D-LINK DSM-510 vs. 520

If you only need HDMI output, the 510 is the way to go.

1) The form factors are different. DSM-510 looks like computer equipment while DSM-520 looks like an A/V component. Depends on which you prefer.

2) DSM-510 only supports HDMI output, no component output so you better be sure that you are using HDMI.

3) DSM-510 does not support Rhapsody, so if you have a subscription to Rhapsody, you need DSM-520.

4) DSM-510 has a never user interface, so supports things like cover art and multiple speeds of FF/Rew (Although if you use a uPnP media server software with DSM-520 you can get around some of the limitations through that software).

5) DSM-510 supports Viiv, and additional content from the Viiv network. So if your computer is Viiv capable and you care about accessing that content, than you should get DSM-510.

Of course, you could wait for DSM-750 that was just announced...

i agree with everything that tuxster said including that it might be worth waiting for the 750 depending upon your needs but I disagree with his comments about form factor. the 510 is about the perfect form factor in that its about the same size as a VHS cassette tape and can be tucked away unobtrusively if it wasn't for the blue headlights on the front.... Also the Nero Media server software included with the 510 is horrible and poorly documented. Use the Dlink server software, a third party or MS WMP11.

Tuxster - I've got a DSM-520 and have been fighting the slow, non-multiple speed FF/Rew problem on DivX and XviD videos since the beginning. I haven't seen anything about fixing these issues. What do you mean when you say you can get around the limitations?

I have used both and the 510 is vastly superior.It will display photos in hd with the correct aspect unlike the 520.Use Tversity for best results.My only complaint is that you can not slideshow video files like on the 520.

If anyone knows how to slideshow videos on the 510 let me know.

Hi GimmeMP3: Sorry for not being clear, I said you can get around "some" of the limitations. For example, using a different uPNP software than provided you can actually get cover arts.

Unfortunately, as far as I know, fixing the FF/Rew problem is not one of those limitations that can be resolved.

Dsm-510 is $17x.00 shipped buy.com using google checkout.

I have the 520, are you saying it's possible to see cover art while playing music? I've tried Dlink's, Nero, TVersity, and WMP11, and haven't found a way to do it. Have you found a way?

Does the 510 support a non VIIV computer?

Yes, I'm using it with an AMD based PC.

Yes it works fine, maybe someday I will have Viiv computer to get the most from the device.

what does having a viiv PC allow you to do with the 510 that can't be done with a non-viiv PC?

It gives you access to on-line content from the Viiv-zone and other on-line content providers.

Hit play when you have the folder selected. Should play the items in order.

-Aaron

Viiv is its own Network Ecosystems/UPNP AV server. It indexes and organizes the files as well as allowing you easier setup for Viiv compliant devices. Also Viiv has the ability to transcode(like some other 3rd party software). It is one of the quickest response upnp av servers I have used to date.

-Aaron

Is there any way to "trick" the DSM-510 into believing its networked to an Intel Viiv PC? I find it hard to believe my AMD X2 4600 doesn't have enough processing power to handle whatever content is available online.

AMD has its own version, AMD Live!. AFAIK Viiv cannot be tricked since it is so heavily hardware dependent.

Is there anyway to get to AMD live from the 510?

It doesn't work like that on the 510, it works fine on the 520.You can play photo slideshows on the 510 doing it that way, but when you highlight the video folder and press play the 510 does not respond, I talked to a tech(an american level 3) at d-link and he said to send an email and maybe they can add this feature via firmware update.
This lack of a feature really detracts from this product.

Can you use an external hard drive with a DSM-510?

I tried it with a few usb hard drives and it has been working for me(although I prefer network).

-Aaron

Why do you prefer the network?I was just going to load a 250 external with all my pics and slideshow from there...

I personally don't like cables sticking out of my device as well as the fact that I have a computer dedicated to hosting my content. You may personally not mind the cables or may not like to rely on a pc/network connection but I do .


*EDIT*

Also in regards to playing folders in order. This does work for me however this could be because I am using a Viiv technology computer. I will have to do more testing and get back to you.

Do you access your content through the Music/Photo/Video menu or through the server selection?


-Aaron

I use the servers. I don't have a Viiv computer so the Music/Photo/Video menu doesn't show any content for me.


But you are right, the reason to have a wireless media player is not to add wires.I just thought adding a external 250 gb HD would also act as a backup for my irreplaceable media, but it is much easier to use my servers.
If I could get my video to slideshow in the folders like the photos I would be very happy with this device.


I really think someone should start an "Official D-link DSM-510 wireless media server" thread

Which media server are you using if you don't mind me asking .

And from what I can tell, if the server does not implement the CDS:Search function of UPnP it will not populate the Music/Photo/Video section.

I have used Tversity, twonkyvision, nero,windows media center 11 and the D-link 1.08.The one I use the most is Tversity, best features and always works fine.

Much as I prefer the DSM-510's user interface, I find that there are many XviD and DivX videos I download that will play on the DSM-520 but not on the DSM-510. At first I thought these were the ones with Dolby 5.1 AC3 audio, but many of these will play. Does anyone understand what property of these videos the DSM-510 can't handle?

(Note that I'm running DSM-510 firmware version 1.03 and WMC 2.0 on both machines.)

Well, it ends up that there are two reasons for this discrepency.

The first is that the DSM-510 has never had support for MPEG-4 ASP video with global or quarter pixel motion compensation. This surprises me, since it was my understanding that the DSM-510 was based on a newer revision of the Sigma Designs EM8620L series chipset, and so I expected its codec support to be improved, if anything.

The new reason is that the v1.03 firmware update for the DSM-510 inexplicably *removed* support for DivX. Details (as well as steps to downgrade back to v1.02) are available in this thread.