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.

You can view part one here.

The way we watch TV shows and movies has changed dramatically over the last few years. Gone are the days when TV Guide dictated what time you must be home to catch your favorite show, or make a trip to the store to buy or rent a movie. Broadband Internet access has been made available nearly everywhere in the USA and media sites are putting it to full use, allowing you to stream content right to your computer and TV, enabling you to watch your favorite shows such as: Lost, CSI, American Idol and House whenever you want.

YouTube was one of the first aggregate sites that allowed streaming video (via the Flash plug-in) that didn’t take forever to load. While their primary focus has been to showcase user-generated content, and they now actively remove illegally-shared TV shows and movies, major studio executives often use it to show trailers of upcoming movie. Many try to create viral videos in the marketing world, and some are done so well that they gain cult-like status. Dozens of similar sites started to show up that offered the same concept, just in a different package. Vimeo, Viddler and MetaCafe are three of the competitors that compete directly with YouTube. While all have pretty strict anti-copyright rules, they also have the ability of being able to enjoy an entire show, since most limit content to 10 minutes.

The concept of legally watching video from over the Internet is now starting to see backing by the major studios. Ironically, watching shows on most computers isn’t ideal, not when a 42” or larger HD TV is hung on the wall. Just as the movie and TV industry has realized viewers want to watch programs when they want, the tech industry has realized these same viewers want to watch programs where they want. Connecting a computer to a television is a task that not everyone is comfortable with. Factor in unsightly cables and the need to locate a computer fairly close to a television, and it’s not hard to see that this is not the best setup. IOGEAR’s award-winning Wireless Audio / Video Kit eliminates the cables dangling from your television and takes the guesswork out of connecting your computer to the TV with the Only a few minutes to hook up and configure, this kit will allow you to wirelessly stream 720p HD video from up to 30’ away.

To take full advantage of streaming content to your television, there is a near endless list of sites to legally watch video from. Joost was one of the first Internet TV aggregate sites on the Internet, but required specific hardware to operate properly, limited selection of shows and an endless amount of bugs. While they tried to figure out how to best deliver their content, Hulu quietly snuck onto the scene. With a proper blessing by some major studios to broadcast media, it quickly became the go-to site to get caught up on TV shows and select movies. Most television episodes will show up on Hulu within 36 hours of their original airdate along with out-takes and cast member interviews that normally wouldn’t be seen on cable television. First on Mars, Fancast and Fora are similar aggregate sites that focus on content from a multitude of different sources.

Traditional broadcast television quickly caught on that this was no longer a trend and wanted to attract more viewers by putting some content right on their own sites. The big four, ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, all stream some of their primetime shows shortly after being aired. Most premium cable channels also stream their more popular shows, like USA, A&E, History Channel and Food TV, allowing viewers to watch their favorite shows on their own time, no longer being restricted to the air time or waiting for a rerun. Best of all, it’s legal! Not only do the television networks gain more viewers, it’s almost an excuse to not illegally acquire content anymore. Furthermore, it’s somewhat of an incentive to stop paying for cable since you can stream the vast majority of shows, and now enjoying them from computer to TV is a reality too.

Streaming content has become so popular that dedicated sites now offer full shows, avoiding the high cost of being on television or worse, not at all, it exposes viewers to a whole new genre of video. Standouts include Revision3 and CNET-TV, both offer content that is enjoyable to watch but would more than likely be passed over by the more traditional networks. There are actually more than 80 Web sites to legally stream movies and television shows from, along with sites that generate content solely for broadcasting via the Internet.

Now is the time to enjoy the shows you already watch, when you want to, and on the TV of your choice, free and legally. Make sure to check out part 1 of this series which highlights the advances within the hardware side of the Internet TV revolution.

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.

Entertainment in the home has been going on for as long as man could make sounds by beating sticks onto walls. We generally associate home entertainment, as we know it today by starting in the last 19th century with the phonograph. Commonly called a gramophone or record player, these devices started to appear around the 1870’s and played recorded sounds, something almost mind-blowing for the time. Users were limited in the selection of sounds and spoken word titles available though and for the most part, this cutting edge technology was only enjoyed by the wealthy.

The radio came about just before the turn of the 20th century and then subsequently allowed families to enjoy music and spoken word in the comfort of their own home; the need to go to an auditorium was no longer needed. Best yet, no records or cylinders needed to be purchased, the sound was transmitted live, a totally new concept for the time. This led to a whole new way for families and friends to bond, crowded around radio sets and often involved several families since the new technology was expensive. Above and beyond that, the availability for live news and weather events to be broadcast, as they were about to happen, would end up forever changing our lives. We could now get news and information the day of, not the day after from a traditional newspaper.

By the 1940’s the television had made it’s mark, once again revolutionizing how families enjoyed entertainment. With live and recorded broadcasts, families could now see what they had been listening to on the radio. The television changed our lives so much, the invention of the TV dinner was introduced soon thereafter to encourage people to eat a meal easily in front of the television as not to miss out on anything.

Audio quality continued to get better throughout the century, and more portable. By the 1940’s reel-to-reel tape had been introduced and was implemented in every big record company to make masters. Record players were in nearly every home by the 1960 and by the mid 60’s the 8-track tape was introduced. This new pocket sized audio format was slightly larger than a pack of cards and greatly more portable than a record. It also didn’t suffer from the same common problem of records, scratches and dust. The 8-track was such a hit that it had started to become a standard option for the automotive industry, as a way to listen to recorded audio on the roads.

The 70’s brought us the cassette tape, a smaller and more portable audio format that allowed for easy home duplication and recording. The cassette tape player became the standard for automobiles and home stereo systems through the 1990’s and led to such amazing products as the mid-80’s Walkman, forever changing how we enjoy music on the go.

1975 was also an evolution in home entertainment when the Betamax was introduced, an economical way for home users to watch, record and watch video again on their own television. 1976 brought the Betamax rival, VHS. This spawned a rather large format war that VHS ultimately won, and started new businesses that allowed the rental of videotapes, rather than purchasing them outright.

The early 80’s saw a huge change in how music was delivered, this time by the Compact Disc, or CD for short. This more refined technology delivered cleaner sound, more space and no need to flip a tape. The sound also didn’t distort after repeated plays, a common problem with cassette tapes when the ribbon would stretch. This new format was expensive and didn’t catch onto the mainstream consumers until the late 80’s, by the mid 90’s though it had become the defacto standard for how to listen to high quality music.

While the VHS tape forever changed how we enjoyed video at home and the Compact Disc gave us the best sound quality, 1995 introduced the new standard in video, with CD quality sound, the DVD. Bringing a new quality of video with unsurpassed sound, the DVD is still a major player in today’s home video market. Like the video cassette rental stores of the last decade, the DVD has led to the introduction of online rental sites, like Netflix, which allow users to have movies delivered right to their home for enjoyment.

Throughout the 1990’s and into the 21st century home televisions continued to evolve, getting thinner, bigger and with better displays. The two most common models are now LCD and Plasma, both feature high-definition displays, often referred to as HD displays and are considerably thinner than the predecessors. These new displays often include hookups for more than just a DVD player though, the ability to use the television as a monitor for a home computer system is also built into most set designs. Now home entertainment isn’t restricted to broadcast television or recorded media on DVDs or CDs, families can stream internet only radio and television stations right to their HD television and surround sound systems.

Moving forward, Summer 2009 will see the introduction of a new technology from IOGEAR, the Wireless Audio / Video Kit will wirelessly connect a home computer or laptop to a television set. This cutting edge technology will mean no wires are needed and the computer, coupled with a broadband Internet connection, can now bring countless new ways to be entertained at home. With two simple parts to the kit, one to be plugged into the computer, the other into the television, setup couldn’t be any easier, and the lack of cables means a clean, simple design.

The second decade of the 21st century is almost among us, the future is still untold, but if things continue to evolve and revolutionize how they have for the last 100 years, and at the pace they have for the last 20 years, we are clearly in for some mind-blowing, cutting edge 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