Monsoon Hava Titanium HD

Monsoon today updated its growing media hub line with the HAVA Titanium HD. Unlike most such hubs, the network device is consciously designed to be future-proof: two USB ports allow users to upgrade to future networking standards or add a hybrid analog/digital TV tuner without replacing the whole box. An 802.11g Wi-Fi adapter is included with the Titanium but can be replaced in the near future by an 802.11n link for the added range and speed, Monsoon says. The new HAVA also includes an Ethernet jack and uses the series' trademark vBooster to bypass normal router traffic and allow playback of raw MPEG-2 video at 480p widescreen resolution on a local network. Video is pushed using MPEG-4 on the Internet for both PCs and many handhelds.

The Titanium HD model earns its name by accepting video up to 720p or 1080i from a component video source, such as a DVD player or a TV set-top box; it can also attach USB hard drives and record footage on its own without a dedicated DVR. Windows PCs can also see the HAVA as a Media Center TV source and record separately, Monsoon says. The new flagship in the line ships now for $250.

By Electronista Staff