Linksys DMA 2200 Questions/Gripes

[Marco555]

I have 3 questions.

1st When playing DVDs I get the message that "Due to copyright restrictions the screen resolution will be lowered". I'm trying to play legitimately bought DVDs - what is that all about? I don't get the message if I play backup COPIES of DVDs. Does Linksys encourage DVD piracy?

2nd question. Is there no way to set the output resolution to 1080i 60hz? My Xbox 360 does this just fine. There only seems to be the option to set 1080i 50hz (My tv is not capabale of 1080p) and there is a noticable flicker when using this resolution. (I should add that I am in Australia and we use the PAL standard - but isn't that irreleveant when using HD? Correct me if I'm wrong.)

Thirdly has anyone else noticed that it takes AAaages to load a DVD?

Otherwise - it's soooo quiet compared to the Xbox360 and it works just fine as an extender.

[atheo]

Hey,

I just got mine up and going. Overall, really happy with it. But have not tried DVD playback yet.

I will give it a try tonight and let you know if i get the same issue when playing DVD's.

Cheers

Adam

[bevancoleman]

Originally Posted by Marco555

1st When playing DVDs I get the message that "Due to copyright restrictions the screen resolution will be lowered". I'm trying to play legitimately bought DVDs - what is that all about? I don't get the message if I play backup COPIES of DVDs. Does Linksys encourage DVD piracy?

Are you using Component? Because DVD has some restrictions regarding the use of upscaling on various connection types (VGA is exempt, HDMI should be also due to it being based of DVI)

Originally Posted by Marco555

2nd question. Is there no way to set the output resolution to 1080i 60hz? My Xbox 360 does this just fine. There only seems to be the option to set 1080i 50hz (My tv is not capabale of 1080p) and there is a noticable flicker when using this resolution. (I should add that I am in Australia and we use the PAL standard - but isn't that irreleveant when using HD? Correct me if I'm wrong.)

Here comes your correction..... 50hz is just as important in the HD era as before.

If you display at 60hz you will get some judder from Australia DTV as the device trys to convert 50->60 fps. Most people would actualy consider having 50hz a major plus over the 60hz only 360.

Why are you getting flickering though? Are you using a CRT based TV? Plasma and LCDs should not get any flicker regardless of signal refresh rate.

[atheo]

hey,

tested DVD's and it seems fine. No issue at all. I have a HDMI cable from the extender to my sony 32" Bravia. I have 1080i as the output type off the extender.

So you know.

Adam

[Marco555]

Yes - I'm using component. I have a 5 year old Sony CRT - (I still reckon CRT's have the best quality picture) but I have a Sony Bravia LCD X series on order which is supposedly capable of 1080p and 100hz. It also has an HDMI input so hopefully that should cure the upsacaling issue. But I do find that the Xbox using 60Hz gives a more "solid" picture than the Linksys at 50Hz. It just looks nicer. Perhaps on the LCD it will be better - hopefully.

As for DVDs taking a long time to load - well I don't have the linksys connected anymore as it is in another room waiting for the new Sony. So hopefully it was a figment of my imagination - but I don't think so. Hope it's not a faulty unit! I've had issues with DVD drives and DVD players like this before.

My old TV has been relegated to my son's room and he is more than happy to have the Xbox 360 as his extender. Wonder why?

[saintalan]

Originally Posted by Marco555

...As for DVDs taking a long time to load - well I don't have the linksys connected anymore as it is in another room waiting for the new Sony. So hopefully it was a figment of my imagination - but I don't think so. Hope it's not a faulty unit! I've had issues with DVD drives and DVD players like this before....

I dont mind the load delay which does not seem to be that bad on mine. The problem is the DVD seems to end your VMC session and it takes an age to return to it when you've finished!

Cheers

Alan

[philzgr8]

Originally Posted by saintalan

I dont mind the load delay which does not seem to be that bad on mine. The problem is the DVD seems to end your VMC session and it takes an age to return to it when you've finished!

Cheers

Alan

Yes it is an interesting way that they's configured it. If you exit from the MCE interface it's intended to be like closing down a Media Centre. Unfortunately they decided somewhere along the line not to try and intigrate the DVD player into the MCE interface so you do actually have to close your MCE session to use it. When you go back into the MCE interface it reconnects to the MCE machine and logs on again before you can do anything.

[saintalan]

Originally Posted by philzgr8

Yes it is an interesting way that they's configured it. If you exit from the MCE interface it's intended to be like closing down a Media Centre. ...

Yes, I tend to keep MCE running and (Basically using Harmony Activities) switch Inputs to other things, like NON VMC TV & Sky etc. This means that, I may not remember what state the 2200 is in. I have only been playing for a day, so something may come up!

Beginning to think tho' there is no advantage in the DVD over a separate DVD especially as the 2100 is so small in comparison. Also although the 2200 is a nice shape it's the wrong way round for where I want to put it!

Cheers

Alan