Review: Logitech Harmony 880

December 12, 2007   0 Comments
One area we get a lot of questions about are remote control options for MacHTPC systems. We've tested a few options including the Apple Remote, ATI Remote Wonder, Salling Clicker, and Keyspan's Digital Media Remote. But all of these were designed to work exclusively with your computer. Our MacHTPC is only 1 part of a entertainment center that includes a DVD player, LCD, Receiver, and PS2, and we wanted t do away with the 5 different remotes.

Enter the Logitech Harmony 880. We chose the 880 due to the color LCD diplay, computer based programming and the great deal we were able to get through Amazon. (More on this Below). The remote is the basic size of most TV and DVD remote, but the color LCD makes this thing really stand off.

The configuration software isn't the most inuitive method for programmng your remote, but taking advantage of Logitec extensive library of remote codes makes your forget about all other universal remotes. We were able to quickly identify the LCD, DVD, Reciever and PS2. Finding the Apple Remote codes were difficult. We were not able to find them listed under Media Center Computer or Computer. We did however find AppleTV under Media Center computer, and because they use the same remote, your set.

Once programmed and using some suggested Activities, the user experience was pleasant. We could quickly switch between TV, DVD, and HTPC. For example, select Play DVD and our Receiver selects the proper input, LCD goes to the proper input, and the DVD player turns on. Setting our receiver as our master volume control allows for volume adjustment no matter what activity we were on. The remote includes a software CD, and a charging station so you never have to worry about AAA batteries.

We recommend the Logitec 880 for your multiple component HTPC. The only way we could see upgrading from this would be a killer RF Color LCD remote.

* Ever once in a while Amazon has a great deal on the Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote. This time its for $130 w/ free shipping. And after that Logitech offers a 10% Rebate on this item, making it $117.

Labels: Hardware, Remote

VUDO voodoo...

September 6, 2007   0 Comments
VUDU Box has been released. The collaboration between former Tivo, WebTV, Slim Devices, OpenTV, Danger and NeXT were able to solidify deals with every major studio and 17 independent movie studios to distribute their movies and content via the VUDU box. The deals resulted in over 5000 movies available for immediate download and viewing. VUDU users will have the ability to rent and buy movies.



VUDU box retails for $399

Labels: Hardware

Industrial Mount for your MiniHTPC

August 27, 2007   1 Comments
Many of us are looking for that clean installation. The seamless integration of your Mini into your Home Theater. Cinnamon Peripherals is introducing the Industrial Edition MacMini Mount. This back to the basic version of their Silver Edition mount, come un-anodized. Specifically designed to provide complete access to the mini's rear ports or even a MiniStack or similar drives. The industrial mount also includes a matching mount for the Mini's power supply.

The Industrial Mount by Cinnamon Peripherals sells for $33.29 USD ($35 CAD) + shipping and handling, and is available through their online store.

Labels: Hardware

MacMini not Dead, Just Refreshed!

August 7, 2007   0 Comments
We are excited to report that the MacMini is not Dead! From what we can tell the refresher centers around the introduction of the 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor now seated in the MacMini's. Compliment this with up to a 160GB hard drive (up from 80GB) and you got a nice little HTPC in the making. The one downside, it it still lists the old 802.11g Airport Extreme card for wireless networking. We were hoping to get that upgrade, like the rest of the Apple line-up.

Features:
- 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- Apple Remote with Front Row
- Up to 160GB hard drive
- iLife ’08, Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger (included with every new mac purchase)

The MacMini is available for customization and purchase starting at $599.00, just like the previous models.

We knew something was up when after presentation during the Q&A after the Mac Press Event today, that there was no mention of the MacMini.... to which Tim replied:

"We're refreshing the Mac mini today."

Labels: Apple, Event, Hardware, MacMini

New iMacs, iLife '08, 'Refreshed' Mini

0 Comments
3 New iMacs - Aluminum and Glass
- 20in, Intel Core Duo, 1GB Memory, 250GB SATA, ATI Radeon 2400, $1199
- 20in, Intel Core Duo, 1GB Memory, 320GB SATA, ATI HD 2600 Pro, $1499
- 24in, Intel Core Duo, 1GB Memory, 320GB SATA, ATI HD 2600 Pro, $1799
Ports include: USB 2.0, Firewire 400, Firewire 800. Slot load Superdrive. iSight camera and mic. All with Glossy Screens

MacMini:
The MacMini is getting refreshed today. We'll report on this separately later :

iLife '08
iLife is getting a kick in the pants. '08 will introduce many new features and replaces iMovie all together. The new iLife 08 will be available for purchase at $79.00 USD .

iPhoto leads the pack with several new features. The new layout and look is very Web2.0 like. The main new feature is being able to group photos together by an Event. Currently I just separate these into separate rolls, but Apple has a better idea. iPhoto also has more advanced editing features, unified searching, theme-base printing, and new photo books and photo calendar options.

.Mac is also receiving a face lift in '08. With the new .Mac Web Gallery viewers can now view your .Mac galleries as sideshows, mosaics, and even a Coverflow like look. The galleries are now iPhoto compatible, and allow users to permit high-quality printing, if they would like. You may also add photos to your galleries via email or through a new iPhone menu. For those $99/year .Mac subscribers your getting 10GB of storage.

iMovie was replaced, when an Apple developer releaized there was no easy way to manage your movies. He built a new iMovie, which will now feature movie organization, similar to iPhoto or iTunes. The application can also handle HD video with little effort while still featuring all of iMovies great and easy to use editing tools. iMovie will also allow you to export your finished movies to iTunes, AppleTV, iPhone, iPod, and even YouTube!

iWeb will allow you to build more enhanced websites, with Live web widgets like, GoogleMaps and GoogleAdSense. Large directories of photos can now be indexed quickly, with comments. Of course '08 ships with several new themes as well. The best advancement however is that you are no longer restricted to your .mac address, if you own a domain, iWeb is now supported, but we wonder if Photocasting will be?

iDVD & GarageBand gets the snooze update. Do people still make DVD besides my sister? New 'pro editing' and themes.... yawn.

Labels: Event, Hardware, iPhoto, Software

Picking the Best LCD/Plasma TV...

August 4, 2007   0 Comments One of the most common questions we have received and tried to address is which is the best display (Plasma or LCD) for their Macintosh HTPC set up. Many of our readers have had difficulties connecting their displays to their Macs and getting a great image at a great resolution. Unfortunately most of the time this is due to the screen limitations and not the MacHTPC.

So we would like to know what kind of display are you using and what steps did you need to take to get the optimal image? Display Config etc.

If you would like to assist us in developing a comprehensive list of compatible displays please copy and email us the following information:



Thanks for your support. Hopefully we can address some of these questions for future MacHTPC owners!

Labels: Hardware

Miglia's VideoExpress H.264 Converter

August 3, 2007   0 Comments
Miglia has introduced VideoExpress™, a USB 2.0 h.264 hardware encoder. To promote this new device, Miglia has produced a Mac & PC style video comparing software and hardware encoders.

This little device, the size of a tumb-drive, speeds up you video conversions, quickly transforming your unprotected DVD, Divx and movie files to a H.264 file compatible with your PSP™, AppleTV™, Video iPod, iPhone™ and of course your MacHTPC.

The hardware encoder is about 3x as fast as your standard software encoding processes on an Intel Mac. On older hardware such as a G4, the process is 5x or 6x faster! In addition to the faster conversion speeds, the hardware encoder doesn't utilize your mac's processor(s) allowing you to keep working, without any decrease in performance.

Included with the device is VideoExpress™ software that includes several video quality presets and dvd ripping software for your stack of dvds collecting dust. Being that TheTube powers many Miglia TV tuners, VideoExpress™ works perfectly with it. Other software titles such as Final Cut, iMove, and Quicktime Pro also take advantage of the device with the QuickTime plug-in included.

Output resolutions include Video iPod 320x240 and 640x480, Sony PSP™: 320x240/640x480 for Sony PSP™, Apple TV™ up to 720x576 (PAL) or 720x480 (NTSC). Audio is all AAC, bitrate linked to video selection.

For more information you can read more on Migia's VideoExpress' Overview, Features, and Technical Spec pages. VideoExpress™ is priced at $99 USD and will be available through the Migla Store.

Labels: Hardware, Miglia

Lindy's Mini NAS Enclosure

August 2, 2007   0 Comments
LINDY is releasing a MacMini inspired NAS Enclosure (32487). The enclosure will accept standard 3.5" IDE/ATA hard drives up to 400GB. After completing the simple setup the NAS will allow users to quickly share files over their home networks. Simply install the hard drive and add it to your network with its standard 10/100 RJ-45 Ethernet port. The built in FTP server allows for 5 FTP users and the DHCP Samba server can host 64 online clients. All of this is impressive for the little box.

The design of the enclosure is borrowed from their USB/Firewire enclosure (42919), to compliment and fit under the MacMini. The device also features a low volume fan and aluminum cover to assist in dissipation heat. A built-in USB 2.0 port allows it to be used as a regular external hard drive. In addition to the snazzy Network interface, a built-in USB 2.0 port allows it to be used as a regular external hard drive.

Unfotunately, both the NAS are only available in the UK at this time for £64.99.

Labels: Hardware

'Mac' Press event on Aug 7.

August 1, 2007   0 Comments
Apple is contacting the press about a 'Product presentation for Mac' that will be held in the Apple Town Hall, August 7th. The news organizations that were contacted, have indicated that the meeting will be strictly about Mac products.

If we were the betting type, we would look towards new iMacs to be released. A new generation has been long rumored and long over due. A new revamped MacMini (or MacNano?), perhaps with the slightly larger foot print the AppleTV and Airport Extreme are using. As you may recall the Intel-based Mac Mini's were released in an Apple Town Hall meeting.

Labels: Apple, Event, Hardware

Miglia gives us 2 more tuners...

June 7, 2007   0 Comments Miglia is continuing to release new products for us Mac owners. The latest is the TVBook Pro Express and the TVMicro Express.

The TVBookPro Express come to us in the shape of a ExpressCard/34 for those MacBook Pro owners out there. The full featured digital tv tuner, includes 'The Tube' software, which allows for pausing, rewind, and recording of DTT signals. Also included is a USB amplified power antenna for better signal. Once again this leaves out the US, which doesn't have DTT broadcasts. It comes price tagged at £99.




The TVMicro Express is a USB Stick type device that allows for viewing digital cable broadcasts. Powered by your USB 2.0 port, you can use the supplied antenna or connect to your cable tv to start viewing your tv shows on your mac. Once again this product includes 'The Tube' software by Equinox.

Labels: Hardware, Miglia

SlingPlayer for the Mac

April 30, 2007   0 Comments
Sling Media has released their SlingPlayer 1.0 for the Mac today. The software client allows for 'placeshifting' your television to your remote location. This will allow you to watch your local media from your laptop while your away on business or vacation. You will need a Slingbox to receive and encode the tv stream as well. The SlingPlayer software is available for download from their site.

This of course leaves the hackers to get it running on AppleTV which would be the first TV feed viewed from AppleTV. But it only soundslike an expensive alternative to just connecting the cable feed to the TV to begin with.

Labels: Hardware, Software

Mantra TR1 IR Reciever

March 21, 2007   0 Comments So perhaps you were one of the early HTPC guys out there. Before FrontRow and Apple Remotes, when you had to come up with your own remote control solution. Still envious of the simple 6-button Apple Remote? Twisted Melon brings you the Mantra TR1 at $19.99. Combo that with a standard $25 Apple Remote, and Mira Software ($15.95) and you'll be styling line those Intel macs. You can also get both the Mantra and Mira combo for $32

The Mantra TR1 gets bonus points for its extra IR ports, so you can hide other devices. This would be great for those with the EyeTV Mini, which has a IRport but which you probably don't want sitting in front of your system!

Labels: Hardware, Software

Drives, Drives, and More Drives...

March 19, 2007   0 Comments 123MacMini has composed an excellent comparison of MacMini styled hard drive enclosures. The drives are sorted on a price-per-gigabyte, making the selection process a lit easier. The list doesn't include specifics like USB/Firewire, Cache/Speed, Fan, Enclosure Material etc, but these are all easily researched from the provided list.
For me personally, I like the Sabrent ECS-UFMC. However, it appears Sabrent only had 1 production run on these, and retailers are out of stock every where I've inquired. If anyone any leads on this please let us know.

Labels: Hardware