The ASUS Internet Radio (AIR) is an excellent Internet radio with good sound and rock solid design.

While we experienced some problems using a Sonos system with a ZoneBridge, they weren't out of the ordinary (unfortunately) for network streaming devices. We'd still recommend a ZoneBridge if you're going to spring for a Sonos system and your router is in an area of the house where you don't plan on listening to tunes.

D-Link's DSM-330 is a product that excels at streaming media over a wired network, but struggles a bit with the combination of wireless connection and high-definition video.

For a casual user who wants to stream digital video, photo and music files as well as watch stored high-definition content, the ME1 works well. If you can handle the lack of digital video connections and the speed of the interface, the ME1 is a good option.

If you already own a Sonos system, the new Zone Players offer no compelling reason to upgrade, unless you have significant range problems. But for new buyers, the updated hardware should make the system even more reliable, especially in large homes.

Thanks to the Tivoli NetWorks radio there is now no need for you to sit at your computer to listen to streaming Internet music. It does have to make a few compromises, however — in design and sound quality.