nessMediaCenter

nessMediaCenter is the suitable alternative for FrontRow to access local media and internet content. By using existing system features such as QuickTime, the program is very small (6 MB) and requires low processing power. With the QuickTime extensions "Flip4Mac" and "Perian" all popular movie formats are playable. Local media can be accessed by folders and hard drives as well as media data from Aperture, iPhoto, iTunes (including DRM), and Miro. Thus, the structure offered by the system - such as the picture and movie folders - is used directly instead of reorganizing the media in a new library.

The internet offer supports various providers such as BBC iPlayer, DailyMotion, German television, movie trailers, YouTube. In categories like movies, music videos and entertainment, more than 2500 internet videos of different providers are available. Using nessMediaCenter, pictures, movies and PDF documents can be presented both individually and sequentially. DVDs and EyeTV movies are supported as well. MediaCenter and media presentations can be controlled by Apple remote control, "NV Remote" app for iPhone / iPod touch, Magic mouse, trackpad or keyboard.

What is new in this release:

• Preferences:
  • Choice of the media center selection color
• MediaCenter:
  • modernized display of the selection
  • optional presentation start from the current entry
  • improved handling of DLNA availability
• Media Presentation:
  • Improved handling of (fullscreen) presentations on multiple screens

What is new in version 1.5.2:

• Common:
• DVD cover search by new provider: FreeCovers (Movie Info & MediaCenter)
• Intel: changeover to ScriptingBridge from AppleScript (currently only for iTunes controlling)
• NRW (Nikon camera RAW format) support for Mac OS X 10.7 or newer
• MediaCenter:
• Improved handling (scrolling):
• asynchron creation of "combined" previews (iPhoto albums, iTunes movie playlists, folders)
• asynchron search & load of DVD covers
• iTunes:
• improved support of (external) movie playlists
• improved start of protected movies and TV shows (DRM)
• Folders (pictures, movies, volumes): "combined" preview of included media
• Media Presentation:
• Pictures: improved presentation duration for "slower" computers or larger pictures

Requirements:

• Recommended QuickTime extensions: FlipForMac (WMV), Perian (AVI, DivX, MKV)
• DLNA / UPnP media server to access its media (videos and pictures)
• VLC to start EyeTV movies without EyeTV
• Miro to add video podcasts (RSS feeds)
• Apple Remote Control or NV Remote app for iPhone / iPod touch to use the media center optimally

Limitations:

30-minute trial