Wirelessly Connect Smartphones to the TV: $129 for HTC Media Link DLNA with Free Delivery (Worth $200)

Before televisions, families would gather around the fireplace to watch the flames dance, only “changing the channel” when the embers started to dwindle or someone began to choke on the smoke. Get a modern upgrade with today’s Groupon: for $129, you get a HTC Media Link DLNA with free delivery (worth $200).

HTC Media Link is a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) multimedia adaptor converting non-DLNA TVs into a full DLNA certified powerhouse without the need for messy cables. Compatible with all DLNA enabled HTC handsets, the Media Link is a multimedia adaptor that enables you to stream your media without having to buy a new TV – this fantastic little gadget connects your TV to your DNLA-enabled Wi-Fi network.

By simply plugging into your TV’s HDMI port (via the supplied HDMI cable) you can now stream whatever you want, video and movies (up to 720p HD quality), photos or music directly from your HTC phone wirelessly to your now fully DLNA compatible screen. You can even watch media from your PC on your TV using the Media Link and your HTC device.

Non-HTC users need not despair – other smartphones can also be enabled via “iMedia Share” app for Android phones and “PlugPlayer” app for the iPhone. Once the fuss-free setup is done, the only flames you’ll see are the ones dancing in your loved ones’ eyes as they gawk admirably at the goggle box.

Product Specifications:

• Dimension: 71.5 X 45 X 8 mm
• Main Chip: TI OMAP 3630, 1GHz
• RAM: ROM 256MB/RAM 256MB
• Interface: HDMI 720p; 30fps; 802.11b/g/n, 802.11n@ 2.4G/5GHz; Micro-USB (5V DC in)
• Protocol: DLNA 1.5 DMP, DMC (Push controller)
• Media Format: Video (3GP, WMV, MPEG4, H.263, H.264, xvid), Audio (AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-WB, MP3, WMA), Photo (GIF, JPEG, BMP)
• Indicator: Dual color LED (Green/Red, Power/Status)

Reviews:

“It proves useful as a highly portable accessory that lets you quickly share the media captured by your new HTC handset to an HDMI-equipped display. But what really sells us on the Media Link is the idea of setting up a portable WiFi network in the hotel room that lets us stream compatible media off the laptop to the hotel television while lying in bed using HTC's Desire Z or Desire HD as the remote control.” – engadget

“I can’t fault this. Sure, I’d like someone to say, “This will play everything you throw at it” but hey, it just works. To be able to plug a tiny box into your TV and then beam content to it on your phone is pretty cool. No USB or LAN media boxes, no messing around with copying to DVD’s and CD’s – this trims out a lot of conversion and burning. I popped it into my pocket whilst visiting friends. Plug it into their TV and, combined with a decent speaker system, you’ve got an instant TV channel from your pocket. Play YouTube vids, play the MP3′s on your phone or even show those embarassing holiday photos if you want – all over the inbuilt WiFi. Brilliant.” - coolsmartphone