6/23/08 – Alienware has made a bold entry into the home theater PC marketplace with the Hangar18 unit. It had some initial issue when it was first released that were addressed. Now they have added HD to the product name to reflect its additional features. Let's see what Alienware offers in their updated and very stylish HTPC ...
Processors:
The one area that the Hangar 18 HD might have a real issue with is the processor. It is still based on the AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor lineup that has since been replaced by AMD with the newer and more efficient Phenom processor lineup. Add to this that there are only two models, the 4200+ and 4600+, available that are both fairly low on the speed spectrum for desktop grade processors. It would be nice to see Alienware update the system to use either the newer Phenom processors or the Intel Core 2 Quad lineup for better high definition video handling.
Memory:
Every model of the Alienware Hangar18 HD comes with the same type of memory. All models feature PC2-6400 DDR memory running at 800MHz. The amount of memory that comes in the systems is tied to the CPU selection and the percentage performance increase. The base amount is 2GB while the upgraded levels have 4GB of RAM. Both will allow smooth performance but the 4GB will allow for a greater level of multitasking with the computer.
Hard Drives:
Hard drive space is actually the first item that a user selects when customizing the Hangar18 HD. Rather than just listing the number and sizes of drives, Alienware instead lists the options in terms of hours of video. It is important to know that these are estimated amounts of recording space. After all, the amount of space will depend on the video stream and of course other data stored on it. The drive options include 250GB, 500GB, 750GB and one terabyte drive options with a maximum amount of 2TB offering up to 960 hours of video.
CD/DVD Drives:
Previous versions of the Alienware Hanger 18 featured either a HD-DVD or Blu-Ray playback drive. Since the format wars are now over, Alienware offers a Blu-ray player that is also capable of playback and burning of CDs and DVDs standard. Those that wish to can upgrade to a version that supports a Blu-ray burner, something that was not available in the original version of the system. All of versions are able to output high definition movies in 1080p.
Graphics and Display:
Since high definition is such an important aspect of the revised Hanger18 HD, the graphics processors were changed. The system used to use either an integrated GeForce processor that limited output to 720p or an upgraded GeForce 7600 for 1080p. Alienware now uses just a single ATI Radeon HD 2400 graphics card that can support up to 1080p resolutions. It also features support for HDMI to allow it to support the latest HDTV monitors. Don't expect much in terms of using the system for 3D gaming with this board though.
TV Tuners:
The TV tuners for the Hangar18 HD model use a digital ATSC tuner that supports one digital and one analog receiver. It is possible to upgrade the system so that it also has a second ATSC tuner for two HDTV compatible and two standard analog tuners. It is a shame that Alienware does not feature a CableCard compatible option with hte system though. Most people receive their HDTV signals via cable or satellite singles that CableCard could potentially allow rather than relying on over the air broadcasts.
Audio:
All audio for the Hangar18 is handled by the onboard integrated audio processor. The big difference here with the Hangar18 HD is the built in 200W audio amplifier and connectors for plugging standard home theater surround sound speakers and a subwoofer directly into the unit without the need for an external amplifier or using a computer specific set of speakers. This can greatly improve the audio quality and reduces the amount of additional gear required for the home theater setup.
Software:
For the purposes of the home theater setup, Alienware users the Microsoft Vista Home Premium operating system. Because of the multimedia based aspects of video and audio playback with a compatible remote and equipment, there isn't really a need for any other multimedia software suites. Don't expect too much more than the OS when it comes to the software.
Overall Impressions:
The Hangar18 HD is certainly one of the best looking home theater PCs on the market. Its design integrates well with the traditional home theater component look and feel. The added LED display on the front panel to help display information and the traditional knob controls certainly complete that look. The back panel also features a wide variety of output connectors for it to be used with other devices.
There are just a couple of problems that prevent this from being a truly standout home theater PC system. All of them are compromises from their original design goals for the Hangar18. Most people do not use over the air receivers for receiving HDTV signals. Without a CableCard option standard, this is going to severely limit the audience of the Hanger18 HD. It is very difficult to add such an item aftermarket due to the Cable Labs certifications required to use the CableCard tuners. At least they have upgraded the system so that Blu-ray is now standard.
While the Hangar18 HD features a large number of outputs for connecting it to a home theater receiver, PC monitor and HDTV, the unit only has a single set of input connectors. This set allows one external device to be hooked up to the Hangar18 and uses standard RCA video and audio or an S-Video. Shouldn't it also have some form of high definition input so you can run any number of high definition devices such as video game consoles or external HD video gear with it?
Finally, the overall computing power of the Hanger18 HD lags significantly behind the rest of the computing market. It may not seem like much when it comes to recording and viewing video streams, but it makes a huge different if you need to transcode that video to record it out to DVD or Blu-ray or just editing a video file. Alienware should really work on updating it to stay competitive.
If you can look beyond these flaws, then the Alienware is certainly one of if not the best home theater PC unit on the market in terms of integration and design. The problem is that other companies have addressed at least a few of these issues making the Alienware a step behind. Maybe once they iron out the technical issues, this will become the HTPC to get.
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