Posted Mon Aug 31, 2009 at 11:00 AM PDT by Mike Attebery
This ain’t your daddy’s media server
Windows Media Center is the standard solution for media streaming, especially for video, but it’s not perfect. Trouble with DRM protected content and high definition sources means that Media Center is becoming increasingly less relevant in home theaters, and the speculated solution known as Softsled, is nowhere to be seen. Enter the S1 Digital Entertainment Platform. Capable of streaming 1080p video, 7.1 channel sound, Blu-ray discs and even live television, the S1 Digital Entertainment Platform seems to have an answer for everything.
The system consists of one server, which handles all the streaming and cataloging of stored content, automatically downloading information and cover art. The server also handles storage, and options are available from 2TB all the way up to 32TB.
Media Centers allow the content to be streamed, and are paired up with your HD displays. They can act as mini servers as well, allowing the connection of media center extenders such as the Xbox 360.
The final piece of the puzzle is the controller, of which several varieties are available. These touch screen controllers are capable of controlling any room and enable browsing of album art and metadata right on the pad.
The S1 Digital Entertainment Platform doesn’t come cheap, but S1 Digital’s president Paul Heitlinger stands by the product. “Integrators will realize the many benefits of selling and installing the Digital Entertainment Platform,” he says “there never has been such a powerful solution that's so simple to set up and use, yet the platform costs less than most other single-use media server solutions.”
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