D-Link MediaLounge DSM-520 user reviews

Pros When it works, it cannot be beat!

Cons Getting it to work can be a problem.

Summary First of all, I do NOT work for the company who made this product. Secondly, I think some of the negative comments are from people who were expecting miracles, or wanted this to do something it was not designed to do.

My wife and I use this on a wired network to watch standard-resolution TV shows on our downstairs TV; the programs we’re watching have been recorded to the hard drive in my computer upstairs. For this distance, the wired network is a must.

The device plays most standard video formats, including MPEG, DivX, WMV, and so on. It also plays music and does a decent job with jpeg slideshows. It will play music, as well (including Live365 Internet radio), but to be honest we seldom use it for this. We want to watch TV shows and a few movies, and for that it does an excellent job. Playback is smooth and the audio is clear. However, if the show starts skipping (damaged blocks, encoding errors) it will probably crash the program and often requires a forced reboot (push in the power button on the box and hold it for about 5-7 seconds). Also, it doesn’t have a zoom feature, and only one fast-forward speed (2X). Rewinding MPEGs can be tricky, too – sometimes it just won’t do it.

My biggest problem was getting it to set up and recognize the media server correctly. I had to discard the D-Link server that came with it, and after testing several alternatives, I got it working with Windows Media Player 10 with an optional Media Share component. The configuration was rough, but once it was functioning it performed well and to my expectations. As I said, my wife and I love it and it’s one of our primary ways of watching TV.

Pros Well worth the upgrade from a DSM320

Cons Search feature could be better

Summary I had a DSM320 and was using it on wireless network. I got a lot of delays when playing music. I decided to take a chance with on the DSM520, I'm glad I did. I have not noticed one instance of delays with the DSM520 over a wireless network since I've had it.

Pros YPbPr and HDMI output, USB Flash drive bay

Cons Setup snafus; slow, clunky interface; choppy video

Summary Saw this product in Best Buy. Brought home, spent hours trying to get it to see the D-Link media server software on my PC. Finally figured out I didn't have uPNP installed (not that the installation program told me; neither was this in the setup guide, online help or troubleshooting tips. I had to go the downloads section of D-Link's website to find the tip--another sign they don't have their sh*t together). Installed uPNP, got the connection working. Interface was slow and lags often when browsing graphics and music. Video was choppy over 802.11g MIMO router situated 3 feet away. Some problems with video/audio synchronization too. TIVO has been out for ages, yet there apparently was no thought about caching or buffering the video stream to prevent this, instead the setup guide says "a wired connection is recommended for video".

Some very good ideas in play here, but I'll wait until it gets out of "market beta".

Pros picture and sound quality very good. plays alot of formats still, motion and audio. sleek appearance and slim.

Cons periodically "locks up" during divx playback

Summary This device is not complete yet. dlink needs to do a little more work and it would be great.
tested mostly for divx playback. Picture and sound quality was impressive. navigating interface is a little weak and sometimes slow to respond. major problem i had was during divx playback unit would stop, remote would not respond, then it would play quickly as if it was in fast forward. no response from dlink tech support. sent back to store. also ff and rew can only go at 2X. or seek mode you have to enter hours/minutes/seconds to "jump" around the video. you must also choose which mode you want, can't use both. this unit would really be great with a little firmware work.