Hi-Grade launch Viiv-enabled m DMS P60 media center PC

Hi-Grade has launched a Viiv-enabled mini media centre that promises to bring dual-core clout to the multitasking home network

21 March 2006 17:23 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Hi-Grade has launched a Viiv-enabled mini media center that promises to bring dual-core clout to the multitasking home network.

The new m DMS P60 is among the first wave of PCs to be compliant with Intel's Viiv media center technology, designed to make home multimedia networking easier and more capable than ever before.

Silver trimmed with smart black inlays, the m DMS P60 is a notebook-sized media PC based on the new Core Duo processor range.

Weighing just 1.3kg, it is light enough to be moved easily between rooms, while its 42mm profile and choice of horizontal or vertical positioning allow it to be slipped into any convenient corner.

Home networking is a key feature of the m DMS. Viiv is an Intel driven standard designed to improve interaction between one or more PCs and other compliant devices, such as TV set-top boxes, and screens and speakers located throughout the home.

The PCI Express architecture supported by the Intel 945GM chipset provides "Advanced Switching" technology to simplify the networking of different types of device while eliminating network congestion due to multiple data streams.

In the m DMS P60, Viiv home networking is complemented by built-in Gigabit Ethernet, wireless LAN and Bluetooth, plus an HDTV compatible SDVO DVI output. An analogue TV tuner with conventional coaxial TV input is included as standard; a digital tuner is optional. A multiformat DVD/CD rewriter and memory card reader are provided, as are a wireless keyboard and mouse, a remote control unit, three USB2.0 ports and one 1394 Firewire.

The m DMS also has an "instant on" feature activated by remote control, and can be used to stream media over the network even when switched to standby mode.

The m DMS P60 comes in two basic specifications, with others available on request. A P60 1600 with 1.67GHz Core Duo T2300 processor, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, an 80GB serial ATA hard disc, DVD+/-RW drive, Open Office and a 1-year warranty is available for just £799.

A P60 2000, as above but with a 2.0GHz Core Duo T2500, 1GB RAM and a 100GB hard disc, costs £997.

Full tags

Hardware, Desktop PCs, Hi-Grade