D-Link MainStage Intel WiDi 2.0 Links Notebooks and TVs

Nowadays, notebook usually have an HDMI port, among other things, to stream video to HDTVs or monitors, but wireless streaming has also grown in popularity, hence the making of D-Link's MainStage.

While wireless connectivity wasn't, at first, fast enough to support video streaming, it was only a matter of time before better technologies solved this drawback.

As such, since there are now technologies that can broadcast even Full HD video without cables, it stand to reason that hardware makers would make the best of it, or at least try to.

Intel's Wireless Display technology is one such solution, being featured on some notebooks, while adapters handle the connection to this technology from the other end.

That said, D-Link has just announced its MainStage WiDi adapter, which will enable content sharing between notebooks and TVs with HDMI or A/V connectivity.

Any system with Intel Wireless Display is compatible with the adapter, which only needs to be plugged into the TV before the push of a single button automatically makes the connection to the router.

"The Internet is truly indispensible in today's homes -- whether for enjoyment, work, school, or sharing family moments," said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America.

"MainStage lets you wirelessly project movies and TV shows from Netflix and Hulu, or personal home videos and photo slideshows, to the best screen in the home, the HDTV. If you already own a notebook with Intel Wireless Display, it's one of the easiest ways to work and play online from your couch."

MainStage (DHD-131) should already be selling through D-Link's retail and e-tail outlets, for the price of $129.99 in the US. Canada should get it next month (July, 2011), for the same amount.

"D-Link's MainStage TV adapter is a great example of Intel WiDi 2.0 in action," said Joe Van de Water, consumer product marketing manager at Intel.

"Intel WiDi 2.0 lets you wirelessly stream content from your PC to your HDTV with no cables or attachments to your PC. With Intel WiDi 2.0, you can enjoy Blu-ray movies, DVD movies, and content from Internet services like Intel Insider on your HDTV with up to 1080p HD clarity and 5.1 surround sound, and also share pictures, music, or videos."