With On-Board D2 Amp, AMD’s Maui is Good Platform for Prof. Media Center Installs

American Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) has improved on its original Media Center solution, known as AMD Live! Home Cinema, with the new MS7411 motherboard nicknamed "Maui."

As with Live!, Maui features an integrated Class D amplifier for an all-in-one Media Center platform.

But the new solution is vastly improved over its predecessor, according to John Oliver, president of Aspen Media, one of the first companies to roll out a Media Center based on Maui.

"There are big improvements in graphics and sound over the previous attempt by AMD," says Oliver. "We were strictly an Intel house until this product arrived. With Maui you get Dolby Tru HD, DTS HD, discrete amplification or pre-output HDMI 1.3 with audio and component video options."

Because of AMD's SidePort memory, the graphics can sustain 1080p with ease, Oliver notes. "There is no start-up stuttering that is normally found with on-board graphic sets."

Since it does not require a high-heat graphics card, the Media Center won't kick on the computer fan to keep the unit cool. The result: peace and quiet.

Oliver also lauds the integrated amplifier that was "perfected by D2 Audio."

D2, which provides Maui's low-heat 7.1 surround-sound audio card, is the same company that supplies digital amps to custom-friendly companies like Netstreams.

With D2's contribution, says Oliver, the Maui solution "has exceeded the standards set forth by THX for sound quality."

In addition to D2's audio, the new AMD platform benefits from the AMD Phenom X4 quad core processor and a new tuner from AMD’s ATI division called the ATI TV Wonder 650.

Together, the system allows for watching, pausing and scheduling recordings on a PC, as well as the ability to watch Blu-ray DVDs. AMD claims the ATI TV Wonder card enhances on-screen content, improving color accuracy and providing crisp lines and high-definition images.

AMD is not being shy in trying to compare the new platform to those of market-leader Intel.

One AMD exec told CE Pro that "Blu-ray on an Intel-based system stinks," and that those systems require graphics cards and generate copious amounts of heat.

For its part, Aspen offers Maui in its CL2108 consumer product ($1,799 with Blu-ray and support for one CableCard tuner) and its PL2158 and PL3208 Pro-line products for the channel.

Is Integrated Media Center Good for CE Pro Channel?

Lifeware, developer of media servers and Media Center-based automation software for the custom channel, will roll out its first Maui-based product in Q1, according to CEO Seale Moorer.

Lifeware passed on the original version of AMD Live! because the company observed thermal issues and objected to some of AMD's proprietary implementations.

The second generation solution solved those issues, Moorer says.

He believes absolutely that Lifeware's forthcoming LMS 175 (target retail pricing: $3,000 to $4,000) has a place in the custom integrator's world.

"I like it because it is a great entry point for Media Center because of the digital amp on board," Moorer says. "You might put it in a bedroom where you want a little better sound," but don't want the hassles of putting in a bypass, amp, etc.

Moorer considers Lifeware's LMS 175 an "entry-level box, a great one-room solution."

You can add Media Center Extenders and "it makes a nice little Media Center ecosystem. … Think of a New York City loft."

Having said that, "You've gotta accept it for what it is," Moorer notes. It's not for audiophiles.

Moorer says that AVAD, Lifeware's distribution partner, has agreed to bring on the LMS 175 when it comes to market next year. The product will accommodate two CableCard tuners.

Why Not Build Your Own Board?

Moorer says Lifeware could not very well assemble on its own the kind of integrated platform that AMD offers.

"What's very difficult to do is to actually implement the digital audio card and DSP (digital signal processing)," he says. "AMD worked very closely with D2. The real value-add was DSP and the ability to dynamically adjust volume and power."

He points to an alternative solution: a standard Media Center with an external digital amp box like one from Simplifi Digital. "That's two boxes and two power supplies. This is one box, one power supply," Moorer says.

Plus, it's hard to beat the price points of a high-volume chipset provider.

The new CPU sells for $76 while the motherboard costs $220.

Jason Knott contributed to this report.