Microsoft and friends introduce new HD Extenders

Stephen Withers
Friday, 28 September 2007 03:44

Your IT - Entertainment

A handful of new Extenders for Windows Media Center use 802.11n networking to stream high definition video wirelessly around the home.

Linksys will offer a pair of Extenders, one incorporating an upscaling DVD player. Due to go on sale in the US in November, the DMA2100 and the DMA2200 will cost $US299 and $US349.99 and $299.99, respectively.

The D-Link DSM-750 MediaLounge HD Media Center Extender handles HD resolutions up to 1080i and supports WMV, DivX and Xvid content. It provides an Ethernet port as an alternative to Wi-Fi, plus a USB 2.0 port to deliver content stored on flash or hard drives and portable players that present as storage devices. The DSM-750 will ship in the US in November for $US349.99.

HP will deliver this capability through a software update to its existing TVs rather than in a separate piece of hardware. The 42in and 47in MediaSmart LCD 1080p HDTV will gain Extender functionality with a download planned for early 2008. While similar capabilities are already provided by the MediaSmart, the update will deliver additional features such as Windows Media Center Internet TV. The two MediaSmart models cost $US1999 and $US2499.

The Niveus Media Extender - EDGE also supports 1080p video, and should be available in November at an unannounced price.

"We are excited to reveal the first series of totally quiet, cool, and sleek-looking Media Center Extender devices, designed to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience to every TV set in your home," said Joe Belfiore, corporate vice president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices eHome division.

"These products are the initial third-party devices that can wirelessly connect a TV with a PC, with features including live high-definition TV, PVR, movies, pictures, music and online services. In addition, the Internet TV beta allows Windows Media Center as well as Extender users to enjoy free high-quality television from some of their favorite studios and networks in Media Center, directly over the Internet."