Samsung MediaLive Add-on

Samsung has unveiled its MediaLive add-on that works only with Samsung TV sets manufactured in 2008, and those must come with CEC automation support as well. What makes the MediaLive peripheral so special? Well, it does away with the need for a media hub (ala Apple TV or Roku Netflix Player), offering direct access to movies from MovieLink and Vongo, in addition to content from Fox Sports and Showtime TV. Streaming Internet radio stations from XM are also part of the deal with the MediaLive. It doubles up as a media extender for Windows Vista’s Media Center and is compatible with H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and WMV videos at up to 1080p, not to mention Dolby AC3 surround sound. You can choose to have it connect via Ethernet or an internal 802.11n Wi-Fi receiver. MediaLive will ship next month for $200 a pop.