Roku SoundBridge M1000

Tragically, many manufacturers of media-streaming devices seem to think they're producing networking kit for offices, rather than home entertainment units you'd be proud to display.

Thank heavens, then, for Roku, as the SoundBridge M1000 is a very stylish product indeed. The tube-shaped, brushed-aluminium case rests on a foam rubber plinth and displays track and artist information on a clear, blue screen.

At either end are plastic caps that conceal the unit's ports and sockets. Under one you'll find its network connectors. You can hook up the SoundBridge to either a wired Ethernet network or use the CompactFlash Wi-Fi card to stream music if you have a wireless network.

Under the other cap lies an assortment of audio connectors. These enable connection to a hi-fi amplifier via standard analogue phono cables or digital coaxial/optical, if your existing equipment supports these connections.

Alternatively, simply wire the SoundBridge up to a set of powered speakers and dispense with the hi-fi altogether.

Unlike some media-streaming devices of a similar price, the SoundBridge M1000 cannot stream video or photos from a computer to a TV, but it certainly has all the audio options covered.

Users of popular media player software, such as iTunes, Windows Media Player and MusicMatch Jukebox, will find that the SoundBridge supports existing libraries and playlists directly, although in some situations it may be necessary to download a small piece of software in order to use certain functions.

As well as providing access to all the MP3, AAC, AIFF and WAV files stored on your PC (or Mac), the SoundBridge can also tune into dozens of internet radio stations. It can't play back protected music files purchased from Napster or iTunes though.

Nevertheless, the system is easy to set up and navigate, although the remote control unit feels a bit plasticky in comparison to the main unit.

Most importantly of all, the SoundBridge M1000 sounds really good - much better than many other audio-streaming devices we've tested recently. The only drawback is its price, £179, which is pretty steep for an audio-only network player.

See also:

D-Link DSM 320

A stylish media streaming device with good file support  14 Jun 2005

Creative Sound Blaster Wireless Music

Get access to your entire digital audio collection from the sofa  04 Feb 2005

Philips Streamium SL400i

A wireless streaming device that's very easy to set up, but expensive  14 Jan 2005

Apple Airport Express

Simple wireless audio streaming  07 Jan 2005

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