For quite some time now, we have been looking for a simple, elegant and easy to set up a way to get video content from our computers to our televisions. A big screen, surround sound and comfy couches all make the living room where the action is.
Several companies have attempted to make this possible. D-Link and IOGear offer solutions that are similar in concept to, but not quite on par with, what Warpia is now offering. The Warpia StreamHD, available for $170.00 from major electronic retailers, allows you to stream content or mirror your PC’s display right on your TV, using a wireless infrared (IR) receiver setup instead of your wireless network. But what takes Warpia’s offering to the next level is the StreamHD’s 1080p HDMI output and 5.1 surround sound. Other similar offerings use RCA or VGA connections, maxing out at a resolution of 720p, asking you to choose between settling for lower resolution streaming or having to set up multiple cables. Additionally, most people may have to purchase a separate VGA and audio cable, whereas most HDTV owners have a spare HDMI cable around or can use an existing HDMI cable, as HDMI has the benefit of carrying both video and audio channels.
Setting up the StreamHD was simple. I had content streaming to my TV in about 15 minutes, with little configuration required. However, I was less than impressed with the initial results. Using a 64-bit, Windows 7 HP laptop powered by an Intel 2.53 Hz Core 2 Duo backed by 4GB of RAM, my TV set displayed a severely cropped mirrored picture. But, with a few tweaked settings, I was able to mirror my laptop’s display in a 16×9 aspect ratio across my 50-inch TV.
Streaming content was smooth and silky. Using a previously purchased TV show from iTunes, content filled the screen and looked great, automatically sending audio through the TV’s speakers. HD content online looked great as well. Gorgeous views from online streaming services and not having to rely on the speed of my wireless network really have me sold on the Warpia StreamHD. A downside to the StreamHD is that it requires a line of sight between the IR receiver and your computer. Warpia’s website says the StreamHD can function up to 30 feet with a straight line of sight, and I found that to be true. Moving around the room with my laptop, however, caused some buffering and pausing of video, while audio continued, but the problem was corrected within a few seconds. The video pausing issue also came up when I began running too many computer programs in the background while streaming, which could prevent some users from also using the computer while streaming a movie or show.
Until television manufacturers wise up and begin making TVs with built-in options for wirelessly mirroring a computer’s display, the Warpia StreamHD will certainly help you put your PC content center stage.
