Entered CNET Catalog: 03/09/2004
SKU: CNETRokuM1000noWiFi
Manufacturer: Roku Inc.
Manufacturer description
Finally, a network music player that looks as good as it sounds! Roku SoundBridge plays your PC or Mac digital music files anywhere in the house - connecting your stereo or powered speakers to your computer's digital music library. Or, listen to a variety of Internet Radio stations, without even turning on your computer. WMA, MP3, AAC, AIFF and WAV music formats are supported - and it's network ready with wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The M1000 makes playing your favorite music files a breeze.Product summary
The good: The Roku SoundBridge M1001 is a network audio receiver that offers a sleek attractive design, bright front-panel display, and excellent compatibility with digital music files, including DRM WMA files purchased from online music stores and premium subscription services such as Rhapsody. Digital and analog outputs provide connectivity to any stereo or speaker system, and it will work with any wireless or Ethernet home network. Setup and navigation are simple and straightforward, and it can stream music from Windows or Mac systems.
The bad: While it seamlessly interfaces with iTunes software running on a networked PC, the Roku SoundBridge can't stream DRM AAC files purchased from iTunes store. Also, its screen can be hard to read at a distance.
The bottom line: Striking looks, easy setup, and great file compatibility make the Roku SoundBridge M1001 a solid option for streaming digital audio and Internet radio to your home stereo.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 03/27/2006
Editors' note: Due to changes in the competitive marketplace, the rating on this product has been lowered from 8.3 to 7.7.
With its unique tubular design, easy-to-read front-panel displays, and attractive brushed-chrome finish, Roku's SoundBridge series of digital audio receivers turned a lot of heads when it first appeared in 2004. At one point, the line encompassed three models, but Roku has since discontinued the M2000, though you may be able to get a good deal on either one as retailers liquidate the remaining supplies. Only the M1000 remains, but Roku has improved the chassis (fixing just about every complaint we had with the original version), integrated the wireless networking function, and expanded its compatibility via several firmware upgrades--all while lowering the list price to an affordable $200. Setting aside a couple of remaining caveats--such as its inability to stream DRM music files purchased from the iTunes Music Store--the Roku SoundBridge M1001 is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to stream Internet radio or computer-based digital music files to a home stereo. In a world of drab or purely functional consumer electronics, the Roku SoundBridge M1001 is something of a revelation. Its artfully styled chassis is a silver, pipe-shaped metal segment with an embedded text display and two black plastic end caps. In the previous iteration of the SoundBridge, those end caps were removable and covered the audio outputs, the network ports, and the power jack. In addition to the cramped access and tight cable management, the plastic tabs keeping those end caps in place sometimes snapped off. Thankfully, the upgraded M1001 (the older M1000 version had connection jacks under the left and right endcaps, and couldn't be upgraded to WPA wireless encryption) moves all the connectivity jacks to the rear, leaving the end caps strictly for cosmetic flair. The unit comes with a low-profile rubber stand that allows tilting the unit to optimize display readability. An optional wall-mounting kit ($29.99) is also available.
The M1001 uses a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) that delivers bright, sharp text. The 280x16 screen can be toggled from a two-line mode (40 characters per line) to a single-line mode with larger text that makes it easier to read from longer distances. The larger option still won't be visible from, say, across the room. For that, you'll have to step up to something like the Logitech Squeezebox Duet, which has a nifty iPod-like remote with a color screen--and costs twice as much. Still, the front panel display is a step up from older network audio devices that provided no visual feedback whatsoever--and required you to run back to your computer whenever you wanted to access a specific song or playlist. By comparison, the Roku SoundBridge provides you with a remote window into your music collection, even if it's on the other side of the house.
Because the SoundBridge doesn't have front-panel controls, you must operate the unit with its basic 18-key remote. Although its four-way keypad and Select button make menu navigation intuitive, the remote could use a few more buttons. For instance, it lacks common conveniences such as artist, title, and genre shortcut keys. You can use the remote for text-based music searches, but entering titles is a chore because of the lack of an alphanumeric keypad. Fortunately, the Fast Browse feature lets you skip through long track lists with relative ease.
The Roku SoundBridge M1001 packs a full degree of audio and network connections into its tiny frame. A stereo analog minijack provides connectivity to virtually any stereo system, boombox, headphones, or even powered PC-style speakers--just use the included Y-cable (which breaks out to standard RCA red-and-white jacks) or provide your own minijack extension cable, depending upon your needs. Alternately, the two digital outputs (one coaxial, one optical) provide an interface to more upscale A/V receivers. To get music to the SoundBridge, connect it to your home network with the included Ethernet cable or wirelessly. The previous version of the M1000 needed a snap-in wireless card, but Wi-Fi capability is built into the current model. With the latest firmware, the SoundBridge can login to nearly any Wi-Fi accessp point, including those that are encrypted with WEP, WPA, or WPA2.To enable streaming audio files to the SoundBridge from your computer's hard drive, the computer must be running a compatible server application. Roku strongly recommends using either Windows Media Connect (Windows XP only; supports WMA, DRM WMA, MP3, and WAV files) or Apple iTunes (PC/Mac; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, and AIFF files). The applications' respective playlist formats are supported as well. Other compatible server applications include Musicmatch Jukebox, Slim Devices' Slim Server, and Winamp. Roku doesn't supply a software CD-ROM, but all of the aforementioned applications are free downloads.
Windows Media Connect is the only server application that enables streaming protected WMA files from your computer's hard drive to the SoundBridge. (To clarify, the SoundBridge's Plays For Sure certification covers both sides of the DRM fence: you can stream individual songs purchased from online retailers, as well as those "rented" on all-you-can-eat subscription plans, such as Napster To Go.) Like all but Apple's own network media products (such as the AirPort Express, the SoundBridge cannot play DRM songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store--but it will play the non-DRM "iTunes Plus" purchases.
The SoundBridge provides robust access to free and fee-based Internet music, including the Rhapsody subscriptions services (though you'll need to keep those applications running on your PC). The SoundBridge can also tune hundreds of free Internet radio stations listed in the iTunes interface. The unit can stream any MP3, WMA, or Shoutcast stream. Up to 10 Internet radio station presets can be programmed into the SoundBridge's memory to facilitate playing the stations without powering up the computer.
If you like what the SoundBridge offers but are looking for something with built-in speakers, check out the Roku SoundBridge Radio R1000. It costs $100 more, but packs the SoundBridge experience into the form factor of an upscale clock radio, and it adds a standard AM/FM radio to boot.
Setting up the Roku SoundBridge M1001 is exceptionally straightforward. After downloading, configuring, and installing the server application(s) of your choice, you connect the unit to your home stereo, power it on, then follow onscreen prompts to complete device configuration and connection with your wireless network (or simply plug in an Ethernet cable for a wired connection). The printed user guide that shipped with my review sample was significantly outdated, but Roku's Web site contains an up-to-date version.During testing, we were able to simultaneously run the Apple iTunes, Windows Media Connect, and Rhapsody server applications on my 2.1GHz Pentium 4 PC. The SoundBridge displayed respectable stability when used with all three of the aforementioned server applications, though we did once have to reboot the server PC and the SoundBridge to reactivate a dead iTunes communication link. But glitches were much more the exception than the rule; overall, the SoundBridge exhibited excellent stability, with wireless connections delivering solid, drop-free performance. Sound quality was equally impressive. With the SoundBridge passing digital bits to our A/V receiver's coaxial input, the sound was every bit as good as the source material. The same was true of analog hook-ups--tracks such as Buena Vista Social Club's "Chan Chan" sounded crisp and clear. Navigating the onscreen menu was a bit challenging at first, but we were soon be able to zip in and out of the menus with relative ease using the comfortable remote.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60out of 60 user reviews
Overheating problems, no response from customer service
Pros: Reliable music streamer
Cons: Roku's online indicates that many SoundBridges have failed because of overheating caused by poor ventilation and underrated capacitors. Roku customer service uresponsive.
Roku has not reponded to my request for advice on how to repair my SoundBridge, despite their customer service page pledge to respond within 48 hours. Looks like I'm out of luck.
After this experience - poor quality and poor support - I'm very disinclined to purchase another Roku product of any kind. The Roku HD movie player looks like an attractive option for accessing video, but having been burned once, I'm just not willing to give this company another chance.
out of 60 user reviews
Great Radio - Poor Support Sevice
Pros: Works Great with my JVC tuner and Bose speakers.
Cons: Virtually no technical support. Seldom respond to email questions. You should be very familiar with your network before you take on this project.
out of 60 user reviews
Great value in streaming audio, especially with iPhone!
Pros: I've had the soundbridge for several years and been very happy with it. However, I just found the Roku remote iPhone app ($3.95) and now it is an absolute slam dunk for iPhone users. The app gives you a sexy remote to control all features of Roku
Cons: I use the Firefly media server instead of the native iTunes server because it worked better when I first installed it. May be different now, but Firefly was written for streaming to the Roku. Sometimes have to update Firefly after iTunes update.
out of 60 user reviews
Nice unit - but impossible to get working
Pros: Looks nice, fits nice with rest of the Bose and Sony systems we have.
Cons: Ability to easy hook up is impossible. Unless you are a network guru, do not expect to plug & play with this unit. We had to buy a new router & it still did not work. But to make matters worse, Roku support is one of the worst companies to work w
out of 60 user reviews
Great when it works - but it doesn't very often
Pros: Great when it works
Cons: Regularly cuts out and dismal customer support
Great idea - would be nice if it was reliable. Look elsewhere for a different product.
out of 60 user reviews
Buy this product and tell all your friends about it.
Pros: Easy setup, cool looks, flawless operation, flexible searching, presets, connectivity options including WIFI. Integrates well with Roku web site
Cons: Very few. Wish it were cheaper so I could buy 2 or 3 of them for bedroom, garage, friends, etc. Sound quality at the mercy of the source bitrate.
This is one of the best tech products I have bought. I learned of the Soundbridge from a friend who works in the marketing department of a major electronics retailer. They were evaluating whether or not to carry it in their national stores.
I bought one from ROKU's website on the spot. Gone are the days of using a weak FM transmitter hooked up to my PC soundcard so I could listen to streaming audio around the house on a boombox. This product works as promised. Powerful search functions (location, name, genre, etc..) and WIFI connectivity make this a true stand alone product. No PC required - just a wireless router or wired internet connection. From my MN location I can search and listen to radio stations in LA, Hawaii, Belgium, and - well - everywhere. I can also call up my MP3's stored on an old PC in my basement. All wirelessly. All by remote control.
Buy this product. You won't be disappointed. Plug in some old powered PC speakers and use in your garage, bedroom, kitchen, patio. Have a radio station you liked while traveling or you've moved out of town? Dial it up on your ROKU. Lots of commercial free stuff too.
out of 60 user reviews
Excellent product idea
Pros: Easy setup, clear display screen
Cons: WPA doesn't work, no playlist sorting
out of 60 user reviews
The real deal
Pros: Easy configuration, no DRM issues, good sound quaity via digital connections
Cons: Search is hard with remote
Only hassle is searching for tracks or artists via the remote. Takes time to manually scroll through letters and numbers to enter a search term. That said, the trouble isn't the fault of the Roku Soundbridge remote, to do quick searches would require an input device with a full QWERTY keyboard and who the heck wants to have one of those on the coffee table in the family room?
All in all, nice product that's easy to set up and use. I heartily recommend.
out of 60 user reviews
What an amazing device!!!
Pros: Easy set up, easy to use, great screen, many many radio stations, easy to browse, very good sound quality, etc.
Cons: Same as in the PC, sometimes the internet radio streaming looses the conection, lacks sleep function, cannot browse through bit rates
First of all, I was shocked to hear that my wife actually liked how it looked like... which saved me from hearing a lot of complaints from her saying why I was buying things and how ugly they looked like around the flat.
Then, I connected it and automatically detected my wireless network. I entered the network password and in a few moments I was already listening to internet radio!!! I couldn't believe it...
And the internet radio is better than advertised, as you can browse through all the internet radios available with your computer turned off, and not only listen to the 18 presets of your choice.
I was a little bit worried about streaming music from my notebook, as in the user guide is not very well explained how to set the Windows Media Connect. I looked for this software in Windows Vista and in Windows Media Player, but I couldn't find how to open it. However, I noticed that the "Soundbrige" was already detected by my notebook. Therefore, I just agreed to share my library and I was then able to browse my entire music collection through my ROKU... magic!
Me and my wife are now addicted to internet radio. I arrive home and go straight to my bedroom to turn on my music system. We listen to different radio stations through a Denon AV Receiver, which improves the sound quality. Of course the sound quality is not CD's, but you can find some high Kbps' radios out there (and those sound very, very good). The only low is that sometimes some radios loose the connection, so they have to buffer again, which takes about 3-10 seconds (same as using internet radio through the PC). This varies depending on the day and time of the day. Anyhow, sometimes you can listen through many hours without a single interruption.
Using the web page of "Radio Roku" allows you to manage your account of internet radios, making it easy to save your favourite ones and the presets, and also adding some radios that are not in the list.
Contrary to what is said in many reviews (including CNET's), now WAP encrtyption is allowed, in additon to WEP's.
The sound quality when you stream from the hard drive is excellent, although I keep on listening to different internet radios by now.
I am using a digital coaxial cable, which noticable improved the sound quality compared with the supplied analogue stereo RCA cable.
The bright display is clear enough, and you con dim the display at night. I am only missing a sleep function...
The remote control is nothing fancy, but with is ergonometrically correct and with the necessary functions. However, I usually use a Logitech Harmony remote control, so I can control my AV Receiver and the ROKU Soundbridge in a very convenient way. I can even have now some direct access to my presets (something that the new ROKU remote control does, but with only 6 direct presets).
In a couple of years time (or maybe less), almost all of the AV Receivers and Hi-Fi systems will come with ROKU's features, but if you need them now (and you should), this is the best (and less intrusive) device out there. Maybe a wi-fi "n" is in the pipline... which would be nice.
In conclusion, this is the best gadget I have bought lately. I am more than happy with my decision.
out of 60 user reviews
Easy setup; actually works; relatively inexpensive; simple but does the job
Pros: setup; great integration with Rhapsody
Cons: no Rhapsody direct; additional input would be nice
out of 60 user reviews
Great Sound, Great product.
Pros: Fast, good interface, can listen to radio without the computer on, easy to update firmware.
Cons: Cost, but it is a lot cheaper than many of the other equivalent products.
About the only thing that I don't like about the Roku is that switching between Internet radio and our music collection takes a little bit of navigation through the menus (maybe 5 clicks), although this is a minor issue, once you get used to it. Also, I wish the price were a little less, but then again compared to other products of it's caliber, it is already cheaper.
out of 60 user reviews
Very Tasty
Pros: Works perfectly
Cons: pinnacle seem to have made it cheap looking recently
out of 60 user reviews
Simple, easy, affordable
Pros: Works as promised
Cons: Hard to search music
Had to turn the volume all the way up to get a good volume. Other than that, it has worked perfect no issues. I do not have security set on my router so that made setup easier.
out of 60 user reviews
Truly outstanding product! A 'must buy' for anyone with a home or office network.
Pros: Dramatically improves sound quality reception well above regular radio reception, eliminates static entirely. Extremely versatile, easily installed and updated.
Cons: No cons. Perhaps add more slots for additional preset radio stations, say 50 to 100.
Some suggestions for future models [e.g. M1002, etc.] : Allow, as a user preference, the display to turn off entirely. Add more slots for additional preset radio stations, say 50 to 100. Improve the related Internet radio channel "sniffer" or "discoverer". We were unable to use the Internet channel sniffer because the Roku downloaded/external sniffer program did not correctly recognize our network/LAN/WAN; however, we were able to quickly load our radio channel favorites from various web page sources off the Internet, e.g. Google search using "music genre" (e.g. classical or jazz), "news" and "Internet radio". Perhaps allow manually editing (using the Webbrowser interface and or menu options on the SoundBridge) LAN IP related info such as Netmask, Gateway, DNS1 and DNS2 - without having to use Telnet or a local networked computer.
Opinion: Very, very high marks; cannot say enough good things about this product! Dramatically improves sound quality and music transmission functionality for anyone who likes clear sound or who has a
need to get sound from point A to point B anywhere within 300 feet or so of a network. The Roku M1001 works with existing home and office networks! Plugs into virtually all existing sound receivers or existing audio equipment. Works without any computer being turned on -- this is a substantial advantage over many other transmitter/receiver devices. This little device is the first "killer app" in the "must have" household-electronic networked appliance department. Upgrades existing radio technology and its reception into the new millennium.
out of 60 user reviews
Great device, brings global radio to my stereo!
Pros: Strong access to internet radio stations, plays all the music on my sevral computers. Easiest setup of any networked device I have bought. Cool looking small device.
Cons: Cannot access some stations due to the format they use. Display and selection process takes some practice, but it works.
out of 60 user reviews
havent touched a cd since installing... a must have for your digital collection
Pros: price, design, sound quality, user interface
Cons: need some networking inclination, tech support via e-mail.
out of 60 user reviews
At last, Internet radio on my stereo
Pros: It works without my computer.
Cons: Poor wireless reception. Does not receive all stations.
The sound quality is good, but it is mp3 compressed, so it lacks a little bass and treble compared to FM radio. At least it's clear and you can receive stations from anywhere in the world. It does not support every music stream, so it does not play every station on the Internet. It plays most of the stations on Shoutcast.
Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase. The Soundbridge sits on top of my stereo and gives me 20 more radio stations to listen to. Oh, and I don't need to have my computer on to listen to Internet radio.
out of 60 user reviews
Excellent for all music lovers
Pros: Very simple to setup, it did all of the work
Cons: Nothing!! it is so simple
out of 60 user reviews
Excellent product
Pros: Easy setup and interface, set it and forget it, digital output
Cons: Screen is difficult to read from distances
Once you have it setup, it is easy to operate and you don't have to worry about configuration again unless you reconfigure your wi-fi router.
I've had little or no problems with this at all since installation.
I would recommend this product to those who have an extensive digital media collection and would like audio to be played on their home theater system.
My only other complaint is that it does not work with some streaming music, like musicmatch. However, with windows media player you can setup your playlists for your library and set it to play to the device. From the device, you can set to shuffle, etc.
The only reasons I can't give it a 10 is because it's a bit pricey, the display and the lack of working with streaming radio services such as musicmatch radio. All of which are documented extensively at various sites, including rokulabs.com.
out of 60 user reviews
Great Stereo Accessory
Pros: Relatively easy to set up.
Cons: Display hard to read at a distance.
It doesn't play iTunes music (I consider this iTunes problem) and doesn't currently work with iTunes V7.
It is a pretty good unit considering what else is available as an option.
out of 60 user reviews
no kiss up here...
Pros: potential is wonderful
Cons: it's suffers from compatability issues....
out of 60 user reviews
finally, music without the hassle!
Pros: easy set-up, great sound, great look
Cons: display kinda hard to read, menus, thin install instructions
The onscreen menus are pretty easy once you get the flow of them. But you do a lot of button pushing. Fortunately, if you want to spend a lot of time building playlists, you can do that in Media Player, Yahoo, or whatever, and they are available through the Soundbridge.
The remote even has a volume adjustment, which I appreciate, since my stereo does not.
I've been waiting for this piece of equipment ever since I ripped my first CD. Next I want to see their new video bridge.
out of 60 user reviews
Faaannnttttaaassttiiiccc
Pros: 10000 song juke box in your living room
Cons: What took so long
out of 60 user reviews
Great looking but inexistant support
Pros: Great look, sound is very goo
Cons: No support at all. Does not work anymore with itune 7
out of 60 user reviews
Solves a common problem very neatly!
Pros: integration with iTunes
Cons: anything that requires character entry
I found a used Roku 1000 on craigslist for $120.
The best feature of the Roku: seamless integration with iTunes (PC or Mac). This means that you can manage your library on the PC, create stored playlists, and easily gain access to all of this via wireless network.
Other good features:
* play Internet radio without PC access
* program radio presets via web interface
* browse your collection and create playlists on the fly from the remote
Bad features:
* Anything that requires you to enter characters, which means that you scroll through the alphabet and select characters one by one. This is awkward enough when browsing for a particular artist, but excruciating when entering an encryption key! For example, when you have scrolled through and selected enough characters to spell, say the artist name "Santana", you then have to use the down arrow to enter another series of special characters and then scroll horizontally to find 'Enter'. Then you select it. Amazingly awkward!
* The rest of the menu system in general takes a while to learn, but is OK after a few hours of use.
* Encryption setup is dependent on the two above weak points, so be ready for it!
Tech hints:
* Be sure to follow the directions about opening your firewall.
* Also be sure that iTunes (or whichever music server you use) has sharing enabled… and is actually running on your computer!
out of 60 user reviews
Do not buy a product that a company does not support!
Pros: Great design
Cons: No company support on set up. Help is forum based
out of 60 user reviews
A mixed bag
Pros: Smooth configuration, great interface
Cons: Can't control from your pc, not impressed with audio quality
On another note, I wasn't happy with the sound quality. It was very flat - low volume (compared to playing a CD), no life, poor bass. Admittedly, this could be a limitation of my older stereo equipment, but my stereo plays CDs with very good quality. I have remote FM speakers attached to the stereo, and the quality on those is far superior to what I was getting on the stereo speakers through the SoundBridge. I think I'll just hook up the FM transmitter directly to the laptop and call it a day.
Overall, I think this is a good product for people you don't care about controlling it from your computer. It wasn't for me though - I took it back. I'm going to wait for new products with greater functionality at similar prices.
out of 60 user reviews
Astonishing must-have piece of technology for the music lover
Pros: Internet Radio & Rhapsody Radio compatibility
Cons: Almost a '10' - All operations via Remote – somewhat confusing interface
CONNECTIONS -- What could be easier? However, I was somewhat confused by the documentation. That is, the "newer" SB M1001 already has the Wi-Fi card installed -- it took a while to realize the end cap did not need to be removed to install the Wi-Fi card.
Note: Prior to purchase, I contacted Crutchfield's excellent Tech Support and found out in a chat session that my aging Sony receiver had a MD/DAT optical input that could be used. That is, I wanted to verify my receiver had an input for the SB. I had a spare optical cable that I used.
SETUP -- Somewhat confusing -- I needed to call Linksys (not because of SB but because the network stopped working) and needed to change channels and setup a WEP secure network. The subsequent confusion was determining what type of password I had; finding the HEX password key; then fumbling around the SB network setup figuring out how to enter the Key correctly. [Note: my sons said they did not muck with the SB during my vacation; but, I discovered I lost my music server (Windows Media Connect) connection and had to reenter my WEP password.]
CONFIGURATION -- My stereo system is in the same room as the PC. However, I cannot see the stereo from the PC and I use a Linksys WRT54G Broadband Router to network other PCs and the SB.
OPERATION -- I encountered a couple of days of problems and delays waiting for Roku Tech Support feedback via e-mail that was associated with changing the Internet Radio Presets on the M1001 using software Version 2.4.4. I STRONGLY suggest that everyone go to the Roku Forums and download the Ver. 2.5 Beta; link -- http://rokulabs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7363 -- It has several bug fixes and expanded capabilities. NOTE: The Ver. 2.5 Beta is NOT presently available by using the "standard" "built-in" software update function. P.S. Don't forget to download the Ver. 2.5 User Manual [38 page pdf] also linked from the above Forum.
"Individual results may vary". I am retired and teach some online college courses and spend most the normal working hours in front of the PC where I cannot see the SB nor operate its remote. Therefore, I created a shortcut to the SB Now Playing Web Page (http://192.168.1.109/SoundBridge.html) and keep it open so I have access to the basic remote operations (e.g., pause) and I can see what's playing on Rhapsody Radio or the Internet Radio Stations for example. You can also play any of the Presets from the Web Page. That is, open My Documents, go to My Network Places, and click on SoundBridge under Local Network. This procedure also opens up many avenues to access Internet Radio settings, User Guides, FAQs, and so on.
Enjoy -- I know I am. Happy Trails, Duane
out of 60 user reviews
Great wireless device for PC/Internet Audio playing.
Pros: Sleek, styling, and TOTALLY functional.
Cons: Could not use Windows Media Player via Win2000, small text display.
It certainly helps to have some technical IT skills for the wireless component and configuration, ...but as they say, most good things come with a little bit of work.
Kudos to ROKU for a fine product!
out of 60 user reviews
Never ever
Pros: nice looking ,compact and that's it
Cons: configuratio big time
out of 60 user reviews
This thing ROCKS!
Pros: See summary; I love this thing!
Cons: What, no WPA or AAC? Gimme a break!
out of 60 user reviews
Be cautious of wireless support
Pros: Great design and functionality; easy to use
Cons: Only supports 802.11b
just one manufacturer to produce a 802.11g CF card to ensure their units don't slow down an entire network.
out of 60 user reviews
Simply perfect
Pros: easy to use/install, compatibility with several media servers, great sound (optical out), wifi
Cons: still looking for
out of 60 user reviews
A Must-Have to Mate Computer With Stereo
Pros: No Wires! Streams Audio Anywhere You Want It
Cons: Hard To Read Screen
Some might complain that the upgrades, and downloads of (free) accessory software such as Windows Media Connect is a pain, but if you can't manage that kind of set-up, you should be playing 78 RPM records on your Victrola! The only thing that is a slight drawback is the screen. You get a great remote, but unless you are only 3 feet away when you use it, you can't make out the screen well enough to read the name of the songs you are scrolling through, or read the menu options you are selecting. The screen should be on the remote, not the Roku unit itself.
out of 60 user reviews
Sleek and Simple
Pros: Works great with iTunes
Cons: Doesn't play purchased AAC DRM files (at this time)
out of 60 user reviews
It does what it promises, flawlessly
Pros: Fast interface, stable, Plays4Sure, Rhapsody
Cons: None. Works as promised.
I wish you could synchronize playback on multiple units (such as the Sonos), but that's a minor concession. Save your money and stick with the Roku!
out of 60 user reviews
Best thing I've done for my music collection
Pros: Great looks, easy setup
Cons: Doesn't power up to last settings
out of 60 user reviews
Fantastic Stereo Accessory
Pros: Easy setup, great interface with iTunes and Rhapsody
Cons: Finicky WiFi router requirments, won't play protected songs purchased through iTunes.
I used to listen to my 2,000+ song iTunes collection through a PC speaker / sub woofer, which was good, not great. With the SoundBridge, I have this cool looking tuner thing that sits with my other stereo components, and I can scan through and listen to all of my songs through my stereo, and it sounds GREAT. And that's not all...
With Rhapsody music server, I can create my own radio stations by selecting up to 10 artists I like, press go on the Soundbridge, and songs from those artists stream away. I don't have to own the CDs or songs - it just plays all day, without interruption. I can create a jazz channel, a rock channel, anything that suits the mood.
And based on the 10 artists I select, the Rhapsody service plays other songs I might like. If I like what I hear, I look at the soundbridge display and make note of who I'm listening to. If I don't like a track, no problem: Hit fast forward on the remote and it skips to the next song! This is the best way in the world to get exposed to new music / new artists.
I love it.
out of 60 user reviews
Hand and Glove with Rhapsody
Pros: Flawless, easy set up
Cons: "My Network Places" icons disappeared...
After much research, I bought the M1001 (jacks in the back, not the ends). I had it running in 10 minutes! It found my home network instantaly. After turning on the UPnP server through the Rhapsody "Tools" menu the Roku found the Rhapsody server immediately. Now, I can access my entire Rhapsody library by artist, album, tracks, playlists, or radio stations (including the Rhapsody stations, and the stations I have created!). It sounds awesome through the stereo, almost CD quality. Wow!
And as a bonus, I can program 15 internet stations that will stream even when my computer is turned off. In this regard, the instructions direct you to install UPnP as a Windows Component, which is supposed to cause the Roku Soundbridge icon show up in "My Network Places." It showed up exactly once and then disappeared. From the Roku forums I learned that this is a Windows glitch, not Roku. However, you can access the Roku Web Page Control by entering the IP address of the M1001in your browser, which then allows you to input your own choices for the internet stations and use other features from your computer.
I absolutely love this piece of gear. It is now officially my favorite gadget.
out of 60 user reviews
Fabulous performance!
Pros: Easy set-up, works great with iTunes, flawless performance, beautiful sound, a snap to use.
Cons: Doesn't (directly) play purchased Apple iMusic store tunes. Small display.
Overall, a very pleasing piece of technology that has expanded our use of our music collection, increased the time we listen to our stereo, and removed all those dusty CD cases from our living room. I can't wait to load up iTunes with a variety of long-playing music mixes and have them run all evening long. Anybody want a suddenly-obsolete 5-cd changer?
out of 60 user reviews
Overall Very Good and Convenient
Pros: Ease of use, play options
Cons: Hard to see, remote lacks some features
Overall I'm very happy but here are some problems I experienced:
-I, like some other users, had difficulty with my router seeing the device but that was corrected when I set the router to transmit only in B.
-I find the remote is a little too simplistic and it could use a plain old Stop button and some numbers and letters (for searching lists)
-The display is very hard to read from more than a few feet away, even on the large setting. I think being able to dim the display a few more notches would aid its visibility.
-I'm using Windows Media 10 with the Media Connect which was a little buggy and took me a while to figure out. Essentially I had to allow everything and then clamp down the security settings.
Overall, even with those few problems, I'm very happy with the Soundbridge and have even recommended it. It's very convenient and easy to use once it's set up. There are lots of options to play around with when playing music.
out of 60 user reviews
When it is good, its is very, very good. When it is bad . . .
Pros: Great display, great sound quality, compatible with so many music programs.
Cons: Expect wireless networking problems.
Eventhough I am using a top of the line, 'approved' linksys router, this thing refuses to find it sometimes for no obvious reason.
out of 60 user reviews
up and running in 5 minutes flat
Pros: Fast setup, quality build, visually appealing, great quality audio
Cons: easy menus but lots of buttoning
out of 60 user reviews
loses settings every time computer is shut down
Pros: nothing good to say about it
Cons: too many problems to list
out of 60 user reviews
Love it!!!
Pros: Easy to read display. Supports every format I use. Relatively easy to set up once you decipher the manual.
Cons: Manual could be clearer. Connections are in a very tight place. If you have big fingers you'll have trouble.
out of 60 user reviews
Excellent!
Pros: Easy to install and configure. Excellent D to A conversion
Cons: Navigation of menus could be a bit easier. Scrolling display should allow for more characters in Internet Radio Stations.
Highly recommended
out of 60 user reviews
Great way to listen to Yahoo Music
Pros: Easy set-up, great sound, looks great, just what you need - no more, no less
Cons: Remote seems a little cheap
The only thing not included is the coax or optical connector -- which you shouldn't expect anyway but might be easy to forget when you buy the unit.
I looked at other options but didn't want anything controlled through the TV. The display on the 1000 is a little small and might require actually getting off the couch to see clearly but frankly I don't want a big display screaming out from my stereo components anyway.
It is exactly what I needed -- just an easy way to play all the music I can download from Yahoo Music. I didn't want to display pictures on the TV or control a bunch of components. I took advantage of a $50 rebate that ends on 6/30/05. After that the price is the full $250. That seems a bit steep given the competition, but hopefully it will come down.
The controller has kind of a cheap feel, and of course it is one more controller to lose around the house. Next step will be to consolidate my controllers...
out of 60 user reviews
Xitel's Hi-Fi link is a better & cheaper option
Pros: Soundbridge looks cool
Cons: more than you need if all you want is a direct connection
out of 60 user reviews
Midly complex @ first, but incredibly versitale
Pros: Compatible with nearly all music file extensions, allows multiple music servers (from several computers and/or multiple server software programs), intuitive menu system, configurable display
Cons: Not 802.11 g compatible, small cable access ports, so-so tech manual, no realtime support
The only other gripe is the manual doesn't really mention how to interface with the remote music server software aside form recommending Windows Media Connect--which is fine if you want to do everything directly from the M1000 using the remote. However, if you want to access music, create playlists, play, sort etc from say a laptop somewhere in the house (not sitting in front of the M1000) then you're going to have to download the freeware version of Slimserver music software (not sure which version) from the makers of Squeezebox to remotely command the M1000.
Bottom line---THe system plays all music files, is compatible with various music servers, stores 10 preset internet radio stations (can accomodate more too) that can play endless music w/o a computer even on, & can be access several music collections on any machine on your network. The display is great, menus a breeze to use, but the manual sucks and the tech support is e-mail only. Good Luck---AMD.
out of 60 user reviews
Would be a 10 if it supported protected ACC, come on Apple.
Pros: The Roku Actually Works! If you have owned a Sound Blaster wireless music you know what I mean.
Cons: Difficult to setup with Netgear wifi, but it can be done.
Please Apple!!!! Let us use protected acc music files!!!!!
out of 60 user reviews
does the job
Pros: plays all my music files, easy to use, digital audio jack
Cons: skimpy set of internet radio stations, small remote
out of 60 user reviews
Great addition to any home-stereo
Pros: Easy to use once you figure everything out. Looks great! Not too pricey. WIFI Included.
Cons: So-so tech support. Sometimes on-the-fritz with computers working wirelessly. Does not support purchased music from iTunes (bummer)
out of 60 user reviews
Great product for what it's sold for
Pros: Simple,elagant plug and play product that works. Wish all tech products were this easy and delivered on their promises! Apple should buy them today!!
Cons: won't stream iTunes purchased music - but as that's only 1% of a 20 year cd library not an issue today. Also the PC and wireless connections are weak links whose hiccups are tought to overcome - for any product.
out of 60 user reviews
Does what it does well
Pros: Easy to set up- no problems with Windows Media Connect. Wireless was up and running immediately and configuration went exactly as advertised in the instructions. My wife was able to use the remote to do what she wanted in about 2 minutes without reading
Cons: Can't play from straight shares- need to run a media server. No support for ACCplus internet radio streams(yet)
out of 60 user reviews
Too many configuration problems
Pros: Interesting idea. Heard it's okay if you use iTunes (but I don't).
Cons: TONS!!! of software updates required to use "supported" players - Musicmatch v10, MS.NET, Windows Media Connect. Plus all of the network and firewall issues you'll probably need to deal with. Definitely not for novice users!!!
out of 60 user reviews
What an awesome product
Pros: Wow - I never ever have to search for a CD again - every song, every CD and any playlist I can dream up is available now on my Stereo in High Fidelity... Heck iTunes is Free - and you already have the CD's - just rip them once to your computer and leave
Cons: Have to buy downloadable music from anyone but iTunes Store because of stupid limit imposed by Apple... big deal I can buy tunes from anyone.
out of 60 user reviews
Software upgrades make it even better.
Pros: Very versatile. Links to Rhapsody and can direct-link to 10 internet radio stations. Great design.
Cons: Can't play purchased iTunes music unless you rip it to CD and burn it back. Not compatible with many of the leading wireless routers, so check their web page for compatibility!
out of 60 user reviews
Ease of use!!!
Pros: Plays DRM content from Napster, Suports Windows Media Player 10! using the Media Connect software, Very easy to set up, even on a wireless network (except for entering the SSID with the remote). LOOKS SWEET! Digital and Optical outs!
Cons: A bit pricey for mainstream.
out of 60 user reviews
Great Looking Extension to iTunes
Pros: Compact size, great styling, direct iTunes interface, wi-fi access
Cons: Can't play music purchased in the iTunes music store unless you burn it and rip it back in as a different format
out of 60 user reviews
Thank god I don't have to have my computer in the living room
Pros: surf my itunes playlists with a remote control
Cons: can't (yet) play apple music store music
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