D-Link yesterday announced the start of shipments of its DPG-1200 PC-on-TV, which was previewed at January's Consumer Electronics show. The device allows any PC-based audio or video content to be remotely displayed on remote TVs or displays.

Tags: D-Link, Media player,

Microsoft today announced a Digital Home Makeover Contest.

The $10,000 prize package will include a new PC with Windows Media Center, Extenders for Windows Media Center, flat screen television and "video-capable" wireless home networking.

Tags: media players, Microsoft,

Linksys today finally publicly announced its WIP310 Wireless-G IP iPhone. The 802.11b/g SIP phone first showed up in the FCC ID database in late 2006, but was only previewed with select customers during last year.

The "candy bar" style phone has a 1.8" backlit color LCD screen and is spec'd at 3 hours of talk time and 50 hours standby. It supports WEP and WPA PSK wireless security and WiFi Protected Setup.

The phone is primarily aimed at service providers and will not be available until 3Q2008 at a suggested list of $200.

Tags: Linksys, SIP, VoIP, WiFi,

Vumber today announced a new partnership with Paltalk to provide privacy-ensured virtual phone numbers to its user base.

Vumber is a virtual, disposable phone number that enables subscribers to choose an additional phone number that can be linked to any existing phone line.

Subscribers can choose an area code in North America and Vumber will then assign a seven-digit phone number in the area code of choice. Calls can be made to and from a Vumber at any time. Calls made to your Vumber will ring on any phone you select. Customers can also change their Vumber at any time.

Paltalk members are eligible for a free 30-day trial of Vumber's service. A rate of $4.99 per month will apply after the trial expires.

Tags: Paltalk, VoIP, Vumber,

ZyXEL today announced the DMA1100P, which it says is the first digital media adapter with built-in HomePlug AV Powerline technology.

The adapter supports 1080i high definition (HD) streaming, has an HDMI port and automatically discovers UPnP AV and DLNA servers. A Windows-based DLNA server is also included with the appliance.

The DMA1100P will be available next month at an MSRP of $270.

Tags: CES2008, HomePlug, Media adapter, powerline, ZyXEL,

Belkin today introduced its new Desktop Internet Phone for Skype, which has an embedded Skype client for calling without needing a computer. Plug it into an Ethernet port on your Internet-connected LAN and you're ready to go.

Features include speaker phone, speed dial, call hold/release, call pickup/park, mute, redial, hold, call-timer display, and contact list.

The phone will be out in March at an MSRP of $100.

Tags: Belkin, CES2008, Skype, VoIP,

Linksys today announced a network camera aimed at small business surveillance applications. The WVC2300 Wireless-G Business Internet Video Camera with Audio is a AC-powered " box-type camera" supporting Ethernet and 802.11g wireless network connectivity.

The WVC2300 has a maximum 640x480 (VGA) resolution and 30 FPS frame rate and dual codecs (MPEG-4 and MJPEG) that can be used simultaneously. The camera uses a progressive scan CCD sensor with low-light sensitivity for image capture in low light environments or "near dark" conditions. An IR Cut Filter is also provided, which, when used with a separate infra-red lamp, allows video capture in total darkness.

Skype and UK mobile operator 3, have launched a 3G phone that includes the ability to make free Skype to Skype calls and send free Skype instant messages.

The 3 Skypephone is a fully-featured 3G Internet phone with Skype built-in. In addition to Skype calls, the phone makes conventional calls and can be used to access 3's broad range of other Internet services. Unlike previous Wi-Fi based Skype phones, the 3 Skypephone works on WCDMA (2100MHz ) GSM and GPRS (900/1800 MHz) mobile networks and includes text-based messaging capability. The phone has built-in Bluetooth, but not Wi-Fi.

Tags: 1100, Skype, VoIP,

IPEVO earlier this week announced a stand-alone Skype desktop phone that can make and receive Skype voice calls without a computer.

The SOLO has an RJ-45 Ethernet connector for LAN connection and works on any broadband Internet connection. The phone comes embedded with Skype software, enabling users to make and receive Skype voice calls right out of the box, and supports Skype-to-Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut and Skype Voicemail features.

Tags: IPEVO, Skype, VoIP,

Sling Media today announced the retail launch of the new Slingbox SOLO.

The SOLO is a mid-line addition positioned between the Slingbox AV and Slingbox PRO that connects to a standard definition or high definition set top box. It includes standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) video support and increased streaming performance (full VGA resolution, up to 8Mbps around the home).

Tags: Media adapter, Sling Media, Slingbox,