Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System lets users stream their PC-hosted music collections wirelessly to a stereo system, and control playback with a remote that features an iPod-esque LCD screen for easy browsing and an iPod-esque scroll wheel for ... easy browsing. No, the system doesn't work with OS X at this time. Yes, it does work with iTunes libraries on Windows machines. And it even plays protected AAC files purchased from the iTunes Music Store - something that even Sonos can't do.

Retailing for $249, the Logitech Wireless DJ is on paper much like a "poor man's Sonos." The system operates on the same principal of using a visual feedback-enhanced remote to control wireless streaming of music from a computer in one room to a stereo system in any other room within range. Logitech claims a 150 foot range for the system, and while my home literally wasn't big enough to test the system's limits, I have read a few claims that the actual range is more like 60-75 feet.

The system consists of the remote, a music receiver/dock, and a USB transmitter along with Logitech's StreamPoint software. The transmitter connects to a Windows computer with StreamPoint installed, while the dock connects to a stereo system via a stereo RCA or 1/8" stereo minijack cable. Music is streamed from the transmitter to the dock via Logitech's wireless sytem - like Sonos, and unlike Apple's Airport Express, no wireless (or wired) computer network is required. The receiver/dock also doubles as a charging stand for the remote, and plugs into a wall jack via the included AC adapter.

The Good and the Bad
I used an IBM ThinkPad running WinXP to test the system, and setup of the system was easy. Basically you run the installation CD, plug the transmitter into an open USB port, and connect the dock/receiver to a stereo system and AC power. Configuration of the StreamPoint software was straightforward, and the system integrates with Windows Media Player and Musicmatch as well as iTunes. StreamPoint automatically found and indexed the iTunes Music Library (and Windows Music Player music folder) on the ThinkPad, and also gave me the option of manually adding other folders of my choosing. Music is automatically updated at user-definable intervals so the system can stay abreast of your new musical acquisitions. The system is also compatible with Rhapsody and Yahoo subscription services as well as some Internet radio stations. A "PC Control" mode switches the computer's sound output settings to stream all audio to the receiver - allowing for access to other content not accessable via the streaming software. Note that while in PC Control mode, the remote is basically useless until the software is switched back to normal streaming mode from the computer itself.

Logitech did a very good job with the remote. They have experience in this arena with their Harmony line of PC and multimedia remote controls, and it shows in the styling and ergonmoics of this device. The 2" LCD screen is clear and easy to read - though it's a monochrome blue display and thus can't handle album art - and the menus and controls are generally logical and easy to manipulate. The large scroll wheel isn't quite as sensitive as the one found on Apple iPods, and the Mac faithful will be sure to find some fault with Logitech here. The remote does support on-the-fly playlist creation as well as shuffle and by-genre play modes.

The good news is that audio quality was generally excellent, on par with Logitech's Wireless Music System (previously reviewed here). Again, the system is fully compatible with iTunes and protected AAC music purchased from the iTunes store, so it can play music that neither Sonos nor the Roku Soundbridge can. The bad news is that the Logitech system suffered from occassional streaming glitches resulting in momentary audio dropouts. These dropouts were generally few and far between, but occassionally came in bunches that lasted for two seconds or more in total, which is annoying when you're actively listening to your music. The dropouts seem to be the result of network interference issues, and occured everywhere I tested the system within my home - which, it should mention, is generally within range of three to six WiFi networks at any given time.

Also, while the system is extendable by way of add-on music receivers ($80 each), music can only be streamed to one receiver at a time. Sonos' systems are hailed for their stutter-free, multi-zone playback. They also start at $999, or four times more than the price of the Logitech system. And while systems from Sonos and Slim Devices, among others, can stream music from certain models of Network Attached Storage devices while your computer is off, the Logitech Wireless DJ System needs a PC that's up and running StreamPoint in order to function.

Conclusion
I've always wondered why Apple didn't make an iPod-like remote control for iTunes, particularly with the Airport Express router supported AirTunes music streaming. The answer, I think, is because the iPod itself makes a pretty great remote. After reviewing Logitech's Wireless Music System for iPod at the beginning of this year, I purchased one for my own use. I now keep most of my music collection on a 60 GB iPod and stream to my living room and bedroom stereos using two separate Wireless Music System units.

Logitech's WIreless DJ Music System is essentially the same idea for people who use their computers as their main music libraries. The Logitech system isn't the only streaming system around, but it has two big legs up on most competing products: An LCD screen on the remote for easy song selection, and software that's free from DRM restrictions. Logitech does iTunes Music Store purchases whereas most of the others don't. Combined with the system's competitive $249 price tag, that's a big deal. It'd be an even bigger story if they'd release an OS X-compatible version of the system.