Now we start getting to the interesting stuff. A new class of "network appliance" is hitting the market from a number of vendors such as Sonus, Logitech and Roku. Known as "Network Music Players", these devices connect to your home network and then to your A/V receiver.
They become the "bridge" between your digital music library and your entertainment system. Their features vary; simple LED display vs. color touchscreen, connection to online music services (such as Pandora and Rhapsody), Internet radio and even built-in speakers. Even an iPhone app is available as a music control user interface.
Pluses:
- If you have your music library on a server, you're all set!
- User interfaces range from remote controls to iPhone apps.
- No PC or laptop required for selection playback! Although there is a web interface available if you would like to control these devices from a computer.
- Connection to Internet radio and on-line music services.
- Wireless connection available - great if you do not have an Ethernet port near your A/V receiver.
Minuses:
- Audio only. If you want to stream video as well, you need to look elsewhere.
- Yet another remote controller - unless you use an iPhone app or a browser in place of the remote
Summary:: Here is the exact solution that I was looking for when I first started my quest. With my library in one place on my network (my NAS), these devices give me direct access along with some other excellent online music sources.
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