VidaBox
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VidaBox is a manufacturer of media center systems. Media centers may also be referred to as Home Theater PC (HTPC) systems or Media Servers. Controlled by a remote, a single system can allow the user to:
- Watch, pause, & record live television
- Play and store music CD's and view album art
- Play, catalog, and store DVD videos
- Listen & Pause FM Radio
- View, store, and edit digital pictures
- Create automated picture slideshows
- Burn CD's and DVD's to share media
- Sing Karaoke
- Instantly check weather
- Extend above media to other televisions using media extenders
VidaBox systems are based on the Microsoft Vista Home Premium software, so they can also be used and function as a PC or a desktop.
Even though they are Windows-based, VidaBox discourages use of their systems as PCs. The manufacturer has said that their systems are designed for home theater enthusiasts who are looking to use a media center as a set-top box for entertainment rather than a computer. PC enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere, as all of their systems' cases are sealed with the BIOS locked away. Instead, they are designed for quick installation and ease-of-use for novices unfamiliar with computers, particularly in the home theater market.[1]
However, because of their high price point, some do-it-yourselfers (DIY) may opt to build their own units, but will require much work. Conversely, all Microsoft Media Center software is sold only as an original equipment manufacturer or OEM version, meaning that no support is provided if help is needed.
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[edit] Products
There are five VidaBox media center systems available, named Slim, Lux, Max, Zero, and Stealth. All systems come standard with VidaSafe technology, which help optimize system performance & prevent data loss during hard drive failures. In the event the system needs to be restored, units can be sent back for reimaging.
All VidaBox systems are designed for a home theater environment, with minimal-noise cooling systems & hard drives, low-latency RAM, 18x DVD±RW or faster optical drives, and Blu-ray & HD DVD options are also available.
[edit] SLIM
The Slim is a small form factor media center unit designed for quiet operation. It was engineered with RAID-protected storage (450GB standard) and a minimal height/profile at about 4" tall, so that it can take the place of high-end DVD players. Weighing in at about 35 lbs., it measures 96 mm (H) x 424 mm (W) x 430 mm (D).
Slim is the first media center offering integrated data protection or fault-tolerance in this size or form factor. Hard drive failure can cause a devastating loss of all data - pictures, music, videos. In addition, the unit emits less than 30dBA at a 1m distance, addressing the common user complaint of excessive PC fan noise.
However, because of its small form factor, upgrading to the latest audio or video components on this unit may not be possible.
[edit] LUX
The Lux is a full-sized, rack-mountable media center. Featuring minimal noise components, VidaSafe data protection, more storage capacity (750GB standard), and room for upgrades, this is a fully-featured, but also one of the more expensive, media center units available.
This media center is designed for those who want a standalone movie server, or other applications that require massive storage. The LUX can be upgraded to store up to 3,750GB. It can also be upgraded with a HDMI 1.2 HDCP-compliant output or a 7950GT card with dual DVI for high-definition video for HQV scores exceeding 100.
[edit] MAX
Virtually identical to the Lux, the Max features a 7" front-panel LCD for enhanced media center control. It is designed for users who have a separate receiver for audio, and want to access audio functions without having to turn his/her TV on and use a remote to do so. Like the Lux, because of these advanced features, this is an expensive model.
[edit] ZERO
Similar to the LUX in specifications, the Zero is the first 100% silent VidaBox media center, featuring passive cooling technologies such as heat pipes, engineered convection fins, and muffled drive cases. There are no open paths from any hard drives to the exterior. Because of the advanced design features, this is yet another expensive model.
[edit] STEALTH
This miniature form factor media center is similar to the SLIM in specifications, but is only 3.6" tall and is 100% silent like the Zero, featuring passive cooling technologies such as advanced heat transfer pipes, specially designed convection fins, and zero-open area, muffled drive cases. Like the Zero's advanced features, this is also an expensive model. This 3.6" tall system makes no compromises between small size, powerful performance, and absolute silence.
[edit] Software applications
VidaBox media center systems include an array of bundled software that allow the user to use it for entertainment and other multimedia purposes, such as:
- MyMovies, an integrated movie cataloging program. Included with all VidaBox units, it allows users to catalog, store, and access any DVD in their collection by simply using the remote.
- Weather, an instant access weather forecast program. It accesses major weather databases and receives the latest forecasts, satellite imagery, and other weather information.
- VidaSafe Technology, a data protection system based on a set up of a redundant array of disks. This allows a VidaBox media center to keep on operating in the event of a hard drive failure with no data loss, which is critical for a server-type system. Available only on the Slim, Lux, and Max.
[edit] Items of Interest
- October 18, 2006 - VidaBox developed the world's first dual format Blu-ray and HD DVD combination player / media center - Official Press Release
"The MAX and LUX models will feature the "DualHD" upgrade - two (2) drives on a single system that will play both Blu-Ray & HD DVD high definition disc formats."
