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VIDEO REVIEW: Linksys DMA 2100 Media Center Extender

Home Theater, Videos
January 27, 2008 58 Comments

Here is my video review of the Linksys DMA 2100 Media Center Extender. The Linksys DMA 2100 does everything I expected it to do, but there are a few things I didn't really think were that great. First, the included remote -- it's garbage. The included Linksys remote is a learning remote, you can program the power, volume and mute buttons however, I couldn't get it to work with a sharp LCD TV. I highly recommend a Harmony Remote if you plan on using this extender a lot.

I really thought the V2 extenders would boot up faster... the Linksys DMA 2100 takes about 26 seconds, which is a bit faster than the Xbox 360, that took about 30 seconds to get to the main screen. Your numbers may vary due to network traffic and set up.

The other issue I'm still trying to figure out how to the unit from going to standby after 2 hours of no use... I think it's a power saver feature, but there is no way to turn it off... I would like to have the unit always on so I don't have to wait the 30 seconds for the unit to boot everytime I want to watch something.

Update: I think I figured out a way to keep if from going to stand by. One way is to keep it playing a live TV channel... another way is to turn on the "screensaver" that seems to keep it on as well.

Overall, I highly recommend the Linksys DMA 2100. At $249, it's the same price as a XBOX 360 arcade, but the DMA 2100 is targeted for people that want a small, quiet media extender in a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. I can't wait to see the Samsung Extender which is reported even smaller.

Order now from Amazon.com -- Linksys Media Extender
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TEASER: Unboxing of Linksys DMA 2100 Media Extender

Home Theater, Videos
January 25, 2008 No Comments

Update: Video Review has been posted.

The Linksys DMA 2100 Windows Media Extender has finally arrived. A full video review is coming soon, but here are my initial thoughts of the DMA 2100. The unit is small enough to put/hide behind a TV or install inside a wall (I might even try taking one apart and putting it inside a TV). The remote, however, is terrible (junk). It's very, very cheap feeling and I highly recommend getting a Harmony Remote if you plan on using the extender a lot (it uses the same IR protocol as a Media Center PC not XBOX 360 media center/dvd remote).
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Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 4 / PC Speaker Review

Home Theater
January 21, 2008 No Comments
beolab4.jpg

Our friends over at eCoustics.com have a great review of Bang & Olufsen's new BeoLab 4 PC speakers. At $999, these aren't your typical PC speakers -- they're high-end desktop speakers and the baby of the Bang & Olufsen line. The speakers have a very nice, fabric covered pyramid look that can be ordered in a variety of colors including black, silver, red, or blue. For those that don't have time to read the full review, the PROS are: very nice sound, detailed mids and highs, excellent imaging and the CONS: wiring can be messy, limited bass response, and pricey. For the full review and more pictures click here.
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VIDEO PREVIEW: Curtain & Screen Masking Controller

Home Automation, Home Theater, Videos
January 10, 2008 12 Comments

Here is a preview of my Curtain & Screen Masking Controller. The DIOS microprocessor I mention in the video is available from www.kronosrobotics.com.

"Danny Mavromatis from Mavromatic.com previews his custom curtain and screen masking controller. Using a Stewart Film Screen with horizonal masking, Danny has created a way to automate his screen masking needs."

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V2 Media Extenders Being Released — Finally!

Home Theater
September 26, 2007 No Comments
DMA2100.jpg

Just found out via Chris Lanier's Blog that Linksys will be unveiling two new v2 Media Extenders this week (tomorrow the 27th). The DMA 2100 (pictured) and the DMA 2200 which also features a DVD player -- both have wireless capabilities. I'm hoping the DMA 2100 will be a smaller sized unit that you can hide behind a plasma and is very quiet. No ordering or pricing information... but I'll take two!
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