Alienware High Definition Media Server

[admin]

The just announced Alienware High Definition Media Server got our attention for a number of reasons. Sure, it's Alienware which, though bought out by Dell, has long been associated with high (priced) quality computer builds. But it's also because of the hot-swappable RAID 5 drive bays. The HD Media Server come standard with 250GB x 4 but can be ungraded all the way to 4TBs. The unit can control up to four TV tuners and provide remote access to your media. Oh, and did we mention HDMI and 7.1 analogue outputs?

Discuss "Alienware High Definition Media Server" here. Read the article.

 

[gus6464]

With the right software this might just be the ultimate HTPC. Also on the back diagram you point out it has 2 internal "cable cord slots". Do you mean "cable card"? Even though it's going to be super expensive it looks like the best solution for people looking to get into the whole HTPC arena.

 

[Djizasse]

I don't know. 4 x HDDs; included audio amplifier, CPU, cards... in such a small enclosure, working double time to decompress and stream 1080p? Two words: hot and noisy

Here's a "pseudo-review":
http://computershopper.com/reviews/alienware_hangar18_hd_entertainment_center_desktop_computer_review

This model is good looking and with more features (the HD version):
http://www.engadget.com/tag/Hangar18/

I'm a little confused here, the HTPC (the ugly one with the display) was reviewed in July 2007. But only now is avaiable for public? With specs that are so last year. 5.1 amplifier? AMD x2 4400?
But there's also that other silver beauty with 7.1 sound and a revised back panel. But i think is a future model. Not avaiable yet.

Anyway, no real specs on their site. But if you go to the customization page, you can have a few laughs, just check the processor upgrade lol
And if you don't like the iluminated logo, just ask them to permanentely turn it off...

I'll wait to see a tech-site get one unit and open it. Till then this just seems an unfinished product.

 

[Warpdrv]

Well I have to say, that thing looks cool, but I'm still pretty keen on my setup.

I have modded Xbox 1's running XBMC and just bought a DLink DNS-323 with dual 1000gb HD's that are stored quietly in my basement. Storage is great, and the XBMC can stream through my gigabit network from it perfectly. Now I know its not a HDMI this or 1080p that, but until things get more mainstream, I have always been able to rely on this setup, and have so for the last 5 years now... it still ouputs 1080i and can play any type of media you throw at it.

I wish they made something that could compete with it, so until then I'll just stick with it...

 

[gus6464]

I don't know. 4 x HDDs; included audio amplifier, CPU, cards... in such a small enclosure, working double time to decompress and stream 1080p? Two words: hot and noisy

Here's a "pseudo-review":
http://computershopper.com/reviews/alienware_hangar18_hd_entertainment_center_desktop_computer_review

This model is good looking and with more features (the HD version):
http://www.engadget.com/tag/Hangar18/

I'm a little confused here, the HTPC (the ugly one with the display) was reviewed in July 2007. But only now is avaiable for public? With specs that are so last year. 5.1 amplifier? AMD x2 4400?
But there's also that other silver beauty with 7.1 sound and a revised back panel. But i think is a future model. Not avaiable yet.

Anyway, no real specs on their site. But if you go to the customization page, you can have a few laughs, just check the processor upgrade lol
And if you don't like the iluminated logo, just ask them to permanentely turn it off...

I'll wait to see a tech-site get one unit and open it. Till then this just seems an unfinished product.

The Hangar18 that you linked and this model are not the same thing. This model is aimed at professional HT installations. And this model has Intel Core 2 Quad and not AMD.

 

[Djizasse]

Could you point me to some review or specs about it?

 

[gus6464]

Could you point me to some review or specs about it?

It's not fully launched yet but here are the specs on the alienware page:

http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/hems/hems_specs.aspx#pdp-nav

This one only comes in rackmount chassis but I think you can take the ears off.

 

[Djizasse]

Thanks, now i see it When i first clicked on the link to alienware i could just find the other system. Nicer specs.

That thing has got to make some noise. It belongs in the basement or in a closed ventilated rack. But it seems an easy solution for those that don't wan't to make their own Media Server.