I-O Data launches WMV9 and DivX/Mpeg networked player

August 25, 2004

Sigma Designs announced yesterday via press release that I-O Data launched a new, networked, High Definition DVD Player (up to 1080p) called the AVeL LinkPlayer. The device uses Sigma's EM8620L media processor, which features support for Windows Media Video 9 or (WMV9) format as well as wireless networking. Available in Japan next month, it will also become available in the United States sometime in October.

The product has the capabilities of any DVD player, as well as being networked to a PC. This may be of interest to those of us designing home media centers that are PC aware. The AVeL offers DVD video, music CD, DVD+/-R/RW or CD-R/RW support.

Premium features include:

Feature-1 "Multi Display Out (up to D4)"
It has "D4 connector" which can support a progressive scan with a plazma/LCD monitor. Also DVI is out to an LCD display. Of course, with a video composite & S-video. Audios are RCA pin jack stereo & a 5.1ch digital surround (Optical & Coaxial).
Feature-2 "DVD/CD Playback"
It has a high-grade DVD playback function. Not only DVD movie, also just movie files, pictures/photos, and music are played on DVD or CD. And for easier usage, Microsoft HighMAT CD/DVD can be played.
Feature-3 "Wireless LAN 11g/b available"
You can use a wired LAN network, also wireless available. No cable even if your computer is at a different room. A living room, a guest room, and a bed room can be with this player. And IP address setting can suppot one-to-one connection with your computer if no DHCP server.
Feature-4 "USB2.0 High Speed Storage Reading"
It can have communication with USB mass-storage digital cameras, thumb memories, and harddisks. Just insert it to a front USB connector. You don't need to transfer inside data to your computer. Just insert, Just enjoy!
* Supported file system is FAT16 and FAT32 only.
* I-O DATA will announce all compatible devices near soon. We don't guarantee any devices without this list.

With PCs becoming the media center for home entertainment, consumers have more flexibility in storing and collecting a myriad of content. As a result, networked DVD player functionality allows consumers to remotely access all the digital music, photos and video stored on their PC, in addition to normal DVD playback. Sigma media processors are designed to address this need, decoding major digital media formats and facilitating control of an embedded network device.

"The trend toward home entertainment networks and streaming audio/video is reflected in this new networked DVD player from I-O Data," said Ken Lowe, vice president of strategic marketing, Sigma Designs. "With an endless choice of video, audio, photo, and other media, which consumers are collecting, opportunities to unite the entertainment library are quickly becoming a convenient necessity."

This DivX certified device would be a lot of fun to have, especially when combined with the right HDTV. The middle picture above shows the handy USB 2.0 hub on the front. You may visit the I-O data webpage for some more information and some very large screenshots. The player will retail for about 300 dollars US.

Source: I-O Data