Yeah…I’m a geek

This will not be an exhaustive review of the C-200, but more of a high level overview of my experiences with the unit in my first two weeks.

First off, this is my second NMT, my first being the PCH-A110, which was good but not great (heat, speed, on/off, form factor…etc.). In terms of form factor, the C-200 is a nice looking box that blends fairly well into a HT setup. While not pretty, it is vanilla enough to not stick out. Before starting it up, I added an 8X Samsung BD-ROM drive and 250GB WD 2.5″ drive. These installs were dirt simple thanks to the case design and available room. The Sammy drive blends well enough, but unfortunately has an annoying blue tray LED (need to pull the cable on it sometime soon). The build quality is an immense departure over the hard-drive enclosure-based A-110 and is definitely a much better fit aesthetically in my rack than the 110.

From start-up, I could see immediately the speed difference the 600MHz processor made over the PCH-A110. I currently have the C-200 streaming media from my HP MediaSmart server to a dedicated HT. I am using YAMJ, YANFOE and AEON, which have been near flawless in rendering my collection of 800+ movies. I have to say, the rockstar developers (like Omertron, Russell, ejp…etc) that provide programs like this are one of the best reasons to purchase a device like this. PLEASE support them so that they can continue to provide great solutions…

I have a PS3 for BD playback, but was interested in using the C-200 to allow for HD-audio bitstreaming to my AVR, which seems to work very well with the 3 or 4 titles I have tried.

I haven’t played much with the photo or web capabilities at this point, but hope to in short order. Although the lack of web-apps is disappointing at first glance.  As well, the interface of the C-200 as of this writing is pretty poor.   A new interface has already been announced (preview here).

Overall, this device is doing exactly what I wanted it to (stream a large collection of networked stored movies in MKV, ISO, and play BD’s).  I am eagerly awaiting a firmware update that will allow HD-audio from signle file sources.

This has become one of critical pieces of gear in my home theatre.  I would recommend it to anyone with at least mid-level technical ability looking for a robust networked media centre. 

YIAG Rating: 9/10

Very cool demo of Wired’s new iPad application.  Once you get past the Creative Director’s monotone and completely disinterested manner (think Ferris Bueller’s teacher…Bueller, Bueller…), the video really shows off some cool features.

My favourite quote is from Chris Anderson…”…people may actually want to pay for it…”.

Don’t ask why…just bask in the geekiness that is the augmented reality tattoo…

HaiHaiTO was created out of a desire to raise much needed funds for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.  It was also meant to provide a forum to showcase the perserverance, stories and culture of the Haitian people, so that we all might gain a better context and understanding of the people and place.

To this end, a dedicated group of volunteers have come together to host a multiformat event on Feb 11th, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross. 
For details and/or to sponsor the event, check us out here: www.HaiHaiTO.com

In my second installment of my Top 10 movies of 2009, I outline my top 5.  2009 was a stellar year for sci-fi with 4 of the top 5 coming from that genre. Although these are ranked from 5 to 1, all of these movies could be ranked number 1. Based on the fact this is a Top 10 list, I have stuck to the norms and placed them in an order that works for me.  Enjoy…

Number 5

YIAG Rating: 9/10

Sam Rockwell plays a lunar-based astronaut harvesting an invaluable resource meant to save the earth.  While on the moon, accompanied only by his computer colleague GERTY, something rather interesting happens nearing the end of his scheduled work term…

With very little knowledge of this movie or expectations (which is in my opinion, the ideal way to go into a book or movie) I was so completely surprised by the way this film was crafted and came together.  The incredible performance given by Sam Rockwell, one of Hollywood’s most under appreciated actors, left me wanting to see more. Kevin Spacey, as GERTY, gave his usual strong (yet creepy) performance as Sam Rockwell’s computer assistant/colleague.  This is my first Duncan Jones film, but hopefully not the last. I plan on checking out his 2002 film Whistle as soon as I can find it.

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I have to start by saying that these are MY Top 10 movies of 2009 and therefore may or may not make sense or align to your Top 10. In fact, I would like to hear if you agree with my list, but would LOVE to hear if you disagree.  As well, this is about as far from empirical as you can get. My ratings and feelings are guided only by how I felt on first viewing and after concurrent viewings of the movies.  Now, on to the AV goodness of 2009…

Number 10: State of Play

YIAG Rating:8.0/10

A seasoned Washington reporter, an up and coming political star and a scandal.All these things come together in this smart and intense political thriller.  From Kevin Macdonald, the director of the 2006 standout The Last King of Scotland and the lesser known, but still very enjoyable Touching the Void.

Initially, I was a little concerned that an actor of Russell Crowes’ chops would completely overwhelm Ben Affleck, but my misgivings were quickly proven misguided.  Rachel McAdams played the eager New Media reporter as she plays everything: extremely well.  Helen Mirren was…well, she was Helen Mirren (read: fabulous). Overall, I really enjoyed the look and feel of the movie, the pacing was excellent and the performances were engaging and genuine.

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We all know one. We may BE one… Hilarious video on who and what makes a New Media Douchebag…

We have all wondered what it would be like to meet our twin or doppelganger. For Alma, it turns out to be an experience she may never forget…

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.