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Top 5 tips for buying a PVR

So you've finally ditched your VHS recorder but are unsure what to replace it with. We look at the five features you should be looking at when buying a PVR.

Netgear Digital Entertainer Live (EVA2000)

The Netgear Digital Entertainer Live is an easy-to-use networked digital media streamer in a small package.

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Reviews

Western Digital WD TV

At this price, the WD TV's ease of use and format support is class leading.
Sony VAIO LT VCG-LT28G

We're still trying to work out who the target market for the highly expensive LT VAIO is. Design-crazed multimillionaires, perhaps.
Linksys Media Center Extender DMA2200

The MCE DMA2200 is probably the best media streaming device we've ever tested. It only works with Windows Vista, but for streaming media from a PC to the TV, it's ideal.
Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.4GHz)

With its super-elegant new design and a strong configuration, Apple's new iMac competes with the PC desktop market better than perhaps any previous Mac to date.
Xbox 360 Hard Drive (120 GB)

It's a 120GB hard drive, it comes with software and a cable to sync data between two drives, and it stores multimedia content. Its cost however is slightly prohibitive, making it a little hard to swallow even for hardcore gamers.
Altech Maestro Fusion

The Altech Maestro Fusion is a beautiful system, but you'll need a TV and sound system to complete the picture (literally).
Acer Aspire iDea 510

The Acer Aspire iDea 510 is a premium-priced media centre which boasts a 500GB hard drive and an operating noise of only 23db.
Windows Vista Home Premium

Vista Home Premium will likely be one of the most popular of the six varieties of Microsoft's latest operating system. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade, but if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.

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Features

PS3's got game: plus Blu-ray, MP3 and more

We take an in-depth look at PS3's non-gaming attributes and cover what you need to know about how it handles Blu-ray and DVD movies, music, photos, Internet browsing and more.
Windows Vista: past and future

Jeff Putt of Microsoft Australia discusses the future of Vista, and looks at the hardware hits (and misses) that have accompanied their operating systems.
Must-have HD TV add-ons

Hesitant to buy an HD TV because you are not sure what to get out of it? Find out what extras will make your HD TV experience perfect in our must-have list.
Feelin' the vibe at Intel's Viiv launch

Intel, accompanied by a slew of launch partners, today unleashed Viiv on the Australian market.

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News

High-def buyers face upgrade headaches

Australians may be snapping up high definition (HD) capable equipment, but movie studios and technology vendors face a potential public relations disaster if they can't help consumers avoid compatibility problems that could potentially force consumers to repurchase equipment down the road.
Microsoft's Bach looks for harmony in entertainment

Unit chief Robbie Bach's toughest task may be dovetailing the company's entertainment efforts.
Dell Web site snubs Intel's Viiv

PC maker Dell elects not to promote the home entertainment marketing campaign on its Web site.
AMD debuts its Live media-centre products

Advanced Micro Devices' Live PC and AMD Live Entertainment Suite among products challenging Intel in digital entertainment arena.

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DIYs and How-to

Watch downloads on your TV

Media wants to be free, but it should be accessible everywhere in your house too, especially on your TV. Find out how to play the files on your PC on a bigger screen.
DIY: Desktop buying guide

What you need to know -- from finding the type of PC that fits your lifestyle to catching up on all of the latest trends.
Having fun with Windows Vista

Windows Vista Media Center: There's more to Windows Vista than file structure and graphics engines.
CNET.com.au's quick guide to handheld operating systems

In this quick guide, we take a look at the functionality and applications of the four main handheld operating systems -- Palm, Windows Mobile, Symbian and BlackBerry.

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Downloads

Kai's Media Center.Net

With Media Center you have all multimedia contents in one surface
Rudeo MCE Control (for XP Media Center)

Use a Wireless Pocket PC to Control, Manage and Play Media on your XP Media Center PC. It keeps media database on Pocket PC and allows for quick...

Get (laptop) smart before you buy

Win the numbers game and get the laptop that's perfect your needs as well as your budget!
Microsoft Windows® 7. Your PC, simplified.

Windows® 7 has been designed to be more reliable, more responsive, and to make the things you do every day easier.
Whereis® maps

If you’d like to get to know more of Australia, and do it safely, then check out Whereis® maps.