Dec 01 2008
Linksys DMA2100 Media Center Extender Review
I received a Linksys DMA2100 Media Center Extender about a month ago, to go alongside my Windows Vista Media Center PC that is located in the living room. Let me say, that this is a wonderful piece of equipment. The Extender allows me to access all the content that is stored on the PC including Recorded TV Shows, Movies, Videos, Music, Plug-Ins like Weather, Internet TV and the Program Guide all from the comfort of my bed.
The device is very small measuring in at only 7″ inches wide and 6″ inches deep. Not only does the device have a small footprint but it is completely silent, suitable for any bedroom. Connections are abundant including Composite, Component, S-Video and HDMI ports for video and Stereo RCA and Optical SPDIF ports for audio. The device also has an Ethernet jack for connecting to a wired network and also includes Wireless capability using the B/G or Draft N spec.
Overall, I could not be more delighted with this product. The Linksys DMA2100 is snappy and smooth that provides me a front-end in my bedroom to my Media collection stored elsewhere. The included remote also works very well and features shortcuts that provide one button access to common items like the Program Guide and Recorded TV. The device is awesome and I highly recommend it, but if I had to come up with a negative, it would have to be the turn-on time. After pressing the power on button, it usually takes anywhere between 30-90 seconds to boot up, log into the network and start the Media Center software on the device. I leave mine running 24/7, but I know some people would turn it off when not in use.
The Linksys DMA2100 has just recently been reduced in price for the holiday season. It can be purchased for as low as $100 dollars, which is a fantastic deal considering this device a few months back was almost $300. For detailed specifications on the DMA2100 you can follow this link.
