Goodbye to my HTPC

Windows Media Center

Wait.  What?  Did I just say that?  Did I just do that?  Yup it is true although not the whole story.  This past weekend I disassembled my HTPC.  It was a great machine.  I probably went too cheap on the processor but for what it was it was great.  So now you might be wondering why I took it apart. At first you might say to yourself I just went out there and built another HTPC.  You … [Read more...]

Another Look at Cutting the Cord

The Cable Guy

A few things have changed in my efforts to keep cable out of my house.  I am moving soon and I wanted to re-evaluate the value of “Cutting the Cord.” Before I cut the cord my cable bill at one time was as high as $110 a month.  That included HD channels, DVR services and HBO.  I switched off that plan and then spent a few years with Dish network where I kept the HD Channels and DVR but … [Read more...]

Cisco Unveils LinkSys HomePlug AV

Cisco Powerline AV

I have been a network and system engineer for almost 15 years now and my personal motto has always been, wireless is flexible but a cable connection is preferred.  You will always have better performance and reliability from the ethernet cable over your wireless connection.  Wireless, however, gives you options that wired does not always provide.  It can be too expensive or … [Read more...]

Boxee Box Live TV Review

Boxee Box Live TV Dongle

I have begun testing the new Boxee Box Live TV dongle and so far I have to say I am impressed.  Once again I hope the other media center device manufacturers take a look at what Boxee is doing here and follow suite.  Before I could install the Live TV dongle, the version 1.5 update was waiting for me to install.  The update only took about 5 minutes to complete.   Once done it did make … [Read more...]

Roku Streaming Stick Press Release

Roku_streaming_stick_display

I haven't gotten to test this device myself, but it is an interesting new item from Roku and worth checking out.  Keep an eye out for my review once this item is released later in 2012.   Roku Breaks the Smart TV Mold New Roku Streaming Stick Integrates “Smart” Experience into TVs Instantly Saratoga, Calif. – Jan. 4, 2012 – Building on the success of the award-winning Roku … [Read more...]

Boxee Live TV

Boxee Box Live TV

It is coming soon!  The Boxee Live TV device is due to release this month, January 2012.  The small device is essentially a high powered HD antenna add on to your Boxee Box.  Now, along with all the streaming content Boxee provides, from YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Vimeo and more, Boxee Box will now also provide local HD channels through the addition of this small add-on, all for the very … [Read more...]

Zero1′s Voomote Zapper

Zero1.tv's Voomote Zapper

Ok so that title is probably making your head hurt right now, but that is what the device is actually called.  What is it?  Its a third party attachment for your iPhone, which combined with a software download makes the iPhone IOS into a universal remote control.  I personally am not a fan of the idea of my phone being my remote and I especially don't want to buy an extra attachment to enhance … [Read more...]

TrendNet brings you networking where you need it

214514936

Allow me to introduce you to the TPL-303E2K 200Mbps Powerline AV Adapter Kit, an elegant solution to the home networking problem. … [Read more...]

SMK-Link Wireless Ultra-mini Keyboard

smklink

I am not particularly fond of just bad-mouthing technology. What works for some may not work for others. The SMK-Link Wireless Ultra-mini Keyboard just doesn’t work for me. That doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. … [Read more...]

My personal remote

hpremote

      When it comes to my HTPC, I am a simple man with simple needs. No really. I'm serious. Sure I want it all, I want it to do everything, that's simple enough right? Oddly enough one of my biggest trouble spots is finding a remote that works for me. The best I have found so far is the HP 5070-2583 Pavilion Remote Control. … [Read more...]