I am experiencing the same frustration. For me, the pain centers on
product quality. I read reviews of the available media extenders. The
Netgear EVA700 seemed to be getting the best reviews from CNet and other
"professional" web sites.

What a disaster. This gadget is about as stable as Windows software ca
1992. <gag>

I also found that the server software is mostly rubbish. I tried these
DLNA servers: Windows Media, TVersity, Wizd, and Twonkyvision.
TVersity and Wizd are terrible. Windows Media is almost stable, but
limited in functionality. Only Twonkyvision is what I would call decent.

It seems to me that the entire DLNA marketplace is infested with
broken products. Great job at building up your customer base, guys.
Another year of this performance, and you won't have any suckers left
to exploit.

As of now I am waiting for Apple to release the next version of the
Mac Mini. I will then attempt to use it as a media extender.

Here is what I think of the other solutions:

* Netgear EVA8000, and other new products from DLink and Buffalo Tech:
The disgrace of existing products from these gangs prevents me from
tryihng out their next generation of media extenders. Why throw good
money after bad?

* AppleTV:
I have a lot of faith in Apple, but this gadget only goes up to 720P.
Not good enough for me.

* XBox 360:
I have read reports that this gadget is an excellent media extender.
But it seems quite loud. Not suitable for living room use?

* Peecees running Microsoft Windows Software:
The devices I have seen are either too noisy for living room use, or
they are hugely expensive.

* Apple Mac Mini:
It is a general purpose computer, so it is rather expensive. But I see
no alternative. I plan to use its disk drive to preload media from my
main PC. This will avoid problems with insufficient (wireless) network
speed.
--
David Arnstein (00)
arnstein+usenet@pobox.com {{ }}
^^