HP Transforms Any HDTV into a Connected TV with the Power of MediaSmart

HP have announced details of there 2008 MediaSmart products, just in time for CES. They have announced a new Media Center Extender, similar to the DLink and Linksys devices, it features wireless a,b,g and N, and supports XP as well as Vista (I guess that the XP connection is via there own software and not Media Center). No prices yet or details of worldwide availability

HP also released details of their MediaSmart TV update which adds Extender support to their existing product. I have an interview booked with HP at CES so hopefully I can find out more details. If there is anything you want to know drop me an email

Here are the details from their press release:

HP today added the HP MediaSmart Receiver – a sleek new wireless digital media receiver (DMR) – to its family of MediaSmart Connected Entertainment solutions.

The new product turns any HDTV into a next-generation connected TV, allowing consumers to enjoy photos, music, movies and videos⁽¹⁾ – wired or wirelessly – from multiple PCs around the home to the “big screen” in the heart of the home.

The MediaSmart Receiver, which works with both Microsoft® XP and Vista® PCs, has a stylish, high-gloss, piano-black finish with HP’s exclusive “Zen” imprint pattern that fits perfectly with any home decor.

The product features advanced network connectivity, including 802.11 A, B, G and N,⁽²⁾ three embedded antennae and compatibility with other UPnP- and DLNA-compliant devices such as the HP MediaSmart Server. The device also is DivX certified, demonstrating interoperability across a range of digital devices.

Consumers can access and share content directly from any PC source by adding a Pocket Media Drive⁽³⁾ via a front-loading slot to enjoy their favorite music, photos and videos without turning on their PC.

HP also announced that Extender for Windows Media Center technology, unveiled at the 2007 Digital Life Show in September, is planned to be available in spring on both the HP MediaSmart TV and the MediaSmart Receiver. Extender for Windows Media Center functionality offers deep and rich control of the Media Center experience on Vista Premium and Vista Ultimate PCs. HP MediaSmart technology will automatically update all MediaSmart TVs over the Internet, ⁽⁴⁾ delivering on the promise that MediaSmart products keep getting smarter.

Extender for Windows Media Center technology offers consumers increased personalization and interaction for an enriched TV experience. Added advantages include the ability to stream live or pre-recorded high-definition TV (for Vista-based systems with TV tuners) and to stream Internet content from a wide variety of content providers.