CES 2007: Buffalo and D-Link announce streaming digital media centers

Wireless transmission of your media files to your TV

8 January 2007 16:53 GMT / By Amber Maitland

Two more server and storage producers have launched wireless digital media servers for the home, in addition to the one announced by Netgear earlier today.

Buffalo has unveiled its LinkStation Live, a Network Attached Storage device that lets users not only store digital media, but also stream it around the home network.

With capacities of 250GB to 750GB, the new device runs on a Marvell Media Vault Processor, DDRII RAM, and a high-speed SATA drive to deliver throughput rates of up to 35MB/s.

It features an iTunes server to access music files stored on it, and a Direct Copy function so that files can be directly transferred from a digital camera or USB flash drive.

Other benefits include a built-in FTP server, a built-in USB print server, and bundled Memeo AutoBackup software.

The 250GB model will start at £106 (ex VAT), while the top of the line 750GB model will cost £366 (ex VAT).

D-Link, not to be outdone, has announced its MediaLounge Wireless Media Player, capable of streaming HD video, along with photos and music. “This new MediaLounge player is a full-features media player with an intuitive user interface that bridges together computers, storage devices, and the Internet with the home entertainment centre for a heightened multimedia experience”, explained Brian Larsen of D-Link.

The MediaLounge Draft 802.11n player features a remote control and easy-to-navigate TV user interface; it works with PCs through Windows Media Player 11 or Media Connect and others UpnP media servers.

It supports 802.11n wireless and 802.11g, features an HDMI connector, and comes with a variety of free trial offers from various video and music downloading sites. It's expected to go on sale during the spring.