09.06.2007 —
We broke the news on Alienware's new high-end Media Center PC for the channel. Now we have a few more details and the first image of the product.

Alienware's new HD Media Server comes loaded with up to four terabytes of hot-swappable hard drive storage. The system enables the recording and playing back of high definition content at up to1080p via an HDMI output, supports internal cable card (OCUR), and features a Dolby Digital 7.1 preamp output.

The product isn't like Alienware's typical funky-looking PCs for DIY tweaks. It's a hardy high-end product in a snazzy metal case.

From our earlier article on the product:

While many Media Center makers populate their machines with junkware that confounds the Media Center Experience, Alienware chucks all that stuff. “No way, that’s not us,” Kaminski says, drawing analogies to Alienware’s high-performance gaming PCs.

“We really want the customer to stay in the Media Center environment,” says [Alienware's Marc] Diana. For that reason, he says, Alienware’s PCs will have extra features not found in run-of-the-mill Media Center PCs.

For example, Blu-ray discs can be accessed and controlled from within Media Center. Typically, users have to exit Media Center to launch Blu-ray from the PC desktop. Similarly, Alienware “most likely will integrate iPod collections” into the Media Center’s music library, says Diana. “Other Media Centers won’t import iTunes songs. We will have an add-on to view iTunes in Media Center. We really want the customer to be in Media Center 99 percent of the time.”

That server's predecessor, the Hangar18: HD Entertainment Center, continues to build momentum by adding Blu-ray Disc. The Hangar18 will be showcased for the first time at CEDIA with an external cable card solution, which Alienware has committed to selling only through system integrators.



The products will be on display at the Exceptional Innovation booth running EI's Lifeware automation software.

Alienware's HD Media Server and Hangar18 are both part of the Alienware Digital Home Channel Program, which is tailored to the needs of all system integrators. System integrators receive toll-free access to top-level support engineers, access to "Channel Only" peripherals, specialized service offerings and more. For information on joining, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 1-888-253-4355 ext. 3.