6. Wireless Testing

I tested the MG-350HD using a Netgear WPN824 RangeMax MIMO Wireless G Router broadcasting an unencrypted signal (No security features used) from a distance of about 25-30 feet. My signal strength stayed at, or around 70-75% throughout the testing process. Using the wireless connection, I ran several single-file streams one at a time.

All of the compressed MPEG4-based HD -and SD file formats played fine on the MG-350HD. The VOB files were slightly choppy in places, but were watchable, and MPEG2 TS (High definition) files were not watchable at all. I went for maximum connectivity and placed the MG-350HD on top of my router, which boosted the signal strength to 90%, The VOB files cleared up and played smoothly, but the High Def MPEG2 .TS files remained choppy and unwatchable.

For more information on wireless performance with respect to streaming videos, Have a look at the Video Streaming need to know articles Part 1 and Part 2.

One last snag occurred when I concluded my wireless testing. I tried to navigate back to the main home screen and the unit crashed completely to a blank green screen and all remote and front bezel button functionality died. I had to unplug the system and plug it back in before it would reboot.

USB Hosting

While the MG-350HD is capable of hosting a USB device, I found that its compatibility was sketchy. I tried several devices and found that most of them did not work. (Note: if you attach an add-on "daisy chained" hard drive to the MG-350HD via the USB host port, it will only be accessible to the MG-350HD. The optional internal drive is the only storage device that can be used with the NAS function. )

Functional:

A USB 2.0 Pocket-drive SD card reader (basically a flash drive using an interchangeable SD card) A powered Vantec Nexstar-3 3.5" HDD enclosure (USB 2.0)

Not functional:

A USB 1.0 Comp USA 16 MB flash drive A USB 2.0 PNY attaché 1 GB flash drive A USB 1.0 powered 2.5" HDD enclosure An un-powered USB 2.0 2.5" HDD enclosure

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