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May 1, 2008 5:28 AM PDT

'TubeStick' brings TV in a USB key

by Mike Yamamoto
  • 1 comment
(Credit: Equinux)

Some people love their Macs so much that they want to do everything with them. Actually, let's qualify that--we're talking about watching TV. And if you're a Cupertino loyalist who isn't quite sold on an Apple TV, there's a convenient way to get basic reception on the computer.

Equinux has released its "TubeStick," a hybrid tuner that comes in the form of a USB key that includes two receivers for HD broadcasts and digital or analog cable signals. It was announced earlier this year but is now for sale at $129.

Also included is an antenna and software for the iPhone and iPod as well as the computer for portable viewing, with some basic TiVo-like functions (scheduling, rewind, etc.). The TubeStick can be used with Windows machines too, but it's clearly being marketed for the Apple Nation with a paint job in basic white.

October 22, 2007 12:02 AM PDT

With TakeTV and Fanfare, SanDisk aims to bridge gap between PC video and TV

by John P. Falcone
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SanDisk Sansa TakeTV

TakeTV offers a cheaper, easier alternative to streaming videos from a PC.

(Credit: SanDisk)

It was first shown at January's Consumer Electronics Show--and then leaked on Buy.com just days ago--but the Sansa TakeTV is now official. It's not the first device designed to put PC-based digital videos on the TV, but what sets SanDisk's TakeTV apart is its simplicity: just drag and drop videos to the flash drive from your PC, and then plug it into the included video dock to watch them on your TV. The straightforward operation is a notable counterpoint to most other PC-to-TV digital video alternatives, which involve either cumbersome direct hook-ups (video and audio runs from a PC to a TV); installing digital media adapters (such as the Apple TV or Xbox 360), which require some knowledge of home networking; or burning video files to disc for playback on compatible DVD players.

Concurrent with the TakeTV launch, SanDisk is also debuting Fanfare, a premium video download service. TakeTV is the first device that can play back Fanfare content, but SanDisk is aiming to expand compatibility to other products in its Sansa line. Currently in beta, Fanfare is little more than a proof of concept, but the addition of content partners beyond CBS and Showtime could certainly position it as a worthwhile alternative to Apple's iTunes Store.

For a more in-depth look at the SanDisk Sansa TakeTV--including a first look at the Fanfare service--check out CNET's complete hands-on review and the accompanying photo gallery.

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