SanDisk intros USBTV

Uh, usually when people talk about moving media around the home though don't mean it quite so literally, but SanDisk is announcing a new standard called USBTV that's based on just that practice. We're still trying to get our heads around the announcement, but it sounds like USBTV is for anyone who doesn't want to deal with connecting up and streaming over a wireless network. Basically you connect up a flash-based, USBTV-enabled media player to your PC via USB, automatically copy over your content, and then physically shuttle the device to a cradle connected to your TV. Honestly doesn't sound much different than using an iPod with a video dock connected to your TV, but no matter, SanDisk says they've already talking to LG, Mitsubishi, and Pioneer about incorporating USBTV ports directly into their TVs and are showing off a prototype device that they're confusingly describing as a Digital Flash DVD Player.

[Brennan @ Jan 8th 2007 4:14PM]

sounds like a cool idea, using USB port from computer to TV is another clever idea if u ask me.

[Tom Jackson @ Jan 9th 2007 12:35PM]

I already do this with my XBox 360, all you need is a flash drive and some WMV's. What does this gain me?

[Lonnie McClure @ Jan 8th 2007 10:33PM]

Tom Jackson:

Probably nothing, but how about folks without a 360? I expect this will be a fraction of the price of a 360 console.

Also, carrying a 360 with you while traveling might be a tad bit inconvenient.

[Darryl Hall @ Jan 11th 2007 7:41AM]

Uhhh... the fact that you don't need an Xbox 360 dude?

[zenprime @ Jan 8th 2007 5:26PM]

Kinda cool. Sneakernet returns.