While following the growth of Media Center in the home and shopping the shows for MCE boxes, I was wondering what other tech specialists felt about the boxes that are available?  Quality, price, support, features, etc.

What more can the manufacturers do to an MCE box to make it better?  What would you put on the wish list?

We all know the big names.  Ace, Alien, Inteset, LifeWare, Nivieus, and of course the tier one computer makers.  If there are others not on the list, tell me about them.

Cannon PC, http://www.cannonpc.com
S1 Digital, http://www.S1digital.com
Velocity Micro, http://www.velocitymicro.com

I’m not what you would call a “Tech Specialist” but i’m definitely a high tech enthusiast. Of particular interest to me are products that represent convergence between traditional media and computer-based devices.

A year or so ago, I really got the itch to get a media center. Through a good friend of mine, I came across the Cannon PC product after looking at a lot of the “Big Box” companies. Key on the list for me was a media center that didn’t LOOK like a piece of computer equipment. The Cannon PC line up hit the mark, though I was pretty sure i’d have to give up function over form.

Turns out after EXHAUSTIVE research and comparisons, the Cannon got top marks on both! Great looking product that fits nicely in with my other high-end stereo equipment. Properly configured, you could easily get rid of just about every other piece of stereo equipment and replace it with the Cannon PC. As a typical busy consumer, I rarely have time to watch live tv, so the units ability to record multiple channels via the built in cable cards was very appealing.

The Cannon PC unit has completely changed the way I manage my media. Once I have TV Shows, Video, Music, etc in digital form, I never have to look for the physical media. Everything is cataloged right on the unit! I also purchased a MS Wireless media keyboard so I can hit the web from my couch on my 32” HD TV. Couple that with a great remote and I’ve got it all in one box!

I can now drink my coffee, watch CNN Headline News, then switch over to the Internet, check email, shop online, etc etc. If I had the time, I’d digitize all my old Vinyl LP’s and Cassettes then get rid of every piece of stereo equipment except for the Media Center.

I keep tabs on what’s happening with the Cannon PC line up, seems like they’re constantly getting some kind of award or mention for something, so I feel like I definitely made the right choice.

My ONLY complaint is that their new stuff looks even better than my “Old” unit - but I really don’t have a good reason to upgrade. I haven’t even figured out all the features of this one yet. If you haven’t already you have to check out the new EX series (http://cannonpc.com/ex.html).. That is one sweet piece of hardware!!

Cody Flanagan