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Una Digital Media computer in black.
The computer is fast
becoming the new entertainment hub for the modern family. However most
computers in the home are trapped in the basement, the den or some other
non-centrally located area. In order to truly unleash all the exciting
possibilities that the modern computer has to offer, it needs to be located in
the family room where it can be enjoyed by everyone.
The Una is designed
to be the ultimate family room computer. Its exterior is aesthetically pleasing
and will match almost all decors. It is easy to use and comes with all the
software needed to provide a great entertainment experience for the whole
family. The name Una comes from the Spanish word for one.
Literally Una is an "everything in one" solution.
A typical Una installation consists of the following:
- Console. The console is essentially a regular PC with some specially chosen
components to provide the best output from an audio/video perspective. For
aesthetic reasons, in order to match the decor of almost any family room, the
Una is enclosed in a black or silver casing. The case is designed to be of a
height and width such that it can be easily integrated with your existing
audio and video (A/V) equipment. The internal components of the Una are
customised to your individual needs and budget.
- Display. The Una
will work with most high definition televisions (both standard and widescreen)
which have component inputs. Both front and rear projection systems are
supported. These televisions are commonly available at most electronics
stores. For more advanced installations, the Una can be coupled with a
large screen computer monitor (32", 36" and over). These large screen
computer monitors look exactly like televisions but provide a higher quality
display.
- Keyboard/Mouse/Remote. The major Una functions
can be operated solely via the supplied remote control. Thus the Una can
be operated in the same way that you use your television today. A
wireless keyboard and mouse are also provided for those operations that
require them (e.g. web browsing).
The Una addresses several shortcomings of the consumer electronics (CE) market
(i.e. consumer level DVD players, CD players, etc.):
- Open Architecture. Most
consumer electronics (CE) components are closed architecture. You cannot pick
and choose which picture tube Sony decides to match with which video tuner for
instance. Inevitably CE manufacturers make price/quality tradeoffs which you,
the end consumer, have no choice in. The Una allows the choice of
"best-in-class" hardware and software components to be mixed and matched to
achieve the highest quality solution. You as the end consumer remain in control
over which tradeoffs get made and why.
- Upgradeability. Nearly all CE
components are non upgradeable. For example, if you purchase a DVD player today
without DTS (Digital Theater Systems) sound capability you cannot simply have
the player "upgraded" later. You have to buy a new one. Since the Una is open
architecture, the software is off-the-shelf and in most cases can simply be
upgraded by downloading a software patch from the Internet.
- Ease of use. A CE based
system which includes all of the functionality of the Una also has a confusing
array of remotes and differing interfaces (especially if not all of the
components are from the same manufacturer). The Una has one remote and a
wireless keyboard/mouse (which is only necessary if there is information to be typed).
Most of the time the Una can be operated using the remote only.
Key Features
- Personal Video Recorder.
The Una will automatically record and store all of your favourite shows so
that they are ready to view whenever you are. No more messing around with
tapes! The Una can store up to 60 hours of video internally (can be upgraded to
store even more). The Una can even record two or more shows
simultaneously (depending on your configuration).
- DVD Player.
Play all your favourite DVDs with the built in high quality DVD player.
- Digital Photo Viewer.
Display all your photo albums on the big screen for everyone to enjoy. The
Una will load photos directly from your digital camera’s memory card and store
them internally. It can store thousands of your treasured photos ready to be
displayed at anytime with the built-in photo viewer.
- Enhanced Live TV.
Just missed that funny joke on your favourite sitcom? Need a bathroom break
but can’t wait for the commercials? No problem. The Una will let you rewind
and pause Live TV so you’ll never miss another moment.
- Music Jukebox.
Store all of your CDs, records and tapes on the Una. You can quickly access
any CD for playback using the Una’s Music Jukebox software. It’s easy to
create playlists of your favourite music for hours of effortless
entertainment. The days of missing or scratched CDs are over!
- Ultimate Game Machine.
Imagine playing all of your favourite games on the big screen!
- Burn all your favourite shows to DVD
or Video CD for playback on any standard DVD player
- Integrates easily with your existing
audio and video equipment
- Wireless keyboard, mouse and remote.
The wireless keyboard and mouse lets you control the Una from the comfort of
your couch. The included remote lets you operate the Una as easily as any
TV.
- Supports most HDTV (high definition)
televisions
- Of course, Una is a full fledged,
standard computer so you can install and run all of your favourite Windows
software. Imagine surfing the Internet on your big screen TV!
Pricing
Each Una is customised to the needs of the purchaser. Therefore it is
not possible to provide exact pricing here. However typical Una
configurations will be between $2000CAD and $3000CAD plus installation and
consulting fees.
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