D-Link Launch New Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router

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Today D-Link launched another wireless router, this time a Wireless N 300 Gigabit router called the DIR-651.

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This looks like a good little router and the price is really good at less than $90.

For more information check out the D-Link website here

Here is the press release for those of you interested:

D-Link Launches Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router for High Performance Wireless Networking at an Affordable Price

DIR-651 Allows Consumers to Easily Create a Home Wireless Network with Computers, Game Consoles, Media Players, and More 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – APRIL 27, 2011 – D-Link® today announced its new Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router (DIR-651), offering increased performance and speed over previous generation 802.11g devices. Equipped with 802.11n technology, four Gigabit ports to provide speeds up to 10 times faster than standard 10/100 ports, multiple intelligent antennas, and Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS), the DIR-651 allows consumers to browse the web, stream media and share data more efficiently – all at an affordable price.

Featuring superior intelligent antenna technology, the DIR-651 transmits multiple streams of data, enabling users to receive network connectivity in hard to reach places – especially in larger homes. With the addition of Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS), these data streams are separated to help organize and prioritize network traffic to give applications such as video streaming, gaming and VoIP calls priority over an activity such as web browsing. This prioritization ensures smoother connection over both wired and wireless network, without the worry of lost connections or interferences.

“The Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router is an excellent solution for creating a strong network foundation in today’s home,” says Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. “With the increase in home VoIP calling, video streaming, online gaming, and of course web browsing, a fast, high-performing wireless network that can support multiple devices has become a necessity, and the DIR-651 is an ideal choice in building that network.”

The DIR-651 also offers an enhanced wired connection with its four Gigabit ports, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than standard 10/100 ports. In addition to increased speed, the router also supports WPA™ and WPA2® security standards, as well as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for push-button security and top-of-the-line encryption from possible Internet threats. And with the simple step-by-step installation using D-Link’s Quick Router Setup Wizard, consumers will have their network up and running in no time.

Availability and Pricing

The DIR-651 Wireless N 300 Gigabit Router is now available for an MSRP of $89.99 throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in North America, including Office Depot and Office Max (available May 2011), and at the company’s online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com.

About D-Link

D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management.  For more information visit www.dlink.com, www.dlink.ca or connect with D-Link on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dlink) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/dlink).

Foxconn NT-A3500 Barebones PC Launched

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Yesterday Foxconn launched the NT-A3500 barebones PC, The NT-A3500 comes with the new AMD Fusion APU with built-in Radeon HD 6310 graphics.

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We will have one for review in a few days time, so watch this space.

For now, here is the press release:

AMD Fusion helps the Foxconn NT-A3500 deliver twice the performance over the NT-330i while using even less power

Milton Keynes, UK, 26th April, 2011: Foxconn, the world leading manufacturer of computer components and systems, today announced incredible performance results for the new NT-A3500 Barebone – with over twice the performance of the NT-330i it replaces, whilst using significantly less power.

Utilising the new AMD Fusion APU with built-in Radeon HD 6310 graphics, the NT-A3500 is capable of delivering DirectX ® 11 graphics and true 1080p HD playback with real-time image processing, all in the ultra-small form factor of the Foxconn NT-series chassis.

The NT-A3500 Barebone features the AMD E350 Dual Core 1.6GHz APU coupled with the AMD A45 chipset. The specification includes USB 3.0, Wireless-N and support for up to 4GB DDR3 memory.

Foxconn’s own like-for-like testing shows the NT-A3500 to be more than twice as fast as the NT-330i it is replacing whilst consuming almost 6 watts less power:

NT-330i NT-A3500
3DMark06 829 1760
Power consumption during 3DMark06 playback 29.6 Watts 23.9 Watts
Power consumption during HD video playback using Power DVD 10 27.3 Watts 23.2 Watts

Stephen Ling, Managing Director for Foxconn, Western Europe, said, “Using the full capabilities of the AMD APU has allowed Foxconn to build a Nettop with twice the performance of its predecessor , reduce power consumption and keep it all within our extremely popular ultra-small form factor. The advances in technology are allowing people to benefit from using tiny computers in more and more applications.”

The NT-A3500 will be available in Europe from the middle of May, 2011.

For full specifications, please visit:

http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/Barebones/NT-A3500/index.html

About Foxconn:

Foxconn was established in 1974 and has grown to become the largest ODM in the world with nearly 1,000,000 employees and revenues in excess of USD 100 billion. Foxconn’s customer base includes many famous brands in computing, communications and consumer electronics, for example; Apple, Cisco, Dell, HP, Nokia and Sony. With expertise in design and manufacturing, Foxconn’s Channel Division is able to bring barebone and component products to channel customers around the globe, giving them the freedom to create their own solutions.

Integrity Checker for Windows Home Server Version 1.20 Released

Jim from Integrity-Checker.com has been in touch to let us know that their Integrity Checker Add-in for Windows Home Server V1 and Windows Home Server 2011 has been updated to version 1.20.

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What is Integrity Checker?

In this digital age, data originates from many paths and numerous devices. With your server at the heart of your data, it’s necessary for you to guarantee integrity. Integrity Checker runs on your Windows Server; quietly, efficiently, and automatically watching for new data. As data is detected, Integrity Checker automatically generates hash-stamps to guarantee the integrity of your data.

Integrity Checker supports Windows Home Server, Windows Home Server 2011, and Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials.

Here is what Jim told us about the update:

We are proud to announce the release of version 1.20 of Integrity Checker for Windows Home Server (original) and Windows Home Server / Small Business Server 2011.  Integrity Checker is an invaluable tool for the server administrator; quietly, efficiently, and automatically watching for new data arriving on the server.  As data arrives, Integrity Checker generates, and attaches, a SHA1 integrity hash for each file which can later be used to validate the files contents.  The perfect tool for verifying large file downloads from the internet, validating the consistency of your hard drive, and authenticating your data before a backup operation!

We’ve had wonderful feedback over the last month; and we’ve listened.  Here are the new features for version 1.20:

  • Integrity Scan results now display failures and warnings separately to optimize result viewing and locate errors more easily
  • New “Copy To Clipboard” feature available when viewing Integrity Scan results
  • Customizable folder watching – real-time, scheduled daily, or manual
  • Allow customizing the location of the Integrity Checker “cache” folder
  • Integrity Scans can now scan a single folder.  Now supporting – full system scan, a single file, or a single folder

Find out more about Integrity Checker http://www.integrity-checker.com/

Existing users upgrade free http://www.integrity-checker.com/update.html

Learn how to administer Integrity Checker http://www.integrity-checker.com/howto.html

Look out for a review shortly here at UWHS.

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.

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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

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

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

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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.

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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

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

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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

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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: