Linksys Media Center Extender 2200: The wait is over
Tags: linksys, wireless, media center, wired
We've been waiting years for a streaming media device that actually works, but now we think we've found one. Linksys recently sent us its Media Center Extender 2200 -- and shock of all shocks -- it doesn't suck. Quite the opposite, in fact.
It's designed to turn your TV into an access point for the media on your PC. Any movies, music, photos or live TV on your Media Center computer can be enjoyed on your telly in another room over a wired or wireless 802.11a/b/g/n network. The 2200 model (bottom) also has a built-in DVD player that can upscale ordinary DVDs to 720p, 1080i or 1080p.
Our experience with it has been very positive. We've only tested it over a wired Ethernet connection so far but we had it spewing HD media from PC to TV with the minimum of fuss, and it showed absolutely no sign of struggling. Fingers crossed the wireless performance over 802.11n will be as impressive.
It packs HDMI 1.2 with HDCP connectivity, Scart, S-Video, component and composite video outputs. It also supports MPEG 1 & 2, WMV9, H.264 and XviD video formats, plus PCM, MP3, Dolby Digital AC-3, WMA and WMA Pro audio. That's hardly the most comprehensive list but we won't complain seeing as the thing actually does what it promises.
The 2200 will retail for £239, which is a bit pricey considering the Xbox 360 costs the same and lets you play next-gen games. Still, there's always the option to buy the £199 Linksys MCE 2100, which is essentially the MCE 2200 minus a DVD playback feature. Watch for a full review shortly. -Rory Reid
Update: Read our full Linksys Media Center Extender DMA2200 review.
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DavidRGilsonWed 13 February, 2008 1:22pm
Looks good, if the price comes down I'll be considering that one :)
J RiversWed 13 February, 2008 2:56pm
Just had a 5 minute play with the 2200; being an avid XBMC user I am keen to find a device that is a) Silent and b) has more grunt than my original Cross Box. I was pleased to discover that the 2200 is totally silent with no apparent fan (I presume it treats the entire chassis as a heat sink as it got pretty warm). However the fact that I would be forced to use Windows Media Center / WMP11 is a major turn off for me - if it just connected directly to SMB shares I would shell out the ££ without a second thought.
AnonymousWed 13 February, 2008 3:52pm
Yeah.. but you're forgetting one thing: Media Center is awesome. Nuff said.
RichardnBarnesThu 14 February, 2008 6:02pm
Apparently, this model will only stream from a Windows Media Center PC running Vista. How can you say that this doesn't suck?!
Also, no support for aac, flac, ogg vorbis etc.
This is not even close.
J RiversThu 14 February, 2008 8:35pm
Rory is a Vista Fan Boi!
AnonymousTue 26 February, 2008 8:08pm
I've recently purchase one, but not for 350$ I had some coupon and got it for 120$. I a'nt recommend it with its original price, it worth around 200$
the features are great, but sometimes it wait for a long time
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6.6
7.9
AnonymousWed 13 February, 2008 12:48pm
CoOol :) I've waiting 4 something like this 4 a long time now. Now it is the waiting game until it actually reachs Saudi Arabia :( stupid local retailers.