Linksys Media Hub takes on "the cloud"

CES 2009: Why bother storing stuff online when you can do it at home?

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7 January 2009 5:48 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Linksys has announced some new Media Hub ranges that will allow home users, hoping to avoid using "the cloud", to save files away from their computer.

The new Media Hub will come with or without an LCD screen and in three options allowing users to use the 2 SATA drive bays for their own hard drives or alternatively opt for the more consumer friendly 500GB version or the meaty 1TB offering.

"The system will come with a fixed IP address so you'll be able to connect to it from anywhere with an Internet connection negating the need to save files in The Cloud", the company has said.

Stepping on territory normally occupied by companies like Seagate the new Media Hub, which is designed to look like a small tower PC, will connect to any router and allow users to stream images, music, video and files over a network around the home and the web that supports Flash.

"It's all about OOBE", explained a Cisco spokesman to Pocket-lint before elaborating that meant an "Out Of Box Experience".

Although you will need a Windows PC to set the system up the actual day-to-day software is via a web browser. All UPnP devices on your network including the Xbox 360 will be able to see the Media Hub Cisco says. It is also DLNA 1.5 certified meaning it should work with some Nokia and Samsung mobile phones.

The Media Hub will also come with backup software so PC users will be able to back up their computers over the network.

The NMH305 Linksys by Cisco Media Hub (500GB hard drive) will cost £299.99, the NMH405 Linksys by Cisco Media Hub with LCD and 6-in-1 card reader (500GB hard drive) £349.99 and the NMH410 Linksys by Cisco Media Hub with LCD and 6-in-1 card reader (1TB hard drive) £429.99.