Comments on: Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 Beta Imminent?

By: urmaster

urmaster — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 06:02:35 +0000

TV archiving isn't only for portable devices which is why PS3 and 360 are on the list and yes it does have something to do with DLNA which is why I referenced it. there is near enough 50 millions xbox and PS3 units sold that can potentially use this feature, add those to the portable devices and you have what makes a huge consumer base.

Notice the TV archiving can transcode to the original resolution making a feature perfect for the aformentioned consoles via either media centre extender or a DLNA media server.

If this were for portables only then I would agree a wider choice would be needed but since it inst they have covered a lot of bases with a single choice.

By: urmaster

urmaster — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:04:33 +0000

That goes both ways. Why doesn't apple continue to support syncing with iTunes for 3rd party devices? Consider that the colour screen video supported iPod has been in development for at least 4 years and still has such little video support. You can only conclude that apple doesn't want to support these codecs, why? If I had to guess it helps apple lock the iPod into their own video services such as video rental and apple TV. I wouldn't blame MS here for this as they are using what has proven to be one of the best video codecs (sound aside). Oh and the only 2 video codecs recommended by DLNA are WMV and MPEG 2, because of their wide compatibility. Look how many devices do support WMV:

Zune
iRiver
Zen
well pretty much any portable media device that can sync with media player
Windows Mobile
Xbox 360
PS3
off the top of my head.

How many of the above have been sold in comparison to H.264 devices? so in fact MS is supporting the largest current market share, just not the upcoming one ^_-

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Sorry, but we're talking about a WHS feature that archives TV and stores it in formats specifically designed for mobile media players. I don't know why this would have anything to do with DLNA or the Xbox 360 or the PS3. SO why don't you remove those from your little list and then we'll see what's left. All the Zen, iRiver, Zune and other media players in the world added together only total less than 30% of all media player sales. The iPod controls the remaining share, over 70%.

You can try to drag me into a flamewar about who's dirtier, Apple or MSFT, but that's missing the point entirely. It's very simple: For most people including myself this feature is useless because it only supports WMV which is supported by at best one quarter of the mobile media players. This is too bad because conceptually it's a great idea and very useful.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:53:24 +0000

I didn't say it's useful period. I said it was useless for the majority of owners of these types of devices. You disagree? Consider that the iPod enjoys a market share of over 70%. This feature is useless for iPod owners. The iPhone is taking the world by storm and already above Windows Mobile in market share. This features is useless for iPhone owners.

All MSFT has to do here is support a video standard like H.264, but of course not. Why support standards when you can use your proprietary (often unsupported) codec?

By: guest

guest — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:49:49 +0000

I have installed the powerpack and I see in media center a homeserver menu, but I miss the console quick view option, only the tv archive.
I think it has to do because its a beta.
the option to move recorded recordings to whs is a nice feature, however why not make an option in recorder settings to store directly on a whs box, why first make the process to copy the large files?

By: urmaster

urmaster — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:53:41 +0000

lol you can't expect them to drop support already. I would be more angry if WHS v2 came out this quickly (making the first version a beta). That would be the shortest windows OS life cycle ever.

By: fasthair

fasthair — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:17:44 +0000

So has anyone installed PP3 yet? I've got the download and don't want to install it on my work WHS box until I know it won't brick my WHS. I might try it on my home unit but was wondering if anyone had installed it yet?

If an Admin here could send me an email and try and help me with my log in here. For some reason I can't log in.

Thanks,
fasthair

By: boggy4062

boggy4062 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:00:29 +0000

urmaster: that kind of thinking makes people demand that Microsoft individual divisions should be split up. Either Microsoft is in the business of providing solutions to the market, or in the business of controlling it.
Good products, ideas will defend themselves on their own merits; no need to use dirty, underhanded tactics.

I don't buy Microsoft products because I have to. I simply like them. I also own their stock. However, anytime some MSFT folks do silly things like not supporting mp3 or XDIV …. it boils my blood. I don't like it as a user, nor as a investor. It's bad business.

By: urmaster

urmaster — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:00:42 +0000

I dont understand, all Microsoft devices support WMA/V. How does this make it uselss?

By: joboehl

joboehl — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:43:02 +0000

Well, its compatible with Zune and Windows Mobile. I think this PP is working on closing the gaps.

Altough I would expect it supports more devices, nobody complaints when Apple releases a software that only supports it´s own set of hardware and manufacturers need to catch up. Never saw an iTunes version that syncs with my Windows Mobile phone either.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:34:37 +0000

The TV archiving feature for mobile devices sounded cool, right up to the part where it states that it only converts to WMV. Whoops! Useless for the majority of owners of mobile media devices and smart phones.

By: Bodogbodog

Bodogbodog — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:52:14 +0000

It's great news that the beta is indeed now up on Connect and available for download – well done WHS team