Another Tranquil PC Windows Home Server 2011 Update

Andrew Edney
-
4
Another Tranquil PC Windows Home Server 2011 Update

Last week we provided some more information on Tranquil PC’s plans for Windows Home Server 2011. Now we have some more information to share.

Tranquil

I spoke with Tranquil last night and this is the update they gave me:

We are very proud to confirm our first WHS2011 solution (being launched later this week), will be powered by Intel i3 Second Generation Core processor, in line with overwhelming demand and requests from customers.  The platform is based on an upgraded version of our award winning SQA-5H chassis, with support for the very powerful, yet frugal Intel processor.  Our testing programme is now completed, and the system design will be released for pre-order later this week, with opening offers.

The 4 drive solution, with optional dual expansion ports (providing up to 10x external HDDs) will be supplied with an innovative fan less CPU cooling solution, providing a low noise, and extending life cycle solution.

Tranquil is renowned for UK designed and manufactured, custom engineered, power efficient, reliable solutions.  The new Windows Home Server 2011, and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials platforms have been optimised to encapsulate our design values along with customer feedback from the original Windows Home Server series.

There will also be Intel i5 alternatives too.

Pricing will be very attractive and be in line with the performance of this amazing devices.

DE functionality will be satisfied by a full WHS Add In licence from DataCore, as soon as DataCore release their WHS application (end of June 2011), with delivery and support of the beta versions from 10th May 2011.

Shipping and pre-orders

Tranquil are accepting pre-orders from 27th April 2011, and the new WHS 2011 Servers will commence shipping from May 16th.

An ‘Early Bird’ coupon code will be offered to all who pre-order, before the shipping date.

What do you get

· Leo HS4 Home Server appliance
· 2TB Low Energy Primary Hard Disk
· 2GB DDR3 RAM
· Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor (i3-2100T 3.1GHz)
· Media Kit including PC Restore CD and Server Restore DVD
· 24 month RTB (return to base) warranty

This is all really good news for the Windows Home Server 2011 market – and it looks very much like Tranquil will be the first to market with a WHS 2011 box.

Expect more news and more very soon.

DVBLogic Release DVBLink TVSource v3.2.2

Andrew Edney
-
0
DVBLogic Release DVBLink TVSource v3.2.2

Today DVBLink released the latest version of their TVSource software, bringing it up to version 3.2.2.

DVBLogic logo

Here is what it includes:

v3.2.2 is the cumulative update that includes the following (previously released as pathes) fixes:
– fix for “Unable to show this channel…” message after background EPG scan (usually happens overnight)
– fix for not working multiple (USB) tuners of the same type
– fix for TT3650CI – bdaapiOpenCI has returned error 14
– fix for “This product does not require registration” message even if the product is not registered yet
Also v3.2.2 includes
– updated transponder files
– support for TBS 5921, 5980, 5922, 6922, 8922, 6925, 6984 and 69856 tuners
How to install:
– Run DVBLinkSetup.exe from Setup folder. It will both install new version or update existing version to a new one.
The versions of all binary files (exe and dll) should be 3.2.2.0.
DVBLink TVSource v3.2.2 is available for download from the main page of our website http://www.dvblogic.com.

And don’t forget our useful walk-through guide to setting up and using TVSource

Tranquil PC ixLS PCs and ixLS Media Center PCs – 12% Discount

Andrew Edney
-
0
Tranquil PC ixLS PCs and ixLS Media Center PCs – 12% Discount

Tranquil PC have been in touch to let us know that they are doing a special 12% discount on any ixLS PC or ixLS Media Center PC – but hurry it’s a limited time offer.

To save 12% off ANY order for an ixLS PC, or the Award winning ixLS Media centres, just enter the following COUPON CODE at the check out:
EASTER12

This offer is only valid until midnight tomorrow night – so hurry!

We reviewed the iXL PC last year

ixls

Learn more and place your order now

Some Changes to UWHS

Andrew Edney
-
4
Some Changes to UWHS

Back at the start of the year, we mentioned that we had a number of changes planned for UWHS. The first of these a change to the look of UWHS, and they have now happened.

UWHS_DarkBackground_800pixel_72dpi_RGB

When we first started UWHS back in 2007, the site was just for Windows Home Server. Since then it has grown to encompass everything in the connected digital home, Apple products, reviews, and so much more.

What we found was that when we had a busy week, only the very latest posts were visible on the front page and that non regular visitors to the site were missing out on anything that wasn’t brand new. So that’s where our new front page will come in. Plus there are some other less obvious tweaks.

So if you try and access the site and there are some teething problems, we apologise in advance and please bear with us.

Fingers crossed there should be no problems Smile

And let us know what you think…

To learn more about the changes and the company behind them, check out DanGaish.net

BYOB Episode 40 Out Now

Andrew Edney
-
0
BYOB Episode 40 Out Now

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 40.

BYOB300_thumb_thumb_thumb

Here is what is included in this weeks show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]This week on BYOB Clear’s Mobile Hotspot. eVGA releases their new P67 motherboards. Tim talks about his HP Microserver. Special Guest Jeremy Von Kuster (JVK in the HSS forums) Talks about some of his very creative builds. Mike shares his thoughts on his new Toshiba laptop.[/box]

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

Unboxing the EchoStar HDS-600RS SlingLoaded TV anywhere DVR

Andrew Edney
-
1
Unboxing the EchoStar HDS-600RS SlingLoaded TV anywhere DVR

Here at UWHS towers, we got a large box arrive that contained the EchoStar HDS-600RS digital video recorder with Freesat+ and SlingLoaded TV anwhere. So lots to play with in a single unit. Here is the unboxing.

Echostar Detail A

EchoStar Europe, a leading developer of added value, connected device solutions to the digital television industry, announce their SlingLoaded® HDS-600RS, the world’s first HD digital video recorder (DVR) to combine Freesat+ features with Sling Media’s unique place-shifting ability, enabling TV anywhere, on all popular smartphones and tablets*.

The SlingLoaded feature enables users to watch and manage their live and recorded TV remotely anytime, anywhere, via 3G or Wi-Fi, with no additional monthly fees. With Freesat+, viewers get over 150 digital channels, including HD, On Demand services and the ability to pause, rewind and record TV, all subscription free. There‟s seamless access to catch-up TV including BBC iPlayer, with other connected TV services including ITV Net Player to follow.

Once connected to home broadband, the EchoStar HDS-600RS will Sling live or recorded TV anywhere, to your iPhone®, iPad® or Android™ smartphones or tablets, and any device supported by SlingPlayer® Mobile even to your Mac® or PC via SlingPlayer® (which can be accessed for free, online at http://www.uk.slingbox.com). This ensures that you’ll never miss a moment of your favourite show, movie or sports event ever again. Throughout your home or around the world, you can truly Sling your TV anywhere.

The EchoStar HDS-600RS delivers a host of viewing options; ‘live pause and rewind’ simultaneously watch one show and record another, and one touch series-link via the High Definition (HD) Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) all ensure that you’ll never miss a show! The 500GB hard disk drive provides huge capacity to record up to 300 hours of Standard Definition (SD) programming or up to 100 hours of HD programming. You can even connect to a compatible Dolby® Digital home cinema amplifier, using the integrated Digital Audio Port, allowing you to enjoy cinema quality sound at home. All this is packaged in a stylish unit with a touch sensitive display.

What’s in the Box?

The unit itself, plus manuals and guides, a remote control and various cables.

IMG_4345IMG_4346IMG_4347IMG_4348IMG_4349IMG_4350IMG_4351IMG_4352IMG_4353IMG_4354IMG_4355IMG_4356IMG_4357IMG_4358IMG_4359IMG_4360

This looks like a very cool device – lots of capabilities with lots of potential.

So watch out for a full hands-on review very soon.

I’m off to plug it in and play!

UWHS Giveaway – Win Diskeeper 2011 Professional or HomeServer Edition

Andrew Edney
-
0
UWHS Giveaway – Win Diskeeper 2011 Professional or HomeServer Edition

Our friends over at Diskeeper have been kind enough to give us a number of copies of their Diskeeper 2011 products to give away to you guys. We are giving away 3 copies of Diskeeper 2011 for Windows Home Server or Diskeeper 2011 Professional. The choice will be yours.

DK_2010_logo_cmyk-wht

Check out our review of Diskeeper 2011 for Windows Home Server here Check out our review of Diskeeper 2011 Professional here

So what do you have to do to win a full copy of Diskeeper 2011 for Windows Home Server?

[box size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]At the top of every page you will see a Diskeeper 2011 Trial ad. Click it and go download a trial edition of Diskeeper 2011 (any version you like) and when asked, tell them we sent you. Then drop us an email to giveaways @ usingwhs.com (remembering to remove the spaces) and let us know you have done it and which version you would like if you win. If you entered last time, or already have a trial copy, just click on the ad and send us an email.[/box]

That’s it, simple!

We will then pick 3 people at random from the emails we receive.

The competition is open to anyone (even if you entered last time), so good luck.

The 3 winners will be announced on the site on Sunday 1st May, so get going.

Watch out for more Diskeeper giveaways in the next few weeks.

And thank you again to our friends at Diskeeper for all the licences.

Stream TV Shows and Movies on your Apple iPhone and iPad with Crackle from Sony

Andrew Edney
-
2
Stream TV Shows and Movies on your Apple iPhone and iPad with Crackle from Sony

This week saw the release of Crackle for the range of Apple iOS devices. Crackle is a streaming service offering TV shows and Movies, all brought to you by Sony.

What Is Crackle?

According to their website:

Crackle is the place to experience pure entertainment: full-length movies, TV shows, and original series from genres that embody cool — all uncut, uncensored, and unbelievably free. We’ve had enough of “disposable entertainment” that is as relevant as a laughing/dancing baby — we are here to watch and talk about the videos that really matter.

Crackle is one of the fastest growing entertainment destinations today, featuring only the genres you love — comedy, action, drama, sci-fi, horror — anywhere you are. We know the Internet is a big place, so Crackle’s vast distribution network ensures that you have access to Crackle everywhere: on your favorite video site, your television and your mobile device. Learn more about where you can find Crackle on the distribution page.

Crackle was created in the summer of 2007, basing our operations out of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s studio lot in Los Angeles, CA.

* Watch full-length Hollywood movies and TV series
* FREE to download app, FREE to watch
* Unlimited, on demand viewing
* Genres including: action, comedy, crime, horror, thriller and sci-fi
* Optimized for both iPhone/iPod touch and iPad
* Browse Movies, TV, Originals, Collections and Genres – or search by keyword
* Build and manage your queue for viewing on the app or online at Crackle.com.
* Stream HQ video via 3G or Wi-Fi
* New movies and TV episodes added regularly
* Content available only in US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia; and content varies by territory

22-04-2011 08-20-41IMG_0952IMG_0953IMG_0954IMG_0955IMG_0956IMG_0957IMG_0958IMG_0959IMG_0960IMG_0961IMG_0962IMG_0968IMG_0963IMG_0964IMG_0965IMG_0967

Final Thoughts

I found Crackle really simple to use and the quality to be pretty good on my iPhone. Now to be fair, what I selected to watch – Parker Lewis Can’t Lose – is over 20 years old and not exactly filmed in HD! So I was actually surprised how well it played. For fans of the show this is “not a problem”. Smile

The content will be continually updated so give it time – at the moment the majority of the content, certainly here in the UK, is older titles, but this should change as the service finds it’s legs.

Overall, it’s worth having if you want to kill some time, especially as it’s free!

To learn more about Crackle, click here

Have you tried it? What do you think? Let us know….

Grid Junction Add-In for Windows Home Server Updated to Version 1.6

Andrew Edney
-
0
Grid Junction Add-In for Windows Home Server Updated to Version 1.6

Our friends over at Kentdome have released an update to their UPS management add-in for Windows Home Server – Grid Junction.

gjrelease

The time has come again for Kentdome LLC to release the next version of the popular power supply management (UPS) add-in for Windows Home Server.

Grid Junction is an easy to use Windows Home Server Add-in for managing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) via the Windows Home Server Console. Grid Junction integrates seamlessly to issue power alerts and help protect Windows Home Server from power problems such as brownouts, or blackouts by safely powering down the Windows Home Server when battery levels reach a set threshold.

What’s new ?

The uninterruptible power supply management add-in for Windows Home Server is now in version 1.6, updating and running a thorough maintenance on the code, with additional UPS hardware support.

  • Improved existing communication protocols
  • User interface enhancements
  • Improved scripting support with GJ client
  • Added additional UPS hardware support
To learn more and download – click here Check out Tim’s Installing the Grid Junction Add-In to Windows Home Server on a Friday night post

Synology Launches VisualStation VS80

Andrew Edney
-
0
Synology Launches VisualStation VS80

Hot on the heels of the DiskStation DS411+II NAS Server, Synology have also launched the VisualStation VS80, designed to view live feeds and recorded events of up to 9 IP cameras managed by a Synology Surveillance Station.

001002003004005006

Synology VS80 provides a power-saving and easy-to-use solution for monitoring up to 9 IP cameras managed with the Synology DiskStation.

  • No PC Required
  • 5.2W on Operation
  • 9 Channels Live-viewing
  • USB Mouse for Snapshot & PTZ
  • Timeline Event Playback
  • US Patent Pending, application #12/356,071

Setup only takes a few steps to pair the VS80 with the Synology DiskStation and quickly start monitoring the IP cameras on the LCD monitor or TV connected to VS80. For large-scale deployments, the VS80 offers the convenience of camera live-view in a multi-screen wall format.

VS80

The VS80’s built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processor) efficiently processes images, lowering power usage down to only 5.2 Watts for the entire system. Over long-term use, the low power requirements of the VS80 can be a significant cost savings.

Connect a USB mouse to the VS80 and manipulating PTZ on a specific IP camera becomes as easy as a click of the mouse. Double-clicking on an IP camera will maximize the image to full-screen for a clearer view. In addition, you can save an IP camera snapshot in the connected USB storage, or use Timeline event player for easy playback of archived videos.

For more information take a look at the Synology website here

The Sonos Controller for Android Now Available

Andrew Edney
-
0
The Sonos Controller for Android Now Available

If you have a Sonos device and an Android phone, your long wait to control your music from your phone is finally over as Sonos release the Controller for Android.

9725cc98-4e83-438b-b900-bcb9643f5b35

The Sonos Controller for Android™ is a free application that transforms your Android smartphone into a wireless music controller that totally rocks. Just grab your phone, download the app from Android Market™ and take control of music all over your home.

Find and play songs from the most popular online music services, plus 100,000 Internet radio stations and your personal music library. Search for songs, control the volume, play the same song in every room, or choose different songs for different rooms. It’s all in your control, all from the palm of your hand.

ab50d296-0311-4f84-b71d-614a8d7bc862cca0f31a-f9ba-4de2-9b54-c865dbc5eb0a

Android compatibility :
Supports most smartphones with Android version 2.1 or higher. Sonos cannot wirelessly access music that is stored only on your Android smartphone. Click here to see if your phone is supported by Sonos.

Sonos software requirements : Version 3.4 or higher

Wireless connectivity* : Your Android smartphone connects to your Sonos system through your home WiFi network.

Language support : English

Downlown now from the Android Market Check out our review of the Sonos bundle 250 here

Check out the video below to see it in action:

More Information On What Are Tranquil PC Doing with Windows Home Server 2011

Andrew Edney
-
1
More Information On What Are Tranquil PC Doing with Windows Home Server 2011

Earlier this month we told you exclusively what Tranquil PC were planning on doing with Windows Home Server 2011. Now we have some more information for you.

Tranquil

This is what they told us today:

Microsoft will shortly launch Windows Home Server 2011 licences, we expect this to be early May 2011.

Tranquil PC already has the following two devices that will be available, running Windows Home Server 2011:

· T7x1           A miniature single drive Home Server including 2GB RAM and a 2TB Hard disk

· SQAx5       A five drive system with one expansion (further five hard disks) – complete with Disk Manager Add In coupon*
(fitted with 2GB RAM and a 2TB primary Hard Disk)

The T7x1 will be available for £339.00 + VAT, and the SQAx5 will be available for £469.00

* The robust Disk Management Add In, supplied in conjunction with DataCore, will be available in its beta version, and by the end of June the fully released version will be supplied.  A coupon will be provided with each SQAx5 for a fully licenced copy of the DataCore Add In.

Both items will be available to pre-order from Tranquil from 28th April 2011.

So that is very interesting that Tranquil will be working with DataCore. I already said a few weeks ago that DataCore’s add-in for Windows Home Server 2011 was the one I was most interested in testing and using, and now that Tranquil are going to be incorporating it as well can only be yet another tick in the box for DataCore.

Expect more information soon.

Cyberlink Launches PowerDVD 11

Andrew Edney
-
0
Cyberlink Launches PowerDVD 11

Today Cyberlink launched PowerDVD 11 – the latest version of their movie and media player, and this one includes a new PowerDVD Remote app for iPad, iPhone and Android users.

PowerDVD 11 introduces a multitude of new features, including support to playback and transfer content from your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android phone or slate device to your PC. Additionally, for smart device content, PowerDVD now facilitates the playback of remote media from sources such as DLNA servers and social networking sites like Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.

Another new key feature for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android users is the new PowerDVD Remote app, allowing users to control PowerDVD from the comfort of their sofa.

box_PDVD_11_deluxe_eng_lbox_PDVD_11_ultra_eng_l

Key Features of PowerDVD 11

· Play any HD media: Flawless Blu-ray, upscaled DVD playback with optimised CPU/GPU hardware acceleration. New ultra-fast Instant Seek to search for movie scenes.

· Play any 3D media: Blu-ray 3D and native 3D video support. 2D to 3D conversion for videos and photos.

· Play media from anywhere: From Apple and Android devices through to online media, DLNA server content, and Blu-ray and DVD discs, PowerDVD 11 plays it all.

· Play in upscaled quality: CyberLink’s unique TrueTheater™ enhancements for upscaled image quality movies & videos. TrueTheater™ Surround to give you a surround sound experience using only stereo speakers.

· Play social media: Watch TrueTheater™-enhanced video from YouTube and view Facebook and Flickr photos and slideshows all from one application.

PowerDVD 11 users with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android devices are able to download and install the PowerDVD Remote app, enabling them to remote control PowerDVD playback of Blu-ray and DVD movies, videos, photos and music from the comfort of their sofa.

Key Features of PowerDVD Remote

· Remote controller for PowerDVD: Turn your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touchor Android deviceinto a wireless remote to control your Blu-ray discs and DVDs

· Video and photos to PC: Wirelessly play and save your smart device’s videos and photos to your PC and enjoy them on the bigger screen

· Wireless mouse pad: Turn your smart device intoa mouse pad to control your PC

· Multi-touch control: Remotely rotate and zoom-in photos with multi-touch control

IMG_0375IMG_0376IMG_0377IMG_0378

CyberLink PowerDVD 11 Versions

PowerDVD 11Ultra:              £ 79.99

PowerDVD 11 Deluxe:          £ 54.99

PowerDVD 11Standard:        £ 39.99

Upgrades for previous PowerDVDversions are available starting at £ 24.99.

Product Availability

PowerDVD 11 is available online, supporting the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Russian and Portuguese. CyberLink offers OEM versions to PC and CE manufacturing customers, while a free trial download is also available from the CyberLink website.

PowerDVD Remote can be found on the Apple App Store and Android Market supporting the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Russian and Portuguese.

CyberLink PowerDVD Remote Versions
PowerDVD Remote (for PowerDVD 11 Standard version users):     £ 3.99

PowerDVD Remote FREE (for PowerDVD 11 Ultra/Deluxe users):   FREE

Synology Launches DiskStation DS411+II NAS Server

Andrew Edney
-
1
Synology Launches DiskStation DS411+II NAS Server

Today Synology have launched the latest in a long line of NAS servers – the DiskStation DS411+II.

Synology® DiskStation DS411+II is specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses who need a high-performance, easy to manage, and full-featured network attached storage solution to centralize data backups, protect critical assets and share files across different platforms. Synology protects your investment in the DS411+II with a 2-year limited warranty.

  • 110.73 MB/sec Reading 105.48 MB/sec Writing
  • Running on Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
  • Complete Backup Solutions
  • Windows ADS and ACL Supported
  • Hard Drive Hibernation
  • Power-saving with only 60W in Operation

001002003004005006

You can learn more about the DS411+II NAS from here

Here is the full press release:

Synology® Launches DiskStation DS411+II NAS Server

Successor to Media’s Acclaimed NAS, Delivering High Performance with Rich Business Features and Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager 3.1

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom—April 20, 2011—Synology® Inc. today launched DiskStation DS411+II, a 4-bay NAS server dedicated to data sharing and backup. With robust performance and feature-rich business applications, the DS411+II provides peace of mind and all-in-one solution for SMB users.

SMB users struggle to find powerful yet cost-effective solutions for data sharing and backup. The DS411+II delivers high performance of 110.73MB/sec reading and 105.48MB/sec writing speeds in average under RAID 5 configuration in a Windows® environment. The DS411+II is energy- saving with 60W in operation and 19.8W in hibernation. Its multiple scheduled power on/off, wake on LAN/WAN, and hard drive hibernation features further reduce users’ energy expenses and extend the longevity of their hard drives. In addition, versatile features allow the DS411+II to replace multiple network devices, maximizing users’ investments.

The 4-bay DS411+II supports 3TB hard drives, accommodating a maximum of 12TB and providing a large capacity for data storage. Running on a 1.8GHz dual-core processor and 1GB DDR2 RAM, the DS411+II is equipped with 1 Gigabit LAN port, 2 USB 2.0 ports and 1 eSATA port. The reliability of DS411+II is solidified by Synology’s 2-year limited warranty.

“The predecessor of the DS411+II has received tremendous awards from media worldwide for its extensive features, easy-to-use interface, and high reliability, among which include the Editor’s Choices from StorageReview.com, U.S. and Micro Mart Magazine, U.K. Spotted an unabated demand for this popular DiskStation, we decided to launch the DS411+II with better performance in return for users’ support,” commented Wayne An, product manager of Synology Inc.

The DS411+II is powered by DiskStation Manager 3.1 (DSM 3.1), the operating system of every Synology DiskStation. DSM 3.1 makes complicated things simple and hard things possible by providing versatile features on a snappy, intuitive, and multitasking web-based user interface.

1...1,5001,5011,502...1,617Page 1,501 of 1,617