Re: Old Soundbridge - New Soundbridge

Anthony,

Have I misstepped?
I recently purchased the HD1000 thinking I could stream audio to it and now
see that a server of some sort is needed.

I recently became aware of the SlimServer and am now reading about iTunes
with the SoundBridge.  What are plans for HD1000 relative to this same
issue?

FYI, I subscribe to MusicMatch and am not sure if their player can act as a
server in same general fashion as iTunes, but am very interested in the
possibility.  Are you familiar with this product and how it might someday
interface with Roku technology?

Regards,
Brent

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Anthony Wood" <[email protected]>
To: "Roku Tech Mail List and Discussion Group"
<[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 10:52 AM
Subject: Re: [Roku-tech] 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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