Intel_Joe
on
Seasons Greetings, everyone!
Like many of you, I’ve been out shopping the Future Shop halls recently, looking for some gadgety gifts to spread some techie holiday cheer. To me, there’s nothing better than giving technology that easily solves a common problem while making life easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
Of course I always insist on testing any tech before I stuff any stockings, and this year was no different. After reading so much about a common problem, I finally had a chance to test a new solution:
The problem this year? Easily connecting my laptop to my TV so I can enjoy my new Netflix Canada subscription on the big screen.
The gadget of choice? WiDi. That’s pronounced “why dye”, the short form for Intel Wireless Display.
WiDi, simply put, is Intel technology that wirelessly converts your PC display and audio into TV-compatible forms – in this case up to 720p HD frames and 2-channel stereo sound – via a WiDi enabled Intel laptop and companion adapter that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. How do you know if your Laptop Has WiDi technology in it? well if you have a new Core i5 - 430M, odds are it's pre installed, if not, ask a Future Shop associate to point you in the direction of a WiDi enabled PC!
Adapter setup was no different from setting up a DVD player: you plug the power cord into the wall, you plug the HDMI cable into the TV, and you turn it on. Back on the couch with your laptop, you push a button or click an icon…and that techie holiday cheer instantly washes over you as you realize you really can unlock those gigs and gigs of digital media once caged by your laptop screen – and with no wires!
No sooner did I launch my browser, fire up Netflix, and start watching an HD movie streamed to my laptop but displayed full screen on my TV. Amazing! While the movie continued to play seamlessly, I launched a Skype video conference back on the laptop screen to share this wonderful holiday revelation with my Dad and Brother, who quickly confirmed what they wanted in their stockings this year. Done and done.
For those of you interested in testing this out for yourself, check out your local Future Shop store. Please share your experiences below in the comments – either with Intel WiDi or other solutions out there. The PC-to-TV link truly is a common problem for which many readers are looking for a solution.
For those of you already convinced and just need to leave a hint for someone, just show them what Santa is delivering to others this year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bhJoB9TaW8
Happy Holidays!
Joe
You must be a registered user to add a comment here. If you've already registered, please log in. If you haven't registered yet, please register and log in.