TVs get new abilities thanks to a bunch of useful items

Sep 8, 2011 11:21 GMT  ·  By

When getting their homes outfitted with multimedia elements, users can go for complete solutions like HTPCs, or they can invest in multiple, smaller things, like the ones from Belkin, so as to distribute things better across the house and get away with less costs, should they not want too great an array of features.

Home theater personal computers (HTPCs) are quite widespread nowadays, but there are some things they can't do very well, as well as tasks that can be accomplished by other devices.

A set of such 'other devices' is what Belkin has launched, all of them boasting wireless connectivity and complete full HD support.

The ScreenCast AV 4, for instance, is an item that can wirelessly connect, via a transmitter, a Blu-ray player or whatever else to an HDTV, provided both have HDMI.

"ScreenCast AV 4 is the perfect solution for both home theater buffs and interior design enthusiasts as it enables you to wall-mount your HDTV for ideal viewing without costly rewiring or drilling holes in your wall," said said Nate Kraft, director of global product management for Belkin's networking division.

The other items form Belkin are the Universal HDTV Adapter and Universal Wireless AV Adapter, which give smart TVs) dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless connectivity.

"Streaming content is changing the way we watch television, play video games, and use our home theater systems, and Belkin's Universal Wireless products help you get your gaming console, smart TV, or Blu-ray player connected to your home network without having to rearrange or reconfigure your wireless router," said Kraft.

Both products should start shipping this month (September, 2011), for $249.99 (ScreenCast AV 4) and $79.99/$99.99 (the adapters).

"Home theaters are becoming standard in today's houses and often design aesthetics can be just as influential in purchasing decisions as performance. But no matter how sleek and stylish components are, the tangle of wires and cables that accompany them are a major distraction," Kraft added.

"With our new wireless home theater products we wanted to build upon Belkin's expertise in wireless networking to simplify and streamline the home theater setup and enhance the home theater experience."