Re: Old Soundbridge - New Soundbridge

let me try and clarify.

When we originally announced the SoundBridge, the plan was that we would use
SlimServer for the first version.  But the specs were very similar to the
ones now, the main exception being that you had to install the slim server
on your pc or mac.  But while in development, we decided to add the "itunes
compatible" mode.    With the "new" specs, you don't have to install
slimserver, you can just turn on sharing in itunes.

There are lots of benefits to this that don't show up in looking at just the
specs:
    - "plug & play".  This makes it much easier for many users
    - In our mode that talks to itunes directly ("itunes compatible mode),
we have a different user interface than the interface used for slim server.
This is because slim server is not just a server of music, it also controls
the UI.   We think our "built-in" UI is easier, better, and more powerful.
   - With native itunes support and rendezvous support, you can do things
like plug a sound bridge in on a network at work or in your dorm and access
up to 5 peoples itunes shares.
   - with the native itunes support a friend could come over with their
music on their wifi laptop, turn on sharing, and via an "ad hoc" wifi share,
you could sample their music.

The "itunes compatible" mode does support searching, song selection, etc.
It supports itunes playlists.  You can download the manual on our web site
for very specific information.

It is true that the first version of soundbridge software does require a
"server" (either itunes or slimserver).  This has the benefit of making
searches and browsing much faster than just accessing a remote networked
music share (like the hd1000 does).  It has the downside of not allowing you
to use a standard NAT for music shares.   We plan to keep adding to the
soundbridge software (we put a flash rom in the soundbridge twice as big as
we needed for 1.0 to allow for future expansion), and supporting other ways
to access your music is high on our list.   But we have no specific plans
yet.

The bottom line is that the specs and features for SoundBridge 1.0 can be
easily seen by downloading the spec sheet and our manual on our web site.
It is what it is.  We think it is by far the best networked music player on
the market.

regards
anathony


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ted Fitch" <[email protected]>
To: "Roku Tech Mail List and Discussion Group"
<[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 8:20 AM
Subject: Re: [Roku-tech] Old Soundbridge - New Soundbridge


> You don't need to install iTunes.  It also workes with the free SlimServer
> software.  I used to have a Slimp3 player (from SlimDevices) and am
eagerly
> awaiting the Soundbridge.  The Slimserver software takes up very little
CPU
> overhead, no more than an antivirus app in my estimation.  Yes you do have
> to install some server software, but in my case I have an old dell I
> repurposed to be dedicated for music, so its not an issue to have
something
> always on and running...
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Gellerman, Dave" <[email protected]>
> To: "'Roku Tech Mail List and Discussion Group'"
> <[email protected]>
> Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 8:16 AM
> Subject: RE: [Roku-tech] Old Soundbridge - New Soundbridge
>
>
> > I'm a bit confused myself...one of the great features of HD1000 is being
> > able to play music on my PC without any requirement to have specific
music
> > management/streaming software.  I'd be interested in adding a
Soundbridge
> to
> > my setup (like in the kitchen where I can't hear the home theatre where
> the
> > HD1000 is), but only if it can play music served up by windows shares.
I
> > have no interest in installing iTunes...
> >
> > Dave
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Peter Gutbrod [mailto:[email protected]]
> > Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 4:17 AM
> > To: Roku Tech Mail List and Discussion Group
> > Subject: [Roku-tech] Old Soundbridge - New Soundbridge
> >
> >
> > I'm a little bit confused, what exactly has changed in Soundbridge's
> ability
> > to play songs from the iTunes library after that license agreement with
> > Apple
> >
> > In the SoundBridge_SpecSheet.pdf from Jan 28th you advertise:
> >
> > ...
> > Supports wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi network cards.
> > Native iTunes (r)support.
> >
> > In the update information from July 1st you say:
> >
> > ... enables us to use iTunes as a streaming music server for
SoundBridge.
> > This means there will be no need to install additional software on your
PC
> > or Mac in order to play your iTunes music library.
> >
> > So before the license agreement with Apple to play iTunes songs you had
to
> > have iTunes running plus an additional software ( Roku control panel ?).
> Now
> > you only need iTunes running somewhere on the LAN, correct?
> >
> > But you can't search/select songs in iTunes to play on the Soundbridge
> like
> > you can with Airport Express, correct? So there is no improvement in
> > controlling the Soundbrigde from your computer. If you want to create a
> > playlist with different Albums/Artists that need some advanced searching
> and
> > you want to do these selections on your big Powerbook screen instead of
> the
> > tiny Soundbridge display, you must do this with a 2 step approach in
> iTunes
> > (i.e. creating a playlist first to load into Soundbridge afterwards) or
> use
> > the Roku control panel (if still supplied), correct?
> >
> > >the product has changed somewhat from the published specs, which we
> > >believe
> > represents a great improvement.
> >
> > Yes it is an improvement to work with iTunes without any additional
> > software, but is it really such a GREAT improvement for daily use? You
> still
> > have to make sure, iTunes is running somewhere on the network, so it is
> not
> > much more effort to make sure another app is running. You could
start/stop
> > both with an AppleScript f.e.
> >
> > Probably I missed something, so can someone please enlighten me?
> >
> > Peter Gutbrod
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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