The idea behind the Push2TV is pretty interesting: you use your notebook’s Wi-Fi adapter to transmit its video display to the Push2TV receiver, which then outputs that video via HDMI to a big-screen TV or similar display. However, the devil is in the detail and because the Push2TV relies on Intel’s Wireless Display (WiDi) technology, you’ll need a notebook with an Intel Wi-Fi adapter and, ideally, one with a second-generation Core i-series processor. We tried seven notebooks before we found one that fit the bill (a Lenovo ThinkPad T420), so be warned — few notebooks have Intel Wi-Fi.
The Push2TV device is quite basic, with an activity LED on the front and a power switch, HDMI output, composite video and stereo audio on the back. Within a few seconds of turning it on, it shows itself on your external display, waiting for a signal from your notebook. The device is pretty easy to get working. Once your notebook detects the Push2TV device, you connect by typing in the four-digit security code that’s shown on the external display, which then switches to mirror your notebook screen.
Supported resolutions are a little limited: our notebook had a 1,366 x 768-pixel screen, but the Push2TV only output a 720p (1,280 x 720 pixels) frame size, despite claiming to support up to 1080p viewing.
The biggest problem we found was the video jitter — even though it has a Core i5 processor, we were unable to get 720p video in MKV or AVI format to playback smoothly on either an external monitor or TV, even at a distance of less than a metre. Online forums suggest this is common for some users and not for others. We suggest it needs some more work.
How many people will go for it when you take into consideration that it sounds like it's only going to work if you have an INTEL Wi-Fi adapter?
Are there any other alternatives?
I personally wont be getting one, but still curiosity always kills the cat.... so to speak.
Yeah, I think that's a real problem - because it's not just any Intel Wi-Fi adapter, it has to be a certain type as well. But as I said, if with the notebook we did manage to get it working on, the video jitter wasn't great.
Cheers, Darren.
Thanks for the response Darren.
They need to make them more compatible with a larger range of WiFi adapters, there for an increase in the market for them. RE: Desktops and laptops.
I can see the concept they were going for. Just needs the obvious improvements.
Setting that aside, as they are right now, does anyone believe they are worth the $149 price tag for what they currently offer?