Home

Blogs

View all blog posts

Forums

View all discussions

Wikis

View all wiki pages

Sort By: Most Recent | Most Viewed | Most Commented

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Beta hits Technet and MSDN

I am looking forward to getting my hands on Windows 7 beta but before that a beta of Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista being made available for download. SP2 has a number of fixes and adds some new features. The beta is available for MSDN and Technet subscribers...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 12-02-2008

Filed under: Windows Vista
Cool little monitors

I was scrolling down engadget earlier today and I spotted this cool little device that they just reviewed . It’s a 7-inch display that works as a second monitor on your PC, it’s from Korea and hard to get hold of. Why’s that so cool? ...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 12-02-2008

Filed under: media center
Look Ma, No Buttons!

A user of EMUCenter showed me his new Media Center remote a few days ago on my forums, and I discovered that Microsoft has left out the '#' and '*' buttons on the latest generation of their control. Of course, MS has always stated that...

Posted to The Digital Lifestyle Developer Blog by IgnoranceIsBliss on 12-02-2008

Filed under: Developer, MCML
HP Magic – Day 5

Three more sites have launched their giveaways starting today: istartedsomething The Gadgeteer GottaBeMobile.com The magic starts here December 14th

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 12-02-2008

Filed under: HP Magic
Windows Media Center and Home Server UK User Group - Poll 2, where would you like to meet?

I've just posted the second poll for those who've already signed up to the UK User Group, if you've not joined yet and you're in the UK, pop on over and join up , the more the merrier! Don't forget the first poll - When would you like...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 12-02-2008

Filed under: user group
In the UK? When do you want to get together?

If you’re in the UK and you fancy getting together to talk about Media Center and Home Server just like Ian and I posted earlier, then head on over and join the User Group . I’ve posted the first question in the forum for the group about when we’d like...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 12-02-2008

Filed under: media center, home server, user group
Blockbuster are getting Meshy

Interesting development here along the lines of NetFlix but more cloud powered. It seems that massive entertainment chain Blockbuster have gotten together with Microsoft are going to start offering new Mobile services delivered using Mesh. ...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 12-01-2008

Filed under: live mesh
Linksys DMA2100 for £97.86

I often see US sites offering Media Center Extenders at discounted prices so it’s nice to see a UK site offering a great deal on Linksys Extenders. Dabs.com are selling the DMA2100 for £97.86, this is a great price as it was originally priced...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 12-01-2008

Filed under: Extenders for Windows Media Center, Linksys
Entertainment 2.0 - Episode 9

Working on a roughly every two week schedule, it's time for another podcast! A lot of good information in the show today including a great interview with the founder of Tvitty. See the show notes below for the links to all of the information. Happy...

Posted to Entertainment 2.0 podcast by Athursby on 12-01-2008

Filed under: Podcast
Video: Unboxing and a first look at a HP HDX 18 Notebook

If you looking for an entertainment notebook then the HP HDX 18 maybe what your looking for. One thing for sure it’s not a netbook, with a 1920 x 1080 18.4” screen, Blu-ray and subwoofer it makes a great Media Center machine. Here are some...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 12-01-2008

Filed under: HP, Blu-ray, HP Magic, Unboxing
Unboxing and a first look at a HP HDX 18 Notebook

If you looking for an entertainment notebook then the HP HDX 18 maybe what your looking for. One thing for sure it’s not a netbook, with a 1920 x 1080 18.4” screen, Blu-ray and subwoofer it makes a great Media Center machine. Here are some...

Posted to The Digital Lifestyle Video Show by Ian Dixon on 12-01-2008

Filed under: HP, HP Magic, unboxing
The HP Magic Giveaway on TheDigitalLifestyle.com

December 14th is the start date for the giveaway on TheDigitalLifestye.com and I will be posting the details first on Twitter and then on the blog (make sure you subscribe to the RSS feed ). I am not going to give you details on how to win till the 14th...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 12-01-2008

Filed under: HP Magic
Announcing the UK Windows Media Center and Windows Home Server User Group!

Simon May and I have been looking for a way to really bring Windows Media Center users and enthusiasts together, we both live in the UK and we think there's some great fun to be had by getting the enthusiast community meeting each other. At this kind...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 12-01-2008

Filed under: UK User Group
This week on TheDigitalLifestyle.com

The big news this week is the massive giveaway that TheDigitalLifestyle.com is part of, the prize pack includes 3 HP laptops, a HP Touchsmart, printer and Media Center Extender are being given away, more details on my blog. Videos posted this weeks: Video...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-30-2008
HP Magic Giveaway Day 3

Three more sites are live with the HP Magic giveaway: MediaBlab Boston Pocket PC Neowin Details for this site coming soon!

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-30-2008

Filed under: HP Magic
The Windows Home Server Show 24 - Traveling with Windows Home Server

Today's show catches up on e-mail and comments over the last few weeks and I talk about using your Windows Home Server while traveling. I also announce the winner of the 1 year subscription to Keepvault. Links and News Items mentioned on the show...

Posted to Windows Home Server Blog by homeservershow on 11-29-2008

Filed under: Podcast
Windows Home Server Power Pack 2 Coming Mid-2009

I somehow don’t think this is how Microsoft planned to announce Power Pack 2 is coming, it looks like a bit of a slip up to me but the cat is out of the bag now: Australian magazine APC recently interviewed Stephen Leonard, Senior Product Manager for...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-29-2008

Filed under: Windows Home Server
What do you want to do in Media Center but can't?

Simon May has an interesting poll up: What do you want to do in Media Center but can't? We all have things we want Media Center to do that it can’t but if you could pick one thing what would it be? I would like to see shared tuners and I know lots...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-29-2008

Filed under: Windows Media Center
The next set of site start their HP Magic Giveaway

Morningside Mom and Thoughts on poetics and tech have started their HP Magic Giveway, so head over to their sites for details of how to win. Last night I unboxed the HP HDX18 notebook and I am very impressed, I should have a video out in a couple of days...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-29-2008

Filed under: HP Magic
The UK Windows Media Center User Group

Ian and I have been looking for a way to really bring Windows Media Center users and enthusiasts together, we both live in the UK and we think there's some great fun to be had by getting the enthusiast community meeting each other. At this kind of...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 11-29-2008

Filed under: user group
Two neat meta data tools

Tonight I decided to try out Video Browser. I’ve got to say I’m really impressed, it’s a great add-in for watching your video. I actually picked it up to try it out for the the TV, and it’s pretty cool, you can download it here...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 11-29-2008

Filed under: add-in, media center
Video: Unboxing a HP Mini 1000 Netbook

There is something about the netbook category that I like, I think it’s the gadget like nature of the devices. The Mini 1000 is HP’s latest netbook model and last night I unboxed the unit I will be giving away as part of the HP Magic competition...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-28-2008

Filed under: HP Magic, Reviews
Unboxing a HP Mini 1000 Netbook

There is something about the netbook category that I like, I think it’s the gadget like nature of the devices. The Mini 1000 is HP’s latest netbook model and last night I unboxed the unit I will be giving away as part of the HP Magic competition...

Posted to The Digital Lifestyle Video Show by Ian Dixon on 11-28-2008

Filed under: XP, HP, HP Magic
The First HP Magic giveaway kicks off

The first set of sites have started their $6000 giveaways: Bleeping Computer , Gear Live and Windows Connected are ready to giveaway some fantastic hardware. Head over to the the site for all the details on how to win, the competition will start on TheDigitalLifestyle...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-28-2008

Filed under: HP Magic
Tuner Free MCE – Now with Live BBC One and Two

I know I keep blogging about this but one of my favourite add-ins is a favourite because the developer, Martin, is just so fantastic about getting updates out. Updates are important particularly with a service like iPlayer where the BBC is pushing...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 11-27-2008

Filed under: add-in, media center
The HP Magic Prizes have arrived

I had a big delivery at the office today, the prizes for the HP Magic competition have arrived and it felt like Christmas day except I don’t get to keep any of the toys. The HP TouchSmart looks fantastic and combine that with the HP MediaSmart Extender...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-27-2008

Filed under: HP Magic
Great series of posts on Channel 8 for building a HTPC

Channel 8 is the Microsoft blogging channel aimed at people who haven’t quite entered the tech industry yet, student types. It’s kind of a mix of IT Pro, Home and Developer news. Right now Max Zukerman is writing a series of posts about building...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 11-27-2008

Filed under: media center
The Media Center Show #183 - Christian Steenberg

Listen Here (mp3) This week I am talking to Christian Steenberg from Denmark about this Windows Media Center installation, the troubles he faced and the furniture he used to make his solution. I have email, news items and details of the massive new competition...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-27-2008

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Podcast, The Media Center Show
Video: STK's BTHS600 Bluetooth Headset

I was sent a STK's BTHS600 Bluetooth Headset for review and as I can’t get sound working on my Windows 7 equipped Samsung Q1 UMPC I thought it would be an ideal device to pair with the headphones. Pairing the headset with the Q1 was very simple...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-27-2008

Filed under: Reviews
STK's BTHS600 Bluetooth Headset.

I was sent a STK's BTHS600 Bluetooth Headset for review and as I can’t get sound working on my Windows 7 equipped Samsung Q1 UMPC I thought it would be an ideal device to pair with the headphones. Pairing the headset with the Q1 was very simple...

Posted to The Digital Lifestyle Video Show by Ian Dixon on 11-26-2008

Filed under: Reviews
Are you having problems with the Windows Home Server update?

Yesterday there was an update out for Windows Home Server and I am seeing reports of people having problems installing the update. In the comments for the update blog post Kevin said he had a problem with Windows Home Server console icon going to red...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-26-2008

Filed under: Windows Home Server
The Media Center Show #183 - Christian Steenberg

Listen Here (mp3) This week I am talking to Christian Steenberg from Denmark about this Windows Media Center installation, the troubles he faced and the furniture he used to make his solution. I have email, news items and details of the massive new competition...

Posted to The Media Center Show Podcast by Ian Dixon on 11-26-2008

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Podcast, The Media Center Show
Microsoft Patches for Media Center and Windows Home Server

Microsoft have a couple of patches out that could effect Media Center and Home Server users. The first is an update for XP Media Center, Chris Lanier has details of a fix (KB956148) that resolves “an issue in which a Windows Media Center configuration...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-25-2008

Filed under: Windows Home Server, Windows Media Center XP
TVTonic turns off it’s Media Center service

One of the most popular addins for Windows Media Center is going away, TV Tonic is turning off it’s service while they “restructure”. You will still be able to use TV Tonic to consume RSS video channels but the main services will not be available. Michael...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-25-2008

Filed under: Addins
Gizmodo:10 Really Cool Windows 7 Media Center Features

I keep meaning to record some video showing the Windows 7 version Windows Media Center running on my Xbox 360, I should have it down later this week. In the mean time Gizmodo have a nice top 10 list of Media Center features in Windows 7 . The screenshots...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-25-2008

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows 7
Welcome to the amazing HP Magic Giveway!

It’s that time of year to be spreading a bit of magic so how about $6000 worth of magic? TheDigitalLifestyle.com is one of 50 bloggers giving away over $300,000 of kit and the prizes I will be giving away will be: HP TouchSmart IQ816 PC HP HDX 18...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-24-2008

Filed under: HP Magic
What would you like to do with Media Center but can't?

I've been having a few discussions with people at work about Media Center and why they don't make better use out of the kit that they have at home. Most people seem to think that Media Center won't do everything they want it to do, I'm...

Posted to Simon's Digital Lifestyle Blog by simonster on 11-24-2008
TheDigitalLifestyle.com Postround

This week there has been surprise updates for the Zune as well as new subscription model, The Media Center Show talked Home Server Addins and Windows Media Center in Windows 7 gets touch features added Play Vonage voice mails on Media Center with V-Mail...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-24-2008

Filed under: News
Play Vonage voice mails on Media Center with V-Mail for MCE

MceZone.com have released another useful Media Center application, V-Mail for MCE enables Vonage users to view, play and delete voices mails all from Media Center. The addin is a for Vista Media Center and if you find it useful don’t forget to donate...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-21-2008

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Addins
How to Sync Windows Mobile with Your DVR

I spotted an interesting post on PocketNow.com explaining how to sync Recorded TV with your Windows Mobile device. It’s been a while since I have done this as I use my Zune for taking recorded tv with me but this guide will be very handy for anybody...

Posted to Ian Dixon's Blog by Ian Dixon on 11-21-2008

Filed under: Windows Media Center, Windows Mobile