John P. Falcone,
Senior Editor
February 29, 2008
You've got a ton of digital music, photos, and video on your computer's hard drive, but you want to enjoy all that media on the big TV and stereo system in your living room--not hunched over the laptop screen. If you've got a network connection and one of the latest game consoles (an Xbox 360, a PlayStation 3, or--when paired with the free Orb software--even a Nintendo Wii), you may not need any new hardware. Each of them can stream a wide variety of audio, video, and photo formats from your PC to your TV over your home network. If you're not a gamer, or you need a more specific solution, there are alternatives. We've highlighted six products--three audio-only models, as well as a trio that does audio, video, and photos. Not included in the line-up are the Logitech Squeezebox Duet (audio only) and the Sling Media SlingCatcher (audio and video), both are due to be released later in 2008. Just remember to check purchases to ensure they are compatible with the specific file formats and copy-protection used on your must-have files.
See more rockin' music gear in Living With Technology: Music tunes into tech.
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| Price | $195.17 to $249.99 | $255.98 | $829.88 | $149.99 to $164.14 | $99.99 to $299.88 | Check Prices |
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| Review date | March 22, 2007 | December 08, 2008 | June 22, 2007 | March 27, 2006 | June 18, 2007 | February 09, 2007 |
| The Bottom Line | With its enhanced iTunes video offerings, PC-free operation, and a lower price tag, the updated Apple TV is a compelling Internet-enabled entertainment device for the living room. | CNET did not review the Linksys DMA2100, but we did review the step-up model in the series. | Recent firmware and feature upgrades cement the Sonos Digital Music System's position as the best multiroom streaming audio solution available. | Striking looks, easy setup, and great file compatibility make the Roku SoundBridge M1001 a solid option for streaming digital audio and Internet radio to your home stereo. | The Sony VAIO VGF-WA1 is a stylish tabletop radio that can stream digital music from your PC, but a few key feature upgrades would have made us like it even more. | The Mvix MX-760 streaming media hard disk enclosure is absolutely jam-packed with features, but its varied assortment of quirks will probably limit its appeal to the enthusiast and DIY crowds. |
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