Floppyhead - Digital Media and Home Theater Computers » Blogroll

List of Vista SP1 Media Center Fixes

Kevin — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 03:59:05 +0000

Vista Service Pack 1 fixes several items in Media Center. This Service Pack is more an incremental step in the evolution of Media Center and not the next leap in features. Besides a roll-up of hot fixes, SPI adds the following features:

Adds support to enable new types of Windows Media Center Extenders, such as digital televisions and networked DVD players, to connect to Windows Media Center PCs.
Enhances the MPEG-2 decoder to support content protection across a user accessible bus on Media Center systems configured with Digital Cable Tuner hardware. This also effectively enables higher levels of hardware decoder acceleration for commercial DVD playback on some hardware.

According to Microsoft’s release notes, here is a list of the over 20 items fixed by SP1:

Fixes error message when you try to watch live TV in Windows Media Center on a Windows Vista-based computer: “Restricted Content - Display Driver”
Windows Media Center does not correctly configure a combo TV tuner that supports both ATSC and NTSC signals on a Windows Vista-based computer
You may not receive audio in the desired language when you use Windows Media Center to view television in Windows Vista
On a Windows Vista-based computer, DVD movies that are contained in a Niveus Disc Changer are not displayed in Windows Media Center after you click “DVD library”
You cannot hear the audio in Live TV or on a DVD in Windows Media Center after you wake a computer that is running Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate
When you play a Windows Media High Definition Video DVD in Windows Media Center in Windows Vista, the video may not be synchronized with the audio
Error message when you configure the Media Center feature or when a scheduled program guide download occurs in Windows Vista: “Windows Media Center Store Update Manager stopped working”
The screen may be black or the menu screen may be unresponsive in Windows Media Center in Windows Vista
Error message when you start a Windows Vista-based computer: “Windows Media Center Receiver Service stopped working and was closed”
The screen of an external monitor is black, or it appears to be broken when the monitor is connected to a Windows Vista-based portable computer that is running Windows Media Center in full-screen mode
You lose channel listings for some channels and the recordings that you schedule cannot run when you configure Windows Media Center to use a digital TV tuner in Windows Vista
Error message when you start a Windows Vista-based computer that has more than one TV tuners: “Windows Media Center Receiver Service stopped working and was closed”
Windows Media Center stops responding when you resume a Windows Vista-based computer from hibernation
When you watch Live TV or Recorded TV in Windows Media Center on a computer that is running Windows Vista, the picture may appear distorted or pixilated
Error message when you use Windows Media Center to play music in Windows Vista: “Audio Error: An unknown audio error has occurred”
When you use an integrated LCD screen to watch a video that uses a 50-Hz PAL signal, the video playback quality may be poor in Windows Media Center on a computer that is running Windows Vista
When you try to watch live TV on the LA7 channel in Windows Media Center, you hear audio, but you do not see video on a computer that is running Windows Vista
When you use Windows Media Center to play live TV or a DVD on a Windows Vista-based computer, you cannot hear the audio after you wake the computer from sleep
The TV screen appears as solid green or as blocky pixels when you use Windows Media Center to watch HDTV content on a Windows Vista-based computer
After you are prompted to upgrade the DRM components on a Windows Vista-based computer, Windows Media Center cannot perform a security upgrade
The Manage Discs feature in Windows Media Center stops responding after you resume a Windows Vista-based computer from sleep or hibernation

Arcsoft TotalMedia Theatre: New Blu-ray/HD-DVD software for media centers

Kevin — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:42:01 +0000

Over the last year, the clear leader in Blu-ray and HD-DVD playback on a computer has been Cyberlink’s PowerDVD Ultra. Finally, this month someone else has thrown their hat into the HD realm: Arcsoft with their release of TotalMedia Theatre. According to Arcsoft, TotalMedia Theatre supports Blu-ray discs, AVCHDs, CDs, VCDs, and a variety of multimedia files, including QuickTime, RealPlayer, DVR-MS, WMV HD, and H.264 HD formats.

While the Vista Media Center still does not offer native Blu-ray and HD-DVD support, TotalMedia Theatre does include a plug-in that integrates into Media Center. From Arcsoft’s website:

The program comes with a Windows Media Center Edition plug-in built right in! The plug-in provides a “10 foot” user experience: big buttons and compatibility with your remote control mean you can use TotalMedia Theatre to watch your HD DVD and Blu-ray movies from the comfort of your couch.

The plug-in allows users to launch movies from the MCE interface, though it does launch a non-Media Center video player.

A quick look over at AVSForums indicates that TotalMedia Theatre has potential but is still a work in progress. Here are some of the issues identified:

Lack of BD+ support
High CPU usage
Audio issues with X-Fi based sound cards

TotalMedia Theatre is something you should keep an eye on if you are looking for Blu-ray and HD-DVD playback. However, you might want to wait for some of its kinks to be worked out.

MediaPortal 2 Preview Release Now Available

Kevin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:21:47 +0000

MediaPortal is an Open Source application ideal for turning your PC into a media center PC. The latest version of MediaPortal has been released as a “preview” version. From the website:

MediaPortal II is a total re-write of the core application and plugin system. A new core framework allows all parts of the system to be easily replaced or updated, with very little effort and minimal effect to the overall system.

Another major new feature is the new GUI and skin system. After trying WPF & XAML, and finding it was not possible to do many of the things we wanted. We returned to DirectX, and developed a new system from the ground up.

MediaPortal 2 obviously has some work left, especially since it is lacking TV integration. The “Preview” release is meant to show off the progress made so far in the complete re-write.

I have tried the initial version of MediaPortal but quickly started using BeyondTV due to installation errors. I tried it again when the slick Xface skin was released and had some success though I still stuck with BeyondTV. MediaPortal is definitely a software package for the htpc’ers who constantly want to tinker with their media centers. Hopefully MediaPortal 2 will add some more polish and stability.

ATI TV Wonder 650 Combo USB for Mac Will Support Clear QAM

Kevin — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 02:54:27 +0000

When the ATI TV Wonder 650 Combo USB for Mac hit the street, it was lacking one big feature for HTPCs: Clear QAM support. It looks like Clear QAM support will be added via a software download through ATI’s tvPORTAL.

The USB Tuner is an ideal match for the Mac Mini, though it is not as attractive as the diminutive Mini. By Supporting Clear QAM, ATI makes the Mini a viable HD video recorder using ATI’s tvPortal:

ATI tvPORTAL� Media Center is our new sleek TV application designed to engage and deliver the abundant features of the TV Wonder 650 USB for Mac. Straightforward controls, large, bright, and easy-to-read buttons make for an attractive, user-friendly and intuitive interface to navigate all of the TV functions you come to expect. With the fully integrated Electronic Programming Guide you will be able view exactly what programs are available now and in the future. Easily switch between Digital TV and Analog TV with full PVR functionality.

Microsoft has always been a step ahead of Apple when it comes to HTPCs.� Apple becoming a viable option in the living room would be good for everyone.� The more products that work with Macs, the better for everyone.

Media Portal Xface Skin Version 1.0 | Competition for Vista MCE?

Kevin — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:10:42 +0000

One thing about open source software: you never know how people will improve it. Take Media Portal for instance. I have tried it but ultimately went with BeyondTV to watch TV on my computer. That, however, might change though with the release of Xface Skin Version 1.0.

Xface is a new skin for Media Portal that rivals anything Apple or Microsoft has come up with for media centers (albeit it does borrow heavily from Apple’s Cover flow). The interface looks slick and appears to support widescreen televisions. Xface is still a work in progress but it is a great start. Check out the pictures below. Media Portal should make Xface the default skin.

Via� Missing Remote

OQO Upgrades Model 2 Processor and Hard Drive

Kevin — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:34:13 +0000

OQO, the ultra-mobile computer manufacturer, has increased their Model 2’s CPU to Via’s 1.6 Ghz processor and added new hard drive options, which include:

an upgrade from 60 GB to 120 GB; or
a solid state 32 GB hard drive

OQO can be loaded with Vista Ultimate, which includes Vista’s Media Center. The processor upgrade is a welcome addition to the Model 2, especially as a portable media center. I had originally inquired about the Model 2’s ability to handle HD television and was told it would choke the processore. Hopefully the new processor is able to handle ASTC HD television. All it would take is a USB HD tuner and a portable antenna. OQO is already a partner with Sling Media, so you can stream your content anywhere.

I tested out the OQO Model 2 at Microcenter recently and thought it was an incredible tool for the road warrior. It is slightly larger than a Blackberry yet it is a full blown computer. The keyboard works surprisingly well too.

VAIO LT Series PC/TV All-In-One | Sony Offers New CableCard Computer

Kevin — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:36:46 +0000

Sony has just released their latest iMac competitor, called the VAIO LT Series. Like the iMac, the VAIO LT is an all-in-one solution, meaning the compter and the monitor are combined.

The VAIO LT trumps the featues of the iMac with its high definition options. The HD version of the VAIO LT, which costs $2,900) has a Blu-ray drive and a Digital Cable Tuner to watch HD cable with a CableCard.

Because of the size of the screen, this system most likely will not live in your family room as a media center. It would be great though as a second TV in an office or den. Think of this computer as an office computer with “benefits.”

One thing to note is that the system only comes with on Digital Cable Tuner, which means you can only record OR watch one channel at a time. Though, this should not be a big deal for an office computer.

Sony has certainly been creative with their CableCard offerings. They are the only company that is offering a CableCard computer with any type of styling. The VAIO line also already had the impressive but tragically flawed VGX-XL3.

A non-HD version is available for about $1,900.

Beyond TV Set-up Video

Kevin — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 01:36:21 +0000

The Snapstream blog has posted a video overview of the set-up process for their Beyond TV software. From the post:

This demonstration focuses on the process of setting up Beyond TV. A quick overview of what is covered in the video:

installing and setting up a USB TV tuning device

downloading and installing Beyond TV

setting up Beyond TV

More companies should have videos like this, especially in the media center/htpc world. I use Beyond TV on my Dell 24″ monitor as a second TV. I did struggle alittle bit with the ATSC installation. For the non-techie, such an installation could be intimidating. This video shows how easy the installation is to complete.

HP m8100y Includes Digital Cable Tuner

Kevin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:55:46 +0000

HP has decided to again offer digital cable tuners as an upgrade to the m8100y line of computers. Originally, HP sold DCTs with the m8010y but apparently had problems with that configuration. Their on- again/off-again offering of DCTs has settled with the 8100y.

The good news is that a system can be had with a DCT for under $1,200. The bad news is that you can only buy one tuner, which is incredibly silly. I guess it is good that a large OEM is now actually including DCTs, but like the Sony VGX-XL3, the one tuner is a deal breaker for a full-time media center.

Velocity Micro PC still appears to be the only place for a somewhat reasonably priced media center with two digital cable tuners.

Via Chris Lanier’s Blog�

Cyberlink Play Movie 1.5 Plugin | HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Media Center Playback

Kevin — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:19:51 +0000

Update: Cyberlink’s Play Movie plugin is OEM only, meaning you cannot buy it retail. � You have to get it from a manufacturer like Velocity Micro PC.� That being said, PowerDVD Ultra is the only PC-based option for watching HD-DVDs and Blu-ray discs.
Chris Morley at Velocity Micro PC (the only place offering a decent CableCard media center, in my opinion) briefly mentioned a new plugin, Play Movie 1.5, from CyberLink that improves HD-DVD and Blu-ray performance for media center pcs. From the blog post:

It�s CyberLink’s plug-in for Media Center that allows seemless playback of Blu-ray AND HD-DVD media! It will replace our PlayBD plug-in that only does Blu-ray. And to boot, it does hook into NVIDIA�s PureVideo HD and ATI�s AVIVO technology to enhance visual quality and reduce CPU overhead. Here�s the real kicker � it also plays DVDs and it�s noticeably better in image quality than Microsoft�s own MPEG2 decoder! So even if you�re not interested in Blu-ray or HD-DVD; if you�re a discerning A/V enthusiast, Play Movie 1.5 is the bee�s knees.

Hopefully this means that the plugin will not require you to leave the Vista Media Center interface, which is the main issue now with media center’s implementation of next gen DVDs. From Chris’s posts at AVSForums.com, it looks like the plugin will only support 2 channel audio. Crazy.

I also looked at CyberLink’s website but I saw no mention of the plugin. No press release or announcement. Nothing. This is definitely something to look out for though.