[DrJarmin]

I have all my music on a PC running a uPNP media Server.

I play this through my Onkyo Amp and control it using a Playstation 3 and a flat screen TV.

I would like to be able to play the music downstairs. After a lot of research seems to be the best option is a flat screen monitor, a PS3 and a surround sound system linked via a digital optical cable to the PS3.

By best I mean it is flexible and not too expensive.

Anyone recommend a better way of doing this without spending a fortune?

Thanks

[RPT]

how about some long speaker wire and a set of speakers downstairs??

[shahedz]

have you thought about getting a Sonos system?

[DrJarmin]

Hi RPT

Tried this. But the problem is have to go upstairs to change the music, adjust the volume etc etc. Ended up with an iPod and a docking station for the time being which isn't ideal either.

[DrJarmin]

Originally Posted by shahedz

have you thought about getting a Sonos system?

Yes I did. I actually did a bit of work for them when they first shipped to my part of the world so had a good demo.

This is definately an option and an impressive system. What puts me off is the cost - might as well have a media center PS or PS3 with the advantages that is can also be used to stream video & photos and have web browsing (not a requirement but for the money a nice to have)

Sonos is so straight forward though it is tempting.

I have been looking at media extenders but haven't read a review yet of one that would do a better job than the PS3.

This solution does work I was just wondering if anyone has come up with an alternative that might be better as I am far from an expert on this subject!

[Mr X]

No need for Sonus....

iTunes (free)
Apple Airport Express (as many as you want in separate rooms ) £65 each

Then add speakers or even an amp of your choice. (and extend your wireless network for free at the same time )

NOW... if you want to add optional extras

Ipod Touch or iPhone running the free REMOTE application over wi-fi will give you the same functionality as a Sonos remote commander with all the visuals and volume/selection control in ANY zone you've set up.

Finally you could add an Apple TV in one of your rooms for movies pics audio You tube etc... etc... Ive got one with the HDMI split to two rooms.

The above has given me audio and video around pretty much my whole house all controlled with my iPhone at a fraction of the cost if I tried to do the whole thing with Sonos.

Hope that helps

[DrJarmin]

Thanks. That is an interesting idea. I don't have any Apple kit - does that matter? All my music etc is stored on my PC?

[DrJarmin]

I had a look at Apple's website and looks like it doesn't matter if PC or MAC - just need iTunes. I think I will give this a go!

[Clipsey]

How about a Phillips streamium or Squeezebox ?

[DrJarmin]

interesting...

I don't know if they retail in Hong Kong. Will take a look.

[Mr X]

Originally Posted by DrJarmin

Thanks. That is an interesting idea. I don't have any Apple kit - does that matter? All my music etc is stored on my PC?

Yep correct! You can even run a mixture. I've gone mainly MAc throughout the house now but still have one PC in the kids room running iTunes which also connects to my main iTunes media

[DrJarmin]

Got it working with the Airport and it is brilliant! Using my (otherwise unused) iPod touch as the remote.

Only issue is, I don't know why, but the music has started sometimes jumping on my main pc.

[fernando]

Guys
I have looked on the apple site and read and re read the above. I need a steer on how this works as I can't quite get my head round it. Does the PC need to be on, I guess yes, the apple site states position the apple airport express near your speakers, but I guess you need an amp to power them.
How different is this to simply hooking up you ipod to your amp (on the assumption all your music fits on your ipod).
Thanks in advance.

[DrJarmin]

spoke too soon!

My airport express now can't connect wirelessly. And when I try to configure it it keeps defaulting to unsecured wireless network mode..... trying a factory reset.

[DrJarmin]

Originally Posted by fernando

Guys
I have looked on the apple site and read and re read the above. I need a steer on how this works as I can't quite get my head round it. Does the PC need to be on, I guess yes, the apple site states position the apple airport express near your speakers, but I guess you need an amp to power them.
How different is this to simply hooking up you ipod to your amp (on the assumption all your music fits on your ipod).
Thanks in advance.

Your PC would need to be on as it contains your iTunes and music.

The airport express would then let you play music in a second location from iTunes on your pc. It would connect to your PC via your wireless network (can also be connected via ethernet cable).

It has an audio output. This can be connected to some speakers, or an amp with speakers. You would then control the output from iTunes, or, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, from that.

[fernando]

cheers

in essence it seems no different to plugging you ipod into your amp, other than the fact that it doesn't need plugging in, but you still need seperate amps to power the speakers all over the house. something to consider.

[DrJarmin]

Ok, factory reset the Airport Express, uninstalled Airport Express from the PC.

Reinstalled it, reconfigured the Airport Express. Green light on the airport express but if I try to connect to it I get the attached error message.

[DrJarmin]

Originally Posted by fernando

cheers

in essence it seems no different to plugging you ipod into your amp, other than the fact that it doesn't need plugging in, but you still need seperate amps to power the speakers all over the house. something to consider.

Plugging your iPod would give you music in each location. However, this is to extend your music around the house. So you can play music in multiple locations at the same time. You couldn't do this unless you had multiple iPods.

Also, you can control each zone from your iPod touch. And you may have more music than will fit on an iPod.

Added to that you get the ethernet port and wireless network extension from each Airport - so your house gets better network coverage.

[Mr X]

Originally Posted by DrJarmin

Got it working with the Airport and it is brilliant! Using my (otherwise unused) iPod touch as the remote.

Only issue is, I don't know why, but the music has started sometimes jumping on my main pc.

Hmmm sounds like the wireless network strength to me of where your AE is situated.

A good solution is to get a set of cheap homeplugs to get your network running over your mains and then use an ethernet connection where you're AE is. This will give you a solid connection. Other benefit is you can then also create a new wireless network from that AE so that any other devices in the vicinity have a much better wireless connection. You can also select different channel and choose from b/g both or N so that there is no interference.

Sounds complicated but once you get it up and running you never have to touch it again.

The other option for people that don't want to leave their PC/MAC on is to get an APPLE TV - this can sync and stream itunes in the same way but also stores media on its hard drive.

[DrJarmin]

I had a Panasonic homeplug but it works intermittently (won't power on!) so gave up with that.

The Airport is plugged in now underneath my wireless router. I factory reset it again, uninstalled all the software. Did a reboot and went through the whole set up again.

Configured it to use WPA2 and it worked again. Unplugged it to try it elsewhere in the room and not working. Get the same error message again when I try to check the configuration (error - 6753).

[fuzzchopz]

I am suprised that no one has said XBOX 360 as A media extender I have 4 in my house used for AV & Games but a PS3 is better for video playback.

[DrJarmin]

I've got one and it works. But requires a TV screen and also I really don't like the interface

[Mr X]

Have you tried it since software version 2 came out. I ddn't like v1 but 2 is much better.