Zune Remote Control with Windows Media Center
Using the Zune remote control is as easy as changing a registry value. Now you will still need to have a IR receiver on your computer. If you already have a media center remote then you most likely have one. The plus to using the Zune remote is its simple layout. If you just want to pull up a playlist or watch a video it’s all the remote you need. The directions are below. Going into the registry can be dangerous. Probably want to make a backup before making changes.
Open the registry. Scroll down to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\HidIr\Remotes\745a17a0-74d3-11d0-b6fe-00a0c90f57da
Find the REG_DWORD named CodeSetNum0 and change the value to Zero. Reboot the PC and enjoy.
(via Lifehacker)
Popcorn Hour A-200 Review
The Popcorn Hour A-200 is the latest media streamer they offer. It offers faster processor, more RAM and more flash memory over the previous model. At $179 it has the same hardware as the $300 C-200. The C-200 has a LCD, which is bad, and HDD quick dock but I feel the A-200 is the better buy. MediaSmartServer.net has a review of the A-200. The biggest pro with the Popcorn Hour units is media format playback. They can play almost anything you throw at it. There is also a new Flash UI that is coming to A-200 and the C-200.
Use vmcMote to Control Windows Media Center
vmcMote is a iPhone/iPod Touch app that allows you to control Windows Media Center. It’s available in the iTunes store for $7.99 or a lite version for free. I would always try out the free versions first to test things out. It has some built-in functionality for queuing up media but also has a remote pad to completely navigate around Windows Media Center. The video below from TheDigitalLifestyle gives a overview of how the app works.
Xbox to HTPC Hacks
If you’re like me you still have a old Xbox laying around. I don’t use it but after reading over the Xbox to HTPC hacks at hackaday, I’m thinking I need to do something with it. While XBMC isn’t going to give you everything in a media center, it will give you a great look and the ability to stream SD content. HD audio and video isn’t possible for a number of reason on the xbox but the biggest reason is power of the unit. It’s still great for SD though. I have over 200 DVDs ripped to my Windows Home Server that the Xbox could take advantage of. Even if you don’t have a Xbox, you can find them cheap and load XBMC to have a cheap media center.
Zune HD Gets a Price Drop
Looks like Amazon is giving a little price break on the Zune HD models. It’s $30 to $40 off depending on model. While I haven’t had the luxury of using the new Zunes, wish I could, I have heard many good things about them. If you’re in the market for a MP3 player you can save some money.
S1Digital Released a 100 Disc Blu-Ray Changer for Windows Media Center
If you have a lot of Blu-Ray discs than the 100 disc changer from S1Digital might be for you. It works with Windows Media Center and Windows Home Server. It can even rip your Blu-Ray discs for you. The cool thing is it does one after another until it’s finished with them all. That would be a huge time saver. Something like this isn’t cheap, at $1500. If you have a lot of other S1Digital gear than that might not seem like a lot.
Press release below:
S1DIGITAL INTRODUCES FIRST BLU-RAY DISC CHANGER FULLY INTEGRATED WITH MEDIA CENTER
S1Digital continues to grow its digital entertainment ecosystem with the introduction of a Blu-ray Disc Changer.
Rochelle Park, NJ – February 3, 2010 – S1Digital, the leader in digital entertainment solutions, today announced the launch of the S1Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer. The changer can hold 100 discs and seamlessly integrates with any S1Digital Entertainment Server or Media Center.
When connected to an S1Digital Media Center or any third party Microsoft Windows 7 or Vista PC that includes media center, customers are able to load up to 100 Blu-ray and/or DVD movies into the S1Digital Bly-ray Disc Changer. Using the included playback software, each disc will be scanned and metadata and cover-art automatically downloaded to the server. Once catalogued, users can view more information about the movie, or watch the movie by selecting the appropriate cover-art, which is all available on the familiar and easy-to-use media center interface. The changer is simple to use and enables almost instant access to movies without having to physically find and load each movie. (This feature is coming soon).
“No other solution currently on the market integrates a Blu-ray changer with media center,” said Paul Heitlinger, President of S1Digital. “For customers that want instant and direct access to their movie discs, this is the only solution.”
When connected to an S1Digital Entertainment Server or any third party Windows Home Server, customers can automatically archive their Blu-ray, DVD and CD discs to the server*. With the included software, every movie and audio disc will automatically be stored on the hard drive, catalogued and metadata and cover-art will be downloaded. As each movie or album is stored, it is immediately available on the customer’s home network from any S1Digital Media Center (or other PCs and certain media streaming devices) for playback.
“A typical Blu-ray disc can take an hour or more to archive,” continues Paul Heitlinger. “With our solution, you simply load up the changer and hit go. You don’t have to load each disc one by one. The changer will automatically move from disc to disc so customers don’t have to worry about spending days manually storing movies and music.”
The S1Digital Blu-ray Disc Changer is currently shipping and available for an MSRP of $1499 from http://www.s1digital.com/S1Digital_Blu_ray_disc_changer_p/bdc.htm.
Dealer and reseller enquiries are welcome by contacting
For more information on S1Digital, visit http://www.s1digital.com/
* Non copy protected discs only
DirecTV App for Android
DirecTV released their DVR scheduler app for Android. I used it last night to set my DVR to record Lost from my Droid. The interface is very similar to the iPhone app but not quite as polished. The iPhone app has a little more time to mature. It’s a great start and I’m happy to have it. Searching and setting shows to record is easier than using the DVR box itself. Just go to the Android Market and search for DirecTV.
Photo from DBSTalk
Nexus One Gets Multitouch from Google
Google released a update for the Nexus One to give it multitouch capabilities. While I think is is awesome that it came to Android, I wish my Droid would get that update. The video below is showing some of the new multitouch features.
Video: The Incredible Apple Keynote
There is a reason why there is so much excitement surrounding Apple keynotes. The video above takes the main parts out the keynote to give you an idea of how Apple brainwashes you into thinking their products are great, incredible and fantastic. I do like Apple products. I posted about last years video too. I’m glad they keep making them. They are neat to see.
Video: Nokia N900 Running Mac OS X
The video below is of a Nokia N900 running Mac OS X. It’s only 10.3 and it runs extremely slowly. It took 1.5 hours to reach the about this mac screen. But this is the type of project that is just cool to do. It is running PearPC emulator that he compiled for Maemo 5. It goes along with my post about Android running on the N900.
(via SlashGear)
