AV with Ethernet capabilities

[psfir]

I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on the new Onkyo TX-NR905 or Yamaha RX-V3800. Both of these AV's offer Ethernet capabilities to access internet radio and MP3's on a PC on the network. Although a bit pricey.

The other option was to consider purchasing the Onkyo TX-SR805 or similar Yamaha model and purchase the Logitech Squeezebox Duet to add ethernet capabilities. I believe the only difference would be the display, the AV receiver is capable of providing a GUI on the TV thats attached versus the Squeezebox the display is on the remote.

Anyone have any thoughts on these options? Any input is much appreciated.

 

[MDS]

Option 2 with the Squeezebox or Duet.

Onkyo's first 'NetTune' receivers with the same feature were a disaster (not the receiver part but the ethernet streaming part). You get a limited GUI that is hard to navigate and not nearly as flexible as a separate solution. You can pretty much forget about ever getting patches or firmware upgrades too - they never release any just like they never released any new upgrade cards for their top of the line receiver that could switch cards to add/remove functionality. I like Onkyo receivers a lot (it's what I always buy) but stick to the bread and butter AV functions and get the network interface separately.

The only possible downside to the Squeezebox approach is that it requires a computer to run their server side software (unless you only want to listen to internet radio stations).

 

[gus6464]

That or an Airport Express for the cheapest way possible.

 

[psfir]

Thanks very much for the info on ethernet capable AV units. I wondered how good could they be. Duett looks very nice but I also have found other media streamers like the

Netgear Digital Entertainer EVA700 wireless media streamer
Linksys Dma2200 Media Center Extender Hd Dvd
Omnifi DMS1 Digital Media Streamer

Anyone have any experience with these or others that you like and work well. I would like to get access to both my MP3's, internet radio, play back Divx, AVI's etc.

 

[itschris]

Not sure the price point you want to stay in, but I have the Pioneer Elite 94 which is has the Home Media Gallery built in. Literally every night we're listening to internet radio... all over the world. I was listening to Russian Jazz last night. I access all my music on my PC and can watch just about anything by slipping in a thumb drive. You could even attach a huge external usb hard drive if you wanted to.

Combine that with all the other features, and just outright great sound, it's a bargain in my mnd. Of course...I own one, but I spent a lot of time going back and forth with my choice... and the collective groan from the board as they recall my 3 months of belly achin' about it can attest to that.

 

[psfir]

Anyone have experience with Media Extenders either for Windows Media Center or others. I am trying to figure out if its worth the money to get an AV with Ethernet built in or go to an external solution.

Thanks

 

[yettitheman]

I'd go external; better flexibility in the long run. Receivers aren't really in the realm yet for networked use.

Something like the Apple TV could be hacked... and then used as a client for a remote AV server....

 

[Seth=L]

I'd go external; better flexibility in the long run. Receivers aren't really in the realm yet for networked use.

Something like the Apple TV could be hacked... and then used as a client for a remote AV server....

Yes, but then one would have to support Apple through the initial purchase, and that's terrible.

 

[itschris]

I have to say that I was all geared up to build a nice high end HTPC, but I have to say, the Pioneer is doing an admirable job grabbing media off my PC. I'm going to build the HTPC, but I'm enjoying a easy and quality access to my stuff with my PIO for now.

 

[yettitheman]

Yes, but then one would have to support Apple through the initial purchase, and that's terrible.

How is it terrible? That would be like me saying "but then one would have to support Krell through the initial purchase, and that's terrible." Krell makes nice components, but would I buy one? Not for me anyways. Other people really get their jollies off of it. Mine would be an Anthem or McIntosh amp. Yum....

Apple isn't like Mon$ter cable in the sense that they sue or overcharge for their equipment (except the small stuff really); the difference being is that their market focus is different than the PC market, and that Mac has never had a profit margin like Microsoft does; they say it isn't a monopoly, but it really is by definition.


With that being said, there is actually MANY ways to go about using a receiver with computer. The Apple TV provides a pretty slim and cheap interface for pulling up music and video (but I don't know how well video support is right now on the homebrew side) as well as the Mac Mini (but it's $600).
An HTPC would also do nicely, but making it quiet enough poses a bit of a acoustical and thermal design problem; one of which I am working on right now to speak of.

 

[Seth=L]

How is it terrible?

Becauses it's almost as many as four ten cakes.

Krell is overpriced btw.

 

[gus6464]

I don't understand why people still think apple is overpriced. Their newer stuff ever since they switched to Intel has very pretty competitive price wise. My wife has a Macbook Pro and I myself have a Macbook and even though the MBP was a little more than what she wanted to pay it's still a very solid machine. Can't say the same about the Dell, HP, and Acer laptops I have owned in the past. I still use PCs for desktop use because of games and certain apps but as far as laptops I can see myself always owning a macbook.

 

[santeini]

If i am not mistaken all the players above can only stream audio, you are better of with a dedicate media streamer such as:
Linksys Dma2200 Media Center Extender Hd Dvd or
Omnifi DMS1 Digital Media Streamer