seeking to introduce new video media delivery services to "digital living rooms" or large-format displays in retail environments, the company said.
According to Wyse, its new IPV400 and IPV500 STB platforms were designed in conjunction with Intel and Microsoft, and represent the first Intel Celeron-based STB platform to offer "the combination of low-cost and high performance in addition to support for Microsoft Windows Media 9 Series for the delivery of high-quality audio and video in the smallest file sizes." The compression efficiencies of Windows Media 9 Series enable the delivery of standard-definition (SD) video and high-definition (HD) video at approximately one-third the data rate of MPEG-2, Wyse noted.
Wyse plans to target its new STBs at consumer applications where users will stream or download content from Web-based entertainment providers, and at commercial applications such as the distribution of media with DVD quality straight from the Web or a central server. Wyse can provide sophisticated remote management capabilities for the devices, which "virtually eliminates technician 'truck rolls' while delivering the latest technology in this dynamic market," the company said.
In developing the new STBs, Wyse collaborated with a number of middleware providers, including Mediabolic, which provides an embedded software platform for consumer electronics products, PCs, and PC peripherals. In particular, the Mediabolic One Applications Suite provides a set of easily customized media applications with graphical user interfaces optimized for TV screens and other video displays. Mediabolic One enables easy access and storage of music and movies from the Web, Wyse said.
The IPV400 and IPV500 platforms are available immediately.
Summary of key features and specifications . . .
- Low Voltage 733 MHz Intel Celeron processor
- 168-pin DIMM memory slot for 64 to 512MB of SDRAM
- TV output: composite video, S-Video, DVI display port (option), NTSC, PAL, Component video (option)
- Audio: left/right output, SPDIF, RCA and Toslink
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
- Two USB 1.1 ports at rear panel, two USB 1.1 ports internal
- Smartcard interface (internal USB)
- Internal connector for Mini-PCI module
- Internal PCI expansion slot
- Two internal IDE drive intefaces
- DVD-ROM (IPV500 only): standard full size; DVD R/W optional.
The following photos are of the IPV400 and IPV500 internal electronics (click each picture to enlarge) . . .
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