HP adds Windows Media Extender to MediaSmart TVs
updated 08:25 am EDT, Thu April 17, 2008
HP MediaSmart Win Media
HP this morning extended the life of its MediaSmart TVs with a firmware update that adds a Windows Media Center Extender function. The LCD sets purportedly become the first TVs to add the Microsoft feature without an external hub and can now play music, videos, and other content from Windows Media PCs on a home Wi-Fi network. This includes the most recent Internet TV beta features and protected content from MovieLink and other services.
The free upgrade is available now and applies to the 42-inch SL4278N and 47-inch SL4778N. Both otherwise remain the same and aren't tied to the Microsoft standard, with support any device that shares content over DLNA and UPnP as well as native playback of formats normally overlooked by Windows Media, including XviD. Future sets will incorporate the Windows Media features out of the box.
