As Valve continues to fiddle with Steam OS, the key cog in the Steam Machine initiative it announced way at CES back in 2014, system builders have been taking matters into their own hands. We've seen various small form-factor gaming PCs that boot directly into Steams Big Picture mode, a 10-foot user interface designed for big-screen TVs. Many of the options have just been smaller versions of big desktops, while others look more like Xbox One or PlayStation 4 video-game consoles.

Origin PC is taking a whole different approach with its new Omega line, a new generation of home-theater PCs we first spied at CES 2015. Unlike Origins own Chronos line and the majority of SFF gaming PCs currently available, the Omega is designed specifically for living-room deployments, with a choice of legitimate HTPC enclosures that will look right at home in an A/V rack. These are understated square and rectangular cases that forgo the usual LED light show, although Origin does offer the option of custom airbrushed paint in any design or color.

Prices starts at $999 for a modest configuration consisting of an Intel Pentium Anniversary Edition dual-core processor overclocked to 4.5GHz, an Asus H97 mini-ITX motherboard, 8GB of DDR3-1600 memory, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 graphics card, a 500GB hard drive, a Silverstone 450W power supply, and Windows 8.1 Home.

This chassis would look right at home in any home-theater equipment rack, but it's one of several cases you can choose from should you order an Origin Omega system.

Hardcore gamers with deeper pockets have the option of configuring far more muscular builds, with up to three GeForce GTX 980 graphics cards in SLIthats more than enough to push pixels around a 4K resolution Ultra HD TV. Faster and higher capacity storage options are available too, up to 14TB of space for installing large libraries of games and storing movies, music and other media.

On the OS side, the Omega can boot directly into Steams Big Picture mode, with optional mouse emulation software for Xbox controllers as a stop-gap solution until Steam OS finally arrives (which the Omega will also support). Likewise, movie buffs can stick with Windows 8.1 for easy access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and similar video-streaming services.

Why this matters:Its anyones guess when Valve will put the finishing touches on Steam OS, but system builders arent waiting. Origins Omega allows anxious gamers to jump the gun with a configurable system that looks like it belongs in the living room; one that can be upgraded to Steam OS, should the software prove be worth the wait. And with triple GTX 980 support, the Omega shouldnt skip a beat when you trade in that Full HD 1080p TV for a 4K model.

Paul Lilly is a freelance technology writer and an avid Boston sports fan. More by Paul Lilly

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Origin Omega brings hardcore gaming credibility to the home theater PC

Kansas City Builders | Rieke Custom Home Builders
http://blrieke.com | This is Kansas City Custom home builders BL Rieke #39;s home page video. From classic custom homes to rustic homes and everything in between.

By: B.L. Rieke Custom Homes

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Kansas City Builders | Rieke Custom Home Builders - Video

Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) March 06, 2015

Bremont Homes (http://www.BremontHomes.com), the Greater Toronto Areas finest home building company, is announcing that the estate homes it is building in Brampton for its Kings Manor Estates project are a fraction of the cost of similar homes in Mississauga and Oakville.

Fresh off last months announcement of the launch of the Kings Manor Estates project in Brampton, Bremont Homes is announcing that these residences within the Creditview community in Brampton will be offered at much more affordable prices than similar estate homes in nearby Mississauga and Oakville.

The homes were building for the Kings Manor Estates project are going to be incredible, says Gary Breda, president of Bremont Homes. And we arent sparing any luxuries. These homes will be situated in close proximity to the Lionhead Golf Club & Conference Centre and Eldorado Park. As for within the home, were including top luxury finishes with marble and hardwood floors and, of course, granite.

Breda assures that while these luxuries would typically come at a high cost if they were in most other jurisdictions, Bremont Homes Kings Manor Estates come at much more affordable costs.

We dont feel luxury should be completely out of reach for people who work hard and have made sound financial decisions, Breda concludes. Yes, we do promote the private and exclusive lifestyle that the Kings Manor Estates will provide, but that lifestyle does not come with as hefty a price tag as you would think.

Bremont Homes has recently concluded its Crown of Creditview custom homes, also in the Brampton area, and will have exciting news about that project coming soon. To learn more about the Kings Manor Estates, Crown of Creditview, and other custom home building projects from Bremont Homes, visit http://www.BremontHomes.com.

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Bremont Homes, Torontos Finest Home Builders, Announces Cost of Kings Manor Estates in Brampton Are a Fraction of ...

Get Your Dream Home With the Help Of Professional Custom Home Builders
Get Your Dream Home With the Help Of Professional Custom Home Builders.

By: Di Prima Custom Homes

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Get Your Dream Home With the Help Of Professional Custom Home Builders - Video

The West Real Estate Program on ch7 2015 S04E01 101 Residential Plug
101 Residential are custom home builders who create the home that #39;s perfect for you. Find out more at http://www.101residential.com.au.

By: Torque TV

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The West Real Estate Program on ch7 2015 S04E01 101 Residential Plug - Video

Finest Custom Home Builders in Northern VA
Since 1987, Schulz Homes Corp specializes in designing and building custom home plans that saves your money. Contact custom home builders in Northern VA to s...

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Finest Custom Home Builders in Northern VA - Video

Punta Gorda, FL (PRWEB) March 05, 2015

Arthur Rutenberg Homes is pleased to announce that SandStar Homes, LLC, an independent franchisee of Arthur Rutenberg Homes, has opened a new fully furnished and professionally decorated Arthur Rutenberg Homes luxury custom model home, the Turnberry, in the Punta Gorda Isles community.

The Turnberry 1336 is Arthur Rutenberg Homes' newest custom luxury model home in Florida. The luxury home features 2,499 square feet of inside living area, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a den as standard features.

The Turnberry is Arthur Rutenberg Homes newest fully furnished luxury model built in Punta Gorda, FL.

The home features an open great room floor plan with coffered ceiling and a view directly out to a lanai and cabana area from the front door. The master suite offers a large walk-in closet and spacious layout. The master bath features a spa-like shower, freestanding soaking tub, and his-and-hers vanities.

The gourmet kitchen is open and inviting to the aspiring chef, with granite countertops and a large island, deep sink, GE appliances, walk-in pantry, and a casual dining area overlooking the cabana and pool area.

The luxury custom home's den is located in the rear of the home for privacy and exceptional light. A vaulted ceiling offers a dramatic spacious feeling to this space.

A private guest area features a walk-in closet and bath, while the second guest bedroom has an adjacent bath that does double duty as a pool area bath.

The garage entry features an arrival area, coat/storage closet, and large laundry room with ample storage and counter space, as well as both a sink and hidden drying space for delicate items.

Click Here to see the Turnberry 1336 model home floor plan and get details on the model.

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New Arthur Rutenberg Home Luxury Custom Model Home Opens In the Punta Gorda Isles Community - Turnberry 1336

PEORIA - It's called your house, your hive, your den, your nest. You'll spend more time in it than any other place in your life. So why isn't there a one stop shop for all things dedicated to your dwelling? Oh wait, it just so happens there is!

Lisa Scott of the Home Builders Association says, "We have everything from lumber yards, to home builders, siding companies, roofing, windows."

When the Official Spring Home Show kicked off in the Civic Center, organizers hoped around twenty thousand people would pass through the doors.

Exclamations could be heard like "We need to redo our roof, our indoor windows on the 2nd floor."

Or

"Looking at possibly building or remodeling a house is we find one we like."

Lisa Scott explains, "Most are looking for what they're going to do for their spring home projects... Do a little dreaming about that house they want to build someday."

Scott Bosecker agrees, "This is the only place where you can get this many people at one time under one roof."

Bosecker is a home builder based out of Mapleton. He says the crowd at the Civic Center is exactly what his business needs.

"We're a small custom home builder we do 3 to 4 houses a year 30-40% of the work we get is from this show."

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Home Is Where the Heart Is

QUICKREAD

Kim Genevay retail sales manager Bank of America Home Loans 362 Main Street, Suite B Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-245-0347

By By Special to the Sentinel Monday, March 2, 2015

What does creating successful homeownership mean to you? It means being a trusted resource for clients, listening to their concerns and making sure they understand the home buying process from start to finish. It is my goal to guide borrowers into a loan that best meets their needs and helping them to understand all the options that are available to make sure that they are comfortable with the monthly payment and other terms of the loan. In this field, the best reward is being able to help someone become a homeowner. Purchasing your first home is one of the great achievements in life and I have the privilege to be along for the ride. Get the knowledge you need to help you make informed decisions about your home loan. Were committed to making the home lending process clear and giving you tools, information, and guidance to help you move forward with a decision and a home loan that is right for you.

What best practices do you use as an originator? The most important aspect of our business is being accessible to clients, builders and Realtors. Its vital to be available on the weekends when most people are out looking at homes with their Realtors. Next is timely and open communication. This applies to quickly returning client and business partner calls and emails, delivering news immediately if there is a challenge, and making clients understand that they can always pick up the phone and call me with any questions. I find that 5:30-7:30 p.m. are my busiest hours of the work day. Being able to take phone calls after hours I believe sends a message that I am working for the client on their schedule. My top priority is to be a caring and dedicated Mortgage Loan Originator providing the best, and hopefully stress-free, experience possible.

What goals do you set for yourself and your team? My goal with every transaction is making it to the closing table on time and being able to provide the best customer experience possible. Meeting closing dates on time and making the home buying experience pleasant for the customer is what will separate my team from the rest of the industry and allow for continued growth.

The Loan Rangers: Mission Statement Together, we are committed to responsibly originate quality loans. While providing a transparent and reliable experience for customers and business partners. This blueprint enables us to deliver and pursue the operational excellence necessary to be the industrys finest home loan provider. Sonya Kearl, Mortgage Loan Coordinator

Looking for help with your home? Call the HBA of Northwestern Colorado at (970) 245-0253 or visit http://www.hbanwco.com Builders participating in this years Custom Home Tour: Zag Built, LLC Pauls Residential Construction Davidson Homes Senergy Builders, LLC Porter Homes, LLC GJ Gardner Homes, LLC Conquest Construction, LLC Chaparral West, Inc. Copper Creek Builders

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Bank of America Home Loans is proud to sponsor this tour

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) -

Bay Carpets in Bay St. Louis is just one of many local businesses who haven't been paid by Mason Trendsetters. Owner Chuck Jung says he met with Randy Mason about a year ago and sold carpets, tile and wood flooring to the custom home builder.

Jung says Mason Trendsetters Development made payments up until about two months ago.

"Our checks come up from Texas, the home office, and they said no checks were coming from Texas and Mississippi at the current time, until further notice, "said Jung.

Mason Trendsetters' home office is located in Abilene, TX. So, how much money does Jung say Mason Trendsetters still owes him?

"Just shy of $50,000," Jung claims.

He's just one of many local businesses and subcontractors who contacted me saying they were owed money.

Two building supply companies are owed close to $350,000. Coast Concrete is owed $75,000, and Absolute Siding is owed $21,000. Two plumbers are owed $30,000 each.

"It's disheartening, "said Jung. I don't know how somebody can live with themselves doing that. It puts a strain on your business, on your personal life."

Besides business owners, home owners have also been affected. Joe McCaleb says he had to dip into his life savings when Mason Trendsetters stopped paying the subcontractors working on his home off Highway 15.

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Action Report: Custom home builder owes subcontractors hundreds of thousands of dollars