- Apple TV -
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      First the iPod now Apple TV ($299)? If you use iTunes you'll enjoy using Apple TV to watch movies, TV shows, movie trailers and photos on your high definition TV with resolutions up to 1080i. Video outputs include HDMI and component while audio is supported via HDMI and optical. Maximum resolutions supported by each format are as follows 1280 by 720 for H.264, 720 by 432 for MPEG-4 and 640 by 480 for iTunes videos.

      Just like everything Apple it's easy to set up. However you will have to supply the cables! Content can be stored on its 40GB drive or streamed over your network from up to five MACs or PCs. Streaming over the Internet is not supported. Connecting the Apple TV to your network is done via a network cable or the built-in wireless Wi-Fi.

      Daily use is as simple as the included remote. If you ever used an iPod you'll be an old pro in a couple of minutes. If not it might take a little longer but not much.

      We don't see iTunes and Apple TV replacing any other media method anytime soon rather it supplements the existing ones. Since movies cost about the same price as their DVDs why download them? Why not record your TV shows on your DVR for free? One exception might be if they start offering high definition movies especially if you can stream them over the Internet! 

- Infrant ReadyNAS NV+ -
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The Infrant ReadyNAS NV+ ($645 without drives) is the latest version of the extremely popular ReadyNAS that offers too many features to list. However for starters it includes low power consumption and is designed for quiet operation. You can add additional hard drives as you go and they can be configured into different RAID levels.
 

      With its Gigabit network support and class-leading performance the ReadyNAS is capable of handling multiple HD video streams. Supporting the leading network DVD players and UPnP AV streaming devices you can use the ReadyNAS as the center of your digital entertainment system.

      Add in features such as auto backup, hot-swappable SATA drives, and if you are serious about your data or your digital entertainment you just might find it a must buy. Highly recommended.

- Netgear EVA8000 -
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     Netgear's new EVA8000 Digital Entertainer HD ($399) will let you stream movies, videos, music, Internet radio, and photos from your PC or NAS to your TV with resolutions up to 1080p via HDMI. If you are a fan of YouTube™ you can directly access their site to view your favorite videos.

      With support for SMB and UPnP AV among many other protocols your media can reside just about anywhere and be stored in almost any format. Streaming HD might be a little tricky wirelessly however based on your network configuration and traffic.

      We find the EVA8000 more flexible and powerful than the Apple TV but it isn't as elegant. Actually they don't compete against with each other as Apple TV is designed (without a little hacking) to deliver iTunes to your TV. Where the EVA8000 is designed to deliver all of your digital media to your TV. However you just might find yourself having to be a little nerdy to take full advantage of its capabilities.

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