Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Unlike most product releases today, Western Digital has released their TV HD media player with no extravagant advertising.  The tiny device allows you to plug in external USB hard drives, up to two simultaneously, and play any video content stored on them, on your TV. 

It outputs video to your TV in either plain old 480i format via the composite interface (and included cables) or in 1080p HD via HDMI.  The TV HD Media Player ships with “media converter software” leaving it suspect as to what formats the device actually supports.

For $129.99, you can get an easy way to watch your movies on your gorgeous HD TV.

Buy [Best Buy]

• Gadgetell Video Review: Kodak Zi6 HD camcorder
• Gadgetell Review: Navigon 2200T
• Panasonic makes a move for 3D Blu-ray

Western Digital has just unleashed their My DVR Expander external hard drive.  This WD drive is certified to work as an external storage device for Dish Network DVRs.

The hard drive line sports 500GB of storage, which in TV terms, is 300 hours of standard definition content and 60 hours of high definition content.  The drive will definitely work with the Dish set top boxes.  However, on top of the device’s $149.99 price, you will have to pay a fee to activate the USB port on your set top box.

Western Digital is hoping to expand the compatibility of such external drivers to other TV providers.

Via [CrunchGear]

• A solution to your USB port wiring problems
• Use a CueCat scanner with Collectorz’s Game Collector software
• Verizon adds cool features to FiOS TV

Western Digital has released ten new colors of its My Passport Essential portable hard drives. Aside from the traditional black and white, the My Passport Essential is now also available in brilliant orange, super sunny yellow, raindrop blue, arctic white, deep viola, cherry red, ultra mint, real red, intense blue, and vibrant pink.

My Passport Essential portable hard drives come with the usual specs such as 128-bit encryption, USB 2.0 ports, support for PC synchronization and storage capacities that range from 120GB to 320GB. The hard drives are still as portable as they can be weighing only 5-ounces. The My Passport Essential lineup ranges in price depending on storage size but tops out at $179.99 for the 320GB model.

Product [Western Digital] Via [I4U]

• HD-capable Flip Mino Camcorder arrives just in time for the holidays
• DataTraveler 100 4GB Flash Drive on sale at Newegg for $7.99
• Optoma Pico Projector PK-101: Project wherever you are

Western Digital has introduced another line of smaller and lighter portable drives. The My Passport Essential line weighs in at less than 5-ounces and are USB powered, which means no additional power cord to lug around. The My Passport Essential line is currently available in a 160GB, 250GB or 320GB option and pricing will be under $199.99, all come in that “beautiful glossy black finish.“ 

Read [PR Newswire]

• DataTraveler 100 4GB Flash Drive on sale at Newegg for $7.99
• More storage for the Eee PC
• Apps concept catching on everywhere: Drobo latest to offer them