* Up to 8.0-megapixel still image capture with software interpolation; video capture up to 1600 x 1200; up to 30 fps
* 2.0-megapixel sensor
* Built-in microphone for videoconferencing and recording
* Smart Face Tracking technology focuses on you
* Autofocus ensures a sharp and precise image
* Advanced Video FX enables you to add exciting effects while you video chat
300° camera rotation

On my Dell monitor the cam rests nicely and is easily adjusted, mainly because the USB wire is attached the base of the camera and not to the camera itself, unlike the Logitech camera I currently use. Some reviewers have recommended a piece of velcro to tie it down. I am not sure if that is necessary. The webcam is not designed for notebooks since its base is too wide.

Installation:
Installation is straightforward. Install the bundled software and then plug in the webcam. I did have an issue with my main Vista computer. I could not get the drivers installed properly. Granted, it most likely is a result of my computer being subjected to rounds of hardware testing. Technical support was of little help in solving my issues.

Bundled Software:
The included software, called Live! Cam, is very average. Nothing fancy or innovative. It offers screen and video capture with a minimal interface. The camera shines when used with televideo programs like Skype or Google Chat. I think most people will use software other than the what is provided in the box.

Performance:
The 2 megapixel camera sensor is the what makes this camera stand out from the crowd (and somewhat expensive). The image quality is a step above most webcams, putting it in head-to-head competition with high-end models like the Logitech Pro 9000. The image is not grainy and the video is smooth. The low-light image that the camera produces is adequate for most situations, picking up details you would expect. In a dimly lit room, shadows were reduced on my face but the image was not over-exposed.

Conclusion:
The 2 megapixel sensor is what separates this camera from its competitors. To buy a comparable web cam from Logitech with a 2 MP sensor, you have to spend just about $20 more than the Rocketfish cam. After using a 1 MP camera for over a year (a Logitech cam that I spent about $30 on), I have to say that a 2 MPs (and at 30 fps), like the Rocketfish Wedcam, is worth the extra cash. Overall, I think the Rocketfish camera is a solid competitor in the crowded market of webcams.

Auzentech originally stated that the X-Fi HomeTheater HD would be available in November. Then it was January 09. Now it is “first quarter 09.” I am beginning to think this is vaporware, like all those slick Sideshow remotes. From the Auzentech website:

The Auzen X-Fi HomeTheater HD outputs a bitstream of high-definition, multichannel audio from Blu-ray Discs with no downsampling, to take full advantage of lossless digital audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Developed in partnership with Creative, Cyberlink and Silicon Image, the X-Fi HomeTheater HD has broad support for the latest audio technologies in the marketplace.

CyberLink has been working closely with Microsoft to support many of the advanced capabilities of Windows 7. PowerDVD Cinema mode has been designed to automatically integrate with Windows Media Center to enable full Blu-ray playback capability on PC equipped with the appropriate hardware. PowerDVD Cinema mode integrates seamlessly with the advanced user experience that Windows Media Center provides and allows consumers to be able to use a remote control to select and watch Blu-ray titles from the comfort of their couch. PowerDVD also provide a great user experience when launched directly from Windows, with new and exciting ways for everyone to browse and enjoy movies and video files on any Windows desktop or laptop PC.

One of the main complaints about Vista Media Center is its lack of native Blu-ray support, relying on awkward third party software. Cyberlink currently has a plugin for Media Center that is OEM only. Supposedly it is sufficient but not seemless. Arcsoft also has made some strides with its Total Media Theater, which integrates somewhat into Media Center. Native Blu-ray support is not expected in Windows 7 so I guess this is Microsoft’s next best option.

Cyberlink has to constantly update its software to stay current with the frequently changing DRM schemes on Blu-ray. Maybe this is Microsoft’s way of avoiding the DRM (and Java) issues of Blu-ray.

Source: Chris Lanier’s Blog

I have been ripping some of my blu-ray movies I bought last week onto the system. I had to set-up a shared drive that my login could access. When I first did it, I kept getting an “access denied” error everytime I tried to open a folder over the network. It turns out I had to remote desktop into the MediaSmart and “unlock” my account. For a system, that is supposed to be plug and play, that was an odd thing to have to do, especially considering that the Windows Home Server console was useless for this.

The remote desktop computer name for your MediaSmart should just be its name you gave it during start-up, most likely HPServer, which is the default. The password should be the password you use to access the console. Just remember that your login is “administrator.”

Since Slysoft’s beginnings in 2003, all Slysoft product licenses have been sold with free product lifetime updates included. While standards, technologies and SlySoft’s product range have changed significantly since 2003, only now has Slysoft’s free lifetime update policy been reviewed with respect to converting to an annual subscription fee format for new license purchases.

It is unfortunate that Slysoft feels the need to convert to a subscription model. AnyDVD acts alot like an anti-virus software. Without those updates, the software is almost pointless as new DRM schemes are put into place.

No pricing has been announced and no date has been set for the transition. At least Slysoft has made the announcement ahead of time so you can still purchase a copy of AnyDVD HD with lifetime updates for free. For current owners of AnyDVD, upgrades will continue to be free. If you have been contemplating buying AnyDVD, now is a great time to buy.

After a brief hiatus, Sony has started Vaio-branded digital cable tuners once again at the price of $299 with free shipping. Sonystyle.com is one of the few places to purchase standalone cable tuners if you wanted to add a second, third, or even fourth tuner to you set-up. As before, the tuners available are only the external versions, which connect via USB.

Digital cable tuners are typically only sold bundled with a new computer. These tuners still require a special bios and a special version of Windows Vista to access premium cable channel.

The only other place that I know of (besides Ebay) that sells standalone tuners is Cannon PC. In fact, Cannon is the only place you can buy internal tuners (note: internal tuners still connect via USB).

Here are some tips I learned to make the install process easier:

1. Inside or Out. Verizon has to install the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) either inside or outside of your house. The ONT is essentially a large cable modem and converts the fiber optic feed from Verizon to coax. I would have preferred outside but, at the time, I did not realize that was an option. I now have an ONT in my laundry room.

2. You have to use the Verizon router. Verizon forces you to use their router if you have their TV service. They give it to you free so it is no big deal. To me, the only drawback is that the router is 100 Mbit/s, and not 1000 Mbit/s (some people also might want a draft 802.11n wireless router instead of a “G” router). The most cost efficient way to remedy this is to install a switch right after the router (or you can just use your old router as a switch instead).

3. Make sure your phone is working before the Verizon tech leaves. With Fios, your phone service will be provided through the fiber optic line and not your old copper line. My internet and TV worked fine but I had an issue with my phone making calls. Luckily there was another tech in the area who was able to come out quickly and fix the problem.

4. Verify your bill. Keep a sharp eye on your bill the first couple of months after installation. I have heard lots of rumors about Verizon incorrectly charging people.

Something interesting has happened over the last 6 months though, especially with the release of SP1. Vista has become a good operating system inspite of the perceived notion that it is a failure. Vista MCE also has become more stable along with the digital tuners. Sure there are still issues but they pale in comparison to the initial release of cable tuners. Most recent articles written about Vista’s media center and CableCards are for the most part positive. These include:

1. Ben Drawbaugh at his personal website
2. Andres at My Network Project.
3. CableCard thread at Avsforum. Reading all 57 (and growing) pages is interesting as it shows the progression of digital cable tuners.

Media centers are still not ready to be a mainstream product but they certainly fill a niche. With prices dropping to around $1,000 for a well equiped computer and two tuners, price is becoming less and less of a deterrent.

Over the last couple of weeks, mControl has made a lot of noise in the home automation market, namely iPhone support and translucent menus in Vista media center. These items are starting to mControl appear to be the leader in cheap home automation.

mControl is a perfect example of the power of a media center versus a Tivo or cable DVR. The plugin architecture for Vista Media Center allows for integrated applications for a wide range of things, home automation and commercial skip among them. You could never do home automation with a Tivo.