What is Windows Home Server?

Review of the TomTom App for the iPhone

Andrew Edney

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Aug 7, 2010

If you do a lot of driving you probably have a satnav – if you have an iPhone why not combine the two. That’s where the new TomTom app for the iPhone comes in.

I do a lot of driving for both work and when visiting people, and if I am going somewhere that I have never been to before I like to use my satnav. Over the years I have had different satnavs from TomTom, Navigon and others – in fact my current satnav is from Navigon.

The biggest problem I have with it is the time it takes to find and lock on to the satellites – sometimes taking up to 20 minutes (and according to Navigon that is perfectly normal).

So rather than buy another satnav, I figured I would try the app for the iPhone and see if that was any good – especially considering that is a lot cheaper than buying a whole device.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?

New, updated maps

Because on average 15% of roads change every year, your TomTom app comes with the latest and most up-to-date map, ready to navigate. No mobile signal or data plan is required to browse your map and navigate to your destination.

HD Traffic™

Get the most up-to-date, real-time traffic information for your route live on your TomTom app. Includes detailed incident reports, estimated delay times and alternative route proposals (Available via in app purchase).

Advanced Lane Guidance

Clearly shows which lane to take at junctions so you don’t miss your turning. On the most difficult highway intersections, realistic 3D representation of the junction keeps you relaxed and safe.

IQ Routes™ technology

Only TomTom uses actual speed data collected from millions of users to calculate the fastest routes at any point in time. Imagine a route that takes into account rush hour, traffic lights, zebra crossings, school exits or even shopping crowds, every minute of every day. That’s how smart IQ Routes is!

You can learn more about the benefits of TomTom here.

COMPATABILITY

If you have an iPhone 4 or 3GS then you can use the turn-by-turn functionality as those models have built in GPS, if you have an older model then you will need to buy the TomTom car kit.

I have an iPhone 4 so I don’t need the car kit for that functionality.

BUYING THE APP

Buying the app is just the same as buying any app for the iPhone – you have to do it through the Apple App Store.

Do a search in the app store for TomTom and you will be shown everything that is available.

In my case, I wanted the UK & Ireland maps (the application is the same, but you need to make sure you choose the maps you want).

So I paid for the app and waited for the download – which was a little over 350 MB.

Once it had download I just connected up my iPhone 4 and waited for it to sync.

STARTING THE APP

On your iPhone you will have a new entry for the software – in my case UK – Ireland.

Just tap it to launch.

The first time you are asked if it could use your current location – I found this quite amusing – if you said no how would be able to use the functionality you just paid for?

Then you have the usual legal notices which you must agree to otherwise again you can’t use it!

The Media Center Show 266

Andrew Edney

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Aug 7, 2010

0

Ian over at the Digital Lifestyle.com has released the Media Center Show number 266.

Here is what Ian has to say about this weeks show:

This week I am talking to David Simpson from Evolve Media about their range of high end Media Center systems. David did a great talk about building your own Media Center system at the UK user group and we are going to be talking about some of the best practices and introducing a Q&A feature with David on a future show.

Links from this weeks show:

Evolve Media

The Home Server Show hits 100

Using a MiFI with an iPad, Zune, PC…

Join the TDL Blogging Crew

AirVideo, iPad and Windows Home Server, a match made in Heaven

We saw the Evolve lifeStore Windows Home Server at the UK Media Center and Windows Home Server User Group a few months ago, and it looked very nice.

As usual you can listen to the show here.

Review of AlwaysOnPC for the Apple iPad

Andrew Edney

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Aug 7, 2010

0

Would you like a virtual PC running on your iPad? Do you want to access Flash enabled websites? If yes then take a look at AlwaysOnPC for the Apple iPad.

A few weeks ago during the recording of the Media Center Show, Ian, Garry and myself were talking about iPads and apps, and I mentioned that I had recently purchased an app, and this is that app.

What is AlwaysOnPC? Here is how AlwaysOnPC describe it:

AlwaysOnPC gives you a complete virtual computer pre-loaded with over 40 apps that you can access and use from any PC, Mac, iPhone / iPod Touch and now from iPad and Android smartphones. Here are just a few of the things you can do with AlwaysOnPC:

Full Office Suite: Open, edit, cut/paste & save Word, Excel, & Powerpoint files using OpenOffice

Open email attachments edit, save, re-attach to reply/forward

Firefox with Flash player – browse Flash sites, games, install Addons/toolbars…

2GB online storage. Easily load files from your PC or Mac to your AlwaysOnPC and access them *anytime* from your iPhone.

Access Dropbox, Google Docs, and other Online / Backup storage

Learn more…

Here are a few reasons why our customers love AlwaysOnPC:

Blazing-fast open & save performance on WiFi or 3G – up to 5 times faster than competing apps

Rock-solid security: All connections with AlwaysOnPC are encrypted for your privacy and security.

View the full web – from Facebook Mafia Wars to Google Analytics – it just works!

True multi-tasking – cut/paste between office apps, drawings, photos, email etc.

Even more apps: Everything from Photoshop-like image editing to award-winning GNU Chess…

Learn more…

BUYING AND INSTALLING THE APP

Like any app for the iPad, you have to go to the Apple App Store, search for AlwaysOnPC, choose the iPad version (make sure you select the iPad version because if you by the iPhone version it won’t work on the iPad and you will have to buy it again).

Then you just install the app like any other app.

USING THE APP

Firing up the app is just a case of selecting it, just like any other app on your iPad.

Before you can actually use the app, you need to register to use it – don’t worry as you are reminded!

You can register directly from the iPad, you don’t need to go to another computer.

Be careful when you are registering though as the username is case sensitive. When typing in Andrew for example, I put in andrew and the iPad changed it to Andrew, so later when I tried to login as andrew it wouldn’t let me! A quick email to support told me it was case sensitive and I was back on my way.

Ceton Cards Shipping to Pre-Order Retailers

Tech

Timothy Daleo

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Aug 6, 2010

7

Ceton has just started shipping their InfiniTV 4 tuner to their retailers. They expect consumers to start receiving their cards next week. I decided not to purchase this tuner but I look forward to hearing about your experiences with this sweet new device and how many Tuning Adapters are needed.

Dear Timothy,

We have some great news! The Ceton InfiniTV 4 has begun shipping!

The first batch of production units have landed in the US and are en-route to the Pre-Order Program retailers (Zones, Cannon PC and Fluid Digital). As we mentioned previously, they will ship to consumers on a first ordered/first shipped basis. We expect this first batch of units will start arriving at consumer homes starting next week, depending on the shipment method chosen when the pre-order was placed. As we also mentioned previously, your credit card will be charged when your unit(s) ship and some people will start seeing credit card pre-authorizations and charges starting this week. The production units are being produced in waves, which means the next batch is currently being manufactured, and will follow this same process until all the Pre-Order Program units have been delivered to your doors. We will continue to manufacture and ship all Pre-Order Program units as fast as we can but it will take some weeks for the entire backlog of orders to arrive at their end destination. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

We also want to let you know that we have posted the InfiniTV 4 Installer application, detailed installation instructions, an installation video (courtesy of Cannon PC) and warranty information on a new InfiniTV 4 support page on our web site.

Important note for FiOS customers: due to recent changes related to encrypting content on some FiOS networks, we will be posting a firmware update on the support site above for FiOS customers only. Non-FiOS customers can install the update but there will be no benefit.

Cheers,

The Ceton Team

Again I look forward to hearing from our readers!

Tim

Twonky Release Updates for TwonkyServer TwonkyManager and TwonkyBeam

Andrew Edney

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Aug 6, 2010

0

Twonky have just released updates for a number of their products – now that’s a lot of Twonky!

No sooner had Twonky released an updated beta for the TwonkyManager product, they release the final one!

The biggest update is taking TwonkyServer up to version 6.0.1.

You can get the downloads from the Twonky website.

Hauppage Announce Support for HD PVR in Windows Media Center

Andrew Edney

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Aug 6, 2010

0

Hauppage have announced support for their HD PVR in Windows Media Center, which I know will keep a few people happy!

Here is what Hauppage say about the HD PVR:

HD PVR is the world’s first High-Definition video recorder for making real-time H.264 compressed recordings at resolutions up to 1080i. HD-PVR records component video (YCrCb) from cable TV and satellite set top boxes, with a built-in IR blaster to automatically change TV channels for scheduled recordings. Audio is recorded using two channel stereo or optical audio with five channel Dolby Digital.

The recording format is AVCHD, which can be used to burn Blu-ray DVD disks. Two hours of HD recordings, recorded at 5 Mbits/sec, can be burnt onto a standard 4.7 GByte DVD-R or DVD-RW disk for playback on a Blu-ray DVD player.

Use HD PVR as a video recorder in Windows Media Center from Windows 7. You can watch and record premium cable and satellite TV in Windows Media Center, creating TV recordings in HD using the efficient and high quality H.264 format. The Windows Media Center support is a free upgrade from Hauppauge, and can be downloaded from the HD PVR support pages at http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/support_hdpvr.html

Built-in hardware H.264 high definition encoder, for high performance, high quality TV recordings
Component video input from most high definition cable TV and satellite TV receivers. Optical or stereo audio inputs.
Record high definition video at up to 1080i resolution, 720p or VGA/D1
Record at datarates from 1Mbs to 13.5Mbs, constant and Variable Bit Rate
Make Blu-ray format AVCHD recordings, so you can burn your TV recordings onto a standard DVD disk (up to 2 hours of video at 5MBits/sec) and playback on Blu-ray DVD players
Includes HD software video player, so you can playback recordings to your PC screen
Audio / Video component video loop through to allow HD recording and viewing at the same time
High Performance Noise Reduction Function
NTSC,PAL and SECAM Support
IR receiver for remote control
IR Blaster to change the TV channels in your set top box

There are three H.264 formats you can choose when recording a video:

.TS, which is a generic ‘transport stream’ compatible with many digital media players
.M2TS, which is compatible with the Sony Playstation3
.MP4, which is compatible with the XBox360

The .TS and .M2TS files are AVCHD compatible, and can be used to burn Blu-ray compatible disk recordings. These files can be burned onto a standard DVD+R or DVD+RW disk for playback in a Blu-ray disk player using the included Arcsoft TME Disk Create application. Approximately 2 hours of HD TV recorded at 5Mbits/sec can be put onto a standard DVD+R or DVD+RW disk.

The included TME Media Converter program may also be used to convert the .TS file to other formats compatible for playback on an iPhone and Ipod.

And all that for $199. For more information check out the Hauppage HD PVR website.

DVBLink TVSource EPG Beta Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Aug 5, 2010

0

DVB Logic have released a beta for DVBLink TVSource that supports EPG retrieval from the stream, which is something people have been asking for now for a while.

We did a how to guide on installing and using DVBLink TVSource recently, along with a review which you can check out to learn more, if you don’t know what it can do for you.

Here is what the post says:

DVBLink TVSource, supporting EPG retrieval from the stream, is available for public beta!

Please note that at the moment only parsing of EIT packets is implemented (e.g. no OpenTV or MediaHighway EPG support).

Installation:

Installation is done in the usual way via msi file. In case of upgrade from the already installed version 3.x, use enclosed bat file.

Configuration:

Launch DVBLink Server configuration application. Select one of the TVSource instances and launch its configuration dialog. You should notice the new EPG Scan tab. This scan lists all installed EPG scanning plugins (at the moment only EIT parser is available).

The following things can be configured per plugin:

– Default scan preset. Defines the set of transponders to be scanned for the presence of EPG data. Possible values: none (no transponders), transponders with mapped channels (only those transponders having channels mapped to be used in MediaCenter), known transponders (transponders having scanned channels) and all transponders. Default value is “transponders with mapped channels” and it is advised to use unless you know what you are doing.

– Additional transponders to scan. This grid allows user to add transponders to the set of transponders, defined by default scanning preset. Might be useful if EPG is sent on some transponder that has no scanned or mapped channels.

You may test the EPG scanning by pressing Scan button. Depending on the number of transponders and actually delivered EPG data scan may take between 1 and 10 minutes. You need to do the scan at least once (either from configuration dialog manually or wait until it will happen automatically) to be able to map the EPG channels.

Once scanned epg data is available, go to Server Configuration -> EPG Sources tab. Select your TVSource instance in the EPG Sources combobox on the top-right and map the channels in a usual way.

Value Stream in EPG source column is not used anymore in this version of DVBLink TVSource!
That’s it!

Periodic scan:

TVSource will start automatic EPG scans one hour after DVBLink Server start-up and will repeat it every 12 hours.

This beta version of DVBLink TVSource can be downloaded here:
http://www.dvblogic.com/download/Trunk/ … rceEPG.zip

Please let us know what you think about it!

So, if you would like to try this, go get it now and you can check out the forum for this beta release here.

The Home Server Show 101

Andrew Edney

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Aug 5, 2010

2

Dave and the guys over at the Home Server Show have released show number 101.

Here is what Dave says about this weeks show:

In episode 101 Jim, John, and Dave go over the news of the week and talk about a couple of upcoming build projects. There is a lot of cloud news this week and as you know we love to transfer our files off site. In our builds feature Jim talks more about the hardware he has purchased and Dave goes over his current test server. Be on the look out for posts about these builds. We also discuss the deals from show 100 as well as the give away that is going on in the forums. Get registered in the forums and check out the list of gear that is hopefully going to be yours!

Episode 100 Give Away – Information and Registration here!

KeepVault for Windows Home Server

LaCie 5 Big

HomeServerSync Add-In from Tranquil

HomeServerSync VPN Feature

Jim’s Build in the forums

As usual you can listen to the show here.

Just 99 more shows to 200 guys!

HomeServerSync Add-In for Windows Home Server Out Now and Special UWHS Reader Offer

Andrew Edney

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Aug 5, 2010

6

We have been talking about HomeServerSync for Windows Home Server from Tranquil PC for quite a while now, including having a number of exclusive articles. Now that HSS is out how would you like 465 days of service for the price of 365? We have a very special promo code….

You can learn more about HSS by reading this article, and you can read our review of the final beta for the Windows Home Server Add-in and also for the Sync Client and even some of the cool things you can do with the VPN component like backing up your computer over the Internet when you are away from home.

In a nutshell, Home Server Sync is an add-in for Windows Home Server that enables you to backup your important files to an offsite backup location. As part of the subscription, you get 100GB of secure data storage. You also get a client component that enables you to sync files from your computers to your Windows Home Server on a schedule that you set, and you also get a very easy to use VPN component that you can utilise for many different tasks.

The are 3 vital components to HomeServerSync, that work in harmony to provide the ultimate in data security, remote access and PC to WHS to PC synchronisation:

100GB of offsite backup storage is included with more available if needed.
Provision of a unique private network, allowing full access to WHS Console and WHS Shares from anywhere in the world, via internet connection.
Multi PC synchronisation system that not only protects data but means that one PC can receive or send updates to ‘shared’ files and folders on other PCs

I have been using it for a number of months now, and have feed back a lot, and I do mean a lot of comments to Tranquil, pretty much all of which have been taken on board and addressed – which is pretty good going!

So, if you are interested in subscribing to HSS, and I cannot recommend it enough, we have an offer for you.

When you take out your subscription, use the Promo code U098 and instead of getting a 12 month subscription, you will get an extra 100 days free! So you will get 15 months for the price of 12 – now that is a good deal!

So what do you have to do…

First you must request a fully functional 15 day trial by sending an email to: trial@homeserversync.co.uk

The email will contain information and location of the registration page. On that page you complete all your details and on there you must enter the Promo code U098

You will then be directed to the download page.

Any time during the 15 day trial you can take out your subscription, or at the end of the 15 day trial the service will stop working.

After the subscription is taken out, the 365 day subscription is added and then is increased to 465 days direct on your account.

Simple as that! So, you get all of the above for just £139 (including VAT).

And you don’t have to just be in the UK to use this, anyone, anywhere in the world can use this service.

So what you are waiting for?

Just remember to enter the Promo code U098 on the registration page or you won’t get the 100 days extra free if you take out a full subscription!

You can also learn more at the HomeServerSync website.

AR Drone from Parrot Update

Tech

Andrew Edney

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Aug 5, 2010

0

With the release of the AR Drone from Parrot just around the corner, more information is starting to come out.

As we reported last week, the AR Drone is finally being released this month.

Today’s information is what the box and its contents will look like – maybe not that of an exciting announcement but it means the AR Drone really is just about to be released!

The box will contain:

AR.Drone box contents: 1 AR.Drone, 1 indoor hull, 1 outdoor hull (3 colours available, check the colour sticker on the packaging side), 1 battery, 1 charger, 4 mains adapters, 1 stickers for outdoor hull for multiplayer battles, 1 Quick Start Guide

And yes, I do still want one!

If you have never seen of these AR Drones flying, check out the video I took at CES this year by clicking on the link at the start of this article.

Air Video, iPad and Windows Home Server, a match made in Heaven

Andrew Edney

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Aug 5, 2010

0

The Digital Lifestyle has a very interesting post on using Air Video, and iPad and Windows Home Server to deliver content. You should check it out.

Ian, Garry and myself talked iPads and media streaming on the Media Center Show podcast recently.

Now the Digital Lifestyle has posted an article on how to use an app called Air Video to stream media from your Windows Home Server to your iPad.

The article starts:

In my continued pursuit of integrating my iPad with my home entertainment setup I have been using an application that is simply excellent. If you have an iPad or iPhone and a Windows machine that stores your media your dreams can be realised with this little application.

The Application is called AirVideo and is available in the iTunes App Store, there are currently two versions available, a free version and a paid version which costs just £1.79, the difference is the number of files visible in the free versions is limited, so pay the money it is definitely worth it.

So if you have an iPad and a Windows Home Server, and you would like to stream your digital content to it, you should really check out this article.

Click here to read the full article.

Nice article Chris.

Would You Like to Test Drive Internet Explorer 9?

Andrew Edney

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Aug 5, 2010

2

Microsoft have released the fourth platform preview for Internet Explorer 9 – would you like to give it a test drive?

If you would like to, point your current browser over to the IE 9 test drive page.

You have to download the 16MB file first and then run it.

Some information you should know before installing the platform preview:

Why do you call it a platform preview?

As you can see, the Internet Explorer Platform Preview is not a full web browser. It’s intended to give Web developers an early look at the Web platform technology coming in the next release of Internet Explorer. To distinguish it from a full browser, we call it a platform preview.

Why doesn’t Platform Preview have a back button or address bar?

Our focus with Internet Explorer Platform Preview is to provide a vehicle with which Web developers can see our progress and start planning if and how they want to support new HTML5 capabilities in the future. It is not intended for daily browsing. For a more detailed discussion of the architecture of Platform Preview see Why No Back Button?

Why not just release a full beta?

The Platform Preview is not intended to replace the beta version that will be released as a full browser once the build has reached the customer quality bar for release. Microsoft is releasing the Platform Preview to give developers the opportunity to test and provide feedback on the underlying platform for Internet Explorer 9. You can find more about what is implemented in the release notes.

How often will be you be updating this?

We hope to release a new version of Internet Explorer Platform Preview approximately every 8 weeks.

There are more things to be aware of and you can read all about them on the FAQ page

Is My Movies the Windows Home Server and Media Center’s Ultimate add-in?

Andrew Edney

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Aug 5, 2010

3

Our friends at the Home System Integration site have posted an interesting article on My Movies – you should check it out.

The Home System Integration site is a new kid on the block (welcome guys!).

They have done a very good article on My Movies which is, in my opinion, a must have addition to any Windows Home Server and Media Center, which as you will read, is Tom’s opinion too.

Here is the start of Tom’s article:

My Movies was created by a company based out of Århus, Denmark called Binnerup Consult headed up by none other than Brian Binnerup. Originally started a sa spare time project known as “My DVD Collection” for Media Center 2004, this program (or “Add-in” in Windows Home Server speak) has become over time one of the “must have” Add-ins for WSH. The really great thing? This program is, for a good portion of the features, free! Yes, you can get all of the actual programs for free! The more advanced features within those programs require a number of points on your account, which you have the choice of accumulating either by purchasing them or by contributing meta-data to the services. The company will even start you out with the maximum 2500 points for 21 days so that you can experience the product in its entirety, all you have to do as ask for a trail! More information about that can be found here.

Assuming you are running a Windows Home Server, My Movies comes in three separate pieces at a minimum:

My Movies for Windows Media Center

My Movies Collection Management

My Movies for Windows Home Server

Here is the key point from the article:

Here’s the point people: if you are running a Windows OS centric home, you have a Windows Home Server, and want to have the richest movie management / watching experience for your HDTV I’ve found so far in the Windows Media Center / Windows Home Server world….

You can read the entire article here.

And I look forward to more great articles in the future from the guys.