Netgear Push2TV Adapter Revealed [Netgear's Notebook-TV Video Adapter Uses Intel's WiDi]

Somewhere under all the tablets and 3D, a big story from CES earlier this month was missed, and that was Intel’s WiDi (Wireless Display) technology that they showed off. WiDi lets you use your HDTV has a display for your WiDi-enabled notebook. While it uses 802.11n, nothing new, it is extremely streamlined and simplified – and Netgear has released the first HDTV-side adapter for the technology.

Netgear’s adapter, the Push2TV PVT1000, is reportedly “slightly larger than two decks of cards” and features just two outputs, HDMI and composite. While AV nerds might be disappointed at the lack of component, VGA, DVI, S/PDIF, RCA – you’ve got to remember that Intel (and their partners, like Netgear) are trying to keep the WiDi stuff simple, hence the inclusion of only two ports.

Another benefit of using the WiDi technology is that it’s reportedly as easy as pressing the ‘link’ button on the Netgear adapter and the software on the notebook can do the rest. The Netgear adapter is the first to hit the market, it’s currently out for $90.

On the notebook end, you’ll need a Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 equipped computer (Sorry, no Atom), and some free software Intel is providing. Intel and their partner Best Buy are reporting that a WiDi-ready notebook is as cheap as $800 at Best Buy. You probably can find cheaper ones if you look a little harder.

IPTV has been slowly gaining popularity. Some people may opt to use notebook computers and this new WiDi technology over the numerous set-top boxes we’ve seen.