Technology reviewed…my favourites

Definitely one of my favourite pieces of technology is Showcenter 200 from Pinnacle.

It runs on network, either wired or wireless. Essentially it streams video from your PC to TV, essential for downloads.

It plays back most file such as .wmv (not all types), DIVX, MPEG2, DVD and .avis. It will also stream HD encoded AVIs which is excellent.

I also love using it for MP3 playback – if I hook my PC directly to my amp it blows on PC shutdown with a ‘jolt’ it unless it’s a specific PC amplifier (which are crap).

The Showcenter is just one excellent piece of kit, it also does internet radio. It does have some downsides like it doesn’t play Quicktime files, not all .wmvs and occasionally some DIVX files. the ‘ctu’ encoded AC3 doesn’t play either, but this is rare on downloads.

Occasionally the unit crashes at the software end (PC) and at the Pinnacle end too. Rebooting the PC and/or pinnacle solves this. Otherwise, I love it and use it every day.

More indepth review : http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/article1430.html