CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Mediocre
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 08/02/2006
- Released on: 07/21/2006
Getting content, especially media, from the PC to the TV is a problem with many potential solutions, none of them perfect. Media extenders, including wireless models such as the D-Link MediaLounge DSM-520, have their own proprietary menu systems and often are limited in the kinds of media files they'll transmit (try streaming a protected iTunes file, and you'll see what we mean). The more specific subgroup of Media Center Extenders, for use with Windows Media Center, at least offer the familiar MCE interface, but they are even more limited in some ways: wireless Media Center extenders generally won't play videos other than WMV files.
Instead of bothering with that, GrandTec promises to simply take your video and audio output and send it via a 2.4GHz wireless transmission to any TV. On the surface, that sounds like a good idea, especially combined with the box copy, which promises S-Video, composite, and VGA outputs, but once you delve into the actual hardware, the real story is somewhat less impressive.
The GrandTec Ultimate Wireless consists of two parts: a base unit and a receiver. The base unit is actually a capable video transcoder, taking standard VGA signals and outputting them as composite, 9-pin RGB (useful for European SCART connections) or S-Video signals. But to take advantage of those outputs, you'll need to connect your TV directly to the wired base unit. If you want to take advantage of the included wireless receiver, you'll be stuck with a single composite video output (that's the standard old yellow cable that many still use to hook up everything from DVD players to PlayStations). The wireless receiver also supports stereo audio connections.
In today's high-definition world, a composite video connection is not going to give you the video quality users expect. But for throwing a basic signal across a room or a house (the reported range is 150 feet), the quick-and-dirty signal may suffice for watching Web-based videos or surfing the Net. The composite output can also be sent to a VCR or a video camera for easy recording of the PC's video output. GrandTec also offers a full-resolution VGA wireless device, albeit one that retails for $999, according to the company's Web site.
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