ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – No, this isn’t about wearing a dish on your head.
American direct broadcast satellite company DISH Network introduced the PocketDISH portable media companion this week.
Three different handheld styles will play music, store photos, and display TV, anywhere.
PocketDISH gives TV viewers the ability to take their favorite sitcoms, reality shows or even last night’s game with them to watch anywhere. The sleek, silver PocketDISH is available in three models: two portable media recorders and a portable media player.
With the choice of a 2.2-inch, 4-inch or 7-inch LCD screen, PocketDISH is one of the most advanced portable media devices available. Compatible with most TVs and consumer electronic devices on the market today, the units can download or record content from a PC or Mac, digital cameras, mass storage devices, as well as other video or audio sources such as DVD players, camcorders and VCRs.
DISH Network customers will enjoy a special feature of ultra-fast video transfer speeds when attaching PocketDISH to select DISH Network digital video recorders (DVRs) via a USB 2.0 connection. For instance, an hour of DISH Network programming can be transferred to the PocketDISH hard drive in about five minutes.
Every PocketDISH comes complete with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to four hours of video and 12 hours of music playback. Stereo headphones, USB cables, adapter cable, A/V cables, an AC/DC power adapter and a carrying case are standard.
Prices range from US$329 (20 GB storage, 2.2-inch screen) to US$599 (40 GB storage, seven-inch screen).
While Bell ExpressVu sources its technology from EchoStar, it’s not known if the company plans to launch the product in Canada.
E-mails to ExpressVu asking for comment have not yet been returned.
– Greg O’Brien
