Roku Soundbridge M1000 Audio Bridge

Reviews: Multimedia

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Richard Poelling
Brian
Roku Labs
Mar. 16, 2006

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Quality Check

Is it too much to ask to include WPA? WPA2 is even out. How many times do I have to tell people that WEP is not that secure? If you don't mind degrading your network security for wireless access to your music, this is a great music player. In the specifications they even list the powerful processor that is incorporated into the device. One might think that this should be able to easily handle the additional security overhead. Putting aside my obvious dissatisfaction with the security component, I will say that using the WEP setup of the M1000 was easy and once connected I had no problems.

In terms of build quality, I had no issues with the M1000 while in my possession. The textured case did not show fingerprints at all. The included stand allows you to angle the display vertically however you want and also keeps the thing from rolling off the table. Get a set of stylish computer speakers and the M1000 will transform any room into a music room!

The M1000 includes a 260x16 pixel VFD display. The subtle greenish blue color was very easy to read, although the default brightness was a bit much for me. Changing the brightness was also easily accomplished through the onscreen menu system. Through this menu system you can easily enlarge the text size for easier reading and change the visualizer format. When the device is in standby, its default is to display the time and date which it updates with a time server. How this is displayed can also be easily configured. This makes the device very useful even when it isn't in use for listening to music.

In terms of music browsing and playback, much of the functionality has to do with the music server you choose. I have tried to go through several options, but there are more out there. Each one has its own set of pros and cons. Much of the frustration I experienced was from the music service I was using, not the M1000 (except for the WPA thing). The nice thing about software though is that it can be changed and updated.

One noteworthy feature is the built-in telnet interface. Using a telnet program (Putty) I was able to gain access to the inner working of the M1000. The user guide even includes a section entitled "Geeks - read this" which explains the use of the telnet and the port to use to connect to the M1000. Typing a "?" shows all the available options. Although I wouldn't consider this a needed feature, it is certainly an added bonus. This is especially true if you are like me and enjoy playing around in the innards of devices.

Conclusion

The market segment known as network music players is a fractured and diverse one. Music formats as well as connection options are just as plentiful. While the average person may not know that they need a network music player, once you have one, it's hard to go back. Roku Labs has brought us one of these feature laden devices. Although every device has its pros and cons, and this one is no exception, the final analysis comes to whether the pros outweigh the cons in the end.

The problem of getting music from a computer to a stereo has been around for a while. The solution has come in many a varied format. Roku's attempt with the M1000 is a commendable one. Aside from its innate functionality as a music player, it is a stylish player which has functionality even when the unit is inactive. Unfortunately the lack of good wireless security is a concern. I see no reason why WPA could not be implemented in such a device. If have a wired Ethernet connection instead, you really can't go wrong. Add in the ability to configure the internet radio stations, and you have the ingredients for a great network music player.

Pros

Wired and wireless functionality
Beautiful display
Comfortable remote
Configurable Internet Radio

Cons

Wireless security limited to WEP
No local controls
No support for DRM AAC files
No support for .ogg files

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Page 1: Introduction / First Looks
Page 2: Installation / Testing
Page 3: Quality Check / Conclusion

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