OK... The main reason for getting such a device is to take the place of a CD player in the lounge. It has to be easy to use and be able to find music fast and quickly and in a friendly fashion (ie: girlfriend friendly).
If it offers other functionality then great. Obviously in the case of the Apple this for example is video.
So, here's my pro's/con's per unit so far:-
Apple TV
Pro's:-
- The device can sit tucked away in my media/TV stand.
- Very easy/pretty to use (with TV on). eg: Album art etc all displayed.
- Can view photo's (probably stored/backup locally on its hard drive)
- Media can be cached on the units own drive. Handy for speed, as a backup, and meaning a PC doesn't have to be on.
- If they ever offer DivX/XVid as standard this would be great.
Con's:-
- Cannot build up a play list from the unit directly.
- Cannot control sound (ie: no tone/equaliser functionality)
- ITunes.... Don't know why but for some reason I just don't like the idea of it.... Never used it mind...
Squeezebox 3
Pro's:-
- Nice 'impress the lads' display
- Can equalise/tone/bass the sound if required
- Can build up play lists on the fly from the unit or from a PC
- Internet radio as standard
Con's:-
- Need to put the unit somewhere. I'm trying to keep my living room as tidy as possible. I'd probably have to put the SB on some shelves about 6ft to the right of the amp and run cables to it.
- My 'server' would have to left on 24/7. Not much of an issue though.
Any useful advice would be most appreciated. I do like the idea of being able to choose music via a nice big TV display instead of a small 4inch wide one!? Is that ill-founded?
If it offers other functionality then great. Obviously in the case of the Apple this for example is video.
So, here's my pro's/con's per unit so far:-
Apple TV
Pro's:-
- The device can sit tucked away in my media/TV stand.
- Very easy/pretty to use (with TV on). eg: Album art etc all displayed.
- Can view photo's (probably stored/backup locally on its hard drive)
- Media can be cached on the units own drive. Handy for speed, as a backup, and meaning a PC doesn't have to be on.
- If they ever offer DivX/XVid as standard this would be great.
Con's:-
- Cannot build up a play list from the unit directly.
- Cannot control sound (ie: no tone/equaliser functionality)
- ITunes.... Don't know why but for some reason I just don't like the idea of it.... Never used it mind...
Squeezebox 3
Pro's:-
- Nice 'impress the lads' display
- Can equalise/tone/bass the sound if required
- Can build up play lists on the fly from the unit or from a PC
- Internet radio as standard
Con's:-
- Need to put the unit somewhere. I'm trying to keep my living room as tidy as possible. I'd probably have to put the SB on some shelves about 6ft to the right of the amp and run cables to it.
- My 'server' would have to left on 24/7. Not much of an issue though.
Any useful advice would be most appreciated. I do like the idea of being able to choose music via a nice big TV display instead of a small 4inch wide one!? Is that ill-founded?