Multimedia PCs and New Technology
When shopping for a new computer, you will come across many phrases that you may not be familiar with; many tout the benefits of a new technology. In relation to multimedia PCs and media centers, speed and the ability to multitask has prompted the development of new technologies. There are new operating systems available to help you manage and view your media and new processor abilities and configurations.
Here are just a few components that are recently obtainable or available soon:
Intel® Viiv™ Technology
Overview
This technology designed by Intel is specifically for multimedia PCs, game machines and media centers or component systems. It incorporates three key components including a dual core 64-bit processor, an advanced chipset and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition operating system.
Intel presents it as a ”new platform designed for the enjoyment of digital entertainment” and they collaborated with over 40 entertainment companies such as Movielink, Yahoo MusicMatch and Adobe to ensure compatibility.
Through Intel’s product page it is difficult to figure out what ”Viiv Technology” actually is versus what it does. They refer to the key components, which include the Pentium D, Intel Core Duo and Extreme Edition processors; these are all top-of-the-line processors and good for multimedia and games. The chipsets include the Intel 975X Express, which can support dual-core processors and the Extreme Edition with multiple 2X8 graphics cards, Intel® Memory Pipeline Technology (Intel® MPT), 8GB memory addressability to enable 64-bit computing, and ECC memory support. They also include an Intel Pro/100VM network connection, which is supposed to speed up the download time of high-quality digital content like movies and games.
Conclusion
In simple terms, Viiv Technology with a combination of high quality components equates to speed and the ability to multitask. For example, with a good system you should be able to download a movie, edit photos, run a security program and chat, all at the same time.
Microsoft Windows Vista
This runs with other windows programs and helps make it easy to find and organize files, information and programs. There are five versions, Business, Enterprise, Home Premium, Vista Ultimate and Home Basic.
Windows Vista has simplified the familiar start up menu and has added an integrated desktop search. While looking for documents, ”Live Icons” will reveal contents without having to open the file. With this program, you can even enter keywords to search the control panel to find out where to perform specific changes.
It has a ”live” task bar, so instead of opening programs listed in the taskbar, you can mouse over the taskbar item and a thumbnail view of the page or the contents of the file will display.
It has features called windows flip and windows flip 3D, so when you Alt+Tab through your open programs, a thumbnail of the page is displayed. Using flip 3D, you can use your mouse to scroll through 3D images of the pages.
Beyond helping you find files and programs, it includes security, a sidebar, Internet Explorer 7, SuperFetch, System Restore, an email organizer, Windows Backup, a network center, speech recognition, and much more. It has the ability to set user and parental controls as well as protection from malware (viruses, spyware).
Windows Vista Aero provides high-end visuals and can adjust to different hardware.
Microsoft reports that it will be available in 2006 and many PC providers list their product as ”Windows Vista Enabled.”
Conclusion
Windows Vista is designed to make using the computer easy for anyone. Even the most unorganized, computer illiterate person can use this program to find a file they forgot the name of or to help them figure out how to add a screen saver. It can even save you if you accidentally delete a file. It displays clear, attractive visuals and includes a good assortment of security and maintenance features.
Windows XP Media Center Edition
This program is offered through pre-installation only and is installed in most media centers and nearly all multimedia computers. This program is designed to manage and view media. It can help users play DVDs, watch and record television, play music, watch home videos, organize pictures, burn DVDs and CDs, provide online access and syncs to portable devices.
In terms of television, it supports TV and personal video recording for ATSC Digital TV (480p) and High Definition TV (720p/1080i) local network TV programming delivered via UHF antenna. It can support two tuners per computer, 2 analog or 1 analog and 1 DTV/HDTV tuner for local channels via over-the-air signal. With two tuners, you can record one television show while you are watching another.
The Update Rollup 2 is Windows Media Center Extender compatible. This utilizes the Xbox 360 to provide media center entertainment to any TV in the house.
It can be operated through a unique Media Center remote control and is compatible with a mouse and keyboard.
Conclusion
This is an excellent operating system for media centers, however if you are primarily using your multimedia PC for non-entertainment purposes, Windows XP Home or Professional Edition may be a better choice.
Dual Processors or Dual Core and Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology
These technologies speed up processes and allow multiple programs to run at once.
Dual Processors —
traditionally this meant two separate processors located on the same motherboard. According to Intel’s article, Dual Processors, Hyper-Threading Technology, and Multi-Core Systems, ”A multi-processor capable operating system can schedule two separate computer processes or two threads within a process to run simultaneously on these separate processors.” Currently, many manufactures are opting for a dual core processor.
Dual Core —
generally, this is two identical processors contained in the same IC (integrated circuit) package. Either they have their own on-die cache or they share. Both processors have their own communication path to the systems front side bus (FSB).
Multi Core —
more than two processors. Currently, many operating systems cannot handle multiple processors. However, some of the newer Microsoft Windows XP versions and many Unix/Linux-based operating systems can support multiple processors.
Hyper-Threading (HT) —
with this technology two threads can execute on the same processing core, parallel to each other. It is possible to implement this technology on a dual processor making available up to four threads at once.
Conclusion:
Is more better? Yes, if you are a gamer or want to run several complex programs at once. However, if you just employ your computer for common uses, a single processor with HT technology will do what you want and cost less. If you want to use your computer for multimedia, you may want to consider a Pentium D (dual core) 930 or higher. Gamers might want to invest in the Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition. Multi Core is beyond what most people need.
Technology is an ever-evolving phenomena whose main purpose seems to make things easier and faster. With computers, more is usually better and if you under-buy, you will be disappointed later when you cannot run the newest programs.
