HTPCentric

Yes, this is an HTPC blog.  But sometimes while out seeking HTPC news I come across something that grabs my eye and when I find this cool stuff, I just have to share.

While you can’t call it a complete HTPC solution, when a box provides whole-home audio to 48 locations, packs a touchscreen interface and 250GB of storage just for music…well, then I figure I can take time to post about it.

That’s exactly what you’ll find in the CasaTunes XL Music Server.  While I’m waiting for someone to design a DLNA remote or application which will let me sync music to multiple locations using Media Center, this box will let you send it right after installation.  Of course that’ll cost you $1,499USD or more but if you have it, it would be nice.

Here are the specs according to the site:

Specifications

• Processor: Intel E2200 (2.2Ghz)
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• Hard Drive: 2 HD Bays, 1 x 250GB hard drive included
• Optical Drive: Lite-On DH-20A4P-04 DVD Burner
• Touch Screen: 800 x 600/480
• Network: 10/100/1000 Mb/s
• Audio: 5.1 High Definition Audio (in addition to CasaTunes™ XLi/e)
• Video: VGA output for 2nd monitor
• Connectors: PS-2 connectors for keyboard and mouse, 4 x USB ports, 1 x serial port
• Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium

CasaTunes™ XLi Music Server

• 4 x internal built-in music sources
• 1 x  external music source
• IR control of your external source

CasaTunes™ XLe Music Server

• 5 x internal built-in music sources
• 4 x external music sources
• IR control of your external sources
• Includes 1U height rack mountable (or stackable) unit for 12 rooms
• Ability to add up to three additional 12 room expansion units (for a total 48 rooms)
• 5 x output triggers and 1 x input trigger for controlling access to shared speakers, home theater integration, and integration with doorbell and paging systems

Again, I’d prefer to have everything integrated with my Media Center HTPC, but if you want something that looks good and will impress the neighbors, go for it.  I have to say though that with the pricing on some of these systems, I wonder how well these companies will continue to do.  With the right DLNA app, a Windows 7 PC could do the same thing with the right equipment in a home and for probably half the price…

When I was coming up with the concept for this blog (and soon to be podcast) I wanted to focus on things that I have some knowledge about.  Another goal is to expand my knowledge beyond the A/V aspect of HTPC and open up to whole home solutions which might include automation, security and other computer controlled aspects of design.  The first company I found does it all.

As such, I started to receive emails regarding EHX, the Electronic Home Expo which is taking place in March in Orlando Florida.  This is CES for home electronic suppliers and installers.  While scanning these emails I came across a company named Colorado vNet and their Vibe Video system.  While many would argue that this isn’t technically an HTPC, I’d have to say that to me, it’s a computer that runs proprietary software.

The Vibe Video System allows you to spread stored content anywhere in your home through Ethernet just like a Media Center setup.  Using what I think is a nice looking interface, it’s a single system with one purpose:  Get content from a player/server to any other player in the house.  The only downside I see to a system like this is that there’s no mention of a unit with DVR capability, so you’d be adding another box to your setup.

If you read Entertainment 2.0, you know I’m a Media Center guy.  I’m a geek so I want to build my system, not have it delivered.  If however, this isn’t your style, you might want to take a look at a system like this.  You’ll typically pay more, but you usually get service with that purchase instead of servicing it yourself.

Would you prefer to have a system like this installed in your home or build your own HTPC?  Leave a comment and let us know!