Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac Beta 2 Now Available

Andrew Edney
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4

If you have a Windows Phone 7 device and an Apple Mac, you might want to connect the two together, Microsoft have just released its Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac beta 2 for you to try.

WinPhone_v_web

Here is how Microsoft describe the Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac:

Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac is a new software application that enables you to synchronize your favorite music*, videos*, photos* and podcasts* from iTunes and iPhoto.This software is not part of the Zune experience. In order to enjoy the Zune experience on Mac, you will need to install a Windows OS (XP or higher). Zune delivers music and video entertainment across Windows Phone 7, Xbox Live and Windows PC’s. *DRM Protected content will not be able to be synchronized with Windows Phone 7

You can download the beta from the Microsoft download site.

You can also learn more about Windows Phone 7 from the Microsoft website.

Its nice to see Microsoft producing software for the Mac. I’m still a Windows guys, but I also have a MacBook Air, and so I want the ability to use anything with all my kit. A pipe dream maybe, buy who knows in the future.

Tim went to the Windows Phone 7 launch event and wrote up a great article if you haven’t read it.

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard Available on TechNet and MSDN Now

Andrew Edney
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5

At the start of this week, Microsoft released Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard to manufacturing (a process referred to as RTM). Now if you have a TechNet or MSDN subscription you can download it now.

SBS-logo_thumb2

So if you visit MSDN, for example, you can download both the install disc and the repair disk today.

SBS 2011 download

So that’s SBS 2011 Standard ready, hopefully not long now until we get some news on SBS 2011 Essentials (formally SBS Aurora).

BYOB Live Again Today

Andrew Edney
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2

Today is the 2nd live BYOB podcast event – so why not join in at 11am PST and ask your questions of the BYOB guys, including our very own Tim Daleo.

BYOB300_thumb1

You can join in from 11am PST here.

And if you haven’t already, go take a listen to last weeks show.

And you can also listen to the last live BYOB show from here.

DA Document Manager 2010 Add-In for Windows Home Server Now With 20% Discount

Andrew Edney
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1

Our friends at Group Seven have been in touch to let us know that you can now buy DA Document Manager 2010 for Windows Home Server, or any of the other editions with 20% for the holidays.

DA box

DA Document Manager provides businesses and individuals both with a well thought out and versatile document archiving software application that makes a nice compliment to DA Document Manager Internal Viewer, Adobe’s FREE Acrobat Reader or any other PDF viewer setup for the Internet Explorer Browser.

You can learn more here.

You can visit their store here and use the following code: BESTOF2010 for 20% off

Remember that this code is just for the holidays so be quick!

You can download the latest version from here.

Microsoft Release New Version of Security Essentials

Andrew Edney
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3

Today Microsoft released a new version of its Security Essentials software, bringing some new features with it.

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

What are these new features?

Windows Firewall integration. Security Essentials setup enables you to turn on or off Windows Firewall.

Network Inspection System. This feature enhances real-time protection by inspecting network traffic to help proactively block exploitation of known network-based vulnerabilities.

New and improved protection engine. The updated engine offers enhanced detection and clean-up capabilities with better performance

If you had what was the current version installed you would have had version 2.0.522.0.

17-12-2010 18-46-03

The easiest way to upgrade is to click on the Check for Updates button and you should see an update. Just click on the Upgrade button and wait a short time while the upgrade is downloaded and installed.

17-12-2010 18-51-54

17-12-2010 18-52-07

17-12-2010 18-53-18

You will then notice the version is now 2.0.657.0.

17-12-2010 18-53-37

You will also need to perform a definitions update as well to ensure you are up to date.

17-12-2010 18-53-49

Simple as that – you are now running the latest version of Microsoft Security Essentials.

If you don’t already have Security Essentials installed, you can download it from here.

The Home Server Show 116 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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1

Dave and the guys over at the Home Server Show have just released show 116.

home_server_show_small_thumb

Here is what Dave says about this weeks show:

It’s the bait and switch show!  I have been talking about an interview with Microsoft and thought this week we would get it done.  It didn’t happen but you will hear me talk about it in the beginning of the show.  I don’t want to take it out or not publish the show.  Trust me, I’m just as disappointed as you are.  I did get a chance to talk to the guys on the team and got several commitments from them.  Listen to find out what they are.  It’s not all bad news!  It’s a good show and we have plenty to talk about.

As usual you can listen to the show here.

DVBLogic Version 3.2 Suite RC3 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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2

So just in time for the weekend, and only a few days since RC2 was released, DVBLogic have just released RC3 of Version 3.2 of their software.

DVB_thumb2_thumb

Here is what they say about this release:

What is new/fixed from RC2:
DVBLink Server Network Pack:
– Fixed: unstable streaming to IPhone
– Fixed: unstable channel switching in web streaming interface
DVBLink TVSource:
– Added: support for TBS 6921, 8921 and QBox3 tuners
Important!! Version 3.2 is incompatible with version 3.1 or earlier. This means that you must upgrade all of your DVBLink products to the new version!
We would like to ask you to check the functionality of mobile web interface in all your desktop and mobile browsers. Streaming will only work on IPhone/IPad, but the rest of functionality (guide browsing, timer recordings) should work in all browsers. Please post your experiences here together with the browser and mobile information.
How to install:
DVBLink TVSource/DVBLink TVSource Connected Edition:
– Run DVBLinkSetup.exe from Setup folder. It will both install new version or update old version.
DVBLink Server Network Client / DVBLink for Dreambox / DVBLink for IPTV:
– New installation: run msi installation files. Install DVBLink server first, followed by the DVBLink source product installation and (eventually) Network Pack installation.
– Upgrade: run enclosed bat files. Upgrade DVBLink Server first, then DVBLink source products and then (eventually) Network Pack and Network Client(s). This will preserve all your channels and settings. You will need to re-enter server IP address after upgrading client.
The versions of all binary files (exe and dll) should be 3.1.0.105.
For the additional information and things to know please refer to beta 1, 2, 3, RC1 and RC2 announcements:
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11163&start=105#p32037
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11249&start=90#p32469
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11319&start=150#p32844
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11459&start=120#p33709
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11511&start=30#p34096
DVBLink TVSource v3.2 RC3 can be downloaded here (zip file contains both TVSource and Network Pack!):
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … e32RC3.zip
DVBLink For IPTV v3.2 RC3 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … V32RC3.zip
DVBLink For Dreambox v3.2 RC3 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … B32RC3.zip
DVBLink Server Network Pack v3.2 RC3 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … k32RC3.zip

And you can hear more about DVBLogic on this weeks Digital Lifestyle Show podcast. Although you really should vote for me!

If you are not sure what this is, and you want to learn more, you can check out our two how to guides –

How To Install and Configure DVBLink Server and TVSource v3.01 and

How To Install and Configure DVBLink Server Network Pack v3.01.

And don’t forget the EPG add-in as well.

The Digital Lifestyle Show 285 Vote For Me

Andrew Edney
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3

Ian over at the Digital Lifestyle Show has just released show 285 – but don’t vote for him, vote for me!

DLS Show

Here is what Ian says about this weeks show:

We had fun recording this week so I hope you enjoy it. This week Garry, Andrew and I talk about the weeks news including Windows 8 mock-ups, new addins for Windows Media Center and email on archiving TV shows.

We also we are kicking off TDL Product Of The Year, were we each pitch for a what we think our product of the year is and you can vote in at the bottom of this post.  Plus we have another bonus interview from Garry who is talking to Facevision about their HD Videocams

Links from this weeks show:

And as usual you can listen to the show here.

Remember, vote for me, even if you prefer one of the other products! To remind yourself about the Tranquil iXL, check out our exclusive review from earlier in the year.

Apple Release Apple TV 4.1.1 Firmware Update

Andrew Edney
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1

Apple have also just released a firmware update for the new Apple TV, bringing it up to 4.1.1. This update is supposed to fix the issue some people experienced with content only displayed at 420p.

IMG_2998

We have talked a few times about the new Apple TV on the Digital Lifestyle Show podcast, and if you have been affected by this bug can you let us know if this update fixes it?

I’m going to be trying the new ATV Flash beta shortly, so stay tuned.

Apple Update iTunes to 10.1.1

Andrew Edney
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4

Apple has just released an update to iTunes, bringing it to version 10.1.1. This release is mainly bug fixes!

15-12-2010 19-50-18

Here is what is included in the update:

This release provides a number of important bug fixes, including:

• Addresses an issue where iTunes may unexpectedly quit when resizing the iTunes window.
• Resolves an issue where iTunes may unexpectedly quit when deleting a playlist that has the iTunes Sidebar showing.
• Addresses an issue where some music videos may not sync to an iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

iTunes 10.1 came with several new features and improvements, including:

• Use AirPlay to instantly and wirelessly stream videos from iTunes to the all-new Apple TV.
• Sync with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.2.
• Provides a number of important stability and performance improvements.

Firmware Update for the Boxee Box

Andrew Edney
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0

This week, Boxee released a firmware update to the Boxee Box by D-Link. This firmware update delivered a few improvements, but mainly bug fixes.

DSC00541

Here is what Boxee have said:

Earlier today we released a firmware update for the Boxee Box (details below). If you don’t see the ‘update’ icon on the top-right of your home screen, go to Settings>System>Update to manually check for and download the update.

We are still focused on bug fixing and minor improvements based on user feedback we’re getting from our early users. In this update we also made some minor UI changes to address certain usability issues related to playback of local files (added more filter and sort options, quicker navigation in long lists based on A-Z, ability to mark movies as Watched/Unwatched).

The next firmware update should come out before the end of the year, with major improvements to the browsers, new content/apps and more bug fixes.

Improvements and additions:

  • Enabling user flavor selection (online/local files inclination) during first login and via Settings
  • Added alphabetical scrollbar for local files
  • Enhanced sorting options in browse screens (A-Z, Z-A, most popular, newest/oldest…)
  • Add Genre filter support for local files
  • Mark movies as watched/unwatched from the Action menu
  • Added option for hourly scan of SMB/UPnP/USB sources
  • Added SMB client defaults to Network Settings
  • When watching side-by-side or over/under video, the subtitles and OSD would not be visible when wearing 3D glasses. The user now has the option, under Settings, to have the user interface properly displayed when watching 3D videos

Bug fixes

  • Do not de-interlace of video when the TV is in interlaced mode (e.g. 1080i)
  • HFS+ volumes display UUID instead of volume name under some conditions
  • Video OSD text background too small for text title when playing video with long titles
  • When connecting to VPN, Boxee didn’t refresh region code
  • Boxee doesn’t change DNS configuration when VPN is set up
  • Can’t connect to hidden wireless networks
  • Can’t connect to network using WPA passcode with special characters
  • When Internet connection is restored, menu doesn’t show online channels
  • DVD .iso playback aspect ratio incorrect
  • DVD playback displayed some artifacts
  • “Resume From” doesn’t work on DVD ISO/Folders
  • Zoom on DVD (.iso and folder) video does not work as expected
  • .vob files playback (standalone files) is stuttering and low FPS
  • DVD .iso playback over Wireless N: excessive buffering, playback speed issues, random exits
  • “Vietnamese” character set is misspelled in System Settings
  • Show “Remove From Favorites” button in episodes list, even if no episodes are available
  • SMB credentials are not saved upon restart
  • Write failure when accessing Box-attached disk over SMB
  • SMB file sharing of external HD size reporting is wrong
  • Become unresponsive and hang during playback of AVC .mkv file from SMB mapped drive
  • Crashes when indexing some videos inside .rar files
  • Crashes indexing mp3 file with corrupt embedded thumbnail
  • Stretch 16:9 and Stretch 14:9 not working properly
  • Shoutcast and Radiotime: Switching stations or Cancel causes interface to freeze and console output to crawl
  • Some .mkv files do not playback properly (some flavors of H.264)
  • Support packed bitstream muxing mode in .avi
  • Some .wtv files do not playback properly
  • Constant buffering on 1080p BD .mkv files accessed wirelessly on Boxee
  • Boxee crash when browsing into unidentified Files
  • Playback choked and crashed during viewing of .mp4 file

So are you using the Boxee Box? What do you think about it? Let us know….

DVBLogic Version 3.2 Suite RC2 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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3

Today DVBLogic have released their DVBLogic version 3.2 suite at RC (Release Candidate) 2. Download it now before they release another update.

DVB_thumb2

Here is what they say about this release:

What is new/fixed from RC1:
General:
– Fixed: “DVBLink program has stopped responding” pop-up in MediaCenter/Extender when local MediaCenter is used simultaneously with Extender device(s)
– Added: New product installer for DVBLink TVSource / Net Pack
– Updated Dutch, German, Czech and Swedish localizations
DVBLink Server Network Pack:
– Fixed: Invalid parameter error when streaming to IPhone
– Added: Mobile web-interface (http://x.x.x.x:port/iphone) compatibility with most desktop and mobile browsers
DVBLink for IPTV:
– Added: RTSP static port
Important!! Version 3.2 is incompatible with version 3.1 or earlier. This means that you must upgrade all of your DVBLink products to the new version!
We would like to ask you to check the functionality of mobile web interface in all your desktop and mobile browsers. Streaming will only work on IPhone/IPad, but the rest of functionality (guide browsing, timer recordings) should work in all browsers. Please post your experiences here together with the browser and mobile information.
How to install:
DVBLink TVSource/DVBLink TVSource Connected Edition:
– Run DVBLinkSetup.exe from Setup folder. It will both install new version or update old version.
DVBLink Server Network Client / DVBLink for Dreambox / DVBLink for IPTV:
– New installation: run msi installation files. Install DVBLink server first, followed by the DVBLink source product installation and (eventually) Network Pack installation.
– Upgrade: run enclosed bat files. Upgrade DVBLink Server first, then DVBLink source products and then (eventually) Network Pack and Network Client(s). This will preserve all your channels and settings. You will need to re-enter server IP address after upgrading client.
The versions of all binary files (exe and dll) should be 3.1.0.104.
For the additional information and things to know please refer to beta 1, 2, 3 and RC1 announcements:
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11163&start=105#p32037
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11249&start=90#p32469
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11319&start=150#p32844
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=11459&start=120#p33709
DVBLink TVSource v3.2 RC2 can be downloaded here (zip file contains both TVSource and Network Pack!):
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … e32RC2.zip
DVBLink For IPTV v3.2 RC2 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … V32RC2.zip
DVBLink For Dreambox v3.2 RC2 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … B32RC2.zip
DVBLink Server Network Pack v3.2 RC2 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … k32RC2.zip

And you can hear more about DVBLogic on this weeks Digital Lifestyle Show podcast later in the week.

If you are not sure what this is, and you want to learn more, you can check out our two how to guides –

How To Install and Configure DVBLink Server and TVSource v3.01 and

How To Install and Configure DVBLink Server Network Pack v3.01.

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard RTMs

Andrew Edney
-
3

Today saw Microsoft RTM (release to manufacturing) Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard (formally SBS 7).

SBS logo

Here is part of what Microsoft had to say today:

As you are reading this we are making the final steps to bring the product to the market so that you can acquire throughout our large network of partners. We are finalizing international versions, delivering the product to distribution channels and handing it off to our OEM partners so that they can begin pre-installing the software on new servers. Starting in early January, you will find SBS 2011 Standard and Premium Add-On in volume licensing, and from mid-January you will be able to download a trial copy from our website.

Designed and priced for small businesses with up to 75 users, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard delivers enterprise-class server technology in an affordable, all-in-one solution. Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard not only helps to protect, access, and manage your information from virtually anywhere, but also allows your business to be more productive by providing:

  • A great way to manage email with the powerful new Microsoft® Exchange Server 2010 SP1. Securely access and manage your communications—e-mail, voice mail, instant messaging, and more—from virtually any platform, Web-browser, or device.
  • A powerful collaboration suite with Microsoft SharePoint® Foundation Services 2010. Enable your employees to access and share your business documents with exciting features and capabilities that help you collaborate securely online—no matter where you are.
  • A rich platform to run your business applications. SBS 2011 Standard allows you to take advantage of the vast library of applications compatible with Windows Server 2008R2 technologies.
  • A simple installation/migration path to limit your downtime. SBS 2011 Standard has been designed to simplify the experience of upgrading or installing a new server.

So that’s SBS 2011 Standard ready, hopefully not long now until SBS 2011 Essentials (formally SBS Aurora).

You can read the full announcement here.

The $14 SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo 8GB Drive

Timothy Daleo
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2
The $14 SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo 8GB Drive

I just complained on BYOB about the lack of affordable USB 3.0 drives and now the cheap USB 3.0 thumb drives are finally here. SuperTalent drives are $14 for 8GB and $29 for 16GB. Sweet pricing, but what kind of performance do you get with a $14 SuperTalent USB 3.0? Read on to see what performance you will get for a $14 drive.

SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo

The Math – USB Theoretical Speeds

USB 2.0 is 480 Mbps = 60 MB/s (which is just 480,000,000 divided by 8 to get 60,000,000 to get Megabytes)

With USB 2.0 speeds, around 60% of the theoretical maximum is to be expected, since over an additional 15% would be added just for overhead alone!

USB 3.0 is 5.0 GBps = 5,000 Mbps = 625 MB/s (same formula as above)

SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo

I think the “Duo” stands for twice as fast as USB 2.0?

SuperTalent Website

SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo

The Director of Product Marketing at SuperTalent says it best…

SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo

The SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo drives are available at:

SuperBiiz

I bought one for me and one for Andrew although he may not like it as much after this post. Winking smile

SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo

.

Super Talent 3.0 Express Duo Drive

The drive is lightweight but feels cheap. It looks like every other thumb drive I have seen. Of course it is only $14 so what do you expect?

The drives retail packaging seems stronger than the drive itself. They should have made the drive out of the same material.

SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo

.

I had already installed a USB 3.0 PCI-E host card from EVGA in my Core i7 PC. I used the drivers from the EVGA CD to install the card. I guess they stopped selling these?

EVGA USB 3.0 PCI-E Host Card

.

Just insert the USB 3.0 drive like any other USB device.

EVGA USB 3.0 PCI-E Host Card

.

USB 2.0 ATTO Benchmark – My Corsair Flash Voyager 16GB

ATTO USB 2.0 Benchmark

.

USB 3.0 ATTO Benchmark – SuperTalent Express Duo 8GB

ATTO USB 3.0 Benchmark

.

Conclusion

The Write was almost two and a half times USB 2.0 speed while the Read was one and a half times the Corsair speed. These speeds seem to be in line with other inexpensive models by PQI and A-DATA but much less than the higher cost drives by SuperTalent, Kingston and A-DATA.

If you are looking to replace a USB 2.0 thumb drive, then the SuperTalent USB 3.0 Express Duo Drive is worth considering. That being said, if you want really high speeds then you should wait a while and see how the USB 3.0 drives look in 2011, or spend the money now for the higher priced USB 3.0 drives.

Tim

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