VidaBox
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VidaBox is a brand name of media center systems. They may also be referred to as Home Theater PC (HTPC) systems or Media Servers. Controlled by a wireless 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
- and more.
All of the above functions are controlled via the Microsoft Media Center Console software. In addition, they can also be used and function as a PC or a desktop. VidaBox LLC's entry to the media center market started in 2006 with the launch of its first generation of media center units.
These units are designed for users who want quick installation and easy-to-use, simple functionality. However, because of their high price point, some do-it-yourselfers (DIY) may opt to build their own units, but will require much work. 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.
Logo
The VidaBox logo uses a television icon and stylized lettering of the word VidaBox. The logo emphasizes and recognizes the television as the center of any home entertainment system, and how a VidaBox media center can supplement or enhance it.Products
The first generation of VidaBox media center systems consists of four products, named RoomMate, Slim, Lux, and Max.All units are powered by Microsoft Media Center Edition 2005. Higher-end VidaBox units (Slim, Lux, Max) all come standard with the VidaSafe technology, which is based on a setup of a redundant array of disks for fault-tolerance, making a standard recovery CD unnecessary in many instances. In the event that any system needs to be restored, units can always be the factory for reimaging. High-end VidaBox models also come with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities standard.
All VidaBox systems come with high-end components, such as advanced, minimal-noise cooling systems & hard drives, premium (low-latency) RAM, and 16x DVD±RW or faster optical drives. All units carry a one-year parts and labor warranty from date of purchase.
Current Models
There are currently four first-generation VidaBox models available, as follows.RoomMate
The RoomMate is the first commerically available media center unit with dual analog TV tuners in a small form factor of its size - less than 8" wide, 4.25" tall, and 12.6" deep. Generally, a media center system in these sizes are limited to one TV tuner. It solves a common user complaint of not being able to record two shows at once. Weighing in at about 10 pounds, this unit is also easily mobile.In addition to functioning as a stand-alone HTPC system, it can also be reprogrammed to function as a media center extender. This may be ideal for those who already own a media center PC and wish to extend its media into another room, but also wish to have PC functionality.
Because of its small size, this is the only VidaBox unit that does not have VidaSafe data protection. If the unit needs to be restored, it must be sent back to the factory for reimaging.
Slim
The Slim is a high-end media center unit designed for a small size, quiet operation, and data protection. It was engineered for ample 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).Unlike conventional media centers in this size or form factor, the Slim is the first media center offering integrated data protection or fault-tolerance. Hard drive failure can cause a devastating loss of all data - pictures, music, videos. In addition, the unit was designed for minimal noise output, rated at less than 30dBA at a 1m distance, solving another common user complaint of excessive PC fan noise.
However, because of its small form factor, upgrading to enhanced audio or video components on this unit may be limited.
Lux
The Lux is a full-sized, rack-mountable media center. Featuring minimal noise components, VidaSafe data protection, more storage capacity (700GB standard), and room for upgrades, this is a fully-featured, but also one of the more expensive, media center units available.Max
Virtually identical to the Lux, the Max features a 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 features, this is an expensive model.Software applications
VidaBox media center systems feature a wide array of specially designed, or bundled, software, allowing the user to immediately use it for entertainment and other multimedia purposes. These software products include:
- MyMovies, an integrated movie catalogging 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.
External links
- [VidaBox Media Center systems web site]
- [VidaBox Support forum / web site]
- [VidaBox Reference Knowledge Base]
- [VidaBox News Blog]
- [Unofficial VidaBox Development & Release Blog]
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