Linksys DMA2100 Media Center Extender at Circuit City. HDMI (and other type) outputs, wireless (N capable) or wired connection.

Just search for DMA2100 on Circuit City site.

I bought one and connect to Vista Home Premium PC. Set up is painless (using wired network). Works very well.

Lots of people use XBox as extender. For me, the problem is that XBox is hot and relatively loud. I'm using this in my bedroom. No noise at all and runs cool. Would think it's using much less power as well, but haven't measure.

There is also 5% off CC coupon around here that you probably can use with this. I think it's from being AAA member.

Google lowest price $210: Google price

Specifications
Model DMA2100
Wi-Fi Standards Draft dual band 802.11N, 802.11G, 802.11B (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
Security features WEP, WPA, WPA2
Security key bits 64, 128, 256
# of Antennas 2 antennas for 802.11N-DualBand 2.4 and 5GHz
Media Playback Formats
Audio from Vista PC: PCM Audio
MP3
WMA
WMA-Pro
Dolby Digital AC-3 Audio
MPEG Audio
AAC-LC Stereo via Vista Media Center extension
Video from Vista PC: MPEG-1
MPEG-2
WMV9 (Standard and High Definition)
VC-1 Advanced Profile 4.0
Pictures from Vista PC: JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF
Manual Language(s) English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish
UI Language(s) English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish
Ports HDMI 1,2
Component Video
Composite Video
S-Video
SPDIF RCA
Stereo
Ethernet 10/100 connector
Power connector
USB port for Service purpose only
2 Antennas
Buttons, Rear Reset/Default setting button
LEDs Front: On/Standby. Rear: Ethernet inlet Connected/Busy
Power Supply Attached universial (100-240V) Wall Plug Power supply 12V/1.5A DCplug
Learning remote included

I'm just not sure whether to go with one of these or a second xbox 360. I know the xbox is louder, but it offers a lot more utility.

Buy a popcorn hour instead.

iwearnosox said:Buy a popcorn hour instead.

That or the SageTV extender. I need something that plays MKV files.

Popcorn Hour

SageTV Extender

MrCheapSk8 said:iwearnosox said:Buy a popcorn hour instead.

That or the SageTV extender. I need something that plays MKV files.

Popcorn Hour

SageTV Extender

If it weren't for the darn fan, i stick to my xbox 360 100%. But these do look enticing.

Just remember that Microsoft does not make these things very future-proof... The previous generation extenders (for XP MCE) don't work with Vista, and there is always the chance that these units won't work with whatever comes after Vista. I'd feel safer with something a little more flexible.

Nostradamus said:Popcorn hour looks nice, but doesnt do wireless ?? and HDD is not included

HD not necessary if pulling from the network, and wireless is on the way: Wireless Thread

chirawat said:For SageTV Extender - my understanding is that you have to install the SageTV program which do the same thing as Windows Media Center on your PC. You might be confusing people when suggesting them to buy it in a Windows Media Extender thread...
Hopefully people will not blindly buy any products suggested by others, but rather do their own research and understand fully what they are buying before clicking BUY.

IMO suggestions like this are very helpful to the discussion.

bboy said:Great price for a v2 extender if you run Vista Media Center. If not, there are better options for media playback.Hey bboy, could you please share some of the "better options for media playback"? I am very new to MS Media Center (both XP and Vista) and am trying to learn about my options. TIA

I saw Buffallo Link Theater A&G also for 67.xx in Circuit City. I picked both to find out which one I need. I have test ridden DSM-520 and DSM-510, DSM-520 worked better but for HD Playback via Wired Connection DSM-510 was better. I am sick of making DVDs or Writing over USB drives to play, would like something which is shared and can be played.