So then it was time to launch Media Center (which Tranquil had already set to auto run – thank you). It’s the usual Media Center menu, including the latest MSN Video Player update, and a Tranquil IPTV menu option, that includes lots of UK tv channels, provided via TunerFreeMCE.
I had a number of sample files I wanted to test the playback on as Tranquil said that it contained a Video Decoder Pack.
So normal playback occurred on all of the test files except for a H264 MKV file – Windows Media Center just would not play it back.
I did some digging and noticed that the decoder pack that Tranquil had installed was the Standard edition of K-Lite (which I use on my media center and other computers), only the version they installed was 4.1.7. which is well over a year old, and I was already running 6.0.0. on my media center. So a quick download and reinstall updated that (and in fact I spoke with Tranquil on it and they will look at using a much more recent version in future).
Whoever this didn’t fix the issue – but I could play that file in Media Player on the T7, just not in MC! I then tested the file on my Sony MC and it played fine.
That’s when I remembered that the 64 bit version of Windows 7 needs some additional files to play back certain MKV files, so I downloaded them and it then played back perfectly, so everyone was happy.
The remote control is quite large, but actually feels quite comfortable to use, in fact more so that the Sony one I have!
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is a very simple to setup and use media center and best of it all it VERY quiet. I have used media centers in the past that even watching or listening to someone you could still hear the computer whirring away, which can be off putting, especially during a tense or dramatic scene.
After solving the MKV file problem, that was nothing to do with Tranquil or the T7 and more to do with how Windows now plays back MKV files, I could play back all my content without issues, and the playback was great and smooth.
One thing you might notice with this media center, compared to a lot of other media center pcs, is that the T7 doesn’t come with any tuners or a DVD or Blu-Ray drive. Some might say that this sort of defeats the purpose of having a media center if you cant do those things, but you can easily buy USB tuners or media playback devices, although I can see some people not being happy that the £479 plus VAT price tag doesn’t include any, although those things are not expensive, and actually some people may not even want them.
For example, I rarely record live TV onto my media center these days, I use SKY+ HD and various other devices, so my media center is more of a playback device, which the T7 is perfect for.
And as for tuners, if I wanted to, I could use something like the SiliconDust HDHomeRun.
So, all in all I really liked the T7 and it did everything I needed a media center to do for me.
One thing I really was impressed with though was how Tranquil actually listen to issues and suggestions, such as the date of the codec pack and the last of anti-virus. Could you imagine Sony or HP doing that?
I mentioned the cost earlier, the base model is £479 plus VAT but as a special offer to UWHS readers, for the next two days only, you can use the following code T7MP240 to get £40 off.
For more information on the T7, including various options and to order one, click here: http://www.tranquilpc-shop.co.uk/
I have been waiting for more info on this unit, thank you!
I'm a bit surprised it's shipped with Windows 7 Home Premium, which is not able to host Remote Desktop sessions. I imagine configuration is easier via RD once the unit is fitted on the wall or on the tv. Do you know if it's possible to have it shipped with Windows 7 Pro?
Thanks
Paul
Paul
No, it only ships with Home Premium.
However you could perform an anytime upgrade to Pro, or there are "hacks" to get RD to work (just do a search on google)
Andrew
Perhaps an easier solution, as I use, is the free logmein.com rdc – simple, and runs through the internet 🙂
Allright, thanks for the quick answers guys. I will have a look at the logmein.com solution.
Cool – if not the "hack" is very simple and works great.
Andrew
Thanks for the review. Good to see how responsive Tranquil are to your suggestions.
Do you have any view on whether it would be worth the upgrade to 4GB Ram for
Hi Rowan
Re the memory, to be honest if you just going to watch stuff and record stuff, then you can probably get away with 2GB – thats what I have in my main Sony MC right now.
As for the SSD, I'm not really sure it's needed. I have an SSD in my main computer running the OS drive and its certainly faster, but Im not sure you would get a great deal of benefit of using one on a MC box.
Andrew
Whilst its a great bit of kit It surly cannot be a media centre as there is no tuners or DVD/Blueray. Plus its way to expensive
I bought a stock Acer 1300 mid size pc
Fitted a Sat DVB-s2 Card, Twin Usb DVB-t Stick added the windows remote
All for
Hi Ern
I agree that the T7 is expensive without those items, but it is still a media center. Media Center after all is the software as well, and it all depends on what you want to use it for.
Obviously if you do want to watch BR discs and live tv, then you would need to spend more money, which makes it even more expensive.
Personally I would wait for one of the new ixL machines as they look fantastic. I should be getting my hands on one in the next week.
Andrew