Yamaha MusicCAST Wireless PCM/MP3 Server

HawKe7 writes "Wireless MP3 in your home? You betcha! Audioholics recently reviewed Yamaha's new MusicCAST Digital Music Server. The MusicCAST can store your entire CD collection in PCM/MP3 formats and stream it wirelessly to clients stationed throughout your home (track, genre and artist info are provided automatically via on-board Gracenote CDDB). Use your imagination... wireless audio throughout the home from a centralized server, digital PCM storage of your entire CD collection, creation of customized playlist CDs with the included CD-R drive... lots of valid uses for this type of tech. The unit is apparently a solid performer (not to mention a FAST CD ripper - just under 5 minutes), with excellent MP3 and PCM audio playback and compatibility with existing 802.11b networks. Though the unit is priced out of reach for some with an MSRP of $2800, it is an impressive system for those who want the latest and the best."

Comments

FLAC/etc?

[Anonymous Coward]

Why not use a lossless codec instead of raw PCM? There are several free ones available, including FLAC - which is the most open format.

$2800?

[localghost]

This costs way too much. Hardware for a system like this would run you up to maybe $1200, since you're getting lots of storage and a top of the line sound card, but you don't need a display or a graphics card or anything like that. Then add in software to run an audio streaming app (free), software to run a networked filesystem (free), and software to control it remotely, both over 802.11b and IrDA (free, but proprietary IrDA software might work better). No way this would cost $2800. Nice idea, though. If I had enough money to spare, I might consider building a system like this myself. No way I'd pay $2800 for one, though.

Re:$2800?

[YrWrstNtmr]

This costs way too much.

Yes, it does. But this is merely on of the first of it's kind.

How much were VCR's when they frst came out? $1000. Today, $50.
Calculators? $120. Today? Mostly free.

10 years ago, how much would you have paid for 100GB of hard drive space?

Give it time. It'll come down.

Re:Why not just build an FM transmitter?

[Cloud 9]

Uhm... because FM transmitters sound like garbage?

Flame on.

at $2800

[penguin7of9]

it should include a substantial collection of pre-ripped CDs. You know, the "all classical" MP3 collection or the "all Jazz" MP3 collection.

Re:Competition

[dspyder]

You're forgetting that the average Joe will be able to take the Yamaha system out of the box, plug it in, and be listening to music this year. (quote Apple: There is no step 3)

Your solution we'll be sitting around waiting for the software packages to finish the last 3% of functionality (in the meantime, their skins engine will work just fine)... not to mention what will happen when the whole thing crashes :)

I love Linux, but when it comes to reliable, easy-to-install, works every time, doesn't require a degree in programming, there's something to be said about paying money for a prepackaged working solution with support and a warranty.

Nobody has yet to show me a MythTV solution that is half as clean and reliable as a Tivo or UltimateTV and doesn't sound like a jet engine inside a beige box

--D

p.s. "Linux is only free if your time has no value"

p.p.s. Let the troll mods flow in, I got karma to burn!

Re:More fun for half the price...

[imsabbel]

Believe me, in the audio rack both would look like shit.