http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//build-a-mini-media-centre.htm http://apcmag.com//build-a-mini-media-centre.htm

Android-powered mini PCs have enough power to play 1080p H.264 video. Darren Yates explains how to get your videos played to and from anywhere on your home network.]]> Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//d-link-boxee-box-dsm-380-review.htm http://apcmag.com//d-link-boxee-box-dsm-380-review.htm

Video libraries and internet media set it apart.]]> Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:39:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//lg-launches-its-massive-84-inch-ultra-definition-3d-tv.htm http://apcmag.com//lg-launches-its-massive-84-inch-ultra-definition-3d-tv.htm

Offering the screen size and resolution of four 42-inch Full HD LCD TVs squeezed into one gigantic panel, LG ushers in a new 'UD' era.]]> Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:42:48 +1000 http://apcmag.com//one-for-the-cineastes-toshiba-dx730-review.htm http://apcmag.com//one-for-the-cineastes-toshiba-dx730-review.htm

A match made in heaven with Windows Media Center.]]> Tue, 26 Jun 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-best-media-centre-pc-you-can-build-today.htm http://apcmag.com//the-best-media-centre-pc-you-can-build-today.htm

We take a look at the top individual components needed to build the best media centre PC you can.]]> Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//cheap-as-chips-media-player-anyone-dxtreme-d1-mini-review.htm http://apcmag.com//cheap-as-chips-media-player-anyone-dxtreme-d1-mini-review.htm

Tiny, inexpensive and powerful, but what's the catch?]]> Sat, 22 Oct 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is-this-the-perfect-htpc-acer-revo-100-review.htm http://apcmag.com//is-this-the-perfect-htpc-acer-revo-100-review.htm

Thinner than the average Stephen King novel at just 29mm, this has to be the slimmest HTPC we've ever tested, not to mention the slickest.]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:05:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dlna-moves-media-around-your-home.htm http://apcmag.com//dlna-moves-media-around-your-home.htm

APC expert David Braue explains how this evolving technology enables you to easily share media throughout your home.]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-make-the-ideal-amd-fusion-home-theatre-pc-for-just-775.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-make-the-ideal-amd-fusion-home-theatre-pc-for-just-775.htm

So you want to put together a home-theatre PC based on AMD's E-350 processor? We outline the pieces of kit you'll need (and it'll set you back less than $800 all told).]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mini-pc-for-movie-lovers-shuttle-xs35gt-review.htm http://apcmag.com//mini-pc-for-movie-lovers-shuttle-xs35gt-review.htm

How much are you willing to pay for a high-spec HTPC? Shuttle's latest micro machine affords you a number of configuration options (and is tiny enough to mount to your monitor).]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-flagship-multimedia-laptop-acer-aspire-8943g-review.htm http://apcmag.com//the-flagship-multimedia-laptop-acer-aspire-8943g-review.htm

Big, bold and beautiful, this 18.4-inch monster is packed to the brim with everything the movie or game lover could want. Just add popcorn and a soda.]]> Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3d-and-hd-on-the-way-this-year-for-foxtel-on-xbox-360.htm http://apcmag.com//3d-and-hd-on-the-way-this-year-for-foxtel-on-xbox-360.htm

Plus: Kinect will likely provide voice and gesture control support, so if you can't find the remote, it's not such a biggie anymore.]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:38:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-music-is-on-its-way-but-where-when-and-how.htm http://apcmag.com//google-music-is-on-its-way-but-where-when-and-how.htm

Seamless integration between iTunes and the iDevices has proved a tough nut for competitors to crack. But all that could soon change as Google readies its own cloud music platform.]]> Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:11:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-it-works-d-links-boxee-box-explained.htm http://apcmag.com//how-it-works-d-links-boxee-box-explained.htm

More internet content is coming to TV sets - and now with inbuilt social media integration - courtesy of the Boxee. David Braue takes us through the platform. ]]> Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:40:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//pure-widescreen-for-the-cinema-buff-philips-cinema-219-review.htm http://apcmag.com//pure-widescreen-for-the-cinema-buff-philips-cinema-219-review.htm

Is it possible to be wider than widescreen? It would appear so. Philips' new ultra-wide TV resets the ratio to display movies the way they were intended.]]> Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:09:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//true-colours-sharp-aquos-quattron-lc-46le820x-tv-review.htm http://apcmag.com//true-colours-sharp-aquos-quattron-lc-46le820x-tv-review.htm

Whereas conventional displays utilise a mixture of red, green and blue, the Sharp LE820 series throws yellow into the mix - leading to some pretty fantastic results on screen.]]> Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:54:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//youtube-launches-full-length-hollywood-movies.htm http://apcmag.com//youtube-launches-full-length-hollywood-movies.htm

Google seems to be ramping up to the launch of its Google TV box with the launch of a new YouTube section devoted to full-length movies.]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:50:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-ipod-ios-can-stream-video-to-your-tv.htm http://apcmag.com//new-ipod-ios-can-stream-video-to-your-tv.htm

Apple's new 4.2 iOS will be able to stream both music AND video to your TV -- if you pick up one of Apple's new $129 Apple TVs.]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:04:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//abc-iview-coming-to-the-ipad-iphone-android.htm http://apcmag.com//abc-iview-coming-to-the-ipad-iphone-android.htm

ABC iView is coming to the iPad, iPhone and other smartphones soon, the ABC has revealed. ]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:16:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//on-test-sonys-200-abc-iview-player.htm http://apcmag.com//on-test-sonys-200-abc-iview-player.htm

Wish you could watch ABC's iView on your TV? Sony's new BluRay player is a super cheap way to do that.]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:07:21 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hd-movie-downloads-now-on-lg-bluray-players-tvs.htm http://apcmag.com//hd-movie-downloads-now-on-lg-bluray-players-tvs.htm

Finally, LG and Telstra have come up with a good reason for people to buy BluRay players -- and it has nothing to do with BluRay discs!]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:58:11 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-xbox360-slim-will-hit-au-on-july-1.htm http://apcmag.com//new-xbox360-slim-will-hit-au-on-july-1.htm

The newly designed "whisper quiet" XBox360 is set to land in Australia in just two weeks. But there's still no Blu-Ray.]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:25:11 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-unveils-new-mac-mini-slimmer-sexier-faster-but-pricier.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-unveils-new-mac-mini-slimmer-sexier-faster-but-pricier.htm

Already a popular home theatre rig with many Mac fans, the made-over Mac Mini now sports HDMI output and enhanced Nvidia graphics plus a sleeker unibody aluminium case.]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:27:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//video-watch-telstras-t-box-in-action.htm http://apcmag.com//video-watch-telstras-t-box-in-action.htm

VIDEO | Telstra's T-Box seems more akin to something Apple would have produced -- it's really quite impressive.]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:13:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstras-linux-based-t-box-to-launch-mid-june.htm http://apcmag.com//telstras-linux-based-t-box-to-launch-mid-june.htm

Telstra today revealed it would launch its Linux-based T-Box set-top box from mid-June for $299, with a sledload of free and pay content, plus new broadband plans.]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:05:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//miniscule-pc-delivers-1080p-video-and-71-channel-sound.htm http://apcmag.com//miniscule-pc-delivers-1080p-video-and-71-channel-sound.htm

It’s the size of a few decks of cards, but inside there’s an entire full-functional PC capable of playing 1080p video and home-theatre sound.]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:37:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//w00t-d-link-puts-boxee-into-a-home-theatre-box.htm http://apcmag.com//w00t-d-link-puts-boxee-into-a-home-theatre-box.htm

Chalk up one for the open-source geeks: Boxee, the legalised cousin of XBMC, is set to appear in an awesome looking D-Link home theatre device.]]> Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:14:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//in-pictures-inside-melbourne-international-gaming-expo.htm http://apcmag.com//in-pictures-inside-melbourne-international-gaming-expo.htm

Yes, these people are real visitors to the Melbourne International Digital Entertainment Festival (iDEF2009) -- they are "costume gamers". ]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:04:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tv-deal-time-again.htm http://apcmag.com//tv-deal-time-again.htm

Free BluRay players, digital cameras, PVRs... it must be the silly season again, where TV makers are competing savagely for your Christmas dollar.]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//slick-htpc-keyboard-is-a-chip-off-the-ol-smartphone.htm http://apcmag.com//slick-htpc-keyboard-is-a-chip-off-the-ol-smartphone.htm

Wireless Handheld Keyboard is perfect for in-car computers and HTPC fans looking to surf the net from the couch.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//bristol-crams-a-netbook-up-a-tvs-wazoo.htm http://apcmag.com//bristol-crams-a-netbook-up-a-tvs-wazoo.htm

Bristol TV sports a netbook inside and HD 1080p resolution.]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sony-annoucnes-slick-new-vaio-nw-notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//sony-annoucnes-slick-new-vaio-nw-notebook.htm

Sony's new VAIO NW is a Blu-ray bargain.]]> Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:50:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//toshiba-unveils-new-notebooks-with-discrete-graphics.htm http://apcmag.com//toshiba-unveils-new-notebooks-with-discrete-graphics.htm

New Toshiba notebooks sport ATI Radeon discrete graphics cards and more.]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:40:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//asus-eee-1000hv-tips-up-online-with-ati-gpu.htm http://apcmag.com//asus-eee-1000hv-tips-up-online-with-ati-gpu.htm

The Eee 1000HV is an odd combination of HD capable GPU with the lack of an HD capable screen or HDMI out.]]> Mon, 25 May 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//acer-breaking-the-netbook-mold.htm http://apcmag.com//acer-breaking-the-netbook-mold.htm

Acer is breaking the netbook mold with a 720p capable display, combined with a dedicated multimedia processor and a strange new optical drive.]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 23:48:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//asus-beefs-up-its-eee-box-for-hd-with-ati-radeon-gpu-and-hdmi-output.htm http://apcmag.com//asus-beefs-up-its-eee-box-for-hd-with-ati-radeon-gpu-and-hdmi-output.htm

The second-gen $699 Eee Box is a souped-up netbook in desktop clothing, but with dreams of becoming an adjunct to your home theatre system.]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:52:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//why-bluray-still-isnt-ready-for-prime-time.htm http://apcmag.com//why-bluray-still-isnt-ready-for-prime-time.htm

If you bought a new car, you wouldn’t expect to have to take it back the next day as all the fixes needed by factory recalls hadn’t been done would you?]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:09:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//acer-debuts-nvidia-ion-platform-with-new-mini-desktop.htm http://apcmag.com//acer-debuts-nvidia-ion-platform-with-new-mini-desktop.htm

Take an Intel Atom processor, pump up the graphics with an Nvidia GPU and you’ve got the new Ion platform for mini desktops and maybe even netbooks. ]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:38:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tvs_just_keep_on_getting_thinner.htm http://apcmag.com//tvs_just_keep_on_getting_thinner.htm

Time to throw away that existing LCD or Plasma --- it's a chunky beast. Or at least, that seems to be Samsung, Sony and Philips are thinking.]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:13:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//benq_w5000_home_theatre_projector.htm http://apcmag.com//benq_w5000_home_theatre_projector.htm

It’s big and it’s white and produces amazingly vivid 1080p images at a reasonable price. If you have the room and like a big picture, it’s definitely worth considering.]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:07:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//abc_launches_pcbased_streaming_tv.htm http://apcmag.com//abc_launches_pcbased_streaming_tv.htm

ABC's sexy new TV streaming service could suck up Aussie ISPs' download caps, but the national broadcaster is hoping ISPs will make it quota free. ]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:58:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//panasonic_unveils_first_home_theatre_bluray_pvr.htm http://apcmag.com//panasonic_unveils_first_home_theatre_bluray_pvr.htm

Fancy replacing your ol' trusty $39 DVD player with a PVR that has a 500GB hard disk that can also record TV programs and home movies at 1080P high definition to BluRay?]]> Wed, 28 May 2008 18:13:10 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internode_goes_altbacktothefuture.htm http://apcmag.com//internode_goes_altbacktothefuture.htm

Internode has given its broadband customers a free ticket to warez, porn, pirate TV shows and movie downloads.]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 08:22:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//universal_remote_with_home_automation.htm http://apcmag.com//universal_remote_with_home_automation.htm

The Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote aims to provide a solution to the remote shuffle by combining an easy to use universal remote with basic automation so you can easily access most functions of your home theatre system. Although significantly more expensive that the universal remotes available at electronic stores, the Harmony One offers considerably more functionality.]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 12:56:28 +1000 http://apcmag.com//acer_notebook_gets_full_hd_screen__bluray.htm http://apcmag.com//acer_notebook_gets_full_hd_screen__bluray.htm

Is this the shape of multimedia notebooks to come? Acer predicts a wave of larger screens with 16:9 aspect ratios and HD displays.]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:20:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//five_unexpected_effects_of_a_bluray_victory.htm http://apcmag.com//five_unexpected_effects_of_a_bluray_victory.htm

For consumers, the great HD format war is over, but there's five consequences of a Blu-ray victory that you might not have considered.]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:31:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//its_official_hd_dvd_is_dead_bluray_has_won.htm http://apcmag.com//its_official_hd_dvd_is_dead_bluray_has_won.htm

After a two year battle, Toshiba has hammered the final nail into the HD DVD coffin, announcing it's no longer supporting the high-definition video format and handing victory to rival Blu-ray.]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:31:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//seven_reasons_why_you_should_buy_an_apple_tv.htm http://apcmag.com//seven_reasons_why_you_should_buy_an_apple_tv.htm

If you've been sitting on the fence wondering whether an Apple TV is for you, now is the time to take a closer look -- version 2.0 of the product is a huge improvement.]]> Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:04:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//big_picture_big_problems_foxtel_previews_its_hd_service.htm http://apcmag.com//big_picture_big_problems_foxtel_previews_its_hd_service.htm

It won't be generally available until halfway through the year and the all-important detail of pricing is still under wraps, but there's already enough information on Foxtel's high-definition service to make us think we won't be racing out the door to get one.]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:13:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is_it_all_over_for_hddvd.htm http://apcmag.com//is_it_all_over_for_hddvd.htm

Sony is in the final stretch of killing HD-DVD, offering free Blu-ray playing PlayStation 3s with certain TVs, while Toshiba slashed the price of HD-DVD players today by 50%.]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:26:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd_promises_divx_support_in_cpus.htm http://apcmag.com//amd_promises_divx_support_in_cpus.htm

Ailing chipmaker AMD hopes to make one xilleon dollars by bundling DivX support into its new Xilleon range of CPUs. Sadly they won't be seen inside your home PC.]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:56:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how_to_fix_video_smearing_blurring_and_ghosting_on_ati_video_cards.htm http://apcmag.com//how_to_fix_video_smearing_blurring_and_ghosting_on_ati_video_cards.htm

If you're running an ATI video card in your machine, you might have noticed image ghosting, blurring and smearing when playing back DVDs and videos. Here's how to fix it.]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:52:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_admits_defeat_loses_its_joie_de_viiv.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_admits_defeat_loses_its_joie_de_viiv.htm

Intel's lacklustre bid to control the HTPC market has floundered, with Viiv finally falling from grace. We took a buzzsaw to the corpse before it even had time to cool, and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty.]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:16:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//and_the_oscar_for_the_quietest_hard_drive_goes_to_.htm http://apcmag.com//and_the_oscar_for_the_quietest_hard_drive_goes_to_.htm

Tired of noisy PVR hard drives interrupting your viewing pleasure? The latest offering from Hitachi might be just what you need.]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:14:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the_worlds_best_hdtv_just_got_better.htm http://apcmag.com//the_worlds_best_hdtv_just_got_better.htm

Pioneer 's PDP5000EX plasma was regarded by critics as the best high-definition TV in the world. Pioneer has now released its successor. It's better.]]> Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:32:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_2_web_browsing_security_and_multimedia_formats_dvds_and_entertainment.htm http://apcmag.com//open_source_challenge_part_2_web_browsing_security_and_multimedia_formats_dvds_and_entertainment.htm Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:44:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft_adopts_divx_for_latest_media_players.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft_adopts_divx_for_latest_media_players.htm

The software giant is not going to give up until it owns your lounge room -- and it's embracing new formats to do it.]]> Sun, 16 Sep 2007 21:54:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//four_new_lcd_hdtvs_compared.htm http://apcmag.com//four_new_lcd_hdtvs_compared.htm

Samsung, LG, Grundig and Sony all claim their latest generation LCD HDTVs are closing the gap on plasmas in picture quality and screen response times. We've tested them exhaustively to find out which is worth your dollars.]]> Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:41:52 +1000 http://apcmag.com//lots_missing_in_vistas_media_center.htm http://apcmag.com//lots_missing_in_vistas_media_center.htm

Vista has gone gold, technically, but I'd describe the Media Centre features as being a particular shade of brown. Here's are the top 5 features you won't be getting.]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:58:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mythtv_vs_windows_media_centre_is_linux_still_in_with_a_chance.htm http://apcmag.com//mythtv_vs_windows_media_centre_is_linux_still_in_with_a_chance.htm

When it comes to media center software, can the Linux solutions hold up against Windows XP Media Center and the looming Vista Home Premium with MCE built-in?]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2006 05:31:24 +1000