It’s about time we have computers built specifically for media management instead of desktop PCs tweaked for that application.
Integra has introduced the NVS-7.7 Integrated Media Center, a purpose-built multimedia PC engineered for custom installers who want to avoid the installation, configuration, and chronic customer service issues common to open-platform PC-focused systems and software. Integra’s designers worked with custom installers and programmers to make the NVS-7.7 much easier to set up, operate, and maintain in order to reduce the number of hours lost to customer support issues.
With 400 GB of storage for audio and video media, Intel’s ViiV™ technology, and a powerful suite of features for integration with home theater and audio installations, the Integra NVS-7.7 provides a seamless, streamlined solution for the custom installation community. It also has proprietary Integra-designed audio circuitry with high-end Wolfson DACs and the company’s acclaimed Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry (VLSC).
If any of you guys know of similar devices, let me know.
Too bad in run on windows, otherwise it would be a pretty sweet piece of hardware.
Gateway & HP made one.. I forget the model #’s but there were pretty pricy.
For a non windows machine:
http://www.monolithmc.com/catalog.php
Looks interesting.
NO HDMI? What the…. Needs at least one input and one output.
HDMI is designed only for HDCP-compliant. The whole world of DRM and broadcast flags.
The press release doesn’t provide a link to manufacturer’s website: http://www.integrahometheater.com/
I would love to see something like this that records HD broadcasts.
Yeah, if it runs on Windows it must be garbage.
Geez, this thing is sweet no matter what OS it runs.
Just read this article over at Engadget. Hope this adds to the dicussion.
[editor: pls use tinyurl — long addresses drive our frames crazy!]
$3000 for a 2.8 GHz Pentium with 1 Gig of RAM? Um, my home theatre needs haven’t evolved to that state yet.
Still trying to get over paying DirectTV $120 to upgrade my dish for HD reception. Sigh.
Shuttle also has an AV style box, in addition to their mini-PC style cases.
My problem/frustration/amusement is that the Mac platform is better at HTPC applications than PCs, and Apple doesn’t even care (yet) about that marketspace.
Everything involving new toys adds to the discussion!
I like the Integra device because it not only addresses media functionality, it looks and is configured like a quality audio component.
10 …and Apple doesn’t even care (yet) about that marketspace.
Is it that they don’t want to squash [or buy] ElGato?
Apple has editing [iMovieHD] & playback [Front Row] going… why does the “R” part of PVR elude them?
Would they rather sell us TV shows via iTunes than help us record them ourselves?
Mike, that’s my read: They want to use the HTPC as a further outlet for iTunes, and they’ll leave networks/live TV to the satellite and cable providers… who have given no indication that they want to integrate with anybody.
Here is a definitive review of ; A Pair of Stylish Home Theatre Cases ‘
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1993798,00.asp
there is one similier to this by Onkyo.
here is a link to a page:
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/2409/onkyo_integrates_new
Yes, for those of us who like complete control of our content, running the Windows MCE is a big minus. But for someone like most of our Mom’s, this would be simple enough to use, and that’s a huge selling point for most people. I’ll stick with SnapStream.
Also, you know dern well that Apple is working on something like this in some room somewhere. When the time is right (if they ever think it is) they will pounce on the market and probably do really well. Just look at the track record they have. Plus they can integrate the ability to buy iTunes video right into the mix and sell more content.
That I’d like to see. Apple does have a handle on entertainment.
That Denon unit is pretty cool, too.
#9 agreed. I just built a HTPC with almost exactly the same (in some cases much better) specs for a shade under $1000.
And they think this will save on support calls?? It’s not usually the hardware that’s the cause of the support call, and this thing still runs WMCE (which IS usually the cause), so I wouldn’t bet on that.