The Home Server Show Extra

Andrew Edney
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0

The guys over at the Home Server Show have released an Extra show this week (well there wasn’t a show last week!)

home_server_show_small

Here is what they say about this show:

For this Home Server Show ‘Extra” (recorded 8/25/2010), John and Jim talk WHS Vail builds, mControl, XenServer from Citrix, some tuner card chat, as well as a bunch of back up talk after a bunch of problems getting the uStream broadcast working.  Special guest appearances by Bill (CableDevil) and Timothy Daleo of the BYOB Podcast.

WHS Update KB979453

Certificate Update for WHS v1

mControl

Citrix XenServer

DiskInternals

SyncToy

Microsoft Connect

HD Homerun

Awieco Vail Addins

Tenatoms DnsUpdater

www.wuala.com

CloudBerry 1.7

As usual you can listen to the show here.

Boxee Release New Beta Build of the Boxee Software

Andrew Edney
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1

Yesterday Boxee released a new beta build of their software, with some new features and lots of fixes.

boxee_logo

We took a look at the Boxee software back in January, and it has changed a fair bit since then.

Here is what they said:

We launched a new version of the Boxee Beta today (http://boxee.tv/download).

As part of this version we have opened up our Movie Library (click on Movies from the main screen, then select Movie Library  from the sidebar). It includes thousands of movies from launch partners: EZTakes (http://eztakes.com), Indie Movies Online (http://indiemoviesonline.com/), MUBI (http://mubi.com) and Openfilm (http://openfilm.com/). Most of these movies are available for free (ad supported) and we’ve made sure international users will have many options as well.

The Movie Library makes it easy to find, watch or queue movies you like. This new library is still a bit rough around the edges (you’ll notice some movie artwork is missing), but we wanted to share it with you sooner rather than later. Building off this initial foundation, the Movie Library will grow to include movies from additional online movie services and directly from studios. While the movie selection will grow, the experience and ease of discovery will remain the same.

As always this latest version of the Boxee Beta includes many bug fixes (more than 100 in this latest build).

So why not take a look?

We are still eagerly awaiting the Boxee Box – not long to wait now!

The Commodore PC64 Computer

Andrew Edney
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0

When I was little I had a ZX Spectrum, which was my first computer. I knew a lot of people who had Commodore 64’s. Now Commodore have announced the Commodore PC64 Computer, and you will just want one for the retro factor.

Commodore 64

Image Courtesy of Engadget

Yep, that’s right, the Commodore PC64 will be an Intel Aton 525 based computer in the original C64 case Smile

I want one just because……

Here is the full press release:

COMMODORE ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE LICENSING RIGHTS

Companies ink deal to produce new line of All-In-One keyboard computers.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL and OLDENZAAL, THE NETHERLANDS, August 25, 2010 – Commodore USA, LLC and Commodore Licensing B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Asiarim Corp (OTCQB: “ARMC”), today announced their licensing agreement whereby Commodore USA, LLC will produce a full line of new Commodore branded “AIO” (All In One) keyboard computers, under an exclusive worldwide license granted by Commodore Licensing B.V. for this newly revitalized computer category.

Mr. Barry Altman, President and CEO of Commodore USA, LLC states “We are ecstatic to be partnering with Commodore Licensing B.V. in this new, exciting product launch. The legacy of the Commodore C64, which sold over 30 million units, making it the best selling computer of all time, and our reintroduction of this legendary form factor, combined with the world’s most recognizable consumer electronics brand, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We look forward to bringing these new products to market, and welcoming a whole new generation of computer users to the Commodore experience”.

In response to an overwhelming demand from former Commodore users worldwide, Commodore USA’s CTO Leo Nigro announced today that their new Commodore PC64 will be available for purchase this holiday season. Featuring an exact replica of the original beige chassis Commodore C64, this new addition to our lineup will include an Intel Atom 525 CPU with NVIDIA Ion2 graphics, 4GB DDR3 memory, 1TB Hdd, HDMI, DVD/CD optical drive (Blu-ray optional), dual-link DVI, six USB ports, integrated 802.11n WiFi, bluetooth and a 6-in-1 media card reader.

With the recent introduction of their flagship Phoenix model, Commodore USA has once again catapulted the Commodore namesake to the forefront of consumer electronics brand recognition. Other Commodore keyboard computers include the Amigo, a basic entry level computer featuring a system on chip configuration, and the Invictus, featuring a small portable form factor with an embedded LCD screen display.

About Commodore Licensing B.V.:

Commodore Licensing B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asiarim Corporation (OTCQB: “ARMC”), is the licensor of the trademark Commodore, and grants other parties licenses in connection with specific products or services. Asiarim Corporation is also investing in companies engaged in, or related to, the development, sales and distribution of computer, mobile and multi-media products marketed under the brand name Commodore.

About Commodore USA, LLC:


Commodore USA, LLC designs, produces and markets a series of all-in-one Commodore branded keyboard computers, and other unique form factor computers and consumer electronics.
Barry S. Altman is the President and CEO of Commodore USA, LLC, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Spanning a 25 year career in the bleeding-edge electronics and satellite/space telecommunications industry, Mr. Altman founded and served as CEO & President of Cabletech Satellite Systems, Inc. U.S. Cable Technology, Inc., The Cabletech Satellite Network and United Broadcasting Co. This group of companies built NOC’s (Network Operation Centers) for cable television programmers, and cable television head ends for cable companies throughout the United States, They designed and constructed the satellite uplink network operation centers for such companies as Viacom International, Warner Amex, Viacom and MTV Networks. They directed and produced the domestic satellite telemetry downlink for the Live Aid concert for MTV, which was at that time the largest world wide deployment of a live satellite television broadcast. Cabletech has manufactured, designed and installed systems for Grumman Aerospace, The United Nations, government and private industry, and over 45,000 TVRO C& Ku band satellite systems for businesses and consumers nationwide. Cabletech was a developmental partner with General Motors & Hughes Communications in the small aperture DBS system that later became DirecTVv.

UWHS HomeServerSync Giveaway One Results

Andrew Edney
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1

Earlier in the week we launched the first of a number of giveways for our readers to win a TWO year subscription to the HomeServerSync for Windows Home Server add-in from Tranquil PC. We had two subscription to giveaway in this round, and here are the winners.

LOGO500

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be giving away a total of 10 two year subscriptions to HomeServerSync, each worth a whopping £278 each, which means we are giving away £2780 just for you, our UWHS readers, thanks to our friends at Tranquil PC.

If you are not sure what HomeServerSync is, you should check out our review – part one and part two.

HomeServerSync has ten top features, and here are the first two:

1. Off site Backup
You can set and forget HomeServerSync to monitor and backup selected folders on your Home Server to our very secure data centre. Real time or scheduled backups ensure your latest files are always compressed, encrypted then sent to the data centre for long term storage.  A generous 100GB is provided with optional extensions available.

2.  Offsite Bulk Upload

Getting your files to an offsite backup server is easy, but if you have 100GBs of files to transfer, the process can take quite some time.  The optional Bulk Upload service delivers a simple solution – you backup to a USB HDD (the files are encrypted and compressed), then the HDD is sent to HomeServerSync, where the files are ‘copied’ to your account.  You can then incrementally upload new files via the internet.

So we asked you to give us some topic suggestions for the Windows Home Server Code Name Vail book I am currently writing, and we had a lot of very good ideas! I’m not going to tell MS Press about all of them otherwise they will want them all included in the book, and in the current writing timescales!

So, this giveaways two lucky winners are:

Bob Emptage

Kurt McDonald

Well done guys, I will be in touch momentarily to tell you how to get your 2 years subscriptions.

To those that didn’t win, don’t worry, we still have another EIGHT 2 year subscriptions to give away over the next few weeks, and we will even include all those who entered this giveaway automatically for one of the other giveaways.

Stay tuned to UWHS for your chance to win.

Blackbox for WHS Add-In for Windows Home Server Video Editon

Andrew Edney
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1

Following on from yesterdays announcement about Sam Woods new Blackbox for WHS add-in for Windows Home Server, Tim has done a video.

Here is how Sam describes Blackbox for WHS:

Tentacle Software Blackbox is a Windows Home Server Add-In that provides in-depth monitoring of motherboard hardware sensors and configurable alerting rules to notify the server administrator when a sensor exceeds a defined threshold.

Key features:

  • Real-time monitoring of supported hardware sensors
  • Administrator-defined rules to perform actions based on sensor states, including:
    • Log the alert to a file
    • Log the alert to the Event Log
    • Create a Windows Home Server health notification (that appears in the server health status window)
    • Set a fan speed
    • Change the system power state (shut down, suspend, hibernate, or restart)
  • PWM fan control

You can check out the article from yesterday here.

Anyway, on to the video:

Blackbox Add-IN for Windows Home Server

BYOB Episode 10 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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0

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo, have released episode 10, and this week its all about SSDs.

BYOB300

Here is what they say about this weeks show:

This week we will be discussing Solid State Drives as the final installment to our Component series.  In addition, we have a very special guest, David McCabe of the Home Server Show, to discuss his recent build.  Listen to show for more information.  We hope you enjoy this episode and remember to post your comments and questions on the forums.

David McCabe’s Vail server build

http://homeservershow.com/vail-test-server-build.html

SSD Discussion

What is an SSD?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_state_drives

Benchmark chart

http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/high_end_drives.html

SSD Form Factor

Most of the modern SSDs are the standard 2.5” size with a few models in the 3.5” and 1.8” drives form factor. Most SSDs are SATA II (3 Gb/s) with a few ready for the SATA III (6 Gb/s) interface. Prices as of today start around $85 for a 32GB model, $150 for a 64GB model and go up from there. Newegg has about 150 active models with most in $150 to $300 range.

Oh, and one final special form factor…PCIe SSDs. These drives are smoking fast at speeds of 800 or more but they cost thousands of dollars. They are a very small percentage of SSDs and crazy expensive. You can ask us about them in the forums if you need more information.

TRIM

TRIM is a way of allowing the operating system to communicate with the SSD about deleted files and formatting so the SSD can perform faster. Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 support TRIM and Linux 2.6.33 or later. If you want TRIM and do not run one of these operating systems there are utilities from companies like Intel and G. Skill that send the commands manually.

To check if Trim is enabled:

Type at Command prompt “fsutil behavior query disabledeletenotify”
DisableDeleteNotify = 1 (Windows TRIM commands are disabled)
DisableDeleteNotify = 0 (Windows TRIM commands are enabled)

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

AWIECO RemoteLauncher Add-In for Windows Server code name Vail Refresh – Video Edition

Timothy Daleo
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0

AWIECO recently released a beta of their updated RemoteLauncher Add-In for Windows Home Server code name Vail Beta Refresh. This Add-In is a powerhouse! Read on to find out how to download this sweet Add-In and watch a couple of cool videos! Already have this Add-In? If so you really want to watch the second video!

Untitled

AWIECO RemoteLauncher

Directly from the AWIECO website:

The AWIECO RemoteLauncher add-in for Small Business Server “Aurora” and Windows Home Server “Vail” Beta Refresh is a free and useful add-in, which gives you more administrative possibilities to manage your SBS or WHS remotely. With this add-in you have access to predefined System Tools like

  • Windows Explorer
  • Command line
  • Event Viewer
  • Services
  • Control Panel
  • Computer Manager
  • Device Manager
  • Registry Editor
  • Task Manager
  • Server Manager

on your Small Business or Home Server directly over the Dashboard. If you need other tools and applications to run over the Dashboard, you can simply add them by a right mouse click. Through this add-in, you can start applications installed on your Server from your client.

RemoteLauncher Dashboard Integration

The Add-In is right at home with the Dashboard.

AWIECO Remote Launcher Add-In

Add You Own Applications

With RemoteLauncher you can add almost any application to the “My Applications” area. Right mouse click on select “Add” and then navigate to the application of your choice…

AWIECO Remote Launcher Add-In

…and then watch it magically appear!

AWIECO Remote Launcher Add-In

Lets see some video!

AWIECO RemoteLauncher Add-In Installation and Overview Video

AWIECO Remote Launcher for Windows Server code name VAIL Beta Refresh

AWIECO RemoteLauncher Add-In Use Case

AWIECO Remote Launcher Add-In Extended Use

Conclusion

I LOVE the RemoteLauncher from AWIECO! You will too! I spent more time playing with the Add-In then I did writing about it! This just shows that words cannot express how cool this Add-In is.

Go and download it today!

Tim

AWIECO WakeOnLAN Beta Add-In with Mobile Access for Windows Server code name Vail Refresh – Video Edition

Timothy Daleo
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1

On August 24, 2010, AWIECO released a beta of their updated WakeOnLAN Add-In for Windows Home Server code name Vail Beta Refresh. This Add-In is an updated Beta for the new Vail Refresh and has some new features and a slightly different interface. This new Add-In is amazing and works great with the Vail Refresh and the mobile Vail website!

AWIECO WakeOnLAN Add-In

WakeOnLAN Add-in

In simple terms, this Add-In allows you to remotely turn on PCs via the Wake On LAN (WOL)  feature supported by most modern desktop computers.

AWIECO WakeOnLAN Add-In

WakeOnLAN Features

  • Manually add and delete PCs in your network by entering their MAC address
  • WakeOnLAN Add-In is now in the “Computers and Backup” tab in the Dashboard
  • Access WakeOnLAN over the web-interface from your WHS “Vail“ or SBS “Aurora“
  • Mobile website allows you to wake up your computers from your mobile device
  • Overview of available computers by MAC and IP address
  • Status icons show a list of available WOL computers in your network
  • Full Vail and Aurora integration
  • Easy WakeOnLAN administration over the Dashboard
  • WakeOnLAN Add-In checks for new versions of the WakeOnLAN Add-In
  • Installation of WakeOnLAN Add-In Installation directly on the server
  • Installation option for all clients within your Vail network

Download the beta Add-In at:

http://www.awieco.com/Products/WakeOnLan

Your Hardware and WakeOnLAN (WOL)

WOL is a function of your BIOS and the network interface, and not OS dependent. This means that the WOL function is built into the motherboard and can work on virtually any operating system. Most modern PCs can support WOL if the network controller is embedded in the motherboard. Check with your manufacturer to see if your PC supports WOL.

Your Software and WakeOnLAN (WOL)

Once your system receives a magic packet (the signal to power up that contains the MAC address of the PC that is sent network wide) and has been powered up, the operating system then takes over.

You must set your OS up first to enable WOL (usually disabled at factory) and start your computer after the Add-In has been installed. The Add-In needs to find the MAC address of each machine on your network that is “connected” to the Vail server.

The Add-In will not find MAC addresses of PCs not using the Vail connector software. To allow for non-connected PCs, AWIECO has added a function that allows you to manually input MAC addresses of those PCs not connected to Vail.

How Do I Set My PC for WOL?

To see how to set up Windows 7 and your PC for the WOL, check out our prior article and a video that Diehard and I did back in June!

https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/06/28/vail-add-in-review-awieco-wakeonlan-video-edition/

AWIECO Press Release

The Press Release directly from the AWIECO website:

AWIECO WakeOnLAN

If you have installed AWIECO Remote Launcher, please make an update before installing a second add-in. The AWIECO WakeOnLAN add-in for Windows Home Server “Vail” Refresh and Small Business Server “Aurora“ is a free and useful add-in, which has the ability to turn on a computer remotely. It enables the Server to start up every computer attached to your network. The gadget on the WHS or SBS web-interface shows a list of all available and connected computers within your network and provides the possibility to start them up from any location inside your network or via internet, by just one mouse click. You can add further computer to your network manually by entering the MAC address or even delete them. The add-in automatically recognizes, if a computer is already turned on or if it is booting up.
When the remote network adapter receives a “Magic Packet” created for it‘s unique MAC address, the network adapter alerts the computer to power on, which is comparable with the manual pressing oft the power button. When the computer is shut down, its network adapter is still receiving power, and waiting to receive a “Magic Packet“ within the network. A requirement for this function is the wake on LAN support of your network adapter and the enabled wake on LAN option in the computer’s BIOS settings.

Updated Vail Refresh Interface

The new interface fits right in with the new Vail look!

AWIECO WakeOnLAN Add-In

New Manual Entry of Devices

This updated Add-In has the ability to add new devices not connected via the Launchpad. Sweet!

AWIECO WakeOnLAN Add-In

Add-In Download

  • Version: 0.2.1 (Beta)
  • Release-Date: 8/24/2010
  • File Size: 1604 KB

AWIECO Download

Let’s see some video!

Video of Add-In Installation and Use

 

Go Mobile!

I can start my PC from my BlackBerry. How cool is that?

Mobile Access – AWIECO WakeOnLAN Add-In

Conclusion

Once the Add-In is installed, and you have set your PCs to accept the WOL signal, the Add-In performs great! Andrew Edney and I use the WOL function on my network daily and have been waiting for AWIECO to update and port the Add-In for the Vail Refresh.

We had no idea that AWIECO would have it updated so fast!

A special thank you to Andreas for all of the help getting it set up and running!

Tim

First Look at Blackbox for WHS Add-In for Windows Home Server

Andrew Edney
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1

Fellow WHS MVP Sam Wood over at Tentacle Software has just released a new add-in for Windows Home Server called Blackbox for WHS.

Tentancle

Sam is the author of one of the best, and must have add-ins for Windows Home Server – Disk Management (if you haven’t got this add-in yet, stop what you are doing and go get it now).

Here is how Sam describes Blackbox for WHS:

Tentacle Software Blackbox is a Windows Home Server Add-In that provides in-depth monitoring of motherboard hardware sensors and configurable alerting rules to notify the server administrator when a sensor exceeds a defined threshold.

Key features:

  • Real-time monitoring of supported hardware sensors
  • Administrator-defined rules to perform actions based on sensor states, including:
    • Log the alert to a file
    • Log the alert to the Event Log
    • Create a Windows Home Server health notification (that appears in the server health status window)
    • Set a fan speed
    • Change the system power state (shut down, suspend, hibernate, or restart)
  • PWM fan control

Blackbox requires the following platform:

· Windows Home Server v1 operating system

· A motherboard with supported hardware sensors (most ITE* chips, CPU thermal sensors, hard drive SMART sensors, and UPS battery sensors are supported)

Note: This release of Blackbox is not supported on Windows Home Server “Vail”.

Note: Blackbox is not supported on Windows Home Server running as a virtual machine.

Installing and Using Blackbox for WHS

Installing the add-in is just the same as installing any add-in.

27-08-2010 19-11-32

27-08-2010 19-11-58

After the Windows Home Server Console has restarted you will see a new tab called Blackbox for WHS.

27-08-2010 19-13-29

Any supported hardware will be listed on the Hardware Sensors page.

27-08-2010 19-13-41

You can use Blackbox just to view the hardware sensor information, but where Blackbox really comes into its own is by creating a series of rules that monitors certain events and then performs actions you dictate.

Creating a rule is very simple, you just work your way through each of the drop down boxes.

27-08-2010 19-14-55

You can then choose what you want the action to do – for example, create a WHS health notification or set a fan speed.

27-08-2010 19-15-29

Then you can view all your alerting rules. Obviously you can have as many as you like.

27-08-2010 19-15-51

The instructions that come with the add-in contain a lot of detail on the alerting rules, so take a good look at them and decide just what you want to set up.

And that’s it – it will just sit there in the background doing its thing for you.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, another great add-in from Sam Wood and one that is worth having! Depending on your hardware you will see more, or less sensor information. This is down to the hardware and not the add-in!

I have been using Blackbox now for a few weeks and I am really impressed with it.

Great work Sam, can’t wait to see what you come up with next.

You can download the preview release here.

Tranquil Release Critical Update for SQA-5H Windows Home Servers

Andrew Edney
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0

Tranquil have been in touch this morning to let us know about a critical update they have released that effects all SQA-5H owners.

SQA-5H-300x200

This is what Tranquil said to us:

After exhaustive testing it was concluded that the issue of occasional dropping HDDs could be replicated in the labs. The test platforms were varied Home Servers with varied models of HDDs

The scenario for failure can be re-created if very large files are copied directly from one SIL/SATA HDD to another SIL/HDD – and usually only if 3x – 5x such copies are being carried out simultaneously. The issue can take time to appear.

The ‘real world’ possibilities are low, as WHS would normally not be controlled via direct desktop interface (ie access to the FS sub-system, and rarely would it be subjected to simultaneous multiple file copies across 3-4 disks.)

However, the issue has been re-created, and is repeatable.

With the help of Silicon Image we have also resolved the issue.

A firmware upgrade of the SIL controller BIOS resolves the issue.

Please see attached instructions / tools to re-flash the SQA-5H SIL Controller BIOS. Once downloaded the process of created a key and re-flashing takes a few moments (from power up to power down the re-flash takes 40-45 seconds)

We will of course be contacting all SQA-5H clients directly today, so that they can upgrade BIOS and reduce the possibility of HDD disconnections.

Here is the link to the firmware upgrade.

This information is included with the fix:

Date : 27 August 2010
Product affected : SQA-5H Series 1 SQA-5H Series 2
Issue : Potential HDD loss of connection due to time out
Cause : SIL / SATA controller (HDD3-5)
Solution : Upgrade SIL / SATA controller firmware
Required : USB key > 2MB (firmware / tools)

Netgear XAVB1004 High Speed Home Theatre Internet Connectivity Without the Hassle

Andrew Edney
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1

Tom over at the Home System Integration website has a very interesting article on using the Netgear XAVB1004 for your home theatre setup.

xavb1004v2_back18-5969

Here is how Tom starts the article:

I’ve had more than one person ask me recently about the best way to get connectivity to their Home Theater without running cables “down the hall” as one friend put it in his post on our forums.

Considering that every single component I have in my Home Theater has an Ethernet port, it’s obvious that having connectivity is becoming essential.  Even if you don’t have a Home Theater PC (HTPC) or Windows Home Server (WHS) in the vicinity of your Home Theater, there are still plenty of reasons to have your remaining devices accessible to the internet.  As a very minimum requirement, most of the peripherals receive regular firmware updates directly from the Internet.  My Samsung BD-P1600 will connect to my Netflix, Blockbuster, and Pandora as well as the connectivity needed for the PS3 and all of its games and applications.

The point is that today’s Home Theater setup, no matter how minimalistic it might be, can really benefit by having network connectivity.  So the question arises…

“What is the best way to get Internet and LAN connectivity to my Home Theater?”

So as things often seem to work out, I happened to chance upon a guy named Eric doing product demos at Fry’s Electronics between shows and got to talking to him about the product he was presenting.  Eric happens to work in the Marketing Department of Netgear and the nifty little unit he was doing a demo on this particular day was Netgear’s Home Theater Internet Connection Kit.  We spoke for a few and he was kind enough to send me home with a unit to evaluate for this article!

Hey…it’s my first official product demo, I felt pretty dang cool!

It’s a very interesting read, and well done to Tom. You should check out his site, it has lots of interesting articles. And why not leave him some feedback?

You can read the full article from here.

Windows Home Server Code Name Vail DevKit 2 Published

Andrew Edney
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1

Fellow WHS MVP Nick Asseloos has released an update to his great guide for developing add-ins for Windows Home Server Code Name Vail.

WHSDevkit2 image

Back in May, Nick released version 1 of his guide, and it was very well received.

Here is what Nick says:

Version 1.1 of the WHS DevKit 2 has been published.

This Kit is an all-in-one package on how to create/build/install and addin for Vail, so if you want to have a go at it take the kit and have fun!

This new version has been updated to support the latest version of Windows Home Server: build 7659.

It contains a lot more information with regards to the first version of the kit; on the various aspects of developing an addin for Vail and now also has a section on how to build an installer too.

You can find it here.
The Vail SDK can be found here.

Good job Nick!

So go have a look and try out developing your first add-in, and then let us know how you got on.

Using Windows Home Server and HomeServerSync Giveaway Number One

Andrew Edney
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3

We have teamed up with our friends at Tranquil PC to give away some two year subscriptions to their HomeServerSync add-in for Windows Home Server. This is the first of a number of giveaways.

LOGO500

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be giving away a total of 10 two year subscriptions to HomeServerSync, each worth a whopping £278 each, which means we are giving away £2780 just for you, our UWHS readers.

If you are not sure what HomeServerSync is, you should check out our review – part one and part two.

HomeServerSync has ten top features, and here are the first two:

1. Off site Backup
You can set and forget HomeServerSync to monitor and backup selected folders on your Home Server to our very secure data centre. Real time or scheduled backups ensure your latest files are always compressed, encrypted then sent to the data centre for long term storage.  A generous 100GB is provided with optional extensions available.

2.  Offsite Bulk Upload

Getting your files to an offsite backup server is easy, but if you have 100GBs of files to transfer, the process can take quite some time.  The optional Bulk Upload service delivers a simple solution – you backup to a USB HDD (the files are encrypted and compressed), then the HDD is sent to HomeServerSync, where the files are ‘copied’ to your account.  You can then incrementally upload new files via the internet.

Ok, you are probably asking yourselves, what do I have to do to win one of these fantastic prizes?

For giveaway number one, we are giving away TWO licences (one per person), and all you have to do is send us an email telling us what topic you would like to see covered in a Windows Home Server Code Name Vail book (and yes, I’m writing one, so make the suggestions interesting and you never know I may even include them in the book). It can be anything you like including something you would like to know how to do, the choice is yours.

So send your email to giveaways @ usingwhs.com (remembering to remove the spaces).

Giveaway number one will end on Sunday 29th August 2010 when we will reveal the first two winners, who will be drawn at random by my cats (those of you who know me will get that little in-joke!) and posted on the site sometime on Sunday. The competition is open to anyone, anywhere, and you can enter as many times as you like, as long as your entry is different each time!

Good luck and keep watching UWHS for more giveaways and surprises.

And a very big thank you to Tranquil PC for the licences!

UPDATE: Giveaway number one is now over (thank you for all the entries), so stay tuned to UWHS for giveaway number two in the next few days.

AVerMedia Launch the HD HomeFree Duet Network TV Tuner

Andrew Edney
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8

AVerMedia have launched a network TV tuner called the HD HomeFree Duet.

F200_back%20side-3F200box_EE

You would be forgiven for thinking that sounds a lot like the SiliconDust HDHomeRun, because not only does it sound like that, it performs pretty much the same function.

You can take a look at some of our posts on the HDHomeRun to familiarise yourself with it again.

Anyway, here is how AVerMedia describe the HD HomeFree Duet:

AVerMedia HD HomeFreeTM Duet provides an easy and complete solution for users to enjoy watching Digital TV on any computer within your home network.


AVerMedia HD HomeFreeTM Duet is a TV signal streaming device that allows users to watch high quality digital TV programs on PCs in any room within your home network. The powerful hardware design and dual-tuners provide up to two PCs to watch different HDTV channels at the same time without any video quality loss.

To set up your home TV network is easy, just simply connect a digital TV antenna and (wireless) IP router to the HD HomeFreeTM Duet. Your network-connected PC/ laptop with AVerTV 6 software pre-installed will automatically access the TV signal streaming from the HD HomeFreeTM Duet. Then, you will never miss any of your favorite shows and you may enjoy live HDTV programs or DVR functionality anywhere in your home without having a TV tuner or antenna attached to your PC.

You can learn more from the AVerMedia website.

You can also watch a short video on the AVerMedia HD HomeFree Duet:

The AVerMedia HD HomeFree Duet

Here is the full press release:

AVerMedia Launches the Brand New Network TV Tuner ’HD HomeFreeTM Duet’

HD HomeFreeTM Duet makes users to enjoy Digital TV on any computers anywhere within a home network

Taipei, 10th August 2010

AVerMedia Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of digital multimedia technology, officially announced today the HDTV support, Network-Attached, Cable-less TV Tuner, HD HomeFreeTM Duet. The AVerMedia HD HomeFreeTM Duet, a digital TV box equipped with duel TV tuners, is capable to support two users simultaneously watching high quality digital TV programs on PCs within a home network. Users of HD HomeFreeTM are allowed to watch, record and time shift digital TV on computers while enjoying their personal TV entertainment. Positioned as a full function support, home-free product, the HD HomeFreeTM Duet enables to transmit non-distorted HDTV signal with quality up to 1080i cablelessly thru WLAN and meet every need of home entertainment.

Ease of setting up your very own HDTV


Watching HDTV with its superb brilliant technology of TV signal streaming and sharing, the HD HomeFreeTM Duet can share one digital TV signal to two PCs/ laptops for watching different HDTV channels at the same time without any video quality loss. Its powerful hardware design of dual-tuner and single antenna required only, allow users to easily set up a “private home TV network.” Just simply connect a digital TV antenna and (wireless) IP router to the HD HomeFreeTM Duet, any two home-network-connected PCs/ laptops with AVerTV 6 HomeFree software pre-installed will automatically access the real time TV signal streamed from HD HomeFreeTM Duet. On the same home network, two users are able to enjoy their very own HDTV on their computers individually. There will be no more missed shows and programs with AVerMedia HD HomeFreeTM Duet!

Enjoy HDTV in any corner at home


AVerMedia is dedicated to deliver a better user experience of home entertainment with its digital multimedia technology. The HomeFreeTM Duet is designed under the philosophy to provide effortless and boundless HDTV fun with location freedom at home. HD HomeFreeTM Duet can stream digital TV with full broadcast resolution up to 1080i through LAN/ Wireless LAN/HomePlug. With it at home, there is no hassle to receive HDTV signal in any corner of a house. HDTV signal is just everywhere, no matter in dining room, bedroom, or even bathroom. The HomeFreeTM Duet is perfect fit for young couples and small family that enjoy family time together and also their personal time and private space at home. Without bothering cable on your PCs, HomeFreeTM Duet gives you extremely fun of HDTV home entertainment.

About AVerMedia Technologies:

AVerMedia is the technology leader in Digital Multimedia Video Convergence Technology. Aside from its full line of TV Tuners and Personal Video Recorder products, AVerMedia provides Hardware and Software DVR Board Security Systems, Document Cameras, Digital Video Makers, TV Photo Viewers, and PC-to-TV Converters for consumer and corporate/ educational markets. AVerMedia also partners with ODMs for the development of AVerMedia’s technologies for integration applications.

It looks like an interesting device, it’s just a shame they couldn’t have come up with a name that didn’t make it sound like their competition!

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