![]() (ADS Tech doesn't offer an optional keyboard.) Web browsing worked OK for light usage the unit automatically imported our Internet Explorer bookmarks, which was a godsend, because navigating the Web with a remote control isn't easy. DivX and MPEG-2 video files streamed smoothly for the most part and looked good with the unit connected to our HDTV. ![]() Music tracks such as the Commodores' "Brick House" sounded clear and powerful even through the analog outputs. It just doesn't work that way.ĭuring testing, the Media-Link did a respectable job of streaming audio, video, and image files. And forget about using the remote's four-way keypad to freely and intuitively navigate the device's menu levels. Unlike competing devices, the remote doesn't have buttons that go directly to the main music, video, and photo library screens. The remote's Home button conveniently shortcuts to the device's main menu, but it's inconveniently disabled whenever playback is active. This annoying limitation prevents you from, say, playing music while browsing your photo collection. For instance, if you fire up a music track, then browse to another screen, playback stops. ADS Tech says a quick-start guide covering usage will be available soon. Compounding any confusion you might have about the Media-Link's capabilities, the user guide covers only setup and installation. What's more, you can't add more Internet radio stations to the approximately 100 that are preprogrammed by ADS Tech. Using the Media-Link PC software, you can preconfigure musical accompaniment for photo slide shows, but you can't do it with the remote control. Although you can manually configure the server software to look in multiple locations for music and video files, there's no such option for image files. The Media-Link server doesn't have a scanning utility to automatically track down files that aren't in obvious locations. The Media-Link can stream files from the hard drive of any networked PC that's running the Media-Link server application. Meanwhile, only the Apple AirPort Express can play AAC files procured from the iTunes Music Store. The PCMCIA 802.11g wireless networking card that's supplied with the unit protrudes about one inch from the side panel.Ĭurrently, just a few competing digital media receivers (such as the D-Link DSM-320D and Roku's audio-only SoundBridge line) can play WMA files purchased on the Net. A recessed, translucent plastic strip spans the width of the front panel, masking network and power status indicators. Because it has neither front-panel controls nor a text display, you have to switch on the TV and use the remote to navigate the interface. Measuring in at 2 by 11.5 by 6.5 inches (HWD), the Media-Link is about the size of a typical network router. ![]() Some digital media receivers resemble home-theater gear, while others, such as the Media-Link, are styled more like a computer peripheral. But even if you don't care about those features, you can't get around the Media-Link's ($249) poor usability. ![]() Unlike some recently upgraded competitors, it doesn't support Rhapsody, a leading on-demand streaming music service, and can't play rights-managed music purchased from online music stores (Apple's iTunes Music Store, Napster, Musicmatch, and the like). ADS Tech's Media-Link wirelessly streams audio, video, and image files from your PC to your home entertainment system and has a built-in Web browser. ![]()
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