Recent Comments:
Engadget HD Podcast 160 - 10.20.2009 {Engadget HD}
Oct 22nd 2009 6:23PM I have a question related to the SSD discussion. For better performance for a Media Center PC would you recommend installing the OS on a single large drive, like a 1.5 to 2 terabyte drive, and using that same drive to store all your recorded TV, or would it be better to install the OS on a smaller drive, like 320 GB, and have a separate large drive for recorded TV? I worry that if I use one large drive that when it fills to capacity that the performance of the OS will be hampered. I have also heard rumors that large capacity drives are more likely to fail and if I had a smaller drive with the OS, I could at least play back the TV backed up to my home server, and not be totally out of the game like I would be with one large drive if it fails.
Engadget HD Podcast 157 - 09.29.2009 {Engadget HD}
Sep 29th 2009 6:48PM I am not a programmer so hopefully someone can help me out. Would it be impossible to create a media center plugin that would let you choose a TV show (within the Media Center interface) with an option to send to Zune, using DVRMS toolbox or other software to make the conversion in the background and place it in the Zune folder? Also could you make a strip called "Zune" which would let you browse all of your purchased or downloaded Zune content? Thanks.
Zune Marketplace HD videos will play on Extenders for Media Center {Engadget HD}
Sep 15th 2009 9:13PM So does anyone know if Zune Pass music downloads show up in the music section in MC and will play? I have a Zune but no Zune Pass to test it out.
Zune Marketplace HD videos will play on Extenders for Media Center {Engadget HD}
Sep 15th 2009 7:14PM I was really hoping Zune 4.0 would add some plugin to Media Center but my hopes were not too high considering they did not show off anything at Cedia. I think if they just added zune playlist support I would be satisfied for now. The fact that purchased shows will playback in MC is encouraging though.
Ben did you ask anyone at the Microsoft booth about why the Zune software does not interface with Media Center at all or did you figure it would be a waste of breath?
Zune HD unboxing and hands-on {Engadget}
Sep 15th 2009 1:57AM So Josh are saying it does integrate with media center or your assuming? Please let it be true!!!
Video: Sony 400 disc Blu-ray changer with Gracenote in action {Engadget HD}
Sep 13th 2009 12:55PM Another piece of equipment....like.....a Media Center PC???
CE-Oh no he didn't! Part LXII: Steve Ballmer publicly ridicules Microsoft employee with iPhone, threatens to smash it {Engadget}
Sep 11th 2009 7:10AM Thankfully my crap WM phone allows me to stream my Slingbox over 3G and turn my phone's 3G signal into a portable wireless router as well as self replace my battery when it finally dies. "Outdated" would probably be a better term then "crap". All I can say is bring on WM7 with the Zune HD interface, which is probably the phone Ballmer uses.
Engadget HD Podcast 154 - 09.10.2009 {Engadget HD}
Sep 10th 2009 6:47PM I really think Ben is underestimating the value of the lack of OEM requirement for Cablecard. Before yesterday I would never consider recommending Media Center to family and friends but with this change I would strongly consider it. #1 reason: Not only do you not have to buy an extremely expensive computer from an OEM, you don't have to buy a computer at all in most cases, only a Windows 7 upgrade. #2 reason: With increased competition from companies like Ceton, tuner prices will come down and you will be able to buy them at Newegg, Amazon, and Bestbuy which makes them more readily available to Joe six pack which they were not before.#3: You don't have to hack it. I know you don't seem to think this is a big deal but to the not so technically inclined it is. I consider myself an enthusiast and have never considered the hack because hacks are time consuming, not supported and are often buggy. My machine needs to be rock solid.#4: This makes MC much more competitive and on par with Tivo. Now you can buy a small form factor PC like a ASrock Ion 330, get a cablecard tuner and your set. Plus unlike Tivo you can do multiroom with extenders, and NO monthly fee!! #5: Many people already have all the pieces of the puzzle except the CC Tuner: PC, Xbox 360, & cable service. Many only use the cable box because it allows them to get premium content and thats it. Now it will no longer be a limitation.
The best HD sports on TV this week {Engadget HD}
Sep 3rd 2009 5:43PM Football definitely rules in HD. The first HD footage I ever saw was a looped video of a football game at RC Willey about 10 years ago and have been in love with HD ever since.
S1Digital adds networked CableCARD tuners to its media server {Engadget HD}
Aug 26th 2009 4:20PM From Ben's description I would say yes. I was really hoping this would be a preview to a general softsled announcement, but such is life with media center.
