More Information on the Tranquil PC Riley Servers

Andrew Edney
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2
More Information on the Tranquil PC Riley Servers

We have been speaking to Tranquil about their forthcoming Riley servers and have some information to share.

Riley

What is the Riley Server?

Be seen, not heard

The Riley Server is a new concept in Home and Small Business Server products.  Named after a recently deceased influential engineer, well known to Tranquil PC, whose goals were to design and manufacture products with excellence at their core, and maximise benefits to the user.  It’s with great honour that our new servers carry his name.

With the now fully functional high precision, high speed CNC milling facilities within our factory in Manchester, the dream of creating exceptionally beautiful devices, from single billets of aluminium is a reality.  The strap line ‘be seen, not heard’ has never been so appropriate.

Both the processor and storage units are completely fan less, and even the storage unit with four 3.5″ HDDs is almost silent!  Designed to go anywhere the Riley units are especially suited for living space or small office spaces.  They are beautiful and silent

Riley is designed as a component based unit – you choose the processor type you want for the application, and then you choose the additional mass storage unit(s) to deliver the capacity you need.

Below we have listed a few FAQs, which you may find interesting and helpful:

How quiet is the processor and the storage box?

The processor unit provides 2x 2.5″ HDD bays – SSHDDs would render the unit entirely silent, if fitted with 2.5″ HDDs the unit is all but silent, approx. 4dBA – you would have to put your ear to the case to ‘feel’ the noise.

The storage unit is a thick aluminium cabinet, and the four 3.5″ hard disks are buried deep within it.  This ensures that not only do the disks run cool, even under prolonged data transfers, but they are almost silent too.  In a very quiet room you may hear the HDDs within 1M – the actual sound is approx. 6dBA.

What is the size of these units?

The processor unit measures: 395(w) x 225 (d) x 50(h) mm

The storage unit measures: 395(w) x 225 (d) x 35(h) mm

(The heights do not include the feet, please add 5mm)

Why 2x HDDs in the processor?

The decision to provide 2x HDD bays in the processor is to ensure that the overall system OS, applications and data are near bullet proof.

It is recommended that the 1st HDD in the processor is used to host the OS – and therefore should be > 80GB.  The 2nd HDD should be used as the WHS2011 or Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials ‘backup’ drive – protecting the whole of the 1st drive.

System recovery, from physical HDD failure or OS / application error, how?

Using the above twin HDD policy in the processor, both the physical drives and the OS / applications are protected.  In the event of 1st HDD physical failure, the drive can be replaced and the system recovered to the latest backup, from the backup HDD.  If there is a critical OS or application problem (i.e. system refuses to start, or a service is failing), the processor can be restored back to a previous known working state.  Recovery tools and the recovery DVD is provided with the Riley Server.

Why the modular approach?

This is a very good question.  Offering multiple processor platforms, from Intel dual core Atom to Intel 2nd Generation Core processors (i3 and i5) means that the chassis design is marginally different.  Also the modular approach also ensures that the main storage devices are thermally isolated from the CPU in the processor unit.

Can I add my own HDDs?

Yes.  We don’t feel it’s right to only bundle HDDs with our servers..  The choice to fit your own HDDs in the processor unit and the storage unit ensures that you can build the Riley Server to your own requirements.  Both the processor and the storage units support 5400 and 7200RPM HDDs.  We also recommend low energy, low noise HDDs to further enhance your server.  We do not recommend 10K or 15K RPM drives.

How fast is the data transfer from the processor to the storage unit?

Very fast. In tests the transfer speeds between the processor unit and the storage unit are – 136MB/s read and 92MB/s write.  A typical GBE LAN connection on a network provides a maximum of  100MB/s data throughput (1000/8 less overhead), often much less.  In summary the Riley Server delivers exceptional data throughout, in the real world.

How does the processor connect to the storage unit?

Via a single eSATA cable

How is the data protected?

The storage units come pre-set to RAID-5, this gives maximum storage capacity along with data protection.  To ensure optimal capacity and protection, you must fit all HDDs in the unit, before initial power-up.  It is possible to change the RAID mode 0,1,5,10 via the switch on the rear of the unit, but this must be done prior to fitting the HDDs.  Once the RAID mode is set and the array is built, it is not possible to add additional drives, without re-setting and re-building the RAID array

Can I add more than one storage unit?
Yes.  Depending on the processor unit purchased, you can add one or more expansion units.  If you choose to add additional units, you can then use the software storage manager to combine the expansion units into a single shared pool, or you can use the additional capacity for new shares.

Where should the units be located?

Unlike almost all other storage units, that may be ‘cube like’ with fans fitted, and flashing lights on the front, the Riley Server units are low profile, minimalist units – they are near silent – have no distracting flashing lights on the front – are beautiful, even compared to very high end HiFi appliances.  They will not look out of place anywhere in the home / small office.

However, as they do generate heat, and as such they should be located in free flowing air space and not locked away in small, sealed cabinets.

3 years is a long warranty – why?

Due to the precision nature of the design and thermal properties, the Riley Servers are supplied with a 3 year RTB warranty.  The units must be registered within 28 days of delivery to gain this 3 year warranty – otherwise the warranty reverts to the standard 12 months.  Please note that internal batteries and external power supplies only carry a 12 month warranty.

Boxee Live TV is Coming in January

Andrew Edney
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0
Boxee Live TV is Coming in January

Boxee announced today that they are working on a new add-on for their Boxee Box – a Live TV dongle, just as we reported last week.

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Here is what Boxee said today:

We are working on a new add-on to the Boxee Box that will come out in January. It is a Live TV dongle that lets you connect an antenna to your Box to watch channels like ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in HD with no monthly fee. You can pre-order the Live TV stick for $49.

If you are like us then the way you watch TV has changed. The stuff on Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Vudu, Vimeo keeps getting better and you can watch it everywhere. You end up watching less traditional TV, but continually pay more for it, which doesn’t make much sense.

The problem with canceling your cable subscription and relying just on the Internet has been the lack of live sports, local news, special events and live TV shows (think Dancing with the Stars). But these things are all available on broadcast TV channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC for free, over the air in HD. With Boxee Live TV you can watch them all on your Boxee Box (and still get all the regular Boxee stuff you love to watch too).

Last year, 89 of the top 100 shows were on broadcast networks – they remain the most popular channels on cable. The Superbowl, the World Series, the Oscars, the Grammys, presidential debates and addresses, the Olympics… they’re all on broadcast. Yes, there are hundreds of cable channels, but make a list of the stuff you actually watch. You will probably find that most are on broadcast and the rest are available on Vudu/Netflix/Network sites.

What is left on your list? Is it really worth $85 a month?

We believe the combination of Netflix/Vudu/Vimeo/TED/etc. with over-the-air channels delivers a much better experience for less money.

Cable companies keep telling the press and investors that “cord cutting” is not real, and that if it exists then it’s limited to people who can no longer afford cable. We are sure they are conducting objective and unbiased research, but we are meeting more and more “cord never getters” and “cord cutters” every day. They are more than just people tightening their belts in tough economic times, these are people who have left cable TV behind because it does not fit their lifestyle. They are part of a changing culture, with a changing expectation of how they watch the shows they love.

The cord cutters we talk to have changed the way they watch “TV”. They don’t sit in front of it and channel surf hoping to land on something to watch, they don’t know when shows air, they sometimes don’t even know what channel shows are on. They love “TV”, but not necessarily on an actual TV. The only time they tune into a channel is to watch something live.

The cable companies’ efforts to adapt are more focused on protecting a decades-old business model than delivering a great experience to their customers. The cable companies think you should have no choice but to accept:
-high (and constantly rising) prices,
-a bad user experience on old set-top boxes,
-signing up for a $79 package but getting billed $104.26,
-taking off work to wait for hours for an installation guy who shows up late,
-pushing you to get triple-play including phone service (you don’t want) to get a lower price, only to see your bill double after 6 months,
-letting you sign up on their website, but making you call them to cancel,
-making you physically return the set-top box during working hours in a remote part of town.

There is a better way for you to get TV… and we think Boxee with Live TV can deliver that promise. We want Boxee to be your alternative to Cable TV.

It will start shipping in January, but you can pre-order it today.

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FireCore Releases aTV Flash (black) for the 2nd Generation AppleTV

Andrew Edney
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2
FireCore Releases aTV Flash (black) for the 2nd Generation AppleTV

Today finally saw the release of aTV Flash (black) for the 2nd generation AppleTV after a long and interesting beta period.

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Here is what Firecore said:

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colorado – November 16, 2011 – FireCore has announced the release of aTV Flash (black), a suite of applications to enhance the 2nd generation AppleTV. aTV Flash (black) empowers the AppleTV to do more by adding the ability to play additional media formats; surf the web with an HTML5 compatible browser; listen to Last.fm radio; and access Weather forecasts and RSS news feeds.

The new Media Player included with aTV Flash (black) can access files directly from a Mac, PC or NAS drive without having to use iTunes. It downloads and organizes metadata and covert art automatically and will present media in your choice of a list or grid view. Supported file formats include AVI, FLAC, ISO, M2TS, MKV, MP3, MP4, MPEG, VOB, WAV and many others. Support for AC3/DTS sound, subtitles, DVD menus, playlists and photo slideshows are also included.

Also included is Couch Surfer Pro; a fully featured web browser that includes support for HTML5 streaming music and video. The browser can be controlled using the standard AppleTV remote, or the free iPhone/iPad Remote app.
Rounding out the offering is an interactive Last.fm feature that provides access to Last.fm streaming radio, as well as artist bios and slideshows. Intuitive weather forecast and RSS news feed options are also included.

Pricing and Availability

aTV Flash (black) is available now for $29.95, which includes updates for one year.

Learn more from the FireCore website

BBC iPlayer App for iPad Updated to Version 1.2

Andrew Edney
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0
BBC iPlayer App for iPad Updated to Version 1.2

Today saw an updated for the BBC iPlayer App for the iPad released.

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BBC TV and Radio programmes now on your iPad.

Watch and listen live, or choose your favourites from over 400 hours programming from the last 7 days.

– Watch live TV
– Listen to live radio
– Scroll through and find Featured and Most Popular programmes
– Add programmes to your favourites and have them ready and waiting when a new episode or series is available
– Drag and drop programmes to Favourites with one easy move
– Browse through the schedule for upcoming programmes

What’s New In Version 1.2

This BBC iPlayer iPad app update includes:
– TV out so you can connect your iPad to your TV and watch your favourite programmes (requires Apple cable)
– Bug fixes and improved performance

HP Unveils New Entertainment Notebook PC Portfolio

Andrew Edney
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0
HP Unveils New Entertainment Notebook PC Portfolio

Today HP have announced two new notebooks and an integrated wireless audio system.

HP-ENVY14-Beats-Edition

Here is the press release:

BRACKNELL, UK, Nov. 16, 2011 – HP today expanded its entertainment consumer notebook PC portfolio, with 2 new notebooks and a new, integrated wireless audio system.

— HP ENVY 17 notebook – that exudes powerful performance, advanced technologies and precision craftsmanship.

— The HP Pavilion dm4 Beats™ Edition delivers the ultimate listening experience with Beats Audio™ and features the signature black and red Beats Audio design.

— HP Wireless Audio allows users to stream audio throughout the home to a compatible wireless speaker.

HP Pavilion dm4 Beats Edition

Sleek and metal, the HP Pavilion dm4 Beats Edition is similar in size and performance to the Pavilion dm4 but reflects the signature Beats black and red design and provides the ultimate listening experience with Beats Audio.

The black exterior features a red Beats logo and a striking, black keyboard that is backlit in red. The soft-touch surface on the palm rest provides a smooth, silk-like tactile experience. Solo HD Headphones – with an HP exclusive red design – are also available via an optional bundle.

Beats Audio technology was developed by HP in collaboration with legendary artist and producer Dr. Dre and chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records and Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine.

HP ENVY 17 – cutting-edge design and breakthrough performance

The new HP ENVY 17 sports an all-metal chassis with rounded edges in a classic black and silver finish with an Intel Quad Core processor.

The Radiance Backlit keyboard is a new technology that has been developed by HP to provide outstanding keyboard illumination using individual LEDs dedicated to each keycap. In addition, the keyboard works with advanced proximity sensor to illuminate when it detects a user approaching the notebook and deactivate after the user leaves.

With six powerful speakers and a subwoofer, the new ENVY notebook delivers the optimal sound experience, featuring HP Beats Audio technology, an exclusive, high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre.

Using 3×3 wireless technology, the ENVY notebooks offer the latest wireless performance options, providing up to three times the speed and twice the range of typical network connections.

Fast boot and resume times, a performance-tuned software image, the ENVY 17 offers best-in-class battery life with up to 8 hours and can support up to three storage devices – including an optional mSATA solid state drive (SSD) and up to 2 standard hard disc drives – and up to three external displays for an immersive viewing experience.

HP Wireless Audio – music where you want it

Integrated into the new HP ENVYs, Wireless Audio transforms a notebook into a fully integrated audio system for the home.  It allows users to stream high-quality audio to up to four external devices or directly to any or directly to any KleerNet device.

Advanced tri-band connectivity reduces interference, lag time and latency for the best possible sound quality.

Consumers can also purchase an HP Wireless Audio transmitter separately to enjoy wireless audio without an ENVY notebook. The thumb-sized dongle can easily be attached to any notebook PC and supports R/L analog RCA jacks, 3.5mm mini, TOSLINK line-out, and  Coax RCA-style S/PDIF connections.

Accessories
An ideal companion to the advanced design of the new HP ENVY notebooks, the HP Wi-Fi Touch Mouse x7000 features a streamlined, ergonomic design and glossy black finish. The mouse comes equipped with an innovative touch scroll six customizable buttons, including a button for one-click uploads to Facebook. A reliable, first-time pairing connects the mouse to the PC via the PC’s built-in Wi-Fi receiver – no wires or USB dongle required. It stays connected up to 9 meters feet away and has a battery life of up to nine months – twice as long as that of comparable Bluetooth models.

Pricing and availability

— The HP Pavilion dm4 Beats™ Edition is expected to be available at the beginning of 2012 at a starting price of £899.99.

— The HP ENVY 17 is expected to be available at the beginning of 2012 at a starting price of £1,399.

— The HP Wi-Fi Touch Mouse x7000 is expected to be available in at the beginning of 2012 at a starting price of £59.99.

— The HP Wireless Audio transmitter is expected to be available at the beginning of 2012 at a starting price of £89.99-.

HP Unveils Its First Ultrabook for Business – The HP Folio13

Andrew Edney
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1
HP Unveils Its First Ultrabook for Business – The HP Folio13

Today HP announced it’s first Ultrabook for business, called the HP Folio13 it is supposed to deliver up to 9.5 hours of battery life.

hp-ultrabook

Image Source: Ritchies Room

Here is the press release:

BRACKNELL, UK, Nov. 16, 2011 – HP today introduced its first business Ultrabook, the HP Folio. It features a thin and light design, best-in-class battery life, strong security options and a responsive solid state hard drive for the ultimate mobile experience.

The HP Folio13 delivers up to 9.5 hours of battery life, best- in- class among current Ultrabooks on the market.  With all day battery life, users will no longer be saddled with carrying power adapters to charge their notebook, while a wide array of ports eliminates the need to carry cumbersome dongles. Mobile professionals can now stay productive and get through their entire day – from home to business to home- with only the HP Folio13.

Measuring less than 18 millimetres thin and utilizing an ultra slim 33.8 cm (13.3”) diagonal high-definition (HD) BrightView display, the Folio13 weighs just 1.49 kg.

Powered by the latest Intel Core processors, the HP Folio13 also includes Intel Rapid Start Technology, which provides ultra-low power consumption when not in use and a fast resume time when needed – saving time while extending battery life and stand-by time.

The HP Folio13 includes a backlit keyboard for mobile users who work in  low-light conditions. A full array of ports, including RJ-45 and USB 3.0, allows users greater flexibility to connect to the information they need. The HP Folio13 also includes a solid state drive (SSD) with 128 GB of storage for fast response times and increased reliability.

An optional TPM Embedded Security Chip protects data in email and information on the hard drive for security-conscious users.

The HP Folio13 features HP CoolSense technology, which uses advanced hardware and intelligent software for a noticeably cooler notebook. The notebook also includes an HP Imagepad for highly accurate advanced multitouch gesture support.

Additional features include an HP TrueVision HD Webcam for brighter, cleaner HD images, and Dolby Advanced Audio.

The HP Folio13 also can be configured with a range of Microsoft Windows® 7 operating systems, including Windows 7 Professional. A three-year limited warranty is available through an optional HP Care Pack.

Users who need a desktop-like environment or additional audio, video, network and USB connectivity can connect the HP Folio13 to the HP USB 2.0 dock.

Pricing and availability

– The HP Folio13 is expected to be available at the beginning of February with a starting price of £849.99

Review of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the Xbox 360

Andrew Edney
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0
Review of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the Xbox 360

Yesterday we told you about Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the Xbox 360 – and today we have our review (it would have been yesterday but we were playing it all night!)

2D Boxshot Wizard v1.1

“Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” is a spectacularly remastered version of the original “Halo” campaign, created in celebration of the 10th anniversary of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history. With a bounty of new features including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, a bundle of some of the most beloved multiplayer maps in “Halo” history reimagined for Xbox LIVE, new challenges and a new story to uncover.

Developed by 343 Industries in collaboration with Saber Interactive and Certain Affinity, “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” immerses you in the landmark campaign and genre-defining multiplayer game that helped revolutionize the first-person shooter genre and sparked one of the most iconic science-fiction universes of all time.

Features

· Stunningly remastered campaign. Relive the award-winning adventure that defined “Halo: Combat Evolved” as one of the best games of the decade with breathtaking next-gen graphics and audio remastered for the Xbox 360. Engage in epic-scale battles against the backdrop of the eponymous “Halo” ringworld, and relive nostalgic memories with the ability to toggle Classic mode to play the original version.

· Online campaign co-op. For the first time, experience the story that started it all with a friend on Xbox LIVE and launch a cooperative assault against the Covenant, whether you live across the street or halfway around the world. Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer gameplay.

· Classic “Halo” multiplayer maps reimagined. Wage battle on six detailed remakes of some of the most beloved “Halo” multiplayer maps of all time, and bring the fight to the Covenant on a stunning and resonant new Firefight map.Remastered in the “Halo: Reach” engine and inspired by maps from “Halo: Combat Evolved” and “Halo 2,” these iconic battlefields reignite the heart-pounding multiplayer action of the original favourites and let you relive epic confrontations like you’ve never experienced them.

Developed in collaboration with Certain Affinity, the new multiplayer maps are included on the “Halo: Anniversary” game disc, which means players will not need to own the original “Halo: Reach” game to play. The first of the new remakes to be revealed at E3 Expo 2011 will be the fan-favourite map Damnation.

· New challenges and enhanced story. Unlock up to 1,000 Achievement points as you clash with online opponents and battle through the campaign, and uncover never-before-revealed backstories told in motion-graphic form that foreshadow new mysteries in the story of “Halo 4.”

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To see the difference in the graphics, take a look at the screenshots below. The images on the left are the original versions, the ones on the right are the new ones.

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Watch the trailer below:

Halo trailer

Final Thoughts

I really can’t believe it has been 10 years! Seriously, where has the time gone!

Halo was the reason I actually purchased the original Xbox – I even had one sent from a friend in the US just so I could get it straight away!

When you start this new version you can see all the effort the developers have gone into to add more atmosphere to the game. New cut scenes, better graphics and even Kinect integration really make this fantastic game even better!

When the game starts it doesn’t take long until you start remembering the sequence of events, and it feels like you are seeing an old friend again.

The graphics are amazing, and if you really feel the need to see what the graphics were like before you can press a button on the controller and see for yourself. I don’t recommend staying on the old graphics though.

Gameplay wise it does feel a little dated now, which really isn’t surprising considering the game itself is 10 years old, but even so it really is fun to play again!

If you have a Kinect, there is a small update that is needed when you first play the game which enabled you to use the Kinect for various in-game gesture and voice features, for example asking Kinect to select and analyse enemies and objects. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but it is a nice addition.

If you have a 3D enabled TV, there are even audio and visual enhancements for you – I don’t have a 3D TV so I wasn’t able to test these.

The game also includes codes to download some Avatar armour and a Grunt Funeral Skull and a 2 day gold pass to play Halo Reach Anniversary Map Packs.

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All in all, if you are fan of Halo, this is a must, if for no other reason than the sheer fun of reliving hours and hours of lost time on the original. Plus you can play some cool multiplayer games and even involve your Kinect.

Right, I’m off to play it some more!

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Learn more on the Xbox website

Demand 5 App for iOS Updated to version 2

Andrew Edney
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0
Demand 5 App for iOS Updated to version 2

The Channel 5 Demand 5 app for iOS devices has been updated to version 2, and you now get access to the majority of Demand 5 content.

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Catch up on Channel 5 programmes in this Demand 5 app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
• This app provides up to 30 days of free and unlimited access to a wide selection of Channel 5 programmes.
• To ensure you are provided with the best viewing experience, this application requires Wifi.
• Rights restrictions around content mean that not all programmes can be made available and that this application is restricted to use within the UK.

What’s New In Version 2.0.0

This major update gives you access to the majority of Demand 5 content on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Milkshake! content will be included in this version of the app very soon.

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Exclusive : Unboxing the Viridian PC VHS-5HC Colorado Edition Server

Andrew Edney
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0
Exclusive : Unboxing the Viridian PC VHS-5HC Colorado Edition Server

Back in September we told you about the announcement from Viridian PC about their new VHS-5HC Colorado Edition Server. We now have our hands on one and it’s time for our exclusive unboxing.

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Here is what Viridian PC say about it:

Our Colorado Storage server range comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows Storage Server R2 2008 Essentials, based on Windows Server 2008 R2, ths OS is 64-bit and supports the latest technology such as Advanced Format hard drives. Microsoft have improved many aspects of Windows Home Server such as the remote access and media streaming to give a much improved experience.

The VSS-5HC Colorado Edition server delivers an outstanding range of features in a very compact unit. The server comes with features not typically found on small home servers, such dual Intel network adapters featuring redundancy and teaming and optional Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT requires a CPU upgrade to i5/i7 or Xeon).

Using the latest dual and quad-core Intel ‘Sandy Bridge’ processors, this server is remarkably energy efficient, drawing as little as 30w at idle when coupled with green hard drives. The base configuration uses the Intel Pentium G620T which offers excellent value for money, however those seeking more power can upgrade to a choice of CPUs right up to the quad-core i7-2600S or even the amazing quad-core Xeon E3-1260L which combines all the features of the i7 with a TDP of just 45W.

Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials is installed on the internal 2.5” hard drive, leaving all of the space on the data drives free. The data drives are housed in hot-swap bays and can be configured as RAID 5 to protect against drive failure, or without RAID for use with drive pooling add-ins.

VSS-5HC Colorado Edition Specifications

CPU : Intel Pentium G620T, 2.2GHz, dual core, 64bit, 3MB cache (other processor options available)
Chipset : Intel C206
Memory : 4Gb DDR3 1333MHz, Max 8Gb
Networking : 1 x Intel 82574L Gigabit LAN port, 1 x Intel 82574LM Gigabit LAN port
Storage : 5 x free SATA hot-swap drive bays, 160Gb internal drive for Operating System
Graphics : Intel Integrated Graphics
USB : 4 x USB 2.0 (4 Rear), 2 x USB headers on motherboard
Expansion slots : 1 (x16) PCI-Express
Remote Management : Intel Active Management Technology v.7 (requires upgrade to i5, i7 or Xeon)

Power supply : 350w 80Plus Certified
Physical dimensions : (W) 199mm x (H) 280mm x (D) 366mm
2 year return-to-base warranty as standard.

Price wise, the VHS-5HC starts at £675.00.

Watch out for our hands-on review shortly.

Learn more from the Viridian PC website

InteliSAN Announce iBrick Servers

Andrew Edney
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3
InteliSAN Announce iBrick Servers

Along with the announcement about LDisk, BJ from InteliSAN also told us about two new servers they are launching, called iBrick.

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– NAS (Network Attached Storage)- File transfer

– iSCSI SAN (Storage Area Network)- Block transfer

– 4 to 10 Terabyte Internal Storage

– Expandable through USB, eSATA, iSCSI/Ethernet

– Integrated local and Cloud Backup

– Incremental backup

– Bare metal restore or folder/file restore

– Standard GigaBit Ethernet port

– Snapshot, scheduled, revert, and convert to volume

– Duplication, Raid-1 for data protection

– Simple Central User Interface

Models:

IB100: 5 Drives, WHS-V1 + InteliSAN Software : $1395 / $1695

iBrick™-100 (IB100) is the first in a series of InteliSAN’s Unified Storage Subsystems that
provides all your storage needs in one appliance. IB100 gives you a SAN, NAS, and Backup in one stylish, compact design. IB100 use of standard Gigabit Ethernet eliminates the need for expensive HBAs, switches, or cables. It’s easy-to-use user interface provides a central
management station to configure, allocate, and manage the storage resources and backup all client computers. Your data is protected with hot-swap hard drives, and drive redundancy
through RAID technology. IB100 integrated backup is an ideal solution for backing up client
computer local disks or iSCSI attached disks. Local and Cloud Backup provides for double
protection and ease of mind for any kind of failures. After initial backup, subsequent backups
will only be incremental backup which reduces time to backup and network usage. Flexible
restore allows for either full bare-metal restore, or file/folder restore.

IB200: 4 Drives, WHS-2011 + InteliSAN Software : $1495 / $1795

iBrick™-200 (IB200) is the one of InteliSAN’s Unified Storage Subsystems that provides all
your storage needs in one appliance. IB200 gives you a SAN, NAS, and Backup in one stylish, compact design. IB200 use of standard Gigabit Ethernet eliminates the need for expensive HBAs, switches, or cables. It’s easy-to-use user interface provides a central management station to configure, allocate, and manage the storage resources and backup all client computers. Your data is protected with hot-swap hard drives, and drive redundancy through RAID technology. IB200 integrated backup is an ideal solution for backing up client computer local disks or iSCSI attached disks. Local and Cloud Backup provides for double protection and ease of mind for any kind of failures. After initial backup, subsequent backups will only be incremental backup which reduces time to backup and network usage. Flexible restore allows for either full bare-metal restore, or file/folder restore.

ibrick

Learn more from the InteliSAN website

WHS Add-in: LDisk for Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney
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1
WHS Add-in: LDisk for Windows Home Server

B.J. from Intelisan has been in touch to tell us about a new WHS add-in they have developed called LDisk which adds iSCSI Target Storage capability to your Windows Home Server.

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LDisk Windows Home Server Add-In adds iSCSI Target Storage capability to your Windows Home Server. Using LDisk, you can create a single appliance to provide all your storage and backup needs.

– iSCSI Target Storage for Windows Home Server

– IP SAN (Storage Area Network)- Block transfer

– iSCSI SAN interface over Ethernet

– Snapshot with schedules, revert, and convert to volume

– Fully protected data using SAN Volume duplication

– Supports all Internal or external drives

– Drive Extender for WHS 2011

– Storage Expansion through iSCSI for WHS 2011

At the moment there are no prices available for either the WHS V1 add-in or the WHS 2011 add-in. They are offering a 30 free trial for now.

Learn more from the Intelisan website

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QNAP TurboNAS Firmware: 3.5 Deep Dive Part Six: Media Streaming

Jim McCarthy
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QNAP TurboNAS Firmware: 3.5 Deep Dive Part Six: Media Streaming

This is Part Six of our QNAP TurboNAS Deep Dive series and we look at media streaming capabilities. Read on for details!

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In Part One of this series, we told you how to set up the ISCSI target functionality in TurboNAS 3.5. In Part Two, we covered adding users. In Part Three, we covered volume management and SMART data. In Part Four, we covered cloud backup services. In Part Five, we covered the remote access capabilities inherent in TurboNAS 3.5.  In Part Six, we’ll cover the media streaming capabilities.

Media Streaming Features

TurboNAS has three main media streaming features: a Twonky media streaming DLNA server, and iTunes server for sharing music, and the Multimedia Station for streaming media over the internet and network to connected devices.

Twonky Media

The current release of Twonky Media being used on TurboNAS is 5.1.6.  Under Application Servers, click on UPnP Media Server and follow the link to the Twonky configuration page.

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Here is what you’ll see:

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Click on PC Media Browser and you’ll see this:

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Click on the wrench for settings and then click on Sharing.  Make sure that your media directories are all listed.  I am only sharing Multimedia here.

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If you want to use transcoding of your content, click on Transcoding under Advanced Setup and check off the selections that you want to use.  Be careful here; these devices run on Atom chips and don’t have tons of memory, so your mileage will vary.

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That’s it!  I’ve streamed primarily MP4 video (AAC/H.264 encoding) and WMV video files with a combination of PlayStation 3’s, a Sony blu-ray player, my HP TouchPad and various PC’s in the house with very good results.  They content just plays.

Spotify App for iOS Updated to Version 0.4.21

Andrew Edney
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Spotify App for iOS Updated to Version 0.4.21

The Spotify app for iOS has been updated to version 0.4.21 – and you can even try Spotify Premium for free with it.

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Get free access to Spotify Premium now! With Premium you’ll get access to 15 million tracks from thousands of albums and artists on your iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad. If you haven’t tried Premium before, you can try it on your mobile for 48-hours, completely free. You don’t even have to enter credit card details. Simply download this app and log in*.
If 48-hours isn’t enough, you can extend your trial by 30 days by following the details in the email we send you when you log in.

Great features

– Instant access to over 15 million tracks
– Stream online
– Listen offline – no mobile connection needed
– Share music with your friends
– Star your favourite tracks
– Wirelessly sync your own MP3s to your iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad
– Create and sync playlists
– Send the tracks you listen to direct to Last.fm & Facebook

* If you don’t have log in details – simply register for a free Spotify account on the Spotify website. Full mobile terms of Use & 48-hour free trial terms and conditions can also be found on the Spotify website.

What’s New In Version 0.4.21

* New: (iOS 5 only): Cover art and track metadata is shown on lock screen
* New: Feature intro shown for first-time Spotify Mobile users
* New: Toggle posting to Facebook from Settings
* New: Incognito mode
* Changed: iOS 4.0 or later is now required to run Spotify on your iOS device.

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More Information on the WD Sentinel DX4000

Timothy Daleo
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1
More Information on the WD Sentinel DX4000

Today WD has announced the release of their WD Sentinel DX4000 in 4TB and 8TB models running Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials. This small office storage server offers complete protection for your data, PCs and remote access. With a 4TB model selling for $949 it is a great deal in today’s market.

This new WD server offers Plug-and-Play installation, easy maintenance and secure remote access. Using Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials. I have been using this server and it has great performance, style and functionality. The 4TB model is $949.99 and the 8TB model is $1,499.99. These prices are very competitive considering the systems run Windows® Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials!

The customized WD Dashboard provides everything you need to manage your WD Sentinel DX4000!

WD Sentinel DX4000

WD Sentinel DX4000

 

Five Levels of Data Protection

WD Sentinel DX4000 provides five levels of data protection for every device on the small office network and is supported by WD Guardian Services.

  1. The Drives Inside: Pre-configured with WD’s award-winning enterprise-class drives for durability and reliability.
  2. RAID: Featuring levels 1 and 5 for data protection and speed.
  3. Daily Backup: Automatic backup and recovery software provides daily full system back ups for up to 25 devices on your network. Simply set it and forget it.
  4. Redundant Network Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Ethernet configured in Adaptive Fault Tolerance (AFT) automatically switches to second network port in the event of a network failure.
  5. Optional Disaster Recovery Protection: Connect to the small business cloud provided by optional disaster recovery software and store your data offsite for disaster recovery.

Check out the WD Sentinel DX4000 Small Office Storage Server at:

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=610

WD Sentinel DX4000

Physical Specifications

WD Sentinel DX4000

I have been using this server and it has great performance, style and functionality. I will be posting more updates and articles soon so check back!

Timothy Daleo

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