Tag Archives: htpc

Raspbmc’s June build brings a slew of tweaks: cloud backups and more coming in July

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The Raspberry Pi-focused XBMC port Raspbmc's June changelog is a lengthy one. Among the changes are new settings, new skins, support for the Stealth Nighthawk F117A device and changes to make booting up faster, among many other things. Getting this month's update should only require rebooting one's Raspberry Pi, and a few new mirrors that have joined the network should make downloading the updated software even faster. That's not all however, because the July update is promising Linux kernel updates, Raspbmc "Cloud" features with automatic settings backup / restore across multiple devices and an unspecified "special announcement."

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Source: Raspbmc

Plex updates Media Server software and highlights PlexConnect Apple TV client hack

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Plex adds multiuser support and more to Media Server, highlights Apple TV client hack

The team behind the Plex media playback package seems to rarely rest, and has most recently pushed an update to the server end of the software. Now up to version 0.9.8 and nearing the lofty 1.0 tag, Plex Media Server is finally offering proper multiuser support, giving each user their own view state. That means your kids can have their own account, for example, with access to only certain silos of content. Even better, the Web, iOS, Android and Roku clients are already prepared for this, and the others are getting updates soon, although it's currently only enabled for PlexPass subscribers. Also new is a "now playing" status which carries more importance thanks to the previously mentioned multiuser feature, all viewable through Plex/Web or accessible via the API. The last major change is that it can create video index file that drops in thumbnails for each section of a video. That enables image previews while navigating on the Roku, and thumbnails of progress in that new now playing feature.

On the client end, the Plex blog highlighted an interesting project called PlexConnect which runs on the Apple TV. While that's not new by itself, the twist here is that it works on Apple TV second and even third generation boxes without the need for a jailbreak. This bit of magic is apparently achieved by spoofing Apple's Trailer app, which means it requires firmware 5.0 or higher to work. It doesn't have all the features of other clients (yet) and it will require a bit of Terminal know-how to get running, but there's plenty of information in the wiki to get you started.

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Source: Plex Media Server, PlexConnect

ASUS announces VivoPC home theater PC packing Windows 8, 802.11ac WiFi

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During a chock-a-block event at Computex 2013, ASUS just announced the VivoPC, a compact Windows 8-based home theater PC that can also double as your primary desktop. It'll let you stream HD video via a newfangled 802.11ac WiFi connection, and has a similar spun metal design to the freshly announced VivoMouse. The mini-PC will also feature ASUS's SonicMaster audio, but that's all we know so far in terms of specs -- of course, as soon as we find out such minor details as, say, processor, RAM and storage, we'll update you right here.

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KDE releases first version of Plasma Media Center

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KDE releases first version of Plasma Media Center

Linux devotees need media too, don'tcha know? Designed to cater to "media enthusiasts," Plasma Media Center has been released today for those looking to place photos, videos and audio clips on the highest pedestal. The build (v1.0.0) was crafted on Plasma and KDE technologies, and as you might expect, it aims to deliver a "unified media experience on PCs, tablets, networks, TVs and any other device capable of running KDE." PMC can be used to view images, play music or watch videos, and developers are free to create custom plugins for the software as well. The release -- as well as installation guides for Ubuntu and Fedora -- are housed in the read link, and if you're willing to give it a go, let us know how it turns out in comments below.

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Via: Slashdot

Source: KDE

Plex client project for Raspberry Pi gets a fresh update and its own site to call home

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Plex client project for Raspberry Pi gets a fresh update and its own site to call home

RasPlex is not the only HTPC software project aimed at the Raspberry Pi (also see Raspbmc, OpenELEC or PyPlex), but it is trying to leverage the Plex Media Server to become the best option. As detailed on the "Why Rasplex?" section of its new website, Plex's client/server model lends itself to handling video streams that might otherwise not be supported by the Pi's lightweight ARM CPU, as well as (once it's out of beta) access a number of additional apps and features. Its creator celebrated Pi day yesterday by launching a new site for the project, and even has plans for custom cases to make mounting your $35 media PC in the living room easier to do. Hit the source links to download the latest update, version 0.1.27 or just get more information.

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Source: RasPlex.com

MediaPortal 1.3 exits beta with official Windows 8 support, revamped skins

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MediaPortal 1.3 exits beta with official Windows 8 support, revamped skins

MediaPortal 1.3 is throwing its hat in the air today after graduating from beta to full release status. The Titan skin intended for 1080p widescreen displays has made the final version with plug-in support, but don't worry if it doesn't fit your style or screen, as the default skins have also been refined. UI themes and settings can be easily modified for deeper personalization, and you can now highlight shows in the TV guide to better plan your evening's entertainment. Unencrypted Blu-Rays will work in the native player (with the right decoder) and several improvements have been made to video playback and the bundled codec library. MediaPortal settings can be configured more easily in 1.3 and the "My Videos" section has picked up some new features. Finally, 1.3 adds official Windows 8 support, although the team admits there may be some bugs that remain undiscovered. If MediaPortal is your HTPC software of choice, you might want to check out the complete changelog at the source link, where you'll also find installation instructions if you wanna cut straight to the hands-on.

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Source: MediaPortal

Zotac’s StreamBox and RAIDbox build upon the ZBOX’s HTPC pedigree

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Zotac's StreamBox and RAIDbox

Zotac has this media-friendly SFF computer thing pretty much nailed. For years the company has been churning out ever smaller machines purpose built for living rooms and media servers. The StreamBox and RAIDbox aren't standalone computers, but accessories that build on the home theater capabilities of their ZBOX PCs. The StreamBox pushes content to your TV from a laptop, Android smartphone or tablet using DLNA or Miracast for mirroring your portable's display. In addition to the 10/100 Ethernet jack and dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n radios, there's also a USB port on board for connecting external storage devices. What kind of storage devices, you ask? Well, how about the USB 3.0 RAIDbox that was unveiled alongside the StreamBox. The box itself doesn't ship with any drives inside, but you can slip in a pair of mSATA SSDs and it wont even require an external power supply. Sadly, the really important details like price and availability haven't been announced, but you can still read the PR after the break.

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Via: Tom's Hardware

Source: Zotac 1, 2

Samsung HomeSync: One Box to Rule All Set-Top Boxes?

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From HTPCs to set-top boxes, there are plenty of devices that you need to make your home theater system work better. I definitely like the sound of the Samsung HomeSync, since it will combine several devices into a single one.

samsung homesync google tv media

While the Samsung HomeSync won’t replace your cable or satellite box, it could certainly replace an HTPC or any other media server you’ve got plugged into your home theater system. The HomeSync combines Google TV with a media server that has a 1TB hard drive, Internet access through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, and runs Android Jelly Bean. It also has access to the Google Play Store. It has a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of additional flash memory. It supports 1080p HD over HDMI with HDCP, USB 3.0, and optical-out audio.

samsung homesync google tv media specs

The price for the Samsung HomeSync hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s expected to be released in April 2013.

[via Ubergizmo]

Project Ayr: The Art Deco HTPC

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Many people have a home theater PC sitting right next to their HDTVs. It’s not always the best-looking solution to manage your media, but oftentimes it’s the most functional. There’s no reason why your HTPC should look ugly. Check out this awesome design that Jeffrey Stephenson came up with.

project ayr fanless htpc

Project Ayr is a fanless home theater PC that’s encased in an Art Deco-inspired mahogany shell. It’s definitely a nice retro style case and would look great sitting in your living room. Inside the wooden case, which has an aluminum frame, there’s an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, an Intel Cherryville SSD, 150W Pico PSU and an illuminated Silverstone HE02 passive heatsink, which occupies the majority of the case, and is cleverly integrated into the design.

project ayr fanless htpc back 300x250 project ayr fanless htpc side 300x250 project ayr fanless htpc size 300x250

Jeffery states that his custom design is “a solid state, fanless, no-moving-parts, dead silent home theater PC,” cutting down on the drone of fans while Jeff watches his favorite movies.

[Jeffery Stephenson via Engadget]

Arctic Slashes the Price for the MC 001-XBMC Home Theater Computer

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We've talked about Arctic products several times on the site over the years. Typically were talking about computer mice, speakers, and other small items. That's not all Arctic makes, the company also...