Options for a Media Extender?

Garyvx · **22nd September 2008, 02:54 PM**

I currently have a VMC and a PVR connected to my LCD screen in our lounge and this is all working great.
What I want to do is connect a “box” to an old 68 cm CRT in our “family room” and be able to “play” (easily) the dvr-ms files that are on my VMC PC.
By “play” I mean that this must be done via a remote and have a “user friendly” menu to select the show to watch.
Now I’m currently looking at the Linksys DMA2100 (around $240-$250) but this seems to either work well or has issues.
The next thing would be a Popcorn A110 but I’m not too sure if it’s a simple process of making it a MC Extender like the DMA2100. But if it is then it also might be useful as I could put an internal drive in it for extra storage.
My last option is to get my old NC800 laptop configured with “something” to do what I want.
I’ve searched for “software MC Extenders” but it looks like the project is not up and running yet.
Any other options out there?

Regards Gary

NickC4555 · **24th September 2008, 07:08 AM**

You could use an XBox if you don't mind the noise. I've got a DMA2200 for general use and an XBox for files it doesn't like!

merovingian · **24th September 2008, 12:35 PM**

If you like the VMC GUI, then a Media Center extender is the way to go. Good for WAF as well, to have exactly the same GUI at both locations. Particularly if combined with the same model of remote control. One consistent experience, one remote to rule them all.

The DMA2x00 extenders do seem to be more at the level of a prototype than a consumer product. However, I don't know of anyone having issues watching recorded TV. This is the prime use of mine - to allow my son to watch his vast array of ABC Kids shows. We rarely encounter a problem, and the system is 99% operated by my non-tech-savvy wife.

The main catch is that the DMA2x00 can't wake the VMC. So you either run the VMC 24/7, or manually turn it on. The Xbox 360 (which is another extender) can wake your VMC.

roadie3750 · **24th September 2008, 01:55 PM**

Hey guys, I thought the DMA2200 was Vista compatible only? I'm trying to find a media centre extender for XP other than the Xbox 360. It is annoying me to no end!

Garyvx · **24th September 2008, 03:08 PM**

Thanks merovingian
With the DMA2100 can you zoom in?
The TV I want to use at the moment is an old 68cm Teac so one issue is the "black bars" that I would get by trying to watch the show from the VMC PC.
It's ALL about WAF...

Regards Gary