D-Link DSM-750 Wireless HD Dualband Draft 802.11n Media Center Extender Review & Ratings

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D-Link DSM-750 Wireless HD Dualband Draft 802.11n Media Center Extender Review

I purchased the DSM-750 a few weeks after it debuted. It was shipped in it's factory box through another vendor **MALL... The box was slightly damaged, but all the parts were there and in new condition. I plugged it directly in and it auto-detected my router and my Windows Vista Premium 64bit PC. I connected with Windows Media Center and started to stream high-definition movies. My old DSM-320 videos, a collection of 500 GB of TV shows and movies, played perfectly too. I had access to my database of 5000 MP3s as well.
I really think that D-Link outdid themselves this time with the DSM-750. I see that a lot of customers gave this 1/5 stars, but my unit came fully functional, and not only satisfied but exceeded my expectations. I am glad that I waited 6 months for this product to come out. I would recommend this device for any Vista user with a Hi-Definition Television. It pairs perfectly with my Samsung 4661. I no longer use the 360 as a media extender/streamer with my DSM-750.

D-Link DSM-750 Wireless HD Dualband Draft 802.11n Media Center Extender Overview

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Netgear EVA700 Digital Entertainer Review & Ratings

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Netgear EVA700 Digital Entertainer Review

Before I bought this unit, I tried the D-Link DSM-520 for about a month before giving up. This unit is identical to the DSM in function with one BIG difference-- it is stable! My advise to those not wanting to tinker- skip this technology for a year or so, others read on...
Install
~~~~
I hooked it up to a wireless router and PC with a few external hard drives and it works (almost) flawlessly. First of all, like others said, do NOT install the software that it comes with and also forget Intel Viv technology installs. Just install one of the free (or almost free) software like TVersity (my fav.), Wizd or Twonkyvision. However, except for Wizd, you can't search for a particular album/artist/genre. You have to scroll through menu after menu to find a movie/song/photo.
Media
~~~~~
I am currently streaming a few hundred CDs in FLAC (lossless format) which is noticeably better than the very best MP3 format. For DVDs, I simply have the server software pointed to the Folders that have the DVD (VOB) files. The player does a very good job of picking up subtitles automatically too. I have NOT installed the photo folder as I find the usage completely useless for my needs. I shoot 6MP raw format images. I can't see myself browsing through tens of thousands of images and then waiting for 1 minute for an image to load up!
Conclusion
~~~~~~~~~
All in all, a good system for those that are not intimidated by network setups and server programs but want an uncluttered music system and (almost) instant access to movies, music and photos.

Netgear EVA700 Digital Entertainer Overview

The NETGEAR EVA700 Digital Entertainer connects your TV and home entertainment system to your computer network, letting you enjoy the movies, videos, radio, and photos that reside on your your PC on a larger screen and better speakers.
Easy Setup and Strong Security The EVA700 plugs into your home theater system with a variety of outputs including RCA, S-Video, Digital Coaxial/SPDIF audio, and HD component video. The Digital Entertainer has both 802.11g wireless for up to 54 Mbps speeds, and a wired 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 jack in order to connect the device to your home network. Support for Intel Hub Connect Technology makes the connection easy to set up.
In addition to the hard drive of your PC, the EVA700 also works seamlessly with the NETGEAR SC101 storage device. There is also a USB port on the front of the device, letting you play files saved on an iPod, USB thumb drive, USB disk, or digital camera.
The Digital Entertainer boasts hardware-based WEP 40/64-bit and 128-bit encryption, as well as WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK encryption for enhanced security.
Support for Many File Formats The Digital Entertainer can handle a large variety of file formats. Compatible audio formats include MP3 (up to 320 Kbps or VBR), WAV, WMA (up to 192 Kbps or VBR), M3U, and AAC. Compatible video formats include: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, WMV (up to 1080p down-converted), and Xvid. Compatible photo formats include: JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF, and GIF.
An included remote control lets you control all the media files on your home network--as well as from popular internet sites--from the comfort of your couch. The NETGEAR EVA700 Digital Entertainer is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box EVA700 Digital Entertainer, infrared remote control (2 AA batteries included), power cable, Ethernet cable, RCA stereo-audio/composite-video cable, installation guide, resource CD, and warranty/support information card.

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Hewlett Packard DMR-EW5000 Digital Media Receiver for Windows PCs Review & Ratings

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Hewlett Packard DMR-EW5000 Digital Media Receiver for Windows PCs Review

EW5000 is great concept considering the functionality it promises to provide. I was really excited about the product but unfortunately it turned out to be one of the worst engineered products I have ever seen. (ironically from the company claiming to be the "Inventors".
Yes, the product works and does provide all the features it claims to offer but let us look at them one by one.
User Interface:
In this age of sleek UIs with wonderful layouts and smooth text and buttons, EW5000 User interface seems to be a relic of 80s. Text is fuzzy on TV, there are two many scrrens for simple tasks. Even the BIOS setup UIs are better than this one!!!
Playing Audio:
Audio Quality is fine but the player seems to stop playing whenever it wants. There seems to be no logic to that. UI is not responsive at times and there is no error displayed. The track information UI stops updating after playing a track or two. Wait a bit longer and even the tracks wil stop playing till you hit the play button again and sometimes you have to pick another album.
Wireless connectivity:
Best feature but the worst implementation. The reciever often looses conection and takes forever to re-connect. Again in the year 2003, it shouldn't be that difficult to buffer 5-10 minutes of Audio so that such connection losses don't lead to moments of annoying silence for the listener. You will get many annoying pauses destroying the pleasure of Brahms symppony no. 1 or whatever you are listening to. And please do not blame the connectivity issues on my wireless access point and expect me to put EW5000 a foot away from my WAP.
Server Software on PC:
Doesn't auto sychronize the new addition to the library, takes too much CPU time and takes minutes to synchronize additions or deletions of just 1 or 2 albums.
The box itself:
The worst quality materials have been used to make this otherwise good looking box. Input connectors and the wires supplied seem to be worst grade that the money could buy. Don't even get me started with the remote control.
Bottomeline!! Well you get the picture.

Hewlett Packard DMR-EW5000 Digital Media Receiver for Windows PCs Overview

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3G/4G Wireless N 300Mbps Broadband Router and Mini NAS Network Attached Storage - High Performance WiFi Router and NAS Server-DLNA Media Server with Bit Torrent download -WiFi IEEE 802.11n AV Media File and Data Center Review & Ratings

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3G/4G Wireless N 300Mbps Broadband Router and Mini NAS Network Attached Storage - High Performance WiFi Router and NAS Server-DLNA Media Server with Bit Torrent download -WiFi IEEE 802.11n AV Media File and Data Center Review

Bit torrent is great for sharing stuff. But it consumes too much electricity if your powerful desktop machine just runs the whole day for downloading stuff. So I am looking for something more energy efficient.
I was attracted to the ezdownloader from another maker. But it price tag was a little high and I guess there must be a competitor out there with a better price/feature ratio. So I researched the US Market and then the TW and HK market. There are definitely similar products with much cheaper price. Finally I came to this one - the Sapido 3G N+ Wireless Audio/Video Router.
What this is:
- A wireless router - that serve as any other router out there, you may just hook it up to a DSL/cable modem to get wifi at your home/office.
- A NAT server - you may attach a USB drive to it and access the drive as as SAMBA network drive. The drive can be format to NTFS. I believe the limit is 1.5TB. I am using only a 250GB so it is good enough for me.
- Webcam server - I haven't tested this feature yet. As the spec indicates, you should be able to plug in a webcam and access it from a webpage. It sounds fun, isn't it?
- Finally, the most important factor - A BT downloader. You access this router via a webpage interface, upload the .torrent file, and it will download the contents for you! It allows a list of 20 torrents, with 2 active download running. Unlike the ezdownloader, where you must use the vendor's website to control the download, this router will be access from the LAN only. Depends on how your LAN gateway is set up, you can assign this router as your Web server at your current IP. If you do that, then you may access the router from outside (anywhere over the world).
The set up was not straight forward for non-geeky users. But just be patient and you should be done in 30 minutes. There is no manual provided - only a big folded piece of the instruction paper with diagrams. Since my broadband gateway is already wireless, I use this a wireless Access Point. Yes, you can use this a wireless "client" to your existing wireless network. Then itself can be used as a wired + wireless access point. There are four ethernet ports available to use. I hook my PS3 and XBOX to it and it works great!
The samba network drive can be detected by the PS3 automatically. I am able to watch the movies directly from the PS3 without doing anything extra.
The Pros:
- A lot of feature to play with.
- Wireless AP (the 3G network feature is not tested, but could be a big plus to someone)
- Support BT
- Support Samba
- Upgradable firmware
- Web access from outsideThe Cons:
- BT page not compatible completely with all web-browsers. It likes Firefox and IE more.
- Can't handle Asian character sets - all characters of the downloading file name will be converted to hex byte representation of the character. It makes reading back of the file name difficult sometimes. Not a problem if the file was created before hand and copied to the USB drive.
- The saved path sometimes can not be handled by Windows explorer, if you plug the USB drive to your PC. However, you may use a ftp client to ftp to the router and access the drive to rename the files before moving back to Windows.
=> It definitely can do some improvement on the file system.
Conclusion: overall this product is great product of integrated features. However, I did spend some effort finding it. I think the sales department from Sapido should promote it a little better so a bigger consumer crowd can see its availability.

3G/4G Wireless N 300Mbps Broadband Router and Mini NAS Network Attached Storage - High Performance WiFi Router and NAS Server-DLNA Media Server with Bit Torrent download -WiFi IEEE 802.11n AV Media File and Data Center Overview

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RCA/MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player Review & Ratings

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RCA/MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player Review

I am a computer person, but with some trepidation after reading some of the negative reviews on Amazon, I installed two of the MSNTV2 units over the holidays - one to upgrade my parent's original WebTV and the second for my Mother-in-Law whose visoin is poor. The former is using dial up while the latter is hooked to a cable broadband system. It is important to note that my parents did not use some of the features other reviewers miss from the earlier WebTV products, so for them all their needs are covered. Both `parents' primarily use these systems for email and basic web use, including shopping, music channels and photos. With that background, here are my notes about the units:
Pros:
1.Easy to hook up and easy to use. Nothing fancy or difficult whether upgrading an existing account or establishing a new one. Both units were quickly operational without any glitches (well, see one con below regarding USB).
2.Resolution is far better vs. my parents original WebTV unit, where blue type on a dark blue background on the email screens made reading very difficult. The new higher contrast `dark letters on white background' are much better and the pixel definition is also improved. The resolution improvement is easy to see on some web sites where my parents couldn't read anything before but now the text is legible. Again, this is no match for my laptop, but it is good enough for general use.
3.Related to the above, the new text size +/- buttons make it easy to change the text size on a web page for improved readability. Also, the `resize' button can help with those pages with cramped type. Great features for those with vision problems and they work easily.
4.While the keyboard lacks any TV controls for volume, etc. the keyboard does include ample `one-touch' keys for all the basic email, web and media needs. And neither of the two units had any glitches with the keyboard communications causing dropped letters, etc. that others have cited. One of the units has the keyboard within a foot of the main box, but the other is separated by about 12 feet and worked perfectly unless the signal was blocked by an object.
5.The greater range of file formats that can be viewed is a significant improvement vs. the prior WebTV (not Plus). Electronic greeting cards that were previously unreadable worked perfectly and the ubiquitous pdf files on the web are a great addition. (Almost humorous is the fact that Microsoft's MSNTV2 cannot read Microsoft's .ppt or .pps PowerPoint files! Hmmm . . . I would have really thought a simple PowerPoint reader like those you can download for PCs would have been built in. After all, it would seem in Mr. Softy's best interest to insure that all of their core software could at least be viewed on their own WebTV product, right?)
6.On dial-up the speed is perhaps slightly quicker, but only marginally. In fact, at times it seems to be slower, but that is usually when viewing pages or files that were previously not viewable on the original WebTV. These files, like animated cards and pdf files are often significantly larger than others so they seem slow. On broadband things pop up quite quickly in general, with occasional times when MSN seems to be thinking about it before it sends the page. But once it does, the page pops up quickly. This really shows up when displaying a large .pdf file vs. the dial-up installation.
7.While not perfect, Microsoft's media player does a good job of displaying most videos and playing many, but not all, radio / music stations. Having the media player as a `separate' application is nice since a music station can be playing in the background while surfing the web or reading emails.
Cons:
1.There are still limitations on file sizes and file types (like the PowerPoint noted above) so this is not a solution for someone who wants a `simple computer'. This is a web reader, email client and limited media player that is far easier for non-computer people to use. Not for me personally, but a perfect fit for my parents and mother-in-law.
2.Nice of Microsoft to take the meaning of `Universal' out of their implementation of Universal Serial Bus (USB)!! Okay, so this is not a PC so maybe it is too much to expect it to handle all USB devices, but when I bought a recommended model of USB 802.11 b/g adapter the MSN's site specifically states as being compatible, I would have thought it was! I intentionally avoided any of their recommendations that stated `only version x.x' or some other disclaimer, buying a quality DLink G122 adapter. Plugged it into the MSNTV2 and, voila - a big box stating that the device was not compatible with MSNTV2. I checked it in my laptop just to be sure it was working and, of course, it was. But back into the MSNTV2 and the same `incompatible' box popped up. Fortunately, I could move the cable modem and wireless router to where the MSNTV2 box was so I hardwired it via Ethernet and that worked as it should have. So even if you follow MSN's recommendations on USB adapters or printers, you have the potential that it will not work due to some change in software made by the adapter manufacturer. Be sure you have return privileges on your USB purchases! (FYI, I did try my wireless travel mouse and that worked nicely, including the scroll function that another reviewer said didn't work. Perhaps because mine is a Microsoft mouse?a)
3.No memory expansion? It seems that it would have been relatively easy to allow a plug in of extra memory to allow larger pages to load. I had only one site, featuring lots of photos, not load, but it caused the unit to freeze and a box come up saying to power the unit off and then on to free up the memory. Minor glitch, but plug in memory is relatively cheap - why not allow it.
4.While USB card readers will (theoretically!) work so you can transfer photos, etc. it would have been a lot nicer if Microsoft had built in front loading slots for a few basic memory types like CF and SD.
5.Not sure why Microsoft included the separate remote control. Yes, it works some basic web functions, but it is not a real universal remote (didn't work with my mother-in-law's Panasonic TV and has no VCR or DVD functionality) and the web functions that it has are all easily found on the keyboard. I would gladly give up this remote for memory expansion or a built in card reader.
In summary, after reading some of the `horror' stories that other reviewers have posted I feared that indeed the product was poorly built and worse than prior generations. Maybe the bugs are worked out and the quality of manufacture improved, but having bought and installed two units I have to say that, in general, they work as advertised. Yes, the N-USB (Non-Universal Serial Bus) is a potential headache and the occasional file type or page size problem will crop up, but for their intended uses, both units worked quite well right out of the box. Heck, I have had more problems getting a PC to do what I want at times, so the minor glitches here seem minor in comparison, especially for the targeted user group.
So if you do not need a full PC, only want basic email, internet and media playback, and you understand / accept the limitations of the MSNTV2, this could very well be an excellent solution for you. However, if you need much more functionality, and you are willing to put up with the more complex demands of a PC (software upgrades, security and virus issues, etc.) then a PC of some type is your only solution. (Having spent a couple of very intense days helping a friend clean up mass quantities of viruses and spyware from two of their PCs, I now realize that some PC users probably shouldn't be PC users! Or at least they must have some basic understanding about keeping virus and spyware software updated and active!) I can tell you that both my parents and mother-in-law think this generation of MSNTV2 is perfect for them.

RCA/MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player Overview

The MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player lets you access the Web or digital media on a PC right from your TV and the comfort of your living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Whether you're listening to MP3s, viewing movie trailers, or watching video streams of concerts, news, or other programming, MSN TV 2 consolidates all your home entertainment in a space of your choosing.Now you'll be able to create digital photo slideshows and set the mood with music from MP3s or commercial-free Internet radio. Enjoy videos, music, and photos saved on your PC through your TV or home entertainment system. You can also access Web sites, send and receive e-mail, and chat with others. When used with a television offering picture-in-picture, MSN TV 2 even lets you keep a Web browser window open while you watch TV. Imagine being able to look up player stats while watching the big game or hunt for additional perspectives while watching news commentators. The supplied remote control operates the MSN TV 2 set-top box in addition to most televisions.MSN TV 2 is a perfect addition to your home broadband network and works great as a primary e-mail and Internet access point if you're using a dialup account over a regular phone line. The system includes a wireless keyboard and remote control (all batteries included). A subscription to MSN TV is required; see details below. What's in the Box The MSN TV 2 set-top box, a wireless keyboard, a remote control, keyboard and remote batteries, an installation CD-ROM, a 6-foot audio/video interconnect, a user's manual, a quick-start guide, an AC/DC power adapter (for the set-top box), a registration card, and warranty information. Note: Use of this hardware requires a subscription to MSN TV Service or MSN TV Broadband Service. Use is subject to acceptance of the terms of service upon registration. MSN TV dialup services are available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, long-distance toll charges may apply. To check local access, call (866) GO-MSNTV. Windows Media Player features and commercial-free Internet radio requires a broadband home network and a subscription to MSN TV Broadband Service. MSN TV 2 only supports Windows Media-compatible music and video.

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Roku HD-XR Player Review & Ratings

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Roku HD-XR Player Review

First let me say I own a Roku and LOVE it! NetFlix and Roku are a marriage made in heaven as far as I'm concerned, and they are saving me tons of money and treks to the video store. The picture, ease of use, wireless capabilities, quality of video content... everything is great!
But as a consumer it's important to understand the differences between the 3 Roku offerings so you can make an informed decision on your purchase. It does seem odd that Roku has simply not put out one device at one price for everyone with all the bells and whistles, but for now, you have to choose one... based upon your needs and budget.
THE DIFFERENCES IN ROKU PLAYERS:
Roku HD Player is capable of wired or wireless hook-up, but not at the fastest speed available from a 'N' wireless network. HD content streams to this device flawlessly (if the content is available and your home network is sending a proper signal), despite not being 'N' network ready.
That being said, Roku came out with Roku HD-XR Player which WILL stream the fastest 'N' network standard, provided the rest of your home network is also working with the same standard. That being said, this device is not at all necessary if you don't have all the devices on your home network using the 'N' standard, because the speed will only go as fast as the device with the slowest connection which is probably the 'B or G' standard.
The third device is available on Roku's website. Roku SD, which streams in standard definition, will not stream HD content, isn't capable of surround sound audio like the other two and does not have a HDMI connection. It only supports the red/yellow/white (composite video and audio) connections, but it will connect wirelessly or can be hardwired to the internet, working on a 'B or G' network. The Roku SD is about twenty bucks less than the Roku HD and , so again, consider your needs before buying. **Anyone with a standard def TV and who doesn't plan to upgrade to an HDTV with HDMI ports any time soon, would probably want this version.
The Roku HD-XR Player is a jump up from the HD model in wireless capabilities. All the Roku offerings will give you years of enjoyment by boosting your NetFlix subscription, streaming Amazon On Demand media and boosting your viewing library. What the HD-XR has that the others don't: 'N' network capabilities and 1 USB port for firmware upgrades and possibly, other media hook-ups via USB, but at this time Roku doesn't even bring up the USB on their website so I tend to wonder about this being a selling point. Is it worth the extra cost? Only you know the answer to that question.
MY CONCLUSION:
The quality of the streaming video on my 'G' network is perfect; standard and HD content, via my Roku HD, but since I don't have a 'N' network, nor do I expect I will in the near future, I saved myself a bit of money and didn't buy this one.
The only reason I give this product 4 versus 5 stars is because of the price bump for the ability to use an 'N' wireless network when frankly I believe it should be considered a standard feature, not an extra. The USB port, whatever it's used for, should also be standard on all models. Again, it would be wonderful to have one Roku with all the potential connections and wireless ability, and perhaps in the future there will be, but for now you need to consider these three: Roku SD, Roku HD and Roku HD-XR.
To may your own informed choice, evaluate your needs and buy accordingly. While the Roku products are not media storage devices or DVR's, they can give you a tremendous boost in your enjoyment of NetFlix and expand your viewing library.

ROKU HD-XR PLAYER SPECIFICATIONS (per the Roku website):
*Note the USB port isn't even listed as a feature.
Networking
Wi-Fi (802.11N/B/G "dual-band") with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 support
10/100 Ethernet (RJ-45)
Video Outputs
Composite video (480i)
S-Video (480i)
Component video (Y/Pb/Pr - 720p/480p)
HDMI (720p/480p)
Video Modes
16:9 High Definition (HD)
16:9 anamorphic
4:3 standard
Audio Output
Stereo (L/R RCA)
Digital Optical (Toslink - Stereo/Surround)
Digital over HDMI (Stereo/Surround)
Remote Control
NEC protocol, supported by various universal remotes
Power Input
5V, 2.5A provided by included AC adapter
Power Consumption
6 watts peak, 4 watts in standby
Size
5 x 5 x 1.75 inches (130 x 130 x 41 mm)
Weight
11 oz (300 grams)UPDATE: 10/31/10
After using this item almost daily for over a year (even got a second one for a bedroom unit) I'm still convinced Roku's are fantastic devices for almost any home. We still have cable, but it's not piped to my daughter's room (the location of the second unit) and she doesn't mind a bit. With the upcoming addition of Hulu streaming to the Roku... the selection just keeps growing! A fantastic deal for $9 a month Netflix subscription.
As for missing the 'N-wireless'... I still don't. Could be because I've not upgraded my home network, but truly the speed of the uploads with this one are sufficient for my needs and my home network is stable and provides excellent picture quality with my set-up. I would say that if I buy a new one in the future, the recently upgraded units are the way to go though. Unless they significantly drop the price in this one. The newer ones have 1080p ability and the 'n-networking' as a standard. If you're going to pay the same amount for this one versus that one... it's a no-brainer to choose the upgrade.
The differences in the 'upgraded' offerings...
Roku HD:
Doesn't play 1080p...nor does it support 'n' or any other bumps in perks. It does however have wireless capabilities and is the cheapest of the offerings. Roku HD Streaming Player.
Roku XD:
Does play 1080p full HD video **(assuming the Netfix offering CAN stream in full HD - not all the offerings are in full HD)**, have an instant replay button, have extended range wireless (b/g/n compatible), and probably offers the best deal for most consumers as the mid-range offering. Roku XD Streaming Player 1080p
Roku XD/S:
Offering the most bang for your buck, this Roku has dual-band wireless N (the latest wireless standard and potentially the fastest if your home network is set up for it...), extended range wireless (b/g/n compatible), have an instant replay button, component video and optical outputs, and a usb port for playing music, videos and photos. Your Roku must be upgraded (available in 11/10) via software upgrade - done wirelessly by the Roku - to make this function work.
Roku XDS Streaming Player 1080p
Overall, my impression of the Roku is unchanged. It's a great device that just keeps getting better. I love it and will continue to be a loyal Roku and Netflix customer for years to come.
UPDATE: 12/21/10
The Roku HD that I purchased 14 months ago stopped locating my wireless network. Attempts to reset to factory settings, reboot, etc... didn't work so I checked the Roku.com site for support. The first call to support yeilded surprising results. The tech said they would be sending me a FREE replacement to my Roku. I informed her it was no longer under warranty, but this didn't matter, which totally floored me! I was told that all I needed to do was fax the proof of purchase (a copy of my invoice from Amazon) and call them back to let them know I'd sent it. I did this and the second support tech confirmed that they'd received the fax and would be sending me a new unit (not sure which one yet) and a pre-paid box to return the defective one.
I'm stunned by this, as my Roku is two months off of warranty. I was going to purchase a new Roku (as my current unit is not the current model sold by the company), however now I'm hoping to be back on track within 3 to 5 business days, and loving this product and company all the more!

Roku HD-XR Player Overview

Now featuring extended-range wireless, Roku is the easiest way to stream instant movies and shows directly to your TV - over 50,000 and counting, from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and more. The top-of-the-line HD-XR model uses the latest wireless standard (Wi-Fi "N") to deliver the best quality video virtually anywhere in your home. It's so easy and powerful; no wonder Roku is Netflix members' top rated streaming player.

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Save 22% Off: Cisco-Linksys Media Center Extender Review & Ratings

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Cisco-Linksys Media Center Extender Review

It plays our recorded TV, pictures, DVDs ripped to XviD (not DVDs in the player), and music from the other room with an interface that looks just like Vista Media Center. Wife acceptance factor = high. We are using wired ethernet (100) and a 1080p tv via HDMI. The supplied remote is good. Speed of menus is acceptable (even faster, if you turn off transitions in the setup). FF, rewind, pause, etc. are all fine for Live/Recorded HD TV -- looks perfect on our 1080p tv.
XviD files are a little slow to start up on the DMA2100.
I had realistic expectations and we are happy!
NOTE: This note is ONLY for people with a Linksys Etherfast DSL/Cable router. If you have that router, your computer will not detect the DMA2100 unless you also go into the router setup and set Filter Multicast to Disable (which is NOT the default). Thanks for wasting my time, Linksys. After the change, it works great.

Cisco-Linksys Media Center Extender Overview

Sharing your photos, music and movies on your computer with friends and family has been made easy by the DMA 2100 Media Center Extender from Linksys. The device allows you to view digital photos, movies and high definition programs on your TV, and listen to downloaded music on your home theater sound system. It even enables accessing digital content and Internet services from your Microsoft Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate Media Center PC and wirelessly stream it to your home entertainment system. Its single learning remote helps you to easily navigate menus. The media extender uses existing high-speed Wireless-N home network.

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D-Link Wireless HD Media Player Review & Ratings

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D-Link Wireless HD Media Player Review

I was a bit apprehensive after reading all of these negative reviews, but I thought I'd give it a try myself, and return it if it didn't work out.
Turns out I am as pleased as can be. The main thing I bought it for was to watch downloaded AVI movie files on my TV over my wireless network, and it does the job perfectly. I was surprised at the quality of the picture. No video pauses or skipping issues. I haven't had it lose the network once.
It was simple to set up. For a while it wasn't detecting my wireless network, but then I realized it wasn't the units fault, it was my wireless network. I just needed to reboot the router. After that it was effortless.
If the main thing you are purchasing this for is video playback, then buy it. It works great. But if your main objective is music or photos, it is somewhat sub-par. Its not unusable, it just could use some improvement in those areas and I'm sure there are better units out there for a music player.
I think a lot of the negative reviews are the result of people having setup problems and giving up, or people who wanted to use it mainly for photos or music.

D-Link Wireless HD Media Player Overview

All your videos, photos, and music on the big screen. Sound like a good idea? The folks at D-Link have made it easy with the DSM-520 MediaLounge Wireless HD Media Player. And when it comes to video, this device kicks it up a serious notch by supporting HD video streams-- delivered directly from your computer to your home entertainment system. Enjoy all your digital content from the comfort of the living room with the DSM-520 -- and do it all wirelessly, as the device supports high-speed 802.11g wireless technology. Of course, you can also use a wired ethernet connection if you like.
Formats Galore Thanks to the DSM-520's support for a wide range of media formats, it's ready to handle virtually all of your media, including high-definition video in either Windows Media Video 9 or MPEG-4 format. Enjoy videos with resolutions of up to 1080i from your high-definition television for the best picture quality. Plus, D-Link has partnered with premium online service providers to offer access to a vast array of online radio stations and music download services. You can use the Windows Media Connect feature of Window XP SP2 to playback files protected by Windows Media Digital Rights Management (WMDRM) on the DSM-520. Or, access your entire library of premium downloaded songs and videos directly from the device.
Picture Perfect For compatible television systems, the DSM-520 features a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connection. HDMI offers a pure digital connection for both audio and video. Other video connectors include component, S-video, and composite output, ensuring compatibility with virtually all televisions. Meanwhile, optical and coax audio connectors provide clear digital output and support surround sound when used with a compatible A/V receiver. Enjoy your entire music library in high fidelity from your home entertainment system, rather than from your PC speakers.
Good Looks and Expandability A sleek 17-inch black aluminum chassis with smoked mirror front panel houses the DSM-520, and the stylish unit blends in perfectly with your other home entertainment devices, making your home theater setup complete. Plus, the DSM-520 includes a USB 2.0 port in the front panel for instant access to music, photos, and videos stored on removable USB flash drives or hard drives. Simply insert a USB drive filled with photos into the DSM-520 to showcase them on your home entertainment center. You can also attach a USB hard drive to expand the storage capabilities of the DSM-520. Your stored files on the USB drive can be easily accessed from the unit's user-friendly interface.
Easy Setup A built-in Setup Wizard makes setting up the DSM-520 simple. Configuring the wireless settings is made even easier with Windows Connect Now. Simply run the Wireless Network Setup Wizard from Windows XP SP2, and transfer the wireless settings to the DSM-520 using a USB flash drive. What's in the Box DSM-520 Wireless HD Media Player, remote control (2 AAA batteries included), ethernet cable, A/V composite cable, S-video cable, detachable Antenna, CD-ROM with software and manual, and quick installation guide.

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Save 11% Off: Cisco-Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender WMCE54AG Review & Ratings

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Cisco-Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender WMCE54AG Review

I really like this product. I really like Media Center 2005. But more than anything else, I LOVE the IDEA of this product -- a networked device that helps unite the living room to the home office, giving you one place to put your pictures, videos, and music. This is a great generation one product. I can't wait to see what the next couple of generations bring.
That said, here are the things to be aware of when purchasing:
1) You need to know (or find someone to help you who knows) the basic fundamentals of home networking and Windows. This is not a completely plug and play installation.
2) You must have a very strong network connection between your Media Center 2005 device and your Media Center Extender. Ideally, you would have a wired connection (i.e., using old fashion cables). But I use the Wireless-G option and it works great now -- but I had to spend a good deal of time tuning the placement of my wireless router to ensure optimal connectivity between PC and Extender.
3) Be aware: TV content labeled as Copy Protected will not play on the Media Center Extender. For me, this means one very bad thing -- I can't watch 99% of the shows on HBO on the Extender. This is very disappointing for our family, because we enjoy HBO and actually use the Extender on our main TV in the house (with the Media Center 2005 PC in our home office). Pay TV channels are the only area we have had problems with this, though, so if you don't need to watch these channels on the TV where you are putting the extender, don't worry about it.
4) There are a few other things you can do on the Media Center PC that you can't do on the extender. Mainly for me--the extender can't play content on your Media Center PC DVD drive (I get around this by first burning the DVD to my hard-drive using a product called Pocket DVD -- a perfect solution to put my son's frequently watched kid movies in a place that's easily accessible).
Overall, if you already have Media Center 2005 -- buy this product--it's really cool to have a central hub for all this content with multiple TVs hanging off it.
If you don't already have Media Center 2005, and are considering it -- I recommend it. But be forewarned that it's still what I would call an "early adopter" solution. Be prepared for a few stumbles and bumps -- but it's sure to wow your techie buddies.

Cisco-Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender WMCE54AG Overview

Bring your Windows Media Center PC's digital movies, live and recorded TV, pictures and music out into the living room! The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender lets you bring the digital entertainment available through and stored on your Windows Media Center PC to your Home Entertainment Center, without running cables through the house.Using a Wireless-A, Wireless-G, or wired Ethernet connection, the Media Center Extender displays home-made or downloaded digital movies and your digital photographs on the TV for the whole family to enjoy.And your digital music collection is finally freed from those little computer speakers and can play in full glory through your stereo system.You can also watch and pause live TV shows, or record them digitally for later viewing.Finding something to watch is easy with the free on-screen program guide.

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Save 15% Off: Brite-View 200 Mbps Digital Home Powerline Ethernet Adapters included 1-port Bridge & 4-port Switch Review & Ratings

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Brite-View 200 Mbps Digital Home Powerline Ethernet Adapters included 1-port Bridge & 4-port Switch Review

I bought this got in 3 days unpack it plug it up that's it. No software to install or configuration needed. Since it has 4 port switch I am using 3 out of 4 ports. 1.) Internet traffic (laptop), 2.) for Internet Radio, 3.) Hook up to Dish Network HD receiver to watch On-Demand stuff. It comes with a CD but I did use it. REMEMBER to hook up this directly to wall outlet for full maximum speed, if you use any Power Surge device or extension cord it will reduce the ethernet speed. I have tested this several different ways but directly to wall outlet is the best way.

Brite-View 200 Mbps Digital Home Powerline Ethernet Adapters included 1-port Bridge & 4-port Switch Overview

200 Mbps Digital Home Powerline Ethernet Adapters included 1-port Bridge & 4-port Switch

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