Celestial TV is nearly a thing of the past, yet the USB TV category keeps cranking out new products. However, I’ve seen a trend of DVR type services packed into these USB TV devices.
USB Shaped Set-Top-Box by Roku
Roku has a USB looking set-top-box which runs streaming video off the Mobile High Definition Link [MHL] interface standard.
It’s a sweet package all bundled up for portability. As you can see the HDMI connector of the USB device, you click it once to a MHL supported TV and using the TV’s own remote you can steam video without the need of a bulky set-top-box.

Televisions that support MHL will be able to integrate Roku’s streaming TV platform simply by plugging in the stick. With the stick docked, it will be just like having the Roku set-top box: it adds the Roku interface (and the 400+ channels it offers), Wi-Fi connectivity, and local storage to the TV it is used on.
MHL standard is quickly becoming adopted by the major players like
DisplayLink USB 3.0 Chip Makes for Multimedia Euphoria
DisplayLink will be pushing a new graphics chipset they say will take a major step toward any device with any display connectivity. Well damn, that’ll make it easy.

The nut for DisplayLink is their ability to leverage the bi-directional throughput of USB 3.0 to offer an array of functions and features. This means multiple full HD videos, high res graphics, standard video imaging and networking data can be simultaneously running. To give you an idea, apply these products to your imagination:
- USB or Ethernet bus powered monitors
- Universal USB docking stations with graphics, networking, and audio
- Affordable Ethernet and USB zero clients for shared resource computing
- USB to HDMI adapters for PC to TV connectivity
- USB to DVI, VGA or DisplayPort adapters for multi-display notebooks
- Mobile device to display
- Dual-Headed USB bus powered graphics adapters
The new technology by DisplayLink include items such as:
USB Cable to Play 1080p HDTV
With a simple USB cable, it is now plug and play to access your hi-def video files stored on your PC and play them directly on your HDTV.
The USB to 1080p HDTV sharing cable is capable of streaming 1080p signal, without degridation, to your HDTV [with USB port] set.

The cable retails for $24 and I wanted to make a quick post about the product. Check out USBFever’s site for more details.
IO Gear Wireless USB Audio Video Kit [Video]
Check out the latest on-line commercial from IOGear. The commercial concept is a question about your monitor shrinking in size when viewing content on-line…now you can stream from your PC to your flat screen or project from the IOGear wireless USB audio video kit. The only thing they forgot to mention is the critical step of clean streaming content during viewing from your cable modem…ya right.
Interested, check out the latest prices from Amazon.
Forget The Flip – Check Out The Samson Q3
We all know the MinoHD Flip is a great hand held video recorder and is probably the most popular one, but there is a new star on the horizon, the Samson Q3.
Where the Samson Q3 differs from the Mino Flip is the great ability to capture audio. Just look at the thing…there is a towering microphone perched. Ready to capture the best of moments.

I would like to see what Jake & Amir can do with this thing?
In addition to the well positioned microphone, the Samson Q3 also has an expansion slot via SD card for additional memory capacity. Up to 32GBs to be exact.
The Samson Q3 also has VGA output so you can easily connect the device to your TV for instant viewing.
How To: TV Spy Remote To Wreak Havoc
So lets clarify exactly what I’m talking about here…a TV spy remote is a device that allows you to control someone else’s TV without being around, thus wreak havoc in their life. After all, what could be more upsetting then turning off the TV at your neighbors house during American Idol or watching Jack Bower kick a$$ in 24? I don’t think there is a greater pleasure.
Since you can’t buy a TV spy remote at buy.com or Amazon, or anywhere else, check out this TV Spy Remote tutorial I found at Instructables.

The tools and materials you need could be found anywhere, as this hack was done at a college dorm room and you know those kids have not $$ or resources.
Required materials include:
AVerMedia Launches Volar USB TV Tuner Stick
AVerTV Hybrid Volar MAX is a long name to describe the multitude of functions the USB TV tuner does. The USB based TV tuner stick has the ability to receive HDTV, Analog TV and FM radio on any Windows XP or Vista computer or laptop.

Unless you need specific subscription channels, you no longer have to put up with cable or satellite costs to get the High Definition TV everyone is craving for. The AverTV Hybrid Volar MAX does it all. For video quality, playback and speed consider this:
“The AVer MeidaCenter provides users more joy from Clear QAM digital cable TV. Advanced real-time H.264 recording compression significantly reduces CPU loading and the amount of hard disk space needed for recording. The optional 320×240 resolution enables users to save and playback video on an iPod.”
Don’t hold doubt either, the AVerTV Hybrid Volar MAX can truly present the details of HDTV in 720p/1080i resolution. With an exclusive Vista MCE Video Gaming Plug-in, the AverTV Hybrid Volar MAX resolves the


