EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver
Manufacturer: SMC Networks Part number: SMCWMR-AG
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Spotty video streaming and weak file compatibility negate the potential of the EZ-Stream's all-encompassing built-in wireless support.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace | ![]() | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' review
EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver price range: $14.49
- Reviewed by: Nathaniel Wilkins
- Reviewed on: 02/09/2004
- Released on: 09/30/2003
The good: Built-in wireless networking; TV-based user interface; streams digital audio, video, and photos.
The bad: Unimpressive video playback; no WMA support; clunky interface; skimpy remote control; PC-only.
The bottom line: Spotty video streaming and weak file compatibility negate the potential of the EZ-Stream's all-encompassing built-in wireless support.
Early media receivers cost more than $1,000 and could stream only audio files. In comparison, today's models are quite affordable and offer extensive multimedia functionality. SMC's EZ-Stream, for example, features wireless 802.11a/b/g network connectivity and can stream audio, video, and photos from a networked PC's hard drive to a TV or a stereo system on the other side of the house. Unfortunately, the EZ-Stream's unrefined design and spotty video quality are reminders that newer isn't always better.
The slim, silver-and-blue EZ-Stream is vertically oriented, so it looks more like a cable modem than a home-audio device. The small, lightweight remote is simple to a fault; there just aren't enough buttons. The lack of page-up and page-down controls, for example, makes navigating long track lists a real hassle.
The EZ-Stream's biggest selling point is its integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless networking. That capability is a complete solution for today's market, but the unit doesn't have a PCMCIA slot, so upgrading to future standards will be impossible. The rear panel does include an Ethernet port for people who haven't yet made the jump to a Wi-Fi network. For audio, you get one pair of stereo RCA analog line outputs but no digital out. Video hookup is limited to composite sources, and there's no aspect-ratio control.
Initial setup of the EZ-Stream was straightforward. In about 15 minutes, we connected it to the TV, the Ethernet router, and the A/V receiver; installed the server software on our PC; and configured the unit to work on our 802.11g network. After we'd disconnected the Ethernet cable and switched to wireless mode, building a library of audio, video, and photo files with the server application's folder-sharing feature was a simple affair. Only Internet radio posed a challenge; programming the EZ-Stream for a handful of stations became a convoluted chore.
The EZ-Stream supports MP3 and the M3U playlist format but not WMA. It accepts MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video, along with BMP and JPEG still images. By comparison, the similarly priced Prismiq MediaPlayer can handle a wider range of file types and has a built-in Web browser, though that receiver does require a user-supplied adapter for wireless networking.
The EZ-Stream's TV-based interface is clean and uncluttered, but it truncates filenames to just 13 characters. You can navigate by song title, artist name, genre, or playlist, but browsing menus during playback sometimes caused momentary stutters. Even more annoying is how you have to create a playlist to hear multiple music files. If you simply make a selection from a track list, the EZ-Stream will stop after that one song instead of carrying on down the queue.
The EZ-Stream performed well with wireless audio and image slide shows, and unlike some of its competitors, the receiver can handle both simultaneously. But video streaming was subpar. Even low-resolution material came out unacceptably jerky, with erratic frame rates and stuttering audio. Four separate routers--including SMC's own 2804WBR--and two different firmware versions failed to smooth out playback. The results were equally unimpressive in separate home and office environments where competing devices performed admirably.
Disappointing video performance and weak file compatibility undermine the EZ-Stream's impressive built-in wireless support. Rather than wait for SMC to correct the unit's shortcomings with firmware upgrades, choose a media receiver from the growing list of more-polished competitors.
User reviews
-
-
Buy It For Someone You Hate...
Pros: -MP3 organization on TV (UI) -plain english on UI -looks cool
Cons: -Apache is host for Server on your computer (it is junk...a tempermental resource-pig. If you're an Apache Guru (you are sad, first of all), you might not have an issue with the install. -TONS of bugs -VERY poor tech support from SMC if you speak English
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Needs Firmware upgrade
Pros: Cheap. Wireless works well.
Cons: Groups songs by artist and album, but only plays one at a time. Need playlists for each album. No page down on remote means a lot of scrolling.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: SMC Networks
- Part number: SMCWMR-AG
- Description: EZ-Stream Universal 2.4GHz/5GHz Wireless Multimedia Receiver is a cutting-edge and innovative technology brought by SMC to your Home Entertainment Center. The new EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver is the industry's first Universal Wireless Home Entertainment Networking device in the market. It works with all the 802.11 Wireless Standards available - whether it is the popular 802.11b, the emerging 802.11a, or the new 802.11g. The SMCWMR-AG is a device that lets you enjoy your MP3 music, pictures, video stored on your computer, and play your favorite Internet radio stations - all from the comfort of your living room. SMCWMR-AG EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver delivers your networked PC's collection of MP3 songs, digital photos, digital music video or movies to your Home Entertainment Center or Audio System. You can also listen to Internet radio using the broadband home network connection. Simply connect the SMCWMR-AG to your TV or stereo system via a standard Audio/Video Cable, and load the EZ Installation Wizard for the Media Server Software on your networked PC. The Media Server software is easy to use and configure. It allows music, photos, and video to stream from your PC to the Wireless Multimedia Receiver for listening/viewing on your stereo system/TV.
General
- Product Type Digital multimedia receiver
- Width 2.8 in
- Depth 6.5 in
- Height 6.4 in
- Weight 11.2 oz
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 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)
- Supported Audio Formats MP3
- Supported Video Formats MPEG-1, MPEG-2
- Supported Pictures Formats BMP, JPG
- Encryption 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP
Remote Control
- Type Remote control
- Technology Infrared
- Max Operating Distance 23 ft
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Network ( RJ-45 ), 1 x Composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Video cable, Audio cable, Network cable
Battery
- Battery None
Manufacturer info
- SMC Networks
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse SMC Networks products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.smc.com/
- Address:
6 Hughes
Irvine, CA 92618 - Phone: 949-679-8000
- Email: techsupport@smc.com
- Fax: 949-679-1481








