Ace Computers introduces consumer-priced CableCard systems

It looks like CES 2009 is about to be dominated by home media networking. There are already some announcements from HP and Iomega regarding their solutions, and there’s bound to be more on the show floor. However, most of these home media servers can only serve up whatever media you have on a computer, whether legally or illegally contained. There are solutions that make it easier to record other media, namely TV shows. Ace Computers is bringing that capability into consumer’s homes.

Ace Computers is introducing CableCard platforms into homes with their first sub-$1000 models. CableCard platforms are devices that allow users to view and record digital cable without having to go through a DVR or other such device. The new LMS 250 and AMS 250 platforms run on Windows Vista with CableCard support, so they can play back recorded television in addition to any sort of media stored on the 500GB hard drive. They both also feature 7.1 surround sound support, 12 USB 2.0 ports, Firewire, a 22x DVD-RW drive and an optional Blu-Ray drive.

The main differences between the platforms is the chipset they run on. The LMS 250 is based on the AMD “Maui” Home Theater Platform which supplies the 7.1 audio. it uses an AMD Triple Core 8300 X3 processor and an ATI Radeon Video card for native HDMI/VGA/Component output up to 1080p.

The AMS 250, on the other hand, is based on the Intel DG45ID Home Theater which provides Dolby Home Theater 7.1 audio. It uses an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and and Intel Clearview X4500HD video card for native HDMI/DVI output up to 1080p.

Its hard to say which model is preferable just yet. But, if you can afford a somewhat steep price of $999, either model should provide exactly what you want out of it.