Devolo MicroLink dLAN Audio review

1 of 2

Gallery

Verdict:

Review Date: 23 Sep 2005

Price when reviewed: inc VAT

Reviewed By: Simon Handby

Our Rating 3 stars out of 5

In What's New, Shopper April 2005 we tested Devolo's dLAN starter kit, which sends data between power sockets over the mains. This adaptor uses the same system to stream audio, but it requires another dLAN Ethernet or Audio plug.

With an Ethernet plug, you can stream music from your PC, or you can pair two Audio plugs to carry music from a hi-fi to some amplified speakers. Music is carried digitally, so there's no audible interference, but the bit rate is limited to 192Kbit/s.

Setup was easy, although it is harder on a network without DHCP. The signal quality didn't seem to be affected by the distance between the plugs, but we noticed a delay that increased with separation.

The plug uses up a socket, and its size may make it unsuitable for confined outlets. It's more expensive than Apple's wireless AirPort Express, but it has a wider range of functions including digital inputs and outputs. It's a good product, but it won't suit everyone.

Prev Next

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous Reviews : General Next >

Sponsored Links

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.