Cisco Systems has officially announced the FlipShare TV wireless distribution system that had surfaced in FCC filings late last month. Confirming earlier speculation, the device transmits video signals between a computer and a TV. Like the company's Flip recorders, the system is designed with simplicity in mind. The package includes a USB key to attach to a computer, while a small box receives the feed on the TV side.
The USB dongle is claimed to offer a range of up to 200 feet, while the necessary Wi-Fi components are built into the FlipShare system. Both HDMI and RCA connectors are available for connecting the box to a standard TV or HDTV, while an included remote can be used to control playback while away from the computer.
The FlipShare TV configuration currently limits video playback to content recorded on a Flip camcorder. Although the hardware is capable of streaming video to the TV, users will still need separate equipment if they want to transmit other downloaded content or web-based videos.
The FlipShare TV carries a price of $150 and will start shipping later this week. The system works with both Mac and Windows systems.