One Hour with the DLink DSM-320

So were testing the netowrking and media player features of MSN TV 2 and decide to see if we can find a device that works with Windows Media Connect and plays video, music, and photos on your TV.

We picked up a DLink DSM-320 at Fry's which is the only device that fits this category. It is UPNP compatible and works with Windows Media Connect.

After I get the desktop software setup (their version of Window Media Connect), I set the box up. Their UI and control could be improved a bit, but nonetheless, it worked for the most part. The wireless network setup never really worked so I switched to a wired setup. After I finally go the device to recognize my Windows Media Connect server, I was able to play a song or two, but no sound came out. I tried to restart it and that's when trouble struck. I got stuck in a funky loop between "Detecting Media Servers" to "New Firmware Found!" to "My Media Homepage"...rinse, repeat. The box kept looping between these things and I was unable to make it stop...save for unplugging it.

I took a deep breath and decided to call tech support (ugh). I have to admit, they were extremely quick to answer the phone. I gave the agent my info and told him everything I tried. He gave me the dreaded "unplug, wait, plug in, power on" routine. Don't you just hate that?

So I gave him the benefit of the doubt and decided to play the game. After plugging it in, it was still stuck in the loop (as expected). He said that they've been having a lot of calls about these things and not very many work. He also said they have a new firmware coming out in December or January to fix this issue, but he was unsure of the date. But then I asked, "If I am stuck in a loop that will not allow me to take the update, how do I get the update?"

"Oh, they are working on a process to do this from your PC over you network, but haven't figured out how to do this yet."

I was thinking, "oh so you mean they released a product without figuring out how to ensure updates would work?"

So I ask, "So what are my options?"

"You can return it or wait for the update"

"But if I return it and get another one, how do I know if it has the same problem...is there a chance that it will have the same problem?"

"Very likely that it will also be broken"

Yikes! No way to update it and it's broken. I promptly thanked him for the device and packed it up to be returned at Fry's. I kind of wish it worked so I can play with it a little...the UI was pretty, but not really easy to use. Nevertheless, it seemed like a neat device to try.