Samsung DM-T40 Media Center Edition 2005 Set-Top PC

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/598/samsung_dm-t40_media' target='_blank'>http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/598/samsung_dm-t40_media</a><br /><br /></div><i>"I guess I’m not the only one that thinks Windows Media Center 2005 is worthy of replacing your old TiVo. Samsung is hoping you do to! I think Samsung is the first consumer electronics company (besides Sony, since they make computers) that is entering the Windows Media Center market. Now don’t get too excited yet, I don’t think the DM-T40/H300 has made it here in the states yet since I only see mention of it on their Korean product site. I bet when it does come, the pricing will be close to the HP z545.</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/samsung_dm-t40.jpg" /><br /><br />No, you're not the only one. I too find myself lusting after Media Center PCs, which may very well be my next purchase when it comes time to upgrade from my current aging Dell PC. I stayed away from the Tivo craze because I didn't like the idea of having to pay a monthly subscription fee just to save my favorite TV programming to a hard drive. Media Center PCs look like the perfect solution for me.

[brianchris]

The BIGGEST problem with any version of MCE, *and* Tivo's, is the lack of integration with digital cable/satellite recievers/program guides. How does an MCE or Tivo control a DirecTV satellite reciever? Maybe I'm wrong, but my understanding is not well.

Honestly I'd LOVE a new MCE 2005, but not if it doesn't do what its supposed to when used with a satellite reciever. That and HDTV support are what's missing.

If I'm wrong, please correct me.

[that_kid]

WOW that's nice, my biggest complaint with MCE is the minimum number of tuners. I really like MCE but I need more tuners :roll: but man between this box and HP's little black box I'm in love.

[Felix Torres]

Uh, Samsung is not a pure CE company...
They make PCs and laptops.
They just don't sell them in the US to any great number.
They recently started, again, to press in that area with a new ultralight.
They generally pattern themselves after Sony---the old, pre Columbia, Sony---which is why they play in everything from components to phones to PCs...

BTW, I notice their MCE is *loaded* with legacy ports; PS/2, serial, Parallel, etc, instead of the pure USB and/or Firewire I/O of most of the other A/V form-factor boxes coming out...

Not sure of the value of that in a Media Box.
Maybe they're hedging their bets?