Iomega has just debuted its Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link device that makes it a snap to access multimedia content on your spanking new high definition TV (or standard definition if you have not yet made the jump - it doesn’t matter) without the need for a computer to function as a bridge. Each Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link will be accompanied by a full-function remote control, while the inclusion of a USB port makes it a snap for you to hook up compatible storage devices such as external and portable hard drives, USB flash drives and maybe a compatible portable media player for you to enjoy audio and video content on the TV.

This device has dimensions that are way smaller than the average deck of playing cards, and will rely on similar display technology as found in Iomega’s ScreenPlay HD Multimedia drive (which was introduced earlier this year in April). The Iomega ScreenPlay HD Multimedia drive is slightly different though despite offering similar audio and video quality with upscaling to high definition as it comes with a 500GB hard drive inside. The ScreenPlay TV Link is missing out on this, but the good point would be the ability to hook up just about any video content stored on a USB external storage device, so you aren’t limited by the space within the ScreenPlay TV Link instead.

Video connection options include HDMI, component and composite video, and a SCART adapter for use in international markets. Audio connection options include composite RCA and coaxial S/PDIF. Using the HDMI or component outputs, the user can choose video settings from 480p/720p/1080i (720p and 1080i are achieved through upscaling). Supported media formats include MP3, AC3 (Dolby(R) Digital Encoding), WAV, WMA, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI/VOB), MPEG-4 (AVI/DiVX 3.11, 4.x, 5.x/XViD) and JPEG. The ScreenPlay TV Link measures just 3.26″x3.07″x0.78″ and weighs less than 4 ounces, giving this multimedia powerhouse roughly the same dimensions as a drink coaster.

You will be able to pick up the Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link for $99.95 if you’re residing in the US, while folks living across the pond have it cheaper (dollar to dollar) for 79 Euros.

Press Release