If you're looking for an affordable way to stream high definition online movies to a big screen TV, then Veebeam could just be what you're looking for. The device comes in both standard and high definition varieties, and is made up of a wireless USB antenna that's connected to a laptop or computer and a receiver box that's hooked up to an HDTV. The system is said to be capable of wirelessly playing any content from one to the other, whether it's online movies, sports or news updates, digital photos or holiday videos.
Veebeam is described by its creators as being content agnostic, meaning that it will wirelessly stream anything from your laptop or computer to your TV. Rather than use a set-top box or bottlenecking an already overworked wireless home network, the Veebeam system creates a point-to-point, 150Mb/s wireless connection between the USB Antenna and the receiver unit. Not quite the potential offered by a Wireless-N connection, but at least this one promises constant rate.
The receiver is of course plugged into the television and incorporates ST Microelectronics' advanced HD decoding IC running Wyplay's embedded digital media renderer software. Users can choose between the screencasting mode, that offers the best experience for viewing photos or websites, and the higher-quality Play-To mode, which allows for multi-tasking as well as benefiting from the highest video output.
There are two varieties on offer – the Veebeam SD edition costs US$99 and has an output resolution of 480i and Dolby Digital audio, and the Veebeam HD variety at US$139, which has the same composite A/V outputs as its sibling but also includes full 1080p resolution output via HDMI port, optical audio output and a couple of USB ports.
