Date: 15/07/2012

Convert your HDTV display device into a computer by plugging a dongle

iPPea Inc has launched a new micro PC device called iPPea TV, an Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" dongle that can convert your HDMI-enabled DTV or any other such LCD display into a Android computer This costs $50 and can be ordered now from iPPea. iPPea TV features support for Android 4.0.3, 802.11b/g/n Wifi, USB 2.0, 2GB storage with support for up to 32GB external storage via a microSD slot, support for 1080p HD video and most popular audio/video formats, and other advanced functionality.

This device converts any HDMI interfaced TV into a smart TV without having to purchase an expensive high-end smart TV. So wonder how to convert your TV into Smart TV, or watch internet on your HDMI LCD monitor, just plug this dongle.

The semiconductor chip inside iPPea TV dongle device is JZ4770 mobile applications processor from China based Ingenic Semiconductor. The JZ4770 SoC is built using MIPS processor running at 1.2 GHz.

"With our high-performance processor cores, MIPS has long been a leader in home entertainment products including DTVs and set-top boxes," said Gideon Intrater, vice president of marketing, MIPS Technologies. "Because of the extremely low power consumption of the MIPS architecture, we have also worked successfully with licensees and OEMs to bring affordable Android 4.0 tablets to emerging markets. We applaud iPPea for leveraging the performance and power efficiency of the MIPS architecture to create a device that represents the future of affordable connected consumer entertainment."

"The tiny iPPea TV is a fully-functioning Android super micro PC that connects to the cloud, accesses a broad range of websites and apps, and delivers a high-quality entertainment experience," said iPPea CEO Amanda Senkowski. "We are delighted to be using the MIPS-Based Ingenic processor, which provides all of the advantages of an industry-standard architecture, including a broad ecosystem of supporting tools and software. And because of its inherent power efficiency, the device can be fully powered by a standard USB port - such as those available on most DTVs. Also, unlike many competitive PC offerings, no heat sink is necessary in the iPPea TV device."

According to Qiang Liu, chairman and CEO of Ingenic Semiconductor, "The high-performance, ultra-low power XBurst CPU is the driving force inside millions of portable electronics devices. As multi-screen entertainment gains in popularity, it just makes sense that our technology is now also powering home entertainment devices that can deliver a connected TV experience to the mass market. We are pleased to continue our successful collaboration with MIPS Technologies in enabling innovative, cost-effective consumer entertainment devices."

Availability: iPPea's iPPea TV can be pre-ordered now at http://www.ippea.com/estore and is expected to ship by the end of July. Included are the iPPea dongle with USB power cable and micro USB to USB cable. Optional accessories include: 3D + gyro wireless key mouse, USB RJ45 LAN adaptor, HDMI extension cable and 360 degree HDMI connector. A support forum is available at http://forum.ippea.com/.