14 DAY TRIAL // So far, only end-users who acquired wireless media streamers were able to stream content from the PC to their TV or other products. Consumers without such a device were forced to copy the same data from the PC to an external storage device supported by the AV. HSTi is now introducing a small device, dubbed Wireless media Stick, which will remove the need for external storage and unsightly wires, giving a USB-equipped media streamer the capability to play back files over WiFi.
The small dongle resembles a USB flash drive in looks, but is highly versatile and can pick up wireless signals. All that an AV device needs in order to take advantage of this product is a USB port.
When plugged in, the Wireless Media Stick immediately connects to the network and detects the media files, as long as the computer on which the files are located is WiFi-ready. The stick supports virtually all products capable of media streaming over USB, regardless of manufacturer, whether they are Blu-ray players, digital picture frames, TVs, DVD players and any other such device.
The technology is highly versatile and convenient. Without the need to be reprogrammed, the HSTi's product automatically detects any new media as soon as it is added to the network and can do so regardless of the PC that the files are copied on. This includes video, audio and photo files.
The Wireless Media Stick will be an excellent addition to any multimedia streaming device and will not only remove the need for file duplication, but also make wires obsolete and unnecessary. Of course, those wishing to take advantage of the technology will need either the already-mentioned, WiFi-capable PC or a wireless router.
HSTi will be demonstrating the product at the Consumer Electronics Show. The exact technology used (possibly 2.4GHz), as well as the price and availability of the product have not been released as of yet.