HTPC's and media playing appliances in general are wonderful inventions. Who doesn't like the idea of having access to their ENTIRE Blu-ray media collection at the tip of the fingers while still being able to play them via their HDTV. ? The only down side to media appliances is they really need wireless network connectivity to be truly useful (who wants a Ethernet cable strung across their living room?. ). Sadly, not all home entertainment systems HAVE wireless connections and as such their utility is greatly diminished. That is where HSTi and their all new
Wireless Media Stick 2.0, with its USB 2.0 interface comes in.
This all new and improved version 2.0 device boasts not only much needed make over in the looks department but improved functionality and ease of use. What the Wireless Media Stick 2.0 does is it acts much like a USB wireless Ethernet stick, BUT it is not seen as one by the system. It is seen by your media appliance as nothing more than another "hard drive" with almost "infinite" storage capacity. Basically, this bad boy (when properly configured) automatically connects to your network and displays all folders you have setup as shared and then streams them seamlessly to the media appliance via its USB port. In other words, the Wireless Media Stick 2.0 does all the heavy lifting for you all you need do is plug it in and select the media from the attached "drive" and enjoy. While their are some
competitors offering similar abilities, this is the first that actually sounds like it would be not only easy to use but also give a seamless stutter free experience.
WD Elements Play is 1080p HD Media Player for Budget Conscious
By Anthony Garland on November 9th, 2010
