D-Link, the end-to-end computer networking solutions provider for consumers and businesses, has released a free firmware update for its popular all-in-one 802.11n Xtreme N DIR-685 Storage Router that includes features to enhance the device’s digital media content sharing capabilities. This update is a result of the device meeting the standards of the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certification and logo program, which is aimed at solving digital media incompatibility between different consumer electronic devices, such as televisions and PCs.

“By meeting DLNA standards that confirm support for specific formats and features, we are now able to simply the user experience when sharing content across a home network,” said Mr Desmond Toh, Marketing Director, D-Link International Pte Ltd. “This free firmware update ensures that all relevant formats and features are supported in the DIR-685. It will also serve to minimise confusion by assisting customers in choosing the device they want to pair the router with.”

The new DIR-685 firmware update now supports new features such as Digital Media Server (DMS), which enables media file transfers and manages DLNA-compatible devices plugged in to the router’s built-in Network Attached Storage (NAS) with  a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) AV media server. The new update also includes the Digital Media Controller (DMC) that gives users the option to control any connected UPnP device using the touch pad on the DIR-685. The Digital Media Rendering (DMR) update improves the playback of media files on the router’s LCD screen. The update is available from www.dlink.com/support.

The industry’s first all-in-one home network router, the DIR-685 combines powerful 802.11n WiFi connectivity with network attached storage (NAS), digital photo frame, Internet content player, FTP server and environmentally friendly Green Technology capabilities in a sleek and compact desktop design. It features a vibrant 3.2 inch, 1.6 million colour LCD screen that not only displays device status via graphical gauges but also serves as a display for digital photos and other live streaming Internet content. Powered by online content provider FrameChannel, a free service which allows users to gather and display photos, while offering different content such as news, weather, sports, traffic and financial data that can be personalised, the DIR-685 can seamlessly share photos from a number of photosharing sites, including Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and Photobucket.

With the ability to store up to 500GB of data on a 2.5 inch SATA drive that mounts easily into the side, the DIR-685’s NAS feature supports both Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) server functions and BitTorrent downloads. A built-in FTP server enables users to access documents, photos, music and other media locally through the home network or remotely across the Internet. Itis also equipped with D-Link’s proprietary SharePort technology on its dual USB ports, allowing multiple users to wireless share USB devices such as multifunction printers and external hard drives from virtually anywhere in the home.

Environmentally friendly all-in-one device

Featuring D-Link’s Green Technology, the DIR-685 conserves energy by automatically recognising port activity and cable length, and adjusting the power usage accordingly. In addition, as an all-in-one device, the DIR-685 consolidates various functions into a single device instead of many separate products, effectively saving on power consumption too. The DIR-685’s idle mode also automatically turns off the power to the LCD screen when it is not in use.

D-Link is a worldwide leader and award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking, wireless, broadband, digital electronics, and voice and data communications products. These products provide the ideal solution for Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small to Medium Business (SMB), and Workgroup to Enterprise environments. D-Link International’s headquarters is located at No. 1 International Business Park, #03-12, The Synergy Singapore 609917. Internet: www.dlink-intl.com