Best digital media devices

The Roku SoundBridge M1000:
One of the best digital media devices on the market today is the Roku SoundBridge M1000. This digital audio receiver uses a vacuum fluorescent display that delivers bright, sharp text. The M1000 features a 280x16 screen that can be toggled from a two-line mode to single line mode with larger text, which makes it easier to read from a distance.

The Roku SoundBridge M1000 has a tiny frame packed full of audio and network connections. A stereo analog mini jack allows you to connect to virtually any stereo system, boom box, headphones, and even powered PC-style speakers. You will need to use the included Y-cable, or use your own mini jack extension cable.
Connect it to your home network with the Ethernet cable, which is provided, to get music to the SoundBridge. The M1000 also has built in Wi-Fi capabilities.

The computer must be running a compatible server application from you computer's hard drive, to enable streaming audio files to the SoundBridge. Roku recommends using Window XP, which supports WMA, DRM WMA, MP3, and WAV files or PC/Mac, which supports MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF files. Musicmatch Jukebox, Slim Devices' Slim Server, and Winamp are other compatible server applications.

Windows Media Connect is the only server application that is able to stream protected WMA files from your computer's hard drive to the SoundBridge. Like most digital media receivers, with the exception of Apple's AirPort Express, the SoundBridge cannot play songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store.

The SoundBridge can tune hundreds of free internet radio stations listed in the iTunes interface and can stream any MP3, WMA, or Shoutcast stream. The M1000 also provides access to free and fee based internet music, which include the Yahoo and Rhapsody subscription services.

The SoundBridge has excellent stability, with wireless connections that deliver solid, uninterrupted performance. The sound quality offered by the M1000 is equally impressive. The Roku SoundBridge M1000 has a styled chassis that is a silver, pipe-shaped metal segment with an embedded text display and two black plastic ends caps. The M1000 comes with a low profile rubber stand that allows tilting the unit to optimize display readability. Also available is an optional wall mounting kit.

The D-Link MediaLounge DSM-520:
Another great digital media device on the market today is the D-Link MediaLounge DSM-520. This unit measures 1.5x11.25x16.75 inches. You will have to use the remote control and a connected TV for navigation becausethe slim, mirrored front panel does not have a display or any controls except a power button. The 45-button remote control has shortcut keys that are easily navigated.

The DSM-520 works with multiple online content services and offers a broad range of support for video, image and audio-file formats.The DSM-520supports resolution of up to 1080i for MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 files and 720p for WMV HD files.

The DSM-520 plays non-compressed WAVs and AIFFs, along with compressed MP3, WMA and OGG audio files. Like many of the audio digital receivers on the market today, the DSM-520 cannot play protected AAC files purchased from the iTunes Music Store.

The DSM-520 is fully stocked with HDMI component video, S-Video, and composite-video outputs, including coaxial and optical digital and stereo analog RCA audio outputs. The DSM is equipped with a Ethernet port for wired networks, in addition to a removable wireless antenna.

The DSM-520 is fully capable of successfully streaming music from a USB-connected Cowon iAudio M5 and is generally capable of displaying image files stored on a MP3 player. The D-Link MediaLounge DSM-520 is one of the better HD video capable digital media receivers on the market today.