Airport Express Impressions

While not totally germane to this list, I thought some readers might
enjoy my initial impressions of Apple's new Airport Express audio
capabilities.

In brief: Apple has another winner.

It arrived today and I've been putting it through it's paces since
about noon.

Basically, iTunes is simply sending a simple bitstream to the
Airport Express which it is clocking onto on the digital optical
streams.  (It uses a Sony MiniDisc jack).  iTunes is responsible
for converting the audio file into the requisite bitstream.

I've played AAC, MP3, and Apple Lossess.  But to verify the theory
I ripped my DTS CDs to AIFF and played them.  My receiver properly
recognized and decoded them as DTS.

I find that the audio is a bit glitchy even with the dell running
itunes and the airport express on the same NetGear FS108 switch.  But
I think that's windows; I'll try a powerbook later to see.

The best thing is that it's small and is a also a wireless AP.
It's a keeper.

I'd love to see the HD1000 be able to act as an AirTunes receiver.

-- 
Matt Thomas                     email: [email protected]
3am Software Foundry              www: http://3am-software.com/bio/matt/
Cupertino, CA              disclaimer: I avow all knowledge of this message.