Sharp tries low-cost, 1080p wireless photo streaming

Sharp on Friday unveiled the HN-IR1, a simple gateway for streaming photos to TVs. Instead of relying on networking and storage of its own, the device uses an IR receiver to transmit images from a cellphone, notebook, or other portables with their own IR port. The IR1's signal is fast enough to broadcast the images even at the 1080p resolution of capable sets. Sharp adds that the adapter can also be plugged directly into its AQUOS recorders or any other set-top burner for creating photo albums.

The price should make the HN-IR1 a viable alternative to networked media hubs when it goes on sale April 25th in Japan for $116.