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Linksys DMA2200: Review

Posted to Wi-Fi Media Players 2009-07-07

Review: Linksys DMA2200

The Linksys DMA2200 allows you to stream images, video content and audio files to your TV from a Windows Vista Premium or Ultimate PC. The device supports connection to the PC via wired or wireless Ethernet (802.11b/g/n). The DMA2200 also includes a built-in DVD player with 1080i upscaling, a full-featured remote control, and HDMI, S-video and component video outputs for connection to your TV.

The unit also features a digital coaxial output for Dolby Digital surround sound and a USB port (for maintenance only, it can't be used to view the contents of a thumb drive or your digital camera). The DMA2200 comes with software for your PC and only works with Windows Vista versions having the Media Center Software. The DMA2200 solves the problem of having your Media Center PC located in the middle of your living room.

Rating:

4.2 out of 5

Performance

There are a few performance issues with the DMA2200. The unit works best over a wired connection, and can reliably stream HD video over wired Ethernet. However, streaming HD over wireless doesn't work well except with 802.11n, which is not quite ready for primetime - there are still some glitches with this technology. Also, the DVD player is slow, taking as much as 2-3 minutes to load a DVD. The menu system for the Media Center looks just like the Media Center on the PC, but menu response is sluggish.

Ergonomics

The slow DVD loading time, coupled with confusing DVD menus, leaves a lot to be desired. Also, the included (supposedly universal) remote does not work well with other devices. It's obvious that Linksys is primarily in the network device business, and not the home entertainment business. Add this to the overall sluggishness of the Media Center menus, and you have a device that requires some patience to use. One note in its favor, the DMA2200 is totally silent in operation, even the DVD player.

Summary

The DMA2200 does what it's supposed to, it just doesn't do it very well. If you want to stream content over a wired Ethernet connection, or stream regular video over WiFi, then this device will function quite well as a bridge between your PC and your TV. But its performance limitations make it hard to recommend for anything else, especially given the price. Unless you have a pressing need for this technology, you might want to wait until Linksys has been through a few firmware upgrades before investing in this device.

Pros

Stream images, video and audio from your PC to your TV wired or wirelessly
Supports Fast Ethernet, 802.11/b/g/n
Built-in DVD player with 1080i upscaling

Cons

DVD player sluggish, menus confusing
Streams HD over wired Ethernet quite well, but results are disappointing over wireless