Media Centre Extenders. What is the best way to go?

[morphjk]

I currently have a HTPC set up in the lounge room but would like to put an extended in the bedroom so that the wife can watch movies or tv recordings that are stored on the HTPC.

So I am wondering what is the best way to go with an extender? Xbox, Xbox 360 or something else?

[imelda]

Hi

If you are using Vista, your only choice at the moment is the 360 as an extender. This has potential problems with noise levels - some of us have noisy 360s, some lucky people have ones that are close to silent, it's just luck of the draw.

There are recently announced extenders from d-link and linksys, which will address the noise issues, and add support for divx and xvid without having to use a tool like Transcode360 (which may reduce WAF).

There is no indication of pricing or availability of those in Australia, but if they can handle 110V-240V power it might be worthwhile bringing one in from the US when they start shipping. If they are 110V only, you will need to add a 240->110 step down transformer, which is another cost to take into consideration. Don't expect much, if any saving, buying one of these extenders versus a 360, at least not during the launch period.

If you are using MCE2005, then the 360 is still an option, as well as older devices from HP and Linksys, but I can't recommend these unless you get one dirt cheap. If you have a modded Xbox it might be worthwhile tracking down the extender kit, but it isn't going to be too easy to find because it was never released in Aus. I ran a linksys and xbox extender with 2005, but the move to a 360 with Vista, or even the 360 with 2005, was a night and day difference.

i.

i.

[mrees]

Originally Posted by imelda

There is no indication of pricing or availability of those in Australia

Actually, see the comments made by amilwain on this post:

HERE

It states a release date in OZ of the 1st of December for the Linksys Extender

Not long to go now
Lets just hope for a more than reasonable price tag!

[imelda]

Originally Posted by mrees

Actually, see the comments made by amilwain on this post:

HERE

It states a release date in OZ of the 1st of December for the Linksys Extender

Not long to go now
Lets just hope for a more than reasonable price tag!

I missed that - excellent news.

Another thing to add to the list for Santa.

i.

[morphjk]

Originally Posted by imelda

Hi

If you are using Vista,
i.

i.

Which I am. Unless I went back to MCE2005

[imelda]

Originally Posted by morphjk

Which I am. Unless I went back to MCE2005

Best to stick with Vista, and wait until November for US based reviews of the new devices, and by then local pricing might be available to help you make your decision.

i.

[bodogbodog]

Christmas 2007 lineup just announced - http://www.xbox.com/ecommunity/news/...plusarcade.htm

Don't you just love the way technology keeps dropping in price

I'm very tempted to get the arcade one and use it as another extender

Something for both online and offline gamers


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The Xbox 360 Pro Bundle gives you an amazing high-definition gaming experience and for $579.95 RRP you now get:

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[No.32]

Originally Posted by mrees

Actually, see the comments made by amilwain on this post:

HERE

It states a release date in OZ of the 1st of December for the Linksys Extender

Not long to go now
Lets just hope for a more than reasonable price tag!

$369 and $459 RRP I believe.

Seen one in action, also learning remote is pretty cool and intuitive