Smart Home Blog

I wrote about HD networked media player Myka more then year ago. Since that time a lot of similar devices were released. Popcorn Hour is probably the best from them. But recently a new version of Myka was announced. And it looks exited! I cannot named it just player. It’s full featured HTPC!

The new Myka is based on nVidia Ion with GeForce 9400M and dual core Atom N330. It’s compact but has enough powerhouse for FullHD playback (thanks to Ion and VDPAU). It’s completely quiet because there is a passive cooling only. As the rest Ion based nettops Myka has VGA, DVI-I, HDMI, analog audio and coaxial/optical S/PDIF outputs, gigabit Ethernet, 6 USB and one eSata ports. It’s also sports optical drive and remote control with external USB IR receiver.

The Myka run the latest Ubuntu 9.10 as OS (yes, yes, it’s Linux-based!). However, Windows 7 can be installed as second operation system for additional $110. The Myka includes the most popular Linux media software such Boxee, XBMC and Hulu which allow to user watch video, listen music and see photos from internal HDD, USB storage, network shares or online services. I’d like to know if it’s possible to install software and modify configuration by user. If so the last feature can be added easily – possibility to watch and record satellite/terrestrial TV with VDR and USB DVB-S(2)/DVB-T tuner.

The Ion based HD player/HTPC Myka can be ordered from the producer web store at $379. Additionally Blu-ray drive ($255), 802.11 N card ($40) and 1TB HDD ($125) can be added. Good price for the good device in my mind!

See the Myka GUI screenshot and demo video after break

Myka GUI

[via eHomeUpgrade]