Philips Streamium MC-i200 Micro System

The Streamium is a Micro System designed to look good anywhere in the home. It offers a standard FM/AM radio with 40 preset stations and an auto tune and setup mode. There's also the CD player that'll handle computer created MP3 CDs. It's flexible enough to handle MP3s created at up to 256 Kbits/sec or with variable bit rates, though as yet there's no WMA support. As a micro system it's very striking, with a semi-reflective metallic orange front and controls. The remote and general controls are simple to use, and the display is easily read from several metres, while the base unit measures 175x244x366 mm. The two speakers are also impressive in terms of looks and volume, each offering 50 watts RMS, plus Philips' wOOx offers three levels of bass boost. Each speaker additionally has a tweeter and top mounted 5.25" woofer so clarity and volume are certainly not a problem. You'll also find headphone and stereo RCA out, plus an auxiliary stereo RCA in.

Where the fun really starts is with the Streamium's Internet capabilities. If you have a broadband Internet connection and use a router--a device that provides multiple network connections--you can hook up the Streamium using the standard RJ45 port and a network cable. Once connected to a broadband connection the Streamium automatically takes you through its set-up process.

For a normal home setup the Streamium will talk to the router and use its DCHP server to get an IP, basically needing you to press one button. For more complex systems you can assign static IPs, gateway and DNS server addresses. Once done the system sends you an e-mail and once collected on a Mac or PC you register on the Philips site and it's back to the Streamium.

With this done the Streamium can offer a number of unique features. The first is Internet Radio, via its online partners you'll be able to listen in to any of the hundreds of streaming radio channels offered by those stations. While this is a massive selection, for some it could be a shortcoming of the Streamium, as there are still hundreds more online that can't be accessed.

MusicMatch software is available for download. With this you can create your own MP3 files from audio CDs. It also enables the Streamium's other big feature, local MP3 streaming. With the system running, specify a location on your PC where you store your MP3 files, then by choosing PC Link on the Streamium you can browse and play any of these files.

The system's navigation isn't always intuitive, with inconsistent menus and a cumbersome remote control. This is compounded by more shortcomings, such as the inability to fast forward when streaming local MP3 files and no proper playlist support. As with almost any new-technology product there are likely to be teething problems, but on the whole the Streamium's plus points outweigh the irritations.

The Streamium is certainly an interesting product and it will take time to discover all the great features. There are natty little features such as an info button that will e-mail you details on the current track playing, and the ability to have multiple favourites lists for different family members, to name just a couple. Anyone looking to bring PC audio into their living room will certainly benefit from it. You pay a premium for this Micro System but the benefits are obvious, plus Philips can potentially iron out any issues and add more features as the Streamium supports automatic firmware upgrades. --Nick Baxter

The Streamium MC-i200 heralds a new era in Internet-based infotainment. It is the world's first Broadband Internet Micro System that offers multiple music online music services. The MC-i200 lets you choose from thousands of online music sources. You make selections from a host of top-quality music services to personalise your online entertainment and to stream the sounds you love directly to your Streamium MC-i200.