Media Center
May 16, 2011
Google Expands With Android@Home

Google takes another step towards Interweb domination by introducing Android@Home aka Project Tungsten. Developers can use open source libraries to make home automation apps for Android so that you can turn off those forgotten appliances with your smartphone. Or perhaps you will be able to use it for remote media streaming or powering up your homemade robot. Google is hoping that the end result will not only synchronize your home but save you both energy and money.
Via Android
October 26, 2010
Zotac ZBOX HD-ID34BR-U Says 'Time to Play'

Zotac's ZBOX may be a fine addition to your home theater. The ultra-slim HTPC is powered by NVIDIA ION technology with 512MB of DDR3 video memory and will play Blu-ray discs or stream them as a media center. The HD-ID34BR-U includes a mini-PCI Express slot, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, combo eSATA 3.0 Gb/s and USB 2.0 port, DVI, HDMI, S/PDIF optical outputs, 6-in-1 memory card reader and 802.11n WiFi.
Via Zotac
October 20, 2010
Marmitek GigaView820 Second Generation

Marmitek's 2nd generation HDMI system includes a remote for even more ease of operation. The GigaVideo820 wirelessly transmits an uncompressed HD signal from to your TV or projector. A built-in splitter allows you to watch locally. Stash the receiver out of sight while still being able to view up to 30m away. The GigaView820 is available now for £360 (~$576.00.)
Via Marmitek
October 5, 2010
AOpen Ultimedia Center

AOpen's all new XC mini MP55 is certainly designed for the smallest of spaces at a size of 11.5 x 7 x 8". It has the added benefit of keeping its small self from discouraging those who may want to "borrow" it with Intel Anti-Theft Technology. The media center also features 5.1 surround sound, Blu-ray disc or Super Multi optical drive, optional built-in 802.11b/g/n wireless and comes with a MCE wireless remote.
Via Fareast Gizmos
August 31, 2010
DC Xtreamer Pro - All-in-One

Digital Cowboy's Xtreamer Pro is their latest all-in-one that is compatible with most video files. You can watch movies and TV shows on your HDTV via HDMI but its talent doesn't stop there. The DC-MC35UL4 can be used as networked attached storage, user interface and has both DLNA and DDNS support. Look for a September release with a price around ¥22,000 (~$258.00.)
Via Akihabara News
August 13, 2010
Control4 InfinityEdge Touchscreen

Control4 has apps for the iPad, iPhone and Android phones and is now offering in-wall InfinityEdge Touchscreens. Available in a 5" model for $500.00 and a 7", $900.00 display, they can connect by AC or Ethernet, wired or unwired. Because the screen is always on, it is a much simpler way to control your home network. An optional intercom can be added to the package.
Via Control4
August 11, 2010
iLuv i1166 Media Center

iLuv packs almost everything into its latest media player. The i1166 has an 8.9" widescreen TFT LCD touchscreen display and remote for those with lazy bodies. It will play DVDs, tunes from your iPod and anything you happen to have on your SD memory card. Both AC and car adapter are included.
Via iLuv
July 29, 2010
LG Art Cinema DP1 Media Player

LG's latest media player provides online access to the Interweb and supports home theater DTS and Dolby 5.1 with an optical audio output. The wireless Art Cinema DP1 can stream to your TV via Ethernet, USB drive or WiFi. Formats supported include MKV, H.264, Xvid, DivX, flac, ogg, mp3 and wma music files, and of course the player has access to LG's NetCast. The DP1 sells for 160,000 Korean won (~$135.)
Via Akihabara News
July 13, 2010
Digital Cowboy Xtream Media Player

Digital Cowboy's new Xtream media player has ISO and IFO compatibility and supports almost all video, audio and image files. The 167 × 29 × 112mm DC-MCNP1, with a 2.5" SATA hard disk drive, also has Windows file sharing, file preview screen and such features as fast forward, pause and resume. The Xtream ships with a remote at a price of ¥ 19,800 (~$240.00.)
Via Uma Zone (translated)
June 24, 2010
Viewsonic HD Media Player

Viewsonic, the company that usually concentrates on LCD screens, has come up with its own HD media player.
NexTV displays videos, music and photos from storage devices. It can also stream Netflix and access content from YouTube, Flickr, ShoutCast and other online sites. With support of Dolby and DTS, you can connect the media player to your A/V system.
Via Viewsonic
June 23, 2010
Quisple Desktop Media Player

Register on their site and Quisple will provide you with a free, handy desktop media player that will stream from the Interweb. You simply enter an artist name and track, and your wish is automatically granted. The site also encourages playlist sharing and social networking.
Via Quispie
June 11, 2010
Apacer AL670 Media Player

Taiwan's Apacer has released a new HD media player with 2 USB ports for connecting to an external hard drive. The AL670 supports most file formats, plays back at 1080p HD and connects via HDMI, Component Video, or AV cable. But the best part is the description on the company's website. You can't go wrong with "joyful sharing" with included slideshow and sound effect capabilities.
Via Apacer
March 19, 2010
Loewe Open Source Reference Mediacenter

The Loewe Reference Mediacenter will play CDs, DVDs and any music stored on its integrated hard disk, existing home network with music server and USB memory stick. With an open platform, it can access media from your iPhone, iPod and control your Blu-ray player. It displays all on your TV and can be placed in party mode for sending music to other rooms or can handle simultaneous playback of several music sources. Due out this fall, contact Loewe for more information and pricing.
Via Loewe
March 17, 2010
Archos to Release Android Tablets

Archos has two new Android based tablets designed for those who want more than a smartphone and less than a PC. Due out in June, both can play videos, music and photos, and can also access the Interweb at prices around $200.00. The 7 Tablet has a 7" touchscreen with built-in WiFi and USB for transferring files. It will be available in both 2 and 8GB models.
The 8 Home Tablet features an 8" touchscreen and holds 4GB memory. This would certainly be a good addition to any kitchen with the ability to download recipes and be used as a digital frame while cleaning up the dishes.
Via UMPC Portal