My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.10 PR4 Released

Andrew Edney
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0
My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.10 PR4 Released

Brian has also released version 2.10 PR4 of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011.

Windows Home Server 2011

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 operates as database back-end for My Movies clients in multi-zone environments.

The My Movies for Windows Media Center or My Movies Collection Management products can be downloaded and installed on client PC’s to maintain movies in the database on My Movies for Windows Home Sever 2011.

My Movies may not be pre-installed on commercial products, nor in any way redistributed or provided to end-users by installers that is not part of our installer program.

Change Log:

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.10 Pre Release 4

Fix: If a backup database failed, it could be left in an invalid state, which could give issues.
Fix: Transcoder service had wrong version set, which could cause problems with upgrades.
Fix: Conversion jobs with error kept looping for ever.
Fix: Video Converter High Profile changed for support of files larger than 4GB.
Fix: Filenames from conversion xml profiles was not always used in naming of output file.
Fix: Mismatch in comparison when searching for shares on HWS2011 server.
Fix: Definition cleanup at start of general service is now in own thread.
Fix: Video converter service did not set to not autostart when you asked it to.

MM WHS

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There are no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should therefore only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.
My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.10 Pre Release 4 can be used as server for My Movies 4.02 Pre Release 4 clients.

You can download the Windows Home Server 2011 edition here Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.02 PR4 Released

Andrew Edney
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0
My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.02 PR4 Released

Brian has just released My Movies for Windows Media Center version 4.02 PR4.

1_thumb3_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thu[2]2_thumb3_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thu

Here is the change log:

Added: In add titles, pressing <enter> while typing in a search field, will now start the search.
Added: Support for launching ISO files and drive playback for devices where autoplay in Media Center have been configured to be disabled.

Update: MediaInfo DLL files updated.

Fix: Stop now stops playback correctly instead of leaving playback in lower left corner.
Fix: NFO for XBMC and BDMV folders are now stored differently.
Fix: XBMC meta-data now stores tbn files and not jpg files.

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There are no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should therefore only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.
My Movies 4.02 Pre Release 4 can be used as client for My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.10 Pre Release 4 or My Movies for Windows Home Server 2.00.

MM WMC

Download My Movies 4.02 PR4 now Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

Media Browser 2.5 (Hydra) Released

Andrew Edney
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0
Media Browser 2.5 (Hydra) Released

The guys over at MediaBrowser.tv has just released Media Browser 2.5, codenamed Hydra, and there are some cool new features.

i01_thumb1

Here is what they said:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]This version is 2.5 because it represents some fairly major internal changes in the product. This won’t translate into a whole bunch of new features but should mean better performance and reliability overall. There are also some bug fixes and a few new features.[/box]

  • The biggest change in Hydra is something that should be completely transparent to the user but should yield performance improvements and provides us with some great capabilities going forward. It is that we now use a SQL database for our cache. This means the old “ExperimentalSQLite” option in the config is now defunct as all systems will use SQL.
  • Several other internal improvements have been made that should mean MB is more responsive and reliable for everyone.
  • MB can now recover from your network shares not being available without causing all your metadata to “disappear”. It is still basically designed to operate on available media but you should no longer have the issue of your whole library being deleted and re-added just because you brought it up when your server was not available.
  • The context menu system can now support sub-menus. This will allow plug-ins to better organize their options within the context menu.
  • MB now has screen saver functionality. There is a built-in default saver and more can be added via plug-ins.
  • The recent added/watched lists now “roll-up” TV episodes into series groupings so, if you add 30 episodes from a single series at once, it won’t take over the whole list.
  • Showing the splash screen before an external player has been split as a separate option from the minimize one. Also, you can define your own splash by putting the appropriate image in the IBN/General folder as “splash.png” (only png supported).
  • A number of issues with backdrops not being properly inherited for TV on the recent lists and in index views have been addressed.
  • The imagecache should shrink in size as we have changed how we are handling it as well.
Download Media Browser 2.5 from here

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3940

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3940

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 3940.

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:

1.0.0.3940 ———-

* Fixed reading NTFS security from folder / files that don’t have appropriate permissions and must use backup semantics to reset permissions. Some people are experiencing permissions issues accessing folders on the pool. You should try to open folder properties in DrivePool and re-apply the permission settings. You can do this by changing the permissions values to something and then changing them back and hitting OK. With this change, DrivePool should take ownership of all the folders / files and rest the permissions to their correct state.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3940 here

Why the HP TouchPad is Deader Than a Doornail

Jim McCarthy
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2
Why the HP TouchPad is Deader Than a Doornail

I’ve read some impassioned pleas from webOS and TouchPad fans asking HP to bring back the webOS device business.  Here’s my thoughts on why that will never happen.

HPcirclelogo

Before I begin, I wanted to say upfront that I really like the TouchPad.  The accessories are first-rate and I love the interface that webOS brings to the table.  I have two on order from HP and expect to use them, and I respect the HP/Palm team that brought this product to market.  They did good work.  This is purely a function of math and the implications of first-mover advantage for Apple.  Here’s what I mean.

The Numbers

There is a great group called iSuppli that does teardown estimation for products to get a handle on costs.  The HP TouchPad was given the teardown treatment here, and we get a good handle on what HP had invested in each unit sold.  For this analysis, I assume that iSuppli is in the ballpark when estimating the TouchPad’s costs.  The following shows a summary of the iSuppli teardown study:

16GB

32GB
Bill of Material Costs

$296.15

$318.15
Assembly Costs

$10.00

$10.00
Total Costs

$306.15

$328.15

When you assume that HP would sell these units at full list price, here is what the potential profit assumptions are:

16GB

32GB

Total
Retail Price

$499

$599
Expected Profit/Unit

$192.85

$270.85

$231.85
Expected Volumes

250,000

250,000

500,000
Profit Potential

$48,212,500

$67,712,500

$115,925,000

I had to make a few assumptions.  I don’t have their unit sales projections, but surfing the web lately, there are estimates of about 500,000 of these products were made and stocked for the product launch.  I assumed a 50% weighting of the 16GB and 32GB versions, and there are no transportation charges from Asia to North America built into these costs.

So HP clearly expected this first run of about 500,000 tablets to earn a profit before taxes and distribution costs of over $100 million USD.  Hey, sounds like a winner, right?  Who wouldn’t launch this run of product if there is a chance to make $100 million in the quarter?

Now for reality:

16GB

32GB

Total
Firesale Price

$99

$149
Firesale Unit Loss

$(207.15)

$(179.15)

$(193.15)
Expected Volumes

250,000

250,000

500,000
Loss

$(51,787,500)

$(44,787,500)

$(96,575,000)

Ouch!  No wonder Leo got whacked!  HP may have lost almost $100 million selling the first batch, and if the second batch of 200,000 is added in, the loss before taxes approaches $135 million. Note that this estimate excludes any penalties for breaking assembly contracts, letting people go, other shutdown costs and any payments that might have to be made to dispose of Pre3 and Veer phones that can’t be sold.  I think you can see why the board would immediately question any CEO would proposed restarting the product line.

DVBLogic Release DVBLink Boxee Client

Andrew Edney
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1
DVBLogic Release DVBLink Boxee Client

Today saw DVBLogic release the DVBLink Boxee Client – so go grab it now!

dvb

You will need to be running the v4 beta and also have the RC1 patch installed.

To access it, point your Boxee repository to dvblogic.com/boxee.

UWHS Giveaway: Win 5 Pairs of Tickets to the London International Technology Show – The Results

Andrew Edney
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0
UWHS Giveaway: Win 5 Pairs of Tickets to the London International Technology Show – The Results

Next month see’s the London International Technology Show taking place at London’s ExCel centre. We have 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway – and here are the winners.

LITS_LOGO-HI1_thumb2_thumb

What is LITS?

The London International Technology Show (LITS) is a fantastic new consumer event taking place at London’s ExCel centre on the 21st – 23rd October 2011.

LITS will feature all the top technology brands and showcase everything from the latest tablets to hottest gaming software. If you want to touch, try and buy the latest technology then you need to be at LITS.

Just confirmed is the UK exclusive preview of Intel’s brand new wonderchip, showcased in one of the most awesome computer chassis ever made.

Another exclusive is the first demonstration in the UK of Berkeley Biotics’ eLEGS. A wearable exoskeleton robot that will give wheelchair users the chance to stand and walk again. You will not believe your eyes!

If that wasn’t enough you’ll be able to experience the latest products on the market, take advantage of some serious bargains (just in time for Christmas), get advice from the experts from the UK’s leading technology magazines and celebrate all that’s great in technology.

With more and more new features, exhibitors and speakers confirming daily, LITS is looking set to be the technology event of 2011.

Learn more about LITS here

And the Winners are….

Allister Frost

George D

TipRadar

Richard Perriss

Kelly Mercer

And thanks again to our friends at Dennis Publishing for the tickets.

Introducing the Samsung SSD 830 Series

Andrew Edney
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1
Introducing the Samsung SSD 830 Series

Samsung have a new SSD about to hit the market – the fast and reliable SSD 830 series, and you will want one!

UWHS - Samsung 830 Series SSD

The new drives incorporate a high-performance Serial ATA Revision 3.0 interface, doubling the data bandwidth of Samsung’s previous SSD product, the SSD 470 series. The advanced feature set dramatically increases performance, making the new drives a good fit for anyone desiring an extreme computing experience without purchasing an entirely new PC.

The Samsung SSD 830 series is distinguished by its stylish and chic exterior, delivering precision engineering inside and out. The new high-performance drives come in a brushed metal enclosure, highlighted by a deep black tone, which effectively embodies Samsung’s legendary SSD performance and reliability. The orange accent in the corner identifies the drives as Samsung.

SSDs utilize flash memory for data storage rather than the spinning platters found in conventional hard disk drives. This results in much faster performance, lower energy consumption, reduced heat output and improved reliability without risk of a hard drive crash.

The new SSD series builds on the success of the acclaimed 470 Series SSD. Samsung’s proprietary firmware, the brains of the drive, delivers exceptional performance. Samsung, unique among SSD manufacturers, engineers all of its components in-house. This allows it to meticulously fine-tune its hardware and software for enhanced reliability. In addition, the included Samsung Magician software keeps the SSD running at its peak.

Samsung’s full upgrade package delivers a superior user experience and a safe and easy upgrade solution. By eliminating the need to reinstall applications, manually move data, and reconfigure user settings, the included Norton Ghost software reduces the time it takes to upgrade to an SSD by up to 75%. The bundle includes a bracket for installing the 2.5″ drive in a 3.5″ bay, all required cables, and detailed instructions. Notebook upgrade kits include a USB to SATA adapter cable.

Solid state drives have long been the preferred choice for those seeking the very best in performance. The Samsung SSD 830 Series raises performance to even higher levels, while also delivering unparalleled design and convenience in one package.

The Samsung SSD 830 series will be available in capacities of 64, 128, 256 and 512GB. The official launch is scheduled for October.

We have been testing the 830 for a little while now and will be bringing you our hands-on review shortly. For now, I will say it is fantastic!

In the mean time, check out our review of the Samsung SSD 470 Series

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3929

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3929

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 3929.

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:

1.0.0.3929 ———-

* [D] Critical fix to Direct file I/O having to do with writing alternate streams on directories (DrivePool uses this a lot). Used to return invalid handle error sometimes.

* Increased timeout for WHS folder listing to 60 seconds.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3929 here

BYOB Podcast Episode 60 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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0
BYOB Podcast Episode 60 Out Now

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 60.

BYOB300_thumb_thumb_thumb

Here is what is included in this weeks show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Corsair cases, Corsair USB 3 flash drives, Disk2VHD, drive failure on RAID 5, Mobilinc HD, and Windows 8 are all covered this week. We are discussing many subjects tonight including the first week of hands on with Windows 8. [/box]

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

Google+ App Gets Updated to Version 1.0.4.2326

Andrew Edney
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0
Google+ App Gets Updated to Version 1.0.4.2326

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

G_thumb_thumb

What’s New in Version 1.0.4.2326

Google

Go get it now from the Apple App Store.

UWHS Giveaway: Still Time to Win 5 Pairs of Tickets to the London International Technology Show

Andrew Edney
-
1
UWHS Giveaway: Still Time to Win 5 Pairs of Tickets to the London International Technology Show

Next month see’s the London International Technology Show taking place at London’s ExCel centre. We have 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway, but hurry, you only have until tomorrow.

LITS_LOGO-HI1_thumb2

What is LITS?

The London International Technology Show (LITS) is a fantastic new consumer event taking place at London’s ExCel centre on the 21st – 23rd October 2011.

LITS will feature all the top technology brands and showcase everything from the latest tablets to hottest gaming software. If you want to touch, try and buy the latest technology then you need to be at LITS.

Just confirmed is the UK exclusive preview of Intel’s brand new wonderchip, showcased in one of the most awesome computer chassis ever made.

Another exclusive is the first demonstration in the UK of Berkeley Biotics’ eLEGS. A wearable exoskeleton robot that will give wheelchair users the chance to stand and walk again. You will not believe your eyes!

If that wasn’t enough you’ll be able to experience the latest products on the market, take advantage of some serious bargains (just in time for Christmas), get advice from the experts from the UK’s leading technology magazines and celebrate all that’s great in technology.

With more and more new features, exhibitors and speakers confirming daily, LITS is looking set to be the technology event of 2011.

Learn more about LITS here

How Do You Win?

Make sure that you follow us on Twitter (@aedney) and then tweet the following:

I want to win some LITS tickets with @aedney. Visit http://bit.ly/Ct7vB and RT for your chance to win.

Or just click the Tweet button below to do it automatically.

[twitter style=”horizontal” text=”I want to win some LITS tickets with @aedney. Visit http://bit.ly/Ct7vB and RT for your chance to win.” float=”left”]

The winners will be chosen at random. The prize only covers the tickets – the winners will be responsible for any transportation costs to the event.

The closing date will be Monday 26th September.

Good luck, and thanks to our friends at Dennis Publishing for the tickets.

CrashPlan Release Apps for iOS and Android

Andrew Edney
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1
CrashPlan Release Apps for iOS and Android

If you are a CrashPlan user, you can now use your iOS device or your Android device to retrieve any of your backed up data.

CrashPlan

CrashPan for iOS

If you’re already backing up with award-winning, cross-platform CrashPlan+, you know that it’s great to automatically and securely back up to multiple locations. You also have the peace of mind knowing that you can restore anytime, anywhere. But did you know that you can securely get your files on the go with your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad?

With CrashPlan’s mobile app, you can retrieve anything that you’ve backed up online to CrashPlan Central. Just browse your online backup and tap the files to download to your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. There’s no waiting for each file to finish before you select another.

After your files download to your device, you can use your compatible apps to open, view, edit, even share them via email. You can also save pictures to the Photos app. Best of all, One-touch Update lets you get the latest version of your downloaded files.

Features:
– Browse folders and files in your archive
– Download and view as many files as you want
– Securely access your files with your account password
– Learn of file updates at-a-glance and get the latest version with just a click
(NOTE: Files protected with the enhanced security options are not supported in this release.)

Access the CrashPlan app in the App Store

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CrashPlan for Android

If you’re already backing up with award-winning, cross-platform CrashPlan+, you know that it’s great to automatically and securely back up to multiple locations. You also have the peace of mind knowing that you can restore anytime, anywhere. But did you know that you can securely get your files on the go with your Android phone or tablet?

With CrashPlan’s mobile app, you can retrieve anything that you’ve backed up online to CrashPlan Central. Just browse your online backup and tap the files to download to your Android phone or tablet. There’s no waiting for each file to finish before you select another.

After your files download to your device, you can use your compatible apps to open, view, edit, even share them via email. Best of all, One-touch Update lets you get the latest version of your downloaded files.

Features:
– Browse folders and files in your archive
– Download and view as many files as you want
– Securely access your files with your account password
– Learn of file updates at-a-glance and get the latest version with just a click

(NOTE: Files protected with the enhanced security options are not supported in this release.)

***** You need a CrashPlan+ subscription to use the CrashPlan mobile app. *****

Don’t have an account? Download a 30-day free trial to get started. You can use CrashPlan+ to back up an unlimited amount of personal files for as many as 10 computers at home. You can even back up to friends and family for additional protection (Note: Only the files backed up to CrashPlan Central are accessible from the CrashPlan mobile app).

* If you’re already a CrashPlan PRO user, be sure to download the CrashPlan PRO mobile app instead.

ss-480-0-0ss-480-1-0

Access the CrashPlan app in the Android Market

Do you use CrashPlan? What do you think of it?

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3874

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3874

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 3874.

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:

1.0.0.3874 ———-

* Correct NTFS permissions on the ServerPoolPart folder and the . (volume root) folder, if they’re broken.

* Server backup disks cannot be part of the pool.

* When moving folders, if a folder cannot be moved because of an access denied error (NTFS permissions don’t allow it), then reset the NTFS permissions instead of aborting.

* When pool was being balanced, tooltip said “Balanced”.

* Fixed handle leak for security tokens.

* Added new DrivePool performance features (see new DrivePool Settings dialog for more info):

* [D] Direct I/O

* [D] Fast I/O

* [D] Read striping

* [D] Fast directory listing (not enabled yet)

* [D] Fast I/O write * Parallel execution limit

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3874 here
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