsoft Windows Media Center Extender functionality
• Backlit universal remote control
• Redesigned speakers
• 2000:1 contrast ratio
• Built-in wired and wireless networking with support for 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Three HDMI ports
• 6 ms response time
• 3D Digital Comb Filter
• 3D Color Enrichment
• Video Noise Reduction
• 3:2 pulldown
• Motion Adaptive Deinterlacer
• 2 speakers totaling 20 watts of power

These new MediaSmart LCD HDTV’s will be available in the spring of 2008. The 42 inch model will have an MSRP of $1899.99 while the 47 inch model will have an MSRP of $2399.99

Technorati Tags: HP, MediaSmart LCD HDTV, SL4282N, SL4782N

HP introduced their new HP MediaSmart Receiver x280N at CES 2008. The MediaSmart Receiver plays music, photos, and video from any Windows-based PC in your home onto your HDTV set. This unit is designed for use on any HDTV set – not just HP branded LCD TVs. What’s particularly cool about the x280N is the inclusion of Windows Media Center Extender technology as well as the HP Pocket Media Drive bay (as previously announced by Bill Gates at the pre-keynote speech). This is primarily HP’s way of adding MediaSmart technology to non-HP branded television sets.

With Extender for Windows Media Center integrated in, you can use the x280N as a way to enjoy the Media Center user interface from anywhere in your home. You can watch live or pre-recorded television content and access all of your digital content from the receiver.

The HP Pocket Media Drive Bay allows you to directly access content stored in mass-storage media.

The HP MediaSmart Receiver automatically aggregates and displays content from all connected PC’s or media servers on your home network and not just a single server.

Other features include:

• Support for 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless networking
• Support for the following digital media:
• JPEG, BMP, GIF, and PNG digital images
• WMA, WMA-Pro, WAV, AAC, and MP3 music
• MPEG-2 MP@ML, MPEG2 MP@HL, DivX, Windows Media Video, H.264, and WMV-HD video
• HDMI, Component and analog and digital audio outputs

The MediaSmart receiver is housed in a black, high gloss exterior with an HP exclusive “Zen” imprint pattern. It also comes with a universal remote control.

Other specs include:

• 720p (60Hz) 1080i video output
• 1 HDMI out, 1 component out, 1 stereo analog audio out, 1 optical out, 2 USB ports, 1 HP Pocket Media Drive Bay
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi support
• Support for WMP11, UPnP, and DLNA compliant servers
• Measures 9.5 x 9.5 x 1.8 inches and weighs 3.5 lbs

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: HP MediaSmart Receiver x280N

Standalone Media Center Extenders are still alive thank you very much! – at least with Linksys that is. The company is rolling out two new third generation MCX systems in the form of the DMA 2100 and the DMA 2200. Both Media Center Extenders feature:

• Ethernet ports
• Dual-band Wireless-N support
• Support for up to 1080p displays
• Component output or HDCP enabled HDMI connectors

Here’s the more interesting doozy about these Media Center Extenders. MCX boxes have only had video decoders that supported Microsoft supported formats – a.k.a. MPEG1/2, and WMV. These new Linksys boxes also come with codec support for XviD finally. Nice! Of course, you still won’t be seeing this kind of codec support on the Xbox 360 anytime soon but at least you have another option now.

The DMA 2200 takes the capabilities of the DMA 2100 and adds a 720p/1080i upscaling DVD player to the package. The DMA 2100 will cost you £199 while the DMA 2200 will run you £229. Both should be available this month.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Linksys, Windows Media Center Extender, DMA 2100, DMA 2200