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Page 1
Introduction
Imation’s Link wirelessly extends the computer desktop with full audio support to any television or projector with an HDMI input. Imation has done an excellent job creating a product that does this incredibly well and is simple on all levels. Easy to install and easy to use, no one should have any problem getting it up and running quickly. It uses wireless USB (Ultrawide Band) and it is a standard interface.
About Imation
Packaging
The Link comes in a really nice glossy and sturdy box. There’s a flap that opens in the front to showcase the transmitter and receiver. There’s plenty of information written about the product all over the box.
Introduction
Imation’s Link wirelessly extends the computer desktop with full audio support to any television or projector with an HDMI input. Imation has done an excellent job creating a product that does this incredibly well and is simple on all levels. Easy to install and easy to use, no one should have any problem getting it up and running quickly. It uses wireless USB (Ultrawide Band) and it is a standard interface.
About Imation
Quote
Imation is a leading global developer and marketer of branded products that enable people to capture, save and enjoy digital information.
Our world-class portfolio of digital storage products, audio and video electronics, and accessories reaches customers through a powerful global distribution network. The goal is a company with strong commercial and consumer businesses and continued long-term growth and profitability that creates shareholder value.
Imation Corp.'s global brand portfolio, in addition to the Imation brand, includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry, famous for the slogan, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" and the XtremeMac brand, the top name in innovative accessories for iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV. Imation is also the exclusive licensee of the TDK Life on Record brand, one of the world's leading recording media brands.
http://www.imation.com/en-us/About-Imation/Company-Information/
Packaging
The Link comes in a really nice glossy and sturdy box. There’s a flap that opens in the front to showcase the transmitter and receiver. There’s plenty of information written about the product all over the box.
Page 2
Specifications
Marketing Summary
Package Contents
Specifications
- SIZE
10.875” x 4.0” x 5.5” - DISPLAY MODES
HD Video (720p); Photos (1080p) - AUDIO
2 Channel Stereo - SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS 10.4 or higher - STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
FCC part 15F
IDA TS UWB
ETSI EN 302 065 - INTERFACE
USB 2.0 - MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
1.6 GHz or faster processor (Dual core recommended) - ULTRAWIDE BAND WIRELESS USB
United States: 3.11-4.8 GHz
EU, Singapore, NZ, Canada: 6.3 - 7.9 GHz
Japan, Korea, China: 7.3 - 9.0 GHz - WARRANTY
1 year limited warranty - Amazon Link
Marketing Summary
Quote
The Imation Link™ Wireless Audio/Video Extender projects audio and high-definition video content - Internet TV, movies, photos, online games, web video conferencing and even business presentations - to a television or projector.
Turn any computer into a digital entertainment server with up to 720p video quality, 1080p quality for still images, full audio support, PC and Mac compatibility. The Imation Link™ Wireless A/V Extender uses wireless USB technology providing you with a reliable connection and faster data transfer speeds than Wi-Fi.
http://www.imation.com/en-us/Imation-Products/Link-Wireless-AV-Extender1/
Package Contents
- USB transmitter
- Fin-shaped receiver
- Power cable for the receiver
- HDMI Cable
- CD containing product info and linking software
- User Guide
Page 3
Link
As mentioned before, installing the Link is really simple. First, connect the fin shaped receiver to an HDMI port on your television or projector. Link also has a VGA output and a 3.5mm stereo audio jack to use if an HDMI port isn't available, but you will need to supply your own cables. The receiver also comes with it’s own power supply that needs to be plugged into a standard wall outlet. Imation recommends that you place the receiver on the top of your television or just in front of your television at the base. The most important thing to consider when deciding where to place it is that it will have a line of sight within 30 feet of the transmitter.
Next, connect the USB transmitter to a USB 2.0 port on a Windows PC (7, Vista, or XP) or Mac (OSX Tiger, Leopard, or Snow Leopard) . For Windows, the drivers are located on the transmitter. To install them, have Windows perform the installation automatically when prompted and follow the on screen instructions. Mac users will have to run the software that’s on the included CD. Once the driver is installed, an icon appears in the system tray (see the screenshot below). All of the software options can be accessed by right-clicking the icon.
Depending on the option selected, the desktop is now mirrored or extended to the television or projector. Windows will recognize the television or projector as a second monitor so the resolution can be adjusted just like any other monitor or through the software options. Imation recommends using 1280 x 720 or less. Now, the possibilities are almost endless. Why almost? Link allows photos to be viewed at 1080p quality, but not video. Video is restricted to 720p as the highest quality. This is a bit of a disappointment, but understandable considering the technical limitations of wireless USB.
We used Link with video stored locally and video streamed from the Internet from sites like Netflix, Hulu, and various television network sites. We also tried using Link in combination with the Boxee application. At fullscreen the audio and video played back at great quality without any hiccups or delay even when computer used was in motion. If the video plays well on the computer used, it will play well over the Link connection.
Conclusion
Imation’s Link is a fantastic device. Not just because it does what it’s intended to do so well. It’s how it can be used to turn what’s become a seemingly solo experience into one that can be shared in company. Computers are usually setup and used in the home office or a bedroom. As a result, all of the entertainment that the computer and Internet can offer has never been able to truly become a shared experience. On the other hand, the television has become the centerpiece of living rooms where family and friends can gather together for entertainment. Link leverages this so family and friends can still gather in front of the television, but to finally share the entertainment of the computer and Internet. It retails for around $149.99 (Amazon Link), which is very reasonable for the capability it provides.
ASE Labs would like to thank Imation for making this review possible.
Link
As mentioned before, installing the Link is really simple. First, connect the fin shaped receiver to an HDMI port on your television or projector. Link also has a VGA output and a 3.5mm stereo audio jack to use if an HDMI port isn't available, but you will need to supply your own cables. The receiver also comes with it’s own power supply that needs to be plugged into a standard wall outlet. Imation recommends that you place the receiver on the top of your television or just in front of your television at the base. The most important thing to consider when deciding where to place it is that it will have a line of sight within 30 feet of the transmitter.
Next, connect the USB transmitter to a USB 2.0 port on a Windows PC (7, Vista, or XP) or Mac (OSX Tiger, Leopard, or Snow Leopard) . For Windows, the drivers are located on the transmitter. To install them, have Windows perform the installation automatically when prompted and follow the on screen instructions. Mac users will have to run the software that’s on the included CD. Once the driver is installed, an icon appears in the system tray (see the screenshot below). All of the software options can be accessed by right-clicking the icon.
Depending on the option selected, the desktop is now mirrored or extended to the television or projector. Windows will recognize the television or projector as a second monitor so the resolution can be adjusted just like any other monitor or through the software options. Imation recommends using 1280 x 720 or less. Now, the possibilities are almost endless. Why almost? Link allows photos to be viewed at 1080p quality, but not video. Video is restricted to 720p as the highest quality. This is a bit of a disappointment, but understandable considering the technical limitations of wireless USB.
We used Link with video stored locally and video streamed from the Internet from sites like Netflix, Hulu, and various television network sites. We also tried using Link in combination with the Boxee application. At fullscreen the audio and video played back at great quality without any hiccups or delay even when computer used was in motion. If the video plays well on the computer used, it will play well over the Link connection.
Conclusion
Imation’s Link is a fantastic device. Not just because it does what it’s intended to do so well. It’s how it can be used to turn what’s become a seemingly solo experience into one that can be shared in company. Computers are usually setup and used in the home office or a bedroom. As a result, all of the entertainment that the computer and Internet can offer has never been able to truly become a shared experience. On the other hand, the television has become the centerpiece of living rooms where family and friends can gather together for entertainment. Link leverages this so family and friends can still gather in front of the television, but to finally share the entertainment of the computer and Internet. It retails for around $149.99 (Amazon Link), which is very reasonable for the capability it provides.
ASE Labs would like to thank Imation for making this review possible.