HP Unveils Its Digital Media Receiver

strictnein writes "Looks like HP is getting into the media box market. Today they introduced their new HP Digital Media Receiver 5000 series. Some of the key specs are: Wireless networking support (on the ew5000 model), S-Video and composite video output, and MP3 and WMA support. The OS support is limited to Windows ME or XP. This is an interesting addition to their Windows Media Center based 863N, 873N, and 883N desktop models."

Bah...

[Anonymous Coward]

SliMP3 [slimdevices.com] has

• a high-end fluorescent display
  
• very nice software that runs on all platforms
  
• killer web interface
  
• support for unlimited music
  
• open-source development community
  
• hot chick on their web site.
  

HP got crap reviews for their first overpriced stripped-down media PCs. I'll stick with my Slimpy, thanks.

a picture is worth ...

[ramzak2k]

check out the picture [idg.com.sg]. Looks very cool.

If their target market is someone with a "home network", they better tend to needs of uber geeks and release a linux version of their software.

For more info about this market

[joeflies]

Pick up this month's Computer Power User (January 2003). There is a lot of info on PC-based PVR's, including

a) Ananad Shimpai talks high level about Microsoft Media Center Edition, the HP unit, and the hardware requirements issues (i.e. need for an MPEG encoder, high CPU power requirements so that it will keep running)

b) PC Challenge is for a PC-based unit for Home Theater. The challenger built a butt ugly slime green unit, but the editor used a shuttle

c) The Linux TV-out issue with Macrovision. This covered issues that I didn't know about, namely card manufacturers and home brew Gatos project are faced with either licensing Macrovision and going closed source, or don't built it at all if there is a chance it will play material which should be macrovision encoded.

d) Alex St John talks about HP's 873n and Media Center

and most importantly e) Malda talking about typing his column on his girlfriend's macintosh

I think the pc-based PVR market is enormously interesting, because it serves both DIY and pre-built units in distinct markets. It brings new easy to use software to the TV, where entertainment is. And it creates a new market for selling pc's (both in lieu and in addition to a home pc)

Re:We have to ask... (apple?)

[class_A]

Ooops, wrong again! iPod also supports WAV and AIFF.

Also: "Upgradable firmware enables support for future audio formats"

Re:a picture is worth ...

[samael]

I know this is /. and all, but I have 4 friends with home networks and not one of them runs Linux in any form.

Check out the Homepod

[p0o9]

Macsense introduced a Home Network Audio Player at Macworld this week. It uses technology from a company called Gloolabs (www.gloolabs.com). They claim to have an "open system" approach and are looking for developers to write applications for the box. Sounds interesting...