Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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 :)

This stereo is really amazing, to enjoy and develop the stereo qualities just need to throw away the philips media management (philips software for multimedia management of Wi-Fi resources).
My wife and I were looking for a wonderful stereo to add more multimedia resources to our Wi-Fi planning house, one of the greatest and accurate acquisitions is the Philips MCW770. The sound quality is outstanding for price range and is full of customizables options and characteristics; well to start the adventure of enjoying your new stereo the first step is download from philips web page the manual installation guide for Wi-Fi system (it is unthinkable not to find it in the stereo retail box, is vital), next step is to configure the stereo into your Local area network as a component, following the guide directions; at last but not least you should THROW to the can the Philips media management and get another UPnP Program (I specifically recommend the TwonkyMedia v3.0) you'll see your stereo can play anything, starting with a simple MP3 file 'till manage any of your favorite internet radio stations options through a very simple and ultra smooth conexion with your Wi-Fi net. This would really be unthinkable if you just read the istallation guide Philips included in your stereo package.

I bought this for my dorm and thought it worked really well. I like the aesthetics and its awesome for streaming MP3's from my laptop. I didn't seem to have the issue's getting it set up that the other user mentioned. It was pretty much plug and play for me. Sound quality is better than most of the other micro systems that I was looking at in the same price range but of course its best for low and mid volume listening.

This product could have been great. It really could have, but too many issues, big and small, drag it down.

Getting the wireless connection to work is painful, but nothing is quite so awesome as streaming MP3s to a little shelf system in a remote room, so you will fight with it and when you finally get it to work you'll shout for joy!

But then, the Philips media manager (which is streaming the MP3s) will crash your computer, and you'll cry out in pain...

So you'll go buy the Twonkyvision media server (http://www.twonkyvision.de/) and it will work great, and you'll once again jump for joy to hear streaming music!

But then, the speakers will start to hum and buzz because they are made very cheaply, and you will start to whimper like a kicked dog...

Being the enterprising soul you are, you'll toss those crappy speakers and plug in a decent pair you bought at Crazy-Joeys-Electronics, and clean sound will flow again!

But then, the amplifier will short out, and the system will stop playing, because it is designed to run ONLY the included cruddy speakers (in a narrow powerband at 6 ohms). Reduced to tears, you will cower in your bed for a week...

Finally, you will make a heart wrenching decision, and return the damn thing.

Seriously now - I really, really, REALLY wanted to like this product. It looks AWESOME. The finish is sexy, the interface is clean, the components look very good. Streaming wireless music is such a cool feature, and the hardware implementation of this feature is pretty good, all things considered. BUT... The included software, cheap speakers, awful setup pain, and very touchy amp basically shred all enjoyment you might get from this product. Every victory is shortly crushed by a further disappointment. This is really why I'm so upset at Philips. If it just didn't work, I'd give up...but the damn thing teases you with small victories again and again. You think you're done, but then something else breaks. Trust me, don't go here, it's not worth it.

(Oh, and don't fool yourself by thinking, "I'm a technical dude, that Andy guy is just a moron, I bet I can get it to work!" That Andy guy thought the same thing, 'cause he's an EE who builds microprocessors and networks for a living...Don't say I didn't tell you so.)

Andy

We bought this for the PC link feature. You don't need to be at your computer to set up a playlist. It allows you to navigate through folders on your computer from the stereo, and play all the contents in the folder, or from a playlist if you want. You can even have it sort your music by genre (for MP3's that are tagged), and play that way. The idea is to be able to play MP3's wirelessly off a computer (ours is upstairs) without having to fiddle at the computer. (Update: Unfortunately the feature is so buggy, that you WILL be fiddling with the computer to get the music going.)

Problems with installation: We had to uninstall our firewall and virus scan software to get the software to work; disabling the firewall wasn't enough, it need to be uninstalled. Haven't tried reinstalling yet. Hopefully when we try reinstalling the most updated version of these, it won't mess things up. Obviously this is a concern.

Also, occasionally when we turn on the stereo, it can't establish the connection to the running computer. Simply unplugging and re-plugging the USB wireless adaptor (the one included with this stereo) will fix it, but it's definitely an inconvenience.

Updated 2008:
I don't like this stereo. I have found the PC link feature impossible to use, because our computer is on another floor of the house and that feature took so much regular fussing over, it just wasn't worth it. It's far, far easier to plug in a lap-top or MP3 player directly to the stereo--something you can do with ANY stereo.

But even using it like an ordinary CD player is frustrating. CD's take so long to eject and process. Every time I turn on the stereo it has to sort through all 5 CD's, at a SNAIL'S PACE. No fun standing in front of the stupid thing while it wakes up. I would give this 3 stars if Amazon let me change my rating.

The stereo has become simply speakers for my laptop. But no plans to replace it at the moment, since my favorite listening experience these days is to simply stream free music on my laptop [...].

Like the last few reviewers, I also don't know what the earlier people who complained about the setup of this system were talking about. I followed the quick installation guide and had the system connected to my PC in half an hour. I've been playing mp3s all morning from my computer. It's very cool!

The sound quality of the system is excellent for a bookshelf unit. In a home office environment where the system won't be pushed to it's full volume the sound quality perfect. Excellent midrange with crisp highs and lows.

The navigation of the playlists from the remote is abit cumbersome, although I think with better organization it shouldn't be too much of an issue. I'm also planning on looking into the Cidero software the previous reviewer recommended.

I am very pleased with this microsystem.
I don't understand all the negative comments, I had it up and running in no time.
Ok so the Philips media manager isn't the greatest piece of software and their are probably better media servers.
You can always install another one if you like.
The sound quality of this set is very good, unlike some comments the speakers aren't bad at all.
Just don't push them to the limits, it will damage your speakers and even worse your ears.
At low, middle and even loud volume, sound quality stays very good, at very loud volume it gets very bad just like many other microsets.
It's not a PA set, so that's obivious.
And yes, the CD player is a bit slow in opening it's drawers, but who listens to CD's anyway if you can have 100Gbyte of MP3 music under the button of your remote?
Once the CD has loaded, it behaves like any other CD player.
The radio works very good as well, no complaints at all.
I don't see any reason why to give this set a negative rating, I will recomend it to all my friends and family.