Apple’s latest brainchild, the sleek iPad is flying off the shelves. Conservative estimates put iPad sales at around 2.2 million for the calendar year, while overall tablet sales are expected to top 10.5 million.

If Apple even comes close to these estimates, we can look forward to a changed portable computing market landscape. Combined with the exciting changes in the Audio/Video market, we believe the iPad will play an interesting role,….but no-one seems clear on what that role will be. Here at IOGEAR, we’ve taken out our crystal ball and provided some thoughts on how the iPad will change the world … (cue world dominating laugh).

Getting Started

Whether you use a professional installer or you are a DIY pro, the iPad could help spearhead a new standard for instruction manuals. We already have Internet web sites that fulfill this need, such as HowCast, but unfortunately with the norm is still cryptic user manuals and PDF formatted installation guides. Take a moment to envision standing your iPad up next to you, while installing your next device into your home entertainment system, using a voice activated interface to pause, rewind and fast-forward video instructions. No more re-reading confusing instructions over and over while pulling out your hair – the iPad could offer a quick-glance guide to troubleshoot even the trickiest problem.

Perhaps even with video instruction you are still having trouble figuring something out. No fear – the solution may lie in your iPad’s built in WiFi or 3G for live streaming video, or audio help by tapping the help icon on the screen. Here is where a built in camera might come in handy – allowing you to show a live stream of what you are doing back to the customer support agent.

Integrating

We know that Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR connectivity is included with the iPad, but further details regarding connectivity options are unclear. WiFi and 3G connectivity already allows us to interact with all sorts of devices that can be controlled through the Internet or over the air. So how can we fit the iPad into our home entertainment center setup?

Many are making the switch from traditional cable to web TV bringing the PC into to the living room. The iPad can be the interfacing device between the PCs, consoles and TV. Think of it as the ultimate programmable remote control with all the advantages of Apple’s “magical” user interface.

The iPad also provides a unique experience for gaming with the way you interact and control the game. Integrating the iPad, or using it as a sole controller could open up new avenues of at-home gaming – whether it’s using it as a steering wheel control for racing games, or as a virtual map while playing an action/adventure game.

iPad vs. NetBooks vs. Slates

One of the advantages of a portable computer such as the iPad is the ability to take your home entertainment on the road. This is already a crowded market, with NetBook and Slate computers competing for your attention and dollars.

A key factor to your decision of where to spend those hard-earned dollars will be the answer to the questions: what do you need your portable device for, and what kinds of functionalities are a must? Undoubtedly a NetBook or Slate computer will have much more functionality, both in terms of software (e.g. you will not find QuickBooks or Starcraft on the iPad yet) and hardware (the iPad suffers from a lack of standard ports, while both the Slates and NetBooks have at least standard USB interfaces. In the end you should ask: what do you really need in a portable computer? More importantly, how much is the user experience or the ‘cool factor’ worth to you?

Battery life is one area where the iPad significantly outshines the other solutions, with an impressive 140 hours of music capability or 10 hours of uninterrupted eBook use. However, the lack of a removable battery may be a minus, unless you don’t mind using an external battery, such as the GearPower Mobile Portable Battery.

Finally, pricing is always an important issue. Even at the starting price of $499 for an iPad there are some very powerful NetBooks available at similar price points that could arguably match the iPad in terms of user experience. With a rumored $500 price tag, the HP Slate is one of the more popular contenders at this point, though there are some very interesting non-Windows contenders at similar price points.

Conclusion

What would you use the iPad for instead of a NetBook? Is there a deal breaker that would cause you to choose a Windows, Android or Linux powered NetBook or Slate vs. the iPad? What do you think about the pricing? Please take some time and share your thoughts here on the blog, on Twitter or FaceBook.

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.

It’s no secret that the Internet is now a vast source of entertainment. It’s where we find, share and store pictures, home videos, movies and TV shows. However, we can’t always crowd a group of people around a small laptop screen to share our pictures, videos, favorite TV show or movie with friends and family.

Many companies are starting to see the value of offering online entertainment, but it’s how consumers view that content that is becoming increasingly important.

Some of the big cable giants are starting to offer more online content to paid customers but that comes with hefty monthly fees that can add up. And while Internet-enabled TVs aren’t new, they’re getting increasingly popular but are still limited to what content you can have access to. Recently, it was rumored that Apple might take a gamble and manufacture its own Internet-enabled TV that could eventually work in tandem with all Apple products.

We previously reported on a Yahoo! study showing the increase in online video viewing – so the questions are, how much online content are you watching, and would you like to have it viewed on your big screen TV rather than your small computer screen?

Cheers,

The IOGEAR team

Take a step back and look at how you and your family use common spaces, specifically the living room.  The living room was traditionally a place for people to gather and discuss current matters, how the day went and future plans.

With technology came multimedia.  First was the radio, then television, video, gaming systems and multimedia computers. Now, broadband Internet and wireless technology has pushed computers that were once confined to the office into our living space.

During this evolution nothing has really been able to control, manage or streamline how we interact with all the different devices in our living rooms – with the exception of the universal remote. But even with the universal remote, it was never easy switching from device to device.

Now, imagine sitting on your couch, watching TV in one moment, then easily switching to your computer to check a few emails and perhaps browse the Web, then switching over to your favorite video game system all on the same TV display and without leaving your couch.

IOGEAR’s latest revolutionary offering allows users to do that and more, in a simple way.  Utilizing an HDMI Multimedia KVMP Switch to seamlessly change between devices takes your home entertainment into a new level of enjoyment.

What’s amazing about this KVMP is the HDMI integration, it allows a single cable to be run for both high video resolution (1080p HD) and sound transfer, which makes setup a breeze.

The HDMI KVMP Switch supports digital inputs from:

• Blu-Ray / DVD players
• Gaming consoles
• Set-top boxes
• Home / office computers

Because the KVMP is designed to connect all of your existing systems to one central display, it becomes the brains behind your home entertainment system. Display Emulation Technology built into the KVMP remembers monitors parameters such as display resolution and eliminates the nagging delay when switching between or booting devices.

One of the new features included with this unit are the two USB 2.0 ports for asynchronously sharing USB devices between computers.  This patented asynchronous switching allows you to switch applications between two connected computers; run one application on one computer while running a second app on another.  You can further expand the ports with a USB hub.

Now you can take the guesswork out of connecting your gaming and multimedia systems to your living room HDTV while utilizing your multimedia computer to its fullest potential with this simple plug-and-play solution.  The HDMI Multimedia KVMP Switch is a complete home entertainment solution to enhance and enrich your living room and turn it into a complete home entertainment center that the whole family can enjoy.

We want to know how your home entertainment setup has evolved over the years. Tell us all about your setup in the comment section below or at our Twitter page. If you have any pictures to share with us, please do so at our FaceBook page. We look forward to your ideas.

Home entertainment has taken a side step recently, more towards the digital realm meant for easy sharing of content. Dinner parties and family gatherings still happen, but with social-networking sites like Flickr, Kodak.com, YouTube, Mevio and Facebook, the ability to directly connect with everyone regardless of how far away they are is only a few keystrokes away.

Because nearly everyone has a digital camera these days and 99% of all cell phones have a camera built in them, photos are being shared like never before. Now consumers can snap a photo, email or text it to someone, share it on Twitter or post the image directly to a Facebook wall.

Capturing special moments on video is easier today too. Most of the current digital cameras come with video functionality, making expensive A/V equipment a thing of the past. Utilizing video hosting services like YouTube and Mevio allow easy and fast sharing with anyone, anywhere. No need to author DVDs and mail them out anymore.

The ability to share memories has never been more simple or fulfilling. Personalized photos and videos delivered to a grandparent’s email can mean the world, especially when they live in far-away places. With modern technologies, families and friends can continue to share in each other’s lives even if they’re unable to be there in person.

Consumers now have various channels to share photos and video with friends and family, through email and social-networking sites. However, this content shouldn’t be limited to a computer monitor that only person can view comfortably. While home media computers have started to become more popular, they aren’t a sure-fire fix, and can often be complex to setup and use.

The next step in bridging the gap is the IOGEAR Wireless Audio / Video Kit, designed to easily connect your computer and your HDTV, enabling an entire room to enjoy photos from Flickr or movies on YouTube. Ultra-wideband technology allows the Kit to transmit 720p HD video up to thirty feet away wirelessly, easily turning nearly any computer in the room into a media center. No unsightly cables or wires hanging down, no complex setup, simply plug the device into one part of your computer and the other into the TV, and enjoy your cherished memories from the comfort of your couch and on your HDTV.

If this sounds appealing to you, check out our contest that ends on August 31, 2009 where we are giving away one of these IOGEAR Wireless Audio / Video Kits. All you need for a chance to win is to join us as a fan on FaceBook.

The living room truly is where families live today, not like before when it was only used to entertain guests or watch the occasional television show. Nowadays, the living room serves as a sanctuary of sorts; part media room, home office and gaming center. Due to the number of devices connected to each other, it can be somewhat difficult to enjoy all of them in a clean and simple fashion. IOGEAR’s revolutionary HDMI Control Center aims to alleviate some of the confusions.

Introducing the HDMI Control Center to the home market allows consumers to utilize the living room television as a centralized connection point; leveraging both HDMI and USB-powered devices to gain instant access, enjoyment and the freedom of complete user control.

Setting the device up is fairly straightforward. On the back of the HDMI Control Center is a gray area for console where you connect the HDMI cable from your television or monitor to the unit along with the USB-powered wireless keyboard with built-in trackball,. Simply connect the rest of your devices via HDMI and USB for quick and simple setup.



How does it work?

Use the HDMI Control Center to connect and control the following, and enjoy all of them at full 1080p HD resolution.

• Home Computers
• Media server
• Blu-Ray / DVD players
• Gaming consoles (Xbox, Playstation 3)
• HD Set-top Boxes
• Digital Video Recorders

A quick tap on the hot-keys on the wireless keyboard will allow you to quickly switch to your desired devices and IOGEAR’s Display Emulation Technology means it will remember the screen resolution and parameters for each specific device, so you don’t need to adjust your TV each time.


Utilize the USB ports to connect a USB hub or other USB peripheral devices such as external drives or digital cameras. Because you are only sharing a screen session, you can run different applications on your computer and your media server while recording to your DVR all at the same time. The HDMI Control Center comes as a complete kit, ready to install out-of-the-box with everything you’ll need. Clean lines and brushed aluminum on the front fascia will match any home décor and an included headphone jack should be all you need for a little more privacy.

This is part one of a two part series that talks about the current status of Internet TV, the second part of this series will explore content that is currently available through the Internet.

The new millennium has brought with it some of the most fast-paced advances in technology within the multi-media industry. Within the last decade, the cost of an average-sized plasma television has dropped from the $40,000 luxury item price that only the wealthy could enjoy to around $1,000 today. Along with the huge price savings, the experience in front of the television has changed, as it’s now being used for much more than simply plugging in the cable that comes out of the wall. Web TV in many ways revolutionized the concept of using a television as a computer monitor while being paired with a wireless keyboard, but it lacked a solid user interface, had limited ability to display websites correctly and ultimately never really caught on.

Most people today have at least a DVD player hooked up to the television. Digital converter boxes and digital video recorders (DVRs) are also taking up residency in the home theater, but another player has entered the field – streaming media. DVD players require you to purchase, rent or borrow a disc to enjoy, while DVRs only record content that has already aired on your cable network. Streaming media boxes allow anyone with a broadband Internet connection to easily stream media to their big screen TVs relatively painlessly. Following are some of the most popular ways this is now done.

IOGEAR – Wireless Audio / Video Kit

Utilizing Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, the IOGEAR Wireless Audio / Video Kit eliminates the need for a box to sit anywhere between your computer and your television and because it is wireless, no need for a long cable extending from your laptop to the TV. Using your existing computer to stream media means no ripping movies, like the Apple TV, and the ability to stream Netflix without the investment in a standalone device. You can also watch any media format you have. Here is quick video to give you a better idea of how this device works:

Priced at $349.95, the kit is slightly more expensive than any of the stand-alone devices, but far more flexible in terms of use and functionality.

• Delivering 720p HD TV up to 30’ feet away means less clutter and easier integration between existing technologies in the home
• No limitations on Web sites to stream media content such as Internet TV
• Easily utilize a network attached storage device to store photos, videos and other content in a different physical part of the home
• Complete solution for having a computer in a room, viewing it both on a computer and on a big screen TV

There are only a few downsides:

• Currently it only works with PCs, but IOGEAR is working on a Mac version to be announced at a later date
• Home computer must be within 30’ feet range, usually requiring a computer in the same room

Samsung @TV

Starting at some point this year, Samsung will start selling TVs in a partnership program with Yahoo called @TV that will enable streaming video directly to the television via Ethernet cable or an optional Wi-Fi USB dongle. The content and the ability to utilize the television for more than just the Yahoo widget has to offer is yet to be determined, but clearly Samsung has realized that streaming media is the future. The obvious downside to this are:

• Expensive initial cost, especially if you already own an HD TV
• Routing cables for a clean look
• Limited ability to stream shows that only Yahoo offers
• No real Web browser

The @TV’s positive notes should not overshadow these,

• Super clean install, running Internet right to the TV means no extra devices
• One remote control

Roku Digital Video Player

Possibly one of the most popular new devices is the Roku Netflix player. Roughly the size of a paperback book, this extremely small unit packs a lot of power. Roku built this device to work exclusively with Netflix’s on-demand streaming content, allowing Netflix users to easily watch movies from their instant queue using the remote control. Additionally, the device can now stream from Amazon’s on-demand service, where movies are priced ala carte.

A paid Netflix account of at least $8.99 per month is needed to utilize this feature, while the Roku itself retails for $99. While setup and built in Wi-Fi make this extremely attractive, the on-going cost to maintain a Netflix account is an added monthly expense. Other limitations include:

• Limited selection of content
• Can only stream Netflix content with subscription
• Amazon on-demand movies, must pay per movie
• No interface or ability to freely surf the Internet
• Still need to use a computer to add and remove movies from your queue

While the limitations of the Roku are slightly long, the positives to it somewhat counter act that.

• The small footprint
• No pay-per-view cost with existing Netflix subscriptions
• Roku has speculated that YouTube and possibly Hulu will stream if licensing details can be worked out.

Sling Media Slingbox

In an almost reverse operation, the Slingbox connects to both your broadband Internet connection and your cable connection (traditional cable, digital or satellite) and streams that content to your computer, utilizing the Sling Media Player application. For example, once it’s attached at home, you could watch your local news or sports events on your laptop in a hotel while on a business trip to the other side of the country.

Slingbox allows home users to make the most of their current cable by turning any computer into a television, tied to your local channels. This is great for people who are always on-the-move and prefer to stay up-to-date with their local television, but the total cost of ownership is on the high side. Slingbox starts at $179.99 for the SOLO version and $299.00 for the PRO-HD model. Like the Roku, the Slingbox requires:

1. Home cable TV service
2. High speed internet
3. Is limited to the screen size of your computer for viewing
4. The cable box at home can’t be used to watch other programs if being accessed remotely

The Slingbox was one of the first on the scene and to this day has a very loyal following. It also features:

• Easy setup if all connections (Cat 5, coaxial and power plug) are in one place
• View all cable channels you have as if you were home
• Ability to view in HD with the high-end models

Popcorn Hour

The A-100 Networked Media Tank is a Wi-Fi bridge between your computer and your television. Users can store the most popular video formats internally on the hard drive to play on a TV. Setup to your TV is similar to the Roku or Slingbox; The A-100 touts:

• Full HDMI support
• The ability to stream 1080p
• Rear-facing USB port allows for easy external hard drive expansions

The price tag for the Popcorn Hour is $250. The Media Tank still requires cables to connect it and its not particularly portable.

Main challenge with this device is that it requires several firmware upgrades to truly get it to perform without minor annoyances.

Apple TV

Perhaps one of the only products that didn’t fly off the shelf when initially launched by Apple, the Apple TV has a somewhat cult-like following among Mac users. It comes equipped with:

• Wi-Fi
• HDMI
• The most straightforward installation of any media player
• The best looking of all devices
• Simple remote control

In typical Mac fashion, it is sleek looking and unobtrusive. A computer is still required to put media onto the Apple TV though, a major downside and time expense. To use the Apple TV, you must rip your movies into MP4 format, or copy over your MP3s and photos to it. The attractive box doesn’t make up for:

• No free streaming ability
• TV shows and movies must be purchased from the iTunes store
• No Web browser

While the Apple TV runs about $229, the added cost of buying every show and movie you want to watch and time involved in ripping your existing movies over quickly adds up.

Hava

Directly competing against the Slingbox is Hava, a device that will rebroadcast your cable television shows to virtually any computer and a growing list of cellular phones. Additionally, the Hava allows you to pause, fast forward or rewind shows that you are streaming to your computer and actually burn them to DVD. Like the Popcorn, this device also supports a USB external hard drive, allowing you to turn the Hava into a DVR. Competitively priced at $179.95 for the top-of-the-line Titanium HD Wi-Fi unit, it offers a price savings and feature package that neither the Popcorn nor Slingbox can. Like Popcorn and Slingbox, the Hava has limitations:

• The viewing software is currently limited to Windows
• Mac client is said to be in the works
• Monthly cable bill must still be paid in order for this device to function properly
• No Web browser

Like the Slingbox, it too has:

• A devoted fan base following in user groups
• Straight forward setup
• Ability to stream your home television stations to anywhere that has Internet

In Conclusion

How and where we watch and enjoy video, television, music and photos has never been easier utilizing and embracing the technology that is now readily available. We are no longer constrained to watching TV at the time it airs, or in our living room, the options to enjoy these luxuries where and when we want is invaluable.

Choosing how to best fulfill your needs may now be the most complicated question instead of when American Idol comes on. Perhaps the most exciting part is that this technology is still in its infancy. During this infancy is when early adaptation is probably best, since most all of the devices require cables to be run around your home or through walls, with the exception of the IOGEAR Wireless Audio / Video Kit.

To help determine what best fits your needs, look at the limitations of each device. The one with the least amount of limitations relative to what you need will give you the most value for the money, as it will become the most flexible for your purposes. For example, some devices like the Popcorn and Slingbox limit how you can use your Internet connection by not allowing access to a Web browser to take advantage of streaming content online.

On the other hand, Apple TV requires that all media be put onto the device and in a specific format. It can take an hour or more to convert a DVD you bought at the store to the proper .mp4 format to work on the Apple TV.

The Wireless Audio / Video Kit’s limitation is that it is an in-room solution and within 30 feet coverage which is mainly due to the bandwidth distance of UWB technology, it shouldn’t be a problem in most home entertainment center setup today. Additionally, the Wireless Audio / Video Kit allows you to unleash your computer’s content, making it truly an integrated part of any room and future multi-media platform for home entertainment.

Creating a theater experience at home can be rewarding. Think of it now – reclining in the comfort of your living room, watching your HDTV and enjoying a crystal clear sound system. What could be better than avoiding lines and noisy crowds at the movies than cozying up on the couch?

IOGEAR can help you customize your electronics into a robust home theater, making your entertainment system state-of-the-art.

To get the highest quality video and sound from your electronics, you’ll want to view and listen to content in high-definition. Most HDTVs have at least one HDMI input, but if you have more accessories than your television can handle, you’ll either need to spend time continually plugging and unplugging or get an HDMI switch. IOGEAR offers the 4-Port HDMI Automatic Switch that takes all of the work out of switching between devices such as set-top boxes, DVD players, and game consoles. If you’re curious about how HDMI works, HowStuffWorks has a great overview.

If you’re looking to cut cable clutter, IOGEAR’s Wireless USB to VGA Kit lets you wirelessly extend your computer to your big-screen TV, making it simple and cord-free to view pictures and surf the Web while stretched out on your sofa (instead of hunched over your desk).

Check out the following video for a first-hand look at some of our additional home entertainment products:

What makes your living room the perfect home theater? Let us know in the comments! Or even better, post a picture on our FaceBook page.

Cheers!
The IOGEAR team

As Americans brace themselves for economic uncertainty and equip themselves with the necessities of everyday living, one idea that is floating around and gaining in popularity is that of technology convergence.

People are combining multiple services and technologies in order to meet their digital needs, streamline their lives and save money.

So what do we mean by technology convergence? Basically, as technology advances, services are merging. One recent example of convergence is the idea of streaming traditional TV programming from your computer to your big screen TV, allowing consumers to save money by cutting or reducing their cable bill.

IOGEAR offers a wireless way to easily connect your computer to your TV with its Wireless USB to VGA Kit. This product gives you the ability to stream video content from a computer to a LCD TV display and share it with friends and family.

Not only can you view media content, but users can multi-task and browse the Internet from the comfort of their couch.

For a more detailed explanation of how the IOGEAR Wireless USB to VGA Kit works, please see the story by ComputerTV below.

Convergence will be a key theme for IOGEAR this year, so stay tuned for more exciting products.

What services have you merged lately? Feel free to leave us a comment explaining your technology convergence.

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team