VCR Redeems Itself As A Media Centre PC Case

VCR Redeems Itself As A Media Centre PC Case

 barebonesmediapc3_small2.jpg ( 53.16K ) Number of downloads: 5


You probably keep your old VCR around because of that pile of VHS tapes that you still have. But come on, are you really going to go through all the hassle of rewinding a tape just to watch Labyrinth in lousy quality one more time? Yeah, true, I totally would. Anyway, you should relegate that entire technology system to the garage or the basement and replace it with something that’s relevant in this day and age: a media centre PC. And just to make the transition easier for you, it’s a media centre PC that looks just like a VCR.

Currently available from Maplin in the UK, this is a barebones system, meaning that you get to stick your own operating system, hard drive, and optical drive into it. But it does come with a Intel motherboard and processor, a wireless card, a bunch of inputs and outputs, and a TV tuner.

The VCR barebones media center PC is £149.99 plus shipping.

Product Features

* Ultimate entertainment for your living room
* Advanced stylish barebone media entertainment PC
* Attractive silver and piano black glossy design
* Watch TV as you like: the digital video recorder (PVR) let you pause, record and replay from TV
* Comfortable recording of your favourite TV programmes with electronic programme guide
* Put everything at your fingertips - instantly access TV, DVDs, movies, home videos, music, photos
* Store video, music, data and TV and then record it with a DVD R/RW drive
* Enjoy digital or analogue surround sound with the Intel High Definition Audio with 7.1 surround sound
* Connect to your TV or projector through, DVI, VGA, S-Video
* Supports PC functionality in your living room: Internet, office and gaming
* Digital TV card installed
* Wireless card installed
* Ultra Silent
* Includes remote and wireless keyboard with trackball for ease of use
* Just add operating system, SATA hard drive and DVD-Rewriter to complete a full working media centre

Media Centre

Here's the spec. for anyone who is interested.

Technical Specification

Operating Systems: Windows Vista capable
Drivers and Utility: Drivers and Utility CD included.
System, processors, architecture Chipset: Intel 3GZ
CPU: Intel 915G ICH6
Memory: 4 DIMM slots - up to max 2GB DDR SDRAM 400
1GB Included
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 900 integrated in Intel Express Chipset. with up to 128 MB shared memory
(incl. ADD2 Extension Card with TV Out, HDCP)
Tuner: One DVB-T Tuner (Freeview up to 60 channels)
I/O Interfaces: Rear: Front:
1x DVI-D, 1x VGA 1x Front AV in (Audio L/R; Composite; S-Video)
1x IEEE 1394 (6 pin); 4x USB 2.0 1x IEEE 1394 (4pin); 2x USB 2.0
1x LAN 10/100 (RJ-45) 1x Microphone in
8x Audio out (7.1 channel) chinch 1x Headphone out combined with line out
2x IR-Blaster (IR out for ext. device) 1x Multi Card Reader
1x SPDIF out optical, 1x coaxial 1x Multi Card Reader
Storage devices/drives: HDD: SATA (IDE) up to 250GB
(Not included in bundle) ODD: PATA (IDE) dual layer DVD burneer (SMLF)
Communication: LAN - 10/100 MBits Fast Ethernet
Wireless LAN 54 Mbps: For use in BE, CH, DK, DE, EE, FI, FR, EL, IE, IS, IT, LI, LV, LT, LU
, MT, NL, NO, PL, AT, PT, SE, SK, ES, CZ, HU, UK, CY, NL
Audio: AZALIA Codec (7.1 SPDIF)
7.1 Audio out (decoded), SPDIF out optical and coaxial, microphone in, headphone out combined with line out
Pointing device & control buttons: Keyboard wireless trackball (RF)
Remote control (IR) with IR Blaster cable
Status indicators: Front panel display with two lines, 18 characters each
Power LED
Security: User and supervisor password
Kensington lock support
Voltage: 100 - 127V / AC200 - 240V
Frequency 60Hz / 50Hz
Max. Output: up to 250W
Ambien recommended temperature: 15C - 35C
10% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
Dimensions: 100(h) x 430(w) x 425(d) mm
Weight: 15 kg (depending on configuration)
Accessories included:
Keyboard wireless trackball (RF)
Remote control (IR) with IR-Blaster cable
Power cord

What?? I should get one just so that crappy little gate cover thingy can break off like my old VCR and my grandson can stick pretzels in the ports??? I don't think so. VCR's became obsolete for more reasons than rewinding the tapes.

Obsolete? My VCR still does something that the new players don't. It fast-forward/rewind with sound!

Digital?
whatcha gonna use it for?

"rewind with sound"...is that when you hear your master giving you instructions???