AVA Media Release Zara Ripping Server

AVA Media have released a new ripping server made from a single piece of aluminium – she is called Zara.

Zara 2

The new Zara ripping server has been optimized for audio ripping and storage and is ready to serve network playback devices such as the Linn DS and many other network audio players. All data is duplicated on another internal disk ensuring integrity.

The newly designed Zara is created from a single piece of aerospace grade aluminium. Precision engineered in our own factory to exacting standards, the Zara will fit perfectly with any high end audio system.

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Features
  • Near silent operation (<9dBA)
  • 2x 1TB hard disks pre-installed
  • Very low power consumption (approx 22W)
  • Low profile – 338(W) x 224(D) x 55(H)mm
  • Extremely high quality seamless chassis
  • Very simple to use – just insert CD
  • Lifetime subscription to premium meta data
  • Designed, made and supported from UK!!
Learn from the AVA Media website

StableBit Scanner 2.0 for Windows Home Server 2011 Beta Updated to 2.0.0.1168

StableBit Scanner 2.0 for Windows Home Server 2011 is now available in beta and has been updated to version 2.0.0.1168.

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An advanced hard disk surface scanner, monitor and more.

Monitors all your hard drives and ensures that every bit holding your precious data is readable.

2.0.0.1168 ———-

* Disk usage tree map (still a bit rough).

* Standby command in drive context menu.

* Standby timer control. * Display idle unload capability.

* Display power state of drives in a new column.

Download the latest beta version from here

Plextor Launch M2P Series Solid State Drive with True Speed Technology

Plextor are expanding their existing quality SSD range with the launch of the M2P Series SSD with ‘True Speed’ technology, providing speedy and sustained levels of high performance to users.

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Plextor aims to create SSD products that achieve the best-in-class performance across realistic tests, which are efficient in every application and run at sustained speeds for their entire lifetime. The M2P Series, a successor to the M2S series announced earlier this year, is a 2.5” internal solid state drive (SSD) which meets this vision, with improved random and sequential performance.

With advanced firmware ensuring that speed and reliability keeps consistent throughout the product lifespan, the M2P Series remains close to the promised performance even after years of continuous use, making it a preferable choice for consumers and businesses who want to make sure essential data is secure and safe.

The launch of the M2P series – the second SSD this year from Plextor – demonstrates the company’s focus and dedication towards the SSD industry. With the storage market ever growing, SSDs continue to complement existing systems alongside HDD in the short and mid-term and in the longer term may replace them entirely to host the OS and working environment as a stable and faster solution to HDD. With the cost difference decreasing, SSDs are fast becoming seen as essential upgrades by many technology experts.

Key Features:

* 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

* True Speed Technology for sustained performance over time

* Improved random read and write speeds of 70,000 / 65,000 IOPS

* Uses server-grade Marvell 88SS9174 controller chip

* Supports SATA III 6Gb/s interface and highest quality Japanese NAND flash

* Boasts lowest average annual failure rate (AFR) across industry

* Bundles free upgrade software and 3.5” bracket for HDD to SSD conversion

* Unrivalled 3 year on-site warranty and service support

M2P Series offers sustained stability and performance with True Speed:

Many SSD manufacturers convey speeds reflecting compressed data in a simulated benchmark test, however in reality the performance is much lower since many formats of data (JPEG, MP3 etc) are already compressed. In addition, many benchmark tests are completed on an empty drive – and whilst the drive will provide the expected performance whilst empty, it will drop significantly after continued use.

What’s more, through extended use and data storage, some SSDs on the market reach a ‘dirty’ state over time, and some users have found a significant performance drop after 2-3 months as a result.

The Plextor M2P Series is different to other SSDs on the market and offers ‘True Speed’ technology – a welcome solution to these issues which utilises exclusive firmware to deliver stability and consistency and avoiding any loss in performance over time.

Instant Restore, Global Wear Levelling and Bad Block Management are three intelligent features which work together to make up ‘True Speed’ technology and ensure that users can experience high speeds and the promised performance levels consistently throughout the lifespan of the drive.

Improved read and write speeds with advanced controller technology:

The M2P Series offers improved read and write speeds to its predecessor (M2S Series), with random read and write speeds of 70,000 / 65,000 IOPS and sequential read and write speeds of up to 500MB/s and 440MB/s.

Powered by the server-grade Marvell 88SS9174 controller chip, the M2P supports the latest generation SATA III 6Gb/s interface and the highest quality Japanese NAND flash from industry leader Toshiba.

Stringent factory tests ensure the highest quality:

Speed and performance are not the only aspects which Plextor pay close attention to. Quality and service are also high priority, and the M2P Series SSDs undergo a number of stringent tests before they leave the factory, some of which are the highest standard in the industry.

Such tests include 22.5 hours of 60 degree celcius burn-in tests, Ongoing Reliability Test (ORT) and being put through the rigours of the industry’s highest level FLEXSTAR(r) testing machine to simulate a real working environment.

As a result, the M2P boast the lowest average annual failure rate (AFR) across the entire industry – a commendable 0.59%.

No-fuss software to help migrate from HDD to SDD:

The M2P Series bundles Acronis True Image Software, making it quick, easy and fuss-free to migrate data from a traditional HDD to the M2P Series SSD. The process clones the entire partition/drive, ensuring no data is lost during the upgrade and even eliminating the need to re-install the operating system.

The M2P Series also bundles a bracket which enables users to install the SSD inside 3.5” slots of desktop casings.

Exceptional warranty and service to offer complete peace of mind:

Plextor offers phone support across Europe in 11 languages with local phone numbers for users to dial, with additional email and website support.

Unlike many others of its kind, the M2P SSD offers an added level of reassurance with the Plextor ‘Fast Warranty Service’ – a 3 year on-site warranty across the EU, Norway and Switzerland (1 year elsewhere), enabling users to arrange repairs of non-working products directly with Plextor – so users can feel secure in the knowledge that this must-have device is covered for longer, and avoid the hassle of returning goods to the retailer/third party.

Pricing, Availability & Specifications:

The M2P will be launching in Europe and UK in October 2011. Pricing is as follows:

PX-128M2P (128GB) – Approx £200 inc VAT

PX-256M2P (256GB) – Approx £383 inc VAT

M2P-02(1) Retail Box 256GB

Ceton Diagnostic Media Center Plugin Beta Released

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If you are using a Ceton tuner card with Media Center, Centon have just released a plugin that provides diagnostic data from within Media Center.

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The plugin is currently in beta and is included in the latest InfiniTV drivers package.

Download:

Ceton InfiniTV Installer (1.5.4295.11-20111005)

Changelog:

  • 1.5.4295.11: Integrated Network Tuners into installer. Added Media Center app for Diagnostics.
  • 1.3.0.2: Fixes for using multiple InfiniTVs with multiple Tuning Adapters
  • 1.3.0.0: Allow for silent installation with “/S” flag
  • 1.2.0.9: Fix crash in diagnostic tool. Improve discovery time
  • 1.2.0.5: Resign drivers with non-expired cert. Fixes for bluescreens in tight memory situations. Fixes for handling multiple InfiniTV’s with Tuning Adapters.

via: DMZ

You Tube Movie Rental Now Available

Full-length feature films from many major Hollywood studios are now available for rent on YouTube. Discover a universe of related remixes, clips and behind-the-scenes footage with YouTube Film Extras.

You Tube Movies

Full-length films

High-quality films from major film studios are now available for rent on YouTube. Prices start at £2.99, and you can watch your film as many times as you like during your rental period. Learn more.

Simple to rent, easy to view

Renting a film is as easy as watching any other video on YouTube. There’s no need to download anything; all that’s necessary is an Internet connection and a major credit card. Learn more.

YouTube Film Extras

Take a look at free behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and other related videos from the YouTube community. It’s like enjoying DVD disc 2, without the disc. Learn more.

Watch any time, anywhere

Once you’ve rented a film, you can watch it from your YouTube account on any computer. Your film will also play on Google TV, Android tablets with Honeycomb and most Android phones. Learn more.

Learn more from here

Google+ App Gets Updated to Version 1.0.5.2346

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Google have just updated it’s Google+ app for iOS devices.

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What’s New in Version 1.0.5.2346

— Fixed bug with Chinese, Japanese and Korean
— Re-enable autocomplete when composing a post

Go get it now from the Apple App Store.

Pre-order Your iPhone 4S Now

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The Apple Store has now been updated and you can pre-order your iPhone 4S now…..

4S Pre-order

Are you ordering one?

4S

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4058

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4058.

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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:

1.0.0.4058 ———-

* Ensure proper permissions on pool part folders.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4058 here

StableBit Scanner 2.0 for Windows Home Server 2011 Beta Updated to 2.0.0.1051

StableBit Scanner 2.0 for Windows Home Server 2011 is now available in beta and has been updated to version 2.0.0.1051.

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An advanced hard disk surface scanner, monitor and more.

Monitors all your hard drives and ensures that every bit holding your precious data is readable.

2.0.0.1051 ———-

* Added advanced power management control for supported disk drives.

* Added USB pass-through for SCT temperatures, for supported enclosures.

* Fixed historic SCT temperature values.

Download the latest beta version from here

The Home Server Show Episode 155 Out Now

Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 155.

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Here’s what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

The guys are back for episode 155 and it’s chock full of Windows Home Server goodness. We dredge up the old argument of antivirus on Windows Home Server since it’s been a while since we have discussed it. Paul Braren, aka TinkererGuy from the forums, joins us to shed new light on the status of antivirus with WHS. Also, we got the word about Steve Jobs right before showtime so we take a moment to pay our respects.

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

Microsoft Launch Hotmail App for Android

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This week saw Microsoft launch an official Hotmail app for Android.

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The only official Microsoft mobile app for Hotmail that gives you easy access to Hotmail so you never miss an email.

Key features include:
– With push email get messages on your phone without delay
– Synced calendar and contacts
– View your folders in Hotmail, including sub folders
– Send pictures from your phone using Hotmail
– Supports multiple Hotmail accounts
– Send, receive and view attachments

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Get the Hotmail app from the Android Market now

Update for Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Supports Windows 8 Developer Preview

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Parallels just released an update to Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, which includes experimental support for Windows 8 Developer Preview and more.

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The new Parallels Desktop 7 build 7.0.14924 is available now by selecting the Parallels Desktop menu, then Check for Updates.

This update also improves the general performance of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, including optimized CPU usage when Parallels Desktop 7 is idle, improved compatibility with Quicken 2011 personal finance software, and improved support for Autodesk 3DS Max 2012 3D modelling software.

This update comes it at just under 290 MB.

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I’ve just updated and it’s running great.

ZOTAC Launch New ZBOX nano PCs

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Today saw ZOTAC launch two new ZBOX nano PCs – the VD01 and the X2.

ZBOX nano VD01_2

Here is what they said today:

ZOTAC® International, a leading innovator and channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today launches the latest addition to the ZBOX nano product lineup with the new ZBOX nano VD01 series – an affordable palm-sized mini-PC powered by a VIA Nano™ X2 processor.

The ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series combines the latest VIA Nano™ X2 U4025 CPU and VX900H media system processor for outstanding energy-efficiency and performance. VIA Chrome9 graphics with ChromotionHD™ 2.0 processing enables the ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series to deliver silky-smooth playback of popular high-definition video formats, including Blu-ray, MPEG2, H.264, VC-1 and streaming Internet video.

“ZOTAC® is pleased to expand its mini-PC lineup with the addition of a VIA platform. The VIA Nano™ X2 with VX900H chipset enables us to deliver an affordable energy-efficient mini-PC that is ideal for digital media consumption and home server use with the ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC® International.

“ZOTAC is an industry leader of innovative mini-PC solutions.” said Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “VIA is proud to partner with ZOTAC for the ZBOX nano VD01 series that highlights our energy efficient Nano X2 platform.”

The ZOTAC® ZBOX nano VD01 series packs plenty of expansion capabilities with space to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA drive and DDR3 SO-DIMM module – ZBOX nano VD01 Plus models include a 320GB SATA hard drive and 2GB of DDR3 preinstalled – internally, while USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and eSATA ports are available for external expansion.

·        VIA Nano™ X2 U4025 CPU

o   1.2 GHz, dual-core

·        VIA VX900H chipset

o   VIA Chrome9 graphics processor

o   VIA ChromotionHD™ technology

·        ZBOX nano VD01

o   1 x DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM slot

o   Support 1 x 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 Gb/s HDD/SSD

·        ZBOX nano VD01 Plus

o   2GB DDR3

o   320GB 5400RPM HDD

·        2 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports

·        HDMI & DisplayPort outputs

·        Gigabit Ethernet

·        Onboard 802.11n WiFi

·        Onboard Bluetooth 3.0 technology

·        Bundled MCE-compatible remote

·        Integrated IR receiver

·        Bundled USB IR receiver (for mounted installations)

·        Bundled VESA75/100 mount

 

Product Name ZBOX nano VD01 ZBOX nano VD01 Plus
SKU ZBOXNANO-VD01 ZBOXNANO-VD01-PLUS
Memory 1 x 204-pin DDR3-1066 SODIMM slot 2GB DDR3
Hard Disk 1 x 2.5-inch 320GB 5400RPM
CPU VIA Nano™ X2 U4025 (1.2 GHz, dual-core)
GPU VIA Chrome9
Video Memory Shared memory architecture
Display Options HDMI & DisplayPort
Memory Card Reader 6-in-1 (SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MS Pro/xD)
SATA eSATA (rear)
Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps
WiFi Onboard 802.11n WiFi & Bluetooth 3.0
USB Ports 2 USB 2.0 (rear)

2 USB 3.0 ports (rear)

Audio Onboard analog stereo high-definition audio

HDMI audio (PCM)

DirectX® Support DirectX® 9 with Shader Model 3
Other Features
HDCP: Yes
Software Features
Windows® 7 Capability Windows® 7 with Aero® user interface and DirectCompute compatible

ZBOX nano VD01_3

WD Launches New Wireless Streaming Media Player with Spotify Included

WD have launched a new wireless streaming media player that includes the Spotify music service.

 

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Western Digital® (NYSE: WDC), the world’s leader in external storage solutions and maker of the popular WD TV® media player family, today introduced the next generation of its WD TV® Live™ streaming media player, an easy to use Wi-Fi® enabled media player that is the first in its category to deliver the Spotify® music service.

WD TV Live features WD’s newest intuitive user interface that delivers the latest hit movies, TV shows, music and online services from companies like Netflix®, Hulu Plus™ and Blockbuster® directly to your TV. The new streaming media player connects to the Internet wirelessly or through an Ethernet connection, with the high performance 802.11n wireless connectivity supporting Full-HD 1080p video resolution.

In addition to premium Internet content, WD TV Live allows users to enjoy personal media such as photos, video and music on their home entertainment systems by supporting a wide range of file formats for streaming content from any connected USB drive, digital camcorder or camera, network drive such as the My Book® Live™ personal cloud storage, and any networked PC or Mac® computer in the home.

Adding to the WD TV family’s current content offerings from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Blockbuster, CinemaNow®, Pandora®, YouTube™, Facebook® and many others, WD TV Live and WD TV® Live Hub™ are the first streaming media players to deliver Spotify’s acclaimed music service. Premium Spotify subscribers can now enjoy unlimited on-demand access to Spotify’s catalog of over 15 million songs in excellent sound quality (available in up to 320kbps) on their home entertainment system.

WD incorporates Spotify’s popular features in the new service, including the ability to create and manage Spotify playlists, share songs to Spotify’ friends, and see and subscribe to friends’ playlists via their Spotify profiles. Users can also share tracks by sending songs directly to other Spotify users’ inbox. Spotify for WD TV Live and WD TV Live Hub delivers an exciting new way to enjoy and share music on the best sound system in your home.

“WD is committed to providing our customers with a premium entertainment experience that includes seamless streaming of personal media and the best of the Internet directly to the highest quality screen and sound system in the home,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager for WD’s Branded Products and Consumer Electronics groups. “By marrying advanced features of the new wireless WD TV Live with quality content from service providers, including a first of its kind service with Spotify, we are excited to deliver on that commitment.”

Pascal de Mul, Global Head of Hardware Partnerships, Spotify, commented: “We’re really excited to make further steps into the living room with the streaming media players from Western Digital, which from today offer the full Spotify streaming catalogue in a truly innovative TV-focused user experience.”

In addition to Spotify and WD’s current content offerings, WD TV Live and WD TV Live Hub will also now include the Dailymotion video service. The application offers quality video content from users, independent content creators and premium partners, including high-quality and HD video.

Price and Availability

The new WD TV Live streaming media player can be purchased at select retailers worldwide. MSRP for the WD TV Live streaming media player is £89.99 GBP. Spotify is now available on the new WD TV Live players, as well as the WD TV Live Hub streaming media player, which features a built-in 1 TB hard drive to store personal content locally for TV streaming. The Spotify service is available in eight countries: USA, UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, France, the Netherlands and Spain.