Unique Features Poorly Implemented, December 16, 2002

Reviewer: A Peter Allan from East Coast, USA
Philips FW-i1000 Issues

Ordered Dec 6, 2002, BestBuy.com, ($$$), ($$$) rebate available), free
shipping.
Delivered Dec 11, 2002, appears to work as intended.

Here are the problems that I found during the two days that I owned
it.

1. MP3 CDs won't play.

2. Requires a program "iM Jukebox" running on a Windows PC to play
computer-based MP3 files.

i. The program is buggy and prone to crash or freeze (under Windows
98). The program's task lives on after the program is exited and has
to be killed with CTRL+ALT+DEL.

ii. The program requires acceptance of an end-user license agreement
(EULA), and the submission of personal information. It also requires
acceptance of a privacy policy that allows monitoring of listening
habits. It also requires Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player
(WMP), and Real Player - all with their own EULAs. It also requires
that the user (claim to) be 13 years or older.

iii. Many MP3 files that work on other software and portable MP3
players won't play. All MP3 files converted recently with CDEX won't
play.

iv. User cannot fast-forward or rewind or pause when playing an MP3
file.

v. No ability to play files on a Linux or Mac computer.

3. It is circuitous and cumbersome to add an Internet radio station,
and only streaming MP3 stations are available. This function, like
others associated with iM Networks' website only work with the
Internet Explorer browser.

4. Unit takes 30-60 seconds to start playing music when powered up by
pressing connect. Sometimes it claims "No Internet connection" when
PCs have Internet access. Unplugging the power cord and reconnecting
does not seem to help.

5. Stations that play flawlessly on a PC player have dropouts on the
unit.

6. All aspects of the Internet radio and network MP3 player function
are dependent on one small company: iM Networks. This company is not
controlled by Philips, and has no substantial history or
reputation. What if: -

i. They cease operation?

ii. They decide to charge a fee for their software and service?

iii. Have terms of service or EULA that are unacceptable?

7. IM Network's website claims that all streams available through
their service are "legally scrubbed." What was scrubbed out that I am
missing? Why do I need them making these decisions for me? The website
also tells stations (content providers) that they have
advertisement-insertion technology and "other revenue infrastructure."
These things scare me.

I understand that the firmware is upgradeable, and that some of these
issues might be resolved in time, but since I only bought the unit for
its network capabilities, and they are almost unusable, I returned it
to BestBuy. I'll buy it again if all the issues are resolved.


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From the Manufacturer

The FW-i1000 Internet Audio Mini Hi-Fi System is the very latest in
Internet- connected innovation from Philips. Connect this powerful
mini shelf system to your broadband Internet source and enjoy digital
Internet radio streaming in from over 1,000 stations around the globe.

At the touch of a button you could be tuning in from America to
Africa, listening to your personal selection of the hottest radio in
10 languages and 6 regions. Take your pick of stations across 25
genres ranging from "eXtreme" to "classical" to "sports" and "foreign
news."

To keep your FW-i1000 up-to-date, Philips will let you know about new
developments and you can simply use your Internet connection to
download and install upgrades of firmware, encoding technology, and
other cool features.

Of course, the FW-i1000 is also the kind of superb, all-round mini
hi-fi system you'd expect from Philips, pumping out an earthshaking
240 watts (total power). The three- CD changer plays CDs, CD-Rs, and
CD-RWs, and the wOOx technology patented by Philips guarantees
powerful, deep bass.

Used with a broadband connection, the innovative new FW-i1000 brings
uninterrupted streaming digital audio from the Internet, granting
access to more than 1,000 of the world's highest-quality Internet
radio stations. The FW-i1000 delivers excellent sound quality due to
the high bit rate of its audio streams, as well as its many
sound-enhancement features.

Because the broadband connection is always available through your home
network (a requirement for full enjoyment of this product), there is
no need to set up the system every time you want to listen to Internet
music or entertainment--it's automatically at the ready.

Accessing the reach of worldwide music and entertainment is as easy as
pressing a button. Just as you'd press your choice of CD, radio, or
cassette source options on a CD-based mini system, you can also simply
press "Internet" to instantaneously hear radio from around the world.

The Philips system also lets you sort radio stations by genre, region,
or language for greater flexibility and customization. For example,
users can select music/radio through pre-categorized channels based
on:

Genre: Alternative, Blues, Classic, Country, News, Sports, Oldies,
etc.
Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, etc.
Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa,
Middle East

The FW-i1000 can display the station name, and, when available, the
artist and title, while the music is playing. Furthermore, you can
also use the FW-i1000 as a playback device for MP3 files stored on a
home PC.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005N5WP/104-8134033-9935903?vi=glance