Omnifi / Rockford DMS1 Home Digital Audio Receiver with WiFi 802.11b

Average customer rating:

Da bomb

poorly functioning machine

Doesn't do much...

Giving 5 stars only because it is not possible to give 6

Works with Rhapsody!

Omnifi / Rockford DMS1 Home Digital Audio Receiver with WiFi 802.11b

Manufacturer: Rockford Corp/Omnifi
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Combo Receivers | Component Amplifiers | Home Theater Receivers | Stereo Receivers
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
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NXG Technology NX-PRO5W 2-Way Indoor/Outdoor Speakers with 5" Woofers (White, Pair)

JBL Northridge E60 3-Way 8-Inch Floorstanding Speaker, Single (Cherry)

Sony MDR-V700DJ DJ Style Monitor Series Headphones

Monster Cable Interlink 200 Interconnect Cables 2 Meter

Product Features:

Wireless access puts a virtual PC right in your living room (802.11b or WiFi wireless network required for use)

Listen to MP3s and WMA files on your home stereo; access live Internet audio streams from all over the world

SimpleCenter software helps you rip your entire CD collection to your computer, build playlists, and customize your listening

Compatible with the Rhapsody online music service; USB-to-Ethernet adapter included

Measures 11 x 2.2 x 6.8 inches (W x H x D)

ASIN: B00013MVTE

Product Description

Omnifi Home Digital Media Streamer allows your PC to stream your favorite digital media content (MP3 and WMA) to your home stereo.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Omnifi DMS1 Digital Media Streamer plays digital media files from your home computer--including streaming Internet radio--through any existing home audio system. Listen to your latest downloads and custom music playlists while you cook, enjoy the view from your living room, or play with the kids. You can hook up multiple DMS1 units to play different music in different rooms, even from the same computer.

The system requires an existing 802.11b or WiFi wireless network for operation. A supplied wireless adapter connects to existing home-network gear. Omnifi supports UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), which means that your DMS1 is easy to set up and works with other UPnP products.

The receiver comes with SimpleCenter software, a media manager to transfer hours of music to your home stereo in just minutes. You can add digital audio files to you PC by using the software to "rip" your CDs to its database and organize the music into themed or preferential playlists. Use TagIt! to bookmark any song and retrieve information such as artist info, album reviews, preview tracks, and links to buy CDs.

The DMS1 works with the Rhapsody online digital music service, so Rhapsody users can access their playlists and import their catalog of more than 500,000 songs right into their stereo.

What's in the Box
Digital Media Streamer, a remote control, a remote battery, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, a software CD-ROM, a stereo analog audio interconnect, and a user's manual.

Customer Reviews:

Da bomb.......2006-12-17

Da Bomb!

Nutshell:
This technology is da bomb if you want to enjoy your CD collection at home on your stereo system. It's the next step in the evoloution of enjoying music. We had the phonograph, then the CD, and now this.

The only caveat: It's da bomb as long as it's working well. If you have trouble, then it's useless. I am currently living with the DMS1 for a short time. So far it works OK, but if I have trouble in the future I may have to report back.

Detailed review:
This is a fabulous system that will allow you to keep your entire CD collection online in your home entertainment system. It's easy enough for grandma to use, and that's important because other systems are so complicated that only a techno-geek will be able to work them.

What you do with this system is copy all of your CDs to the hard drive on your computer. Then you replace the CD player in your home entertainment center with this little Omnifi device. Then you turn the Omnifi on, and you instantly enjoy any CD in your collection. That's just getting started, but already that is worth the price of admission because you have access to all of your CDs. You don't need to search for your CDs anymore, and you don't need to find handy space to store them. You can file them away for safe keeping in your mini-storage warehouse. You just need a large hard drive and a computer that is turned on. Using this system gives you the many advantages of having your music off of the CDs and on the harddrive, yet your music is still available on an easy to use device in your home entertainment center without having to have a computer there, which is largely unworkable.

And then we go on from there to many more fab activities.

I am a musician and music lover that, as odd as it may seem to you, is just now in 2006 starting to explore the mp3 revolution. If you are like me and don't yet understand what mp3 can mean to you, I'll explain it. I never explored mp3 because I equated it with piracy, but mp3 can be used legally as well.

You use a program called a "ripper" to "rip" your CDs into files on your harddrive. The music on CD is just computer files anyway, so all "ripping" really is is "copying" the computer files from the CD to the harddrive. In the past this was for unfathomable reasons difficult for a program to do, but now we can get it done. The Simplecenter software that comes with the Omnifi can do it, as can iTunes and a host of other programs. There is a freeware program called "Exact Audio Copy" that reads the CD and gives you a 100% accurate file, and it gives you a report of any problems that it had so you can be sure, without having to listen to the file, that it made it to your harddrive without error.

At the same time you copy the CD, you encode the files to mp3. This shrinks the file by a large factor without sacrificing any meaningful sound quality and makes the files easier to manage. That way you can fit much more music onto your hard drive or your portable mp3 player, or even copy the files back to CD and get more than 74 minutes of music on a CD! Simplecenter, iTunes, and most other programs do this for you automatically.

When ripping CDs, mp3 is the way to go, you want to avoid any other format if possible. Simplecenter gives you a choice to rip to mp3 or to windows media format. iTunes and other programs give you a similar choice. Ripping to mp3 allows you to avoid having to deal with digital rights management (DRM) and allows your music to be played anywhere. iPod doesn't support Windows media, and generic mp3 players may not support Apple's AAC format, but everyone will play mp3. Ripping to any other format is helping Microsoft or whoever lock you in to their solutions, don't tolerate that! DRM gives you onerous restrictions like having to jump through hoops to transfer a license when you transfer your music from one computer to another or only allowing you to burn your music to CD a limited number of times, and other evil restrictions. mp3 avoids all of this and it's the way to go.

If you're worried about any legal restrictions on this type of activity, just think of all the mp3 players available for sale here on Amazon and that should tell you something. If you're still concerned, just punch up a few web searchs on the subject and I think you'll relax.

Don't worry about sound quality. Sound quality has never been an issue. Sound quality is an issue to people that want to sell you expensive equipment or magazine subscriptions. Your enjoyment of any music, classical or otherwise, will be the same as long as the sound quality is acceptable. That last 10% of full fidelity really doesn't matter. Do you have a $5,000 entertainment system or $3,000 speakers? If not, then it really doesn't matter. That said, this Omnifi and mp3 technology will deliver sound that is essentially equal to the CD, but it really doesn't matter. What matters is that you have your music available in ways that make it convenient to listen so that you will play your music more often. Don't listen to anyone that tells you that some proprietary format gives better fidelity than mp3. #1, it doesn't matter. #2: They are assuming the same bit rate, so if you really want to stick on this issue, just rip at a higher mp3 bit rate. The standard is to rip at 128 bits, so just rip at 160 and you're there. You can easily afford the extra space with today's prices.

This Omnifi is an alternative to a 400 disc CD changer jukebox. Those jukeboxes are not a great solution for various reasons: 1: They are huge, 2: They have a finite capacity, you may outgrow 400 slots, 3: They can damage your CDs, 4: They require hours of typing in order to set up the artist, album, and song names, 5: They can glitch and erase all those hours of typing, 6: They have limited functionality for skpping songs you don't like and random playing, 7: they are prone to mechanical failure, #8: they are slow, etc.

Using Omnifi and mp3 gives you these advantages:
+ You have your entire CD collection available in a small device

+ You can copy your music to a portable hard drive so you can take your entire collection to the office or elsewhere

+ You can easily copy your music to an mp3 player for enjoyment. iTunes is compatible with mp3, so Omnifi can even work with an iPod.

+ You can backup your music for safekeeping to DVD

+ You can use more than one Omnifi in the home so that you can enjoy your entire collection from various rooms.

+ You can delete songs you don't like so that you don't ever hear them. That's a big advantage because I usually only like a few songs, or just one, from any given CD.

+ You can shuffle play through artist or genre, which is also a big advantage. Otherwise you would have to create a custom mix CD, and that's a lot of trouble and it gets old after a few listens. This way it's always new.

+ You can buy songs from web sites like Amazon. That's a great way to pick up old favorite songs without having to buy the whole CD or music that's hard to find. Once you download them Omnifi can play them. However songs downloaded like this will often suffer from DRM.

poorly functioning machine.......2005-10-29

I have had this unit for about 7 months now and it has not functioned right the whole time. I got it from WOOT and everything I have gotten there has not worked right. Maybe that's it. The Omnifi company just sends me back to WOOT and seems to have no interest in this dud of a machine. It likes to just stop at times, has to be rebooted often to function at all.
I'd can't use it much. Like the concept tho.

Doesn't do much..........2005-03-12

What this product will do: stream anything from your computer.
What this product will not do: play anything from the web.

This little guy will only play files from your computer. But, all you need to play files from your computer is a five dollar cable which connects your headphone jack to the stereo. Also, this thing is very hard to use. In order to find an album on Rhapsody you have to stream through 70,000 albums, which is exhausting, I'm going back to the simple cable.

Giving 5 stars only because it is not possible to give 6.......2004-06-03

GREAT, GREAT! Installs without essential problems, can work with Rhapsody and Musicmatch and can play files that you have on your hard drive. Comments: a) SimpleCenter installs without problems. The only catch: to downolad firmware upgrade it is necessary to create account and register. If not done, the "download firmware upgrade" button is disabled (firmware upgrade must be done to use Rhapsody). It seems that this is nowhere documented that account must be created first (if at all), b) when creating account, there is no pop-up saying that registration is complete. Otherwise, no complains. Rhapsody and Musicmatch must have Universal Plug and Play servers activated. When done, both services are displayed on Omnifi screen. Can play albums, playlists and single tracks.

Screen is pretty readable (my initial worry was that it will be not) similar in setting and size to XM radio. Pretty complete information available on screen. There are 10 presets and favotites that can be controlled from the remote.

Network setup prety easy. I am using spare Wi-Fi WAP11 bridge from Linksys. No problems. Just plug the cable.

Sound quality OK. Marginally worse than when using ProHIFI from Xitel. However, reasonable even for listening classical music on high quality stereo (if you can accept the quality of mp3...)

Highly recommended. I am going to buy 2 more units. I want to have this little gadget in each room where I have speakers.

Works with Rhapsody!.......2004-03-01

This device has transformed the way that I listen to music in my house. I haven't played a CD since I bought it! And best of all, it works with the Rhapsody service- it's like having access to thousands of CD's on my stereo. Highly recommend it!!

Product Description

The AQUOS LC-13B4U-S with built-in cable TV tuner is less than 3" deep with an elegant design and features 480p (EDTV) compatibility for progressive DVD players. And with Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View LCD panel, a 500: 1 contrast ratio and 170?/170? viewing angles, it is truly "TV where you want it," for any room in the house!

Amazon.com Product Description

The space-saving AQUOS LC-13B4U-S monitor is little more than two inches deep yet produces a vivid, 13-inch image using Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View LCD panel. Ideal for watching DVDs and VHS cassettes in the kitchen, bedroom, or dorm, the monitor includes a built-in 181-channel cable tuner--feed it a cable-TV signal and you've got a high-resolution video display and a full-fledged television.

Sharp's ASV panel offers exceptionally wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles, so you can watch TV from anywhere in the room.

The 4:3 aspect-ratio screen provides a higher contrast ratio and wider viewing angles than conventional LCD screens--500:1 and a full 170 degrees viewing angle, vertical and horizontal--while its black TFT anti-glare coating makes it bright enough to view its rich colors with ease, even in well-lit rooms. This is an EDTV monitor, which means it's a step closer to high-definition or HDTV than standard TVs. When used with a progressive-scan DVD player (or 480p-output DTV set-top box) you'll get seamless, razor-sharp images from favorite movies and concert videos.

Sharp's flat-panels are a fraction of the width of traditional CRT TVs.

Component- and composite-video inputs accommodate everything from DVD players to VCRs, camcorders, and gaming consoles, and the set's stereo speakers are powered by 2.1 watts per channel. With the LC-13B4U-S's NTSC, PAL, and SECAM compatibility, you can view video sources from the U.S., Western Europe, and Eastern Europe, and all will appear properly formatted, provided you have the proper region decoding for any DVD sources. The screen offers 480 x 640 (VGA) resolution.

AQUOS TVs strive for a high level of energy efficiency.

AQUOS LCD TVs are Energy Star compliant devices, and consume up to 60% less power than CRT systems, and about half as much power as comperable plasma TVs.

Weighing in at less than nine pounds, the LC-13B4U-S is easy to position and reposition. The unit sits comfortably on any flat surface with the included stand, which detaches for wall mounting (with any compatible mounting kit, none included). Other features include auto clock, which automatically sets the TV's time clock for display on demand, a remote control, SAP (second audio program, for listening to alternate language tracks on select cable broadcasts), and V-Chip parental control (which lets you block TV content based on content ratings).

Product Description

SimpleTech features a comprehensive line of hard drive upgrades for popular portables by IBM. The company designs its hard drive upgrades with your portable's special power and space requirements in mind. So you can be sure you're installing a hard drive that meets the performance and technical specifications set by IBM.This hard disk drive is designed for Toshiba Portege 300CT/CDS; Toshiba Portege 320CT.

Average customer rating:

Great Product, Horrible Software

Good CD writer but not so good software with it

Sony 24x CRX175A1/C1 Int/ CD-RW

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Internal Drives | CD-RW Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Record CDs in under 4 min.

24xWrite/10xReWrite/40xRead

2MB buffer, Internal EIDE

ASIN: B00005Y4RA

Product Description

Sony advances the state of the art for CD burning with its new 24X CD-RW drive. The CRX175A1/C1 can create a full CD in less than 4 minutes, and features Sony's buffer underrun CD recording management system. This technology takes the worry out of CD burning by eliminating buffer underrun and optimizing the burn to the brand and type of CD-R/RW disc used. The CRX175A1/C1 comes complete with a generous suite of software tools to help you manage and edit digital pictures and video, listen to your favorite digital music, record your own original music, and even back up your PC. Works with Windows 98SE/2000, Windows Millennium Edition, and soon the Windows XP operating system.

Customer Reviews:

Great Product, Horrible Software.......2002-07-12

Sony does not dissapoint you with this cd-rw. The product itself is probably one of the best out there at this price. However the software that comes with it, B's Recorder Clip is horrible. I would suggest that you buy new software such as Nero, or Musicmatch. The program that comes with this cd-rw is not user friendly, and does not let the drive work as good or as fast as in can. All in all it is worth buying if you are willing to spend extra money on new software.

Good CD writer but not so good software with it.......2002-03-05

The CD writer is pretty impressive for its price. And it works so well, that you have to say 'Its a Sony!'. And installation is a snap with the documentation that comes with it.
But for so good a writer the software that is bundled with it is B's recorder Gold. The faq for the software is poor and it recorded 2 bad CDs for me out of 5, before I switched to Nero Burning ROM. Since then my life has been much easier and all CDRs get burned nicely at top speed (24X) with no error whatsoever.
Go for this if you want a fast, error-free CDRW which is a Sony. And if you happen to already have a burning software, then things cannot get better than this CDRW.

Average customer rating:
SimpleTech STN-SS4400/64 64MB FPM FPM 72pin SIMM

Manufacturer: SimpleTech Technology
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All PC Memory | PC Memory | Memory | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

A memory upgrade can greatly enhance your computer's performance giving new life to your old computer

Guaranteed to be as good or better than the memory that came originally with your computer

Gives your computer the power to open programs faster

Enables you to utilize more up to date operating system and software applications

Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified

ASIN: B00006HV04
Release Date: 2003-08-20

Product Description

SimpleTech is a leading worldwide manufacturer of FPM memory products, offering upgrades for the latest NEC products. Adding more FPM will improve the performance of your NEC product. Product specific designing and testing means your SimpleTech FPM will have 100% compatibility. This memory is designed for NEC Superscript 4200, 4200N, 4400 and 4400N color laser printers.

Average customer rating:

No problems for the past 2 years!

They work great

SMC Networks SMC2870W EZ Connect g Wireless Ethernet Bridge (54 Mbps)

Manufacturer: SMC
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Audio & Video Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Antennas | Audio & Video Furniture | Batteries | Blank Media | Cables & Interconnects | Cleaning & Repair | Connectors & Inputs | Crossover Parts | Distribution | Home Audio Crossovers | Media Storage | Microphone Accessories | Plugs & Adapters | Portable Audio & Video Accessories | Remote Controls | Screws & Nuts | Selector Boxes | Sound Dampening Products | Speaker Accessories | Speaker Parts & Components | Speaker Repair | TV Accessories | VCR Rewinders | Video Converters
54 Mbps | 802.11g Standard | Wireless | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Wireless Connectivity | SMC Networks | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Similar Items:

Sling Media Slingbox PRO ( SB200-100 )

300 (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) [HD DVD]

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Netgear MR814 802.11b Wireless 4-Port Cable/DSL Router

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Network Installation Packageadd-on To A Home Installation

Network Installation PACKAGE1 Router 2NICS 1AP Cable/dsl

Product Features:

High Performance 54Mbps is extremely fast and can handle streaming video, multimedia and all other bandwidth-intensive applications

Advanced security through 64-bit/128-bit WEP encryption, 802.1x authentication, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), disable SSID broadcast and MAC address filtering to protect your information and to ensure secure data transmissions

Extends the range of your existing wireless network while overcoming obstacles that block wireless signals such as walls and doors

Instant access for any Ethernet network device, such as a gaming console, printer, set-top box, desktop or laptop computer to obtain shared information without the need to plug in

Simple and easy installation by using the convenient Web or Windows-based (Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP) configuration utility. Supports configuration via a Telnet interface

ASIN: B00012PS86

Product Description

Suitable for home and/or office, the EZ Connect g 2.4GHz 54Mbps Wireless Ethernet Bridge (SMC2870W) instantly converts any Ethernet device, such as a gaming console, printer, set-top box, point-of-sale terminal, desktop or laptop computer into a wireless

Customer Reviews:

No problems for the past 2 years!.......2006-12-30

Found a need for a third bridge in my home network, so I went looking for another SMC 2870 (discontinued now, however). If you're looking for a reliable 802.11g bridge, this one works well, has good range and with the dual antennae. I have used this with a game console directly plugged into it, but usually have a 4 port switch plugged into it so I can share the connection with multiple wired devices (including my ReplayTV DVRs). I am looking to buy another 802.11g based bridge as I'm still holding out for the MIMO/Draft N standards to settle down before I upgrade.

They work great.......2006-07-15

The last reviewer didn't review the product, the product itself is fine for abridge and does exactly what it is inteded to do.

Average customer rating:
RSQ DVD-505G - DVD player

Manufacturer: Medaisync
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0002Y6BU2

Product Description

The best CDG DVD Mp3 player you can buy. Often imitated, but never beaten for reliability and features. This is where it really excels. More than just a DVD CDG Karaoke player, this is a total entertainment system. DVD/CD+G/VCD/CD/MP3 Player, 2 Microphone Inputs With Separate Volume Controls, Digital Echo Control, 13 Steps Digital Key Control, Black Finish Direct Access. Forget the toys, this is the one.

Product Description

Give new life to your notebook. Add gigabytes of additional storage with a SimpleTech notebook hard drive upgrade.This hard drive is designed for the following systems: IBM ThinkPad 760, 760C, 760CD; IBM ThinkPad 760E; IBM ThinkPad 760ED; IBM ThinkPad 760EL; IBM ThinkPad 760ELD; IBM ThinkPad 760L, 760LD; IBM ThinkPad 760XD, 760XL; IBM ThinkPad 765D, 765L, 765LD.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Average customer rating:

Not for audio-only decks as described

Beware this media!

Be Careful! These CD-R could be Ritek's CD-R!

"All Speeds" means just that...

"All Speeds" means just that!

TDK CD-R80BDCB50 CD-R, 80 Minute, 700MB (50-Pack Spindle)

Manufacturer: TDK Media
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

CD-R | Computer | Blank Media | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
TDK | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Product Features:

Usually Ships the Same Day

Usually Delivered within 24-72 hours

Highest Quality Product

Manufactured by TDK

Sold as 1 PK

ASIN: B00005137A

Product Description

TDK Music CD-Rs are audio-only CD-R discs designed specifically for use in home audio CD-R recording decks. The ultimate high-fidelity medium for the home recordist, Music CD-R discs record digital audio data in the standard compact disc 16-bit, 44.1 kHz format, bringing an unprecedented level of sonic quality and flexibility to the home recording market. Once recorded using a consumer CD recorder, TDK 100% Certified Music CD-R discs may be played back on all existing CD audio players, including home decks, car stereos and personal CD portables. Music CD-R discs are high-reliability, high-durability media that incorporate the latest TDK third-generation CD-R technologies, including ISOPURE recording dye technology utilizing a re-tuned MSi (metal-stabilized cyanine) recording material for higher sensitivity and improved Reflex Mirror Tuning reflective layer technology.

Customer Reviews:

Not for audio-only decks as described.......2007-05-18

WARNING Ordered these from pc-universe expected the described audio-only disks but got standard ones that will not work on a stand alone deck.

Beware this media!.......2001-10-30

Like lunor, I got a spindle of defective TDK 16x CDR media. The writes fail at approximately the same place on each blank CDR.

I don't think I'll be buying TDK in the future, although it *used* to be my favorite brand!

Be Careful! These CD-R could be Ritek's CD-R!.......2001-09-26

TDK used to be my favorite CD-Rs. They were used to be made in USA, now they are being produced in Taiwan. I bought TDK CD-R spindle from Amazon a couple of times, and I have 100% failure with all the TDK CD-Rs I bought from Amazon! ...
A quote from [another] website ...:

By selling RiTEK made CD-R's TDK has seriously damaged their credibility of selling quality CD-R media, as stores don't know the difference between these CD-R's and just sell them for one price. Usually this price is higher than the regular RiTEK made CD-R's. So check the package before buying TDK CD-R's!

"All Speeds" means just that..........2001-07-09

I recently purchased a new high speed CDrw drive capable of burning CDR disks at 20x. Needless to say I needed to find a CDR media that could keep up. This TDK "All Speeds" CDR media truly lives up to it's name. I also own some very high end audio equipment, and the audio quality of this TDK media is excellent. So good in fact I've switched over to using it exclusively. If you need a CDR media that can keep up with the latest 20x burning speeds and if sound quality is extremely important to you, then this is the CDR media for you! Highly recommended...

"All Speeds" means just that!.......2001-07-05

I recently purchased a new CD burner which is rated at 20x/10x/40x. Needless to say it was important to find a CDR media that could keep up. The TDK "All Speeds" media does just that. Equally important is how it sounds. I own some very expensive stereo equipment including a Mark Levinson DAC & CD Transport and other equally high end components. This TDK CDR media provides the best audio quality of any CDR media I've heard to date, including the Kodak Gold Ultima CDR media which was my prefferred favorite till now. If you need CDR media that can keep up with the latest 20x speeds and the audio quality is something you must have, then this media is the one to buy. Highly recommended.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics