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General discussion

Network storage and streaming of music

Nov 6, 2005 12:47AM PST

I have a network hard drive (Linkstation) hooked to my home network. I have lots of music files stored on them. Presently the only way I can access these files is through one of my pc's. I have looked into different options of streaming music without using one of my PC, but no luck. I have not come across anything which will recognize my NAS and pick up music to stream without help of any of my PC. Can somebody say that I am wrong. Can somebody help me to overcome this problem

Discussion is locked

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Can't be done.
Nov 6, 2005 1:50AM PST

While you noted the location of the files, you didn't tell what it would stream to.

In closing, I have this solved at my work. We setup one of those microatx PCs that draw about 20 Watts and it plays the MP3s just fine. It's not a full fledged PC but I will not debate it.

Bob

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Re: Network storage
Nov 6, 2005 8:52AM PST

Streaming to my home theatre receiver. I came across some of very costly choices but not sure will they work ( eg: Sonos system, Olive Musica etc)

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What digital connection does your stereo have?
Nov 6, 2005 9:17AM PST

We're still at the no-start phase. Most audio systems accept some analog connection and not streaming audio. As such you need something with smarts in the middle and the right connections.

I noted what we use at the office. A dimunitive PC. You would not know its a PC, but it runs linux. No keyboard, etc...

Bob

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re: NAS streaming
Nov 7, 2005 12:13AM PST

I have Denon AVR-2805 and it has both digital and analog inputs. I am interested in your mini/micro PC. Can you give details. Thanks

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I can bet...
Nov 7, 2005 12:36AM PST

The Denon digital input needs something with smarts to convert your NAS files to something it can use. But the usual solutions are some board/devices that can use the NAS and play the file to it's analog output.

Our office music server is a Via board like you see at http://www.bytewizecomputers.com/products/7/7/580/5772 It can boot from a variety of devices and we are looking at using the USB memory key with some linux next. For now it's some castoff 2GB hard disk. The case is some recycled VCR and we may someday connect up the push buttons.

Cheers,

Bob

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Sonos is What You Are Looking For
Nov 30, 2005 8:14AM PST

I have three Buffalo 120GB Linkstations full to the brim with music. I stream all of it via my five zone Sonos Digital Music System.

I do have two PCs on my network, but I definitely don't need them to stream music from my NAS boxes.

This system was designed for people like you - with music on attached storage.

The other products out there want to sell you another hard drive.