Update: The 2200 looks like it's not shipping quite yet (1-2 weeks), but the 2100 is.

Update 2: Turns out the Linksys systems only support XviD and not DivX. [2100 via 2200]

Linksys Optimizes Digital Media Streaming with Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router and PC Card

WRT600N and WPC600N deliver on promise of Wireless-N by enabling the simultaneous use of multiple wireless spectrums

IRVINE, Calif., - Oct. 23, 2007 - Linksys, a Division of Cisco, the leading provider of VoIP, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer and small business environments, today announced Ultra RangePlus, its new premium line of home networking products. Ultra RangePlus is a family of products for consumers who are looking to maximize both the performance and range of their wireless networks1. The first available products from the family are the Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WRT600N) and the Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter (WPC600N).

Greater Wireless Network Coverage
The WRT600N is designed to transmit simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless spectrums to provide greater wireless network coverage and transmission speeds. Consumers can connect their traditional wireless networking devices, such as PCs, VoiceOverIP products, and printers, to the WRT600N in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, while utilizing the additional 5 GHz spectrum to optimize the performance of latency-sensitive devices like Media Center Extenders, Set Top Boxes, or gaming PCs

"Simultaneous Dual-band Wireless-N is an important technology as consumers continue to move more entertainment content throughout the Connected Home," said Mani Dhillon, director, product marketing, Linksys Consumer Business Organization. "The 5 GHz spectrum is less crowded, offers more channels, and is less prone to interference from neighboring networks, allowing advanced applications like streaming HDTV to rooms throughout a home to become a reality."

Linksys Easy Link Advisor
Linksys Easy Link Advisor (LELA) is included with the WRT600N to help consumers install and manage their home networks. LELA takes the consumer on an uncomplicated, illustrated journey toward secure home network setup without the need for knowledge of technical jargon such as SSID, MAC address, or WPA. The user simply launches the application on their PC and follows the instructions that include adding PCs, enabling security, and automatic mapping of the newly created network.

Devices, such as network printers, IP cameras, or network attached storage, that may have been present on previously installed wireless networks can be easily migrated to the newly created Ultra RangePlus-based network using LELA. To further empower the consumer, LELA also includes troubleshooting tools and a easy-to-read list of all network information, including IP addresses and connection status.

Storage Link
With Storage Link, USB 2.0 storage devices, including inexpensive external USB drives, can become networked attached storage by simply plugging into the WRT600N. The contents of a connected drive can be accessed by anyone allowed access to the network without the installation of any custom software, making StorageLink the ideal solution for sharing files, digital music, videos, or pictures. For digital entertainment, its always-on media server functionality enables users to stream digital media to any UPnP-enabled digital media adapter without the use of a PC.

Pricing and Availability
Both the WRT600N and WPC600N are available now through Linksys e-commerce resellers at estimated street prices of $279.99 and $99.99 respectively. Additional Ultra RangePlus products, including USB and ExpressCard adapters will be available in the first quarter of 2008 from retail, direct response, and VAR partners.

Both MCE devices require Vista-based Media Center PCs, which means nearly every PC running Vista. One of the best things about the new interface, which looks almost exactly like the Vista MC interface, is that you can actually browse through the DVR schedule and order up shows to watch. It means you can really leave your big ugly PC in the den, but use all of its Media Center functions when you're on your couch. This wasn't really possible before, and especially not in high-def.

Besides the Wireless-N ability to stream HD throughout the house, the beauty of Linksys' dual-band system is that both the high-def video and your ordinary average applications can share the air, without one elbowing the other out of the way (or without one forcing the whole system to a crappier bandwidth).

Both MCEs will be available by the end of the year—you can easily guess which one I'm lining up for. But that wasn't all that the Linksys team had on hand when I paid them a visit. There's a new camera and a pretty insane router, and a previously released NAS product, all which fit nicely in a home-network ecosystem with the MCEs. I don't think Linksys wanted me to spill the beans on the router and camera just yet, but they did let me take some pictures. Have a look—it's good stuff.