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IP Based Audio Systems?

Posted by Cliff on from the networked-stereos dept.

pbrinich asks: "I am in the process of designing a new audio system for a house under construction. I have been looking for a purely IP-based audio system. Has anyone heard of a good, open, IP-based, multi-zone audio system that is ready for consumer use? I have read a bit on a company called netstreams and their DigiLinx line. Any thoughts?"

2 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. Barix by BrookHarty · · Score: 3, Informative

    One that looked interesting was Barix @ http://www.barix.com

    Id rather have wireless, which they seem to have. But I understand if you have a house wired with cat5 or better, its tempting to use it. Would be interesting for home surround systems, you dont have to run cables for your rear speakers, and not have to buy a wireless setup.

    BTW, Barix popped up as a google sponsered link.

  2. Re:Squeezebox2 by FreeForm+Response · · Score: 3, Informative

    I'm also a huge fan of my Squeezebox, and I thought I'd share a couple of tips with you.

    If you have several SB2s, you can coordinate them all to play at the same time, so that you have synced music in several rooms or the whole house. [...] I'm not sure if units will sync from the remote or only from the web interface. I'm fairly sure you have to CREATE the sync via web browser, but I suspect it will probably just work from then on. I believe you'd hit play on any unit in a group, and they would all start playing.

    The synchronization can be done from any Squeezebox connected to a given SlimServer, with any other Squeezebox(es) also connected to that SlimServer. They do behave as you expect, in that the "play" signal from any member of the group propagates to all of the other members. The synchronized Squeezeboxes also share playlists, though, so you can organize a playlist (or load a saved one) on one Squeezebox that all of them will then follow.

    Also, the SlimServer software ships with a Java-based Squeezebox emulator called SoftSqueeze. Your SlimServer web interface should have a link to it somewhere; in the Default skin, it's down in the lower-left corner of the left-hand frame. This software can be used to turn virtually any computer (since it's Java and all) into another Squeezebox, which will then connect to the SlimServer and appear exactly like a hardware Squeezebox. The SoftSqueeze clients can even be synchronized with hardware players.

    Have fun!