MAVROMATIC » windows

Netflix Now Officially On Windows Media Center

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:25:52 +0000

Netflix is now on Windows Media Center. You can find it listed under the TV + Movies section, titled Netflix. The video part of the application is powered by Silverlight which means they are not using the native MCML architecture?? I never understood why there was a whole different UI markup language for MCE, but I digress, the great thing about this version of Netflix player is that it also allows you to search and queue!

However, the biggest issue is that it does not work on Windows Media Extenders! I guess that’s why all the manufactures are dropping out. I just don’t understand the reasonings behind things like this… MSFT creates a pretty cool architecture, gets manufactures to create the products, then on the software side there are all sorts of limitations. First, it was you cannot stream DVD’s due to legal issues, fine. Now, you cannot play Netflix via extenders… why? Because it’s in Silverlight?

Here’s more on MCE supporting Silverlight - Windows Media Center Brings Netflix To Consumers Using Silverlight

[ Via Gearlive: Netflix officially comes to Windows Media Center ]

R.I.P. – Windows Media Center Extenders [WTF?]

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:57:36 +0000

Oh the shock and awe… what is happening to my world? Seems like I’m picking all the wrong technology lately. First HD-DVD, now Windows Media Center Extenders. Apparently, everyone (Linksys, HP, Niveus, D-LINK, Samsung) that makes an extender is dropping their product line. That leaves loud, noisy XBOX 360’s to connect to our Media Center’s remotely. Good thing I stocked up on these when they were down to $50.

Does this mean CE devices (televisions and devices) will come standard with this technology or is MSFT killing this platform — please say it isn’t so!!!! As Patrick Norton from Tekzilla would say, “I’m going to go weep softly in a corner now.”

Engadget - Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices

Challenges Working With Embedded Devices

Danny Mavromatis — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:52:17 +0000

I’ve been busy working with on the new version of Myro:Home which will run on the 8″ in-wall touchscreen panels. My original plan was to have the same “downloadable” software being able to run on these types of panels, however, the truth is that these panels need special care in order to bring the best performance and stability. I’ve chosen Windows XP Embedded as the OS and can get everything running very quickly. Now, I’m working on adding in specific hooks to the hardware to take advantage of controlling the “bare metal” like LCD and GPIO. Since these devices are not full powered desktop PC’s where you can be a bit less strict using CPU cycles, you cannot afford running things that aren’t necessary. Heat is the biggest problem and when you put panels in walls where ventilation is an issue, you need to use less powerful (less heat producing) architecture.

In the end, I feel I will have a very powerful home control solution that is cost-effective and very competitive!

Windows XP Embedded (XPe) and DOM (Disk-On-Module)

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:16:35 +0000

Part of the gearing up of Myro Control’s launch, I have been busy learning how to build, license, and release Windows XP Embedded images. My plans are to offer Myro Control UI on a vast variety of platforms starting with in-wall and tablet touchscreens. The reliably and speed of Windows XPe make it a no brainer. The image is stored on DOM (Disk-On-Module’s) so no hard drives to crash, overheat or suck up battery life. I am currently building a Samsung Q1 XPe build of Myro Control (will post videos soon) and will also be using an OEM of a popular tablet.

Samsung (MR-00EA1) MediaLive Windows Media Extender

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:23:33 +0000

Samsung has finally released their MediaLive module which is essentially a Windows Media Extender. The great thing about this is that it works seamlessly with all Samsung Series 4 and up displays. It supports wired (Ethernet) and wireless (802.11b/g/n) networks and includes a remote, power adaptor and HDMI cable. And for $190, this is a great price, however, if you don’t have a Samsung or don’t care about the seamless integration, you can get a Linksys DMA2100 for about $100!

- Samsung Media Live MCX

- Linksys DMA2100 MCX

VidaBox RoomClient HD Blu-ray Extender

Danny Mavromatis — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:58:50 +0000

One of the drawbacks with a Linksys Media Extender is that it doesn’t have a built in Blu-ray player. Vidabox just announced and released the RoomClient HD Blu-ray Extender. This does everything you expect it to do… with a price tag of $2999.

- VidaBox RoomClient HD Blu-ray Extender