PRISMIQ, a networked entertainment device, today announced availability of 802.11a/g Wi-Fi support for the $250 PRISMIQ MediaPlayer entertainment gateway. The consumer set-top box enables DVD-quality video over Wi-Fi.
The PRISMIQ MediaPlayer enables consumers to use TVs, stereos, and entertainment centers anywhere in the house to easily play MP3s, video files, and Internet radio, view digital photos, surf the Web, chat online, and enjoy broadband services.
The Media Receiver allows you to navigate files on your PC from the living room, using the remote control. A PCMCIA/Cardbus card slot on the backpanel provides an easy way to upgrade to 802.11g. The box also includes a standard 10/100 Ethernet connection.
The MediaManager software detects and manages suitable digital files located anywhere on the home network, and serves those files to the MediaPlayer to be played on the TV or stereo. With no monthly service fees, the PRISMIQ MediaPlayer is software upgradeable, with future product features and functionality to be made available via free software upgrades. HP announced a similar Digital Media Receiver 5000, but currently, it doesn’t support streaming video.
CNet and Internet News report Sony, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, IBM, and others have come together to develop standards to inter-operate within the networked “broadband home”. The biggest obstacle facing the new Digital Home Working Group, is coming to an agreement involving DRM, or digital rights management.
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