ADS Tech Media-Link
Manufacturer: ADS Technologies Inc. Part number: MXL-581
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- ADS Tech's Media-Link wireless digital media receiver isn't ready for prime time.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
ADS Tech Media-Link price range: $202.99
- Reviewed by: Nathaniel Wilkins
- Edited by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 03/03/2005
- Released on: 11/15/2004
The good: Streams music, photos, and video from networked PCs; supports standard and high-definition (HD) TV resolutions; component and DVI video outputs; optical and coaxial digital audio outputs; affordable.
The bad: Poor usability; lacks front-panel display and controls; doesn't display album artwork; not compatible with music purchased on the Internet; not Mac compatible.
The bottom line: ADS Tech's Media-Link wireless digital media receiver isn't ready for prime time.
Some digital media receivers resemble home-theater gear, while others, such as the Media-Link, are styled more like a computer peripheral. Measuring in at 2 by 11.5 by 6.5 inches (HWD), the Media-Link is about the size of a typical network router. 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. A recessed, translucent plastic strip spans the width of the front panel, masking network and power status indicators. The PCMCIA 802.11g wireless networking card that's supplied with the unit protrudes about one inch from the side panel.
Around back are optical and coaxial digital audio outputs as well as the requisite analog audio outputs. In addition to composite and S-Video ports, the unit has high-quality component and DVI jacks capable of outputting 480p video as well as 720p and 1080i resolutions for compatible HDTVs.
As long as you don't care about playing music purchased on the Internet or Windows Media Video files (WMV), the Media-Link's format support should be adequate. It plays MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and DivX video files; MP3, AC3, WAV, and non-rights-managed WMA and AAC audio files; and JPEG, BMP, GIF, and PNG image files. Only iTunes playlists are compatible--assuming, of course, they're composed of self-ripped, non-DRM songs.
Currently, 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. Meanwhile, only the Apple AirPort Express can play AAC files procured from the iTunes Music Store. Numerous models support Rhapsody.
The Media-Link can stream files from the hard drive of any networked PC that's running the Media-Link server application. The Media-Link server doesn't have a scanning utility to automatically track down files that aren't in obvious locations. 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.
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. What's more, you can't add more Internet radio stations to the approximately 100 that are preprogrammed by ADS Tech. Compounding any confusion you might have about the Media-Link's capabilities, the user guide covers only setup and installation. ADS Tech says a quick-start guide covering usage will be available soon.
Usability flaws abound. For instance, if you fire up a music track, then browse to another screen, playback stops. This annoying limitation prevents you from, say, playing music while browsing your photo collection. The remote's Home button conveniently shortcuts to the device's main menu, but it's inconveniently disabled whenever playback is active. Unlike competing devices, the remote doesn't have buttons that go directly to the main music, video, and photo library screens. And forget about using the remote's four-way keypad to freely and intuitively navigate the device's menu levels. It just doesn't work that way.
During testing, the Media-Link did a respectable job of streaming audio, video, and image files. Music tracks such as the Commodores' "Brick House" sounded clear and powerful even through the analog outputs. DivX and MPEG-2 video files streamed smoothly for the most part and looked good with the unit connected to our HDTV. 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. (ADS Tech doesn't offer an optional keyboard.)
In the final analysis, the Media-Link is a relatively stable product that's hobbled by a poorly implemented and comparatively incomplete feature set. The Media-Link appears to be loosely based on the same engine as Actiontec's Wireless Digital Media Player and FIA's On3, neither of which fared well in testing. Hopefully, extensive firmware upgrades will improve this product in the future.
User reviews
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Not Ready for Prime Time is an Understatement
by westcoastdave on March 7, 2005
Pros: Adequate Audio streaming capability
Cons: Lousy Remote, Poor Instructions, Limited Video Capability
Summary: I am returning this unit after two frustrating days of trying to get it to work with my media center.
The remote is unresponsive and does not work consistently when ...Summary: I am returning this unit after two frustrating days of trying to get it to work with my media center.
The remote is unresponsive and does not work consistently when more than three feet from the receiver.
The installation instructions are barely adequate and unless you are technosavy, you should not try to install this without help. I was able to access and display my .jpg photos with ease but the picture quality on my 1080i HDTV was just awful, despite having set up the unit for 1080 HD using component cables.
What I thought was a satellite processor with a PC chip onboard is in fact a remote device that depends on an applet running in the host/server PC.
The menu system is clunky and access to the various media types is very slow, even on my hardwired 11 MB LAN. I frequently experienced 7-10 second response times to simple menu changes using the supplied remote, even though the host PC is a newer 2.8 GHz Win XP SP2 Dell.
There were many video types not supported, something I would have known if I had access to this editor's review before I bought my unit (I had mine delivered before the March 5 review was published). Of the 12 or so video files on my PC, the receiver was unable to run 8 of them. I had several .avi, .wmv, and .mpg files that the unit responded "invalid or unsupported video codec" when I tried to stream them
None of the internet support would work for me. Although I was able to access my favorites list, when I tried to reduce the displayed web page to a manageable viewing size, I failed every time. I tried adjusting the zoom size and the video resolution, but the best I could achieve was a scrollable 1/4 zoomed view of the web page making navigation impossible. Also I could not get any streaming webcam images or streaming audio website to play.
If you want a device that will only fetch and play digitized .wav or .mp3 fies from your PC and do little else, this $249.99 device is for you. I found that the primitive user interface, non supported data types, unresponsive remote control, and clunky menu system to be more than I am willing to cope with.
Mine is back in the box awaiting an RMA for return after a couple of hours of frustrating use.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Will be taking it back...completely inadequate
Pros: It plays mp3 and video
Cons: Can't make playlists longer than 10 songs (and the only way you can even make a playlist is to put the 10 songs in a separate folder on your PC). Remote is clunky and unresponsive. System freezes frequently and doesn't always even display all the files
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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One of the best wireless media servers
by inedinburg on March 3, 2007
Pros: Hi-Def Support, Easy to use, No need for MC2005, Great Server
Cons: Requires its JAVA program (on CD incl.)
Summary: Here is the word, it is one of the best wireless audio/video servers on the market. Has all the outputs - Component, DVI, Optical Audio (for high end audio/...
Summary: Here is the word, it is one of the best wireless audio/video servers on the market. Has all the outputs - Component, DVI, Optical Audio (for high end audio/video). The video output is configurable between 480i, 480p, 720p & 1080i.
It also has regular audio/video if you don't have a hi-def TV.
Best, unlike other media servers - it does not need Media Center 2005. It runs on any Windows operating system. Just drop in audio, pic or video file in the folder and the server will play!
I was skeptical regarding the claim of smooth video play back. I purchased this server with expectation of a maximum to stream audio files in my living room.
I was surprised, it plays video files (avi, divx, mpeg1 etc.) with no issue whatsoever with wireless's connectivity (a b/g card is included with the server).
Moreover it is cheaper than most servers available (HP, DLink etc.)
Also these servers need MC2005, I don't have a MC2005 and hence cannot use these.
WORD OF CAUTION
===============
It did take me a day to figure out why this server would not connect to the machine. Make sure you delete any Java on your machine. Then install the program CD with Java included with the server. It works like charm! -
It is the best media player at that price ($50.00)
by Edmond Baker on January 18, 2007
Pros: DVI out for clear video and pictures
Cons: The wireless set take time
Summary: The Media Link is idea for people who like to rip music and video to their computer hard drive. Using the program Anydvd and Xilisoft Platinum you can backup hundreds ...
Summary: The Media Link is idea for people who like to rip music and video to their computer hard drive. Using the program Anydvd and Xilisoft Platinum you can backup hundreds of movies and mp3's and watch them at anytime on your HDTV or a projector(like me). The media link also can play TV shows download from your ReplayTV to your computer with no problems.
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This is a wonderful device.
by ainofitz on November 30, 2006
Pros: Currently available for $50.
Cons: None for my use.
Summary: My family routinely watches downloaded movies and TV shows using this device. It works flawlessly. Yes, the setup menu is clunky and you have to know what IP address means. ...
Summary: My family routinely watches downloaded movies and TV shows using this device. It works flawlessly. Yes, the setup menu is clunky and you have to know what IP address means. But, you only have to do that once. After that, you just click on the video title and go. I find it much easier than getting up and plugging in a DVD, with exactly the same controls.
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Whaddaya expect for the price...sheesh.
by tharse on June 30, 2006
Pros: Great for playing videos from your PC
Cons: Internet and radio functions are limited
Summary: For the price I wasn't expecting much. It reminds me of the old Web TV when it first came out. Right out of the box the manual was terrible ...
Summary: For the price I wasn't expecting much. It reminds me of the old Web TV when it first came out. Right out of the box the manual was terrible for setting it up. However, I was delightfully suprised by their great tech support. This unit has saved me lots of money from not burning disks to watch movies on my DVD player. Now, I just watch them in the living room from my hard drive. It ain't much, but it works great for what it does do.
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DON'T BUY THIS LEMON !!!!!!!!!!
by yamoo on May 25, 2005
Pros: software loaded easily.....
Cons: wouldn't play ANYTHING !!!!!!
Summary: I struggled with this device for several hours. Although I was able to configure and connect to the unit on both wireless ad-hoc mode and via ethernet, NEITHER method allowed ...
Summary: I struggled with this device for several hours. Although I was able to configure and connect to the unit on both wireless ad-hoc mode and via ethernet, NEITHER method allowed me to play ANY video or AUDIO files!!!!
Saying the documentation was minimal is an understatement.....
One item that they also fail to mention is that WAP is NOT supported, so anyone wanting to use wireless will have to use WEP....
This is sure to be good news for all of the wardrivers/WIFI leeches out there.
Sorry if I seem to be angry about this product, I was really looking forward to broadcasting audio/video around my house, but I ended up with a $250 "paperweight"'
I would like to add that I'm not a neophyte
that had a few technical problems. I was a network engineer in the telecom field for almost 10 years and this is the only time, so far, that I have ever been totally dead in the water with a product......
Run while you can!!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ADS Technologies Inc.
- Part number: MXL-581
- Description: Enjoy the music, photos and home movies trapped in your computer in any room of the house! The Media-Link Entertainment Receiver distributes media from your PC to your TV through either wired Ethernet or 802.11g wireless connection. You can also add additional Media-Link Receivers in other rooms in the house. Setup is easy with Universal Plug and Play support. Just connect the Media-Link to your home network to free the music, photo and video files from your computer and play them in the living room, bedroom or any room in the house.
General
- Product Type Digital multimedia receiver
Audio System
- Output Mode Stereo
Connectors
- Optical Digital Output Yes
- Coaxial Digital Output Yes
TV Tuner
- TV tuner type None
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Device Type None
- Digital Storage Media None
Network & Internet Multimedia
- Functionality Digital audio playback, Digital photo playback, Digital video playback, Internet radio playback
- Connectivity Wired, Wireless
- Connectivity Protocols IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet)
- Supported Audio Formats AC3, MP3, Ogg Vorbis
- Supported Video Formats AVI, DivX, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, QuickTime
- Supported Pictures Formats BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG
System Requirements Details
- System Requirements Details Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP - Pentium III - RAM 256 MB - HD 100 MB
- Operating system Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
Remote Control
- Type Remote control
- Technology Infrared
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x DVI-Digital - Rear, 1 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x SPDIF output - Rear, 1 x Network ( RJ-45 ) - Rear
Miscellaneous
- Software ADS Tech Media-Link Application
Power
- Type External
- Power Consumption Operational 15 Watt
Battery
- Battery None
Manufacturer info
- ADS Technologies Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse ADS Technologies Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.adstech.com/
- Address:
13909 Bettencourt St., Cerritos, CA 90701 - Phone: 562/926-4338
- Email: support@adstech.com
