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I enjoy having the ability to stream this content to my living room using an Xbox 360, but I was looking to also have the ability to stream my DVR content to the bedroom. For some reason, Samsung discontinued this function for the 2009 televisions, so I am unable to use this device. I was very disappointed with my purchase of this product. According to the official information, the Samsung extender is compatible with 2008 Samsung Series 4 televisions 26" and up, and I purchased a 26" Series 4 Samsung television. Do NOT purchase this extender if your Samsung television does NOT have Anynet+/HDMI-CEC functionality. I did some research on the available types of media center extenders and was sold on this product. Only the the 2008 televisions have the Anynet+/HDMI-CEC functionality that is required to utilize this device.
The differences are subtle, so please check carefully (e.g., the 2009 model number for my television is LN26B460 while the 2008 model number for the same television is LN26B450). I currently use the DVR function of Windows Media Center on my PC. If you plan to purchase this extender make certain that you do NOT have anything other than a compatible 2008 television. In fact, I purchased a Samsung television specifically for the purpose of interfacing with this extender, as the Samsung extender is designed to only work with certain Samsung televisions. However, the television that I purchased turned out to be a 2009 Samsung Series 4 26" television. The simplest way to verify that your television will interface with this device is to check to determine if your television contains the Anynet+/HDMI-CEC functionality. The Samsung MediaLive Digital Adapter will NOT work without it.
First, I was concerned about the location: our existing Samsung 32" TV is mounted onto the framed backside of the pantry by the dining room table. Also, as I don't have HD cable on my PC, I haven't recorded in HD so far. Also, some of the menu items were missing (this is my first Extender).
Both points were met (it was small but not small enough - it went inside the pantry).Pro - small size Pro - can use your existing TV remotePro - includes HDMI cableSecond, my PC didn't immediately see it, I messed around with router/network/firewall settings before I just recycled the MediaLive, then everything worked perfectly (I have Windows 7, so a little uncertainty there).Pro - works with Windows 7Pro - didn't have to change any firewall/router/network settings after allFinally, it came up and recognized that there was an update available, so immediately updated and came back online. It didn't see my Amazon Unbox videos immediately. I didn't think I was going to be able to put it behind the TV, and if it had to go inside the pantry the remote wouldn't work.
Didn't know that NetFlix was NOT available for the MediaLive. I use a wired connection, no complaints about the speed or connectivity. I saw and played my recorded TV, but didn't see any movies.
I had to point it to my folder where the videos were stored before it would see them, and viola - they played perfectly.Pro - updates itself automaticallyCon - doesn't automatically see your Video librariesCon - NetFlix not included (I don't use NetFlix anyways, so no loss for me)Pro - does play Amazon UnBox I'm not so concerned about the startup and shutdown time - it wasn't that bad, nothing to complain about. I'm not sure about NetFlix and UnBox HD offerings either.Overall, great little box if you have a Samsung TV (2008 or newer).
My goodness, they even came up with their own HDMI cable. There's always a BUT, right. The wireless portion could be better - not very good. I also don't like the fact that you MUST use the MediaLive device with specific models of SAMSUNG TV's and ONLY Samsung TV's. Unfortunately because of the bad wireless service of the device, I've had to run a CAT 5 cable to the downstairs area. I don't know if it's the technology that Samsung chose to use or what, but the wireless connection could definately use some improvement.
I tried to use it on other devices with HDMI connections, but it was a no go. Anyway, this product, in my opinion, is relatively decent, but there definately could be some improvements. I'm assuming they did this so no one could use the cable with any other device :). The computer is upstairs and the Samsung TV is downstairs, and in ordinary circumstances I would say that that could play a role in the bad wirelss connection, but everything else on my LAN is operating flawlessly even when it is downstairs in the same general location. The other devices also have very good wireless connections even though they are downstairs, so I don't know. Over all, I think this product is GOOD.
Hopefully Samsun will provide some updates to improve upon their device.
Had trouble staying connected to wireless network at home even though signal strength was great. To fix this problem I changed my network wireless routers channel and haven't been dropped since. Very cool accessing my pictures on my 52" LCD.
Cannot use to play a DVD off your computer. What's the point. save your money.
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