Samsung reveals $200 MediaLive Media Center Extender

Ever since we got our hands on Samsung's Media Center Extender at CES last year, we've wondered how the CE giant's rendition would stack up against the rest. Rather than build the Media Center Extender functionality into a TV the way HP has, or make a completely separate set-top-box like Linksys or D-Link, the $200 MediaLive Media Center Extender is designed to be a companion product for Samsung HDTVs. It can be mounted to the back of certain Samsung sets, and with the help of HDMI-CEC, the TV's remote will control the box even while it's out of sight -- of course, this begs the question of whether or not it will work with other TVs, but we'll just have to wait and try it ourselves when it launches next month. Oh, and in case you don't know already, Media Center Extenders are not just another media streamer, because it will allow you to have the full (almost) Vista Media Center experience -- including the ability to watch live HD from CableCARD tuner -- on any TV (connected wired or wirelessly) in your house.

[phanbouy @ Jul 23rd 2008 11:58AM]

ITS TEH SAMSUNGADGET!

[High Ranks make you sterile @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:04PM]

I think Engadget has gone loopy and is mistaking Samsung for Apple with all the play they're getting today.

[OneLove @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:32PM]

Ryan Block is gone now, so josh top is free to exercise his fanboi love for Samsung. :)

[rock99rock @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:56PM]

@ OneLove

OneDouche

[VitaminCM @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:05PM]

Who cares if it works with other TVs, I have a Samsung! Woohoo, I finally got something right.

[Blackstar @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:07PM]

Samsung's proprietary "anti-finger print" technology has been less than successful however.

[Loban @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:55PM]

I wouldn't be too proud of your Samsung LCD when talking to people with Panasonic or Pioneer Plasmas. Sure Samsungs are better than Vizio or any other budget brand, but they're not the Porsche of the HDTV industry.

[chris @ Jul 23rd 2008 4:20PM]

Who said he has a Samsung LCD? They make plasmas too? Why be a loser and turn this into a pissing contest? He never said he had the best tv made.

[rob @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:07PM]

Ok, so it's not "just another streamer", but is it a streamer? Or do you need to use it w/ media center?

[Matthew Hilario @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:09PM]

ahhh samsung tvs. prepare to see this spammed all over the cast as soon as NFL season comes. why do you think 80% of people have a samsung tv anyway?

[quomen @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:10PM]

You're the Juggernaut, bitch!

[Ian @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:15PM]

Stinker!
It's NOT compatible with Samsung TVs made prior to 2008. Wonderfull stuff Sammy, I don't think....

[Jon @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:12PM]

Where did you find out the models it will work for ?

[Ian @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:13PM]

From the PR under "works with".
http://www.centredaily.com/business/technology/story/730045.html

[retro77 @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:32PM]

Can I get mine sans fingerprints, dust and scratches?

[George @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:46PM]

Engadget: I am disappointed. You used "begs the question" incorrectly. This phrase does not apply to this situation; it can only be used to describe an argument that assumes the conclusion in the argument.

[phanbouy @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:53PM]

this begs the question: what sort of qualifications are required to blog here anyway? ;p

[George @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:59PM]

@ Phanbouy
Ho ho ho. It does...raise questions regarding the level of education of those who do.

[Maeztro @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:07PM]

Those don't look like fingerprints, they look like little footprints!

[Jon @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:17PM]

Where can i find out what models it will work on ? i have a Samsung LNT4053H 40-inch LCD HDTV in my bedroom this would be perfect

[Jon @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:18PM]

it is a 2007 but it does have a HDMI-CEC jack

[jntaylor @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:19PM]

The story on the link states that it will stream H.264 and MPEG4 but Vista Media Center doesn't support these codecs box of the box. (Less reg.hacks and codec packs.)

Maybe MS will support with an update?

[John H. @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:50PM]

eww, its dirty

[John H. @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:50PM]

thats what she said

[SoloMalee @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:50PM]

I truly hope this isn't yet another US only product like the D-Link DSM750.

[coffee @ Jul 23rd 2008 4:02PM]

it's a welcome product at $200, up until now, most extenders cost more than an Xbox/ps3.

[CosterMonger @ Jul 23rd 2008 4:35PM]

but the XBOX360 is an extender.

[bjay @ Jul 23rd 2008 4:37PM]

The xbox is okay to do the trick for me, but at 200 dollars it is a welcome well indeed a welcome product( the exclusivity to samsung boxes is a pain for consumers that want to cash in on the box).

[Chris @ Jul 24th 2008 10:15AM]

I cannot find anywhere to buy one?? Where can I get one?