| D-Link DSM-320 Wireless Media Player, Audio/Photo/Video, 802.11g |
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| Features: |
Transfer Speeds Up to 54 Mbps
Supports all popular media formats
Allows you to access digital media content stored on your PC, browse your music files, watch your videos, and display your photos
Connects Wirelessly Using 802.11g or Via Ethernet
Compatible with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP |
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| Description: |
| D-Link DSM-320 Wireless Media Player - The Wireless Media Player from D-Link merges your abundant digital entertainment collection on your PC, with the comfort and convenience of your living room. It's slim design fits into entertainment centers easily, and once attached to your TV, you can wirelessly stream your audio, photo, and video files. Navigation of your content is easy with D-Link's intuitive user interface and included remote control! Audio Compatibility - MP3, WMA, WAV,&Radio AOL Video Compatibility - MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, QuickTime,&XviD Image Compatibility - JPEG, JPEG2000, TIFF, GIF, BMP,&PNG |
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| User Reviews (143 total): |
Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 of Total 7 Pages
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Good out of the box, better customized, November 27, 2005
By J. Gariano
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.
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Does what it says on the can, October 24, 2005
By Richard Jackson (London, UK)
Opened the box, ten minutes later I'm streaming MP3 through my stereo. I got the hang of the controller and the TV interface before reading the manual supplied in pdf form. Shame I can't easily get back to the screen showing the currently playing track once I have navigated elsewhere. Otherwise, I'm delighted. If you are unsure, have a sensibly installed, modern wireless router then buy this, it's so cheap, what's the gamble?
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Lots of Effort to get working!, October 12, 2005
By Wes (Canada)
I have read everything I could find to try and get this DSM-320 working. I spent hours on the phone with D-Link Canada support - I was escalated to "level 2". The recommended solution was uninstall my firewall (permanently), uninstall my antivirus (permanently), and use it wired. Cracking ridiculous!
I finally turfed the D-Link Media Server software and loaded MS Windows Media Connect (for winxp sp2) and all of my problems went away. And Media connect does not require a user to be logged in for it to work - it loads on boot - unlike the D-Link software which loads when a user logs on to windows - (its in the startup folder - how lame). Like I want to login everytime I use the DSM? Futher, my kids have separate accounts, so I would have the DSM stop when they logoff and login. Not acceptable, but Media Connect resolves this.
So without any useful help from the vendor that made this device, I have the product running wirelessly, with HEX WEP enabled, no SSID broadcast, firewall up and static IP address in the trusted zone, and my antivirus is also up. Not possible eh! Just spend two whole weekends and you too will be successful. Well it works now, just like it said it would. Good thing I am tech savy. Maybe D-Link would like some advice?
I am running firmware version 1.05ca.
Good luck, hope this helps.
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A good product considering the alternatives, September 27, 2005
By jknight (Houston, TX)
I've had the product up & running since June & it works very well. I'm using the optical out for sound & component out for video. I had spent some time shopping around for a product that would be able to play my ogg files as well as stream rhapsody, stream internet radio & provide a useful menu to the TV & to look like a piece of stereo equipment you could add to your rack system. The only other product out there that can meet all of these requirements is one that you do yourself or the D-link. Granted there are a couple products out there that can do ogg/rhapsody but look like alarm clocks. I was trying to avoid the alarm clock look. Ideally, I wanted the Philips Streamium Sl400i, but it just doesn't have any of functionality or flexibility as the Media Lounge has.
I didn't have any problems with the setup of the unit. I plugged it into the network & gave it hard-coded ip@ values as standard for my network & then poked a hole in the firewall for the unit to work with the D-link server software. This all worked fine. Setup Rhapsody as a server & that also worked nicely.
One problem I've seen is that the menu doesn't have the ability to bring back the song that's currently playing to the main screen when you browse around to look at the rest of your library.
I don't like the wireless stream as it can break up the sound. But this unit has a direct connection & this worked superbly.
I use Real Radio as well but there is no support for it. Though I might just switch to Live365 as an alternative.
One reviewer mentioned a 1000 track limit, but I have not seen this limit on my own system. Nor a crash in the software. I suspect that the reviewer might've had something wrong with his harddrive or some of the files had special characters maybe. Or maybe it's 1000 tracks in one folder? I'm not sure but I haven't seen the problem myself.
About the only 'flaw' I can find with the unit is that there isn't much in the audiophile community about making changes to it to improve its sound (or even if it actually needs it). For example, I haven't heard of anyone using a DAC with the unit or cracking one open to change the electronics (assuming there is enough space to change anything). Due to its compact nature it would probably be best to use a DAC with it if a person wants to try to tweak the digital output into analog before it gets to your preamp/amp (or receiver).
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Met my expectation except ..., September 20, 2005
By football lover (Rowland Heights, CA USA)
This device is what I've been waiting for. I have thousands and thousands of pictures and mp3 songs in my 300 GB shared networked storage device (Maxtor NAS H01R300) and I set this media player up in about 30 min. At first, my music wasn't working then flipping through their menu, found out that I have to change my audio port from composite to Digital Optic since that is what I connected to my receiver. Only thing that is not working or couldn't figure out so far is that I can't start a slide show of my pictures. I have to manually click remote control button to flip through pictures. This is kinda pain to see 100s of pictures while I'm eating dinner or whatever. I think it's a bug in their firmware and hope they can fix this issue soon. I guess I am keeping this unit since it does everything else it advertised.
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excellent but do not expect many functions, September 13, 2005
By PDX kids
I like the product very much. I used to connect my laptop to my stereo and TV to enjoy pics/music in my living room. However, thanks to this product, I do not have to carry my PC around anymore. Having said this, this is only feature I appreciate about this product. If you have already your PC connected to your stereo/TV and do not mind operating keyboard and a mouse to enjoy music, online media, pictures and videos, this product will not give you beneifts, because only major difference is that you could use a remote controler instead of operating a PC.
quality of sound, pictures, videos are excellent. I tested my Mpeg movie files stored in my PC and they work great as if you are watching a video or a DVD. I subscribe rhapsody and it works very smoothly and sounds great. However, I find slide shows are bit frustrating. It takes a few seconds to switch pictures, and a remote controler is hard to maneuver for smooth presentations. If you have slide shows for business purposes, I would not recommend you use this product. Using your own PC should be much smoother and look professional.
Also, the quick installation guide included in the package was not helpful enough. Instead of reading it first, I would suggest that you directly go on to d-link website, and download a full manual. I also talked to their customer support for an initial set up and they were very patient and helpful. Although I had to wait almost 15 min. on the phone until I was able to speak with them, the customer service person I spoke with spent almost 20 min. with me to find out issues and solutions. He really wanted to make sure that my problems were solved before talking to a next customer.
It would be so great if this product offer internet service. However, given the retail price which is quite inexpensive, I must say I am very happy with this product a lot in terms of convenience for entertainment in my living room. online music service is great for home parties, and not having to operate a bulky PC for travel picture slide shows in front of your guests is wonderful because it does not damage good ambience after dinner with your guests. (No one wants to see a PC desk top picture on a TV monitor after a good dinner party.) This product does not seem to be good for a professional use, but offer sophisticated operations for home entertainment.
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1000 song limit!!!, September 5, 2005
By D-Un-Link (Cambridge, MA)
I am currently on the phone with DLink tech support who informs me that if you have more than 1000 songs in a shared folder then the DSM320 will crash. This is a known issue and they have no idea when or if they can fix it.
The Media Server itself is quite horrible. I upgraded to the latest version and still am not able to add my music folder to be shared. After scanning the directory for about 20 minutes the software unceremoniously crashes with no clues as to why.
The tech support people are about as good as the product itself. Their solution to my problems are "Go to the store and return it." If tversity doesn't make this thing work then I guess I will take their advice.
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setup is pretty easy, September 2, 2005
By links917 (Germantown, TN)
I purchased a DSM-320 and had it setup in about 25 minutes including figuring out which plugs to use in my receiver. Installed the D-link software first, shared out some folders with mp3's and digital photos and then powered up the unit.
The unit detected the server over my wireless network, and I was ready to go. Connectivity has been a little spotty, but I think that is because my d-link router (DI 624) is two floors up. I'm looking at getting a range extender to see if that will help. My wireless laptop has some connectivity problems as well, so I don't think it is just the dsm-320.
The unit has an optical and coax audio outs, and I am using the optical. The default audio out is analog, but by going into the setup menu I was able to change to the optical audio out.
I am a rhapsody subscriber, and I am able to listen to both music in my rhapsody library and playlists I have created. Also all rhapsody radio stations are available as well.
I have not done much testing with video files, but what little I have tried has worked fairly well. The problems I have had appear to be network related.
I have some Napster audio files that do not play. I believe that if I use the windows media connect software instead of d-link's software then the napster files will play.
All in all I have been pleased with it.
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extender technology just isn't there yet. . ., August 13, 2005
By M. Meade (Costa Mesa, California, USA)
took ten minutes for me to set this up. only because i have a solid knowledge in computer networking.
excepted basically, to be able to listen to my audio and video from my computer in my bedroom where i have a 56" samsung dlp television and a 5.1 surround.
the actual product feels cheap to be honest, the remote is so tiny that i have lost and found it about five times now. it's not backlit. the menus are sluggish. it plays about 15% of the videos on my computer, good luck downloading a video file it will play. if you want to spend hours decoding a video, then re-encoding it, you might as well skip the whole extender process and burn it as a vcd/dvd. it plays the mp3s fine. i am a room over from the router which is wired to my computer, there is no excuse for the "lag" in the video. sad so say, it went back to best buy.
oh, i tried linksys's extender before this product. dlinks is better but not by far. linksys's extender comes with microsoft's media center which is nice but it played none of my movies at all.
good idea but the technology on any extender, just isn't there yet. might as well buy a long vga/s-video cord and some audio cords and run them along the wall/under the carpet.
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What's the fuss?, August 7, 2005
By pkesel (St. Louis, MO USA)
Ten minutes from box to video and music, and that's with wireless and 128-bit encryption enabled. I can't imagine how there can be so much installation trouble.
I connected the unit to my AV receiver using S-video and component audio and powered it up. A few thumb clicks through the menus and it was looking for servers. A jog upstairs to the PC and I dropped in the disk. Two minutes and I had it configured for my large collection of MPEG-2 video and MP3 audio. Another jog down the stairs and I had it streaming in another minute. Video and audio both working great.
The only reason I won't give it a 5 star rating is because I haven't tried anything but the most basic functionality. For me though, it's achieved enough to justify the price with just that.
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good product but bad sosftware, August 3, 2005
By Pablo Chirinos (peru)
The product was nice, the problem is ths software , there are not many options, if i can buy a new ad more powefull software his will thebest product
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Good Hardware, Bad Software, July 29, 2005
By Gary S. Larkin (Bellevue, WA United States)
Hardware 5 stars, software 0 stars = 3 stars. Once you get a good media server = 5 stars.
Like many users in these reviews I like the hardware, but absolutely hate the media server software that was included with it. I have 900 albums and over 11,000 MP3 files to serve, and use a Windows 2000 Pro machine with a fast 150GB SATA hard drive, 2.4G Pentium and 1G of RAM, which should deal with most any software just fine. I do not serve pictures or video. The d-link media server software included took more than 10 minutes to page from album 1 to album 900, and worse than that it sorted song titles within the albums alphabetically rather than by track number (or file name, which in my case always includes the track number first, and the name of the song second). Not liveable. I then followed the advice in many of the reviews here and downloaded the alternate media servers. I could not try the Media Connect by Microsoft, because I use 2000 Pro, but I also have no "rights protected" files to play and it is supposed to be slower than some of the others anyway. See other reviews for that server. I tried TVersity and TwonkyVision. The TVersity was about twice as fast as the d-link server. It also had some neat stuff with TV streams from around the world, and some interesting video translation capabilities. However, MP3 file searching was still too slow for my tastes -- maybe 5 minutes to scroll all 900 albums -- and I don't care about video at all. The TVersity media server, like the d-link disaster, also sorted songs within albums alphabetically. I read reviews that said to use a tag editor to change the order of your files. Before you try that cludge, try the TwonkyVision media server! I downloaded the free version, and liked it so much I popped the $18 for the full meal deal. It was very fast, maybe 1 to 1 1/2 minutes to page down through all 900 albums, had a bunch of other sorting and searching options, and IT ALSO SORTED THE FILES WITHIN ALBUMS (FOLDERS) BY TRACK NUMBER!! Both the TVersity and Twonky media servers were far better than the d-link version. If you like video, try the TVersity. If you like music, try the TwonkyVision. Or, you can load both and choose which one you want the DSM 320 to connect to via the remote's set up feature.
The hardware is well supported by these aftermarket media servers, and the other media servers are very easy to set up, and they are free to download and try out. Find one that works best for you -- it only takes about 15 minutes to download them and get them to work. For speed and logical sorting of MP3 music files I personally liked the TwonkyVision media server. Save yourself some time and headaches and don't even load the junk media server included in the box by d-link.
Other reviews have made it seem like the file sorting logic is in the DSM 320 hardware itself -- it is in the media server software. I despaired of a lost evening playing games with a tag editor trying to fool the beast, as the idiotic file sorting of the TVersity and the d-link was a deal killer for me. The TwonkyVision works logically and as expected, for me the others did not.
Some have commented the remote was worthless or slow. I found it to be just fine, with most expected commands easy to locate. Speed had to do with the server software, which if it was slow to respond like the d-link was, it seemed like the remote wasn't doing anything. This is not a remote control problem, but a server problem.
My only other comments echo other users issues with wireless network performance. I previously had a Linksys Media B wireless media player, and it worked fine. The DSM 320 antenna is on the back of the unit, and simply because it now had my wall of hardware between it and the wireless access point (my Linksys was small enough to be located vertically on the near side of my hardware stack, antenna exposed), I have had some reception issues. I have tested the DSM 320 turned sideways in the hardware stack, and if the DSM 320 is turned sideways with the antenna poking out the reception is flawless. I will likely have to invest in a remote antenna booster eventually if this continues to be annoying. Then I'll be able to mount the thing pleasantly, but still be able to hit my access point with enough signal.
D-link should be embarrassed to send this fine hardware out with such pitiful software. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater if you are frustrated with this thing. Know going in that there is a solution waiting for you, with just a little extra work.
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Only a couple of hours to set up, July 29, 2005
By sailcocktail (Seattle, WA USA)
Okay, I'm not a geek and I'm not a Music Purist, but I had already set up my own 802.11g WiFi network. I have a few significant problems with this unit, more on that in a minute. BUT it does what I wanted -- make it possible for me to listen to my thousands of ripped songs on my real stereo system.
The fact that it uses WEP and not WPA meant I had to go back and reconfigure my WiFi security setup, which took the most time (and had me tearing my hair out). Annoying as all get out, and since this device comes from a wireless gear vendor you'd think they'd have done the right thing here. And yes the remote is quite dreadful. But once I figured out how to save all my WMP playlists in a format that the device understood, things worked pretty well.
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The best thing that ever happened to my home theater!!!, July 15, 2005
By Regular IT guy (Chicago, IL USA)
I have a 5.1 home theater system and a projector in my living room. I've been using it for more than a week and I like it a lot.
The only problem it has is that it works with WEP and not WPA (wireless geeks know what I am talking about).
Anyway, I connected the thing and set it up in less than 5 minutes. I am using it wirelessly and oh my God! It really works like a sharm.
The sound is excellent, images are very, very good, and videos look great.
One thing though DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE THAT COMES WITH THIS PRODUCT!!! Use instead the the TVersity software, its free and is Beta, but it is very good. It includes TV Channels from around the world.
Now I watch TV from Spain in the morning while I am getting ready for work, or during the night I watch some Argentinan chanels.
This thing is really the future of Television.
I would say "get your piece of history in the new television era".
They also have audio from live365.com, you can access it without even using TVersity or any other software server.
Great overall product.
Thanks D-link for this very fine product.
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A Good Start, May 26, 2005
By Am I so vain (MPLS, MN USA)
Not a bad device in total but it has so many issues. I want a device that will adapt to my way of working not the other way around. After spending 10 days of developing work arounds I decided to look elswhere. For the price the DSM-320 is a great machine. I am willing to pony up a few more bucks to get something a bit more powerfull that can handle a more varied set of video formats and stream higher bit rate files. If you want to stream MP3 and lower bit rate MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 videos the DSM-320 is great. If you are looking to support DIVX, DVD quality MPEG-2 captures and HDTV content this is not the player for you. All in all this is an entire new product segment and for a first generation device at a low price point the DSM gets the job done. If you want more processing power I would suggest looking elsewhere. If all you want to do is stream MP3, JPEGs and MPEG-2 at 2Mbit per second and less this is your horse.
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Very cool with the right media server otherwise limited, May 21, 2005
By Ronen Mizrahi (USA)
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!
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A Media Geeks Toy, May 18, 2005
By dahuibra (Norfolk,VA)
4 stars, only becuase if I was not computer/networking savy, I would be in a world of hurt. I am using it as a wirless media center on a G network with a Neatgear 108mb wirelss router. The DSM-320 is then connected to my reciever via optical and svideo. It then pump to my Bose Acoustimass 10 speaker system. I use it for everything, video, Mp3s, pictures, and mainly Rhapsody. It is phenomenal when using rhapsody. I can now put away my cd collection and CD changer. Rhapsody access is obtain with the 1.5 firmware upgrade. You need to do the firmware upgrade or you will be disapointed with the navigation of the dsm. Once 1.5 was uploaded, It worked with ease. The speed of access of all of the file system is acceptable. Rhapsody is faster than any CD changer. I can access all the albums/artist i want like it was my own IPOD for my TV. Videos can be a little glitchy. Photos, can easily be accessed for slideshows. This toy is like having your own personal juke box for your house. I have had it drop out only once since gettiing it running a few days ago (mainly my system file managment hangup). Download Windows Media Connect, It just runs better as your media server software and you can have it installed on multiple computers to access content. I can even add more artist/albums to my rhapsody collection from my laptop through remote desktop. The sound quality is great. I also notice that if you have over 1000 mp3 that the DSM will loose the list during the scrolling of your mp3 library. It is best to set up your music into folders or by artist. The next best thing is that there needs to be 5.1 streaming audio content or mp3. Furthermore, there is no file access to my ITUNES library, all my ipod songs are unavailble for streaming. I wish there was a work around in order to obtains access instead of converting all the songs from ACC to MP3, then again, I can just use rhapsody to add the artist! 10buck a month is worth it.
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A Fun Toy for those Medai Buffs out There., May 17, 2005
By Trent
I can't get over how much fun this device is. It can play movies, music, pictures, and stream live audio from the Internet. These are everything I use my PC for, and now I can see them on my big screen TV. Simply Amazing.
I sure hope that others enjoy it as much as I do. I did get a little confused when setting it up, but following the instructions that came with it helped out a bit so I was able to figure it out eventually. I used the wireless part for a while, but saw some choppyness when playing some of the videos and wondered if it was my connection.
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A Media Player that is Easy to Setup AND Use, May 12, 2005
By Theo A. (Columbus, OH)
I was in awe at how easy this was to setup. Overall it was a very simple procedure and didn't even take long at all. I almost enjoyed setting it up. Or maybe that was inner nerd congradulating myself on successfully setting up such a device so quickly. hehe.
Anyhow, my daily use of this device is pretty much just Internet radio, but I do on accassion look at pictures, play some of my own MP3s, and rarely watch movies. That's what DVDs are for. And for getting this much use out of it I really enjoy how easy it is to use. I just pick up the remote click around a few menus and select a channel of music to listen to. Then when I get bored of that station, the next station is just a few remote clicks away. Very simple.
I am overly pleased with this device and feel that it does its job very well. I would recommend to other casual media users. The cost is a definite plus as well.
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Totally Awesome Multimedia Player, April 26, 2005
By Mr. Windslow
I love this thing. It easliy hooks up to my big screen TV and DVD player so that I can view my photos and listen to internet radio over my good surround sound speakers. It's not exactly in surround sound, but it sounds much better than my cheap PC speakers.
The setup was easy and I wouldn't worry about it. It's harder to decide what station to listen to out of the many stations you have to choose from than it is to set this thing up. Just make sure to take the time to include all your media files from your PC to be shared with this device.
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