Devolo Audio Extender User manual

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 char-
acteristics. 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. We reserve the right to make any alterations that arise as the result of technical
development.
You can find all declarations and certifications of compliance for the products, as long as they were available at the time of
publication, in the appendix of this documentation.
Trademarks
dLAN® is a registered trademark of devolo AG.
HomePlug®is a registered trademark of HomePlug Power Alliance.
Linux®is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Mac®is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Windows®and Microsoft®are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Corp.
devolo and the devolo logo are registered trademarks of devolo AG. All other names mentioned may be trademarks or regis-
tered trademarks of their respective owners.
The firmware package from devolo contains files which are covered by different licenses, in particular under devolo proprietary
license and under open source license (GNU General Public License, GNU Lesser General Public License or FreeBSD License).
The source code which is available for Open Source distribution can be requested in writing from [email protected].
Subject to change without notice. No liability for technical errors or omissions.
devolo AG
Sonnenweg 11
52070 Aachen
Germany
www.devolo.com
Aachen, September 2007

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Contents
Preface ............................................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Thank you! .................................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About this manual ......................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
devolo on the Internet ................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1 Introduction ...................................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1 What exactly is dLAN? ................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.2 The benefits of dLAN Audio extender ............................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3 Sample applications ...................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Initial use ......................................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1 Package contents .......................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2 Displays and connections .............................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2.1 Control indicators (LEDs) ................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2.2 Ports .............................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3 Connecting the adapter ................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.1 Connection to the electrical system ................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.2 Connecting the audio cable ............................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.4 Software installation ..................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.4.1 Installing the devolo software ......................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3 Configuration ................................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.1 devolo Informer ............................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2 Status and Management ............................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3 Security in the dLAN ..................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.3.1 Basics ............................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.3.2 Encrypting the dLAN via dLAN Configuration Wizard ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.4 Adjusting the sound output ........................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.4.1 Windows XP .................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.4.2 Windows Vista ............................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.4.3 Customizing the audio output ......................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4 Additional devolo software ............................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.1 devolo EasyShare .......................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.2 devolo EasyClean .......................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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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 ................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.3 Important safety instructions ......................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.4 Technical data .............................................................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.5 CE conformity ............................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.5.1 Declaration of conformity ............................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.6 Warranty conditions ..................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

|Preface 5
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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.
Exacting manufacturing standards and stringent quality control are the basis for
high product standards and consistent quality to ensure your fullest satisfaction
with this dLAN Audio extender.
In addition to the standard software, devolo provides a wide range of useful free
extras. For example, network products come with utilities to protect your privacy
(devolo EasyClean) or quickly and easily share files within your home network
(devolo EasyShare).
And if you are satisfied with your device, be sure to have a closer look at our
other products which are also designed to make your connected lifestyle easier
and simpler!
About this manual
After a brief introduction to the basics of dLAN and several application examples
in chapter 1, chapter 2 will cover successfully setting up your dLAN adapter.
Chapter 3 describes configuration options and integrating the product in a
dLAN. Chapter 4 describes the free add-on programs EasyClean and EasyShare
that accompany your dLAN adapter.
Description of the symbols
Here we briefly describe the meaning of the symbols used in this manual.
Very important note. Failure to observe this note may result in damage.
Important note that should be observed.

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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 [email protected]!
devolo on the Internet
You can also rely on devolo for service and support after purchasing one of our
products. For example, our website not only contains extensive documentation,
but also software and firmware updates. Be sure to visit www.devolo.com reg-
ularly.
We especially recommend the extensive devolo manuals on the topic of home
networking that contain a wealth of interesting background information. These
are available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Service & Support
area of our website.

|Introduction 7
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1 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. The available performance
and effort required for the installation also compares favorably to traditional
methods—dLAN technology now attains speeds you would expect from other
LAN technologies, and installing it is a breeze!
Not only network signals can be conveniently transmitted via the electrical sys-
tem using dLAN adapters. Audio signals with CD quality can be transmitted from
computers with a dLAN connection via electrical lines to suitable playback
devices. This allows you to turn your computer into your very own private broad-
cast station and listen to your favorite music wherever a receptacle can be
found!

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1.1 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 elec-
trical system in the house. State-of-the-art technology ensures that the power
and data networks do not interfere with one another. Networking via dLAN is
fast and secure. The data is encrypted using a key to prevent easy interception
by third parties.
1.2 The benefits of dLAN Audio extender
Our product allows you to transfer the sound output of your Windows PC in CD
quality (16 bit, 44.1 kHz stereo) via the electrical system to any room of your
house. For this purpose, a sound card driver is installed on your computer to
which the entire audio output of the computer is redirected. In this way, you do
not have to worry about individual settings of your favorite music player. Any
application that can output music via the built-in sound card also works with
this dLAN adapter.
RCA sockets as well as 3.5-mm jack socket are integrated for the audio output.
It allows you to easily and directly connect a stereo system or active loudspeaker.
This makes the adapter so flexible that it can be quickly taken to another room
where it can be plugged into an open receptacle—without reconfiguration!
Please do not use both connection types together at any time (RCA sockets and
jack sockets). Always connect your stereo system or your active loudspeakers
either to the RCA sockets or the jack socket.
Please note that dLAN devices such as the devolo dLAN duo (14 Mbps) and
devolo dLAN HS Ethernet (85 Mbps) with dLAN 200 AV devices (200 Mbps)
can be used on the same electrical system without interference, but they will not
be able to communicate directly with one another
1.3 Sample applications
The PC that is connected with the electrical system via a dLAN adapter sends its
audio signals to the dLAN Audio extender. It is connected with the input of a
stereo system in another room, e.g. via stereo RCA cable. On the PC, all audio
signals are redirected to the electrical system via the sound card driver. At the

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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 loudspeak-
ers or stereo system.

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2 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. You should have the follow-
ing items:
쎲Adapter
쎲Cable
쑗Stereo RCA cable
쑗USB cable (starter kit only)
쑗Network cable (starter kit only)
쎲Hard copy of installation guide
쎲CD-ROM with software and online documentation

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2.2 Displays and connections
2.2.1 Control indicators (LEDs)
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 sys-
tem.
dLAN: lit continuously when a connection exists to other dLAN adapters; flashes
when data is being sent or received via electrical lines.
LAN connection: lit continuously when a connection with the network exists;
flashes when data is being sent or received in the LAN.
2.2.2 Ports
The product is very easy to handle. The device has very few ports:
쎲The AC plug connects the adapter to your electrical system.
쎲The device is connected with your stereo system or your active loudspeakers
via the two RCA sockets (red=right stereo channel, white=left stereo chan-
nel).
쎲As an alternative, the 3.5-mm jack socket (stereo) can be used for the
connection.
2.3 Connecting the adapter
2.3.1 Connection to the electrical system
To connect the adapter, plug it into an open receptacle at the desired installa-
tion location. Ensure that the adapter is fully inserted in the outlet.
If possible, do not plug the adapter into a power strip. This may impair the trans-
mission of the dLAN signals. A free wall outlet is preferable.
2.3.2 Connecting the audio cable
Next, connect either the two RCA sockets or the jack socket using a suitable
cable with an open input of your stereo system or active loudspeakers.
For stereo systems, it is essential to check first which input is still available. Do
not confuse inputs with outputs (the latter are frequently labeled with "PLAY" or

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"Output"). Avoid the PHONO input. It is specifically designed for connecting a
record player or turntable. The result would be a poor sound quality.
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. If you are using an RCA cable, ensure that the red and white con-
nectors are inserted in the sockets with the same color. In very rare cases, the
connector of such a cable may also be black. That would correspond to the white
color.
Please do not use both connection types together at any time (RCA sockets and
jack sockets). Always connect your stereo system or your active loudspeakers
either to the RCA sockets or the jack socket!
Never connect headphones directly with the adapter! It may damage the
device. The built-in sockets are intended for connecting active loudspeak-
ers or stereo system.
2.4 Software installation
The software subfolder on the enclosed installation CD contains applications
and tools for the supported operating systems.
Jack plug
RCA plug

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2.4.1 Installing the devolo software
The software package for the operating systems Windows XP and Vista consists
of the following components:
쎲The 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.
쎲The devolo dLAN Configuration Wizard allows you to use your own net-
work key in your dLAN network,
쎲devolo Informer finds dLAN adapters in the dLAN and displays information
about these devices.
쎲devolo EasyShare lets you quickly and easily transfer files from one PC to
another in your home network.
쎲devolo EasyClean is a convenient way to clear your private data in
Microsoft Internet Explorer.

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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.
Experts can also purposefully configure the sound settings of individual applica-
tions in such a way that the sound output is carried out either via the loudspeak-
ers connected directly to the PC or (via sound driver) via the remote dLAN Audio
extender. For more about this subject, please see section 3.4.3.
To install the software, insert the included CD-ROM in the CD or DVD drive of
your computer. If Autoplay is enabled on your PC, the installation will start auto-
matically. Otherwise, call up Windows Explorer by right-clicking on start and
selecting Explorer from the context menu. On the CD, open the directory soft-
ware !dlan and manually start the installation wizard. After starting the
installation wizard, select the command Install dLAN Audio extender.
During the installation process, you will be given the choice of installing all five
software components (Standard) or selecting individual ones (Custom). We
recommend a complete installation of all applications, or as a minimum the
dLAN Audio extender, dLAN Configuration Wizard and devolo Informer.

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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 val-
ues 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.
After the installation of the audio driver, your computer may have to be
restarted. Afterwards, you can find the installed software applications in the
start !All Programs !devolo program group.

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3 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.
If you want to listen to music using the product, you configure the sound output
of your PC by using the dLAN Audio extender Control so that it is redirected
to the electrical system via the sound card driver.
3.1 devolo Informer
devolo Informer can detect all available dLAN adapters in your home network
and display device information in an overview. After installing the devolo soft-
ware, it can be found in the start !All Programs !devolo program group.
When the Informer is launched, it initially scans your home network for all avail-
able dLAN devices. This may take a moment. All found adapters are listed with
their names and MAC addresses in the overview window. The transmission
speed of active dLAN connections between adapters is also displayed.
devolo Informer generally updates the list of found dLAN devices automatically.
If newly-added adapters do not appear in the window, refresh the display with
F5 or via the View menu.

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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 config-
uration program (i.e. when you do not know its IP address). Ensure that you
always have the Informer handy for such cases.
Use the Device menu or the context menu that opens with a right-click on the
name of the displayed dLAN device to rename the adapter or launch either of
the configuration options (open dLAN Configuration Wizard and online con-
figuration interface via Status and Management).
Multiple instances of devolo Informer installed in your network can be set to
exchange information about found dLAN adapters under View !Options…
You may also specify whether information on the performance of your dLAN
adapters will be transferred to devolo here. 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.
3.2 Status and Management
The command devolo Informer !Open Status and Management allows
opening a status window for the dLAN Audio extender in the web browser of

Configuration |
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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 cur-
rently 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.
To update the firmware of the adapter, you have to select a corresponding file
from a data carrier using the Browse... button and then click on Update firm-
ware. During the update process, an information message appears. After suc-
cessful completion of the update, the adapter is restarted.
3.3 Security in the dLAN
3.3.1 Basics
Data communication via the electrical system is encrypted to ensure the privacy
of your dLAN. The data encryption options using the dLAN Configuration Wiz-
ard are described below.
3.3.2 Encrypting the dLAN via dLAN Configuration Wizard
After the successful installation of the devolo software, the dLAN Configuration
Wizard is located in the start !All Programs !devolo program group, or it

|Configuration 19
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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.
Scan for dLAN adapter
After launching the wizard, it initially scans for a dLAN adapter connected
directly to your computer.
Assign network password
In this step, select a network password that applies to all adapters in your
home network. The password must be used by all dLAN devices.
Three options are available:
Continue using the existing password
If you already have a network password, it is generally a good idea to use it for
the new dLAN adapter as well. If you do not want to continue using it, or you
would like to use an automatically generated password or one you have chosen
yourself, you will need to rebuild your dLAN network once with the, entering the
security IDs for each of the adapters.
Automatically generate a random network password
Alternatively, the dLAN Configuration Wizard can automatically generate a
password for use with your dLAN network.
Assign your own password/reset the password to factory default
You can also assign a password of your own, or restore the factory default pass-
word of your dLAN adapter.
The factory default password is "HomePlug".

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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. when integrating a new adapter into the network, the applica-
tion will remember devices and security IDs entered in previous sessions. It will
therefore not be necessary to enter them again. The dLAN Configuration Wizard
will display an error message if an adapter entered previously is not found. In