Andre Yoskowitz
23 Jul 2008 18:32
Samsung announced today the launch of its MediaLive add-on which eliminates the need for a set-top media hub while giving users direct access to movies from Vongo and MovieLink and other content.
To use MediaLive you must have a Samsung HDTV from 2008 or later with CEC automation support. Besides the direct movies from MovieLink and Vongo, users get access to content from Fox Sports and Showtime TV. XM streaming Internet radio is also available.
Samsung adds that MediaLive will turn the "TV into a viewing point for local content" as it can act as a media extender "for Windows Vista's Media Center and will play H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and WMV videos at up to 1080p, including with Dolby AC3 surround sound. It also handles multiple common audio formats and JPEG photo viewing. A single PC can serve as many as five Samsung TVs depending on the material."
MediaLive connects either through the integrated Ethernet or through Wi-Fi. The media extender will cost $200 USD when it hits in August.