HP pipes YouTube into MediaSmart

HP is to include access to YouTube in its MediaSmart home servers

HP is to include YouTube access in its MediaSmart range of internet-enabled home entertainment products.

The line-up includes a television, set-top box and a Windows Home Server system. YouTube will be built in to the set-top box and the MediaSmart TV.

Users will be able to access the service by logging in via remote control. Videos will be available to browse and view in full-screen, and users will be able to create video playlists for their TV sets.

YouTube is the most popular video site on the web, and is the biggest name to be supported by MediaSmart.

Other services available on the HP platform include movie service CinemaNow, photo site SnapFish and internet radio service Live365.

Carlos Montalvo, vice president of marketing and services at HP's connected entertainment business, said: "Bringing YouTube to MediaSmart will let users browse and select a series of videos, then relax and enjoy the show on the big screen."

YouTube integration has become a major selling point for web-connected devices. Vendors such as Apple have showcased YouTube players as the centrepiece for products such as the Apple TV and the iPhone.