D-Link, Linksys debut MCEs

In conjunction with Microsoft, Linksys (Cisco) and D-Link on Thursday debuted new Media Center Extender devices to help users access content from their PCs and internet. Designed to compete with Apple's own living room device, Apple TV, the companies partnered with Microsoft to allows users to stream and access content from the internet as well as other video content from the desktop. Linksys unveiled two new digital devices: its Media Center Extender with DVD Player (DMA2200) combines an upscaling DVD player with a dual-band Wireless-N Extender for Windows Media Center, combining Extender for Media Center functionality with DVD playback capabilities in a single device. A smaller form factor Linksys Media Center Extender (DMA2100) offers features of Extender for Windows Media Center in a compact dual-band Wireless-N solution that is ideal for spaces.

Due in November, both new Linksys Media Center Extenders offer access to HD television content, digital music and digital photos using just one remote control, and feature both digital and optical audio outputs that enable consumers to utilize their existing custom audio systems. They will be available for consumers to purchase in the U.S. this November for $350 and $300, respectively.

D-Link launches new MCE, adds internet TV

The D-Link DSM-750 MediaLounge HD Media Center Extender is housed in a sleek, 17-inch, black aluminum chassis, and connects to the home network using Ethernet or dual-band draft Wireless-N networking. The DSM-750 enables users to enjoy HD videos with resolutions of up to 1080i; supports Windows Media Video (WMV), DivX, and XVid formats; and includes a USB 2.0 port for instant access to music, photos and videos stored on removable USB flash drives or hard drives. The suggested retail price for the device is $350.

In addition, D-Link recently added more than 200 channels of Internet TV to its MediaLounge Wireless HD Media Player (DSM-520), which allows users to enjoy videos, music, photos and more from a PC on a TV using a simple remote control. Featuring active-TV technology, the device now utilize a new service that allows easy access to Internet video and entertainment sites using a content aggregator developed by MediaMall Technologies (which regularly adds additional channels to its lineup of Internet content).

The active-TV line-up includes programming from 36 U.S. channels, including Comedy Central, AOL Video, CinemaNow, Google Video, Movielink, ROOtv Music Videos, Akimbo, MTV, Musicmatch, Napster, VH1, ESPN, FOX Sports, MSN TV Today, Reuters News, Yahoo! Sports and eBay. The new Internet TV lineup also includes international programming from 14 countries, including the BBC and other networks from the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Poland and Taiwan.

By Electronista Staff