In 2015 Intel introduced the Compute Stick or Computer Stick – the product has been around ever since. The idea is simple and eligant. Intel wanted to create an HDMI dongle computer which can run Windows 10.
There is no confirmation, but our suspicion is that Intel wanted a ultra-cheap and portable solution to run Windows for embedded applications like set-top boxes (DVRs) and other IoT (Internet of Things) products. If our assumption is correct, it’s a wonderful product and is a great solution for its intended purpose.
PCWorld did a fantastic review of the compute stick back in 2016, and a link to that article is at the footer of this post. The PC World review outlined the specifications and performance levels of the Intel based product. We will let that article do the heavy lifting for the tech people out there, but today we want to talk about the applications one might have for a computer stick.
For only $120 (ish) off Amazon, this is an excellent solution to run Windows 10 for a host of specific applications.
Several quick talking points before we move to examples of usage out in the field:
Western Digital released a hard drive compliment to their USB Passport hard drive, the WD TV HD Media Player. What they’ve done is develop a high resolution real time streaming device capable of recording up to 1080p to your USB hard drive or super sized USB stick.
It’s clear to me Western Digital will begin developing products to complement or enhance the need of their core business products – hard drives and storage.
The WD TV HD Media Player has a memory buffer inside but uses two USB ports on the backside where you can plug in USB sticks or USB hard drives, like the Passport, to store the digital stream.
The WD TV HD is competatively prices at $129.99 and has HDMI composite outputs.
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ReplayTV is not the first to introduce a USB dongle for DVR use, however, they are the first to integrate a format easily playable on Apple hand-held devices like iPhone and iPod touch.
The Personal HD system bundles both digital ATSC and analog NTSC technology and play over-the-air HDTV signals or old school analog TV source. So now you TV junkies can overload on adictively pathetic reality TV shows (well, except Survivor).
The real joy of the USB tuner is the software. The Personal HD specifically supports transfer of video to a format playable on widescreen hand-held devices made by Apple. Not to leave anyone out in the cold, the software can preserve multiple shows at once and even support USB devices from rival companies, such as ATI (AMD) and Pinnacle.
The ReplayTV goodie bag for the Personal HD system include direct encoding in a 4:3 ratio, intelligent keyword filter system to find shows by cast member names, show IDs or genre. Although the reply system isn’t out just yet, it will be later this fall at the tune of $100.
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Pinnacle Systems, a division of Avid, has brought many great products to market. Here is another piece that will surely peak your interest. The Pinnacle PCTV High Definition USB stick. This USB powered gadget makes the recording of HD TV not only easy, but inexpensive too.
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On DISH Network and want to take everything with you? Movies for the kids, music for you and pictures for the grandparents…well, the PocketDISH from DISH Network has your number. The PocketDISH is a single device that replaces your MP3 player, photo storage equipment and portable DVD player. By connecting the PocketDISH to a DISH Network DVR, you can load and watch hours of your favorite TV or movies.
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D-Link enhances wireless performance for inter office interoperability with the RangeBooster G (WBR-1260) Print Server. With the quick install wizard the D-Link Printer Server can connect up to 4 printers in minutes. The techs have tested the print server with over 100 printer models and is compatible with a wide range of USB multifunction printers and is backward compatible with USB 1.1/1.0 printers. The Ethernet port on the Print Server can be used as a wireless bridge. This provides wireless connectivity for any Ethernet-enabled device, such as a computer, Digital Video Recorder (DVR), or Network-Attached Storage (NAS) to the wireless network.
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Pinnacle Systems has an ulta compact USB 2.0 tuner for Digital Terrestrial TV. The USB stick requires no cables and plugs directly into the USB 2.0 port. With the TVCenter software it actually transforms your laptop or PC into a DVR system. You can watch TV or record to MPEG1/2 or DivX video formats.
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