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The Media Center Extender shootout
Vista Media Center really sets itself apart from any other DVR solution out there, and the single greatest advantage Vista Media Center (VMC) has over the other options -- like the TiVo HD -- is the ability to have multiple Media Center Extenders. There really isn't any better way out there that will allow you to watch premium HD cable in every room of your house while at the same time centralizing all your media in one place. When VMC first hit the streets, there was only one HD extender: the Xbox 360. But the problem, of course, is that the Xbox is noisy and will always be a gaming console first and a Media Center Extender second. Well, things have really heated up in the extender market recently when both Linksys and D-Link released Media Center Extenders and HP upgraded its MediaSmart HDTVs. %Gallery-25212%
Screen Grabs: giant Linksys WiFi router is The Internet
Screen grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com. Complete internet downtime is no laughing matter, but more frightening still is the prospect that the world's data flow is completely beheld to a giant, taciturn Linksys WiFi router. South Park clip embedded after the break -- we're still trying to decide whether this trumps the Aqua Teen episode where they meet the Wwwyzzerdd, freakish master of the internet.
The Linksys DMA2200 HD Media Center Extender gets reviewed
The idea of having a centralized DVR with a bunch of tuners and other HD content stored on a hard disc and then streaming it around the house in HD, is pretty fantastic. Up until now the Xbox360 has been pretty much the only option for Windows Media Center fans who want to stream HD cable -- and soon DirecTV -- around the house, but as great of a box as it is, it isn't perfect. Our biggest complaint is the noise and the size, and if those are important to you as well, then you may want to check out Chris Laniers's review of the Linksys DMA2200. Overall Chris seemed to like the little guy, but considering it sells for almost the same price as the Xbox360 core system and does less, we'd suspect the only reason to go for the Linksys is because it is smaller and most importantly, it's silent.
Linksys intros Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera WVC54GC
We're going to give Linksys a free pass on this ridiculous naming scheme just because we're actually happy to see a bigger name bringing a consumer-friendly wireless security camera to market for a reasonable price. The Linksys Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera WVC54GC is pretty straightforward for a networked camera, sporting 802.11g and 10/100 Ethernet connections, and VGA video recorded to a MPEG-4 or Motion JPEG codec. The camera can be limited to local network video streaming or opened up to the internets either publicly or privately. There's also a Security Mode setting that can send video snippets via email if the camera detects motion in its field of view. You can then remotely log on to the stream and set the video to record to a local hard drive or on a predetermined schedule. The camera is available now for a mere $120.[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Hands-on with the DMA2100 and DMA2200 from Linksys
What, haven't seen enough Media Center Extenders yet? We were hoping you'd say that, since we got some personal time with these Linksys DMA2100 and DMA2200 units. The DMA2200 sets itself apart with a DVD player, but really not a lot to say about these two. Pardon the dust.%Gallery-13090%
Linksys gets pretty with draft 802.11n home networking gear
Linksys is keeping us busy with their new Ultra RangePlus family of home networking gear. Announced are the draft 802.11n Gigabit Router ($130 WRT310N, pictured), the draft-N Broadband Router ($100 WRT160N), and a trio of Dual-Band draft-N products including a USB Notebook Adapter ($80 WUSB600N), an ExpressCard Adapter ($80 WEC600N), and new Gaming Adapter ($90 WGA600N). The WRT310N and WRT160N both feature new un-Linksys designs with a dumbed-down, flash-based user interface and enhanced RangePlus internal antenna to keep the clutter down. The dual-band gear split the load between 5GHz (HD streaming or gaming) and 2.4GHz (everything else). The WGA600N, WUSB600N and WEC600N will be available soon, the others now.
Linksys ships the WRT600N router and WPC600N notebook adapter
It's been almost a year since we first peeped the Linksys WRT600N, and although the company missed that estimated CES ship date, it's finally released the ominous-looking box for an MSRP of $279. As hinted by the model number, the router features 802.11n, but implements it simultaneously over both the 2.4 and 5GHz frequency bands, which should result in smoother connections for devices that support 5GHz. You're also looking at four Gigabit Ethernet ports, built-in FTP and UPnP A/V servers, and Storage Link, which lets you turn any USB storage device into a NAS. Linksys is also touting its Easy Link Advisor setup software, which we're certain most of you will never open. Connecting to this bad boy is the $99 WPC600N PC Card, which features the same Broadcom Intensi-Fi chipset as the 600N router. Both router and card should be in stores now, according to Linksys, with ExpressCard and USB adapters shipping in the first quarter of 2008.
Linksys' DMA2100 / DMA2200 Media Center Extenders get priced
Remember those Linksys Media Center Extenders that popped up yesterday? Well, today the duo has officially been priced, but there's no good news for folks hoping for these two to undercut the other guys. Up first is the DMA2200, which will of course sport an integrated "upscaling DVD player" along with the obligatory dual-band Wireless N functionality, while the DMA2100 arrives in a smaller package (see it up close after the break) but keeps to the basics by omitting the optical drive. Both boxes are set to land this November, and while the DVD playin' DMA2200 will run you $349.99, you can save $50 by opting for the lesser-spec'd sibling.
Linksys shows off two new Media Center Extenders
Want to spring out of your Windows Media Center situation, but don't have any good options? Well, you're in luck, because the good folks over at Linksys have whipped up a couple of wireless Media Center Extenders which might just do the trick... or wreck your home life. Feast your eyes on the DMA 2100 and DMA 2200 (pictured), two new offerings from the router-maker sure to please some of the people some of the time. Specs are thin right now, but what we do know is that the DMA 2200 sports an upscaling DVD player, both units have a "learning" remote, and the Extenders will be available sometime in November. For now, enjoy the photos, and your wild dreams of "sharing photos, music and movies" with friends and family.[Thanks, Gordon]
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.
T-Mobile bringing HotSpot @Home to your landlines
T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home already brings WiFi VoIP to compatible cell phones, and the latest FCC filing from T-Mo and Linksys indicates that soon all the phones in your pad will be able to get in on the action: say hello to the WRTU54G. Apart from the T-Mobile branding and the two phone jacks on the back, the router features two user-accessible SIM card slots, which appear to be used to configure up to two phone lines -- we're not sure if they're VoIP or cell, however.[Via TG Daily]
Linksys branding not dead after all
Well, it looks like Cisco CEO John Chambers spoke a little too soon last Friday when he said that the Linksys brand was going the way of the dodo -- Cisco is now saying that it will continue selling Linksys-branded products "in the near term," and that changes would only come "if and when these changes add value to our customers' decision making processes." In other words, Linksys ain't dead yet, but the axe is still mighty close.
Cisco axes Linksys branding
Linksys fanboys, if there even are such creatures, best get used to seeing a lot more Cisco and a lot less of their favorite brand, as Cisco CEO John Chambers recently announced at a European roundtable discussion (video after the jump) that Linksys products would now sport the Cisco name. Chambers was quoted as saying that "it would all come, over time, into a Cisco brand," and he also noted that the reason the Linksys name was kept alive was because "it was better known in the US than even Cisco was for the consumer." As the firm "goes globally," he concluded, there would be "little advantage" in keeping it around. Sayonara, dear Linksys.[Via TheInquirer]
T-Mobile goes national with HotSpot @Home WiFi calling
Following a limited launch last year in its hometown of Seattle, T-Mobile's finally pulling all the stops and taking its "HotSpot @Home" hybrid GSM / WiFi calling service national. A first among the US' big four carriers, @Home relies on traditional cell airwaves out in the field but switches seamlessly to WiFi when it gets within range of a T-Mobile hotspot or any other wireless router you've configured your phone to latch onto. For the millions of us with less-than-stellar reception in our homes, the service could be a life-saver -- and even better, WiFi minutes aren't deducted from your plan. Launch handsets are the Nokia 6086 and Samsung t409, both of which will go out the door for $49.99 on contract and include a Linksys or D-Link router -- both specially designed for @Home service -- for free after rebate, though any 802.11b access point should work. The service itself will run $9.99 per month on individual and $19.99 on family plans for up to five handsets. Look for the equipment today in T-Mobile stores and on the carrier's website.
Cisco planning "souped-up" set-top boxes
It looks like Cisco is about to make its biggest push into the consumer market to date, with BusinessWeek reporting that the company is readying a "souped-up" set-top box that'll supposedly combine a number of different products into one. Of course, as BusinessWeek points out, this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, especially given the company's recent acquisitions of Linksys, Scientific-Atlanta, and KiSS Technology. As you may be able to surmise by that confluence of companies, the new do-it-all box will apparently be networked like nobody's business (wireless, naturally), including the ability to pull content off the Internet and distribute it to other devices around the house. It'll reportedly include its own web browser as well. While Cisco's pulling all the strings, it apparently won't be slapping its own name on the boxes, selling them instead directly to consumers under the Linksys brand and offering 'em up to various cable companies. If all goes as planned, you should be able to snag one for yourself by the end of this year or early next year.[Thanks, Mercurial]
Linksys' KiSS 1600 HD media device launched at CeBIT
Linksys has a new wireless media adapter today, the KiSS 1600, which fairly synonymous with fellow router-pusher Netgear's Digital Entertainer HD. As expected, KiSS 1600 streams high def digital video, audio, and photos (sorry, we're light on info about codecs) from the internet or any locally networked device straight to your TV set. And thanks to its HDMI connection, DVDs get upscaled 720p. Unfortunately the nitty-gritty specs are incog for now, but you'll be able to purchase (not steal) a KiSS sometime soon for a hefty £259.99 (about $503).[Via Wired]
The iPhone reviewed. No, the other iPhone.
While Apple's iPhone remains behind closed doors, with secretive minions putting the last touches on the software and the hardware peeps chuckling to themselves about the crappy EDGE data they've managed to foist upon the public, there's another iPhone out there that could very well spice up your communications life, and won't cost you $600 to do it. We're referring to the Linksys iPhone, of course, the CIT300 Dual-Mode Skype model of which was recently put through its paces by TheTechLounge. Other than the fact that the $90 handset requires your PC to be on to make calls (you could always pick up the $150 CIT400, which just needs a broadband connection, if that's a deal breaker for you), the reviewer had no problem with setup or operation, and the voice quality and signal range were both robust. The handset itself is well built and comfortable, and while it can work with both your landline and Skype calls, if you're willing to spring for SkypeOut and SkypeIn you could really save a bundle, and it sounds like you wouldn't be taking much of a hit on convenience.[Via The Inquirer]
Live at the Cisco John Chambers keynote
11:06: "Welcome to the human network" -- Chambers starts in and welcomes us. We want products to be shared across any network, any devices, any content. We outlined a strategy first for the enterprise, then in the service provider market, and now in the consumer market we're also number one.11:08: Enabling all forms of communication in IT. this is how Cisco approaches markets.: Vision --> Strategy --> Execution. Talking about the company history and Cisco's strategy over the past 10 years.11:10: First phase of internet revolution led by business. We predicted it would soon be led by the consumer. Transforming the consumer experience as we transition from analog to digital. Next phase is networked: Analog --> digital --> networked.11:12: Broadband starting to take over in US, finally.
Linksys announces HomePlug AV PowerLine adapter
Linksys announced the PowerLine AV Ethernet Kit, its first HomePlug AV release. The bundle includes two PLE200 PowerLine AV Ethernet adapters and companion cables, and allows data to flow around your house as fast as 100Mbps (as in Ethernet, theoretically enough to support HD streams). Currently a HomePlug AV network will support up to 16 devices, and can "combat electrical noise generated by appliances, electronic [products] and halogen lights." A quick refresher for those unfamiliar with the concept, PowerLine allows you to create a home network via electrical outlets rather than running CAT-5 cables up and down the stairs. You plug any internet ready device into one adapter, and connect the other adapter to your router, plug both adapters into a wall socket, and like magic you've got internets. It is backwards compatible with PowerLine 1.0 (a sigh of relief for early adopters) and the kit and additional adapters are available now for your enjoyment.[Via Crave]
Linksys launches WPSM54G print server, WRT330N draft-N gaming router
Linksys wants to get in on some of the early show announcement action as well, by launching not one but two WiFi products before we all hit the CES show floor on Monday morning. The first is its WPSM54G 802.11g WiFi print server (pictured), which supports scanning, faxing and copying on various multifunction products from companies that include Canon, Dell, Epson, HP and Lexmark. Linksys isn't messing around with this one, and will sell you a print server right now direct from its website for $120. The second of the product pair is the WRT330N Wireless-N Gigabit Gaming Router, a draft-N device that's loaded up with four gigabit Ethernet ports and a single gigabit WAN port. By using its built-in "Quality of Service" software, it'll give gaming and VoIP packet traffic the highest priority to minimize latency. The WRT330N also supports WPA2, WPA or WEP encryption, can be used as a DHCP server and has an SPI firewall. If you can spare a pair of Benjamins right now, Linksys and its retail partners will send one your way -- your gamer friends won't know how they got fragged so fast. Check out the crazy antenna design on the next page.Read - WPSM54GRead - WRT330N