Product Description

HP M8150N Pavilion Media Center TV Desktop PC. The HP Pavilion Media Center TV desktop PC is designed and built for your digital life. Take control of your digital entertainment with a PC that helps you consolidate, organize, and play your favorite TV shows, movies, music, photos and videos. A built in drive bay fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive, for up to 500GB of additional storage that you can carry with you when you go /sold separately. The HP Media Center Remote Control provides access to your digital music, photos, and videos from across the room. The front panel 15 in 1 memory card reader makes it easy to transfer photos, music, and other files to and from your digital camera and other peripheral devices. The SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology lets you create custom, silkscreen quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe enabled CD and DVD discs. The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the new Intel Core microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness in multi threaded and multi tasking business and home use environments.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2570 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Hewlett-Packard
• Model: M8150N
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 15.16" h x 10.75" w x 7.60" l, 32.00 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.4 GHz
• Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 640GB
• Processors: 4

Features

• Powerful multimedia desktop with TV tuner (NTSC/ATSC), personal video recording functionality, and programming guide
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 QUAD Q6600 dual-core processor, dual 320 GB hard drives (640 GB total), 3 GB RAM (8 GB max), HD DVD drive, 16x LightScribe DVD drive
• Connectivity: 6 USB, 2 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 composite A/V digital audio output, surround sound speaker output, 15-in-1 memory card reader
• 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS video card (with 256 MB of video memory
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Ultimate (with Premium and Business capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
The easy-to-use HP m8150n Media Center PC is the complete home PC system that delivers more entertainment choices, and brings them together in one place with easy access from anywhere in the room. This desktop incorporates an HD DVD drive that's compatible with the new high-definition DVD disc format. Enjoy amazingly crisp and vibrantly colorful imagery from this new format. You can also watch, record, and pause live TV programming as well as schedule the PC to record upcoming episodes or entire series. The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--up to 390 hours on the dual 320 GB hard drives (for a 640 GB total). An online Electronic Program Guide (EPG) lets you review the TV schedule and select individual episodes or entire series, so you can watch your favorite shows on your own time, at your own convenience. And you can easily burn TV shows and home video to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. LightScribe technology burns custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled discs, right inside the drive.

This desktop is one of the first offered by HP to be powered by the 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad E6420 quad-core processor, which blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. A built-in drive bay fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive (PMD), for up to 500 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (PMD not included). It also features 2 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS video card (with 256 MB of dedicated video memory), 15-in-1 memory card reader, up to 8 channels of surround sound output, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a remote control with up to 16 feet of range.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, which combines all the features of Windows Vista Premium and Vista Business as well as adds extras such as multi-language packs and Secure Online Key Backup. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: This desktop is one of the first consumer PCs to be outfitted with the 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad E6600, which provides four times the power with a four execution cores. Whether you're creating multimedia, annihilating your gaming enemies, or running compute-intensive applications at one time, the E6600 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. With four processing cores, 8 MB of shared L2 cache, and a 1066 MHz front side bus, you'll enjoy a more intense entertainment experience as well as faster multimedia rendering for video editing and 3-D gaming. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Other features include:

  • Intel Wide Dynamic Execution enables delivery of more instructions per clock cycle to improve execution time and energy efficiency.
  • Intel Intelligent Power Capability is designed to deliver improved energy-efficiency.
  • Intel Smart Memory Access improves system performance by optimizing the use of the available data bandwidth
  • Intel Advanced Smart Cache provides a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem.
  • Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost accelerates a broad range of applications, including video, speech and image, photo processing, encryption, financial, engineering and scientific applications.

• Hard Drive: The dual 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives (7200 RPM) provide an astounding 640 GB storage capacity--enough for storing up to 390 hours of television programming, a vast multimedia collection, or for editing digital video. These SATA hard drives also quicken the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 1 GB, 2 x 512 MB) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and gaming software. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This desktop has an enormous 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This HP desktop offers the next generation of DVD entertainment with the HD DVD-ROM optical drive (2.4x), which provides the superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound as well as backward compatibility with standard DVD movie discs as well as content burned onto DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM.

  It also includes a second drive--a multiformat DVD/CD burner that's compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds. This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This desktop comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both PS/2) and remote control.

Video & Audio
Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400 GS graphics card, which provides 256 MB of discrete RAM for excellent HD video performance. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), it lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. For expansion, this desktop features a drive bay that fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive--which enables you to add 500 GB of storage for your video and music libraries. It has two PCI expansion slots (one available), one PCI x16 Express slot (not available), one PCI x1 Express slot (not available), two 5.25-inch bays (none available), three 3.5-inch bays (one available), and the following external ports:

• 6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 4 in rear)
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
• Composite video, S-Video, and analog audio inputs
• VGA, DVI, and S-Video video out
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• Digital SPDIF audio output and input
• Surround sound speakers--rear, side, center
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 15-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Pro/Duo/Pro Duo, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, XD Picture Card, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+

It includes an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
The Windows Vista Ultimate operating system has it all--an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, and premium home digital entertainment features. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes Extras such as:

• Windows Hold'em, a poker game for players of all skill levels
• Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.
• Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection
• BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works 8, Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 Trial, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update), Roxio Creator/MyDVD (with LightScribe technology), Muvee autoProducer (for creating professional-looking home videos and burning to DVD), HP PhotoSmart Essential, and HP Total Care Advisor.

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 15.16 x 7.6 x 16.54 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 32 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Media Center m8150n desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, remote control, and power cord. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 90 days from date of purchase.

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Customer Reviews

Pretty Good So Far - but problems along the way.
I've spent the last few days setting up the M8150N. So far, so good but there are a few surprises.

First off, I've seen comments on similar grade PCs about how loud the fans are on media center PCs. Right now I have it on a table top about two feet from my (aging) ears and it runs silent. It's a quiet workstation.

The second thing to point out is that this is a very up-to-date computer. No serial ports, no parallel ports, no RGB socket. In other words unless you have adapters, none of your old stuff will hook up. Fortunately there was an RGB adapter in the box so my old ViewSonic flat screen plugged in and works fine.

Third, the HP documentation is very generic. Meaning, it illustrates where to plug in the monitor and printers. Problem is, they don't exist on the back of the PC. It would have been nice if the HP documentation mentioned there was an RGB adapter in the box.

Fourth, I was impressed with the hard drive space - 640 GBs. While the diagnostics showed I had two 320 GB drives, my C drive showed as 50 GBs. At first I thought the DVR worked like TiVO and took up the space with a special format. I was wrong. I got online with HP and found out that there was 138 GB of unformatted space on the drive partitioned for C and E. The tech walked me through the formatting and I then had a new L drive.

Unfortunately the story goes a little more down hill. The image shipped with the 8150 left that 138GB hole in the hard drive. While I was able to get the space back, the tech is sending out a set or restore DVD. HP, he explained, does not support a non-standard image (even if it was there mistake I guess.) Bottom line, if I restore the O/S, good bye to all my updates, documents and installs. So before you do anything, check your disk space.


(Some more information: The tech support rep could have had me go another way. Using the disk utilities I formatted the open space and expanded the "C" drive. Fixed the situation. Just depends on how savvy the tech is.)


Fifth, the Media Center TV control (DVR) was pretty easy to setup. However, it was late at night and I couldn't get it to recognize my remote controller for the satellite cable box. The reason I point out it was late at night is that after a good nights sleep I realized I was pointing the remote at the wrong infrared receiver. Whether it was poor documentation on the part of the Media Center Setup guide or the fact that I don't do my best computer work at 2am I leave for the readers to debate.

Six, the transfer utility that Vista provides is very basic. It proved to be easier to network the two computers and do my own transfers. My home has structured wiring I have several computers. If you're replacing your current PC with any new one and you can't network them, well, it won't be fun. One option is thumb drive transfers. That will keep you busy.

Oh, a few other reminders. The HD drive is read only. I hope its format sticks around and survives the war with Blue Ray. The ability to burn DVD from captured media sounds great but remember that the Media Center DVR won't write a protected program or movie to your DVD.

Anyway, with the rebates and all the bells and whistles, this is a heck of a computer. But my adventures are only three days old so I will update this review if anything else fun happens.

Update:

I've also found some new quirks in the past few days. The DVR, when recording from my satellite tuner, can't make use of the Digital Coax. I have to use my RCA jacks. This problem was confirmed by HP support.

Another little strange event is that the DVD drives think all DVDs are enhanced DVDs. (The HP techs tell me that enhanced DVDs are HD.) This makes for a small problem if you choose (or if Autoplay chooses for you) the enhanced DVD player. It won't work.

Lots of bang for the buck
I have the (now defunct) HP Pavilion Desktop Model m8040n bought from Amazon.com with $150 rebate. It turns out to be about the same price as this new(er) model with virtually the same H/W specs, except this model has the new "quad" Q6600 processor and 8400 nVIDIA graphics cards. My older model came with Intel's "6420" Duo (dual) processor core and nVidia 7600GT graphics card, but otherwise the same.

The only problem I've had is with the HD DVD drive. It had a loose power harness connection inside the case, and does not work when playing any HD DVDs with my so-called Vista "certified" and 100% HDCP compliant digital display. However, it works properly after I reconfigured the graphics card to output in analog mode through a VGA interface cable.

Fortunately, my 24" Samsung LCD monitor (also purchased from Amazon.com at a good price) supports both display modes, and both in 1920 x 1200 high resolution. I found out quite by accident (Thanks HP) that my HD DVD drive - actually made by Toshiba - lacked the latest firmware update. I downloaded this from the Cyberlink website and purchase their Ultra PowerDVD ($100). Unfortunately, neither fixed my digital display problem with HD DVDs.

The TV (dsual) tuner card has one rather irritating deficency which this 8150 model may have also. There is no adaptor provided, nor a way internally to interconnect both the analog and digital inputs together from one F-connector coax TV antenna cable. I live in area with good, multiple channel, "OTA" digita TV reception, so I just decided not to use the system's built-in analog TV tuner.

Something important to any decision to purchase a new "Vista" PC is something called the Performance Experience Index. This is a new rating system exclusive to Microsoft Vista operating systems. Since this PC comes with Vista "Ultimate" and has a high performace 2.4GHZ quad processor and newest generation graphics card, even the average person would probably like to know what rating they are getting in a new PC.

The PEI is based on a rating scale of 1.0 to 5.9, from worst to best possible performance. The overall rating is derived from five sub categories, where the lowest individual score determines the overall rating.

To find out this machine's PEI rating, go in to the Control will be pleasantly surprised that this model PC scores near the highest possible score, meaning the "guts" of this machine are all excellent for high performance PC applications. This will make you glad you bought a desktop instead of a megabuck laptop with similar bells and whistles but nearly as good overall performance.

When I reformatted my dual 320GB HDDs to be in the RAID 0 configuration, my PEI (for the individual performance rating dedicated to HDDs) went up
to the highest rating (5.9). I also replaced my graphics card with a slightly faster adapter and got another slight boost in performance for gaming applications (increased from 5.4 to 5.5). Desktop graphics performance for Vista 3D Aero was already at the highest PEI (5.9).

This model has an nVIDIA 8400, although a newer generation chipset, I suspect the graphics performance has been slightly compromised in favor of support for Vista's DirectX 10.0; but YMMV.

Overall, this is a solid machine with a rich feature set and a wide range of multimedia capabilities, that should more than satisfy all but the most enthusiastic power PC users.

I have the need for speed!!!
The speed and memory of this system is incredible. It is the fastest system I have ever used, let alone owned, to date. I can run multiple "memory hungry" graphic and video software programs (Adobe CS3 Master "Master" Collection) at the same time with no slow down or hesitation. I also like all of the programs that come with the system that allow me to schedule and record a TV show, edit out the commercials and burn it to a DVD. I can also plug in virtually any analog or digital still, or video, camera and save it to CD or DVD.