1. never heard of it
2. great opportunity -- will take a look at Media Center computers now
3. intriguing, but I'll wait
4. customers are bound to ask for it
5. anything else

I'm still uneasy about supporting microsoft products in a customers system.

When the directv card becomes available I wil deffinetly have one for myself.

Definitely a #3 vote from me...

These companies trying to break in to our industry with self-proclaimed "ground breaking" software solutions are coming-and-going so fast it hurts my neck to watch them.

Hasn't Intel been getting their asses handed to them by AMD in the processor arena for a few years now?? I would think that they would be focusing on that arena instead of branching out...

If they haven't pulled the plug in 6 months, I will re-visit it.

#3

jayson: it is intel not MS

Intel's previous attempts to enter the consumer market have failed miserably. Intel seems to be making some effort to reach out to the CI market, but Microsoft continues to ignore us. Hard to see where this may go.

And just what operating system do you think their using??

From Intel's Site:
*
Key components

Processor
Dual-core 64-bit processing power means smooth performance and complete control of your digital media.
Chipset
Advanced technology works in harmony with Intel drivers for vivid graphics, smooth video playback and support for up to 7.1 channel surround sound.
Operating system
Microsoft Windows* XP Media Center Edition makes it easy to control and enjoy your digital media.

that is just the media centre PC. That is not the complete viiv story. Viiv is all about building displays with a built in stream to technology. On the other hand if it is the MS OS, that you should be extremely disappointed, many stuff like Nevo SL and MX-3000 use pocket PC OS.....

The idea is a central server that streams video over the network to your viiv display devices or players

I'll think I'll hold off for a while. My phone rings when equipment needs to be rebooted, and it rings enough as it is now. I think they have potential, but it is still a Microsoft product.

We just did a project for guy who is on the board of Microsoft, lots of Crestron, but no Media Center anywhere to be found.

I was just stating that I don't want to be involved with a MS windows based product connected to the internet for every customer. I don't mind supporting pc's when getting paid for it. It is bad enough as is to have customers reboot their satellite recievers occasionaly.

As a hobbyist and gadget freak I think the news is awesome. I have been waiting for a product like this ever since Echostar dscontinued their
pc interface several years ago. (gateway entertainment pc).

Having one server that I can put multiple directv or cable card interfaces in and being able to stream the recorded video is very strong. Also, legalities aside, being able to copy my DVDs to the hard drive just makes it sweet.

I'm convinced that this is the missing item to put Media Center PC's over the top. Playing music and looking at photos on your TV is not reason enought to have a media center PC. Recording local HD like you can now, and DVDs(with 3rd party apps, again not legal but no different than kaleidascape) is a little better. Being able to have HD satellite (or cable) integrated directly sells it for me.

Hi Julie,

At the moment I read your post the answer was # 1. Now that I have gone to Intel's web site, this appears to be another marketing campaign that is much ado about nothing, a way for Intel to try and jump on the MS Media Center bandwagon. After reading and reading marketing BS and trying to get a clue what it is, I finally hit payload. It is (baited breath)....

"Processor
Dual-core 64-bit processing power means smooth performance and complete control of your digital media.
Chipset
Advanced technology works in harmony with Intel drivers for vivid graphics, smooth video playback and support for up to 7.1 channel surround sound.
Operating system
Microsoft Windows* XP Media Center Edition makes it easy to control and enjoy your digital media."

WOW (sarcasm) So basically viiv is Intel's equivalent of THX, an attempt to convince people that a PC needs to say "viiv" on it to provide the "proper" multimedia experience. Must be their new way to combat AMD so consumers say "uh oh, it aint viiv".

So my answer is 1 and 5...who gives a shit. Viiv isn't going to make Windows stable or media center good any more than Jenny Craig is going to make Rosanne Barr beautiful.

I'll have to go with #3.

This industry is headed in this direction.

I'm not just not quite ready at this time to spend the 'extra' hours supporting unreliable products.

OK, I know they will probably require a 're-boot' every so often(twice a day?)

I think I'll wait!

Viiv is just marketing BS!

HTPC's have been around a long time, but Intel's marketing engine is really bringing them to the consumer's attention. (Calls have increased regarding media pc(s) since CES.)

I personally, use a linux box with linux based apps for my own htpc, none of the MS headaches, but I have not built or used a htpc in a customer installation (Not to keen on getting calls at 10pm for pc support), but may have to if the demand keeps growing.

Jayson,

If that's all you're looking for, then this product will be out this summer. And of the Unconscious Competent, it's linux based.

[Link: 2wire.com]

It depends on how the OS interacts with the chipset. I mean, hardware based multimedia decoding with ring zero memory access - I can see the errors now. The potential for a silent or nearly silent PC that can seamlessly decode 1080p video while simultaneously recording off air is intriguing, if the OS vendor can pull it off. I'd have to go with #3.