Linksys Discontinuing Media Center Extender DMA-2100

That is fine with me as long as it continues to work with Windows 7.  This means I got (at least) 4 more years.

This is extremely disappointing as it is not practical to have XBox360s all over the house. I originally bought an XBox360 to use as an extender, but it was unacceptably loud. I have been very happy with my 2100s and my 2200 around the house.

PLEASE tell me that Microsoft isn't expecting the Media Center concept to fly on the use of XBox360s as their sole means of whole-house extension. This will mean inevitable doom for the platform and sets Apple up to hit a grand slam in this space. I really don't want to see that.

This is a massive blow to Media Center in general, maybe it's time Microsoft released their own V3 Extender hardware that is small and quiet. This is not good news at all!

So... what MCE extenders are left? Just the XBox 360?

Sad to see these go by the wayside. I have a DMA-2200 that I am generally happy with (connected to a SD TV). It works ok, but is a bit sluggish (need to turn off the graphic transitions). The 2200 seems on par performance-wise with the 1Ghz P3 MCE computer it replaced, but is much simpler to manage, use, and maintain.

I purchased the 2200 when it was around $100. As I recall, the DMA-2100 was going for around $70. This is the right price point, but perhaps the volume just isn't there.

The other obvious solution is for MS to give us SoftSled so we can watch liveTV on PC based extenders, what wiith all these tiny atom based PC's around they would make for good extenders. Our clients don't want to use XBOX 360's in everyroom and I don't blame them as I wouldn't want to either. Seeing the Linksys DMA's go can only hurt the Media Center cause and it's progression.

I wonder if we will have an offical response from Micrsoft about this? Probably not knowing their customer relations track record with Media Center.

Surelly dissapointing, altough the interface was kind of sluggish, the form factor was amazing, small, simple and quiet. The big problem with the DMAs was the launch price, way too high. I really hope we see softsled soon, or some way to share tunners across different Media Center PCs around the house. A Zune Wireless Extender would be great, as Ian mentioned in a blog post some time ago. I mean, I really love the 360, but using it as an externder in a bed room, is not the best experience.

I might be tempted to get one, but they are still north of a hundred quid. In fact just saw somewhere charging £180 for one.

It's really annoying that they are virtually free in the US, and have been for ages, yet can only be afforded by an expense claiming MP in the UK.

I think this is fantastic news.

Lets face the facts Extenders offer poor fidelity, insufficient support of basic rendering commands, and couldn't play the content that I want (although that is slowly changing - too slow in my opinion). Is it really a wonder why the extender market is lame? Sure the enthusiasts would purchase 1 or 2 extenders, but the real money is in mainstream users going out and buying said device. I would argue Extenders never really stood a chance of succeeding.

The sad and unfortunate truth is that a hive of Media Center PC's, outshines the Extender scenario by a country mile. Its a shame really but the writing was on the wall a long time ago. Good bye Extenders hopefully the door does hit you on the way out - you won't be missed by me!

@mark1234, Careful there you might give the pigs-in-charge more ideas on how to waste tax-payer money.

It's NOT the end of extenders by a long shot.

Lets get it straight, extenders are a key part of the whole media center eco system. A PC based, whole house, media distribution system. That's what I got, and it wouldn't be possible without extenders.

Just because one product has gone off the market doesn't mean it's the end of the concept.

her blog mentions the price drop, but this is just an assumption that they're being discontinued right?  slickdeals frequently has these going on sale for cheap and has for a long time.

is there any specific info saying they're discontinued or is she just guessing?

Sorry, if I missed something, but i didn't see any reference beyond the price drop.

Are these compatible with Windows 7 media centre?

Hi, can I just add that if someone out there can advise me of a) a UI experience that mimics media center and

b) works the same in every room in the house and

c) most importantly both my wife and kids can operate with identical remote controls in every room then I would like to know about it!

The key point about extenders is their ability to allow non-tech users to use the system. No other streaming device does this as good as extenders. So my 2 DMAs will be put to good use until there is a replacement.

The extender concept has been brilliant up to now, all we need for v3 is proper support for all current video formats, streaming of Blu-ray, and better audio out options....