A few more details on D-Link / Linksys' Media Center Extenders

Here at CEDIA, we were able to sit down with Microsoft and chat a bit about the newly unveiled Extenders for Windows Media Center. Initially, users will have a number of options, including a Niveus Media Extender, and boxes by Linksys and D-Link box. Reportedly, the devices will tout HDMI, component and composite outputs, an Ethernet port, and stereo / optical audio outs. Also, the boxes will support Full HD over 802.11n dual-band, but even the reps admitted that a wired connection was your best bet if you're looking to transmit HD. All of the aforementioned devices (save for Niveus' creation, which is already out of the bag) will be officially loosed at Digital Life later this month, and while we couldn't pry any hard pricing details out of 'em, it sounds like you'll need at least "a few hundred dollars" to pick up a low-ender.

[Gadgie @ Sep 7th 2007 9:47PM]

sahweeet! me thinks the linksys with dvd player should work out nicely

[Mike @ Sep 10th 2007 2:53PM]

That's what the core 360 is for. Unless these guys can make it cheaper than the 360 I don't know why you would buy one.

[Leiterfluid @ Sep 7th 2007 9:50PM]

For "a few hundred dollars," I'll just buy another Xbox 360.

[shawnmos @ Sep 8th 2007 3:00AM]

Yeah, really. My roommate just bought a 360 and networked it with my Vista HTPC and the Media Center extender feature is awesome. What we need are sub $100 extenders.

[Mark G @ Sep 7th 2007 9:59PM]

I like the idea of the extender with DVD but I'm a little freaked but the mentioned price. Can we infer at least 299 USD for the basic box and 399 or more for the enhanced! That's pretty friggin steep.

[GregA @ Sep 8th 2007 12:35PM]

Maybe the Core version of the Xbox 360 has a purpose after all?

[ztiger93 @ Sep 7th 2007 10:19PM]

seems like a stepping stone in the long-haul process. especially at that price. would first-adopters really go for this, or snarl knowing something bigger and badder is out there?

[BrettB @ Sep 8th 2007 12:24AM]

For a few hundred dollars, I would definately get the Xbox 360. It does pretty much the same thing. It's the same with the blu-ray player. May as well just get a Ps3 for now, then wait until prices drop to get a stand alone player.

[Russ @ Sep 8th 2007 8:48AM]

cool - someone will hack these into awesome MythTV frontends... :)

[a2thedeep @ Sep 8th 2007 5:33PM]

Correction its not DMS-720 is DSM-720..

Product Page.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=547

Doesn't say anything abt xvid or divx support, although previous D-link Media Extenders did support it.

[Stuart Dambrot @ Sep 20th 2007 1:19PM]

Will the new Sony Vaio HD LT/PC be able to stream live Cablecard HD over 802.11n? My understanding is that this won't work due to cablecard content protection. (If this works, will it do so with the 802.11n-equipped HP MediaSmart display?)