[Don Tolson]

I'm looking for an audio media library storage/player device which will hold a sizeable number of songs (MP3s, WMAs, etc.) then let the user either select an album or a genre to play.

We don't want to get a 'media PC' (we already have enough PCs in the house), but rather something we can attach to the Stereo in the Living Room. Kind of like the Bose 'Lifestyles' thingee, but not so pricey.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Don Tolson]

I'm looking for an audio media library storage/player device which will hold a sizeable number of songs (MP3s, WMAs, etc.) then let the user either select an album or a genre to play.

We don't want to get a 'media PC' (we already have enough PCs in the house), but rather something we can attach to the Stereo in the Living Room. Kind of like the Bose 'Lifestyles' thingee, but not so pricey.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Damion Chaplin]

Have you thought of streaming media from one of your PCs to your living room? I assume you're already storing said media on one of them. There are more (and better) options for streaming media from a PC via a network than for storing and playing on a non-PC living room device.

Also, how much media (size-wise) are we talking about? And you only need it to do music? Do you think you might do video down the road? You wouldn't want to have to buy a new device later on just because you don't currently think there's any need...

[Don Tolson]

I don't want to 'have' to have the PC going, just to listen to music. What I'm looking for is kind of like a 'desktop' iPod, I guess -- a standalone digital jukebox where we can just play anyone of our ripped CDs or downloaded tunes.

I don't really need or want a 'streaming network' running in the house.

Thanks for the idea, though.

/drt

[Jason Dunn]

It sounds like you want something like this:

http://www.consumer.philips.com/cons...CSHQNHKFSESI5P

It's crazy expensive, and I don't think there's a way for you to load up your iTunes music on it - I seriously doubt it's FairPlay compatible.

You'd get WAY more functionality and save money by getting one of these:

http://www.westerndigital.com/en/pro...sp?DriveID=243

And pairing it with a Roku Soundbridge:
http://www.rokulabs.com/products/soundbridge/index.php

[Damion Chaplin]

I second that second recommendation.

[Don Tolson]

Hmmmm, now that may be a workable solution -- a 'network' HD, coupled with the Soundbridge... that might work.
Thanks!

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by Don Tolson

Hmmmm, now that may be a workable solution -- a 'network' HD, coupled with the Soundbridge... that might work.

Make sure the network HD is compatible with the Roku - I have a Maxtor NAS and it has some media software on it that allows the Roku to see it...but I'll be damned if I can remember what the software is called! And they even send us press releases constantly...they work with Buffalo a lot.