Sony Announces USB Portable Power Supply

Andrew Edney
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0
Sony Announces USB Portable Power Supply

Keep your smartphone’s battery powered with new USB portable power supply from Sony.

CP-A2LS

 

Ultra-portable, easy to use CP-A2LS and CP-ELS offer ‘any time, any place’ power-ups

 

At the airport or on the beach – make sure your smartphone doesn’t run out of power at a vital moment with two new USB portable power supply chargers from Sony.

The CP-A2LS and CP-ELS are ideal for travellers, mobile professionals – or anyone who can’t afford to be without power on the move. Light and easy to carry, both chargers make charging up your smartphone as easy as plugging into your computer’s USB port or AC plug.

With a generous 4000 mAh capacity, the CP-A2LS packs power for up to two recharges of your smartphone’s battery, either via the included micro-USB cable or your smartphone’s original cable. Four LED indicators give at-a-glance confirmation of the charger’s remaining battery level.

When it’s time to recharge, simply attach the CP-A2LS to its supplied AC input module for quick charging via the nearest mains socket. When you’re done, detach the AC input module and slip the CP-A2LS into a pocket or bag for instant power whenever it’s needed.

The 2,000mAh capacity of the ultra-compact CP-ELS provides power for a single charge of your smartphone. Recharging the CP-ELS is as simple as plugging into your computer’s USB port. Like the CP-A2LS, a micro-USB cable is supplied as an alternative to using your phone’s own cable for charging.

A low self-discharge rate means both models retain ~80% of their initial charging level after 12 months, cutting the risk of being left powerless at the wrong moment.

The new CP-A2LS and CP-ELS Portable power supply chargers by Sony are available from the beginning of November 2011.

 

Technical specifications: model CP-A2LS

Module Dimensions (WxHxD) Input module: 58 x 56 x 21.5 mm

Output module: 58 x 84.5 x 26.4 mm
Weight Input module: 45g

Output module: 145g
No. of USB output ports 2
Input Source AC 100-240 V
Output Source Standard USB 5V 0.5A per port for 2 ports or USB 5V 1.0A for high power output for 1 port only
Output Module Li-ion rechargeable battery with USB Standard Output
USB Authentication Yes
Detachable (Input/Output) Yes
Battery Capacity Li-ion 4,000 mAh
Charging Source AC
Charging Time Approx. 6 hours
Cycle Time 500
Output Time (5V/1.0A constant)

*Varies depending on application

 120 min

 

Technical specifications: model CPS-ELS

Dimensions (WxHxD) 28 x 125 x 26.5
Weight 87g
No. of USB output ports 1
Output Source USB 5V 1.0A
USB Authentication No
Battery Type / Capacity Li-ion 2,000 mAh
Charging Source USB
Charging Time Approx. 6 hours
Cycle Time 500
Output Time (5V/1.0A constant)

*Varies depending on application

 60 min

Exclusive: Unboxing the Tranquil PC iMono PC

Andrew Edney
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1
Exclusive: Unboxing the Tranquil PC iMono PC

Earlier today we told you about Tranquil’s iMono PC – well we have an exclusive unboxing of one for you.

UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 2

So the one we have been able to get our hands on is the industrial version of the iMono – so it looks very solid and metallic. It also doesn’t have an on/off switch. When you connect the power the iMono will start up. This is to stop the switch getting accidently knocked in an industrial environment.

UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 1 (2)UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 1 (3)UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 1 (4)UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 1 (5)UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 1 (6)UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 1 (7)UWHS - Tranquil PC iMono - 1 (8)

One thing I noticed with the industrial version is that it is heavy!

The Home Version

As I mentioned, the one I have is the industrial version – the home version will have an on/off switch and will look a lot more at home in the home. It will look quite similar to the AVA Media Zara.

AVA

Right, we are off to run tests on this little devil. Stay tuned for a full review shortly.

Learn more about the Tranquil iMono here

WHS 2011 Add-in: Drive Bender Released

Andrew Edney
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0
WHS 2011 Add-in: Drive Bender Released

Drive Bender, the add-in for Windows Home Sever 2011 that replaces Drive Extender, has now been released.

DriveBender

What is it?

Drive Bender is state of the art, single point storage pool technology for Microsoft Windows. Drive Bender presents multiple hard drives as a single pool of data storage, either as one or more drive letters, or a network shared drive. Drive Bender is able to do this with any drive recognized by Windows, including external drive such as USB, Firewire etc.

Expandability

Drive Bender also provides the user with the ability to seamless expand their storage pool by simply adding a new drive. Adding a new drive expands the pool by the size of the new drive. Existing data within the pool is redistributed to the new drive to ensure the pool remain balanced.

Drive merging and converting

Drive Bender also offers a merge capability, allowing users to take a drive that contains data, and merge that drive (and data) into the pool. In addition there is also a drive conversion feature. This can take and existing drive letter (mounted against a physical drive) and convert this into a pooled drive. Once completed, new hard drives can be added to expand the once fixed drive.

Data redundancy

To further ensure data safety, Drive Bender can automatically duplicate any file added to a Drive Bender pool. File duplication is determined at the folder level and occurs on the fly as data is being written to the pool. More importantly, files are only duplicated across physical drives ensuring maximum safety and data redundancy.

Non-destructive

One of the key Drive Bender features is its non-destructive file system technology. In short, this means that all drives within a Drive Bender pool are utilizing standard NTFS format and file structures. This is to such an extent that a drive can be pulled from the pool and read on any machine capable of reading an NTFS formatted drive. More over, drives attached to the pool can be done so without modification, if a drive is added (not merged) that contains existing data, that data will remain untouched.

Ease to try

Because of our non-destructive file system, taking Drive Bender for a test drive is easy. Simply specify the drives to be included in the pool, and you are ready go. The drives are not formatted (unless specified), the only change made to the drive is the addition of a folder that holds the contents of the pool and a small number of configuration files.

The technology

Drive Bender employs existing, proven kernel mode file system technology. Having spent many years developing kernel mode drivers, we are able to use this experience to great extent. The end result is a product whose performance will closely match that of the underlying drive.

The story

Early in 2010 we prototyped a Drive Extender style application with the view of releasing a product that would work with all versions of Microsoft Windows. However soon thereafter, Microsoft announced Vail (a new version of Windows Home Server) and a small business server product, codename Aurora, both of which contain their Drive Extender technology. Given this, and the possibility that Drive Extend may well make its way to other Microsoft platforms, we shelved the project.

However later that same year, Microsoft announced that they would be dropping Drive Extender from all their products (including Windows Home Server 2011), leaving the door open for Division-M to resurrect the Drive Bender project!

And well done to Anthony at Division M for getting it out there!

Learn more about Drive Bender here

Tranquil iMono PC Now Available for Pre-order with Discounts

Andrew Edney
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4
Tranquil iMono PC Now Available for Pre-order with Discounts

Tranquil PC have just announced their new PC – the iMono, and you can pre-order it today with some pretty hefty discounts!

Front1__65586_zoom

Product Description

The iMono is the finest computer system ever created by Tranquil PC. The result of months of R&D can now be enjoyed and experienced in the iMono


Designed by Tranquil

The design criteria for iMono was to design and create a super slim, small, 100% silent, 100% ventless, 100% fanless, 100% high performance system – that not only delivered a technically superior solution but that did it in style.


High Performance, in silence

By utilising the latest 2nd Generation Core processors from Intel combined with original Intel main boards it was possible to realise the design. This combined with major investment into our own internal high precision, high speed machining equipment, allowed the design to become a reality. Completely design and manufactured in Manchester, UK – the iMono system is now available.

The 35mm (not including feet) super slim chassis is created from a single billet of aerospace grade aluminum, this means a chassis with no seams, no joins, no unslightly screws – just smooth lines and a beauty never seen in a PC system before.

Housing a choice of 2nd Generation Core Processors from Intel, and Intel’s high performance H61 main board, the system performs like nothing else of this size. With modern connectivity to the rear, the uses of the iMono system are unlimited.

Background

For a background to our development of monocoque (single skin) products, including the iMono, please click on the links below:

Monocoque Systems

CNC machinery

Where to use

Optimised for long term reliability, silent operation, high performance and install anywhere – the iMono is already being ordered for industrial, marine, transportation, telecoms as well as consumer (PC / Media Centre) applications.

imono back

Introductory offer

We are pleased to announce that the iMono is available on a pre-order basis. Orders received prior to the planned shipping date of 9th November, can be discounted by including the following coupon code at our checkout : MONO59 which will get you a discount of £59.00 plus VAT. Also check your email because if you are on Tranquil’s mailing list you can get a discount of £99.00 plus VAT for this weekend only! The regular price starts at £329.00 plus VAT.

Pre-order your iMono from here

What you get

  • iMono System unit
  • Internal PSU and External AC/DC adapter (with power cord to suit your locale)

Specification (I/O)

Dimensions : 250 (W) x 180 (D) x 33* (H) mm (*not incl feet)

CPU / Cooling : Intel 35W i3 or i5

RAM : Max 8GB

HDD Support : 1x mSATA

PCIex Support : None

Main board : Intel DH61AG

Front panel : Power SW, Power LED

Rear I/O : 19VDC, USB3 (2), USB2 (2), GBE LAN, HDMI, DVD-I, eSATA, Audio (in/out)

Internal : N/A

Environmental : Acoustics (0dBA)

Power consumption : Idle 17W, Fully loaded 42W

EXCLUSIVE

Here at UWHS we will have our hands on the very first iMono this weekend, so watch out for our review!

NVIDIA Introduce NVIDIA 3D Vision 2

Andrew Edney
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0
NVIDIA Introduce NVIDIA 3D Vision 2

Today NVIDIA introduced the next generation of their NVIDIA 3D Vision products – the NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 range, including new 3D glasses and monitors.

header_productshot1

Here is the press release:

NVIDIA 3D Vision Vaults to New Dimension with Next-Gen

3D Glasses and Monitors

 

New 3D Vision 2 Glasses, Brighter 3D LightBoost Monitor Technology

Immerse Gamers into Vivid 3D Worlds

 

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Oct. 15, 2011—The best 3D technology for the PC just got better with the introduction of new NVIDIA®3D Vision™ products, which deliver greater realism and immersion than ever for 3D games, movies and photos.

NVIDIA 3D Vision 2, the next generation of NVIDIA’s award-winning 3D technology, features sleek, newly-redesigned, gamer-inspired glasses.  It also introduces NVIDIA 3D LightBoost™ technology, a unique new display technology that dramatically improves the 3D experience by delivering images that are up to twice as bright and colors that are far richer than those provided by other 3D display technologies.

These features give gamers the ultimate 3D platform for this fall’s hot new titles, including Batman: Arkham City, LA Noire and more.  In addition, through the NVIDIA 3D Vision Ready ecosystem, NVIDIA is delivering the industry’s broadest selection of high-quality 3D content and supported displays.

“Gorgeous, bright, crystal-clear 3D worlds are created by NVIDIA’s 3D Vision 2 glasses with 3D LightBoost monitors and notebooks,” said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision at NVIDIA.  “NVIDIA’s engineering team has made incredible enhancements in 3D on PCs, creating a breathtaking gaming experience that’s better than the best Hollywood 3D movie.”

“NVIDIA 3D LightBoost technology makes 3D games, movies and photos more stunning and life-like than ever before,” said David Wung, senior director of product management of Open Platform Business (OPBG) Group for ASUS Computer International.  “With 3D LightBoost and our new full-HD monitors, colors are richer, textures and subtle image details virtually jump off the screen, and the overall quality of the experience is something to behold.   We are thrilled to be the first desktop display manufacturer to bring this new level of 3D visual quality to our customers with the ASUS VG278H.”

NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 Glasses

NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 glasses were designed specifically for gamers and 3D enthusiasts. They provide deeper immersion in games through lenses that are 20 percent larger than those in first-generation glasses, resulting in a wider viewing area and increased external light blocking.  In addition, NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 glasses are made of soft composite materials for a more comfortable fit with gaming headphones.

clip_image001

The glasses, which feature NVIDIA’s advanced active-shutter and IR wireless technologies, allow gamers and 3D enthusiasts to access the broadest selection of high-quality 3D content available today, including more than 550 full-HD 1080p 3D games, more than 100 Blu-ray 3D movies and thousands of 3D videos and photos from YouTube and 3DVisionLive.com.   In addition, NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 glasses are fully backwards-compatible with all existing NVIDIA 3D Vision Ready content and supporting products, including more than 70 different 3D Vision monitors, notebooks and projectors, video applications, and cameras.

 

NVIDIA 3D LightBoost Technology

NVIDIA 3D LightBoost is a new NVIDIA display technology that delivers up to 2X brighter 3D images than existing 3D solutions and improved color quality.   It also dramatically increases environmental lighting, making gaming keyboards and mice more visible, and reducing 3D ghosting.

The first NVIDIA 3D LightBoost-certified desktop display is the ASUS VG278H, a 27-inch LED full HD (1920×1080) monitor, featuring a 3D HDMI 1.4 input, as well as a Dual-link DVI input for full HD 1080p 3D gaming.  ASUS’ exclusive Trace-Free II Technology features 120Hz refresh rates and 2ms response times, resulting in vivid, ultra-smooth visuals.  Expected to be available by the end of October 2011, the ASUS VG278H includes NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 glasses and is priced at $699 (USD MSRP).

clip_image002

Additional NVIDIA 3D LightBoost-compatible displays from Acer and BenQ, are expected to ship in the coming months.  NVIDIA 3D LightBoost compatible notebooks include several Toshiba models – Satellite P770/P775, Dynabook Satellite T572, Dynabook T572, and the Qosmio X770/X775 – with others expected in the coming months.

3D Vision 2 Pricing and Availability

The 3D Vision 2 glasses kit, which includes one pair of NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 glasses and a wireless USB IR emitter, will be available from the leading retailers/e-tailers worldwide in October for $149 (USD MSRP).  It will also be available on the NVIDIA online store.  Extra NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 glasses are available for $99 (USD MSRP).  Visit www.nvidia.co.uk/3dvision for more information.

About NVIDIA 3D Vision

NVIDIA is the worldwide leader in 3D technology for personal computers. NVIDIA 3D Vision and 3D Vision 2 technology, which includes 3D Vision software and advanced active shutter glasses, delivers breathtaking stereoscopic 3D images for gamers, movie-lovers and photo enthusiasts when configured with NVIDIA GPUs and a 3D display or projector.  NVIDIA 3D Vision technology supports the richest array of 3D content available, including more than 550 3D games, Blu-ray 3D movies, 3D photos and streaming Web video.  It also enables users to upload, share and view full-resolution 3D photos, as well as enjoy 3D movies at NVIDIA 3DVisionLive.com, the world’s first 3D Vision online community.  In addition, NVIDIA 3DTV Play™ software enables consumers to attach their PC or notebook to 3D HDTVs and HDMI 1.4-capable audio/video receivers and enjoy all the latest 3D content in the comfort of their living rooms in full HD 3D, and with HD surround sound audio.

NVIDIA 3D Vision Pro™ technology is a combination of wireless active shutter glasses and advanced software, which automatically transform business-oriented applications into full stereoscopic 3D to improve the usefulness of the applications and increase productivity.  3D Vision Pro technology is designed for multi-user, collaborative viewing and production environments, and features long-range, bi-directional 2.4GHz radio communication.

DVBLink iOS Client Now Available in the App Store

Andrew Edney
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0
DVBLink iOS Client Now Available in the App Store

DVBLogic have released their DVBLink iOS client for their DVBLink Connect Server, and there is both an iPhone and iPad version.

dvblink ios

iOS client for DVBLink Connect! Server.

Watch Live TV, browse EPG, view program details, manage timer recordings from your IPhone or IPad.

This app requires DVBLink Connect! Server installation on the server computer.

dvblink ios 2

dvblink ios 3dvblink ios 4

Download for free from the App Store now

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4074

Andrew Edney
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1
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4074

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4074.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.4074 ———-

* Re-enabled access to the .Mount folder.

* Fixed security issues after adding a new drive.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4074 here

Unboxing the Apple iPhone 4S

Andrew Edney
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2
Unboxing the Apple iPhone 4S

Today saw the launch of the new Apple iPhone 4S. And here is our unboxing.

UWHS - iPhone 4S - 3

The box is the usual Apple iPhone box.

UWHS - iPhone 4S - 1

UWHS - iPhone 4S - 2

And the contents are the usual – the iPhone, a set of earphones, a cable, and manual and a plug.

UWHS - iPhone 4S - 4

A Closer Look

UWHS - iPhone 4S - 8UWHS - iPhone 4S - 9

UWHS - iPhone 4S - 10UWHS - iPhone 4S - 11UWHS - iPhone 4S - 12UWHS - iPhone 4S - 13

Comparing the iPhone 4S to the iPhone 4

The phones are the same size, and feel roughly the same weight.

The mute button on the 4S is slightly lower than the 4, which might cause some issues with certain cases, so if you are upgrading you might want to check your current case out!

UWHS - iPhone 4S - 5UWHS - iPhone 4S - 6UWHS - iPhone 4S - 7

Right, I’m off to fire the 4S up and give her a test! More soon….

Boxee Now Streaming Spotify Music via Custom App

Andrew Edney
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0
Boxee Now Streaming Spotify Music via Custom App

Today Boxee announced that there is a new app that enables you to stream Spotify through Boxee.

Here is what Boxee posted today:

Spotify’s endless catalogue of music has arrived on Boxee.

When I tell people about Spotify, I say it’s like iTunes, but with millions and millions of songs built in… and sharing that makes “Ping” look like an 8-track. With its recent Facebook integration, which lets you discover, share and comment on Spotify music with your friends, Spotify is spreading like wildfire in the US from its base in Europe (where the history comes from).

Adding Spotify’s huge music catalogue to a Boxee Box with a Premium subscription costs less than a cup of coffee per week (9.99/month $, € or £). Of course anyone can try the service on their computer for free (with a few ads) or for 4.99/month without ads using an Unlimited account. However, we like the “Go Big or Go Home” philosophy, and Spotify Premium streams sweet serenades everywhere – providing access on your Boxee Box, mobile phone and letting you rock out to playlists offline. After a week with the Premium subscription, I deleted all the other music on my phone and now just use Spotify.

The week before, at a recent party, we created a shared playlist that all of our friends could add to – from Outkast to LCD Soundsystem to Michael Jackson to Fake Blood. During the party we used the Spotify app on our computer to DJ the entire thing… from 10pm to 5:30am. For the next one, we’re looking forward to turning our Boxee Box into command central for the DJ booth.

Since Boxee and Spotify are both all about helping you find new stuff you’ll love, we thought it would be fun to have Boxee employees share their favorite playlists with you. Click on any of the playlists below to listen to them with Spotify. Once you’ve fallen in love, sign up for a Premium account and start streaming your favorites through your Boxee Box!

Microsoft Closes Skype Deal

Jim McCarthy
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1
Microsoft Closes Skype Deal

Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype closed today.  Read on for details.

Microsoft announced that the Skype deal closed today, bringing Skype into the fold for $8.5 billion.  Here is what Microsoft had to say:

REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG — Oct. 13, 2011 — Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) has closed its acquisition of Skype Global S.à r.l. Negotiations of the definitive agreement under which Microsoft would acquire Skype, an Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion were led by investor group Silver Lake and the transaction was originally announced on May 10, 2011. Boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype previously approved the acquisition.

The Internet has changed video calling for millions of people. Explore some of the numbers and stats showing the scope and impact of how Skype is helping people stay connected.

Microsoft and Skype will remain focused on their shared goal of connecting all people across all devices and accelerating both companies’ efforts to transform real-time communications for consumers and enterprise customers. The completion of the acquisition also marks the official introduction of Skype as a new business division within Microsoft.

“Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “We look forward to working with the Skype team to create new ways for people to stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues — anytime, anywhere.”

Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Skype Division of Microsoft immediately, reporting directly to Ballmer. The Skype division will continue to offer its current products to millions of users globally. Longer term, Skype will also be integrated across an array of Microsoft products to broaden Skype’s reach and accelerate its growth as a fundamental way people communicate online. Skype employees will continue to be located around the world in offices including Estonia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States.

“By bringing together the best of Microsoft and the best of Skype, we are committed to empowering consumers and businesses around the globe to connect in new ways,” Bates said. “Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype’s goal to reach 1 billion users daily,” Bates said.

Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress, developing new products and revenue streams, strategic acquisitions, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.

Now that Microsoft has Skype in the fold, I’ll be interested to see exactly how their other communication platforms are impacted.  We’ll being you more details as they become available.

Microsoft Announces Closure of Skype Deal

HIS Teams-Up with Zalman to Launch 6670 iSilence 4 Graphics Range

Andrew Edney
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0

Hightech Information System (HIS) today announced it has partnered with well-known Korean cooling expert ZALMAN to launch the new 6670 iSilence graphics card range.

H6670-1600_ALL_400

Here is the press release:

The model, which emits zero noise, is ideal for gamers and home media entertainment enthusiasts aspiring to create a 0 dB environment but still want the best in cooling technology.

The new iSilence 4 1GB DDR3 cards come equipped with Zalman’s patented fanless VFP (Variable Fin Profile) Fin Design, allowing for maximized cooling efficiency and heat dissipation without producing any noise. Ideal for home entrainment enthusiasts setting up a home theatre PC or Media Center, gamers can also take advantage of the new iSilence 4 cards by setting up SLI and Cross fire configurations as the heatsink is positioned above the VGA.

The new 6670 iSilence 4 cards will be available at Overclockers UK and Ebuyer.com for an RRP of £78

Key Features of 6670 iSilence 4:

  • Zalman’s patented VFP (Variable Fin Profile) Fin Design: allows for maximized cooling efficiency
  • Fanless: iSilence 4 does not emit any noise
  • Three high performance heatpipes: maximized heat transfer
  • Thin aluminum fins (0.4mm): minimized heatsink weight
  • Heatsink positioned above the VGA: for optimized cooling efficiency and allows compatibility with SLI and CrossFire setups

6670 iSilence 4 Specifications:

  • Cooler: iSilence 4
  • GPU: 6670
  • Core Clock: 800 MHz
  • Memory Clock: 1600 MHz
  • Memory Size: 1024 MB
  • Memory Type: DDR3
  • Memory Interface: 128 bit
  • Interface: PCI Express x16 (PCI Express 2.1)

About HIS

Founded in Hong Kong in 1987, Hightech Information System Ltd. is an internationally acclaimed graphics cards manufacturer. Commitment to Excellence is the bedrock of the company. HIS is proud to be ATI’s Authorized 1st Tier AIB Partner, Certified Partner and Launching Partner. Up to the third quarter of 2010, HIS has won over 1,100 awards with ATI graphic solutions from major media all around the world. The performance-leading and award-winning models range from entry level to the most professional level products. HIS have proven to offer far superior, cooler, quieter and faster graphic cards than any other leading rivals. For further information, please visit the web site at http://www.hisdigital.com

A How-to Guide for DVBLink v4 and MediaPortal

Andrew Edney
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0
A How-to Guide for DVBLink v4 and MediaPortal

If you would like to use DVBLink v4 and MediaPortal, there is a very useful how-to guide in the DVBLogic forums.

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This guide was posted today in the DVBLogic forums and is worth a read:

This is a small guide for using DVBLink v4 with MediaPortal.

Follow these instructions.
1. Configure DVBLink v4 to fit your DVBLink needs.
2. Install MediaPortal (TVServer).
3. Download the DVB-IP patch for the TVServer part. (Follow the instructions on the page for installing it)
http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/gener … ter-96726/

The tricky stuff.

i. Single Tuner Guide
Go to the mp tuningparameters path for DVBIP (x:\ProgramData\Team MediaPortal\MediaPortal TV Server\TuningParameters\dvbip\)
Create a new tuning file ex. DVBLink.Comhem.m3u

Write this in the file

#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:0,<Channelname>
http://<Serverip>:8080/dvblink/direct?client=<ClientIdentifier>&channel=<ChannelTuningFrequens>

Example.
#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:0,SVT1
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10370000
#EXTINF:0,SVT2
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10390000

<Channelname> Speaks for itself the name of the channel you want to link to the stream
<Serverip> Doh!!! if u dont know what it is stop reading here
<ClientIdentifier> can be just about anything without spaces, for simplicity i use AAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAA is what the stream will identify as (client so to speak).
<ChannelTuningFrequens> Open up the dvblink_channel_storage.xml (located in x:\Program Files (x86)\DVBLogic\DVBLink\)
Search for the channel name, it will look something like this.

<logical_channel>
<childlock>0</childlock>
<type>TV</type>
<number>1</number>
<subnumber>0</subnumber>
<name>SVT1</name>
<category></category>
<frequency>10370000</frequency>
<physical_channel>
<number>1</number>
<subnumber>0</subnumber>
<type>TV</type>
<id>c1e0bca4-1b93-4276-a78c-74ba63ca2dad:290000:40999:45:1097</id>
<source_id>B05BFF15-D6C0-4993-9867-85D0FE6EDF7D</source_id>
<source_name></source_name>
<name>SVT1</name>
<category>\DVB-C ComHem Göteborg\TV\By Name\</category>
<altid>5500.ini:290:40999:45:1097</altid>
<fta>1</fta>
</physical_channel>

Here you are intereseted in the <frequency>10370000</frequency> line, add the number to the <ChannelTuningFrequens> part of the url.

Repeat for ALL your channels, end result will look something like this depending on how many channels you got.
#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:0,SVT1
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10370000
#EXTINF:0,SVT2
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10390000
#EXTINF:0,SVT1 HD
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10380000
#EXTINF:0,SVT2 HD
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10400000
#EXTINF:0,TV3
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10520000
#EXTINF:0,TV4
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10530000
#EXTINF:0,Kanal 5
http://192.168.0.201:8080/dvblink/direc … l=10270000

Now load up MP Server Config goto TV Servers > <YourServersName> in the top of the right column make sure you have atleast one DVBIP card active.

Go to the DVBIP card to scan and choose the tuning file you created DVBLink.Comhem.

Make sure the checkboxes are unchecked and then press scan and your channels will show up.

After the scan go to the TV Channels > Channels tab and make sure ALL your channels are GREEN (Free to Air) THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!

If the channels are red (Crypted) you wont get any picture.

Changing the channels to FTA is as simple as right clicking the channel and choose edit channel and tick Free to Air checkbox.
All done for singel tuner setup!!!

ii. Multituner Setup (example is for 4 tuners)

Follow the Singel tuner setup guide all the way to the MP Server Config part, dont load up the server just yet!

Copy the file that we created DVBLink.Comhem.m3u to DVBLink.Comhem2.m3u, DVBLink.Comhem3.m3u, DVBLink.Comhem4.m3u.
Edit the newly created files and change the <Clientidentifier> to something else, for simplicity ive made it BBBBBBBBB for DVBLink.Comhem2.m3u
CCCCCCCCC for DVBLink.Comhem3.m3u and DDDDDDDDD for DVBLink.Comhem4.m3u.

Now load up MP Server Config goto TV Servers > <YourServersName> in the top of the right column make sure you have 4 DVBIP cards active.

On the first card scan with DVBLink.Comhem.m3u, on the second use DVBLink.Comhem2.m3u and so on.

When this is done you will end up with 4 duplicate channels of every channel in the Channels tab.

And as before make sure ALL the channels are green (Free to Air) even the DUPES!!

Then go to TV Channels > Mappings and make sure that every tuner just has 1 channel of every channel assigned to each tuner and not all 4.

Then we go to TV Channels > TV Combinations

Mark the first channel in the left column and you will get channels that are 100% match in the right column

Mark the channels that are 100% match and press combine, then do this for all your channels.

After this go to TV Channels and under Channels you will only see one channel of each channel and no dupes.

Now the Tuningdetails column of each channel under channels will say 4 instead of 1.
If all this checks out for you then you are good to go Enjoy MediaPortal with multiple tuners and DVBLink!!!
//Pjotr2k

Apple TV (2nd generation) Software Updated to version 4.4

Andrew Edney
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0
Apple TV (2nd generation) Software Updated to version 4.4

As well as the Mac OS X updates and the iOS 5 updates last night, Apple have also released an update to their 2nd generation Apple TV’s, taking them to version 4.4.

atv_flash_black

Apple TV Software Update 4.4 features

Apple TV 4.4

The Digital Lifestyle Show #324 – Embedded Automation Return

Andrew Edney
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0
The Digital Lifestyle Show #324 – Embedded Automation Return

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – its show 324.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

A Bumper show for you this week. Ted Singh from Embedded Automation returns to the show to talk about mControl 3.0, their home automation software. Ted was on the very edition of the podcast a long time ago and its great to have him back on the show.

We still have our regular review of the weeks news, Garry joins me to talk Windows 7 and 8 on Tablets, movie rental from Youtube, Ceton diagnostics, TV apps coming to the Xbox 360, TV Streaming to Android Tablets, Windows Media Center Updates and I give my first impressions of Windows Phone 7.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

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