http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:39:04 +0000 MyBB http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Beautiful-Widgets Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:27:28 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Beautiful-Widgets
Got this yesterday after a tip off on a Youtube video of it.

It's a great addition to the Android home screen and well worth the £1.40 (first one I've bought and didn't realise you get given 24hrs to press the 'uninstall and get refund' button if you don't like it)

Essentially it creates an HTC Sense UI style clock and weather on the home screen but with a nice weather full screen pop-up and weather animations across the screen when unlocking the phone. Great eye-candy! You can also download skins for the clock of which there are currently plenty.


Search the Android Market for Beautiful Widget

[attachment=193]

What's this? Download a QR Scanner app from the Market (free) and then point your phone at this barcode to easily read links.]]>
Got this yesterday after a tip off on a Youtube video of it.

It's a great addition to the Android home screen and well worth the £1.40 (first one I've bought and didn't realise you get given 24hrs to press the 'uninstall and get refund' button if you don't like it)

Essentially it creates an HTC Sense UI style clock and weather on the home screen but with a nice weather full screen pop-up and weather animations across the screen when unlocking the phone. Great eye-candy! You can also download skins for the clock of which there are currently plenty.


Search the Android Market for Beautiful Widget

[attachment=193]

What's this? Download a QR Scanner app from the Market (free) and then point your phone at this barcode to easily read links.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-HulloMail Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:20:25 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-HulloMail
However theres a free service and app for Android and iOS called HulloMail.

You download the app and sign up with an account for free then it places a contact on your phone (iOS) or a shortcut on the app itself (Android) for you to enable conditional diverts to their Voicemail service.

They redeem a fee through the diverted call, but if your contract includes it, then its part of your included minutes making it essentially free.

The app then alerts you to new voicemails and allows you to play them independently off the phone through their app, just like O2's visual Voicemail. Great!

Only caveat is that while it works flawlessly on the iphone, it seems slow on Android at the moment. Although it is better than Vodafones standard voicemail as it doesn't read out an automated instruction on how to edit your message after playing your own recorded one (which annoys the hell out of me!).]]>
However theres a free service and app for Android and iOS called HulloMail.

You download the app and sign up with an account for free then it places a contact on your phone (iOS) or a shortcut on the app itself (Android) for you to enable conditional diverts to their Voicemail service.

They redeem a fee through the diverted call, but if your contract includes it, then its part of your included minutes making it essentially free.

The app then alerts you to new voicemails and allows you to play them independently off the phone through their app, just like O2's visual Voicemail. Great!

Only caveat is that while it works flawlessly on the iphone, it seems slow on Android at the moment. Although it is better than Vodafones standard voicemail as it doesn't read out an automated instruction on how to edit your message after playing your own recorded one (which annoys the hell out of me!).]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Ceiling-Speakers Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:02:05 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Ceiling-Speakers
I am looking into ceiling speakers (like a lot of you) and I am looking for some that will do:

Frequency Response less than 50Hz - 20kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Power about 50W
Preferably directional tweeter

The problem I have is that I am on a budget and need about 5 pairs (ideally) of mono speakers. The cheap ones are generally crap and the good ones are very expensive!

I have seen some like this:

http://www.cybermarket.co.uk/ishop/923/shopscr6085.html
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6x-AV-link-952-542...51903a60fc

Which on paper seem to do everything I want, but how do I know if they sound good or not? (I know the answer is probably take a risk and try them, but wondered if anyone else had used them)

Does anyone have any recommendations?

It would be nice to get a list of good (and bad) speakers here for everyone to use ]]>
I am looking into ceiling speakers (like a lot of you) and I am looking for some that will do:

Frequency Response less than 50Hz - 20kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Power about 50W
Preferably directional tweeter

The problem I have is that I am on a budget and need about 5 pairs (ideally) of mono speakers. The cheap ones are generally crap and the good ones are very expensive!

I have seen some like this:

http://www.cybermarket.co.uk/ishop/923/shopscr6085.html
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6x-AV-link-952-542...51903a60fc

Which on paper seem to do everything I want, but how do I know if they sound good or not? (I know the answer is probably take a risk and try them, but wondered if anyone else had used them)

Does anyone have any recommendations?

It would be nice to get a list of good (and bad) speakers here for everyone to use ]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-DIY-Freesat Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:53:20 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-DIY-Freesat
Freesat (or just plain old satellite) is far better as the whole of the UK is fed by just one satellite (Astra @ 28.2East). Everything satellite-based comes from it (Sky included, although those Sky only channels are encrypted of course) so it has just one set of frequencies and just requires a standard minidish for 99% of the UK.

So for those wanting a DIY satellite upgrade you can easily get it up and running for about £50.

First, a satellite. Ebay for one and you can get them for about £25 inc LNB and fixings. The LNB is what feeds each tuner, so a quad will run upto 4 tuners in the home. Above that comes Octo output LNBs meant for feeding multi-occupancy residences etc. (although I think it has to feed an 8 input dist amp for breakdown of the frequencies, or something like that). You can't split or amplify the signal. It has to run direct from the LNB to tuner. You will also need a fair bit of coax and F-type connectors (best way to connect lengths of co-ax without signal loss.)

Zone 1 minidishes (Sky type) are 45cm across and meant for people south of Manchester or thereabouts. Zone 2 are 60cm across and for north of the divide especially Scotland. I'm in the south but opted for a Zone 2 as the Zone1s can have poor reception in bad weather or when pointing through trees etc.

This Zone1 is damn cheap.

Fix it on the wall pointing clear of any obstacles (although they work pointing through certain obstacles) to the Astra satellite @ 28.2E. Map guide here. It doesn't have to be too high up. Look around your street for other examples of Sky installers although they tend to be quick 'n easy fixes that are so lazily installed it's shocking! Take pride in yours!

Don't bother with a £3 dish finder off ebay as they will just show any satellite signal and there are hundreds up there (perhaps even thousands). The best guide is by eye then use the signal meter in whatever you intend to receive it through (Hauppauge WinTV has a percentage scale 0% - 100%, Media Center has a 5 bar meter). My signals at 99% 'cos tightening the bolts on the dish created about 0.5mm movement in it losing me 1% signal. Bastard bolts! Anything above 80% is adequate I believe.

Next up, satellite card for PC. The cheapest is the Compro VideoMate S350. I have 2 in my home. One in the kitchen, one in the lounge. They perform great but aren't DVB-S2 which will be a must in a few years time. But for £22 it will do for now to give you an idea of Freesat.

Er, and that's it. The card sends volts down the co-ax to power the LNB so do all your fitting with it powered down or you could short it out knackering your card.

Sit back and enjoy all 2 channels of HD (ahem) and 350 channels of shopping and community information. Brilliant.

Here's my bad-boy (I spent a bit more an a branded LNB but I needn't have bothered!):

]]>
Freesat (or just plain old satellite) is far better as the whole of the UK is fed by just one satellite (Astra @ 28.2East). Everything satellite-based comes from it (Sky included, although those Sky only channels are encrypted of course) so it has just one set of frequencies and just requires a standard minidish for 99% of the UK.

So for those wanting a DIY satellite upgrade you can easily get it up and running for about £50.

First, a satellite. Ebay for one and you can get them for about £25 inc LNB and fixings. The LNB is what feeds each tuner, so a quad will run upto 4 tuners in the home. Above that comes Octo output LNBs meant for feeding multi-occupancy residences etc. (although I think it has to feed an 8 input dist amp for breakdown of the frequencies, or something like that). You can't split or amplify the signal. It has to run direct from the LNB to tuner. You will also need a fair bit of coax and F-type connectors (best way to connect lengths of co-ax without signal loss.)

Zone 1 minidishes (Sky type) are 45cm across and meant for people south of Manchester or thereabouts. Zone 2 are 60cm across and for north of the divide especially Scotland. I'm in the south but opted for a Zone 2 as the Zone1s can have poor reception in bad weather or when pointing through trees etc.

This Zone1 is damn cheap.

Fix it on the wall pointing clear of any obstacles (although they work pointing through certain obstacles) to the Astra satellite @ 28.2E. Map guide here. It doesn't have to be too high up. Look around your street for other examples of Sky installers although they tend to be quick 'n easy fixes that are so lazily installed it's shocking! Take pride in yours!

Don't bother with a £3 dish finder off ebay as they will just show any satellite signal and there are hundreds up there (perhaps even thousands). The best guide is by eye then use the signal meter in whatever you intend to receive it through (Hauppauge WinTV has a percentage scale 0% - 100%, Media Center has a 5 bar meter). My signals at 99% 'cos tightening the bolts on the dish created about 0.5mm movement in it losing me 1% signal. Bastard bolts! Anything above 80% is adequate I believe.

Next up, satellite card for PC. The cheapest is the Compro VideoMate S350. I have 2 in my home. One in the kitchen, one in the lounge. They perform great but aren't DVB-S2 which will be a must in a few years time. But for £22 it will do for now to give you an idea of Freesat.

Er, and that's it. The card sends volts down the co-ax to power the LNB so do all your fitting with it powered down or you could short it out knackering your card.

Sit back and enjoy all 2 channels of HD (ahem) and 350 channels of shopping and community information. Brilliant.

Here's my bad-boy (I spent a bit more an a branded LNB but I needn't have bothered!):

]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-upgrade-or-buy-new Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:48:53 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-upgrade-or-buy-new

It became clear that the original graphics card isn't up to the job of HD playback and it'll need more RAM.

more info: http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/DHE1000.htm

The case is a nightmare to use, so i've every intension of replacing it for a tower unit.

It runs an Intel Pentium 4 630 Prescott (3.00 Ghz) single core processor.

The mobo and fan would need changing as they're fitted into the case and its an all-round nightmare to work within the case to get stuff out.

would you guys upgrade this machine? or keep it as a spare, and build another PC?? since i was intending on changing the mobo and fan and case anyway, would you guys bother throwing anymore money at this processor, or get something newer??
, possibly something like this spec...


your views are greatly appreciated guys, thanks in advance.

Mike]]>

It became clear that the original graphics card isn't up to the job of HD playback and it'll need more RAM.

more info: http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/DHE1000.htm

The case is a nightmare to use, so i've every intension of replacing it for a tower unit.

It runs an Intel Pentium 4 630 Prescott (3.00 Ghz) single core processor.

The mobo and fan would need changing as they're fitted into the case and its an all-round nightmare to work within the case to get stuff out.

would you guys upgrade this machine? or keep it as a spare, and build another PC?? since i was intending on changing the mobo and fan and case anyway, would you guys bother throwing anymore money at this processor, or get something newer??
, possibly something like this spec...


your views are greatly appreciated guys, thanks in advance.

Mike]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-How-to-tweak-the-database Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:12:37 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-How-to-tweak-the-database
Using W7 WMC for TV after several years with MyTheatre, which I loved.

I live in a area (Wimborne) that gets many duplicated channels (ie BBC from IOW and WEST)

Depending on the weather, half the duplicates break up and I simply want to delete them. GLOBALLY! Not go through every channel and work out which is the bad one.

I would also like to backup the database, and get inside it to tweak things.

I cant even find it and open it using standard JET tools.

Any guidance? I also have supplementary questions ]]>
Using W7 WMC for TV after several years with MyTheatre, which I loved.

I live in a area (Wimborne) that gets many duplicated channels (ie BBC from IOW and WEST)

Depending on the weather, half the duplicates break up and I simply want to delete them. GLOBALLY! Not go through every channel and work out which is the bad one.

I would also like to backup the database, and get inside it to tweak things.

I cant even find it and open it using standard JET tools.

Any guidance? I also have supplementary questions ]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Turn-Your-Android-Phone-into-a-Remote-Control-for-Your-PC Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:34:58 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Turn-Your-Android-Phone-into-a-Remote-Control-for-Your-PC Hopefully I get to order my SGS tomorrow

Would you like to play media files or use your PC by remote control? Here’s how you can turn your Android phone into a remote control with GMote 2.0.


http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/22506/tur...r-your-pc/]]> Hopefully I get to order my SGS tomorrow

Would you like to play media files or use your PC by remote control? Here’s how you can turn your Android phone into a remote control with GMote 2.0.


http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/22506/tur...r-your-pc/]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Contol-HDMI-and-Amp-questions-Please-help-me-from-going-mad Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:07:08 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Contol-HDMI-and-Amp-questions-Please-help-me-from-going-mad I have started mapping out my ideal install, with the mind to run all the cables required to all the rooms for this and keep adding one bit at a time until one day it is complete (though we all know this will never happen, there is always something new to add or replace). Anyway this is how far I have gotten at the moment:

These are the sources I am looking at for the various zones:

Lounge:
TV
Music

Dining Room:
Music

Kitchen:
Touchscreen PC
Music

Garden:
Music

Bathroom:
Music

Master Bedroom:
TV
Music

Bedroom 2:
TV
Music

Bedroom 3 (Future planning for when/if we move ever, second child at some point)
TV
Music

Study (though this will probably all be accessed through the pc):
PC
Music
TV

There will be a TV display in all the locations for TV and 2 x celling speakers for all music locations. The exception to this rule is the lounge where there will be 5.1 surround sound via a Denon (RS232) amp in the garage with celling or wall speakers. The TV sources will be MC pc for the lounge and extenders for the other rooms. The music source will be several Sonos boxes (some may serve multiple zones).

It will all be controllable via a remote in each room and an iPod touch or iPad (at least everything except the source channel change, pause, play etc.). Though saying that I purchased vmcmote after Dunks mentioned it and it works really well (just don't want to have to slide it open every time to use it). I have been looking at integrating LifeWare or Control4 or something into this (though with the exception of LifeWare, which looks like the best fit so far) it seems you have to buy there bespoke kit, which is very expensive and something I do not want to do. Also thinking about a touchscreen in the hallway by the door to control lighting

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The problem I have at the moment is that I am not sure about controlling it and routing sources?

I have found that Xantech do very good reliable IR distribution. So I thought about looking into getting a Xantech 795-20 zone based IR block:

http://www.xantech.com/Infrared/Infrared...cks/79520/

It will allow me to have 4 zones (which stops cross talk, so when I want to turn the amp up in the lounge, it does do the one in the master bedroom too (assuming it is the same make)). This also allows me to add an RS232 controller and contact, relays to the mix.

Also to integrate it into LifeWare or other IP based control systems you can buy a Global Cache GC-100 network adapter:

http://www.cyberselect.co.uk/range/1223

There is also a Global Cache GC-CGX IR Converter Cable, GC-100 to Xantech, that will allow you to use your iPod touch device to control the IR from the network.

Or would it be best to use an RF remote or some other zone based solution?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The other question I have is when I connect the Sonos boxes to the speakers, I was thinking of having a zone amp? Which one do I ago for? The Russound and Nuvo ones seem to come with their own system. It would need to do stereo and provide eight zones (The lounge will use the amp that it has) and allow in at least 4 the ability to switch between 2 sources (Sonos and MC extender).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also I would like to plan for (future expansion) a matrix switch for HDMI? This is so that if I was to get SKY HD or some other source i could watch it around the house. Also I quite like the thought of being able to pause the source downstairs and retire to the bedroom and finish of watching it from where it left off? (Currently with the MC extender it is acceptable to just fast forward to the correct place upstairs).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry for rambling on a bit, but this is driving me mad, I seem to be going round in circles asking more questions that answering :) If anyone can help put me straight on a few things that would be great!

P.s. If this should be put seperatly then please let me know.]]> I have started mapping out my ideal install, with the mind to run all the cables required to all the rooms for this and keep adding one bit at a time until one day it is complete (though we all know this will never happen, there is always something new to add or replace). Anyway this is how far I have gotten at the moment:

These are the sources I am looking at for the various zones:

Lounge:
TV
Music

Dining Room:
Music

Kitchen:
Touchscreen PC
Music

Garden:
Music

Bathroom:
Music

Master Bedroom:
TV
Music

Bedroom 2:
TV
Music

Bedroom 3 (Future planning for when/if we move ever, second child at some point)
TV
Music

Study (though this will probably all be accessed through the pc):
PC
Music
TV

There will be a TV display in all the locations for TV and 2 x celling speakers for all music locations. The exception to this rule is the lounge where there will be 5.1 surround sound via a Denon (RS232) amp in the garage with celling or wall speakers. The TV sources will be MC pc for the lounge and extenders for the other rooms. The music source will be several Sonos boxes (some may serve multiple zones).

It will all be controllable via a remote in each room and an iPod touch or iPad (at least everything except the source channel change, pause, play etc.). Though saying that I purchased vmcmote after Dunks mentioned it and it works really well (just don't want to have to slide it open every time to use it). I have been looking at integrating LifeWare or Control4 or something into this (though with the exception of LifeWare, which looks like the best fit so far) it seems you have to buy there bespoke kit, which is very expensive and something I do not want to do. Also thinking about a touchscreen in the hallway by the door to control lighting

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The problem I have at the moment is that I am not sure about controlling it and routing sources?

I have found that Xantech do very good reliable IR distribution. So I thought about looking into getting a Xantech 795-20 zone based IR block:

http://www.xantech.com/Infrared/Infrared...cks/79520/

It will allow me to have 4 zones (which stops cross talk, so when I want to turn the amp up in the lounge, it does do the one in the master bedroom too (assuming it is the same make)). This also allows me to add an RS232 controller and contact, relays to the mix.

Also to integrate it into LifeWare or other IP based control systems you can buy a Global Cache GC-100 network adapter:

http://www.cyberselect.co.uk/range/1223

There is also a Global Cache GC-CGX IR Converter Cable, GC-100 to Xantech, that will allow you to use your iPod touch device to control the IR from the network.

Or would it be best to use an RF remote or some other zone based solution?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The other question I have is when I connect the Sonos boxes to the speakers, I was thinking of having a zone amp? Which one do I ago for? The Russound and Nuvo ones seem to come with their own system. It would need to do stereo and provide eight zones (The lounge will use the amp that it has) and allow in at least 4 the ability to switch between 2 sources (Sonos and MC extender).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also I would like to plan for (future expansion) a matrix switch for HDMI? This is so that if I was to get SKY HD or some other source i could watch it around the house. Also I quite like the thought of being able to pause the source downstairs and retire to the bedroom and finish of watching it from where it left off? (Currently with the MC extender it is acceptable to just fast forward to the correct place upstairs).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry for rambling on a bit, but this is driving me mad, I seem to be going round in circles asking more questions that answering :) If anyone can help put me straight on a few things that would be great!

P.s. If this should be put seperatly then please let me know.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-DVD-Fab-7-on-Win-7-accessed-via-Remote-Desktop Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:49:48 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-DVD-Fab-7-on-Win-7-accessed-via-Remote-Desktop
With my tinkering about, I've decided to use the server pc under the stairs to burn DVD's. However, it does not have a keyboard, mouse or monitor attached to it. When I need to do something on there I access it remotely via the Remote Desktop action which works brilliantly when installing software, moving files about etc.

However, I'm having issues using DVDFab 7 on there as when I select the dvd drive it doesn't load the dvd up. Am I missing something, or do you think this is a limitation of Remote Desktop ?

I also use Team Viewer to help my mum & brother out, so may give this a go and see what happens.]]>
With my tinkering about, I've decided to use the server pc under the stairs to burn DVD's. However, it does not have a keyboard, mouse or monitor attached to it. When I need to do something on there I access it remotely via the Remote Desktop action which works brilliantly when installing software, moving files about etc.

However, I'm having issues using DVDFab 7 on there as when I select the dvd drive it doesn't load the dvd up. Am I missing something, or do you think this is a limitation of Remote Desktop ?

I also use Team Viewer to help my mum & brother out, so may give this a go and see what happens.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Budget-I-R-Reciever Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:46:56 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Budget-I-R-Reciever
I'm worried that if i buy another Media center receiver then the harmony will control them both at once, i'm looking at some cheap options on ebay, is this worth it, or is there a better way of doing this?]]>
I'm worried that if i buy another Media center receiver then the harmony will control them both at once, i'm looking at some cheap options on ebay, is this worth it, or is there a better way of doing this?]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-About-to-build-a-WHS-what-do-you-think-of-these-specs Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:19:53 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-About-to-build-a-WHS-what-do-you-think-of-these-specs
I need to backup 3 tb of dvds on my htpc and also the system backups of the htpc and the house laptop.

My spec is as follows

Case - unsure but it will be something cheap with decent airflow and lots of drive space, I dont believe in spending decent money on a case that will not be on show

PSU - Prob going to re-use one I have, cant remember the model but it was a good spec model

Motherboard - Asus P5KPL-AM
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/Asus-P5KP...ro-ATX-VGA

CPU/ram - Dual core I already have with 2 gb of decent ram

Storage drives - 2 x Seagate 2 TB drives
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/2TB-ST3200542AS-SATA-HDD

System Drive

I have a few 500gb drives sat around that I would like to re-use if possible(not needed for storage mind as the 4 tb gives me plenty of headroom - is it worth fitting 2 of these in raid for the system?

I plan to keep the original 3 tb in the htpc and leave duplication off on the WHS as i feel this would give me the best choice of duplication (ie copies of everything on 2 totally seperate systems.

Any sugestions or comments on my plans]]>
I need to backup 3 tb of dvds on my htpc and also the system backups of the htpc and the house laptop.

My spec is as follows

Case - unsure but it will be something cheap with decent airflow and lots of drive space, I dont believe in spending decent money on a case that will not be on show

PSU - Prob going to re-use one I have, cant remember the model but it was a good spec model

Motherboard - Asus P5KPL-AM
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/Asus-P5KP...ro-ATX-VGA

CPU/ram - Dual core I already have with 2 gb of decent ram

Storage drives - 2 x Seagate 2 TB drives
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/2TB-ST3200542AS-SATA-HDD

System Drive

I have a few 500gb drives sat around that I would like to re-use if possible(not needed for storage mind as the 4 tb gives me plenty of headroom - is it worth fitting 2 of these in raid for the system?

I plan to keep the original 3 tb in the htpc and leave duplication off on the WHS as i feel this would give me the best choice of duplication (ie copies of everything on 2 totally seperate systems.

Any sugestions or comments on my plans]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Time-to-upgrade Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:57:22 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Time-to-upgrade artical sent through my inbox.
Sounds like its an easy upgrade, the manufactures want us to spend more money again.]]> artical sent through my inbox.
Sounds like its an easy upgrade, the manufactures want us to spend more money again.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-BlackGold-BGT3595-In-Stock Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:41:49 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-BlackGold-BGT3595-In-Stock ):

http://shop.blackgold.tv/epages/BT3159.s...ts/BGT3595

I am really considering buying one, it has everything I want and is Black Gold, which if there other products are anything to go by rock! Has anyone else seen or used this in the field?]]> ):

http://shop.blackgold.tv/epages/BT3159.s...ts/BGT3595

I am really considering buying one, it has everything I want and is Black Gold, which if there other products are anything to go by rock! Has anyone else seen or used this in the field?]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-USB-to-TCP-IP-Network Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:29:58 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-USB-to-TCP-IP-Network
I stumbled across this today:

http://www.sharkoon.com/html/produkte/ne...ex_en.html

Thought it might be worth mentioning to everyone. I have not used it but it is a device that can convert USB into TCP/IP (network) device. It has so many features I can think of, you can install this in the house and use it for your SD card reader, or external storage, maybe even Blu-ray drive, not sure if it would cope with that, but just maybe.

We have an Anywhere USB device at work that I am using, which cost over £300 last time I bought one for work Too much for home use! Were this is only £40.]]>
I stumbled across this today:

http://www.sharkoon.com/html/produkte/ne...ex_en.html

Thought it might be worth mentioning to everyone. I have not used it but it is a device that can convert USB into TCP/IP (network) device. It has so many features I can think of, you can install this in the house and use it for your SD card reader, or external storage, maybe even Blu-ray drive, not sure if it would cope with that, but just maybe.

We have an Anywhere USB device at work that I am using, which cost over £300 last time I bought one for work Too much for home use! Were this is only £40.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-change-of-plan-to-my-house-adding-WHS-and-have-some-questions Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:46:55 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-change-of-plan-to-my-house-adding-WHS-and-have-some-questions right, after the last year with WHS sat in its case I have finally decided to bite the bullet and change my house system around to hopefully maximise the MCE/WHS experience.

The plan is to have 1 WHS pc running 24/7, 1 HTPC which will run the main tv and handle scheduled recordings, 3 x extenders

My questions are,

1) Can i record tv straight from the htpc to the WHS as a network drive? I want to install a 30gb ssd drive on the htpc and no other drives in it and need to record straight to the whs for this to work

2) I have read that WHS will now run the MCE extenders, can anyone confirm what interface this would provide to them (IE Windows 7)? This is key as I still need to be able to use the extenders with the HTPC turned off

3) Using the extenders in this way can I access recorded tv etc from the WHS?

4) Again with the extenders can I access Video_TS movies via Transcode 360 and My Movies3 via WHS?

thanks folks[/align]]]> right, after the last year with WHS sat in its case I have finally decided to bite the bullet and change my house system around to hopefully maximise the MCE/WHS experience.

The plan is to have 1 WHS pc running 24/7, 1 HTPC which will run the main tv and handle scheduled recordings, 3 x extenders

My questions are,

1) Can i record tv straight from the htpc to the WHS as a network drive? I want to install a 30gb ssd drive on the htpc and no other drives in it and need to record straight to the whs for this to work

2) I have read that WHS will now run the MCE extenders, can anyone confirm what interface this would provide to them (IE Windows 7)? This is key as I still need to be able to use the extenders with the HTPC turned off

3) Using the extenders in this way can I access recorded tv etc from the WHS?

4) Again with the extenders can I access Video_TS movies via Transcode 360 and My Movies3 via WHS?

thanks folks[/align]]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Hello-media-world Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:33:02 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Hello-media-world
So I guess I should do my first post to introduce myself.

I stumbled upon this site whilst trying to figure out ways to install a TV into my kitchen.

I love media and being able to access it from every where on demand, and as technology moves on, it has enabled us to do this.

I have debated making a media center server, but I ended up going down a different route to get similar functionality, I actually went and got a NAS that runs UPnP software on it.

My reasons behind this, was that the NAS uses less power to keep running 24/7 and network media streamers are extremely cheap now, especially compared to HTPC's and offer the functionality that I need.

I am a 20yr old uni student currently on a placement year and have finally moved out of my mums place into my own rented apartment with my girlfriend, sadly as it's rented I can't go drilling holes into walls to hide cables, etc, which is a shame, but I'll manage somehow (tape and cable ties are your best friend).

My equipment is:
1 x QNAP TS-410 with 4 x 1.5TB Samsung Ecogreen F3 drives in
This is setup in RAID5 so there is only 4TB of usable space.

Living room:
32" LG 1080p TV (32LG7000 I believe)
Black wii
PS3 Slim
Xbox 360 elite
Sky+HD Box
Pioneer Amp
AC Ryan Playon!HD Mini




Office (& guest room):
2 x Dell 2009WFP
1 x Generic 17" TFT
PC is custom built, with an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
8GB DDR2 Ram
1 x 750GB Samsung F1
2 x 1TB Samsung F1's
1 x 1TB Samsung F3
LG Bluray rewriter.

And my girlfriend has the 27" iMac



I have loads of hardware around the place, so I do have enough to make a HTPC if I want too.

Sadly the bedroom doesn't have an aerial socket so I'd have to run network cable across the skirting board to get a HTPC in there, so we don't have a TV in our bedroom, just the living room.

As for the kitchen, being a man, I don't like to do the washing up, but I have figured out I can put .mp4 or .m4v video files onto the NAS (I watch a lot of IPTV shows like Diggnation) and can stream it via wifi onto my iPod touch, which I then plug into a dock to get audio (first gen iPod touch) this had made doing the washing up entertaining.
If you want to take a closer look at any of the photos, or look at my other photos of the place, please check out the set on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/jam3s/sets/...413789030/ I'll add more photo as time goes on.]]>
So I guess I should do my first post to introduce myself.

I stumbled upon this site whilst trying to figure out ways to install a TV into my kitchen.

I love media and being able to access it from every where on demand, and as technology moves on, it has enabled us to do this.

I have debated making a media center server, but I ended up going down a different route to get similar functionality, I actually went and got a NAS that runs UPnP software on it.

My reasons behind this, was that the NAS uses less power to keep running 24/7 and network media streamers are extremely cheap now, especially compared to HTPC's and offer the functionality that I need.

I am a 20yr old uni student currently on a placement year and have finally moved out of my mums place into my own rented apartment with my girlfriend, sadly as it's rented I can't go drilling holes into walls to hide cables, etc, which is a shame, but I'll manage somehow (tape and cable ties are your best friend).

My equipment is:
1 x QNAP TS-410 with 4 x 1.5TB Samsung Ecogreen F3 drives in
This is setup in RAID5 so there is only 4TB of usable space.

Living room:
32" LG 1080p TV (32LG7000 I believe)
Black wii
PS3 Slim
Xbox 360 elite
Sky+HD Box
Pioneer Amp
AC Ryan Playon!HD Mini




Office (& guest room):
2 x Dell 2009WFP
1 x Generic 17" TFT
PC is custom built, with an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450
8GB DDR2 Ram
1 x 750GB Samsung F1
2 x 1TB Samsung F1's
1 x 1TB Samsung F3
LG Bluray rewriter.

And my girlfriend has the 27" iMac



I have loads of hardware around the place, so I do have enough to make a HTPC if I want too.

Sadly the bedroom doesn't have an aerial socket so I'd have to run network cable across the skirting board to get a HTPC in there, so we don't have a TV in our bedroom, just the living room.

As for the kitchen, being a man, I don't like to do the washing up, but I have figured out I can put .mp4 or .m4v video files onto the NAS (I watch a lot of IPTV shows like Diggnation) and can stream it via wifi onto my iPod touch, which I then plug into a dock to get audio (first gen iPod touch) this had made doing the washing up entertaining.
If you want to take a closer look at any of the photos, or look at my other photos of the place, please check out the set on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/jam3s/sets/...413789030/ I'll add more photo as time goes on.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Cat-5 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 05:38:46 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Cat-5
About 1meter the cable will be touching the pipes.

Thanks]]>
About 1meter the cable will be touching the pipes.

Thanks]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-3rd-Hard-Drive Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:16:29 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-3rd-Hard-Drive
Both drives work fine when connected separately but the PC will only recognise one of the drives when both are hooked up? Both show up as My Book (I) despite being plugged into different USB ports. The first drive shows up as (j).Is there a way of changing the (I) prefix so all 3 drives can be used at the same time? And if so what do I change the prefix to?

Can some one please tell me what the obvious answer is to my noob problem.]]>
Both drives work fine when connected separately but the PC will only recognise one of the drives when both are hooked up? Both show up as My Book (I) despite being plugged into different USB ports. The first drive shows up as (j).Is there a way of changing the (I) prefix so all 3 drives can be used at the same time? And if so what do I change the prefix to?

Can some one please tell me what the obvious answer is to my noob problem.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Mobile-sub-forums Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:14:27 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Mobile-sub-forums
Geez, eveything I do now seems to be mobile related... ]]>
Geez, eveything I do now seems to be mobile related... ]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Samsung-Galaxy-S Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:53:05 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Samsung-Galaxy-S
To sum up the handsets key points for me:

• 4" Super AMOLED screen (there have already been comparisons on the net with the retina display on the iphone but apart from higher resolution the SGS has 100,000:1 contrast (iPhone 800:1), a 30% lower power consumption and widescreen ratio. From standard viewing distances the higher resolution of the retina display bears no real user noticable improvement and is arguably just for the Apple marketing team. I stand corrected! looking at the BBC homepage, the iphone's retina display does show the minutest text clear to the eye, on the SGS it's readable but only just so. )
• 1Ghz Hummingbird CPU (Samsung's own design unit that is faster than other current Android 1Ghz chips)
• 512Mb RAM, 2Gb ROM, 16Gb internal memory, 32Gb SD slot.
• Upto 7 customisable Home screens
• Very slim and lightweight design
• perfect Google account integration for email, calendars and contacts (e.g. I use GMail for personal use and Google Apps for work and the smart dialling feature of the phone picks up all contacts across both accounts - just start typing the name using the keypad and it whittles down the contacts list with matches on a little drop-down menu. Tap to dial. Sheer f'ing brilliance. N.B With Google Contacts sync, no actual contacts are stored locally in the phones address book; it's all synced OTA and you can select what accounts/phone books to display in the contacts section. This is the first time I've used sync'd contacts - I striped the old contacts off my WM6.5 phone using Exchange sync straight to Google)
• Muliple email options (Google Mail app for er, Gmail (Push). A standard email app for legacy(!) accounts (IMAP, POP) with a single inbox with colour coded messages for what account etc. Failing all that, web-access for GMail and all the options you can ever shake a stick at of course).
• 720P 30fps video recording (recorded videos look freaking awesome on the Super AMOLED display). Stored in 3GPP format and a worrying fast readout of file size increments as you record, about 1.3Mb/sec
• Google Navigation (this is just plain awesome, there ain't much it don't do and it saddens me a little that Tomtom must surely be on its last legs. It reads out all directions with a very clear artificial voice and of course with all the mapping Google has, it's quite spooky how much detail there is in it's instructions. Plus you can also view the junctions etc with Streetview and it has traffic indicators of traffic flow on motorways. Class.)
• Swype text input (drag your thumb over the keyboard for fast text input. Simple.)
• oh yeah, no iTunes required and any ol' micro USB cable will do
  
  

And I think that's this list exhausted. As a phone there are no complaints and no surprises; battery life is good, loudspeaker is, well, loud and clear. Contacts can be messaged with a left swipe, called with a right swipe.

As a music player, it has Samsung's own version which works very well. Coverflow and a flip-down alphabet rolladex type thingy to jump around your music. I'm using Spotify Premium and loving that even more at the moment. Currently occupying 8Gb off internal memory with, oh, I don't know, 40 albums or so. Sit and browse for music, add to a playlist and the phone auto-downloads it when in a wifi zone.


No, it's not an iPhone 3GS
[attachment=189]

[attachment=188]



Hang on, look what just turned up at work... time for Android vs iOS4

[attachment=190]]]>
To sum up the handsets key points for me:

• 4" Super AMOLED screen (there have already been comparisons on the net with the retina display on the iphone but apart from higher resolution the SGS has 100,000:1 contrast (iPhone 800:1), a 30% lower power consumption and widescreen ratio. From standard viewing distances the higher resolution of the retina display bears no real user noticable improvement and is arguably just for the Apple marketing team. I stand corrected! looking at the BBC homepage, the iphone's retina display does show the minutest text clear to the eye, on the SGS it's readable but only just so. )
• 1Ghz Hummingbird CPU (Samsung's own design unit that is faster than other current Android 1Ghz chips)
• 512Mb RAM, 2Gb ROM, 16Gb internal memory, 32Gb SD slot.
• Upto 7 customisable Home screens
• Very slim and lightweight design
• perfect Google account integration for email, calendars and contacts (e.g. I use GMail for personal use and Google Apps for work and the smart dialling feature of the phone picks up all contacts across both accounts - just start typing the name using the keypad and it whittles down the contacts list with matches on a little drop-down menu. Tap to dial. Sheer f'ing brilliance. N.B With Google Contacts sync, no actual contacts are stored locally in the phones address book; it's all synced OTA and you can select what accounts/phone books to display in the contacts section. This is the first time I've used sync'd contacts - I striped the old contacts off my WM6.5 phone using Exchange sync straight to Google)
• Muliple email options (Google Mail app for er, Gmail (Push). A standard email app for legacy(!) accounts (IMAP, POP) with a single inbox with colour coded messages for what account etc. Failing all that, web-access for GMail and all the options you can ever shake a stick at of course).
• 720P 30fps video recording (recorded videos look freaking awesome on the Super AMOLED display). Stored in 3GPP format and a worrying fast readout of file size increments as you record, about 1.3Mb/sec
• Google Navigation (this is just plain awesome, there ain't much it don't do and it saddens me a little that Tomtom must surely be on its last legs. It reads out all directions with a very clear artificial voice and of course with all the mapping Google has, it's quite spooky how much detail there is in it's instructions. Plus you can also view the junctions etc with Streetview and it has traffic indicators of traffic flow on motorways. Class.)
• Swype text input (drag your thumb over the keyboard for fast text input. Simple.)
• oh yeah, no iTunes required and any ol' micro USB cable will do
  
  

And I think that's this list exhausted. As a phone there are no complaints and no surprises; battery life is good, loudspeaker is, well, loud and clear. Contacts can be messaged with a left swipe, called with a right swipe.

As a music player, it has Samsung's own version which works very well. Coverflow and a flip-down alphabet rolladex type thingy to jump around your music. I'm using Spotify Premium and loving that even more at the moment. Currently occupying 8Gb off internal memory with, oh, I don't know, 40 albums or so. Sit and browse for music, add to a playlist and the phone auto-downloads it when in a wifi zone.


No, it's not an iPhone 3GS
[attachment=189]

[attachment=188]



Hang on, look what just turned up at work... time for Android vs iOS4

[attachment=190]]]>