Digital Home Thoughts: Linksys DMA 2100 Media Center Extender Reviewed

"Thus, every now and then you'll find a file that you'd like to play, but Media Center won't play ball. You either won't be able to see it, or it simply won't be able to decode it. And, though there's often a way around any problem through a variety of registry hacks and tricks, these aren't user friendly solutions. It is this that really gets to the crux of the problem of the whole Media Center Extender concept. In theory it has endless potential, but it's held back by Microsoft's wish to control every aspect of it. So, if you're knowledgeable and patient and understand the ins and outs of what's required to get what you want, then you may find the DMA 2100 a device that gives you almost everything you desire."

Trusted Reviews has taken a look at Linksys' latest Media Center Extender, and gives it mostly high marks. Unfortunately, it's still limited by the very operating system that makes it so enticing in the first place. If all you want to do is record ad watch TV from a Media Center PC, play MP3 music files, and view pictures, then the Media Center concept could be just the thing for you. If you want to do anything more advanced however, you'd be better off brewing your own home-built solution. And besides, at this price why not buy an Xbox 360 instead?