The Gadget: Linksys’ slightly fancier Windows Media Center Extender, which streams the Windows Vista/XP Media Center interface over the network so you can watch live or recorded TV and downloaded files on TV in HD.
The Price: $299
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The Performance: Fantastic. We were able to stream live 1080i over-the-air (OTA) HDTV with no glitches for the most part, and whatever glitches we did see were due to the fact that OTA reception in our area isn’t great and we had a small antenna. But when we watched pre-recorded content in both 720p and 1080p, there were zero glitches or dropouts. We tested this both with the wired internet and the Wireless 802.11N network via Linksys’s WRT600N Router, and it was super smooth even over Wi-Fi.
Its DVD playback was fine, and is convenient if you want to use this in a spare guest room or a bedroom to [...]
Original post by Jason Chen
The new Vudu XL is the higher capacity version of the Vudu download and play video box. This Vudu model can hold 500 standard definition movies for $999, with 1080p/24 output over HDMI and component with optical and coaxial digital sound. The Vudu XL allows you to rent and download standard- and high-definition movies from “every major US studio and 22 independents.” In fact, the are adding new HD movies by the end of January:
By the end of January, 70 HD movies will be available for customers to rent and watch instantly. More HD movies will be added to VUDU over the coming months as the studios make their films available.
Playback of the HD movies will be instant provided the Internet connection to the home network is consistently 4 Mbps or greater. Those with lower or fluctuating? bandwidth will experience some delay before viewing can begin.?
VUDU customers will [...]
Original post by Heather McLaughlin
The Pitch: D-Link has announced the DSM-210 — a new high res 10-inch LCD photo frame that features a website and a drag-and-drop desktop widget to help users manage their photos and download RSS feeds. It also includes slots for USB and memory cards and Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity. Available Q1 of 2008 for $249.
The Catch: Might want to wait for a review to find out if the process is really as easy as they make it seem.
D-LINK DEBUTS Wi-Fi INTERNET AND WIDGET CONTROLLED DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME
Frame Easily Managed Using Web or Drag and Drop Desktop Widget
LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 6, 2008 – D-Link, the end-to-end networking solutions provider for consumer and business, today announced future release of a digital photo frame that enables users to quickly and easily manage content displayed using a convenient website or with a drag and drop desktop widget.
The D-Link® Internet [...]
Original post by Sean Fallon