Today, more and more people have stored their entire music collection on the hard disc of their computer. Also, because digital cameras replace the conventional film-based models, many people have a growing number of images stored on their PC. Quite simply, people are learning how easy and convenient it can be to store music and images this way.
But how can you get the convenience of iTunes without the bother of sitting at your computer? Although PCs are increasingly becoming the heart of many home entertainment systems they still don't fit very well into most living rooms. Apart from the bulky design, the noisy fans and office-like mouse and keyboard operation don't go well with entertainment and relaxation.
|
NAD NetCap
|
Music streaming devices v media PCs and sound servers
This is where digital streaming devices fit in. Priced between £65 and £350, they receive music, pictures or even movies via wireless (or Ethernet) network connection from the PC to anywhere in the house. In contrast to more expensive hard disc sound servers or media PCs (both priced around £1,000), they don't store anything themselves. Instead, they use your existing PC as a server. That's why this is a much cheaper solution compared to buying a PC (to work with) and a sound server (for your living room) separately. But streaming devices are not only cheaper and much smaller than sound servers or media PCs (running Microsoft's Media Center Edition operating system) but also operate absolutely silent - because they don't need a hard disc, graphics card and heat-spreading processor there's no need for noisy cooling fans.
This feature especially sets them apart from PC and server solutions in your living room because you don't want to be bothered by fan noise when enjoying music. On the downside, they can only play back streamed media files whereas media PCs normally also come with built-in TV cards (for watching and recording TV and radio programmes) and some other features. Plus, PC solutions are much easier to upgrade for future applications.
|
Creative Soundblaster Wireless
|
Set-up and connectivity
Streaming devices connect easily to your existing amplifier. Using a simple remote control from your sofa, you can then listen to music and browse your image collection. Depending on the device, they display the current song title, album title and artist on a small display or on your TV screen. Most devices support all of today's common digital music file formats including MP3, WMA and WAV. Some of them even support Apple's AAC format (but not DRM-protected files from iTunes stores). If the actual file format is not supported, however, it is usually possible to convert it on the PC before it is streamed to the device for playback.
Browsing through your collection of music and photos is very easy: You just scroll through folder lists with the supplied handset and select the pieces you're interested in. Most devices also use existing playlists from iTunes or Windows Media Player and play them just like they are on the computer. That's a very handy feature because you don't have to spend hours rearranging your favourite playlists. Plus, you only have to update them once on your PC and can then play the same compilation with the device.
Going wireless
Your PC acts as a streaming server - which means it has to be switched on all the time. If you have broadband, this isn't such a big deal as many users leave their computers on near-permanently for work or to download from the internet. The PC doesn't have to be the latest model but should be considerably fast and have either a network card or (better) a wireless router to do away with the need for cables. Because there are different standards for wireless networks, you should also make sure that your router and the streaming device can talk to each other using the same protocol for transmission (the slower 802.11b specification or the faster 802.11g).
|
| Turtle Beach Audiotron
|
Once the streaming device is switched on, a connection to the PC will be established automatically and the file lists will be updated. Playback quality is usually very good, because even slower wireless networks are fast enough for playback of compressed audio files. However, for playback of uncompressed WAV files or video streaming you may need a faster 802.11g or wired connection. Some of the devices also play internet radio streams - although their sound quality is only average there is a huge choice of channels available that's worth trying.
Sound quality
As far as sound quality is concerned, keep in mind that music streaming devices usually play back compressed music files - stored using 'lossy' compression formats like MP3. Unless you stream WAV files (lossless CD quality) or files with extremely high bitrates (Apple Lossless, for example) you can't expect true hi-fi quality. But if your digital music collection consists of higher bitrate files using advanced compression methods you can expect very close to CD-quality sound. It's also important to note that MP3 compression technology tends to give better results on contemporary, electronic music than on classical or acoustic music tracks. Music streaming devices are not meant to replace your CD player - instead, you should keep your hi-fi for 'serious' listening and make use of the streaming device to benefit from its convenience features for everyday listening.
Shopping for a music streaming device
If you'd like to give it a go, pay attention to the following points:
- Network connection: Ethernet only or wireless Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi protocol: Do device and router use the same specification?
- Supported audio formats: Most units support MP3, WMA and WAV - the more formats they support the more versatile your system will be
- Photo capability: File formats and slide show options should meet your requirements
- Display: Built-in display, TV or remote, inbuilt display should be legible from a distance
- Set-up: Can you set-up everyday use on the device or do you have to configure everything on your PC?
- Playlists: Supported playlist should include iTunes and/or Windows Media Player, device playlists should be easy to create and manage
Netgear MP101
It's the lowest-priced music streaming device currently available. It's very simple to set up and operate but also very limited in terms of functionality. It only plays MP3 (up to 320kbps or variable bit rate) and WMA (up to 192kbps) files, accepts M3U and PLS playlists and streams internet radio. The MP101 comes with RCA audio jacks but lacks a digital audio output. The small display shows four lines of text only.
- Connection: Ethernet (wired) or Wi-Fi (wireless 802.11b and 802.11g networks)
- Supports Hardware-based Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP, 40/64-bit and 128-bit encryption)
- Size(WxDxH): 27x22x4cm
- Weight: .62kg
- Price: £65
- www.netgear.co.uk
Roku Soundbridge
Roku's Soundbridge is probably the most stylish device on the market - contained in a slim cylindrical aluminium tube - but also one of the most expensive. It's available in two versions (M1000 and M2000) that only differ in the size of the display (M2000: 512x32 pixels; M1000: 280x16 pixels), which can display up to four/two lines of text and music visualization. The Soundbridge supports a wide range of file formats including MP3, WMA, AAC (no DRM files), WAV, AIFF, FLAC and Ogg Vorbis. It also streams internet radio and accepts most playlist formats. It even has direct support for Apple's iTunes and Windows Media connect, so there's no need for additional software. The Soundbridge features RCA analogue and optical and coaxial digital audio outputs.
- Connection: Ethernet (wired) or Wi-Fi (802.11b and 802.11g)
- Display: 512x32 (M2000) or 280x16 (M1000) pixels vacuum fluorescent display
- Supported protocols: Apple Rendezvous and iTunes DAAP, UPnP AV and Windows Media DRM 10 WEP, AutoIP, DHCP,TCP,TELNET, HTTP, SlimServer
- Size: M1000 (width x diameter): 26x6cm M2000: 43x7cm
- Weight: M1000: .68kg M2000 1.25kg
- Price: £153 (M1000), £300 (M2000)
- www.rokulabs.com
Slim Devices Squeezebox Wireless
The Linux-based Squeezebox is capable of playing the widest range of audio formats: MP3, WMA, AAC (no DRM-files), Apple Lossless, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC or uncompressed audio (WAV and AIFF), and internet radio streams. Its large fluorescent display is bright and easy to read. The Squeezebox connects to your amplifier via digital (optical and coaxial) and analogue (RCA) audio outputs and even features a built-in alarm clock. It's available in four stylish colours and can be controlled and configured from any web browser.
- Connection: Ethernet (wired) or optional Wi-Fi (802.11b and 802.11g)
- Size(WxHxD): 22x5x12cm
- Price: £100 (wired); £140 (wireless)
- www.slimdevices.com
Other manufacturers for streaming devices:
What do you think about the trend of having all your music and photos on the hard disc of your PC? Can there be room for streaming devices in a hi-fi system? Have your say in our forum.
Do you already own one of the media steamers? Share your experience with other AVR members and write a review today!
