Samsung introduces the MediaLive adaptor, a device that can be used to deliver digital content (including HD content) in real-time from Windows Media Center on a PC running Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate operating systems to a (HD)TV via a wireless or wired home network. It can stream photos, music, feature films, home movies, and live and recorded TV programs.
It utilizes the HDMI-CEC standard to connect to your TV and enable you to use one remote control to access all features. The MediaLive has the ability to display content at up to Full HD resolution and supports AC3, H.264, JPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, WMA, and WMV. One PC can stream content to up-to five Samsung MediaLive boxes connected to a TV.
The box gives you also access to a wide range of entertainment options including online services such as Vongo, MovieLink, Showtime TV, XM Radio, and FOX Sports, as well as the ability to browse through top news stories from Reuters and NPR. Additionally, in the U.S., Windows Media Center features the Internet TV beta program, which offers access to viral videos, news stories, movie trailers, sports clips, cast interviews, movie concerts and more.
For access to live and recorded TV through the Samsung MediaLive, a TV tuner can be connected to the PC, turning it into a DVR with the ability to watch and record television shows and movies. In conjunction with FOX Sports, Samsung has added the ability to access SportsLounge to view up-to-date sports scores, statistics and schedules.
The device connects to a PC via a RJ45 connected LAN cable, or wirelessly through a built-in 802.11 a/b/g/n receiver and will be available in August 2008.
Seems like another solid device from Samsung. With more people beginning to drop the cash required for HDTVs, it's nice to have some easy ways to transfer content -- photos, movies, music, etc. -- directly to the TV.
The device is expected to retail at $200.
What I don't like is how all of these new devices seem to use Windows Media Center for everything! I'm not one of those entirely anti-Vista people, but ... blah.
The biggest problem to overcome is people don't want to use their PC's any longer and go to a solution between storage and media player without the PC linked in between of the need to run software (SMB and NFS solutions). Extenders only "extend" what you already can do without it...
Just my 2 cents.
I expect a lot in 2009 on this subject where media players will be fitted with mature interfaces (much like XBMC and PC Software) and DLNA takes quite a few steps ahead in the good direction (if we are to believe Billy Harrision from Promise who is deeply involved in DLNA devices).
Looks like a great device and not expensive but what does it do except extend the obvious... It needs abilities on it's own (internal hard drive, network protocol support to grab data) instead of depend on the PC... If you want to go the PC router, go DivX Connected... far superior than extenders...
Enjoy
Hi-Jack
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