Media Server without a PC

Active-TV ecosystem devlopers,

The argument that a PC's convergence-value is supporting Media Application software is illustrated with the Maxtor announcement below. As expected, networked disc drives are developing to support streaming of 'content' without the need for a PC.

Maxtor are using the "Media Server" label which many (including PC developers) have experimented with in the past. The Maxtor Media Server can send content to a UPnP networked STB or networked DVD player. With this arrangement, there is no support for reformatting or processing the content; but there is always-on operation and little system maintenance required.

In time, it may be possible to send content to the Maxtor Media Serve from a UPnP client. Initially, content is likely deposited from a networked PC. What the Maxtor Media Server can't do is run Media Application software (TV-web channel support).

Comments, corrections and feedback welcome.

More at http://www.shareholder.com/maxtor/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=171762&reltype=Product&maxtor_section=press