Another Plug For The Squeezebox
Dwight Silverman writes about his experience with D-Link's DSM-320 Wireless Media Player in his weekly tech column.
After purchasing a DTR laptop last fall, I was ready to ditch the desktop, which I used to stream audio to the stereo via a usb audio device. However, before ditching that box, I needed to find a standalone device that could connect to my stereo AND act as a streaming device from a central server (as it turns out, the old desktop box, which got moved to a spare room).
The DSM-320 is a device I considered, but ultimately rejected in favor of my Slim Devices Squeezebox.
I went with the Squeezebox because I had a chance to test out the open-source software that powers their device (products by competitor Roku can also use the software), and was very impressed with how it worked. In comparison, the D-Link and some other devices made use of proprietary software written for Windows. My reaction to that -- uh, no, I don't think so. I might have considered the Turtle Beach Audiotron, but it had been discontinued.
The Squeezebox has been outstanding. The software is regularly updated, and the open-source architecture means lots of useful plugins are developed. Technologically, it's super -- sounds great, operates well, no complaints. The only thing I would change about it is the appearance. It looks like an alarm clock sitting in with the rest of my stereo components.
It doesn't stream video, so if that's important to you, you're better off looking to other devices. But if your main interest is streaming mp3s and internet radio stations, I HIGHLY recommend the Squeezebox, which can be operated via remote control and/or via web interface. And you can always try the Slim Server software, which also has the capability of streaming your music over the internet. I experimented with the software a week or so before I ever ordered the Squeezebox, and it definitely helped sell me on the product.
(Update) Okay, there is one more thing I would change about the device -- the silly damn name. See comments below. :)
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 02/23/05 17:47 | Music | Technorati
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Comments
Kevin's got a Squeezebox
Callie never sleeps at night!
Posted by Steve Casburn @ 19:04 on 02/23/05
Steve, do you have any idea how many times I sing that song when Kev mentions his Squeezebox? Lots. Much to Kev's chagrin. : )
Does this date us?
Posted by Callie @ 19:51 on 02/23/05
Callie: Does it date us? Sad to say, yes.
But the older I get, the more I appreciate generational in-jokes. :-)
Posted by Steve Casburn @ 17:54 on 02/24/05
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