® dLAN Audio extender
© 2007 devolo AG, Aachen (Germany) While the information in this manual has been compiled with great care, it may not be deemed an assurance of product characteristics. devolo shall be liable only to the degree specified in the terms of sale and delivery. The reproduction and distribution of the documentation and software supplied with this product and the use of its contents is subject to written authorization from devolo.
| Contents Preface ............................................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Thank you! .................................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 About this manual ......................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 devolo on the Internet ................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| 5 Appendix .......................................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 5.1 Help and optimization ................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 5.1.1 dLAN connection ........................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 5.1.2 Audio playback .............................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 5.2 Bandwidth optimization .......
| Preface 5 Preface Thank you! You decided on a dLAN adapter with which you can transmit your music into every room of your house via the electrical system so that you can play it on your stereo system or active loudspeakers. For this purpose, the device is equipped with two RCA sockets as well as a 3.5-mm jack socket.
Preface | Additional information, background material and configuration tips for your device. From time to time you will find the icon of a devolo program in the margin to the left of the text; the program will be explained in greater detail at that point. We hope you have just as much fun reading this manual as we had writing it. If you have any further ideas or suggestions related to our products, we would be delighted to hear from your at support@devolo.
| 1 Introduction 7 Introduction dLAN is an intelligent, secure technology that lets you set up a home network easily, quickly and economically via your household power grid, without the need for complex and expensive dedicated cabling.
1.1 Introduction | What exactly is dLAN? dLAN (direct Local Area Network) uses the household power grid to transfer data between computers equipped with suitable adapters and other network components. As a result, any power outlet can be used as a network access point. The data is modulated prior to transfer and sent as a signal via the electrical system in the house. State-of-the-art technology ensures that the power and data networks do not interfere with one another.
| Introduction 9 target location, the adapter ensures a clean back transfer into sound signals CD quality. As an alternative, you can also connect the adapter directly with loudspeakers that feature a built-in active amplifier via the built-in mini jack socket. Never connect headphones directly with the adapter! It may damage the device. The built-in sockets are intended for connecting active loudspeakers or stereo system.
2 Initial use | Initial use This chapter provides more information about the hardware and software as well as the installation and startup of the adapter. 2.1 Package contents Please take a moment to ensure that the contents of the package are complete before starting with the installation of your adapter.
| 2.2 Displays and connections 2.2.1 Control indicators (LEDs) Initial use 11 The current status of the adapter is shown via control indicators (LEDs) on the outside of the housing. Operation: lit continuously when the adapter is connected to the electrical system. dLAN: lit continuously when a connection exists to other dLAN adapters; flashes when data is being sent or received via electrical lines.
Initial use | "Output"). Avoid the PHONO input. It is specifically designed for connecting a record player or turntable. The result would be a poor sound quality. Jack plug RCA plug The figure shows the two connection types jack plug (top) and RCA (bottom). Any audio cable can be used for the audio connection, e.g. 2x RCA (stereo) to 2x RCA (stereo), 3.5 mm jack plug to 2x RCA (stereo) or 3.5 mm jack plug to 3.5 mm jack plug.
| 2.4.1 Initial use 13 Installing the devolo software The software package for the operating systems Windows XP and Vista consists of the following components: 쎲 The devolo dLAN Audio extender program allows starting the software with which the sound output from the built-in sound card can be switched to the devolo dLAN Audio extender.
Initial use | A sound card driver is always installed together with the devolo dLAN Audio extender component and registered as an additional standard audio device (devolo dLAN Audio extender) under Windows. It allows redirecting the sound output of your PC in such a way that it is digitally transmitted via the electrical system to the dLAN Audio extender where it is converted back for playback via a stereo system or active loudspeakers.
| Initial use 15 When installation is complete, you will be given the option of immediately installing the software for the dLAN Audio extender. You will also be asked for permission to transfer anonymous performance data related to your dLAN adapter to devolo. The data sent to devolo pertains only to the performance values of your dLAN devices. The data is anonymized and will be used exclusively for statistical purposes. By providing it, you can help us improve our products.
3 Configuration | Configuration The devolo dLAN Audio extender is very easy to configure. Like all devolo dLAN products, the adapter in its default configuration is set to automatically work with other dLAN devices already installed in your network. Only if you want to use your own password in your dLAN network do you have to execute the dLAN Configuration Wizard. For security reasons, we recommend using the dLAN Configuration Wizard to assign a separate dLAN network password for all your adapters.
| Configuration 17 devolo Informer can use special access techniques to find the adapter in your network in cases in which you cannot access it using a web browser or configuration program (i.e. when you do not know its IP address). Ensure that you always have the Informer handy for such cases.
Configuration | your PC. The upper part of the window displays the current audio status of the adapter and the IP address of the currently sending computer. The lower part of the status window displays the version of the firmware currently used in the dLAN Audio extender. Upon demand, devolo provides new versions of the firmware in the support area of the Internet pages under www.devolo.com.
| Configuration 19 can be started via the menu Device ! Start dLAN Configuration Wizard in the devolo Informer. Before beginning with this step, make a note of the security IDs of all existing dLAN adapters. This unique identifier of each dLAN device is located on the label on the underside of the housing. It consists of 4 x 4 letters separated by dashes (e.g. ANJR-KMOR-KSHT-QRUV). Ensure that all dLAN adapters are connected to the power grid and computers or other network components as appropriate.
Configuration | Assigning a specific password to a single adapter will exclude it from the remaining dLAN. Add dLAN adapters At this point, add further dLAN adapters to your home network. You will need the 16-character security IDs from the labels on the adapter housings. Enter the code without hyphens in the 'Security ID' field and click on Add. The device will be found if the security ID is correct. When launching the dLAN Configuration Wizard again after a successful initial installation, e.g.
| Configuration 21 that case, check whether the dLAN device is connected to the power grid and is available. Once you have entered the security IDs of your dLAN adapters, your dLAN is complete. All computers and other network devices connected to the adapters by cable should now be able to communicate with one another in the network. 3.
3.4.1 Configuration | Windows XP To select between the built-in sound card of the computer and the devolo dLAN Audio extender under Windows XP, right-click on the icon of the selector switch (image of a note with loudspeaker). Go to the Select default audio device submenu and select the desired sound driver. For all subsequently started programs, the audio playback is carried out via the newly selected device.
| Configuration 23 Under Volume ! Advanced... you should move the volume slider to the top to ensure an optimal sound quality. Afterwards, always adjust the volume of the audio output using the controls of your stereo system or the active loudspeakers. You can call up the devolo Informer via the Status menu entry of the dLAN Audio extender Control.
Configuration | extender, while the remaining applications play their audio signals via the local loudspeakers of the PC. Some examples of popular applications: Microsoft Windows Media Player Open the Tools ! Options... configuration dialog. Click on the Devices tab and double-click on the Loudspeaker device. Another window opens in which you can select an individual driver in the Sound playback drop-down menu. Winamp Right-click on the title bar of the player window.
| Configuration 25 double-click on the waveOut entry. In the Device drop-down menu, you can now set the desired playback destination.
4 Additional devolo software | Additional devolo software Your adapter comes with two helpful utilities that can simplify your work with your home network: 쎲 devolo EasyShare provides you with a fast, simple and reliable way of transferring files between Windows PCs in your network. 쎲 devolo EasyClean can help protect your privacy if you surf the Internet using Microsoft Internet Explorer. 4.
| Additional devolo software 27 The top left section contains your own computer, as well as any other computers in your home network and that are also running EasyShare. If a newly added PC does not appear here, press F5 or use File 왘 Refresh to update the list. The program generally finds additional computers running EasyShare automatically and very quickly. In doing so, it scans the entire so-called subnet, which normally consists of 255 different IP addresses (e.g. 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.2, etc.
4.2 Additional devolo software | devolo EasyClean If you surf the Internet using Microsoft Internet Explorer, devolo EasyClean can help protect your privacy. The web browser continuously stores a range of personal information such as cookies and the addresses of visited sites, as well as form contents and even passwords. However, Internet Explorer (especially versions below 7.0) is very vulnerable to attackers who access that information and misuse it for criminal purposes.
| Additional devolo software 29 쎲 List of recent files—Internet Explorer maintains lists of open documents and visited websites. This information is generally no longer needed. Simply check or clear the checkboxes of the data types as appropriate and click Delete. That's it! We also recommend powerful and secure alternatives to Microsoft Internet Explorer such as Firefox (www.firefox.com).
Appendix | 5 Appendix 5.1 Help and optimization This chapter provides help and instructions for optimizing the adapter. In case of additional questions, you will find help in the Support area of our Internet site under www.devolo.com. 5.1.1 dLAN connection Slow transmission rate Effect: The connection rate between your dLAN adapter is very low. Possible cause: 쎲 One of the adapters is plugged into a power strip. By switching one or several power outlet boxes in series, the signal is weakened.
| 5.1.2 Appendix 31 Audio playback No sound output Effect: No sound. Possible causes: 쎲 The volume of your stereo system or active loudspeakers is turned down or muted. 쎲 The audio cable is not plugged in or slipped out. 쎲 The audio cable is connected to a different input or an output of your stereo system or active loudspeakers. 쎲 The sound of your computer is turned down or muted, e.g. in the Windows volume control.
Appendix | Sound output cannot be switched Effect: The sound output is not carried out via the dLAN Audio extender, but is still switched via the loudspeakers directly connected to the PC. Possible causes: 쎲 The sound card driver is not correctly installed. 쎲 The sound output has not been redirected to the devolo dLAN Audio extender. 쎲 The switch to the adapter did not occur until after the start of the sound application. Solutions: 쎲 Please install the driver and the software for the adapter.
| Appendix 33 쎲 Use only a stereo system with amplifier or active loudspeakers. Poor sound quality Effect: The sound quality is poor, e.g. because a loud humming interferes with the sound or because dropouts occur. Possible causes: 쎲 The sound output on your PC is set too low (e.g. in the Windows XP volume control). 쎲 The adapter is connected to the PHONO input of your stereo system. This input is technically designed for analog record players. 쎲 The transfer rate in your dLAN is too low.
Appendix | Playback is delayed Effect: The sound output via the dLAN Audio extender is delayed by some time. Possible cause: 쎲 That is absolutely normal. To ensure an interference-free sound output, the adapter features an integrated buffer that is filled with data first before the playback starts. For this reason, the audio output also continues for some time after you stopped it on the PC.
| 5.2 Appendix 35 Bandwidth optimization We recommend observing the following connection rules to eliminate possible sources of interference: 쎲 Avoid extension strips. This may impair the transmission of the dLAN signals. Free wall outlets are preferable. 쎲 Also position the adapter away from your computer, as it may interfere with the adapter’s operation. 쎲 Plug the devices into different outlets and avoid using the same extension strip.
5.3 Appendix | Important safety instructions All safety and operating instructions should be read and understood before using the device, and should be kept for future reference. 쎲 Never open the dLAN Audio extender. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the dLAN Audio extender. Do not try to service this product yourself! Contact qualified technicians each and every time your device needs maintenance.
| 5.4 Appendix 37 Technical data dLAN Audio extender Standards HomePlug standard 1.0 Protocols CSMA/CD via mains supply Audio data rate 16 bit, 44.1 KHz stereo CD quality Transfer method Asynchronous via mains supply Network buffer ∅ 1 sec.
Appendix | dLAN Audio extender 5.5 EAN code 4250059611962 (DE/AT/CH/IT/BE/NL/ES), 4250059612112 (FR), 4250059611986 (UK) Warranty 3 years Service & Support hotline Phone: 0180-5338656 (only within Germany) E-mail: support@devolo.de On-site service Phone: 01805-665066 (only within Germany) Sales infoline Phone: +49 (0)241-1827979 Fax: +49 (0)241-1827997 E-Mail: vertriebsinfo@devolo.
| 5.5.
5.6 Appendix | Warranty conditions The devolo AG warranty is given to purchasers of devolo products in addition to the warranty conditions provided by law and in accordance with the following conditions: 1 Warranty coverage a) The warranty covers the equipment delivered and all its parts.
| Appendix 41 5 Operating mistakes If it becomes apparent that the reported malfunction of the device has been caused by unsuitable hardware, software, installation or operation, devolo reserves the right to charge the purchaser for the resulting testing costs. 6 Additional regulations a) b) The above conditions define the complete scope of devolo's legal liability. The warranty gives no entitlement to additional claims, such as any refund in full or in part.
| Index Extension strips 35 A F Active loudspeaker 8 Active loudspeakers 11 Audio cable 11 Audio output 8, 23 Factory default 19 Firmware 18 H Bandwidth optimization 35 Headphones 9 Help 30 History files 28 C I CD quality 8 CE conformity 38 Chat function 26 Control panel 22 Cookies 28 Important safety instructions 36 Informer 16 Initial use 10 Installation 10 IP address 18 D J Data transfer in process 27 Default audio device 21 devolo Informer 16 dLAN 7 dLAN Audio extender Control 21 dLAN
| P PHONO input 12 Power strips 11 R 43 Wall outlets 35 Warranty 40 Winamp 24 Windows Media Player 24 Windows Vista 23 Windows XP 22 RCA 12 RCA sockets 8 Receptacle 11 Restore 16 S Security 18 Security ID 19 Sharing 27 Software 12 Sound card 8, 21 Sound card driver 14 Sound output 21, 23 Sound quality 23 Sources of interference 35 Status and Management 17 Status window 17 Stereo system 8, 11 Stored form information 28 Stored passwords 28 T Technical data 37 Temporary Internet files 28 W Wall outlet 11 |
