Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/29/devolo_intros_dlan_audio/
Devolo has launched its latest powerline Ethernet product: an 85Mb/s adaptor designed to connect a hi-fi to a mains-hosted network so it can play streamed music.
Devolo's dLAN Audio Extender: ready for remote playback
The dLAN Audio Extender looks like a typical powerline adaptor, but in place of the usual Ethernet port on the bottom it has RCA stereo ports and a 3.5mm headphone-jack socket. A set of cables come bundled to connect the unit to your music player.
Devolo's also bundling one of its regular 85Mb/s powerline adaptors. This gets plugged into the mains and to your PC, this time with an Ethernet cable.
The company's own software - Windows only, alas - taps into the operating system's own sound-control facilities, making the Audio Extender appear as a sound card, allowing you to choose it as your sound playback device in place of the on-board audio sub-system.
Whatever sound your system generates, from whatever application, is then sent out over the powerline link to the Audio Extender and a hi-fi or powered speakers.
Already got an 85Mb/s powerline network? The Audio Extender alone will set you back £80. Devolo's also offering a starter kit containing the Audio Extender, an 85Mb/s powerline adaptor and cables for £120.
Related Reviews
• Devolo dLAN Wireless Extender (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/24/review_devolo_wireless_extender/)
• Solwise Simple Connect powerline Ethernet adaptor (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/11/review_solwise_push/)
• Netgear XEPS103 powerline power brick (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/16/review_netgear_xeps103/)
• Devolo dLAN 200 AVdesk HomePlug AV network adaptor (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/15/review_devolo_dlan_200_avdesk/)
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http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/02/25/devolo_readies_400mbps_powerline/
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http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/25/netgear_recalls_powerline_adaptors/
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http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/14/solwise_launches_passthrough_powerline/
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http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/06/ces_netgear_goes_homeplug_av/
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http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/01/ieee_p1901_votes_for_homeplug/
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http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/10/18/ds2_to_demo_400mbps_powerline/