www.verheul.org

The Showcenter was giving me a lot of trouble with discovering the UPnP server of my NAS, and also other UPnP servers installed on my home network. After doing careful research online, I decided to go for a Networked Media Tank from HDX, the HDX1000. I ordered it directly from their website; it took about three weeks to get to the Netherlands.

Installation was straightforward – so far it’s been working great for me. Finding network disks is no longer a problem and it plays hd-content flawlessy. To avoid hickups in HD-streaming, I did connect it using LAN and not wifi.

I had some issues with the screen going blank at the end of a movie. An HDMI issue apparently. I switched to component output and everything works well. The most recent firmware update fixed this. Best Media playing device so far.

necessary improvements:

- better playlist support for audio playback

• www.hdx1080.com
• www.networkedmediatank.com

After purchasing a Lacie Ethernet mini 750gb NAS, I decided it was time to see if I could do some UPnP streaming to my old Pinnacle Showcenter 200. The Lacie features the Twonkyvision UPnP software, which should easily be read by the showcenter. I downloaded the latest firmware and installed the Showcenter. I’m streaming through wifi, and though it works well, the SC does not always find the Lacie (even when streaming through regular ethernet).  Will try to downgrade to the older firmware – hope that helps.

The UPnP does work on the Lacie, that I have figured out, as it always shows up on the Sony PS3.

Some useful links:

• Lacie ethernet mini
• Pinnacle Showcenter 200

Ordered a Logitech Harmony 1000 universal remote control from iBood (internet’s best offer online daily) for €199,-. The usual price is usually some €100 higher, so it was quite a good deal.

It’s also the first gadget that my GF appreciates, as it will replace about 6 or 7 remotes now sitting on our coffee table. It also makes it possible for her to watch a movie with the push of one button instead of 6.

The setup is online only, after which the remote setting are transferred to the device itself. The Harmony 1000 also focuses on activities like “watch movie” or “play music”, and not on letting you operate all the devices using 1 remote.

The concept is great in itself, but optimizing all the sequences necessary for the activities takes quite some time. I still have to revert to the original remote sometimes to get stuff done, although it’s already a huge improvement over the current array of remotes.

I can now play music, watch movies and watch TV. The next project is to operate the lights, my PS3 and my Pinnacle Showcenter. The NL/Belgium Harmony forum has been a great resource for me (in Dutch)

just upgrade my site to Wordpress 2.6. Although I managed the upgrade, I deleted all of my posts in the process…. Ah well