Thin client media players (players with no local media storage) are beginning to appear on the market. The links below show you some of these innovative products, and the companies that are embracing this promising new market.

Voyetra Turtle Beach -- AudioTron
Slim Devices -- SliMP3

In addition, multiple vendors are embracing media appliances with devices that contain local media storage. Unfortunately, most of these devices cannot remotely access PC files through the network -- however, the products are still innovative and compete in the same market as the thin client players above.

Also of interest, this article details Microsoft and Samsung's partnership designed to create next-generation home entertainment devices.