Aaron Stebner's WebLog

I followed hyperlink above (BIO- Program Mgr with Microsoft Media Center)to Windows Media Center. I tried to get info on Windows Media Center newsletter. Hyperlink does not work? I need to get updates on this technology/applications.

Currently, I am running DLINK DSM 320 RD "media lounge" connected via g 108 router (Dlink, DI 624) wi-fi network to my PC running WIN XP,Windows Media Connect server and Tversity media server.

After many hours of work the system is running well.

Pros:

1) I wirelessly stream photos, music, videos, home security cameras and live radio and tv programs from my Internet connected PC to my home theater instead of using computer or regular tv.

2) Super interface using media receiver hand held remote control in my "home theater" to select any media from my PC.

3) I have about 1/2 terabyte of media stored on different storage devices on my pc; Consists of 8 hard drives with different media for each hard drive. example: music or sound from hard drive K, digital photos from hard drive J, videos from hard drive H.

4) My hard drives can be easily swapped to another computer since they only hold data.

5) I am using Tversity media server on my PC (free) (www.tversity.com) for streaming radio/TV, and radio scanner transmissions on the internet. I can easily watch live TV or listen to live radio from around the world in almost any language. No satellite dish or fooling around. All media is streamed via Tversity "free" on the Internet. I can also listen to live scanner type communications from airports, police and fire from cities all over the US and europe. Great fun.

6) I send my home security camera images from a Quad switcher (from my hidden surveillance cameras around my residence) to my PC and wirelessly to my entertainment center. When someone approaches my residence. I can watch and listen to them while watching a DVD or enjoying other media and decide whether to answer the door using Picture in Picture (PIP) device. My system uses large video projected image as well as 700 watts of super sound through 6 speakers.

very cool.


CONS: No support from any of the software or hardware companies. I set up system on my own.

I would like to see faster times for the TV and radio buffer from Tversity.

I would like to see a GUI interface for Tversity. I uses only a command line set up at the server side, but I can still control functions via the remote control in my home theater. The buffer for the streaming content is way too slow. I like to "channel change" fast. It takes me about 1-5 minutes to go from live FM radio in Greece to live TV in Saudi Arabia. I would like much faster loading times.

I would like to see more support from Microsoft support. I found excellent info from Barb Bowman at Microsoft but that is all that was helpful.

Also I found general info at Microsoft Media Center severely lacking. Even though I have a good system running, it is not clear to me what the Microsoft Media capabilties are from just looking at your website. I have many unexplored opportunities with my system.

FUTURE APP #1: I am currently trying a new application as follows: My neighbor across the street will be traveling on a vacation for a week. His house has been burglarized several times this year (typical for California). I am setting up some of my security cameras to also watch his house while he is gone. I am using high resolution 600 H line, lowlight level/ IR micro board cameras and I will be sending the security video of his house "live" to a website where he can watch while on his vacation. I set up the website and password for him. I am also sending live sound from a shotgun microphone so he can hear and see what is going on. All he needs is his notebook computer and an internet connection - he is using Wi-FI hot spots while on vacation.

Future APP #2 I am arranging to have him do the same for me (security cameras at his house pointing at the outside of my residence)- if this system works. When I am on vacation I can watch my gardener, newspaper delivery, etc etc , exterior AND interior of my house etc..remotely and determine if I have any unwanted "visitors". Very cool. I have even thought of a way to use VOIP to talk to any visitor from my front door speaker while I am away. I need to figure out the time delays between video and audio first. I have one security camera watching my front door. Another camera is embedded in the front door using the "peep hole" lens.


CONS: The Dlink DSM 320 RD software does not work "out of the box". No Dlink customer support. I use WMC 2.0, or Tversity media servers instead.

Pros: 108 g works better than 54 g since I have many neighbors with Wi-Fi. The 108 g seems to handle packet collisions better.

Hi Aaron
Looks like your Daddy was justifably proud of you. I am proud of your accomplishments also.

Delynda, in our office, found your stuff on the net so thought I would write and just say hello.

We all wish you the very best.
Al Adams

Thought I should post something. My sister was asking me about a blog I had on the web a few weeks ago, and when I told her I never published a blog, she looked at me like I was crazy. I finally remembered to google my name tonight, and found your blog. Anyway, I'm Aaron Stebner too, but I live in Akron, OH and am a PhD Student in the college of engineering at The University of Akron. I do work in vibration analysis and control methods. I'm not sure if we're related up the line somewhere, but it's a small world...

It is definitely possible. I know that my great-grandfather is from Boston Heights, OH, and quite a few of his sons went to different parts of the country including Florida and I think Oklahoma. My dad had a pretty good family tree drawn out a few years ago, I'll check with him the next time I see him and see what I can find out. My grandfather and his offspring all stayed in the NE Ohio region. My grandfather was Hugh, and I know he had a brother Orville but I don't remember the rest of his siblings' names off of the top of my head. Oh yeah.. my sister is Amy as is my grandmother. None of the relatives I've grown up around are named Courtney.

I just spoke with my dad, and my Grandfather, Hugh, was actually born in Michigan. His father's name was Adolph, and my dad thinks he was born in Canada, and his parents came over from Germany, but he's not 100% positive. My dad said he'll get the family tree out sometime in the next few days, he was in the car when I talked to him. I'll keep you posted.

Hey you seem to know your stuff. Could you help me out with my problem?

So I was checking out how to get music, videos, and pictures from my PC to the Xbox 360. Apparently, I needed Microsoft Windows Media Connect. And I need to download it from " http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/ ". So I go through the downloading process, and at the end of the setup I am told that I need the .NET Framework installed. So after a little bit of searching around on the net, I finally download the " Microsoft .NET Framework SDK (English) 1.1 ". After a VERY long time, the download is complete. I re-run the setup for the Microsoft Windows Media Connect, and yet the same message comes up telling me I need the .NET Framework installed. What do I do now?