SanDisk took dead aim at Apple this week by launching an online music and video store called Fanfare and a new widget called Sansa TakeTV that competes with Apple TV. Sansa TakeTV uses flash memory to allow users to play video they have on their PC on any TV set, whether at home or away.
Remember when sneaker ware was the moniker used for “networking” by copying files to a floppy disc, then taking the floppy to another PC for printing or sharing? Users copy (drag) video files from their PC to the Sansa TakeTV, which is plugged into the PC’s USB port. The Sansa TakeTV is plugged into its cradle, which has been plugged into the standard audio/video sockets on any TV anywhere.
A supplied remote control and an on-screen menus allows the user to play the videos. The TV can, of course be located anywhere. There’s a 4GB model that holds approximately five hours of video and goes for $100 and an 8GB model that holds ten hours of video and retails for $150.
Sansa TakeTV video player works with new and legacy TV systems via standard AV composite inputs or S-Video. The use of flash memory makes the device small, durable and easily portable.
Sansa TakeTV supports the video formats DivX, XVID, and MPEG-4 but not high-definition video. It works with Vista, XP, Mac, and Linux PCs.
SanDisk says Sansa TakeTV is easier to set up than a wireless network, running wires through the house or burning video on a DVD.
“Sansa TakeTV is the most easy-to-use, straightforward solution for watching downloaded personal video content and other shows in the comfort of the living room,” Daniel Schreiber, senior VP and general manager for SanDisk’s audio/video business unit, said.
Fanfare
The Fanfare online store, launched in beta this week, offers TV shows and music for download. Like iTunes, the user must first download and install software that accesses the online store and manages downloaded content. Unlike iTunes, Fanfare cannot be accessed unless Sansa TakeTV is plugged into the PC’s USB port. The site offers free and paid video. The latter typically costs $1.99 an episode.