Today is the 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.
You can join in from 11am PST here.
How To Fix The Missing Guide Data for Freeview HD Channels in Windows Media Center
During the review of the Black Gold BGT3620 tuner, I found that none of the four Freeview HD channels had any information in the Media Center Guide. Fortunately there is a work-around for 3 of the 4 channels.
The Problem
There is no Guide data for the four Freeview HD channels.
So without data in the Guide, it makes it very difficult to chose what to watch, find out more the programme, etc.
The particular problem affects all four Freeview HD Channels:
- BBC1 HD
- ITV1 HD
- CHANNEL 4 HD
- BBC HD
This is not a fault of the BGT3620, its actually a problem between Microsoft and Freeview HD, and until it is solved you have two options. Either live with no guide data (which isn’t very appealing) or perform a fairly simple work-around that will solve the problem on 3 of the 4 HD Channels (the one that it doesn’t work on is BBC HD).
The fix uses the standard definition guide data as a source.
The Work-Around
Fire up Windows Media Center, select Tasks, then Settings, then TV, then Guide.
Then click on Edit Channels.
Scroll down until you find the first of your HD channels and double-click on it.
Then click on Edit listings.
You will see it says that there are no listings for the this channel.
Scroll down through the list until you find the standard definition listing for the channel you are fixing and click on it.
Make sure you select the Copy Listings From Channel x (being the SD channel) to Channel y (being the HD channel) otherwise you will overwrite the working data.
When you perform this action, the channel is renamed to that of the SD Channel, in this case Channel 4, so just rename it back to Channel 4 HD and click Save.
You will now see Guide data for the channel.
Perform the same steps for BBC1 HD and ITV1 HD and the rest of the guide data will appear (except for BBC HD).
Hopefully now that Freeview HD cards are becoming available, Freeview HD and Microsoft will fix this issue properly and we won’t need a workaround and all four channels will be shown correctly!
And thanks to Tranquil for the information (and the card)!
Exclusive Hands On Review of the Black Gold BGT3620 Dual DVB-T/T2 Tuner Card
Yesterday I received the Black Gold BGT3620 Dual DVB-T/T2 tuner card, and today here is our exclusive hands on review.
Here is how Black Gold describe the BGT3620:
The BGT3620 is a premium multi-channel hybrid tuner, digital demodulator, analogue capture, intelligent remote PCI-express PCTV product, implemented on a miniature platform. The product is capable of receiving standard and high definition digital broadcast program content, including the new UK Freeview HD channels. It is designed to transform a personal computer into a high-end audio video entertainment system, supporting external video streams and worldwide HD broadcast streams.
Hardware receiver support – Analogue terrestrial (PAL, NTSC, CECAM), dual digital terrestrial including both DVB-T and DVB-T2, dual digital cable DVB-C.
Hardware profile – Miniature profile solution exceptionally low real estate, supporting compact half height and full height PC systems. (88.5mm x 50mm PCB outline including PCI-e fingers)
The BGT3620 is the perfect Windows 7, Vista & XP Media Center TV partner. No other product in this class provides the extensive support for Media Center of the BGT3620:
1. 32 and 64 bit Broadcast Driver Architecture (BDA) WHQL drivers
2. Media Center remote control including S3 wakeup (option)
3. Special Media Center support for tuning and scanning of DVB-C channels
4. External video equipment connection via an audio/video adapter cable supporting composite video –yellow phono connector, S video – mini DIN connector, component RGB video – red/green/blue phono connectors and stereo audio – red/white phono connectors
What’s In The Box?
Well, more like what was in the jiffy bag, because this one wasn’t actually boxed so I can’t say what should be in there.
In this case though, I got the BGT3620 card, and a set of cables.
As you can see from the card in the pictures above, there is no bracket attached. This is because the card comes with two different size brackets, depending on the type of computer you are fitting it in. You also get the two tiny screws and a mini screwdriver.
Fitting the bracket to the card was simple and took a few seconds.
I have been asked about what software comes with the BGT3620 – the honest answer is that I don’t know. This card was not supplied for review by Black Gold, in fact having sent a few emails to them over the last few weeks I have not had a single reply. This card was supplied by Tranquil (thank you again)!
Checking I Received Freeview HD
While I was waiting to install the card in my machine, I thought it was a good idea to check to see if I could actually receive Freeview HD. I figured I should be able to, but I didn’t want to waste any time, so I figured I would check.
Freeview actually have a website that enables you to put in your postcode and it will check if you can receive Freeview HD, and if not, when it is expected.
Fortunately for me, Freeview HD had been enabled in my area a few months before.
Media Center Master Version 1.28.32810.499 Released
Peter Souza IV has just released version 1.28.32810.499 of his excellent software Media Center Master, and apart from a number of bugfixes there are a few feature enhancements.
Here is how Peter describes Media Center Master for those of you who don’t know what it is:
Smooth, powerful interface to organize your media collection.
Support for the built-in Windows Media Center Video Library strip (dvdid.xml) as well as MediaBrowser extension (mymovies.xml).
Movies, television, and adult title search from a variety of configurable meta data sources.
Built-in, fully-automated episode torrenting from multiple sources. Keep your T.V. series updated through the internet for free.
Full meta-data editor with tools to automate movie and T.V. episode renaming.
Theatrical trailer downloader with options for automatic re-encoding.
Extendable fetcher system allows other programmers to write fetchers — sample source code included in the forums.
Configurable to download actor/actress thumbnails and movie/T.V. posters, fan art, backdrops, and banners.
Flexible post-processing allows command-line operations after a movie title has been fetched — works great with Stark Covers.
…and a whole lot more…
I have been using MCM for a while now and I think it’s a great product. I haven’t tried the new premium version yet, but I will. If you have Media Center, and you want a tool to help you to organise your collection, this is certainly the one to use.
There are quite a few bugfixes in this release – take a look at the release notes to see the full list including enhancements.
You can download the new version from here.
Plantronics Gamecom 777 Headset Giveaway
Yesterday we reviewed the Plantronics Gamecom 777 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound headset – today we are giving it away to one of you lucky readers!
Here is how Plantronics describe the 777:
This open-eared headset with 7.1 Dolby® Headphone technology gives you an unparalleled audio advantage that lets you hear your opponents before you see them. Connect with the Dolby USB sound card for a true 7.1 experience. But if needed, an analogue connection is also provided. Stay comfortable with a lightweight frame and specially designed ear pods that redistribute pressure. When you’re ready to fire off orders, unveil the hidden, noisecancelling mic boom to strategize clearly with team members. Responses coming in? Adjust audio levels using in-line volume and mic-mute controls.
• Dolby headphone technology delivers a virtual 7-channel audio experience
• Dolby USB sound card is the only way to get the 7.1 experience
• Open-ear design keeps you connected to the game and your surroundings
• Concealed mic boom stays hidden until you’re ready to use it
• Specially designed earpods redistribute pressure for maximum comfort
• In-line volume and mic-mute controls allow for easy audio adjustment
• Noise-cancelling microphone lets you communicate clearly
• Rugged, military-grade design and extra-strength cables make your hardware hardcore
So, here is how you win this prize:
Send an email to giveaways @ usingwhs.com (remembering to remove the spaces before and after the @ sign) with Headset Giveaway in the title. As its Black Friday I am feeling generous so I wont even make you answer a question! Just send your name and location and as usual my cats will pick a winner at random! The closing date for the giveaway is Monday 29th November.
Anyone is eligible to enter and the winner will be announced on the site on Tuesday 30th November.
Good luck, and keep reading UWHS.
Exclusive Unboxing of the Black Gold BGT3620 Dual DVB-T/T2 Tuner Card
We have been waiting for a dual DVBT/T2 tuner card with Freeview HD support for a while – and today one arrived in the form of the Black Gold BGT3620. Let’s take an exclusive quick look at this little beauty.
Here is how Black Gold describe the BGT3620:
The BGT3620 is a premium multi-channel hybrid tuner, digital demodulator, analogue capture, intelligent remote PCI-express PCTV product, implemented on a miniature platform. The product is capable of receiving standard and high definition digital broadcast program content, including the new UK Freeview HD channels. It is designed to transform a personal computer into a high-end audio video entertainment system, supporting external video streams and worldwide HD broadcast streams.
Hardware receiver support – Analogue terrestrial (PAL, NTSC, CECAM), dual digital terrestrial including both DVB-T and DVB-T2, dual digital cable DVB-C.
What’s In The Box?
Well, more like what was in the jiffy bag, because this one wasn’t actually boxed so I can’t say what should be in there.
In this case though, I got the BGT3620 card, and a set of cables.
As you can see from the card in the pictures above, there is no bracket attached. This is because the card comes with two different size brackets, depending on the type of computer you are fitting it in. You also get the two tiny screws and a mini screwdriver.
Fitting the bracket to the card was simple and took a few seconds.
Now it’s time to go put it in my machine and see what happens…….
And I would like to say a big thank you to Tranquil for loaning me the BGT3620 for a few days to play with. Tranquil are selling the BGT3620 as part of their Platinum ixL range.
You can also learn more about the BGT3620 from the Black Gold website.
Look out for the full review shortly.
The Digital Lifestyle Show 282 Andrew Takes Charge
As part of my plan for global domination, I take control of the Digital Lifestyle Show podcast this week – and it was hard work!
Here is what Ian has to say about this weeks show:
I am working away this week so we make Andrew do the hard work for a change. He takes charge and Garry joins him to talk about the weeks news including iPad updates, media streaming, EPG apps, Xbox Kinect and planning for the next user group
this was recorded before Microsoft’s Vail announcement so we will be talking about that next week
Links from this weeks show:
Remote Potato iPhone Windows Media Center EPG/Streaming App
iOS 4.2 update available today
Buffalo DriveStation™ Duo – Review
ArcSoft Total Media Theater 5 released
A DLNA client for iPhone/iPad that works with DVBLink DLNA
3TB Western Digital Drive on a UEFI day night
Unboxing the Xbox 360 Kinect
The Custom Integrator Show is back!
As usual you can listen to the show here.
And I am very sorry to all those people out there who felt the need to drink through the whole podcast (Tim!) and to Ian for losing any listeners after this!
Looking forward to the next time 
Drobo to the Rescue For Unhappy Windows Home Server Users?
In a clever piece of marketing, Drobo are offering discounts to Windows Home Server users who are unhappy with the news about Drive Extender being removed.
Here is what Drobo have said:
Drobo has always been the simplest home storage, making it the perfect save for stranded windows home server users.
Looking to Migrate?
Drobo FS was designed with one purpose in mind: to deliver the best file sharing experience ever. From the moment you plug it in and see it instantly appear, you’ll know there’s nothing like it! The all-in-one Drobo FS is perfect for any connected home, home office, or small office environment needing a simple, safe device for sharing and backing up files over the network.
Looking to Add?
Using the USB, Firewire or eSATA ports on your Windows Home Server, you can use Drobo or Drobo S to add reliable disk capacity. Drobo appears as an additional drive, but unlike other USB drives it protects data against a hard disk crash. Just add any SATA drive and Drobo takes care of the rest; it is a hard drive that never fails and never gets full!
Ready for a Rescue?
Drobo provides a DroboCopy utility to easily migrate data from any location to Drobo, making your rescue quick and easy. Moreover, take advantage of our special offer for Drobo FS from now through December 31 at our online DroboStore.
So here are the offers:
US and Canada – enter “RESCUE” to save $100 on Drobo FS or Drobo S
UK – enter “RESCUE100UK” to save £63.26 on Drobo FS or Drobo S
Europe- enter “RESCUE100EU” to save € 74.62 on Drobo FS or Drobo S
We reviewed the Drobo NAS earlier this year.
SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME Update
Ted from SiliconDust just issued an email with an update on the HDHomeRun – PRIME CableCARD Tuner. They also gave an update on pricing, vendor selection and mention they will be at CES. You can bet that Andrew and I will be there to be the first to look at and try out this long awaited tuner!
The email from SiliconDust states:
Quick status update…
We are at CableLabs® for the final review, with release to production in 2 weeks. Pre-order and release dates will be announced shortly following release to production.
On the availability side we are working with major retail partners to stock the HDHomeRun PRIME and accept pre-orders. The price has been confirmed at $249.
Black Friday – We have been working with the good people at Newegg for a great Black Friday deal on the original HDHomeRun-Dual ATSC/clear QAM tuner. The sale runs Friday November 26 continuing through to Cyber Monday.
CES – everything is in place for a great CES 2011 in Las Vegas January 6-9 – We will be on the floor in the South Hall 3, upper level, booth 31948.
Release to production is the key milestone for us and we have been working hard to make it happen. We will keep you posted.
Happy holidays,
Ted H – CEO
Silicondust Inc. USA
We look forward to seeing the HDHomeRun PRIME at CES 2011.
Tim
Review of the Plantronics Gamecom 777 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound Headset
It’s not often that we review things like headsets on UWHS, but with Christmas coming up, and with the recent release of games like Call of Duty: Black Ops we occasionally get asked about headsets, and so when I was offered one to review I said yes.
Here is how Plantronics describe the 777:
This open-eared headset with 7.1 Dolby® Headphone technology gives you an unparalleled audio advantage that lets you hear your opponents before you see them. Connect with the Dolby USB sound card for a true 7.1 experience. But if needed, an analogue connection is also provided. Stay comfortable with a lightweight frame and specially designed ear pods that redistribute pressure. When you’re ready to fire off orders, unveil the hidden, noisecancelling mic boom to strategize clearly with team members. Responses coming in? Adjust audio levels using in-line volume and mic-mute controls.
• Dolby headphone technology delivers a virtual 7-channel audio experience
• Dolby USB sound card is the only way to get the 7.1 experience
• Open-ear design keeps you connected to the game and your surroundings
• Concealed mic boom stays hidden until you’re ready to use it
• Specially designed earpods redistribute pressure for maximum comfort
• In-line volume and mic-mute controls allow for easy audio adjustment
• Noise-cancelling microphone lets you communicate clearly
• Rugged, military-grade design and extra-strength cables make your hardware hardcore
What’s In The Box?
The box is neatly packaged and you can see the headset through the front and also one side.
The box itself contains the headset, the Dolby USB device (more on that in a moment) and some paperwork.
A Closer Look
Here are the specs for the headset:
Taking a closer look at the headset shows that as you would expect the head band part expands to fit most (if not all) heads. I know that might sound strange but I have seen headsets in the past that just stretch rather than expand, and they are not very comfortable.
The Mic and Headphone connectors are built in to the headset and there is a volume control there as well.
If you connect up the headset directly to your PC you won’t experience the virtual 7.1 sound experience. This is where the little USB adaptor comes in. It uses a combination of Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Dolby Headphone technologies to convert any 2 channel audio source into a virtual 7.1 surround sound “experience”.
You just plug the Headphone and Mic connectors into the USB device and then plug the USB device into your PC. Windows automatically detected and installed what it needed – although it just shows up as USB Audio Device (as you can see below).
The mic is actually hidden away when not in use in the band of the headset – you just pull it out when you want to use it and put it back when you are finished. This is useful if you decide you just want to use them as headphones on occasion.
Final Thoughts
My initial thoughts were that they looked quite heavy and clunky, but when you put them on they feel quite light. Using them for small periods of time proved to be fine and I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all, although I would image a seriously long night of Black Ops might result in some discomfort!
The sound quality was excellent – I tried a number of different sources, games, MP3s, movies, Skype calls, and they all worked great.
I really liked the fact that the mic boom could be folded away – this was a very nice touch over other headsets I have seen and used.
The Gamecom 777 is compatible with both PCs and Macs and costs £79.99 although there are certainly some good deals to be had on Amazon.co.uk and $109.96 in the US and again some great deals are to be had on Amazon.com.
One thing to be careful about though is there is also a Gamecom 777 that is only 5.1 rather than 7.1, so check before buying to avoid disappointment.
You can learn more about the Gamecom 777 and other headsets from the Plantronics website.
Newegg has HP StorageWorks X310 Windows Home Server for $299.99
In one of Neweggs great deals, today they have the HP StorageWorks X310 Windows Home Server for $299.99. And it comes with a free Drive Extender!
We reviewed the X310 back in July.
You can order yours now from Newegg.
UEFI Installation of Windows 7 – Video Edition
The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is now becoming more important as manufacturers release hard drives over 2.2TB. These new drives require GPT to fully access the drive space but systems running BIOS will not boot with GPT drives. I put up a 10 minute video of the Windows 7 UEFI Installation, so read on to find out a little bit more about UEFI.
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3TB Western Digital Drive on a UEFI day night
The first UEFI article and screenshots of the installation are at:
https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/11/22/3tb-western-digital-drive-on-a-uefi-day-night/
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Does My Motherboard Support UEFI?
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It might if it is an Intel board. Check the list below or check the BIOS and see if it has a UEFI Boot option.
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Current List of UEFI Motherboards
The link below is from UEFI.org and has a list of some UEFI compatible motherboards.
Class Two UEFI Platforms currently commercially available
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Windows 7 and UEFI
Windows 7 supports UEFI and all Windows 7 Installation DVDs support a UEFI boot.
It is important to know that:
This means that as long as you have a 64-bit motherboard that supports UEFI then you can install a UEFI version of Windows 7 with any installation DVD!
Once my system installation was complete, I booted to the 3TB GPT hard drive! Sweet.
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GPT Disks Under 2.2TB
Almost any modern hard drive can be a GPT drive. I installed UEFI Windows 7 on my 10,000 RPM Western Digital VelociRaptor and it works great! You do not need to wait to get a large format drive to perform a UEFI installation.
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Mental Note: Converting a disk will erase the disk! Do not convert or change disks with data on them unless you have backed up that data!
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UEFI Installation of Windows 7 Video
Watch the video for the entire UEFI process. It is actually very simple to perform.
UEFI Installation of Windows 7 Video
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External DVD Drive Required for UEFI Installation?
I could not get UEFI to load with either an internal SATA DVD, internal IDE DVD or a USB thumb drive. I could only get it to load with a USB DVD drive. If you are having issues getting UEFI Windows 7 to load I would suggest trying an external DVD connected via USB.
My little $40 USB DVD model is:
SAMSUNG USB 2.0 Black Slim External DVD Writer Model SE-S084
Good luck and please COMMENT when you have a successful installation!
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UEFI Resources
http://www.uefi.org/learning_center/
http://www.intel.com/technology/efi/
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/firmware/UEFI_Windows.mspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744321%28WS.10%29.aspx
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I hope you get to try out or build a UEFI system.
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Tim
Microsofts Reason for Killing Drive Extender in Windows Home Server Vail
Following yesterdays shocking announcement about the removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server Code Name Vail, Paul Thurrot has posted more information about the reason for the removal – and he got more information than the MVPs did!
In case you were asleep yesterday, click here to read what happened.
Here is the part of Paul’s article that goes into more detail:
In a briefing last month, I was told that Microsoft and its partners discovered problems with Drive Extender once they began typical server loads (i.e. server applications) on the system. This came about because Drive Extender was being moved from a simple system, WHS, to a more complex, server-like OS )(SBS “Aurora”) that would in fact be used to run true server applications. And these applications were causing problems.
“Drive Extender was a neat feature, but the implementation was off, and we discovered some application compatibility and disk tool problems related to its ability to correct data errors on the fly,” Microsoft general manager Kevin Kean told me. “We don’t want to give customers problems; we want to give them solutions. So ultimately, we decided that we needed to cut out Drive Extender. Removing Drive Extender will make file shares easy, and it’s possible to accomplish most of its features otherwise. For example, you use the server’s centralized backup or even RAID as an alternative to data duplication.”
You can read the full post here.
So there you have it – I’m not really sure what to add to the hundreds of comments that are floating around the internet after only 24 hours.
Tranquil Still Committed to Window Home Server
Following yesterdays shock announcement from Microsoft about the removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server Code Name Vail and Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, Tranquil PC has announced that they are still committed to Windows Home Server.
Here is what Tranquil posted on their blog:
The good news is that Tranquil are committed to WHS – and have no plans to stop WHS production or support. Tranquil supply the widest range of WHS appliances, from single drive (T7) units right up to 40TB (SuperStor) systems.
To learn more click here
Watch this space…..
Additionally, although it can’t be confirmed yet (here), I know that some of the file management technology used in HomeServerSync has already been tested in anticipation of providing folder duplication functions (either locally, in LAN, or on WAN) for enhanced WHS V2. The tech used (a sort of real time RAID-1) has already been shown to provide real time folder protection, and is very fast as only the changes (not deltas) in files are effected (especially good for WAN backup).
The issue of ‘DE’ and management of different sized drives – being ‘added’ or ‘removed’ is a challenge (even it seems for Microsoft) – expect an update here, once I get news that Tranquil have that function on track too.
You can read the full post here.
We will have more news on this in the near future, so keep checking UWHS.