i-mate experiments with HDTV, media PC hybrid
updated 03:25 pm EST, Mon February 19, 2007
i-mate X-Stream HDTV
i-mate has just delved into both HDTVs and PCs at once with the X-Stream. An LCD set on the surface, the frame contains a full Windows Vista Ultimate PC that serves both as the home for typical digital files as well as a personal video recorder for capturing live TV on a 500GB hard drive. A built-in Wi-Fi connection also lets the X-Stream reach online program guides and the media libraries of other Media Center-equipped systems around the home. Both the screen and the attendant PC can drive video as sharp as 720p or 1080i, i-mate says.
Just as new is the optional X-Stream Dock. Though primarily an extender that brings the host set's content to other TVs, the dock can also act as an access point for the main PC: a user can remotely control the X-Stream while leaving all the CPU and graphics-intensive work on its side, i-mate says. No price or launch date has been given for the main TV, though the company hopes to sell the dock for $195 or less. A full image of the X-Stream follows after the break. [via Wired]
