Buffalo Technology Introduces Hi-Def LinkTheater
By Doug Olenick -- TWICE, 1/6/2005
LAS VEGAS — Home-networking vendor Buffalo Technologies will jump into a new product area at CES with the introduction of the LinkTheater High Definition Wireless Media Player.
The LinkTheater bundles a progressive-scan DVD player and media server capabilities enabling any audio, video or digital images stored on a computer to be played back on an SD or HD television. It uses a Sigma Designs chipset that supports Windows Media Video 9 and Windows Media HD, and provides 1,280-by-720 picture resolution. The LinkTheater has up-conversion to 720p/1,080i and the progressive-scan DVD player allows users to view DVD/SCVD video.
The component uses 802.11g networking to access PC files, and its 54MBps data rate allows video streaming. A USB 2.0 port is included, allowing the attachment of an external hard drive.
The LinkTheater supports WMV, WMV HD, DivX, Divx HD and Xvid. It includes composite, S-Video, and component video connectors.
Another feature is the inclusion of Buffalo's proprietary AirStation One Touch Secure System, a software application that provides for automatic configuration of the wireless network.
The product will ship next month with a suggested retail of $349.
