IFA is one of the largest consumer electronics shows in the world – think CES in Europe and UWHS is there to report on what’s happening.

The show lasts for 5 days and here is how they describe it :

IFA – The leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances

The 50th edition of IFA promises to attract industry representatives from all over the world. This trade event serves as a global information and business platform.

International experts from industry, commerce, the trades and media head to Berlin when the leading consumer electronics and home appliances manufacturers present their latest products and innovations at IFA.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the latest topics and future trends. Take advantage of IFA to generate long-term success for your business.

So, we will be reporting on all the cool gadgets, exciting announcements and more (we have already mentioned the Toshiba Folio 100 personal media tablet) and we have more to tell.

Chances are some of the posts will come out over the next few days after the event, this is just because the event is so hectic there is just not enough hours in the day to go around, see everything and then write all about it.

Is there something specific you want to know about? Let us know…..

Here at IFA 2010 in Berlin, Toshiba have today announced the Folio 100 Personal Media Tablet device.

Here is what Toshiba said about the Folio 100:

“Our FOLIO 100 media tablet offers a seamless, easy-to-use experience across entertainment, social networking and mobile Internet – anytime and anywhere”, said Marco Perino, General Manager Digital Life Products and Services. Offering a wide range of connectivity options, the FOLIO 100 is equipped with an SD card slot, an HDMI® connector, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®, while a
Mobile Broadband (3G) ready version will follow soon.”

Facts & Figures*

CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2
25.7cm (10.1”) capacitive multitouch display with 1,024 x 600 pixels
Based on Android 2.2
On-board storage capacity: 16 GB
Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, WLAN (802.11 b/g/n), Mobile Broadband (soon available in certain models and countries)
DLNA® compatible
1 x mini HDMI®, 1 x USB 2.0 (client and hub), SD/MMC Card Reader
Supports Adobe® Flash 10.1
Rotation of displayed content on the screen by accelerometer
Webcam with 1.3 MPixel
Battery life: 7 hours (65% web browsing, 10% video playback, 25% standby)
Weight: 760g
Size: 281mm x 181mm x 14mm
Software (excerpt): Opera Mobile, Toshiba Media Player, FBReader, Fring, Document to Go, Eernote

* depending on configuration and local availability

Here is a picture I took of the Folio 100, unfortunately it hasn’t come out very clearly!

So here is a picture from Toshiba themselves:

It certainly looked interesting, and it should be available in Europe sometime during Q4 2010, but no word yet on pricing.

Ian over at the Digital Lifestyle.com has just released this weeks Media Center Show, number 270 called The Drinking Game. Those of you who follow this podcast or the Home Server Show will understand!

Here is what Ian has to say about this weeks show:

Back from my break and I return with Garry and Andrew  to talk new network based tuners from AverMedia. Boxee, MediaBrowser iPhone apps,  hacking Media Center for unlimited tuners and Windows Phone 7 remote control apps

Plus we have email and if your in the Edney drinking game make sure you are topped up before the show

Links from this weeks show:

• AverMedia Launch Networked TV Tuner
• New version of Boxee adds Movie Libraries
• Taking a second look at Apple TV (and hacking it)
• Enable unlimited number of tuners in Windows 7 Media Center and Big Screen EPG
• byRemote for Windows Phone 7 + Windows 7 Media Center
• Garry’s Blog
• Andrew’s Blog

And as usual you can listen to the show here.

Tim – you are going to need some beers tonight!

AWIECO released a new beta version of their updated WakeOnLAN Add-In today for Windows Home Server code name Vail Beta Refresh. This new Add-In version integrates the WOL functionality into the Launchpad! The new Add-In is amazing and works great with the Vail Refresh and the mobile Vail website!

Launchpad Integration

 AWIECO has shown us the versatility of the new Vail by adding in functionality to the Launchpad!

WakeOnLAN Add-in

 In simple terms, this Add-In allows you to remotely turn on PCs via the Wake On LAN (WOL)  feature supported by most modern desktop computers.

WakeOnLAN Features

• Manually add and delete PCs in your network by entering their MAC address
• WakeOnLAN Add-In is now in the “Computers and Backup” tab in the Dashboard
• Access WakeOnLAN over the web-interface from your WHS “Vail“ or SBS “Aurora“
• Mobile website allows you to wake up your computers from your mobile device
• Overview of available computers by MAC and IP address
• Status icons show a list of available WOL computers in your network
• Full Vail and Aurora integration
• Easy WakeOnLAN administration over the Dashboard
• WakeOnLAN Add-In checks for new versions of the WakeOnLAN Add-In
• Installation of WakeOnLAN Add-In Installation directly on the server
• Installation option for all clients within your Vail network

Download the beta Add-In at:

http://www.awieco.com/Products/WakeOnLan

Your Hardware and WakeOnLAN (WOL)

 WOL is a function of your BIOS and the network interface, and not OS dependent. This means that the WOL function is built into the motherboard and can work on virtually any operating system. Most modern PCs can support WOL if the network controller is embedded in the motherboard. Check with your manufacturer to see if your PC supports WOL.

Your Software and WakeOnLAN (WOL)

 Once your system receives a magic packet (the signal to power up that contains the MAC address of the PC that is sent network wide) and has been powered up, the operating system then takes over.

You must set your OS up first to enable WOL (usually disabled at factory) and start your computer after the Add-In has been installed. The Add-In needs to find the MAC address of each machine on your network that is “connected” to the Vail server.

The Add-In will not find MAC addresses of PCs not using the Vail connector software. To allow for non-connected PCs, AWIECO has added a function that allows you to manually input MAC addresses of those PCs not connected to Vail.

How Do I Set My PC for WOL?

 To see how to set up Windows 7 and your PC for the WOL, check out our prior article and a video that Diehard and I did back in June!

http://usingwindowshomeserver.com/2010/06/28/vail-add-in-review-awieco-wakeonlan-video-edition/

Updated Vail Refresh Interface

 The new interface fits right in with the new Vail look!

New Manual Entry of Devices

 This updated Add-In has the ability to add new devices not connected via the Launchpad. Sweet!

Add-In Download

• Version: 0.2.1 (Beta)
• Release-Date: 8/24/2010
• File Size: 1604 KB

AWIECO Download

Let’s see some video!

Video of Add-In Installation and Launchpad Integration

Conclusion

 Once the Add-In is installed, and you have set your PCs to accept the WOL signal, the Add-In performs great! Andrew Edney and I use the WOL function on my network daily and have been waiting for AWIECO to update and port the Add-In for the Vail Refresh.

A special thank you to Andreas for all of the help getting it set up and running!

Tim

SageTV have launched the HD Theater 300 for all of your media playback needs.

Here is what SageTV say:

Enjoy online video, music, photos and your DVD/BluRay library all over your home in Full HD for only $149.95 each. You can also watch live or recorded HDTV* from your PC or Mac with SageTV Media Center software. Our fastest HD Theater ever!

Now with HDMI 1.3 and support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD/MA. All your favorite online video from YouTube, Google Video and major TV networks on your TV at the press of a button on your remote control!

Easy to setup, just connect your SageTV HD Theater to your TV, setup your wired or optional wireless network connection and you are ready to go. (Wireless adapter sold separately)

• Enjoy your home video library, music and photos
• Movie Trailers, music videos, TV shows and more on demand online
• Easy to setup, connect your TV, home network and go
• No fan, no noise
• With optional SageTV Media Center software for PC or Mac and an HD TV tuner you can watch and pause live HDTV and record a whole season of shows

These type of devices are becoming more and more popular, and with a decent price it is certainly cheaper that putting in a full blown Media Center box.

You can learn more about the SageTV HD Theater 300 here.

The guys over at the Home Server Show have released an Extra show this week (well there wasn’t a show last week!)

Here is what they say about this show:

For this Home Server Show ‘Extra” (recorded 8/25/2010), John and Jim talk WHS Vail builds, mControl, XenServer from Citrix, some tuner card chat, as well as a bunch of back up talk after a bunch of problems getting the uStream broadcast working.  Special guest appearances by Bill (CableDevil) and Timothy Daleo of the BYOB Podcast.

WHS Update KB979453

Certificate Update for WHS v1

mControl

Citrix XenServer

DiskInternals

SyncToy

Microsoft Connect

HD Homerun

Awieco Vail Addins

Tenatoms DnsUpdater

www.wuala.com

CloudBerry 1.7

As usual you can listen to the show here.

Yesterday Boxee released a new beta build of their software, with some new features and lots of fixes.

We took a look at the Boxee software back in January, and it has changed a fair bit since then.

Here is what they said:

We launched a new version of the Boxee Beta today (http://boxee.tv/download).

As part of this version we have opened up our Movie Library (click on Movies from the main screen, then select Movie Library  from the sidebar). It includes thousands of movies from launch partners: EZTakes (http://eztakes.com), Indie Movies Online (http://indiemoviesonline.com/), MUBI (http://mubi.com) and Openfilm (http://openfilm.com/). Most of these movies are available for free (ad supported) and we’ve made sure international users will have many options as well.

The Movie Library makes it easy to find, watch or queue movies you like. This new library is still a bit rough around the edges (you’ll notice some movie artwork is missing), but we wanted to share it with you sooner rather than later. Building off this initial foundation, the Movie Library will grow to include movies from additional online movie services and directly from studios. While the movie selection will grow, the experience and ease of discovery will remain the same.

As always this latest version of the Boxee Beta includes many bug fixes (more than 100 in this latest build).

So why not take a look?

We are still eagerly awaiting the Boxee Box – not long to wait now!

When I was little I had a ZX Spectrum, which was my first computer. I knew a lot of people who had Commodore 64’s. Now Commodore have announced the Commodore PC64 Computer, and you will just want one for the retro factor.

Image Courtesy of Engadget

Yep, that’s right, the Commodore PC64 will be an Intel Aton 525 based computer in the original C64 case

I want one just because……

Here is the full press release:

COMMODORE ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE LICENSING RIGHTS

Companies ink deal to produce new line of All-In-One keyboard computers.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL and OLDENZAAL, THE NETHERLANDS, August 25, 2010 – Commodore USA, LLC and Commodore Licensing B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Asiarim Corp (OTCQB: “ARMC”), today announced their licensing agreement whereby Commodore USA, LLC will produce a full line of new Commodore branded “AIO” (All In One) keyboard computers, under an exclusive worldwide license granted by Commodore Licensing B.V. for this newly revitalized computer category.

Mr. Barry Altman, President and CEO of Commodore USA, LLC states “We are ecstatic to be partnering with Commodore Licensing B.V. in this new, exciting product launch. The legacy of the Commodore C64, which sold over 30 million units, making it the best selling computer of all time, and our reintroduction of this legendary form factor, combined with the world’s most recognizable consumer electronics brand, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We look forward to bringing these new products to market, and welcoming a whole new generation of computer users to the Commodore experience”.

In response to an overwhelming demand from former Commodore users worldwide, Commodore USA’s CTO Leo Nigro announced today that their new Commodore PC64 will be available for purchase this holiday season. Featuring an exact replica of the original beige chassis Commodore C64, this new addition to our lineup will include an Intel Atom 525 CPU with NVIDIA Ion2 graphics, 4GB DDR3 memory, 1TB Hdd, HDMI, DVD/CD optical drive (Blu-ray optional), dual-link DVI, six USB ports, integrated 802.11n WiFi, bluetooth and a 6-in-1 media card reader.

With the recent introduction of their flagship Phoenix model, Commodore USA has once again catapulted the Commodore namesake to the forefront of consumer electronics brand recognition. Other Commodore keyboard computers include the Amigo, a basic entry level computer featuring a system on chip configuration, and the Invictus, featuring a small portable form factor with an embedded LCD screen display.

About Commodore Licensing B.V.:

Commodore Licensing B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asiarim Corporation (OTCQB: “ARMC”), is the licensor of the trademark Commodore, and grants other parties licenses in connection with specific products or services. Asiarim Corporation is also investing in companies engaged in, or related to, the development, sales and distribution of computer, mobile and multi-media products marketed under the brand name Commodore.

About Commodore USA, LLC:

Commodore USA, LLC designs, produces and markets a series of all-in-one Commodore branded keyboard computers, and other unique form factor computers and consumer electronics.
Barry S. Altman is the President and CEO of Commodore USA, LLC, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Spanning a 25 year career in the bleeding-edge electronics and satellite/space telecommunications industry, Mr. Altman founded and served as CEO & President of Cabletech Satellite Systems, Inc. U.S. Cable Technology, Inc., The Cabletech Satellite Network and United Broadcasting Co. This group of companies built NOC’s (Network Operation Centers) for cable television programmers, and cable television head ends for cable companies throughout the United States, They designed and constructed the satellite uplink network operation centers for such companies as Viacom International, Warner Amex, Viacom and MTV Networks. They directed and produced the domestic satellite telemetry downlink for the Live Aid concert for MTV, which was at that time the largest world wide deployment of a live satellite television broadcast. Cabletech has manufactured, designed and installed systems for Grumman Aerospace, The United Nations, government and private industry, and over 45,000 TVRO C& Ku band satellite systems for businesses and consumers nationwide. Cabletech was a developmental partner with General Motors & Hughes Communications in the small aperture DBS system that later became DirecTVv.

Earlier in the week we launched the first of a number of giveways for our readers to win a TWO year subscription to the HomeServerSync for Windows Home Server add-in from Tranquil PC. We had two subscription to giveaway in this round, and here are the winners.

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be giving away a total of 10 two year subscriptions to HomeServerSync, each worth a whopping £278 each, which means we are giving away £2780 just for you, our UWHS readers, thanks to our friends at Tranquil PC.

If you are not sure what HomeServerSync is, you should check out our review – part one and part two.

HomeServerSync has ten top features, and here are the first two:

1. Off site Backup
You can set and forget HomeServerSync to monitor and backup selected folders on your Home Server to our very secure data centre. Real time or scheduled backups ensure your latest files are always compressed, encrypted then sent to the data centre for long term storage.  A generous 100GB is provided with optional extensions available.

2.  Offsite Bulk Upload

Getting your files to an offsite backup server is easy, but if you have 100GBs of files to transfer, the process can take quite some time.  The optional Bulk Upload service delivers a simple solution – you backup to a USB HDD (the files are encrypted and compressed), then the HDD is sent to HomeServerSync, where the files are ‘copied’ to your account.  You can then incrementally upload new files via the internet.

So we asked you to give us some topic suggestions for the Windows Home Server Code Name Vail book I am currently writing, and we had a lot of very good ideas! I’m not going to tell MS Press about all of them otherwise they will want them all included in the book, and in the current writing timescales!

So, this giveaways two lucky winners are:

Bob Emptage

Kurt McDonald

Well done guys, I will be in touch momentarily to tell you how to get your 2 years subscriptions.

To those that didn’t win, don’t worry, we still have another EIGHT 2 year subscriptions to give away over the next few weeks, and we will even include all those who entered this giveaway automatically for one of the other giveaways.

Stay tuned to UWHS for your chance to win.

Following on from yesterdays announcement about Sam Woods new Blackbox for WHS add-in for Windows Home Server, Tim has done a video.

Here is how Sam describes Blackbox for WHS:

Tentacle Software Blackbox is a Windows Home Server Add-In that provides in-depth monitoring of motherboard hardware sensors and configurable alerting rules to notify the server administrator when a sensor exceeds a defined threshold.

Key features:

• Real-time monitoring of supported hardware sensors
• Administrator-defined rules to perform actions based on sensor states, including:
  • Log the alert to a file
  • Log the alert to the Event Log
  • Create a Windows Home Server health notification (that appears in the server health status window)
  • Set a fan speed
  • Change the system power state (shut down, suspend, hibernate, or restart)
• PWM fan control

You can check out the article from yesterday here.

Anyway, on to the video:

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo, have released episode 10, and this week its all about SSDs.

Here is what they say about this weeks show:

This week we will be discussing Solid State Drives as the final installment to our Component series.  In addition, we have a very special guest, David McCabe of the Home Server Show, to discuss his recent build.  Listen to show for more information.  We hope you enjoy this episode and remember to post your comments and questions on the forums.

David McCabe’s Vail server build

http://homeservershow.com/vail-test-server-build.html

SSD Discussion

What is an SSD?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_state_drives

Benchmark chart

http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/high_end_drives.html

SSD Form Factor

Most of the modern SSDs are the standard 2.5” size with a few models in the 3.5” and 1.8” drives form factor. Most SSDs are SATA II (3 Gb/s) with a few ready for the SATA III (6 Gb/s) interface. Prices as of today start around $85 for a 32GB model, $150 for a 64GB model and go up from there. Newegg has about 150 active models with most in $150 to $300 range.

Oh, and one final special form factor…PCIe SSDs. These drives are smoking fast at speeds of 800 or more but they cost thousands of dollars. They are a very small percentage of SSDs and crazy expensive. You can ask us about them in the forums if you need more information.

TRIM

TRIM is a way of allowing the operating system to communicate with the SSD about deleted files and formatting so the SSD can perform faster. Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 support TRIM and Linux 2.6.33 or later. If you want TRIM and do not run one of these operating systems there are utilities from companies like Intel and G. Skill that send the commands manually.

To check if Trim is enabled:

Type at Command prompt “fsutil behavior query disabledeletenotify”
DisableDeleteNotify = 1 (Windows TRIM commands are disabled)
DisableDeleteNotify = 0 (Windows TRIM commands are enabled)

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

AWIECO recently released a beta of their updated RemoteLauncher Add-In for Windows Home Server code name Vail Beta Refresh. This Add-In is a powerhouse! Read on to find out how to download this sweet Add-In and watch a couple of cool videos! Already have this Add-In? If so you really want to watch the second video!

AWIECO RemoteLauncher

Directly from the AWIECO website:

The AWIECO RemoteLauncher add-in for Small Business Server “Aurora” and Windows Home Server “Vail” Beta Refresh is a free and useful add-in, which gives you more administrative possibilities to manage your SBS or WHS remotely. With this add-in you have access to predefined System Tools like

• Windows Explorer
• Command line
• Event Viewer
• Services
• Control Panel
• Computer Manager
• Device Manager
• Registry Editor
• Task Manager
• Server Manager

on your Small Business or Home Server directly over the Dashboard. If you need other tools and applications to run over the Dashboard, you can simply add them by a right mouse click. Through this add-in, you can start applications installed on your Server from your client.

RemoteLauncher Dashboard Integration

The Add-In is right at home with the Dashboard.

Add You Own Applications

With RemoteLauncher you can add almost any application to the “My Applications” area. Right mouse click on select “Add” and then navigate to the application of your choice…

…and then watch it magically appear!

Lets see some video!

AWIECO RemoteLauncher Add-In Installation and Overview Video

AWIECO RemoteLauncher Add-In Use Case

Conclusion

I LOVE the RemoteLauncher from AWIECO! You will too! I spent more time playing with the Add-In then I did writing about it! This just shows that words cannot express how cool this Add-In is.

Go and download it today!

Tim