Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems and a provider of broadband, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer, SOHO and SMB markets, announced the new Wireless A/G Media Center Extender that enables users to wirelessly stream digital entertainment content stored on a Microsoft Windows Media Center PC to their home entertainment center.

The Media Center Extender sits by a home stereo and television and connects to them using standard consumer electronic cables such as RCA connectors. It then communicates with the Media Center PC via a home network using 802.11a or 802.11g networking, or, if users prefer, it can be connected by use of 10/100Mb/s Ethernet cabling. Users are able to choose the content they want to view or listen with a remote control. The content should be hosted on a computer with Microsoft Windows Media Center PC operating system installed.

“The Media Center Extender works with the new Linksys Wireless A+G products launched on September 29, 2004. Utilizing the wireless A and wireless G radios will help provide users with the bandwidth they need to perform the applications they would like, such as streaming video, gaming, broadband sharing, printing, chat, file sharing, VoIP and much more,” said Linksys.

The Linksys Wireless A/G Media Center Extender (WMCE54G) will be available through major US and Canadian retail, online retailers, distributors, director response and value added resellers for an estimated street price of $299 by end of October. The Media Extender is planned to be available in Europe, Asia and other countries where Linksys products are distributed sometime next year.