The Wyse 550 Video Client combines thin client architecture with video-capable hardware enhancements. A closer look at the client reveals an Intel Celeron processor with 1.26 GHz, a FS454 video scan converter from Focus Enhancements, a hard drive or flash memory card for local booting, an optional DVD-ROM drive, a PCI slot as an expansion for a tuner card or fibre optic connection, an S-video out, composite video, DVI, SPDIF audio cinch and two optical and USB ports.

The Wyse 550 runs Windows XP Embedded and supports Windows Media 9 and MPEG 1/2/4. Windows Media Streaming is possible at 3 Mbit/s at 80 percent CPU load. In contrast to thin clients, data is accessed locally or as streamed content via the server. System configuration, imaging and software management are all handled by the Wyse Rapport solution. Video-on-demand applications can be set up by the administrator using scripts.

According to Wyse, the price will be "about half that of a multimedia PC" and it should be available in April.