MasonIP brings heavy-duty video to home theater, pros
updated 03:05 pm EDT, Tue April 10, 2007
Wired MasonIP Video Server
Hardware designer Wired this afternoon revealed the MasonIP (PDF). Although designed as a network video decoder for editing professionals, the rackmount device is also targeted at serious home theaters where movies can sit on a computer or a networked hard drive. Any computer with a modern web browser can setup the MasonIP to connect to specific media servers, Wired says. The hardware displays its menu through a TV interface and has the performance to play virtually any file at full 1080p HD, including standards rarely available outside of Blu-Ray and HD DVD players: HDV from HD camcorders, VC-1, and even raw VIDEO_TS files from DVDs can be played alongside DivX, H.264, and similar formats.
Video output is basic but still geared towards enthusiasts and professionals alike, with DVI for digital connections as well as component, RCA, and S-video. Optical audio through SPDIF or Toslink is available for surround sound.
Wired plans to deliver the MasonIP to speciality stores in May at a price of $2,999.
