Networking Audio Video 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

As usual, Christmas is coming upon us way too fast! If you haven't started shopping yet, you better get going. We here at Networking Audio and Video have put together a short list of our favorite products to get you going. What's great about the products on this list is that most of them are devices to get the most out of your home entertainment system, thus saving you a bunch of money since there's no reason to go out of the house. So not only are you giving gifts that only cost a few hundred dollars, you going to help that special someone save some entertainment money. Talking about doing your part during these rough economic times!

So what's the must have give this year? For us here at NAV, it has to be the Roku Netflix Player. Where else are you going to get so much entertainment value for $99 bucks. Be sure to check out our information on the Roku Netflix Player at the end of this list.

Here's our list starting at $400 and going down from there. Please note these prices are the MSRP, so you should get a better deal just by clicking on the "Purchase" links below. Enjoy!

Description: There's a lot of DivX nuts out there that swear DivX is the only way to watch a movie (We won't go that far!). If you've got one of those types around the house you'll want to check out the D-Link DSM-330 DivX Connected HD Mediaplayer. Quite simply, the DSM-330 allows you to stream HD DivX content from your PC to your HDTV. How sweet is that?

Feature Details from DivX:

• High Definition DivX Video

DivX Connected™ finally makes HD on your TV a reality with high-quality DivX video playback at up to HD 720p. Use HDMI (included) for the best quality or S-video, component or composite cables for your standard definition TV or HDTV

• Power to the PC

Leverage your PC power and enjoy fast, smooth, stutter-free video, music and photo playback in a rich, remote-controlled TV interface1, and add new functionality with a quick update to the DivX Connected server software. The DSM-330's only function is to stream media to your TV, making it infinitely scalable with add-on services3 and plug-ins.

• Easy Setup

The installation wizard helps you connect the DSM-330 to your network and TV, as well as set up and scan your media. It comes with all necessary cables and DivX Converter--a simple software program4 to convert videos to the DivX format on your PC.

• Foundation of Your Digital Home

Add the DSM-330 to your wired or wireless home network and access media from all your PCs, hard drives and the Internet. Stream music, photos and video using wireless 802.11g or an Ethernet connection and enjoy the high-quality media experience in your home theater.

Product: LG BD300 Network Blu-Ray Disc Player
MSRP: $349.95 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: LG Introduces the BD300 - The First Blu-ray Player With Built-in Netflix Streaming

Description: Blu-Ray Players Rock! Netflix Players Rock! What happens when you put the two together? Since Rock-Rock sounds silly, we'll just say super-duper cool! If you're looking for a high-end device for your awesome home-theater system that comes in at under $350, you'll want to be sure to look at the LG BD300.

Feature Details from LG:

• Blu-Ray Disc player with BD Live and BonusView


• Netflix instant streaming ready with Netflix subscription


• Full HD 1080p output via HDMI with Cinema mode at 24 or 60 frames per second


• Superior audio performance with 7.1 channels with Dolby Digital Plus & TrueHD & dts-HD


• LG Simplink connectivity of other LG products using HDMI connection

Product: MvixUSA 760-HD Wireless Media Center
MSRP: $349.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: MvixUSA 760-HD Wireless Media Center Hands on Review

Description: While the MvixUSA 760-HD Wireless Media Center isn't one of the newest media streamers on the market, it's still one of our favorites. While it's not the most powerful streaming device out there, it still packs a punch and is one of the easiest media streamers to set up. Be sure to check out our review link above for more information.

Feature Details from Mvix:

• Mind-blowing viewing experience: A digital file player that offers true brilliance in hi-definition video output with vivid views and colors. The embedded processor (Sigma EM8621) decodes high resolution video so you can enjoy movie theater quality video on the big HD screen. It supports resolution of 1920 x 1080 Progressive Scan video output to produce crisp and clear picture quality.


• Movie Library at your Fingertips: Mvix™ technology allows you store your home videos and movies all in one place. Simply install a Hard Disk drive (not included) in the Mvix MX-760HD Media Center and you have hundreds gigabytes of video content - all within one compact unit. You can fast-forward, rewind or pause at any time, just like using a regular video or DVD player. And... as they say, the possibilities are endless.


• Flexibility, Scalability and Portability: For movies, TV shows, camcorder footage and more, the MX-760HD is capable of decoding dozens of digital media files and formats including DivX® (3/4/5), Xvid, MPEG 1/2/4, WMV-9, ASF(WMV9), DAT, DVD(IFO, VOB), ISO, HD-level TP, TS, TRP, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, PCM, AC3, DTS decoding including down-mixing, DTS pass through, BMP, JPEG/JPG, PNG etc. The Media Center is completely Scalable - you decide what HDD-size suits you!


• 360-degree Access Capability: The Mvix Media Center is fully equipped with almost all possibilities of Input-Output options. It allows PC connectivity via USB2.0, Wireless (802.11G or MIMO), LAN (10/100 Mbps) and even USB-Host ports. For output, Display Devices can be connected via DVI, Component, Composite and even the traditional 3-pin RCA ports. Oh! and did we mention that the MX-760HD offers Digital Optical-Audio port for our audiophiles.

Product: Apple TV
MSRP: $329.95 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: Apple TV - The next big thing?

Description: If you don't know what Apple TV is then you've probably been living in a cave. Apple TV is a hip and powerful media streamer that works well and since it's an Apple product, you won't be dissapointed with the quality and ease of use. If you're looking for a unique gift to wow the whole family, be sure to check out Apple TV.

Feature Details from Apple:

• Apple TV ports iTunes to Apple TV, wire free.- Apple TV connects to your TV via an HDMI port or component video and audio ports. Its built-in, superfast 802.11 wireless capability syncs your iTunes library from any Mac or PC in the house. Best of all, what's on Apple TV stays in sync: Anytime you change your library in iTunes, it changes on Apple TV -- wirelessly, automatically.


• What's on TV? Whatever you want. - Apple TV puts your iTunes library -- movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts -- plus movie trailers from Apple.com on your TV. And your digital photos from iPhoto on a Mac or Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Album on a Windows PC appear in high definition, so you can put on a stunning big-screen slideshow.


• Just add popcorn. -Turn your living room into a multiplex with Apple TV. From the Movies menu, you can choose from up to 50 hours of flicks from iTunes, home movies you made yourself, previews from iTunes Top Movies, even movie trailers that stream directly from Apple.com.


• Channel you. - Be your own program director with up to 50 hours of TV shows on Apple TV. Sort shows by date or show, then watch them anytime -- completely commercial free. Or check out the latest TV offerings from iTunes Top TV Shows.


• Musically inclined. - If the best sound system in your house is connected to your TV, why play your iTunes library anywhere else? Apple TV lets you browse and play up to 9,000 songs and watch music videos, all on the big screen (and the big speakers).


• Radio on the TV. - Thanks to Apple TV, you can enjoy podcasts on your TV for the first time ever. Listen to your favorite audio podcasts through your entertainment system speakers and watch video podcasts from the comfort of your couch.

Product: MvixBox - Ultra Performance 3 Terabyte NAS/Media Server
MSRP: $299.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: MvixUSA Launches MvixBox - Ultra Performance 3 Terabyte NAS/Media Server

Description: Most people don't think they need one but one of the nicest devices you can have in your home is a Networked Attached Server (NAS). Just imagine having a safe storage and media server that takes care of your data even when you laptop or desktop PC decides to blow up? Be sure to take a peek at the MvixBox 3 Terabyte NAS which comes in at a decent price-point at $299.

Feature Details from Amazon:

• Media Server, File Server, Web Server, Torrent, NAS, FTP, Free DDNS, Gigabit Network


• Stream AVI, MPEG, movies and music to your Mvix Media player or share media across PCs via uPnP protocol


• Centralized File Storage & Sharing Server. Innovative "Webdisk" functionality allows users to easily drag and drop files between PCs and the NAS Server


• Pre-configured Webserver: MvixBox comes pre-installed and pre-configured with Apache, MySQL, SQlife, and PHP modules - offering an excellent, low-cost web-server for small businesses and developers.


• Simple and Secure Administration: Web-based, intuitive configuration module for user / group administration. Included Software allows scheduling and synchronizing data backups.

Product: MediaGate HD MG-450HD
MSRP: $299.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: Review: MediaGate MG-450HD High Definition Digital Media Server

Description: Looking for a great meadia streamer for the hard-core geek on your list? You'll want to be sure to check out the MediaGate HD MG-450HD High Definition Digital Media Server. While this wasn't the easiest device to set up, it sure has a lot of bang for the buck. Be sure to check out our full review at the link above.

Feature Details from Mediagate:

• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia)


• SATA HDD Supported


• Internet Radio


• FTP Server & Client


• uPnP


• 1920x1080P Full HD


• IEEE 802.11g(54Mbps) 802.11b(11Mbps) wireless


• standard / 10/100Mbps wired LAN

Product: Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support
MSRP: $199.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: Hands-on Review: Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support

Description: We here at NAV think one of the greatest inventions ever is internet radio. While we can stream radio over our computer, we prefer a stand-alone device that's easy to use and set-up. One of our favorite devices that accomplishes those goals is the Grace ITC-IR1000 Wireless Internet Radio with Pandora Radio Support. Be sure to read our full review at the link above and if you're looking for a gift for the music lover on your list, you can't go wrong with the ITC-IR1000.

Feature Details from Grace Digital:

• 11,000+ internet radio stations in any room of your house. You can choose to play internet radio stations, podcast, or even stream your MP3's from you PC or MAC.


• Pandora Radio Streaming now available. Stream your Pandora personalized stations to any room in your house. With song bookmarking you can purchase songs directly from iTunes or Amazon via the Pandora website.


• Want to hear what's going on in your home town, state or country? Using your radio browse stations by location. Listen to music and talk radio from Europe, Asia, Africa...virtually every country in the world.

Product: Earforce X4 Xbox 360 Wireless Surround Sound Headset
MSRP: $199.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: Review: Earforce X4 Xbox 360 Wireless Surround Sound Headset

Description: If you're a gamer, you know that high quality sound is a must as you frag your best friend your new enemy. If someone on your list is a serious gaming audiophile then be sure to check out the Earforce X4 Xbox 360 Wireless Surround Sound Headset. You can also check out a video of the Earforce X4 in action at the article link above.

Feature Details from Amazon:

• Enjoy Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with your favorite games and DVD movies


• Dolby Pro Logic II provides surround sound from PLII encoded audio and also enhances stereo


• Hear XBOX Live Chat plus stereo game sound


• Heart-thumping bass boost adds sonic realism


• Dynamic Talkback lets you hear chat even when


• the game gets louder


• Separate controls for game and chat volumes


• Eliminates game sounds picked up by chat mic


• Mic Monitor lets you hear what you're saying


• Digital input for highest XBOX sound quality, plus analog input for TV and other audio sources

Product: Nero Liquid TV
MSRP: $199.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: LiquidTV - TiVo to Your PC Has Arrived!

Description: Liquid TV by Nero is a simple but exciting product that turns a Windows PC into a TiVo based TV recorder. If someone on your list is itching to build their own media system or simply likes to watch TV on a PC, the Liquid TV package is a must-have item this holiday season.

Feature Details from Amazon:

• Enjoy the unique and easy-to-use TiVo interface; all the great TiVo features like Season Pass and WishList included


• Watch and record shows in HD and Standard formats on your TV or on your PC


• Export your favorite programs to portable media players; burn shows to DVD or save them to your hard drive


• Schedule TV recordings online (US and Canada only); Pause Live TV on your PC


• Includes a 12-month subscription to the TiVo service

Product: Digital Foci Image Moments 6 5.7-Inch Digital Picture Frame
MSRP: $149.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: Digital Foci Introduces the Image Moments 6 Digiframe

Description: Looking for a unique gift for mom that's not too hard-core techie? For a digital picture frame like the Digital Foci Image Moments 6 5.7-Inch Digital Picture Frame may be just the ticket. The Digital Picture Frame has a lot of memory and features that are to sure to make mom smile.

Feature Details from Foci:

• 5.7" VGA (640x480) digital LCD with high pixel density of 140 PPI.


• Leading technology LCD with LED backlight.


• Superb, subtle color representation with high contrast ratio of 300:1.


• 450MB internal memory.


• Built-in memory card slots provide native support for: CF, MD, MMC, SD/HC Card, Memory Stick, MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, and xD-Picture Card (also supports mini-SD and RS-MMC with adapter).


• Copies photos directly from memory cards to internal memory without needing a computer.


• USB 2.0 connection for transferring photos between your computer and device.


• Memory Source Select allows concurrent selection of a single or multiple memory sources for playback.


• File Management Features: Organize, copy, delete, rename files; sort files by name or date; create new folders; copy between memory cards and internal memory.

Product: Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player
MSRP: $129.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: Western Digital Introduces the WD TV HD Media Player

Description: Hotels can be one of the most boring places around. If you have a WD TV HD Media Player and an external dive full of movies in your briefcase, then life won't be so boring. The WD TV HD has these great features:

Feature Details from Amazon:

• Compatible with My Passport portable hard drives and other USB storage devices


• Full HD 1080p video playback and navigation


• Dock-and-play convenience


• Provides access to 2 USB drives simultaneously


• HDMI and composite video interfaces for easy connection to a TV


• Ultracompact design for easy portability


• Includes My Passport hard drive stand, compact remote with batteries, composite A/V cable, AC adapter, media converter software and owner's manual

Product: Equinux TubeStick Hybrid ATSC TV receiver for Mac and PC
MSRP: $129.99 Purchase: Amazon.com
Related Article or Review: The TubeStick Hybrid from Equinux: Perfect TV Receiver For Your Mac

Description: We here at NAV love hybrid devices that work on both our MAC and PCs. That's why we really like the Equinux TubeStick Hybrid ATSC TV receiver for Mac and PC. This handy liitle device will easily fit in your laptop bag and give you TV on the go whether you're using MAC or Windows laptop. Makes a great stocking-stuffer for that special person.

Feature Details from Equinux:

• Watch. Watch free-to-air digital (ATSC), digital cable (clear QAM) and analog (Cable, Composite Video, S-Video) TV with TubeStick hybrid. Pause live TV (Timeshift) and intelligently resize your TV window (Smart Zoom). Chat. TubeStick hybrid connects the TV community with its TubeTalk live-chat. Join a chat about the current TV show and chat with other TV viewers within The Tube. You can even see what percentage of The Tube viewers are watching each available channel.


• Record. No need to be at your computer, The Tube lets you schedule your recordings. The adjustable Timeshift buffer allows you to jump back to the beginning of a TV show to start a recording from when you started watching.


• Go. When the time comes to hit the road, you can easily take any of your recordings with you on your iPod or iPhone. If you forget to schedule a program, just whip out your iPhone and visit TubeToGo. You can do more than just schedule recordings, with a high-speed connection can view and manage your TV recordings directly on/from your iPhone or even Safari web-browser.


• Macintosh System Requirements: Intel Processor with 1GB RAM, 2 GB disc storage. Mac OS X 10.4.10 or higher. Built in USB 2.0 port. Internet connection (required for software activation, TubeTalk and TubeToGo usage).


• PC System Requirements: Windows Media Center Software, included in Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate or Windows XP Media Center Edition

Product: Roku Neflix Player
MSRP: $99.99 Purchase: Roku.com
Related Article or Review: Roku Netflix Player Category

Description: If you or someone on your list has a Neflix subscription then a Netflix Player is definitely the ticket. At $99, the player lets you stream all of the "Watch Instantly" titles on Netflix. The device is also wirless and extremely easy to set-up. Did we mention it's only $99? Heck, it's so cheap you could make it a stocking stuffer. The Roku Netflix Player makes our list of one of the best gift ideas this year.

Feature Details from Roku:

• Over 12,000 movies and TV episodes instantly


• No change in monthly Netflix costs and you continue to get your DVDs by mail


• Easily connects directly to your TV


• Pause, rewind or play anytime - just like a DVD


• Guaranteed to work with your TV or your money back

Hopefully this Guide gave you a few ideas and we here at NAV hope you and your family have a great Holiday Season!

Read More in: Holiday Gift Guide

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Related Articles:

• NAV 2009 Holiday Gift Guide - Nov 21, 2009
• Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: Roku Netflix Player - Dec 11, 2008
• Holiday Gift Idea of the Day: LiquidTV - Dec 10, 2008

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