FireCore Release aTV Flash (black) Beta

Andrew Edney

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Dec 2, 2010

Yesterday FireCore, those guys behind the aTV Flash software for the Apple TV, released a beta for aTV Flash (black) for the 2nd generation Apple TVs.

Here is what FireCore have said about the beta:

At long last we’re proud to announce the release of the first beta version of aTV Flash (black) for the new AppleTV. This version features a number of exciting features, with many more to come. It took a bit longer to complete than anticipated, but it’s a great start to what we hope will be a powerful software suite for the new black AppleTV.

During the beta phase we will be working to improve current features and add new ones, so we would appreciate any feedback you may have. More info on how to submit feedback can be seen near the end of the post.

Read on for more details on what’s included and how to get the beta.

Compatibility

The first version of aTV Flash (black) is compatible with the 4.0 AppleTV software only. The new 4.1 software requires a few adjustments but we plan to have compatible version available soon.

Update: Currently aTV Flash (black) is for Mac only. We plan to have a Windows compatible version within the next few days.

Pricing

aTV Flash (black) will be available at the discounted discounted price of $19.95 during the beta (pre-order) phase. Once the final version is ready for release the price will return to the normal level of $29.95. The original aTV Flash is also being reduced to $39.95.

What’s in the beta?

Surf the Web – Experience the web in all its glory and stream HTML5 video from many popular sites (note: not all HTML5 sites supported yet).

Discover New Music – Find new artists you’ll love by accessing Last.fm radio stations, artist bios and slideshows.

Plex Client – Stream media from Plex Server running on your Mac. (big thanks to quiqueck for putting this together)

Info on Demand – Keep track of current weather and news feeds on your AppleTV.

One-click Updates – Install, remove or update plugins in a snap through the native AppleTV interface.

What’s coming soon?

Go Beyond iTunes – Enable playback of additional media formats.

Access Media Anywhere – Stream media from most NAS devices.

Much, much more…

How do I get it?

Current Users – aTV Flash (black) is available as a free upgrade. After logging into your account you will have an extra download link for aTV Flash (black). Your normal aTV Flash license and download links will remain unchanged. Additionally any available renewal specials can also be found in your account.

New Users – aTV Flash (black) is available for pre-order at a discounted price of $19.95. All pre-orders get instant access to the beta.

Beta Signups – Those that signed up for the beta will be receiving information on how to download and install the beta via email. We’re working hard to get this done ASAP so please be patient.

Have you tried it yet? Watch out for the UWHS review soon.

DVBLogic Version 3.2 Suite RC1 Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Dec 2, 2010

1

Today DVBLogic have released their DVBLogic version 3.2 suite at RC (Release Candidate) 1. Download it now before they release an update.

Here is what they say about this release:

DVBLink 3.2 RC1 is available!
DVBLink for IPTV and DVBLink for Dreambox are also now available as 3.2 RC1!
What is new/fixed from beta 3:
General
– Fixed: pop-up asking to synchronize channels immediately after wake-up (when pressed Yes all channels are deleted)
– Fixed: Guide information not updating properly after standby
– Fixed: “DVBLink addin not responding” pop-up when EIT or xmltv EPG information contains a single program
TVSource:
– Fixed: accented e and E characters not displaying correctly when ISO6937 default DVB codepage is used
– Added: possibility to specify custom PID for packets carrying EIT information (via eitscanner_config.xml)
Network Pack:
– Added: New IPhone/IPad user interface with full web-interface functionality
– Added: High resolution (native) IPad streaming
– Fixed: Need to reload DVBLink webpage in IPhone browser to start playing back a new channel
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!
How to install:
– 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 3.1.0.103.
For the additional information and things to know please refer to beta 1, 2 and 3 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
DVBLink TVSource v3.2 RC1 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … e32RC1.zip
DVBLink For IPTV v3.2 RC1 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … V32RC1.zip
DVBLink For Dreambox v3.2 RC1 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … B32RC1.zip
DVBLink Server Network Pack v3.2 RC1 can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … k32RC1.zip

We only joked recently on the Digital Lifestyle Show podcast that there hadn’t been an update for a while Smile

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.

CNET to the Rescue: Slicing and dicing mass storage – Recommended Podcast

Timothy Daleo

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Dec 1, 2010

2

I usually do not post about other podcasts, but in light of our WHS drama I thought many of you would enjoy listening to another opinion on mass storage. Rafe and Dong Ngo talk about NAS, Windows Home Server and other hard drive solutions for the home.

The podcast is a few weeks old but worth the 40 minutes!

http://www.cnet.com/8301-31361_1-20023160-254.html?tag=mncol;title

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Tim

Using Windows Home Server and Tranquil PC Special Offer

Andrew Edney

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Dec 1, 2010

2

With the news today that HP have pulled out of the Windows Home Server market, Tranquil PC quickly confirmed that they were still fully committed to Windows Home Server. We have worked out a special offer for UWHS readers who order a Tranquil PC Windows Home Server before the 12th December 2010.

We have teamed up with Tranquil to offer the UWHS readers a £50 discount on the Tranquil SQA-5H 3000 Series 2 Windows Home Server.

We reviewed the SQA-5H-SAFE version earlier this year, and we loved it.

The price of the SQA-5H 3000 was £599 plus VAT, it has now been reduced to £499 plus VAT, and with the £50 discount for UWHS readers, this brings it down even more.

You will also get a free 18 month subscription to Home Server Sync, worth over £200 – so what are you waiting for!

Here is how Tranquil describe the SQA-5H:

The performance SQA Home Server. Fitted with 2GB memory and a single 2TB Low Power, Low Noise Hard Disk. This is powerful system for tomorrow’s demands. Tranquil can add additional low noise, low power HDDs for you, or you can add your own easily and quickly.

Features :

2GB Memory
2TB Low Energy HDD (32MB cache)
4x spare HDD slots
Server recovery pack
3 year warranty

You can also configure a number of other options as well.

To order your SQA-5H-3000-S2 click here and don’t forget to enter the coupon code of

UWHS30001210A

which will get you your £50 discount. This coupon code is only valid for the SQA-5H-3000-S2.

And hurry, this offer will only last until the 12th December 2010, so don’t be down about HP getting out of the Windows Home Server market, take this opportunity to buy a Windows Home Server from a company that is still committed to Windows Home Server, just as UWHS is.

Tranquil Still Committed to Windows Home Server Now More Than Ever

Andrew Edney

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Dec 1, 2010

11

With the shock news last week about the removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server Vail and now the news today that HP are out of the Windows Home Server market, people are wondering who might be next to leave – I spoke to Tranquil and they are committed now more than ever to Windows Home Server.

Tranquil are based in the UK and have released a number of Windows Home Servers, including the SQA-5H, the SAFE Server module, and various add-ins, including Home Server Sync, and RipNet.

Given that a company the size of HP are no longer in the Windows Home Server market, the question is how many of the existing Windows Home Server manufacturers are still interested.

Given that Tranquil made a statement last week about continuing to support Windows Home Server, despite the Drive Extender announcement, I thought I would speak to them first now that the HP news was out.

This is what they told me:

After recent news from Microsoft, Tranquil PC wish to assure all of our new and existing clients, that the company will continue to manufacture, supply and support all derivatives of the popular Windows Home Server products

Tranquil PC were the first company back in September 2007 to deliver a Windows Home Server appliance. Over the last few years Tranquil PC has built up an enviable reputation and the widest choice of Home Servers, from the smallest Home Server on the market – the original T7-HSA, the rack / wall mounting twin drive T2 and the multi-drive SQA-5H family. The SQA-5H series delivers outstanding value from the hand built five drive servers – including the SuperStor and Safe versions.

The range is now comprehensive and enviable.

Since the Sept 2007 launch the market has seen alternative Home Servers come and go, Microsoft have launched numerous updates and enhancements, and users throughout the world have come to not only benefit from, but rely on the neat and tidy solution that is Windows Home Server.

Over the last few weeks we have heard concerns over ‘Vail’ or Windows Home Server V2. Microsoft have said they will not include Drive Extender (DE) and that the delivery date will be H1, meaning anytime in the first half of 2011. Of course Tranquil PC will entirely support Vail with an appropriate DE replacement, as required.

We have also recently heard news that due to HP’s recent acquisition of Palm, they are reassigning efforts on other initiatives supporting WebOS , and as a consequence will no longer be supplying Home Server products.

Is this the end of Home Server? Not in the slightest. “It’s a new beginning, an exciting future awaits us” says D J Thompson, Managing Director of Tranquil PC “there is a huge following for Home Server, and the V1 product does just what it says on the tin, which is to deliver an outstandingly simple, reliable and effective solution for home and small business PC user alike. There are other solutions that can provide single elements of Home Server, but there is nothing that delivers the whole package, and there is unlikely to be so in the near future. We are entirely committed to the future of Windows Home Server V1, V2 and beyond. We will also ensure that there is a suitable transition path from V1 to V2 for our existing and new clients.

Tranquil are pledging to not only take care of existing customers, but to ensure that our current successful range of Home Server range continues for the foreseeable future, and that investment will continued to be made into the future of V1 and whatever follows, whenever that may be.

So, there you have it. Tranquil at least are still in the game, and hope to be for the long term.

And we have teamed up with Tranquil to offer our UWHS readers a special deal, more on that here.

HP Out of the Windows Home Server Market

Andrew Edney

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Dec 1, 2010

17

In yet another surprising turn of events, in a week full of surprises, HP are out of the Windows Home Server market, effective immediately.

This news comes a week after the shock news about the removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server Code Name Vail.

So what does this mean?

Well, HP told me that they have moved their entire MediaSmart division over to work on WebOS. This means that there will not be any more MediaSmart Servers.

This also means that there will not be any more software updates to the existing MediaSmart Server range.

And HP have no plans at all to support Windows Home Server Code Name Vail, so if you have a MediaSemart Server and you were waiting for HP to provide assistance in updating to Vail when it is released, you are on your own.

Looking back, the writing has been on the wall for a while.

Recently people have said that they couldn’t get the Version 3.0 software update because HP said it was discontinued.

There have been a lot of really good deals on HP MediaSmarts recently – although it has been Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but these deals are still going.

HP recently did a deal with Drobo to start selling their products on Drobo’s behalf and even trained up 200 people to do it.

Do I think that this has anything to do with the removal of DE? Honestly, I don’t. Certainly here in the UK and Europe, HP haven’t really had the product to ship and so I assume it just hasn’t been a money maker for them. That is probably the main reason, and they want the team working on something else.

Do I think that you should still consider buying a MediaSmart Server? Yes, I do. They are great boxes and now they are going to be cheaper than ever before, so there are some real bargains to be had.

I wonder if this news will force other OEM’s out of the market as well? After all, HP was Microsoft’s initial, and biggest partner when it came to Windows Home Server.

So what do you think of the news?

Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report on the Removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2010

2

Last week saw the announcement from Microsoft about the removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server Code Name Vail. Ed Bott from ZDNet interviewed Michael Leworthy after the announcement and Ed doesn’t hold back.

I think anyone who read Microsoft’s announcement agrees that it was pretty poor and didn’t make a lot of sense. The fact that the community is up in arms about the decision and what was said proves that.

Here is how Ed starts off his article, and I think you will agree he isn’t holding back:

If you want your customers to trust you, don’t lie to them.

That sounds like common sense, the kind of stuff you should learn in the first semester of business school, but apparently someone up in Redmond skipped that lecture. And boy, are they paying for it now.

Ed goes on to talk about his conversation with Michael Leworthy and to be honest it isn’t pretty!

If you want another take on the whole Drive Extender removal issue, read the rest of Ed’s article.

My Channel Logos Plugin for Windows Media Center Brings Pretty Channel Logos

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2010

6

Anyone who has used the Guide in Windows Media Center knows that the list of channels isn’t exciting! But wait, there is a plugin called My Channel Logos that adds very pretty logos for you.

Here is how the developer describes it:

For those of you who have been waiting (and waiting and waiting) to insert channel logos into the Windows Media Center guide, the wait is finally over. Now available is an application that pulls up your channel listings, and automatically adds logos for those listings. In just a minute, I went from a guide with all text to a guide with over 350 beautiful logos.

You can download it from here – and please remember to click on the Donation button to show your gratitude – it’s only $3.

This only works with Windows 7 Media Center – and you can choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Installing the plugin was very simple – and then all I had to do was run it so that it would pull down all the logos for me.

I then chose to Auto-populate the logos (you can of course do them manually if you so wish).

Now firing up Windows Media Center and accessing the guide displays the the lovely logos:

This is a fantastic plugin and it is simple to install and configure – frankly it is a must have!

And well worth the $3!

Thanks to the Tenniswood blog for the pointer! Now if we can just get James his Freeview HD card quickly!

Windows Home Server Inside Out Book Cancelled

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2010

21

It is with some regret that I have to announce that my forthcoming book, Windows Home Server Inside Out by MS Press has been cancelled.

Following the news last week that Microsoft have removed Drive Extender from Windows Home Server Code Name Vail, and seeing the large amount of comments on UWHS, and all the other sites, MS Press really had no other choice than to cancel the book.

I don’t blame them at all for this decision – after all, any other author will tell you, there really isn’t much money these days in print books and if the general feeling out there is that people won’t or even may not use Vail, then there certainly won’t be much of a need for a book!

Hopefully Windows Home Server Inside Out might see the light of day at some later date.

Thankfully though my Small Business Server 2011 Essentials Book is still being released.

Plantronics Gamecom 777 Headset Giveaway Results

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2010

3

Last week we reviewed the Plantronics Gamecom 777 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound headset – then we said we were giving it away to one of you lucky readers! Now it’s time for the result.

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

Due to a huge response, we have managed to get a 2nd pair to giveaway.

So here is the result….

Mahmoud from Tunisia

Lee Archer from the UK

Congratulations, the headsets will be winging their way to you shortly.

Keep watching for more UWHS giveaways soon.

CloudBerry Backup Add-In for Windows Home Server Vail Beta Released

Andrew Edney

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Nov 29, 2010

3

The guys over at CloudBerry Labs have been in touch to let us know that their CloudBerry Backup Add-in for Windows Home Server has been released in beta for Windows Home Server Code Name Vail.

Here is what they told us:

It comes with exactly the same feature set as the previous version of CloudBerry Backup add-in:

* Easy installation and configuration
* Seemlesly integrates with WHS control panel
* Default backup plan is designed to quickly start WHS data backup
* Scheduling capabilities
* Data encryption
* Data retention schedule
* Secure online storage
* Data versioning
* Differential backup
* The ability to restore to a particular date
* Backup verification
* Backup Window
* Automatically delete files from online storage if the were deleted locally
* Backup to Multiple S3 accounts/buckets

Here is a direct download link

All existing customers will be able to upgrade their existing add-ins for free.

We are also going to make an add-in for the next version of Windows Small Business Server code name Aurora which is based on the same WHS technology.

Unboxing the LaCie 5big Storage Server

Andrew Edney

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Nov 29, 2010

4

LaCie have a file-sharing server designed for the small to medium size business – its called the 5big Storage Server and here is our unboxing.

Here is how LaCie describe the 5big Storage Server:

Professional File-Sharing Appliance for Small and Medium Businesses

Up to 10TB file sharing and iSCSI appliance for SMB and branch offices

Powered by Dual Core hyper-threaded 1.6GHz Intel^® Atom^™ processor

Compatible with Windows, Mac^®, and Linux

RAID protection, data deduplication, file remote replication, built-in back up engine

Full support for Mac including AFP, Time Machine^®, and Spotlight^®

The 5big Storage Server is a professional desktop file-sharing server for small to medium- sized office environments. It is designed to manage demanding file-sharing activities for 25 to 100 PC, Mac, or Linux workstations, even though it can manage more. The 5big Storage Server also offers seamless, transparent integration into any SMB IT infrastructure thanks to Active Directory support.

For a full range of accessibility, the 5big Storage Server supports major network protocols such as SMB, AFP, NFS, and iSCSI. Additionally, HTTP and FTP accessibility means that your data can be accessed from anywhere, and iSCSI support allows you to mount the 5big Storage Server’s shares as a local disk, bringing performance and flexibility for your business applications. You can also use the 5big Storage Server as a backup target for your PCs, Linux workstations, and even Macs since it is Time Machine compatible.

Powered by Microsoft Storage Server 2008 Standard Edition, it supports DFS-N, which aggregates shared folders from multiple servers, creating a single entry point to your data and simplifying network complexity. In addition, by automatically replicating data from one file server to several others, DFS-R makes 5big Storage Server the ideal solution for branch offices. It also supports Microsoft’s Bitlocker^® encryption to protect your data against theft. Additionally, you can take advantage of its dual Gigabit Ethernet ports to do link aggregation.

Thanks to its five RAID-protected disks, the 5big Storage Server offers up to a huge 10TB of internal capacity, and stored data are accessible even if one disk fails. Additionally, simply connect external hard drives through USB and eSATA connections to scale up capacity or use the integrated backup engine to protect the server’s data. The 5big Storage Server also features data deduplication to limit the ever-rocketing quantity of unstructured data generated by a high number of users. Despite its high performance, it includes an ultra-quiet Noctua fan, allowing you to place the product wherever you choose – including on a desktop.

Specifications

The model we have for review is the 5TB version, there is also a 10TB version.

What’s In The Box?

Along with the 5big Storage Server itself, which comes in a very fetching black cloth bag, you also get the usual assortment of cables, a power supply, software and manual.

The front of the server has a blue button / eye that is very striking where as the back of the server has the 5 drive bays and the various ports.

A closer look at the ports reveals 2 LAN ports, multiple USB ports and an eSata port.

Watch out for the UWHS hands-on review shortly, but in the mean time you can learn more about the 5big Storage Server on the LaCie Website.

9 Alternatives for Windows Home Server’s Drive Extender from the How To Geek

Andrew Edney

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Nov 29, 2010

6

Last week saw the news that Microsoft was removing Drive Extender from the next version of Windows Home Server, and since then the community has been up in arms! The How-To Geek has posted an article on 9 alternatives to DE.

Here is how the article starts:

Now that Microsoft has officially killed off the best part about Windows Home Server what can you do? Here are some alternatives for drive extender that you can use if you want to build a WHS of your own.

To read the full article, and it is worth a read, click here.

Have you tried any of these? Let us know what you think…..

Christmas Shopping from the Using Windows Home Server Store

News

Andrew Edney

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Nov 29, 2010

3

With December nearly upon us, why not do you Christmas shopping online rather than fighting your way through the crowds. Check out the UWHS Store for all your computing and electronic gifts.

Just click on the UWHS Store link at the top of the screen and choose between the US Store and UK Store, then shop away to your hearts content.