We just got tipped off about the launch of Xtreamer. A new HDD Media Player / Streamer that’s ready to compete with the big boys — and apparently tops them all according to product comparisons with WDTV, Tvix, Popcorn Hour, and Mvix. Product highlights include: built-in UPnP server and client functionality, 1080p HDMI 1.3a spec with full HD audio pass-through, space for a 2.5-inch SATA HDD, playback support for just about every media format imaginable (see below), and Internet media streaming from sources like YouTube, Picasa, CNN, Live365, Yahoo! News and others. Oh, and the Xtreamer’s firmware is upgradeable — so expect to see additional Internet services and functions added in the near future. MSRP is 99 Euros ($131) and ships worldwide for 20 Euros ($27). You can also purchase the optional wireless 802.11n USB antenna for an extra 29 Euros ($39). So the total comes out to 149 Euros ($197) for the complete package (minus a hard drive). MORE »

Terrific news for our Linux HTPC enthusiasts. ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) version 1.0.19 has added 1000 new features including support for HDMI audio pass through via kernel 2.67.27-x. Previously getting audio through HDMI had been a bit of a chore. Now, hopefully, we’ll see a new surge in custom Linux HTPC builds and OEM set-top devices designed to serve HDTVs. [via]

I just got tipped off that Mvix has a new product set to release that not many people in the States are aware of. The device is called the MvixPVR and it essentially combines a PVR, HDD media player, and an iPod dock all into one device. The MvixPVR is capable of outputting 720p/1080i/1080p video with 5.1 Digital Surround Sound, HDMI, 802.11g connectivity, USB host functionality to stream media files from external drives, and can be used as a NAS server / UPnP media server / BitTorrent downloader. Interestingly, the device can record “digitally from any source, your set-top box, satellite receiver or camcorder.” Like other Mvix products, one has to bring their own hard drive to the game for on-board storage. Mivx documentation states that it can support up to a 1TB SATA hard drive (the YouTube video below hints that Mvix may be releasing configurations with an included hard drive). Lastly, the MvixPVR is cross-platform compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux PCs – in case you want to share files with the device via the network or plugged in as an external USB drive. [via] MORE »

IOGEAR today announced four A/V connectivity solutions for the home and office that simplify consumers’ and professionals’ ability to enjoy a variety of modern multimedia devices. Users can now add multiple HDMI inputs to an HDTV and broadcast media an additional 200 feet away from its source. MORE »

Kudos to Dell for adding support for these popular codecs and technologies out of the box. Multimedia support has been a long time bug-a-boo (mostly on the legal end) since Dell decided to launch their Ubuntu Linux PC lineup last year. However, that’s now changed. Dell is now bundling support for popular multimedia codecs (including DVD playback of studio flicks), Bluetooth, HDMI, fingerprint reader, Dell wireless, and even pre-installing proprietary ATI video graphic drivers (instead of opting for the generic open ATI drivers) on select systems (note: many of Dell’s Linux systems use Intel’s open graphics chipsets, in case pre-installed proprietary drivers are an issue for ya). At this point, I can’t see anything holding back Dell from rolling their lineup to the mass consumer market, instead of a side offering, which is currently the case. I guess we’ll have to see.

Current Ubuntu line-up: XPS M1330n, Inspiron 1525n, Inspiron 530n. There’s also word that the XPS M1530n and the new Studio 15n will be unveiled this August running Ubuntu (just in time for LinuxWorld). Rumor has it that the Dell E Netbook will also be added to the mix. Personally, I’d like to see the line expanded to include the XPS ONE.

UPDATE: Regarding the side offering bit: If you roll over Dell.com’s Laptops or Desktops drop-down menu under Products in the header, you’ll now find a link to “Open-Source PCs” that takes you directly to Dell’s Ubuntu PC offering. Nice!

The new Belkin FlyWire is the simple solution that gives you the freedom and flexibility to place your HDTV where you want—without cables. Featuring an intuitive and simple setup, FlyWire wirelessly connects devices such as Blu-ray® players, receivers, video-game consoles, and set-top boxes to HDTVs and projectors, transmitting high-definition 1080p True Cinema picture resolution with whole-home range. MORE »

Sony today unveiled the VAIO® FW notebook—a multimedia PC that displays HD movies the way they were meant to be seen.

Part of a series, the VAIO FW notebook comes in multiple configurations, including a premium and a standard model. The premium model plays Blu-ray Disc™ high-definition content like movies in full 1080 HD resolution when connected to a compatible HDTV. It can also record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media. MORE »

We’ve got wireless phones, wireless Internet and wireless home networks. Next, coming to a living room or commercial facility near you, is wireless high-definition TV. However, the market is still in its “incubation” stage, with fewer than 100,000 devices expected to ship this year. According to a new study from ABI Research, optimistic forecasts point to 2012 as the earliest year for the milestone of one million wireless HDTV installations worldwide. MORE »

Monster, the world’s leading manufacturer of audio and video connectivity solutions, and Sigma Designs, a leader in digital media processing system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for consumer electronics, today announced a collaboration to create advanced wireless solutions for HDMI™ home entertainment distribution. MORE »