New Wireless Home Solution Connects the Home Entertainment Center and Home Network Together for the Delivery of Internet and Digital Content


IRVINE, Calif. ? CES, Las Vegas, /Wi-Fi Technology News/- Linksys?, a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., and the leading global manufacturer of broadband, wireless, and networking hardware for home and Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) environments, announced a new wireless multimedia product called the Linksys DVD Player with Wireless-G Media Link (WMLD54G) which includes a high-end progressive scan DVD player and the capability to wirelessly distribute digital video, music, and pictures stored on a PC to view and play on a TV and/or stereo system.

The Linksys standards-based DVD Player with Wireless-G Media Link combines a DVD Player and a Media Link adapter to enhance the usability of the home network and the home entertainment center:

? DVD Player with Progressive Scan
The DVD Player enables users to play their favorite DVDs on their television sets and with the Progressive Scan feature users can view high quality images on High Definition (HD) and HD-Ready televisions. Besides DVDs, the DVD Player will also play audio CDs and Video CDs.

? Wireless-G Media Link
The Wireless-G Media Link will allow users to wirelessly stream four types of digital content from their computer to their TV or stereo at data rates up to 54 Mbps:

1. Digital Videos (MPEG and DivX)
Users can stream MPEG 2 and MPEG 4 videos and well as DivX from their PC to the TV. This feature is ideal for subscribers of internet movie services to watch the movies in the comfort of their living room rather than on smaller PC screens.

2. Digital Photos (JPEG, GIF, TIF, PNG, BMP)
Using the remote control and the user-friendly menus on a TV, users can browse through the digital pictures on their wireless-enabled digital source by folder, filename, or thumbnail. Pictures can be viewed one at a time, or through an automatically created slideshow of all the pictures in a given folder. The remote control's zoom button enables close-up details in the pictures being viewed. For added entertainment, streaming digital music can also be played at the same time the pictures are being displayed.

3. Digital Music (MP3 and WMA)
The media adapter enables the user to stream MP3 and WMA music files on the home TV and stereo system. Users can set the adapter to play songs individually, by directory, or create play list files. Users can set up their own play lists by album, song title, genre and much more. Other convenient options include Repeat and Shuffle. Users can select music on the TV menu screen with the easy-to-use remote control.

4. Live Internet Radio and Internet Streaming Services
Linksys is working to include support of Internet radio and music streaming services. For Internet radio listeners, the new DVD Player with Media Link will allow users to stream internet radio stations to their stereo system. If the player is connected wired or wirelessly to an internet connection, there is no need for a PC. The player will browse the web for Internet stations. Users can also store their favorite Internet radio stations for instant connection to those channels. Stations can be selected using the included remote control.

The DVD Player with Wireless-G Media Link sits by the television and stereo and connects to them using standard composite, component A/V or S-Video cables. Then it connects to your home network by Wireless-G (802.11g) networking, or if users prefer, it can be connected via standard Ethernet cabling. The Media Link also works in peer-to-peer mode (direct connection between the media adapter and wired or wireless enabled computer) so no Internet service is required, unless Internet radio is desired.

Steve Troyer, Linksys director of product marketing said, ?As the number of homes with wireless networks rises, our customers are seeking greater value from their networks. With the ability to deliver digital media from the PC and Internet to other multimedia products around the home the wireless network becomes the backbone of a home?s entertainment infrastructure. Linksys will continue to drive end user adoption of new product categories like these that bridge consumer electronics devices with the personal computer and the Internet.?

Other features and services for the DVD Player with Wireless-G Media Link are currently in development by Linksys and will be announced at time of product availability.

Pricing and Availability
The DVD Player with Wireless-G Media Link will be available for purchase through distribution, business resellers, retail and online resellers by end of Q1 CY 2004.

About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the global leader in Wireless and Ethernet networking for both consumer and SOHO users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides 24/7 Grade ?A? product support to all its customers. For more information, visit the Linksys web site at http://www.linksys.com.