This is really something. RealNetworks has partnered with wireless networker
Linksys to create a
Rhapsody-enabled wireless link. This device connects your stereo to the PC over the home's 802.11b network, with
built-in control of the Rhapsody service for subscribers. Awkwardly, it's
called the Linksys Wireless-B Media Link for Music. Geez, why not the Rhapsody Blaster, or the Celestial Wireless
Jukebox?
Anyway, this device is excellent news for Rhapsody users wishing for a better way to get the music streaming more
fluidly throughout the household. Of course, if you've got a wireless laptop you can access Rhapsody directly from any
room. But getting the music into the stereo system has always been a problem, which the LWBMLM (for short—I've typed
the hideous name for the last time) solves neatly. And if the stereo isn't your goal, snap on the bundled speakers,
place anywhere in the house, and rock on.
Now, transport a few years to the future. Bandwidth is unlimited; the distinction between downloading and streaming is
meaningless; music is a service not a product; and we all pay for access to the global media river at the ISP level.
Service-specific devices such as the LWBMLM become relics. Until then, bring it on, Rhapsody. And thank you,
RealNetworks, for occasionally releasing a consumer-friendly product.
Rhapsody and Linksys Create Wireless Hub
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. I linked to this from my "The future of music playback" post ( http://earreverends.com/notes/200406/playbacks_future_music.html ) because I think we'll see a merging of devices like this with the physical things we currently think of as "media" (e.g., CDs)--we'll see players like this in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
Posted at 5:58AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Jay Fienberg
3. This product does not quite deliver on what it says it does. The product is occassionally quirky, it freezes or has problems navigating menus.
The wireless drops out on occassion, and the list of internet radio stations is very badly categorized.
All this would be fine, if it were fixed in a firmware update, but their software to update the device can't find the device, even though I can ping the LWBMLM.
This is a very cool product idea, but the delivery on this is representative of the price. This is the first linksys product that I've been unhappy with.
Posted at 5:58AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Seth
4. One more thing I forgot, that almost made me return the device.
Even though the device has digital output, you can't get digital output on Rhapsody streaming audio! They say its because of rights management issues!
Posted at 5:58AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Seth
1. Linksys has done an excellent job with this audio device. When coupled with Rhapsody and a wireless LAN, it is very compelling. I can now get unlimited access to all of the 50,000 CDs in Rhapsody streamed to me wherever I am in the house. I also have an Omnifi and a Netgear MP101, but those are "permanently" connected to stereos that are in my living room and garage respectively. This Linksys device fills a void and now I can make my Rhapsody collection portable throughout the house. Now I can easily move the music wherever I need it (out on the deck, etc.). I just plug it in and get instant music. This really is the celestial wireless jukebox!
Posted at 5:58AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Tim Bratton