Roku SoundBridge M1000/M1001 Network Music System

After we lost our classical radio station in Milwaukee, I needed a way to link my stereo system to the many radio stations that broadcast on the web. The Roku SoundBridge M1000 turned out to be a easy, cost effective way to do just that. It was easy to set up and use. The library of presets was easy to browse and the ratings of the stations in the library were accurate and helpful. I've been recommending it to friends and I'm surprised that none of the electronic outlets in my area carry it.

The Roku performs seamlessly. It allows me to enjoy web music and, more important, my personal CD's and other legally sourced music, via my PCs wherever the Roku and a sound system is placed. Furthermore, I can create and enjoy playlists to suit the mood.

Installation was a little uneven, mainly due to Microsoft's Window XP/new Media Player hybrid.

initially i have my wireless router literally 2-feet away still no signal. i then figured out the software needs to be reconfigured to m1001
amazon wouldn't allow me to change the rating, i would give it four stars otherwise

I LOVE this item, I enjoy listening to the radio, but let's face it all the stations sound the same. Even shortwave isn't what it used to be. HD radio and satelite radio is a neat idea but it is still corporate controled. The Roku soundbridge frees you from the corporate shakles. with the latest software upgrade you can listen to 4000 plus stations! It is unbeliveable...Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country, News...you can hear most stations that stream with this item, plus you can hear all the internet only stations!
You can also use it to hear your mp3s on your computer, though I don't use this feature much, I can see it being handy. Their website is wonderful and very helpful.
What don't I like? Not much, It gets sort of warm and it's not the prettiest thing in the world. Other than that it's a cool item.

The product description claimed to be most compatible with the widest array of music files.

What they don't tell you, is any music file that does not have DRM protection. If you have iTunes, Urge, Zune, or any other music service you are out of luck. Furthermore, if one of these music services uses Windows Media, you cannot connect to any of your unproteced files, either; because if the DRM function of WM is active, there is no capeability to connect to this product.

Oh, and the final dissapointment...there is a 15% restock fee from the vendor. Amazon should alert consumers if outside vendors have exchange policies different than Amazon.

Read the fine print and buyer beware.