Customer Reviews

D-Link DSM-320 Wireless Media Player, Audio/Photo/Video, 802.11g

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(24)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(39)

 

 

My expectations were fairly low after having read all the other reviews, but I really liked the option that you get from adding a home media drive from D-Link to this set-up (DSM 602H/4H). I've been waiting for a media server that doesn't require me to keep my PC running in my bedroom 24/7. The network drive from D-Link and this media server looked like an awesome combination.

In an effort not to repeat everything that's already been said ... here are the things I believe haven't been mentioned yet ... first and foremost, don't expect to spend any less than a solid weekend getting this up and running .. and even after you do I expect multiple hours will be spent updating firmware etc. over the next few months (at least I hope there are firmware updates coming)

The physical connection was easy and intuitive, but getting the player up and running and connected to my wireless network was a royal pain. I tried to use my media drive as it is advertised by D-link, but apparantly that's not possible without a firmware update. Of course, that firmware update is still in beta release ... do I need to say more. It actually royally p*sses me off that D-Link advertise the combination of the media home drive and the media server, before they can actually deliver that option. I wrote a glowing review of the home media drive, but that was before I updated the firmware to enable use with the media server ... after the firmware was updated, I can't access the management interface for the drive for more than one or two pages before the device has to be restarted (read pull power plug and re-insert) .. the drive doesn't seem to stream the media evenly, so every single song comes across with large gaps where nothing is playing ... pictures don't come across in the right format and shows up on the screen in some oddly twisted aspect ratio ... the media server software that's resident in the media drive firmware update apparantly doesn't read ID3 tags correctly either; it doesn't pick up genres, and artist and album data isn't alphabitized

On a slight possitive note, the media server software running off my PC works much better. It streams evenly, ID3 tags seem correct and pictures are correctly formatted. I still haven't been able to stream a single movie across the media server, but that's personally less of an issue for me personally.

Oh, and although I didn't want to repeat other reviewers .. I have to say this ... THE REMOTE CONTROL ABSOLUTELY STINKS ... worst piece of hardware I've ever held in my hand ... period ... and that includes all those awefull Sony-Ericson phones I've tried over the years ;-)

Below I describe a few UPnP compliant software applications that enable you to make much better use of the DSM-320. Without these applications, I would describe the DSM-320 as a good product. With these applications, I would describe it as a great product. Sorry if this review is a little technical, but I want to get this information out there. It took me some time to figure it out.

The DSM-320 comes with software called a "media server" that runs on your PC and serves music, pictures, and video to the unit over your home network. Because the DSM-320 is UPnP compliant, it is compatible with any UPnP media server. Twonkyvision and TVersity make media servers that are superior to the media server that comes with the DSM-320. Twonkyvision ([...]) enables you to stream music from the Internet (you do this by adding Shoutcast or .m3u streams as playlists to the media server), and it also works with the Cidero media controller (see next paragraph). TVersity ([...]) allows you to stream music over the internet and watch internet TV, but at the time of writing does not work with the Cidero media controller. The Twonkyvision music server is a free download, and the full media server (for music, pictures, and video) is $10 - $20. The TVersity media server is a free download.

Another really cool UPnP compliant PC application that works with the DSM-320 is the Cidero media controller ([...]). This is a freeware Java program that allows you to control the DSM-320 from your PC. With it, for example, you can queue up any number of mp3 songs on your computer, or choose Shoutcast radio stations, and play, pause, stop, and shuffle them from your PC. I prefer controlling the DSM-320 this way as opposed to the television based GUI, because then I don't have to have the television on. [A few notes on using the Cidero media controller with the DSM-320. First, be careful with the volume control. Cidero will let you turn it up louder than it should go, and hence cause the DSM-320 to distort sound at high volume levels. I therefore always turn the DSM-320 volume to the max from the television GUI, and then never touch it from Cidero. Second, there are some quirks about controlling image playback from Cidero. The Cidero website describes a workaround, but if I'm going to watch images on the DSM-320, I already have the television on, and so I just use the regular television GUI).

In short, I have a DSM-320 that is connected to my A/V receiver, and I always leave the units on. I also run the Twonkyvision music server with the Cidero controller on my laptop, and I always leave the laptop on. This enables me to play Internet radio and my giant PC mp3 collection on my home stereo, any time I want, and control it all from my laptop. Pretty darn cool, and IMHO, definitely worth the price of the DSM-320.

This thing requires running a media server software on one's PC. The choice of this software is crucial since with most of them, including the software it ships with, it is a very limited device. However there is a media server that makes this box very versatile and much more useful, it can be found at http://www.tversity.com

The DLink Media Server software ships with this device and when used you end up not being able to play WMV, or ipod AAC files. Also high bitrate MP3 files won't play. The online content that comes with it is very limited and pretty much useless.

The TVersity Media Server adds support for WMV playback as well as ipod AAC, high bitrate mp3 and many many more formats. It also makes it possible to play virtually any online content and it comes with the ability to play all the movie trailers from ifilm on your TV as well as Radio and TV stations from around the world. Very cool stuff!

After a couple of days of no luck with the shipped software, I started reading deeper into these reviews and took the advice of those using TVersity. Within a few minutes of installing and configuring it, I had a perfectly functioning media player!
The shipped software would see the server, but within seconds of clicking a file, would say 'server not found'. TVersity has yet to drop my connection.

Recommendation: if you buy this, go download the free TVerisity product instead of using the DLink media center.

Great product that worked out of the box. I'll explain...

This is EXACTLY the product I needed. I have an ATI TV Tuner Card installed on my computer and over time have created a large collection of my favorite TV shows in mpeg format. I have the choice of sitting at my desk chair and watching these shows, or burning them to a DVD, then taking the DVD to the den and viewing the DVD on the large screen TV. No more "sneaker" net for me.

I chose the DSM-320 after pricing a brand new Windows Media Center computer with all the bells and whistles, and after pricing the separate hardware to build my own Windows Media Center computer. In both cases, the price difference is huge. Don't forget you would also have that new computer box in your den sitting next to everything else. Then I'd have to work out all the different detailed settings for the various video formats and sizes to view them correctly on my big screen tv, I have read many advice columns on this and didn't feel I would be up to this particular challenge after spending so much on a new PC.

With the DSM-320 I can watch any of my recorded television shows stored on my pc, listen to all of my own music stored on my pc, and view my great family and vacation photos stored on my computer, AND I can also easily access Internet Only Video, Music and Photos. Some for free, some for fee. It's truly EOD (Entertainment on Demand).

I am a computer consultant by trade and very familiar with networks, but I didn't have to be an expert to install the DSM-320. Here's what I did, and why...

Prior to its arrival I ran a new CAT5 cable from my dlink wireless router to my den where I planned to locate the DSM-320. I chose to use CAT5 cable rather than wireless because of the great distance between my wireless router and TV. A wired connection would provide a much higher speed and more reliable and consistent signal for streaming video, my main reason for purchasing the DSM-320.

Also prior to its arrival I read all these Amazon reviews and learned about the Media Server software, TVersity. It's a free Media Server Software that runs on your PC, RATHER than the Media Server software that ships with the DSM-320. I had already downloaded and installed the TVersity Media Server on my Windows-based computer. This software is incredble and streams to Sony Playstations, phones and all kinds of gadgets.

The UPS man arrived at 2:10 pm and I was watching my shows on the DSM-320 by 2:30. I am not exaggerating. I started the TVersity Media Server software on my computer, and opened the shipping box. For Video out of the DSM-320 I used the S-Video cable included and attached it directly to one of the available S-Video ports on my TV, the red and white (left and right) audio cable (included) was attached from the audio out on the DSM-320 to the audio in on the back of my amplifier. I plugged in the Network Cable to the LAN port on the back of the DSM-320 to the available Network Port on my router. I powered on the DSM-320, it began with a Wizard. It automatically and correctly identified my home network during setup, then it automatically and correctly identified the TVersity Media Server software running on my computer. I was done. I browsed through the simple DSM-320 interface with the remote, located an episode of "King of the Hill" and enjoyed an entire show, streaming beautifully, no pauses or delays or jitters. I personally didn't even have to alter my Norton Internet Security or Anti-Virus settings, as the dlink suggested.

After watching the show I powered down the DSM-320, when I powered it back on, it asked if I wanted to check for a firmware upgrade. Having read various other reviews I knew this had been recommended, so I chose yes and the DSM-320 connected to the Internet, downloaded and installed the firmware all by itself. I think it may have prompted me to restart the DSM-320 once complete.

This is the absolute COOLEST device EVER...Not only because of what it is SUPPOSED to do, but because of what it DOES. It works exactly the way t is suppose to. I would, without hesitation, recommend the DSM-320 to any friend or family member. I haven't figured out the "jump", "search" or fast-forward options yet, but I can live with that for now; everything else works perfect. If I had known it would work so well and be so easy to setup, I would have purchased the slightly more expensive High Definition Version of the DSM (maybe it's the DSM-520).

I first had this media player from D-Link a month or so ago. I've seen, I believe, two firmware upgrades and they both solved some small things, and I heard there is a big one coming soon. So updates will always be made to this media player with very little interaction by you, the user. Basically it updates automatically, you just say Yes, as long as it is connected to the Internet. Which you usually have setup by default because you want the Radio@AOL features right?

I really enjoy the features and abilities of this device. Surround sound, Component video, S-Video, networkable, plays digital music, video, photos, etc. It looks nice in my entertainment center, has a cool remote, and it works.

Well with most features it does. At least all the important ones.
I'd get it if I didn't have it even with the knowledge I have now, just because it will be upgraded. I've bought several networking products through out the years from D-Link and they seem to get better and better with product updates and firmware fixes. This product still gets 5 stars from me, because of who makes it and what it can do.

Although it only took about 5 minutes to get the device on my network (it's a bit fiddly entering a 128-bit WEP key using the remote!) I then struggled for a couple of hours trying to get it to see my computer. After resetting the unit a couple of times, downloading the latest firmware and re-installing the server software on my PC, I resorted to a Google search and came across some references to Microsoft Windows Media Connect, which also mentioned the DSM-320. I downloaded version 2.0 from the Microsoft website, upon which my PC detected the DSM-320 and asked which folders I wanted to make available. Seconds later, I was streaming content to my stereo downstairs without any problems whatsoever.

My advice? If you're running Windows XP with Service Pack 2, don't waste your time with the D-Link software supplied in the box but go straight for Microsoft Windows Media Connect. The DSM-320 appears to be a well built, well specified product for a reasonable price.

First off, I love this thing. I'm a huge fan of the concept and the execution for the price point here is awesome. I'm impressed with the form factor and appreciate that the device itself fits in my media cabinet and, unlike other devices of the kind, it actually looks like a media component. I wish DirectTV and Tivo would realize that basic nicety. The flexibility of outputs for video and audio signals is awesome, if not a little over-kill for current application of a product like this. My only hardware complaint is that the remote control seems to need a very direct line of sight to the device. My other media remote controls work great when pointed toward the general vicinity of my media cabinet but this one won't work unless it's pointed directly at the dsm-320 device. ... and I mean it has to be pointed exactly right. kind of a pain.

Anyone buying this unit should think back and remember what it means to buy a first-generation technology. Think, early HD, DVD burner, CD burning, etc. My point is, yes it does cool stuff, but it requires tweaking and it's a bit fussy. That is what you are getting into here. But don't let that stop you - this is a pretty evolved first gen application of this concept.

The set-up was very easy in my experience. I set it set up on my wireless network using 128bit WEP and it works just fine for most things. The basic functions worked okay out of the box with the device and the D-Link media server software. But, hey... who wants just an okay experience.

I found the D-Link software to be fairly limited and a bit slow for my taste. That is compared to the other software options. Yes, there are other software options... read up on the Amazon reviews; there are 3rd party software options that support the DSM-320 that work much better than the D-Link software. I've tried 3 others: Windows Media Connect (free to XP SP2 users from Microsoft), TVersity (still in development phase), and TwonkyVision. Here's my analysis...

D-Link Media Software - not horrible but quite limited. The worst of the four.

Windows Media Connect - really pretty good. Best option I've seen for music if you buy music online (except from ITunes) becaust it supports windows rights-protected audio files.

TVersity - This is shaping up to be the best in class I think. There is no fancy user interface but the support files are good at walking you through the command line prompts necesarry to make it work. I find that it's faster and MUCH more feature rich than any other option I've seen. But, it won't play rights protected music and it's picture display fuction is limited. It's free software for now while they build it and I'm pretty happy running the alpha version for now. The online video service is so very cool. (Something pretty cool about watching a program from australia streamed live to my tv in chicago - for free.)

TwonkyVision - hands down the fastest of the media server packages I tried. The menu navigation is quick and decisive compared to the slugish response on some of the other media server packages. My beef with this one is that it's very difficult to configure with poor documentation and it really doesn't offer that much more than Windows Media Connect in terms of functionality. Also, couldn't get it to play rights-protected music.

So, in summary, I'm using this thing much more than I thought I would and frankly it's facilitated me getting back in touch with albums that had long been out of my CD rotation - and that's fun all by itself. Is it perfect? Not at all, there is a long list of things I would change about the software and functionality, but it's a great start and I'm very glad I bought it. I've never really been a D-Link guy, but this and a few other purchases are winning me over quickly.

Update: My use of this has increased ten-fold since I subcribed to Rhapsody and set up the service on my DSM-320. The Rhapsody service is outstanding by itself but with this thing, it really can't be beat. I'm a HUGE Rhapsody fan now with this current release and the DSM-320's support of that service is reason alone to put it in your entertainment center cabinet. THIS is how technology should work!

I like the feature set of the product it mostly does everything it says it will. It plays MP3s, does good slideshows of images and plays video files located on the PC or on a network drive connected to the PC. The set up was easy and I was up and running in less than 30 minutes. It works with both it's own media server software as well as windows media connect. In general the windows media connect is the better software for the server with the following exception notesd below.

When running the D-link software:

1. The product will not play all video files. I do not mean all formats, I mean all files. I am playing video from two sources, a sony digital video camera and a Hauppage PVR-USB2 video capture device. It will play some of the files from both of these devices, but not all and there is no clear reason for which ones it chooses to play. I spoke with tech support and they indicated this is a known issue on which they are working.

2. When you are playing a group of MP3 files you can switch to a slideshow. As soon as you switch to the slideshow it will continue to play the current song over and over until you manually stop it. If you stay in the audio area it will play the list perfectly. It is only if you go to the slideshow that it does not work. Again, tech support indicates a known issue.

Windows Connect:

1. It will not support content located on a network drive. It must be resident on the machine.

2. It will play all the vidoes that the D-link media server will not (I haven't found one it won't play), but you cannot fast forward or rewind. If you try to fast forward or rewind when you press play to stop it goes back to the beginning of the video. This was really frustrating the first time it happenend becuase I had been watching a show for 15 minutes. I fast forwarded through the commercials and when I pressed play again it took me back to the beginning of the video with no way to get back to where I was except re-watch the 15 minutes. Again, tech support indicated a known issue.

3. It has the same problem with audio and picture slideshows listed above.

Remote:

1. The remote is tricky and not very responsive. Sometimes you can't get it to work and other times it acts like you have pressed the button several times. Kind of annoying, but not a serious problem.

Overall:

1. Good Audio Quality
2. Good Video Quality when it plays
3. Good picture Quality
4. Easy to navigate screens
5. Easy to set up

When they fix the bugs I will give it a 4 to 4.5 stars.

Has great features if they worked. I've been researching for just such a device to play all my multimedia files in the comfort of my family room without the restrictions of a computer monitor or small speaker sound.

Unfortunatly, most of the features DLink advertises for this product do not work or work slugishly or not without major annoyances. I'm an IT professional working for more than 18 years in the industry and must say this product was released much too early to the consumer before addressing bug issues. All the advertised file formats do not always work. I've seen errors from "file not found" (even though it shows the file name on the media center, "file type unknown", and the list goes on. I still haven't been able to get playlists to work and the only way I could get it to work with one of my computers is to map it from another computer and stream through two computer to get to the living room. I keep hearing that DLink is going to address the software and firmware issues, but have yet to have any of my emails returned from DLink's tech support concerning my problems. If all the features worked, this would be one nice addition to your home multimedia experience. As of now, it's mostly a pretty piece of electronics that will rest turned off on my stereo shelf until DLink figures out how to address all their bugs.