Linksys DMA2200 review

The first generation of Windows Media Center Extenders were released in the US in 2004, but the DMA2200 is the first dedicated extender we've seen in the UK.

The only other Extender currently available is Microsoft's Xbox 360, but that doesn't come with wireless networking as standard and is rather noisy when in use.

Unlike the distinctive Xbox 360, the DMA2200 is small and unobtrusive. There's also an even smaller DMA2100, which is functionally identical but lacks the DMA2200's DVD player. It's about the size of a wireless router and costs £185 inc VAT from www.dabs.com.

On the rear of the DMA2200 is every video and audio output you're likely to need. The HDMI port supports HDCP for protected content, and outputs HD resolutions up to and including 1080p. The DVD drive only plays audio CDs and DVDs, which are upscaled to HD resolutions over HDMI. The component output supports HD resolutions, too, though won't upscale DVDs. A scart output means you can connect to older CRT televisions. For audio there are optical and coaxial S/PDIFs as well as a stereo phono output.

This is the first media streaming device we've seen to support Draft-N networking. Theoretically, this means you can stream high-definition video wirelessly from your PC to the DMA2200. Draft-N worked well in our tests, with 720p WMV HD files playing smoothly, though the layout of your home and the positioning of your router will be crucial. The DMA2200 also supports dual-band Draft-N, which should enable faster, more reliable connection speeds with a compatible router.

We particularly like the built-in network tuner, which helps you get the best wireless performance. This shows a real-time graph displaying your network connection speed, with target marks for standard and high-definition playback. It's certainly handy when tweaking the position of the Extender, your router or their aerials.

The Extender is easy to set up. The connection is secured by a password, shown onscreen, which you enter on your PC. The range of compatible file formats (MPEG1, MPEG2, WMV9 and H.264) isn't extensive but should be enough for most people. We managed to stream XviD files to the device, but H.264 files refused to play. Linksys informed us that only H.264 files in the MP4 format with AAC audio are officially supported, but we still couldn't get any such files to be recognised.

The remote control is well designed; the interface looks almost identical to Media Center on a Vista PC, with effects such as transparencies present for when you access the EPG while watching live TV. It responds to inputs rapidly, and you get all the usual Media Center luxuries such as photo slideshows, video and photo thumbnails and album cover art.

It's a well-designed device and a better choice than the Xbox 360 for those who don't want to play games. However, a Media Center Extender's advantage is its ability to stream TV. If you simply want to stream media files, D-Link's DSM-510 plays a wider range of file types and is cheaper.