Mozaex launches the Chroma multi-room entertainment server-- a device series the company claims is the first to legally support Blu-ray playback, the iTunes store and the Ultraviolet movie service.

The Chroma does not ship with unlicensed decryption software, thus avoiding the legal troubles plaguing the likes of Kaleidescape.

The "iBLU" feature handles both iTunes and Blu-ray discs, while iPlay allows the control of iTunes libraries with iDevice Remote app, complete with Apple Airport support Continue reading...

The Nexus 7 tablet is not the only Google-branded hardware emerging from the I/O developer conference-- Google also reveals the Nexus Q, a spherical media player or "social streaming device."

At first glance the Nexus Q looks like a piece of modern sculpture or the "intoxication orb" from the Woody Allen film Sleeper. A matte black, satin-finish 4.6-inch sphere, the Nexus Q streams online content and boosts audio with a built-in 25-Watt class D amplifier.

The Q pulls content from either a limited Continue reading...

Windows 8 operating system will NOT feature built-in support for DVD or Blu-ray playback.

For the first time in 14 years, if you want to play discs, you’ll need to buy an aftermarket program. That's right: your customers will have to buy the right to play DVDs.

The main official reason Microsoft cites... "Our partners have shared clear concerns over the costs associated with codec licensing for traditional media playback..."

Micosoft says its costs "a significant amount" of money for the DVD codecs. From our point of view, for years most partners complaints have focused on the high price of Microsoft OS and Microsoft Office...and Redmond has not responded to that challenge.

Autonomic upgrades the popular cloud-enabled Mirage MMS-5 media server with the MMS-5A-- now with a re-designed chassis, a new UI and audiophile-grade playback.

The MMS-5A supports 24-bit/192kHz digital USB audio output, while Autonomic claims the upgraded "sexy" chassis is ultra-quiet through the removal of the internal fan. The new UI makes navigation through online media sources (Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, Last.fm, Spotify and TuneIn) easier.

Users can also add content from iDevices via AirPlay Continue reading...