High speed media streaming for your home
Do you want to set-up a high speed local network for streaming HD videos from your WHS in one room to your media center in another? No problem – use Cat-5 or Cat-6 Ethernet cable to connect two (or more) systems. That’s the most robust and fastest LAN solution available today for the home (we’re not even considering the optical networks here). The Cat-6 cable can support a 100oMbps network speeds.
But what would one do if there are no Ethernet cables running inside the walls of the house or if you are renting and not allowed to rip the walls off to make a cable drop? Here are a few alternatives available today. (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)
Media Streamers will rule the world
Zyxel DMA-1100p
In my search of a DLNA-compliant device to distribute Music and Video from my Media Server to the TV in the kitchen I looked through many sites and reviews, but then I stumbled upon a very nice and clean list of available Media Streamers on ProductWiki website.
It provides a great outlook on all the major (and some minor) players on the market along with MSRP and reviews on most of the boxes. Unfortunately, there’re not enough reviews on the site yet to make it a primary source for choosing your next electronic toy, but the nice design with clear pictures and short descriptions give you a good starting point for research.
This time around I decided to give a try to Zyxel DMA-1100p Digital Media Theater. Newegg has a very seductive price on it right now, so I just couldn’t pass it up. (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)
Deal alert: TwonkyMedia apps are on Sale
PacketVideo (PV), the creator of the most popular premium media server available today** is running a promotion till the end of this month.
You can get the TwonkyMedia server and TwonkyMedia manager at 50% of their retail prices.
Coupon code TWONKYMEDIA-2XX9-A for the 50% off discount expires on 1/31/2010. 50% discount cannot be applied to previous purchases.
Panasonic to Add Skype Software to VIERA HDTVs
Skype and Panasonic Announce Collaboration to Add Skype Software to VIERA® HDTVs
Collaboration takes VIERA CAST™ -enabled HDTV connectivity to new level, offering voice and video communications via HDTV.
Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation, a worldwide leader in High Definition technology and built-in TV web entertainment, and Skype, a leader in internet communications, today announced a collaboration that will enable consumers to make voice and video calls over Skype™ on Panasonic’s line of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs planned for launch in spring 2010.
This collaboration takes Skype to another platform, in addition to the computer and the mobile phone, which is the technology heart of the home, the television. Skype on your VIERA® delivers many familiar Skype features including:
- Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
- Calls to landline or mobile phone at Skype’s low rates
- The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
- Skype voicemail, if you have it set up
- Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties