- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 59 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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16 out of 16 people found this review helpful
4.0 stars
"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
Summary: This is an incredible digital music player that can handle any conceiveable set-up, music format, software server combination you could devise. It's sleek desgin and intuitive navigation make the M1000 a real audiophile's assest. Initial set-up had a decent learning curve, but nothing terribly technical beyond most's capabilities. If the manual was more complete and thorough, set-up would be completely painless, but it has some glaring deficiencies which make integrating the M1000 with a secured wireless netowrk more hassel than it has to be. If you had MAC address filtering enabled on your router make sure to add the M1000's MAC address to the wireless MAC table or else you will not be able to connect to the server. The MAC address is a bit difficult to find--under configuration, select Wi-Fi, then scroll all the way to the bottom and the IP, DNS, & MAC address are all listed. Be sure to also enter your 64 or 128 bit encryption key in the M1000 during the Wi-Fi configuration process. Note--using 128 bit HEX encryption will slow down the system, Also, using the M1000's 802.11b wireless connection on a 802.11g network will decrease the entire network speed to 11 Mbps. Lastly, the manual also does not state using windows XP with SVPK2, if the windows Firewall is enabled, you have to add firewall port excpetions (3 or 4) under the security center set-up in control panel or you will get system disconnect after a few seconds of music play.
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.
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