Philips MCW770 WiFi Wireless PC Link AM/FM 5-CD Microsystem

by Philips

Product Details

Product Manual [1.54mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 33 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000278KLC
• Item model number: MCW770
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Using 802.11b WiFi technology, the Philips MCW770 stereo microsystem lets you wirelessly stream your favorite tunes from your personal computer right to the stereo from just about anywhere in your home. The stylish microsystem is simultaneously compatible with up to 4 different PCs running the Philips PC Link application, letting every member of the household enjoy their favorite tunes. The system comes with a wireless USB adapter for PC computers, so even if you don't have an existing home network, you'll still be able to broadcast your tunes to the microsystem. Just install the PC Link software, queue your music, and tune in with the MCW770.

The firmware-upgradeable microsystem features an intuitive user interface and a user-friendly remote control to help you access your PC's MP3 music files. The system will also play your MP3-filled recordable CDs (32 to 256 kbps, 128 kbps recommended). In fact, the MCW770 features a slot-loading 5-disc changer so you can load the system with around 50 hours of MP3-CD music for consecutive or shuffle play. Make your own playlists on the fly with 99-track CD programming.

As a sound system, the MCW770 delivers the sonic goods. Its 3-way, bass-reflex (ported) speakers each contain a 2-inch cone tweeter for crisp high frequencies and a 5.25-inch woofer. A 75-watts-per-channel (x 2) Class D digital amplifier ensures strong, punchy sound and clear high and low frequencies, even at low listening levels. A digital AM/FM stereo tuner offers traditional stereo conveniences with up to 40 station presets.

An auxiliary input (stereo analog audio, left/right RCA) accommodates a cassette deck, external MP3 player, DVD player, gaming console, or other device.

What's in the Box
Main unit, 2 speakers with speaker wires and detachable speaker grilles, FM and AM antennas, a 32-key remote control with 2 AA batteries, an AC power cord, a wireless USB adapter, and a CD-ROM.

Product Description

Philips Micro Shelf, 150 watts, WiFi wireless PC Link, MP3, 5 CD changer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice looking system, but limited, October 21, 2005

By 

Joe Smith "consumer" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philips MCW770 WiFi Wireless PC Link AM/FM 5-CD Microsystem (Electronics)

I recently purchased this machine despite a number of reviews that mentioned installation nightmares. I was thinking about either this mcw770 or the mc-i250. The mc-i250 has a wired ethernet connection, and it also supports internet radio, but I hear the internet radio stations are very limited. I winded up going with the mcw770 because the specs say it's slightly louder, and I think the mc-i250 is just ugly.

I should've done more homework before purchasing this device. I originally wanted something that could function like PC speakers and it seemed like this machine would fit that bill, plus it could serve as a regular CD/tuner mini-stereo. I installed this pretty quickly (about half an hour), but the directions on the Philips support site did not exactly work for my setup. This unit comes with a wireless USB adapter. It's basically a wireless adapter that makes a wireless 802.11b peer-to-peer connection with the mcw770. It's like a gateway that connects the mcw770 to the mp3 files stored on your computer. That said, the support site states that you don't need to install the USB adapter, instead you could configure the wireless adapter already on your laptop/computer to serve the same purpose. I preferred to do this, mainly because I did not want to add yet another USB device to my laptop, and loading the USB adapter also drains more resources on your PC. So I followed the directions (without ever installing the USB adapter), and they want you to setup your existing wireless network to the factory default values of the mcw770 so that you can make a connection. So I did this, but it didn't connect. My solution was to temporarily install just the driver for the USB adapter, and then make a connection to the mcw770. Once I connected, I was able to change the wireless settings of the mcw770 to my original wireless network settings (ssid, channel, ip, and wep key). I found this method to be easier than changing all the values on your existing wireless network and then changing them back. After you input the wireless network settings, then you're pretty much done. The only reason to use the wireless USB is if you don't have a wireless adapter already on your computer.

So, the reason I say I should've done more homework on this device is because the term "streaming" confused me. I thought I would be able to launch the Philips Media Manager program, and simply play my mp3's as if the mcw770 were just like a set of computer speakers. Not so. Playback is controlled on the mcw770, not your computer. Your computer acts as a server where media files are stored, and that's what the wireless connection is for (to connect the mcw770 to a device that has media files). Playback is entirely controlled by the mcw770; clicking the mouse on your PC won't do any good if you want to play something on the fly. This is a pretty big limitation, in my opinion.

Nevertheless, this machine looks very nice. It sounds good, and it's not a bad price. But I would only get this device if you have a network storage device to act as the media server. Then you'll need to buy some upnp software like twonkyvision to organize playback. If you're willing to configure all that, then this device is definitely worth it. But unless you have a lot of time or are really interested in setting something like this up, I suggest staying away from this device.

EDIT: I found a software based solution to playback music from my computer. I use twonkyvision (there's a free version for just music) as a software based server running on my laptop. Then I use Cidero (also free software, uses java) as a control point to play back files. Cidero makes navigating the structure of the twonkyvision server much easier, and it also lets me play mp3's and internet radio on the fly. Hence, I would change my rating to 4 stars, but it's still kind of confusing to figure all of this out.

32 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Real Lemon, January 8, 2005

By 

D. Lee (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips MCW770 WiFi Wireless PC Link AM/FM 5-CD Microsystem (Electronics)

I received this stereo as holiday gift and was very excited.

Unfortunately, Philips rushed this product to market way before it was ready to go. The software that makes this run is extremely buggy, and judging from the feedback on their support website, there are many people who have not been able to get the streaming mp3 feature to ever work. The Philips support staff often take at least a week to respond to any issues if they do at all. This has been the worst customer service I have ever had, and I am not exagerating.

I have spent over two weeks trying to get it to stream MP3s (installing, reinstalling, etc.) - I called customer support (who knew less than i did) and posted multiple requests for help on their support website with no response whatsoever for over a week.

It is a pity, because the physical stereo is pretty nice. Say yourself some agony, and wait for the next model.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FOLLOW directions carefully and you've got yourself an incredible stereo, December 1, 2005

By 

Shelby P (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philips MCW770 WiFi Wireless PC Link AM/FM 5-CD Microsystem (Electronics)

After my age-old cassette stereo died, I decided to take a step up to something a little more advanced. With a little luck, I stumbled upon the Philips MCW770 WiFi 5-CD microsystem. The price was right but the reviews were discouraging. Was it worth a shot?

Absolutely.

I ordered the system Monday morning and had it waiting for me Tuesday after work. (Thank you Amazon!) Not bad for "regular" shipping--believe me, the add'l shipping charge is well worth it for the speed at which it made it to my door.

My first thought upon opening the box: WHAT A GORGEOUS STEREO! The Philips stereo made my clunky old black system look like a doorstop--with its compact size, classy mirrored finish and contemporary style. I liked the fact that the speaker covers were removable--so you can choose how flashy you want the woofers/tweeters to be.

The biggest challenge still awaited me: software installation. In every guide I found--the quick install, the manual, and the online support forum--Philips STRONGLY emphasizes that you do NOT plug in the USB adapter before software installation. Also, you shouldn't allow Windows to "automatically choose the driver". Instead, choose the Driver folder within the install CD and the correct USB adapter drivers will be installed. I think many of the complaints come from people who do not follow the directions to a tee. For anyone who's ever tried to set up a home network, he knows it can be confusing, if not downright aggravating. So it's no surprise that some people throw their hands up with a stereo that requires a network connection.

I admit, I too became a victim of the didn't-read-the-instructions-disease. Hours were spent troubleshooting a network that wouldn't transfer music files. My solution for those that can't follow directions the first time through (myself included): Do a system restore, reverting back to values before you installed the MCW770 software. I don't know if it helped my case, but I unplugged all other network adapters (including my DSL modem) and installed the software exactly how the directions instructed. My result: The most incredible, attractive, feature-packed stereo I could have imagined. Now my 20+ gig music collection is available at the push of a few buttons--like a big, beautiful iPod with a 5CD changer and an AM/FM radio.

The remote control is a bit difficult to figure out at first--sifting through Artists, Albums, Genres, etc. but there is a handy chart in the manual that helps tame the confusion. I wish there was a faster way to access items at the end of the song/artist list, but maybe I'm asking for too much given my 20+ gigs of music.

It would be nice if the WiFi interface were easier to setup, but I think difficulties are inevitable given the many computers and operating systems on the market today. I really can't point the finger at Philips; instead, I feel that it's the current state of technology. Give WiFi a few more years and we're bound to see incredible leaps in its ease of use. Until then, be patient and give products like this a chance. With a little patience, this could easily be one of the best and most amazing pieces of electronic equipment you own. However, if you aren't very computer savvy, you may have a difficult time troubleshooting a misbehaving system. But then, if you have enough MP3's on your computer to warrant the MCW770's purchase, you probably know a thing or two about computers :)