05.29.2007 — Ever since HP dropped its popular Digital Entertainment Center (DEC), I've discussed several alternatives to the moderately priced Media Center PC -- from the two big names Sony (XL3) and Alienware (Hangar 18), as well a the channel-friendly Niveus and Inteset, both of which are introducing entry-level versions of their higher-end systems.

Then there's Exceptional Innovation (EI), which recently announced it would launch a line of Media Center PCs, starting with the LMS 300 (not so cheap at $4,000+) but I've speculated that a lower-cost LMS 100 and 200 might be in the works.

But look out for ACE Computers, which is far bigger than Niveus, Inteset and EI combined (today, at least). The company ranked #11 in CRN's list of the largest custom PC manufacturers.

While the company is strong in the storage business and does a lot of government work, Ace is spending more and more time in the home systems channel, where it is perhaps most well known for its LHD Media Center -- you know, the one with the LCD window on the front.

Most recently, though, Ace has come out with the entry-level LMS Media Center PC targeted directly at the channel. How entry-level is it? I won't say here because it's sold only to dealers, but let's just say you can easily resell it for less than the DEC, Sony's XL3 and the Alienware Hangar 18.

The Lifeware-Ready PC "is consumer-friendly and has all the right connections," says ACE principal John Samborski.

Specifically, the PC features:

• AMD Live Platform
  
• Up to 2 Standard/HD tuners- Microsoft Vista Certified
  
• Quiet brushed aluminum chassis
  
• Support for Windows Media Video High Definition DVDs
  
• Slot-Load DVDRW Drive
  
• High-end audio -24 Bit/192KHz/ 8 HD channels
  
• Up to 2TB storage with backup software
  
• nVidia GeForce graphics with native HDMI port
  
• Component video port
  
• Anti-Vibration and Acoustically Dampened - low noise output
  
• Bluetooth and WiFi
  
• Gigabit Ethernet
  
• Windows Vista Home Premium

What doesn't it have? All that extra junkware that confounds the Media Center experience.

Ace has "the size and resources to make a first class user experience with 100% channel support," Samborski says.