News

Imerge launches GUI update for the MediaServer MS5000 1080p AV media server (22/2/2010)

Imerge, the Cambridge-based pioneer of hard disk home media servers, has launched the long awaited Graphical User Interface (GUI) update for the ever-popular MediaServer MS5000 – the world’s first single-chassis 1080p audio/visual media server for multi-room applications. The GUI is identical to the groundbreaking interface developed recently by Imerge for its flagship MediaServer MS1, delivering the same unique benefits to the many MS5000 users in the UK and around the world. Simplicity and elegance are key to the way the GUI operates, delivering a slick, intuitive, graphically rich interface through which end-users interact with their music and movies.

The GUI itself is delivered in 1080p, displaying Full HD cover art (accessed via the internet) on 1080p-capable displays. What’s more, the MS5000 GUI benefits from the same ‘Day 3’ enhancements recently delivered to MS1 users, including the following new features:

evelopment in IEEE 802 that support audio and video applications over local area networking technologies."

1. Control Interface for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch
Specially developed iPhone app allowing full control of the MS5000 via an iPhone or iPod Touch. Makes full use of the iPhone’s multi-touch control.

2. ‘Digital Safe’ Data Backup
A dedicated backup area that allows the MS5000 to be used as a central storage and access point for all the user’s digital data – not just music and movies, but everything stored on a household’s computers, too. The MS5000’s built-in hard drives deliver RAID 5 protection, thereby offering a much higher level of data security than most other data back-up devices for residential use.

3. Parental Control Facility
Allows age restrictions to be set ‘per zone’. For example, the main cinema room in a home installation can be kept free of any rating limits, while media access in children’s bedrooms is limited according to age.

4. Advanced Metadata Editing
Unprecedented metadata editing tools, allowing all aspects relating to each piece of media – track details, movie credits, plot synopses and so on – to be edited or replaced at the touch of a button. Cover art may also be uploaded manually, complementing Imerge’s existing partnerships with the GD3, Gracenote and AMG online databases, thus delivering the most advanced cover art and metadata facilities currently available.

Upon its launch in 2007, the MS5000 was the world’s first true 1080p media server aimed at the residential custom installation sector. A convenient, single-chassis design for multi-room applications, it incorporates 3TB hard-disk storage (in RAID 5 configuration for high-grade data security) and delivers video and/or audio to up to four zones simultaneously, with 1080p video upscaling and audiophile-quality sound. It continues to be popular with installers and end-users alike, thanks to its one-box simplicity, robustness and value-for-money.

The launch of the new MS5000 GUI follows many months of comprehensive beta testing, ensuring that stability and functionality are in line with Imerge’s stringent standards. The user experience is greatly enhanced as a result of its implementation, once again demonstrating Imerge’s commitment to the continual improvement of its products, and the delivery of downloadable updates to enhance the experience of existing users.

“The new interface brings the Imerge family of products into line, and the MS5000 update will delight customers all over the world, who continue to enjoy their media the Imerge way,” said Charlie Mertz, Business Development Manager for Imerge. “We always listen to our customers and respond to their needs, and the new GUI will greatly enhance the experience of all MS5000 users.”

The updated MS5000 GUI is available now to all MS5000 owners as a free download. Existing users can update their servers by accessing the ‘online update’ option via the MS5000’s menu system. All MS5000 servers sold from this point on will have the new GUI pre-installed.

www.imerge.co.uk