Do you recognize YOUR living room? The landscape in your family’s favorite room has changed dramatically the past few years as the Internet (as a main source of media content) begins to take over from your old favorite, the traditional cable model.

With these changes come dynamic new equipment options and possibilities. In this post IOGEAR is your fearless guide to help navigate this new media landscape and take advantage of the exciting changes in home entertainment.

HDTV

The TV remains the centerpiece of most entertainment centers in the home. Today, most homes enjoy the power of an HDTV, with newer models now equipped with Internet connectivity, effectively creating a web TV. Most recently, 3D enabled HDTV’s have joined the mix, promising a more vibrant (and dimensional!) future ahead.

The following resources will help you navigate the various options and discover the right choice for your particular needs:

• Understand, choose and optimize an HDTV at Cnet
• Compare prices, features, and reviews at PC World

Audio Systems

For fussy audiophiles, the sound quality built into most HDTVs is not enough to satisfy discerning ears. Those looking for a better quality sound experience may find the need to augment their system with full home theater capabilities.

Before you begin your search, it’s important to spend some time determining what’s important to you, based on how you will be using your system. For example, is full surround sound a priority? Do you want to be able to easily play music from your radio or iPod? Will you need headphones if thumping bass is an issue for the neighbors downstairs?

The following resources will help guide you to system suited to your lifestyle:

• About.com’s Home Theater guide
• Home theater system guide by ConsumerReports.org
• How to buy the right headphones from PCMag.com

PC Media Centers

For those who want to combine their computing experience with a little quality couch time, there are many options available to turn your PC into a full featured media center. While many newer HDTV’s have integrated Internet on TV abilities, they are usually limited to certain content sources. A quick solution is to include your PC as a media player – not only will this give you the full PC to TV computing experience on your HDTV, the IOGEAR Wireless Audio / Video Kit will allow you to cut the cord and work wirelessly!

These resources are a great start when looking for the best fit PC media center option for you:

• How to build an HD media center for under $1000 by EngadgetHD
• Using Apple TV with Boxee to create a easy-to-use media center by LifeHacker.com

Single/Multi Purpose Media Devices

From video game consoles to DVD and/or Blu-Ray players, there are a bewildering variety of add-on options for your home entertainment center. It’s important to consider your entertainment needs before making your selections, since some devices, such as the Xbox or Playstation 3 perform several functions (e.g. gaming, Netflix streaming and DVD or Blu-ray playback).

Here are some resources to help you decide how to extend your home entertainment center:

• Choosing between an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii
• Stand alone home media player comparison: Vudu, Roku and Boxee
• Recommended Blu-ray & DVD players from ConsumerReports.org

Bringing It All Together

Feel like you’re stuck in a cable nightmare? Today’s devices often come with cheap, low-quality cables, or cables designed to frustrate you by being short or easily broken. The good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the quality you need. The better news is, there’s no longer any need to even leave the comfort of your couch to switch between one device and the next. Cutting-edge technology provides solutions for that problem and keeps you couch-side in comfort!

These links will help you navigate today’s A/V connectivity options:

• Cnet’s quick guide to HDMI and HDMI cables
• Audio/Video Cables and Connectors explained by eCoustics.com
• Wireless resources by IOGEAR

Your Solutions and Experiences

Have you begun a high-tech upgrade of your living room, or are you hanging on to old technologies? What’s missing for you to be able to truly integrate the Internet experience into the living room? Please take some time and share your thoughts here on the blog, on Twitter or FaceBook.

Don’t forget to participate in this month’s Twitter contest where a USB Laptop KVM Switch is up for grabs. Entering to win is as simple as following us on Twitter!

For those who dream of enjoying their favorite YouTube clips, Hulu episodes or other streaming Internet content on their favorite widescreen televisions, Walt Mossberg’s recent Wall Street Journal article How To Watch Video, Wirelessly, on Your TV Set may sound familiar.

The good news: wireless PC-to-TV solutions are officially here to stay! With a growing number of solutions that allow consumers to play Internet media in full TV screen glory on the market, sharing and enjoying Internet content has never been easier.

The days of huddling over a small PC screen to share a favorite clip or video will soon be a distant memory, as Internet content makes the leap to center stage in the evolving living room landscape. Whether for work or play consumers can browse the Internet, watch online video, or edit spreadsheets on a widescreen TV from the comfort of their couch.

The GREAT news: Thanks to IOGEAR, finding a wireless solution has never been easier or more affordable. Our Wireless Audio / Video Kit is a user friendly and all-in-one solution which can help you bring your wireless digital lifestyle up to date – all at an affordable price point of under $300. With three easy adapters and a few simple steps, eliminating the clutter of wires and bring your living room into the digital future is within reach!

What’s the first thing YOU’D want to stream from your PC to your TV screen? Movies…video clips….or something else? Let us know!

Don’t forget to enter this month’s competition over at Twitter, where we’re giving away a USB Laptop KVM Switch. Entering is as simple as following us on Twitter and retweeting all messages that mention the March competition. Good luck!

Cheers
The IOGEAR team

No two days in the life of an installer are ever the same. Whether you’re outfitting a raucous sports bar with the latest flatscreen TVs, equipping a family of four with a solution that will work for Jimmy’s playstation, Dad’s high-definition TV AND Mom’s Wii Fit, or simply hooking a customer up with his dream AV set-up, every day is a new challenge.

We here at IOGEAR salute the installers! Without these everyday heroes supporting our every entertainment whim, we may never be able to effortlessly switch between web and TV, wirelessly control several computers or sync all of our AV equipment, all with the help of artfully concealed switches and control centers.

So what’s in your friendly installer’s bag of tricks? Our IOGEAR product portfolio helps simplify and streamline installers’ lives with a selection of customizable solutions for all spaces – from stadiums to studios.

Our selection of KVM switches range from 2 to 16 port, and give installers the freedom to design an easy solution based on the needs of the customer. From business control centers to living rooms jam-packed with entertainment equipment, each switch is a vital installer tool and gives them the freedom to meet any AV needs.

Dreaming of a cozy family scene around your high-definition TV? The installer can also play a part in making complete convergence between home electronics and home computing a reality.  By leveraging IOGEAR’s HDMI Control Center, an installer can design an all-in-one solution for convenience and functionality – making flipping from your set-top box, to your DVD player/Blu-Ray player to a personal computer and back again, as easy as the flip of a switch.

IOGEAR is proud to bring the installer community the latest and greatest tools as they continue to make our AV and convergence dream come true!

To our installer friends – what’s been YOUR biggest project? And how else can we help you in your everyday work life?

Don’t forget to enter this month’s competition over at Twitter, where we’re giving away a USB Laptop KVM Switch. Entering is as simple as following us on Twitter and retweeting all messages that mention the March competition. Good luck!

Cheers
The IOGEAR team

It won’t have escaped the attention of any outdoor sport enthusiasts that the Winter Olympics have kicked off in Vancouver. While agile skiers, snowboarders and other cold-weather athletes compete fiercely for gold, there’s another army at work bringing you the action straight to your living room – the technology geeks.

What couch surfers might not appreciate is the full weight of technology behind the games. According to reports by CNET, powering the Winter Games requires more than 5,000 kilometers of cabling and 6,000 computers – and that’s before it even reaches your living room.

Although there may be no easy way to simplify the technology behind one of the largest events in the sports calendar, viewers at home can escape the crawl of wires and experience seamless enjoyment of the games, courtesy of IOGEAR. Solutions include the Wireless Audio/Video Kit, allowing consumers to combine audio and video streaming through one connection, cutting down on the hardware needed for the perfect entertainment setup. No additional snaking wires here to trip you up – just uninterrupted, high-quality snow action from Vancouver!

In addition, snow bunnies and chairmen of the (snow)boards can benefit from IOGEAR’s recently announced Wireless HD Kit in the AVIOR Series, helping to eliminate home theater clutter even further. This new kit can wirelessly transmit up to 100 feet through walls your Blu-ray / DVD players, DVR / Set-top box, VHS players, computers and media servers / Home Theater PC’s to HDTV’s or projectors. Whether you’re replaying the highlights or jumping online for ‘web TV’ to get a close-up on the best shred, it’s all seamless and customized with you in mind.

As part of IOGEAR’S AVIOR product series, the Wireless HD Kit is part of a broad product suite, which enables entertainment enthusiasts to bridge the gap between the computer and home entertainment center, providing internet on TV as part of a customized solution. From crime dramas to curling, and from PC to TV, IOGEAR has you covered this winter season!

For more information on IOGEAR items online, visit www.iogear.com.

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team

Following our glimpse of everything great and good at CES 2010, it’s time to cast an eye towards some exciting developments in the TV market. Hot off the heels of Toshiba’s recent announcement of their brand new state-of-the-art CELL TV, the consumer electronics industry is buzzing with speculation on the future of the humble television.

Toshiba’s CELL TV technology promises an enhanced picture quality and precise image accuracy by sampling multiple frames and restoring the native pre-sampling signal curve – put simply, providing more brightness, more contrast, more detail and more 3D capability.

For anyone lucky enough to be planning a purchase or even for those satisfied with their current entertainment system, here at IOGEAR we provide the perfect accessory so that your pride and joy works seamlessly within your living room, bedroom or any room in the house. The 4-Port HDMI Control Center provides complete convergence between home electronics and computing, allowing you to stream your content directly to one screen.

The 4-Port HDMI Control Center respects your viewing quality – in fact, it’s designed specifically to enhance your viewing experience, whether you’re watching a high definition movie, browsing the internet or sharing photos with family and friends. The center comes fully equipped with IOGEAR’s Display Emulation Technology, which reads and remembers the specifications of your display, cutting down on delay or changes in video resolution when switching between devices.

For wire-free enjoyment of your latest TV, the 2.4GHz Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel adds the finishing touch. Perfect for home theater PC setups or the home entertainment enthusiast, this slim keyboard allows you to type in comfort from any angle in the room and operates with lightning fast cursor speeds of up to 1200 dpi. Slim and ergonomic, it’s a must have for anyone looking to compliment their PC to TV solution.

For more information on IOGEAR items online, visit http://www.iogear.com.

The TV revolution is coming – one pixel at a time! Will YOU be ready?

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team

For anyone lucky enough to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year, there was something even more impressive than the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip on show. The buzz on the show floor this year was all about simplification and convergence – and IOGEAR is here to show the way!

Wires were banished from the CES show floor as early adopters found new ways to de-clutter and enjoy their favorite movies, video clips, and music files – streaming effortlessly from their PC to TV or home entertainment system.

IOGEAR is helping to bring the wireless digital lifestyle to life, and have the perfect tools to simplify in-home entertainment. This year at CES, IOGEAR introduced it’s 3rd generation wireless audio/video solution the Wireless USB to HDMI Kit, which allows consumers to combine audio and video streaming through one connection, cutting down on the hardware needed for the perfect entertainment setup. Also unveiled was an addition to the AVIOR Series the Wireless HD Kit to the specialty reseller market, which works to eliminate home theater clutter and wirelessly transmit Blu-ray / DVD players, DVR / Set-top boxes, VHS players, computers and media servers/home theater PCs to HDTV’s or projectors. With the ability to stream favorite HD content on 4 separate HD and Non-HD displays up to 100 feet away, this kit provides a simple plug and play solution to fully customize consumers’ living space, and along with the Wireless USB to HDMI Kit, allows streaming from up to 30 feet away. Look for both later this year!

In addition, IOGEAR’s 2nd generation Wireless Audio / Video Kit, available now through online and offline retailers, offers professional installers and consumers an easy solution to close the gap between the PC and the TV, and consists of three adapters: audio for speaker connectivity, VGA for a TV and Wireless USB for the hosting PC.

As more and more consumers start to rely on their PC as an integral part of their media center experience through out the home, computers are on the move! For those looking for more reliable ways to stream content from their PC within their family/living room, kitchen, home office or bedrooms, IOGEAR’s Wireless Audio / Video solutions make it easy by allowing music and multimedia content to be streamed wire free.

For all the news and reviews from CES check out the official press announcements and for more information on IOGEAR items online, visit www.iogear.com.

No wires – no mercy!

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team

It’s been an exciting holiday season here at IOGEAR, from our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway all the way through to a New Year celebrated at CES 2010. We are excited to move forward into 2010 and provide continued high value to our customers, including useful information to help make the very best of your digital life.

Going wireless has been a favorite topic on our blog this past year. For those who made New Year’s resolutions to finally get organized, this post offers some suggestions on how to simplify your digital life with IOGEAR wireless products that help reduce clutter.

Wireless Audio / Video Kit


The HDTV is the cornerstone of most living room entertainment systems today – but add a Blue-ray player, DVD/VCR player, video game consoles (Xbox, Wii, Playstation), home theater system or PC (taking advantage of web TV), and it all adds up to a lot of cables, wires and clutter.

The Wireless Audio / Video kit cuts the rats nest of wires by allowing you to simplify. Now you can untether your PC from that nest of wires, or add a PC to your entertainment mix without requiring the PC to be physically next to the HDTV. This setup allows you to enjoy the full breadth of content on the Internet from PC to TV wirelessly!

Solar-Powered Hands-Free Car Kit

If you’ve ever been frustrated by your wired headset ending up in a tangled ball, this hands-free kit is the answer. Not only does it avoid the tangle of wires, but this device also helps you stay on the right side of the law by making sure you comply with state laws regarding cell phone usage while driving.

This unit supports two phones, which eliminates any concerns about switching headsets on the road. You will also appreciate that this device is powered by solar energy, since GPS units and iPods typically take over our cigarette lighter adapters and switching adaptors while driving is dangerous.

Best of all, this is yet another IOGEAR device that supports our commitment to going green!

2.4GHz Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel

If your computer is already weighed down with one too many cables, why add to the problem? With the 2.4GHz keyboard you can set your keyboard free and work in comfort – completely wirelessly.

For even more freedom, you can use the built-in laser trackball, and ditch your external mouse – particularly useful for those wanting to experience the Internet on TV from the comfort of their couch with our Wireless Audio / Video Kit.

How has going wireless has enabled YOU to reduce clutter? Are there any devices that you wish had no cords? We want to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, on FaceBook or Twitter.

During the holidays, it’s a time of reunion and celebration and many gifts will exchange hands. It can be very tough to find that perfect gift for the special people in your life. At IOGEAR, we have put together some gift ideas to help you find that perfect gift for your mom, dad, siblings, co-workers, boss and friends.

Before we get into the ideas, here is one bit of exciting news; be sure to check back on Friday, December 11 at this blog for an exciting giveaway!

For Mother

Bluetooth Stereo Headphones – $69.95



Especially suited for mothers on the go, this device allows her to enjoy music stored on Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, mp3 players and a host of other audio sources wirelessly within a 33-foot range.

Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit – $49.99

Does mom drive often? This device, which mounts on a visor in the car, will help her keep safe while obeying cell phone laws with the freedom to wirelessly place and receive calls.

56-in-1 Memory Card Reader/Writer – $19.95

Does mom take lots of digital photos of her loved ones? This device will make sure she can easily save those photos onto her PC or Mac. With support for all major memory card formats, you can feel safe that her media is supported.

For Dad

Wireless Audio / Video Kit – $299.95

If dad loves his entertainment center and computer with equal love, then with this device he will be in heaven! The Wireless A/V Kit allows dad to connect his PC to a HDTV wirelessly to stream videos, movies and music, all from the comfort of his couch.

4-Port USB Net ShareStation – $99.95



This device allows you to share up to 4 USB devices over a wireless network, a perfect solution for a dad who does not mind sharing their USB devices with the rest of the family. Dad will be extra excited as it does not involve physically moving those devices from computer to computer.

USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer – $49.95

So dad now has a new Netbook or Laptop, but how will he easily transfer files to his desktop home or work PC? The USB Laptop KVM Switch is the answer! This device even has an extra USB port that can be used to attach an external hard drive.

For Your Siblings

Powerline Stereo Audio System – $444.95

Does a multi-room audio home system that is truly DIY sound appealing? Well your sibling may think so! This device allows you to connect an iPod or other audio source and listen anywhere in the home that has a power outlet.

Portable Media Server Player – $349.95

If your sibling is a media-phile, then they must own this device. With storage of up to 34,000 digital photos, 30,000 songs (mp3) and 50 hours of DVD quality video, this device is a media lover’s portable jukebox!

Turbo Powerline Networking Kit – $149.95



Your sibling owns an Xbox 360, Blu-ray Player or Sony Playstation 3, and now they may have discovered that to connect those devices to the Internet, they will need to buy a WiFi adaptor or run an Ethernet cable from the router all the way to the device … not very attractive. This device allows you to use your power outlet as a Ethernet port! No more Ethernet wires running across the living room floor.

For Your Co-Workers

Pocket Card Reader – $7.95

Give your co-worker the gift of being able to take their media with them in their pocket with support for a PC or Mac. They will be able transfer pictures, data and music at USB 2.0 speeds from a device that easily slips into their pocket.

GearPower – Rescue Charger – $9.95

We’ve all experienced the dreaded dead cell phone battery predicament, and usually at the worst times. Save your co-worker from the stress that entails with this convenient rescue charger.

Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter – $22.99

Not all computers come with Bluetooth support, but there exists many useful Bluetooth devices. Allow your co-worker to take advantage, whether it is with a PC or Mac with this tiny unobtrusive device.

For Your Boss

Wireless USB to VGA Kit – $229.95

Your boss is on the road about to give a presentation. She plugs one end of this device into her computer, and the other end into the projector or TV. She then wirelessly transmits her Power Point onto the screen. The client is amazed, the boss smiles and perhaps you have just earned a raise.

Mobile Digital Scribe – $99.95

Allow your boss to reach another level of productivity with the mobile digital scribe. He can take his notes on ordinary paper and then transfer to his PC to store those notes in a digital format.

Wi-Fi Finder – $12.95

Internet access is perhaps the lifeblood of business today. Make it easy for your boss to find out whether a hot spot is nearby without needing to boot up her netbook.

For Your Friends

2.4GHz Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel – $99.95



If your friend has a computer, then he uses a keyboard, but probably the stock keyboard that came with the computer. Upgrade his life with this next level keyboard that sports a built in laser trackball and scroll wheel.

Bluetooth (R) Wireless Stereo Headphones with Built-in Mic – $37.95

Give your friend the gift of wireless audio, and witness her doing the robot without getting entangled in a mess of wires. Whether it is a computer, PDA or MP3 player, this device allows 33 feet of wireless freedom.

GearPower – Portable Battery for Mobile Devices – $19.95



When we need it most, it is not there. Of course, I’m talking about battery power! Don’t let your friend venture out into the world without the necessary power to keep all of his gadgets running. With 5 connectors, your friend can be the MacGyver of batter power!

Please take the time and share some of your gift ideas for this holiday season in the comments below, on Facebook or via Twitter. We can’t wait to hear from you!

We hope that regardless of whether or not you take our ideas to action, that at the very least are inspired to give the one gift that is irreplaceable, your time. Happy Holidays!

With broadband connections rising in the United States and YouTube kicking off the share your video genre of Web sites that now has dozens of copycats, consumers have become more accustomed to watching TV, movies and videos on their computers. Additionally, with the dropping price of digital cameras and video cameras, and the video and photo features in cell phones, we now witness a whole new generation of consumers that are creating, editing, sharing and consuming media content online.

Pay-per-view options via Amazon and iTunes deliver video instantly to your computer as opposed to the now dated act of getting in the car and heading to the local video rental store, or waiting for your Netflix movie to physically show up in the mail. Netflix offers a wide collection of streaming video content but rarely provides newly released items for instant streaming.

Realizing consumers’ needs, Hollywood is now listening. They’ve Studio executive have slowly warmed to the idea of putting full shows online within 24 hours of the original air-date on traditional TV. This recent UK article shows the dramatic spike in online views of video based content, further reinforcing how much consumers want this option. With more than 80 sites available to legally stream movies, TV shows and short video clips now, clearly the shift to online content viewing is happening now and fast.

All of this is great news for consumers as it makes entertainment easier and cheaper, however, being stuck to your desk, office or kitchen table with a laptop is not the most enjoyable way to watch his newly available content. Having a dedicated computer to soley serve as a multimedia station for most, is a burden they’d rather not deal with. The set up, the proximity to the TV and figuring out how to use it and where to put it, can cause a huge headache. Anyone who’s taken the time to hang their flat panel TV on the wall and fish the cables down through it to have a clean look knows parking a computer tower under it is not the most aesthetically pleasing option.

There is now a better option available.

IOGEAR has introduced the Wireless Audio / Video Kit, which is changing how everyone views multimedia content from the Internet. A simple, clean and no-hassle hookup with no cables will have the video transmitting from your computer to your HD TV up to 30 feet away.

Now you can easily enjoy your HD TV from the comfort of your couch with the near limitless content available online. Unlike digital video recorders which cost several hundred dollars and require a monthly service fee, once you purchase the Wireless Audio / Video Kit it’s yours. The only other requirements are a TV and a broadband Internet connection.

Use the Wireless Audio / Video Kit for more than just streaming video. Easily show videos you’ve made on your camera after you’ve transferred them to a computer, or setup a slideshow of still photographs on your computer to be displayed when you aren’t watching videos. This technology easily converts your TV into a digital photo frame!

Showing you just how easy it is to connect your PC to TV can be opens a whole new world of exciting possibilities, entertainment and cost savings for you and your family. The added benefit of embracing one of the newest and fastest growing digital trends also means quicker delivery of media and instant gratification.

Internet on TV is a trend that still at the beginning stages of explosive growth and IOGEAR is at the forefront, bringing you cutting edge technology to allow full enjoyment of everything the Internet has to offer and will offer for years to come.

You can pick up or order a Wireless Audio / Video Kit today at Best Buy, Micro Center, Fry’s, Amazon or at our own IOGEAR store.

The Wall Street Journal recently published a story predicting that the larger big-ticket technologies will remain on the shelves and consumers will instead go home with the latest gadgets this holiday season. As this article and other industry experts predict, the average consumer will purchase more affordable gadgets and less ‘blockbuster’ devices this season.


So what does this mean? Well, consumers, like you, are prepared and willing to spend $300 or less on tech gadgets this year. With most of today’s most popular consumer electronics (CE) products falling into this price category, it looks like everything from netbooks, to the latest e-book reader and high fidelity speakers might top 2009 Christmas shopping lists.

As we reflect on these predictions and the recent CE trends, we believe that IOGEAR’s Wireless Audio / Video Kit (MSRP @ $299.95) is a perfect fit for this year’s gift exchange.

We offer the Wireless Audio / Video Kit which allows users to stream both audio and video content (up to 720p) wirelessly from their PC to their TV up to 30 feet away. Users can eliminate unnecessary cable clutter and enjoy the best of the Web on their larger TVs from the comforts of their couch. This solution truly gives you or the person receiving this gift the ability to stream wirelessly from PC to TV a reality.

What other gadgets are you looking to put under your tree this holiday season?

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team