Linksys bows two Vista-friendly Media Center Extenders

A pair of Linksys Digital Media Extenders will hit stores in November.

(Credit: Linksys)

Linksys is tossing its hat into the 2007 Media Center Extender ring with not one but two models. The DMA2100 is a small form factor MCE, while the larger DMA2200 offers a built-in upconverting DVD player. Both models attach to a standard or high-def TV to stream a variety of digital media--live and recorded TV, video files, music, and photos--from networked Media Center PCs located elsewhere in the home. Like the rival D-Link DSM-750, the Linksys models offer dual-band 802.11n wireless connectivity (for optimal streaming of HD video) and HDMI outputs. Interestingly, the DMA2200 has the same overall look and feel as the KiSS 1600, a European model from Linksys' European-based sub-brand.

Linksys is highlighting the software "plug-in" functionality of its Media Center Extenders, which will enable additional future features, such as DivX and XviD support, as well as interactivity with other networked devices in the home. But high prices will remain an obstacle to mass market adoption: The DMA2100 will retail for $300, while the DVD-enabled DMA2200 will cost $350. The latter price is the same cost as a 20GB Xbox 360. The Microsoft game console doesn't have built-in wireless, but it, too, can double as a full-fledged HD Media Center Extender--not to mention play games and HD video downloads from Xbox Live Marketplace. Both Linksys models will compete head-on with the Xbox--and Media Center Extenders from rival manufacturers--when they hit stores in November.

UPDATE (9/28/2007): Since this post was originally published, a Linksys spokesman contacted us to clarify that both the DMA2100 and 2200 will support the streaming of DivX and XviD videos straight out of the box--no additional downloads necessary.

[divesheik]

DMA 2100 Very Disappointing

Buying the DMA2100 has been a very disappointing experience. I've been waiting for a media extender that will stream archived DVD VOB files from a large storage device without having to encode into some lower quality format. The DMA2100 does not support direct VOB file play from hard drive folders. The only option appears to be that you can stream a DVD disc that is loaded in your computer drive. Heck, I can put the DVD in the regular player for that! Secondly, the file formats supported by the DMA2100 are weak. I could not get the unit to .avi files at all! It does not support .mp4 files. The few video formats supported per the specifications appear to have a multi step laborious process necessary to encode DVD movies into these formats. I'm not interested in spending 6 - 8 hours to convert every movie I have to a lower quality encoded format just so I can stream from a central storage location. Finally, the unit only appears to work with Windows Vista. I was prepared to use Vista with the unit hoping to get better direct .VOB playback than previous version one media centers but such is not the case. Why the limitation to Windows Vista? I have just packaged the unit back up and will be returning to the place of purchase today. Very disappointing for the $300.00 price tag! If you are looking for ease of use and the ability to directly stream DVD VOB files from a large storage device I would look somewhere else. Maybe D-Links products will support this. If anyone has experience that supports the direct playback of .VOB files from a hard drive with this unit please let me know.