Value -
The ability to connect to a monitor without the need for cables is one that is valuable. If you are using your laptop for a mobile presentation it can be handy to tap into available video resources (monitors or projectors. The Diamond V-Stream WPCTVPRO is smaller and lighter than a cable long enough to connect to a monitor 15 feet away. On the downside it is not going to have the range to really reach out to the full 30 feet listed on the box. The question to ask is, are these things worth the $99.99 it is going to cost you to buy this. In general, even with the issues we encountered, the $99 is going to be worth it for what you are most likely to use it for; presentations. Although Diamond says it can be used to stream almost any media, in practice it is limited in the range you can actually send this type of stream. If you pull back and send PowerPoint or other basic presentation data you get more stability and battery life. The value of having this in your bag Vs needing to ask for a cable or connection when you kick off a presentation is well worth it.
Conclusion -
In the end the DIAMOND Multimedia WPCTVPRO VStream Wireless USB PC to TV Adapter does not exactly live up to the claims on the box. Yes you can stream most media types from your laptop or desktop to a monitor, but the distance for media streaming even at 720p is certainly not 30 feet and when you push up to 1080p your range is cut quite a bit (15-feet max). If, on the other hand, you are just pushing basic presentation data (PowerPoint, etc.) then you can get out to around 20 feet from the monitor as long as you maintain good line of sight between the base and the USB transceiver. This I where the real money is for this product. I know that I have run into technical difficulties with finding the right cable, that cable fitting the laptop I brought and worse. Knowing that you have a small and light device that will remove these obstacles gives can mean the difference between a professional and winning presentation and a frustrated potential client. The Diamond WPCTVPRO can certainly do that. I know it has found a permanent spot in my laptop bag for just that reason.
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