[supernature]

I was reading the descriptions and limitation of Roku's audio device for playing mp3, aac, wma, etc... over the wireless network, and found out that it doesn't support DRM AAC (protected AAC) formats. That really stinks...

All it takes is to allow or have Roku's device be able to authorize as one of the devices being able to play protected AAC formats (or any other protected formats for that matter). The device doesn't actually have to store the music on it, it just has to be able to play it.

For my sake only, since I only buy downloaded music from iTunes, Apple or anyone else needs to make a device that has the ability to see a shared iTunes list. The device could be hooked up to the stereo and TV(optional). It would utilize the TV to display the songs and songs info. Is that so hard to do? And of course the device would be recognized as authorized to play DRM AAC music (and of course use up one of your authorizations). So basically it would be like an iPod w/o the hard drive; with WIFI and the ability to see a shared iTunes playlist; and all the audio outs needed to hookup to a stereo.

The other type of device would actually be a wireless (over WIFI) digital sound receiver. So basically, the computer's sound would actually be transmitted either uncompressed or lossless compressed over the network to the wireless device, but that would limit the ability to control it remotely. It would just be a WIFI-radio receiver.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

As far as I know it is apples fault not Roku's.

[GORDYmac]

Networked devices are in the same boat as portable players: Apple hasn't budged. I don't think it's a matter of the location of the file, more than it is allowing non-Apple hardware to read encrypted files.

I guess Apple would say, "if you want your music in another room, take your iPod there."

Kinda sucks.

[mdc]

i had this same dilemma today. over the weekend i bought a 5.1 speaker system and have been hooking everything into it, my tv, xbox, gamecube. i want to plug my powerbook into it, but then thought that i would just plug my ipod into it.
it works really well, it is blasting away now. but i have to get up to go change the song. which sucks. so i was thinking of the roku device, but then the issue with the itunes songs came up.

hopefully this will get resolved soon.

[GORDYmac]

Yep, I bought EyeHome back when it did play protected AAC. It doesn't anymore. It's still worth it though.

[CambAngst]

Hey, while we're on the topic of the Roku and other wireless MP3 devices, I have a question: Does the Roku support wireless networks using WPA security? Do other devices? I'd like to try one out, but I use WPA on my Airport network and I'd hate to find out that the Roku doesn't support it.