options for connecting my receiver to my network

blueindian · 03-14-2005, 12:29 PM

so i have an HTPC that i built a while back, but i don't like it. the ONLY feature i use is the ability to play my mp3s/musicmatch.

things i don't like:
1. uses too much power
2. too loud (i want SILENT)
3. windows looks crappy on the tv...hard to read text on controls
4. too big

what are my other options?

requirements:

1. wired installation (wireless is OK, but I prefer CAT-5)
2. ability to browse network & play audio files
3. display is easy to read on TV
4. bonus if it can interface with musicmatch

got|suggestions?

Merlin · 03-14-2005, 12:34 PM

what about a minimac?

blueindian · 03-14-2005, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin

what about a minimac?

nah...i should have clarified: i'm looking for a "device" option rather than a pc or mac based solution. I just want to turn it on and it works...i don't want to wait on an OS to load.

Merlin · 03-14-2005, 01:15 PM

Gotcha, maybe something from the Kenwood Networked Entertainment will be to your liking. Some of the stuff is pricey but maybe it will give you some info to start narrowing down your search.

thekidrocks · 03-15-2005, 07:04 PM

Maybe this is a little off the path here, but it's a thought... Do you have a TiVo?

Here's why I ask - I was going for the same thing. I considered buying a Dell PC just for the "Dell Media Experience" software that they used to include - which integrates with a remote control easy and has HUGE icons intended for the television. The application can even be booted directly to it, and then shut down from it. Nice app.

PC would be too large for my space, built a small form factor system for that purpose, yet I can't find decent application for music files. BTW I can't copy the Dell app - it's on a BIOS seeking system disc.

Plan C is one I ran into as a fluke. I discovered that modern day TiVos have music and photo capability via a wireless network. Now the music files have to be MP3, but provided there is a PC on the home wireless network with them, and a TiVo server app (a free download) is installed - you're set!

Nice part is, the TiVo is already there, the text is very legible and the navigation is great. My own plan is to take the media PC I built and copy all of my CDs into it in MP3 format. It can still work as a print server (what it ended up being) and serve-up tunes.

gussy · 03-27-2005, 05:16 AM

i've been told by friends that this works very nicely. it connects to your pc (which is sharing your mp3s) via your network.

http://www.slimdevices.com/

thekidrocks · 03-27-2005, 10:32 AM

That squeezebox2 looks like it has some potential. What I am reading indicates it handles WMA lossless, which many similar units do not. The TiVo does not even handle WMA - only MP3.

Down side is the price.

ufcrusher · 03-28-2005, 12:27 AM

BI-

Are you looking for something similar to a MCE 2005 extender?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...extenders.mspx

There are a lot of other media devices that hook directly into your receiver and then your computer either through wifi or traditional wired methods.

Tradionally they are called media receivers and have been around for a while.

03-14-2005, 12:29 PM	#1
blueindian Vice Admiral Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: down in the ghetto Posts: 4,142	options for connecting my receiver to my network so i have an HTPC that i built a while back, but i don't like it. the ONLY feature i use is the ability to play my mp3s/musicmatch. things i don't like: 1. uses too much power 2. too loud (i want SILENT) 3. windows looks crappy on the tv...hard to read text on controls 4. too big what are my other options? requirements: 1. wired installation (wireless is OK, but I prefer CAT-5) 2. ability to browse network & play audio files 3. display is easy to read on TV 4. bonus if it can interface with musicmatch got\|suggestions? __________________ yeah, pretty much we missed the boat on that one. but it's still here. get you some.

03-14-2005, 12:34 PM	#2
Merlin Admiral Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Square On My Arse Posts: 7,410	what about a minimac? __________________

03-28-2005, 12:27 AM	#8
ufcrusher Admiral Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Boca Raton, FL: By way of: Poway, CA; Gainesville, Fl; Penn Valley, Pa. Posts: 5,680	BI- Are you looking for something similar to a MCE 2005 extender? http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...extenders.mspx There are a lot of other media devices that hook directly into your receiver and then your computer either through wifi or traditional wired methods. Tradionally they are called media receivers and have been around for a while. __________________ Welcome my son, welcome to the machine...Where have you been? It's alright we know where you've been.... Last edited by ufcrusher : 03-28-2005 at 12:31 AM.

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03-14-2005, 01:15 PM	#4
Merlin Admiral Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Square On My Arse Posts: 7,410	Gotcha, maybe something from the Kenwood Networked Entertainment will be to your liking. Some of the stuff is pricey but maybe it will give you some info to start narrowing down your search.

03-15-2005, 07:04 PM	#5
thekidrocks Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northen Indiana Posts: 357	Maybe this is a little off the path here, but it's a thought... Do you have a TiVo? Here's why I ask - I was going for the same thing. I considered buying a Dell PC just for the "Dell Media Experience" software that they used to include - which integrates with a remote control easy and has HUGE icons intended for the television. The application can even be booted directly to it, and then shut down from it. Nice app. PC would be too large for my space, built a small form factor system for that purpose, yet I can't find decent application for music files. BTW I can't copy the Dell app - it's on a BIOS seeking system disc. Plan C is one I ran into as a fluke. I discovered that modern day TiVos have music and photo capability via a wireless network. Now the music files have to be MP3, but provided there is a PC on the home wireless network with them, and a TiVo server app (a free download) is installed - you're set! Nice part is, the TiVo is already there, the text is very legible and the navigation is great. My own plan is to take the media PC I built and copy all of my CDs into it in MP3 format. It can still work as a print server (what it ended up being) and serve-up tunes.

03-27-2005, 05:16 AM	#6
gussy Ensign Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: los angeles, ca Posts: 35	i've been told by friends that this works very nicely. it connects to your pc (which is sharing your mp3s) via your network. http://www.slimdevices.com/

03-27-2005, 10:32 AM	#7
thekidrocks Lieutenant Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northen Indiana Posts: 357	That squeezebox2 looks like it has some potential. What I am reading indicates it handles WMA lossless, which many similar units do not. The TiVo does not even handle WMA - only MP3. Down side is the price.

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