New to the fray of set-top streaming devices is the Veebeam HD ($139), touted as the easiest, most affordable way to wirelessly stream anything from a laptop computer--Mac or PC--to the HDTV. Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and so on: Apparently, if our computer can play it, Veebeam can deliver it to the home theater, wirelessly, at up to 1080p and with no pesky DRM to spoil our fun.
This seems to be a more agnostic approach than other streaming hardware, supporting the latest paid and unpaid entertainment choices. Missed last night's Grey's Anatomy but don't want to watch it on the computer? Click on over to ABC.com and stream it for free, from the Internet to the computer and then on to the TV. Have a Netflix streaming subscription but not a supported TV or set-top box? Now we do. Have a hard drive full of movies and music, in different file formats? Set them free.
There are two ways to use the Veebeam HD. The default "Screencasting" mode simply puts the desktop screen onto the TV screen, to do with as we will, controlled by the laptop's keyboard and mouse/trackpad in our hands while we watch. "Video Play-To" mode by comparison offers superior video quality for the playback of downloaded files, in addition to the ability to multitask, including web-surfing during movie-watching.
One of the secrets to Veebeam HD's robust performance is its Wireless USB technology, an alternative to Wi-Fi that offers a secure point-to-point connection from the computer to the set-top box. Bandwidth is reportedly superior to Wi-Fi, and over short distances it is prone to less interference, but the host laptop with the Wireless USB antenna dongle attached (and Veebeam HD Software installed) must be in the same room as the TV.
Exclusive to the HD model (the SD alternative is $40 less) are a digital optical audio output in addition to the HDMI connector, and a pair of USB ports to hook up future webcams and hard disk drives. The Veebeam HD and SD are available now.
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