1. Sonos System – Capable of streaming a personal library plus a handful of internet services like Pandora without a computer. Purchase the core hardware, connect speakers, and start listening. Downside? Cost.
2. Airport Express – Significantly lower cost in comparison. Plugin, connect speakers, start iTunes, grab iPhone or iPod Touch (wireless controller), and start listening. Downside? Computer with iTunes installed.

The ideal home music network?

• Easy to setup – No one wants to spend time reading instructions on how to get setup. It’s not rocket science.
• Cost effectiveness – The idea of being able to walk from room to room and playing the role of DJ Home shouldn’t break the bank.
• Connectivity – Wired or wireless. The idea is to send music to speakers wherever they might be.
• Compatibility – Personal library and / or free and subscription based internet streaming services?
• Flexibility – Music doesn’t need to be permanently stored on a single computer. Access any computers or external storage devices on a network.
• Always on – Music should stream instantly without waiting for a computer to wake from sleep or boot-up.

I yearned for a simple piece of hardware which would meet all of the above criteria. I was already familiar with Slim Devices SqueezeBox but had no idea of the updated product line and discovered the Duet.

Meet the Logitech SqueezeBox Duet

Logitech acquired Slim Devices back in October 2006. Since then, the SqueezeBox series has seen new additions including the release of the SqueezeBox Duet.

SqueezeBox Receiver – Wired or wireless network connection. Audio output options include analog or digital out. Once connected to the internet, the receiver talks to your [free] SqueezeNetwork account grabbing account info and service logins. For personal music playback, the receiver checks your local network for SqueezeCenter – the downloadable client which runs in the background on your computer. (Full Specs)

SqueezeBox Controller – 2.4" LCD with a iPod-esque scroll wheel to navigate and control. 802.11g wireless support means complete control from a different room. Like the Logitech Harmony remotes family, the display shuts off after a specified interval and turns on whenever the remote is picked up.

Together, the two work in perfect harmony providing you with complete access to your personal or online music libraries.

Bring the internet, speakers, and more storage

Setting up the SqueezeBox Duet to send audio to my Samsung speaker bar required very little work. And thanks to its discrete size and appearance, the receiver disappeared quite easily into the TV stand.

Within 10-15 minutes, I had the receiver and controller unpacked, plugged in, connected to the wireless network, communicating with my SqueeezNetwork account, and streaming a station from my Pandora account. Beyond the initial language settings, wireless network configuration, and account setup for streaming services, the SqueezeBox Duet is music when you want it within seconds of powering waking up the receiver.

The beauty of this little gem shines even more so when configuring multiple rooms in a household for music playback. Assuming separate speakers in each room, the only additional networking hardware required is the receiver. Once added to the network, your controller will add the device to your SqueezeNetwork for management.

The ability to access my entire music library (and then some) without a computer is an awesome feeling. I am already making plans to offload all of my non-DRM files to a network storage device (NAS) for access through the Duet. Now to find a good NAS… Ideas?

Music playback is limited to non-DRM protected tracks with support for MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, MP2, MusePack, WMA, and Lossless (Apple, FLAC, WMA).

SqueezeBox Duet issues

1. Clunky web interface for managing your different service accounts and devices. During setup, I was never sure if account info was saved properly or accepted.
2. No unified music library. Listening services like Pandora or Last.fm require that the Duet connect with your SqueezeNetwork account. In order to listen to your local network libraries, you will need to disconnect from SqueezeNetwork and connect to your installed SqueezeCenters.
3. Occasional slow startup time for the controller. I noticed that that using the iPeng iPhone app does not experience the same sluggish start.

Supported internet services

The SqueezeBox Duet supports the following services out of the box: Classical.com, Last.fm, Live365, Mediafly, MP3tunes, Napster, Pandora, RadioIO, RadioTime, Rhapsody, Sirius, and Slacker.

Music entertainment is new again

In short, music is now a constant source of entertainment at home. Rather than turning on the television I turn on the sound bar and relax with the controller in hand.

For those who carry their iPhones around the house regularly, you may want to check out the iPeng (App Store). iPeng provides every feature provided by the SqueezeBox Controller. Note that if you are sitting at a computer, you can control the Duet through your SqueezeNetwork account in your web browser.

For those who do not own a stereo system, the SqueezeBox Boom may be a good option. Are you running a music network at home?

Being a fan of Logitech (check out the diNovo Edge), and after receiving recommendations from others, I decided a Logitech Harmony was my best bet for controlling most if not all of my electronics.

Hunt for special deals – online and local

After a day of online research, I had settled on the Logitech Harmony 720. CNET awarded the remote with an 8.3. With a suggested retail price of $169, the Harmony 720 is not cheap. Fortunately, Costco offers the remote with a $50 mail-in / instant coupon discount bringing the price down to $119. Once I had ruffled through the included documentation, I inserted the installation CD-ROM (Windows & Mac OS compatible software), and began the remote control programming process.

Gone are the days of seemingly arbitrary device codes

At some point in time, we’ve all had to deal with feature-limited IR remote controls. Chances are high that you have all spent time trying to program remotes using device codes for your electronic components. If none of the device codes worked properly, you were essentially SOL. Remember these?

1. Turn on the device that you wish to control.
2. Point the remote at the device and hold down the Code Search button.
3. Hold down the button [on the remote] which corresponds with the device to be programmed. Release when the LED blinks 3 consecutive times.
4. Enter one device code at a time. Press Power to test whether or not the code works. If the device powers off, you have the correct device code.

Oh the good ‘ol days. Unintuitive, time consuming to program, and unfriendly for the average consumer. Fortunately, universal remote technology has improved just as any other electronic device has improved. The Logitech Harmony 720 is one such remote which offers far more feature-wise than its predecessors, yet manages to deliver in a package which is easier to program and use.

Farewell device codes, hello visual programming guide

Manually entering device codes is a thing of the past. Logitech went to great lengths so that customers could spend less time scratching their head [programming], and more time operating all of their components from a single universal remote. How does Logitech accomplish this? Rather than requiring that device codes be manually inputed and tested on the remote, Logitech uses desktop software (Windows XP / Vista & Mac OS versions included) + a USB cable to program the Harmony remotes. That’s right, it’s 2007, and everything – including the Harmony remote – is programmed and managed from your computer. No computer? I don’t even want to imagine.

Programming devices for the Harmony remote is as simple as answering a few questions including the a) device category, b) device type, c) manufacturer, and d) model. Once the details are in place, Logitech syncs the settings with your Harmony remote via USB. Any necessary updates are downloaded from the net directly. Fortunately, Logitech maintains a considerable database of component programming ensuring that most of the electronics in your collection can be controlled. If, by chance Logitech needs additional programming, your Harmony remote can "listen" to your original IR remote.

Swapping between entertainment "modes"

While programming for use with my electronic components was not surprising, I was excited to see the introduction of "Activities" – pre-set / programmed entertainment modes which enable or disable certain components based on what you wish to do. Examples:

• Want to watch digital cable? Select the My TV activity and the Logitech remote will turn on your television, cable box, and sound system.
• Want to play video games? The Logitech Harmony will turn off your cable box and power on your game console (if supported) and switch your television input.

Activities can be any number of entertainment modes automatically configured by Logitech (recommendations) based on your added devices, or manually configured by yourself. Enable or disable certain audio / video components based on your needs and assign each to its own "Activities" button.

Creating and setting-up activities is just as easy as adding devices to the remote. There may be one or two extraneous steps during the setup process, but the end result is a true universal remote.

All of your components controlled in Harmony? Likes / dislikes

Likes

• Managing / programming the remote via USB from both Mac OS & Windows.
• Auxiliary display provides component controls based on the device which is currently selected.
• Tilt sensor enables the backlit buttons and display whenever the remote is picked-up.
• LOVE how each of my existing (and future) components are supported.
• Re-chargeable!

Dis-likes

• Logitech software is more of a specialized web browser.
• Button labels are painted on.
• Central control buttons (chrome) have too resounding of a click.
• Not all buttons are backlit. Hopefully your television screen provides enough light in a dark room so that you can see all of the buttons.
• Software on Mac OS is still a little buggy.

Do you own a Logitech Harmony? Something else? Drop a comment sharing your thoughts on whether or not you’re controlling all of your components with a universal.

Save on Wholesale Electronics

Get your electronics for the lowest price and search for wholesale electronics today! You’ll be glad you did, and you can use the money you saved on other home electronics that catch your eye. Never pay too much for electronics.

I will, however, state how ridiculously easy it is to go from shrink wrap to Apple goodness on the widescreen. Apple’s simplicity and ability to integrate with an existing home network is amazing.

• Remove Apple TV & remote from Styrofoam
• Ignore the fact that Apple includes a manual
• Connect [composite or HDMI] & power cable
• Turn-on television and select appropriate video source
• Enjoy opening credits
• Enter wireless network password
• Be lazy

You need to register a specific computer for syncing, but I skipped that step only because streaming sounded more convenient. Load time for video content was incredibly quick. Most likely due to the fact that the Airport Extreme Base Station has that N-goodness. Streaming television downloads from my Mac Pro loaded in about 1.5 seconds and movies 3-5. I am enjoying the fact that 98% of my video content consists of .mp4’s.

I wish all television related remotes were as simple as Apple’s. I only wish I could somehow control the volume on the television without needing to find the actual TV remote.

Why go through the hassle or apprehension of experiencing a new “hot” spot in town for the first-time when others may have already done so? The current state of the web is of a social & sharing nature; an internet comprised of users willing to share their feelings in hopes of persuading or dissuading you for or from a stellar or lackluster experience. Isn’t it time you saved yourself from experiencing less than stellar service?

Above and beyond stagnant censored reviews

We’ve all shared similar experiences at local restaurants, bars, retail stores, or the corner coffee shop. That elated feeling due in part to an excellent wait staff & meal, or that disgusted feeling from less than cordial service. We all contain within us an innate quality to share our experiences with others. Uncensored and unabated, Yelp.com serves as a social platform for sharing our personal experiences in a way unrivaled by any other service.

Prior to discovering Yelp, I knew of nowhere other than CitySearch or CityGuide to turn to for local reviews. A pity considering that the Yelp service was co-founded by Jeremy Stoppelman & Russel Simmons back in 2004 (about Yelp).

Yelp puts the power of real customer reviews back into the hands of users in an open environment featuring user moderation, voting, recommending, discussions, private messaging, and city focused forums where real locals mingle and organize social events. The simplicity of Craigslist mashed together with the Yahoo & Google API, photo sharing, and oftentimes brutally honest or witty reviews previously reserved for personal blogs.

Reviews are meant to be shared… and read

Yelp offers users an incredible array of features geared towards the social aspect of user generated reviews. It is incredibly easy to share reviews with others thanks to the convenient “Send to friend” option available with any Yelp review. Additionally, Yelp allows users to create specialized lists based on personal recommendations. Take for example Michelle’s thorough list of reviewed Wifi hotspots in the greater Seattle area.

Furthermore, Yelp also offers interactive maps [Blog Bling] generated off of submitted reviews. Additionally, these maps (as seen to the left), can feature venues from the aforementioned custom lists allowing members to share specific content with contacts through their blogs, MySpace, or Xanga pages.

Local users in your area

With the widespread use of Yelp, chances are that users are already actively reviewing and mingling in your locality. At current, Yelp offers review directories for major cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Austin, and New York among others. Point your browser towards Yelp and register your free account or take the tour. I can almost guarantee that once a few reviews are read, your desire to voice your own opinion will undoubtedly present itself. How can you resist with checking out a service which offers “Make me Yelp” underwear?

Full disclosure – Yelp Elite

For the record, no monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Yelp “review”. I would gladly point out that the service offers a realistic perspective of local venues based off of reviews from real people.

To view more images from a recent Yelp Elite party in Seattle, feel free to check out the Seattle Yelp Elite Squad set on Flickr. You see, Yelpers stumble around like anyone else would after too many Yelp Cosmos.

Prior to this review, I had the impression that Sony had created a respectable mobile communications device suitable for instant messaging and VoIP users. True to the sales pitch, the Sony Mylo, or “My life online” delivers – to a certain degree.

Inspecting the media glamorized features and factory specifications on SonyStyle.com. What is there to complain about? I’ll go through the nitty-gritty and “glamorize” where the device falls short preventing it from being a solid Wifi-limited communications device.

Until users manage to get their hands on an actual unit, they are completely unaware of how far the device falls short of expectations – strike that, where Sony falls short. Ignoring the hefty $350 price tag (or about 8 weeks of lunch money for the average college student), the initial “Mylo gadget magic” soon subsides.

The sliding screen is hiding an uncomfortable keypad

Slide the PSP-esque plastic display up to reveal what looks like a standard mobile friendly QWERTY keypad. Look only, don’t touch. The moment your finger touch the tactile-less keys, you immediately realize how much of a nuisance tapping out messages will be. Anyone with average width fingers will have an extremely difficult time registering keystrokes; be prepared to peck at keys with your thumbnails in order to ensure your words are displayed as they should be.

Fisher Price creates toddler toys with more tactile feedback and attention to keyboard usability than Sony did with the Mylo.

The above comment is no exaggeration. What’s more surprising the the fact that Sony opted to go the touch typist route by neglecting to add any type of backlighting. Why? The device has a constantly pulsing light when connected via Wifi. Why not go the extra step and add a few LEDs under the keys?

Instant messaging bundle minus AIM

Why enter a mobile communications arena without the single largest messaging network bundled as part of the software package? Although the current Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, and Skype clients all carry their own weight – chat, file transfer, and profiles – nothing competes with the likes of AOL / AIM.

OS X / Sony video transfer headache?

Why does Sony insist on creating headaches for users? Why require software for transferring files to and from the device? Plugged-in via USB, the unit mounts as a standard USB mass storage device. Why not leave it at that and let users manage their own files via drag ‘n drop [respecting the default file heirarchy] rather than dumping Sonicstage on to Windows users or leaving OS X users to fend for themselves? Headaches I tell you! All I want is to move some of my unviewed Lost episodes from my MacBook Pro to the tiny bean shaped unit. Will someone show me the way?

The Sony Mylo is a sound investment?

I don’t think so. If you have an extra $350 lying around, invest that money into a Smartphone which allows you to do everything this device does – browsing, MP3, photos, video, and phone calls – anywhere your adventures take you. With the exception of Skype, the Sony Mylo carries little value in comparison to your standard Windows Mobile, Blackberry, or Palm powered devices. Target audience of late high school & college students? Most of these kids are already carrying fully featured handsets more capable than the Mylo could ever be for the same or less (price-wise).

In an effort to boost sales, Sony and T-Mobile have teamed up to offer Mylo users free internet access at any one of thousands of T-Mobile Hotspots across the country (read Starbucks) through the end of 2007 [via]. Sony promises that a unique certificate delivered to the device via software updates will allow Mylo users to log on at any T-Mobile Hotspot bypassing the standard web authentication required for standard laptop / PDA users.

I consider Seattle to be incredibly wired (meaning blanketed in free Wifi) and the Mylo serves as nothing more than a solution to saving cellphone minutes. $350 for a Skype handset anyone?

The convenience offered by Apple’s Front Row application dissipates once users begin to push the limitations of the software. Where does the convenience of Front Row begin to waver?

1. Front Row only indexes your home Movies directory (~/Movies) and your current video library via iTunes. No preference pane for external drives or directories.
2. Television shows downloaded via bittorent will most likely fail playback despite being saved to your ~/Movies directory.

Both of these pitfalls can be remedied in 5-minutes or less breathing new life into the integrated “media center” built into all current Apple computers.

Support bittorrent downloads

Missing your favorite television show – be it Greys Anatomy, Nip/Tuck, or Prison Break – is a thing of past. The modern convenience of DVRs and the bittorrent network allow anyone with access to broadband internet to acquire their favorite episodes within hours (or less). Until now, playback of downloaded episodes often required the open source VLC Media Player due to the video encoding – DivX / XviD – of most distributed television episodes.

The fix? A small XviD QuickTime Component.

1. Depending on your hardware configuration, download the PPC or Intel binaries (~2MB).
2. Unzip and drag the AviImporter-r7 & XviD_Codec-r58 components into ~/Library/QuickTime. If the directory does not exist, create it and then drag the components within. Restart in order for Front Row to properly detect the new components.
3. Test your new QuickTime components by dragging any bittorrent episode into the Movies directory and starting Front Row. If all is as it should be, Front Row will play your file(s) as they were meant to be watched – from the comforts of your couch / bed with remote in hand.

Expand on your Front Row experience

Now that Front Row is configured for playback of the more widely accepted XviD codec, the possibilities for video playback are endless. The following are additional links to supplement your video library needs.

• MacTheRipper – Freeware DVD ripper allows users to make “legal” copies of their DVD library creating region free images of disks.
• Handbrake – Once your videos have been stripped of their encryption, pass the video_ts folder through Handbrake for MPEG-4 / h.264 conversion. Doing so will wield much smaller video files for playback via Front Row.

Help Front Row with ripped VIDEO_TS folders

Insomniac pointed out a great solution for users who rip / decrypt their DVD collection resulting in VIDEO_TS folders unrecognizable – by default – in Front Row. With DVD Assist, Front Row users can browse their VIDEO_TS library of video content forcing playback through their DVD Player application.

Support external directories

Building an enormous video collection isn’t a problem if you have the internal hardrive space. Fortunately, Front Rows can populate video files stored elsewhere – external drives / directories – using what are known as Alias’s. Unlike “shortcuts” found in the Windows desktop environment, an OS X Alias is completely dynamic. This means that the file or directory being referenced can be moved without breaking an Alias.

Using an Alias referencing an external volume, you can store all your television shows & movies outside of the ~/Movies directory. Example:

All personal video files are stored on an external volume connected the the computer via Firewire. Movies and television shows are organized into their own respective directories – ‘Movies’ & ‘Television’. In order for Front Row to see content stored outside of the ~/Movies directory, we need to create a link between the two using an Alias. In the example above, I’ve highlighted the ‘Television’ directory created an Alias using the keyboard shortcut CMD+L.

Feel free to rename the Alias appropriately. The word “Alias” does not need to be in the title. Once completed, drag the Alias into your ~/Movies directory and start Front Row. Navigate to Videos > Movies where you should now see the Alias pointing to your video library within the external directory.