In the next update, I'll switch the focus away from work to more fun stuff -- HTPC and gaming.
ENGADGET: Windows 8 upgrade diary: multiple monitors make my mouse mad
It was one thing when our favorite HTPC app didn't get a single enhancement, but another when it didn't receive a single bug fix.
ENGADGET: Two more nails in the coffin for Media Center, start-up options and tuner certification
Fast forward, rewind and skip all work as quickly as you'd expect from using a real HTPC running Media Center, as did changing the channel.
ENGADGET: Ceton Echo Windows Media Center Extender review HD
The HTPC ran nice and quietly, which was a relief seeing as how the case and fanless PSU forced us to make major sacrifices in other areas.
ENGADGET: How-to: Build a multi-talented HTPC for (roughly) $1,000
Despite its absurd nomenclature, the new eMage-N (um, "imagine" ?), is trying to make waves in other ways too, by being among the first to integrate voice recognition into an HTPC.
ENGADGET: HiPe PC launches eMage-N Media PC with voice command capability
The real loser here are those few who actually use the Clear-QAM tuner in their TV, or perhaps those that use HTPC software that'll never get an update.
ENGADGET: FCC to allow encryption of basic cable, with a few strings that Boxee approves of
The original HTPC idea was that people wanted to connect a PC to their HDTV to access more content, but in reality only uber geeks are actually able to achieve the desired results.
ENGADGET: Is the future of Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server?
If MediaPortal is your HTPC software of choice, you might want to check out the complete changelog at the source link, where you'll also find installation instructions if you wanna cut straight to the hands-on.
ENGADGET: MediaPortal 1.3 exits beta with official Windows 8 support, revamped skins
Upgrading my Trinity-powered HTPC is also high on my to-do list, and will give me a chance to do some benchmark comparisons, since switching the OS will be the only variable on that machine.
ENGADGET: Windows 8 upgrade diary: a defiantly successful installation
SilverStone makes many different HTPC style cases, but we chose this one because of its two large cooling fans, six internal hard drive bays, plain black front (no VFDs or exposed ports), solid construction, and it is rackmountable.
Moving on, we've got the Ion-based HTPC, which is outfitted with a 1.6GHz Atom 230 CPU, Vista Ultimate (64-bit), 4GB of DDR2-667 RAM, an OCZ 120GB SSD, Blu-ray drive, gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, HDMI output and a multicard reader.
ENGADGET: OCZ intros 17-inch DIY laptop, Ion-based HTPC / Neutrino netbook
Now, in the latest Release Preview of Windows 8 the folks at Redmond have gone out of their way and disabled the ability to boot directly to Windows Media Center -- a feature required for any proper HTPC build.
ENGADGET: Two more nails in the coffin for Media Center, start-up options and tuner certification
For comparison, an old Dell business desktop gave us 41dBa at idle, a PlayStation 3 gave us 42dBa and an original Xbox 360 (not Elite) gave us 47.8dbA. It's said that a 10dB gain is perceived by human ears as a doubling of volume, which seems about right -- the Xbox sounded far louder than our HTPC.
ENGADGET: How-to: Build a multi-talented HTPC for (roughly) $1,000
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