Smart Home Blog

That article can be interesting for all who would like to have budget multi-room music system. The system uses Logitech Squeezeboxes as front-end and Squeezebox server as back-end. The Squeezebox server can be run on any Windws/Linux/Mac OS X PC. So the author bought compact, low power and fanless HP T5530 Thin Client PC. Plus two flash drives – 1GB for OS and 64GB for music. Sure, 64GB is too small for the large media library. But it can be extended by internal or external HDD.

The author chose Debian as OS for Squeezebox server. It offers a simple way to install Squeezebox server from the SlimDevices repository. Everything should work out of the box – just add your Squeezebox device to the local network and specify the IP of the Squeezebox server.

Nice DIY project. I’d like to just add a few notices here. Squeezebox server can be installed on NAS or router. If you already have some you don’t need to run detached PC. Also you can use Nokia Internet Tablets – Nokia770, N800 or N810 with adopted SlimSkin to control your music system more efficient and comfortable as well as iPhone.

Asheridge Communications, the specialist provider of audio visual, testing and home networking solutions, has launched the new ZÕN multi-room audio system. To build the system you have to choose 30W or 60W Controllers/Amplifiers, ZON Router, ZON Input Module and variety connectors and expanders. They are compatible with the vast majority of audio sources and connect together on an all-digital system architecture, integrating fully and easily with standard Cat5 structured wiring to ensure quick and simple installation. The system can cover more than 1,000 rooms (in case of NaimNet, for example, we told about 1.8 million rooms and wireless connection).

The Controller/Amplifier provides in-room amplification through its 30 or 60 Watt all-digital stereo amplifier and passes IR commands to source devices in the home through built-in infrared receiver.

The input module offers input connections for analogue, digital, and optical audio sources as well as an IR output, all in one convenient single-gang, standard-sized module.

In my mind the biggest disadvantage of the ZON system is a wire connection. The system seems to be appropriate only for new houses with special preparation. Also, I’m not sure about integration with existing home automation systems. The better way is to build the multiroom music system based on Squeezebox or Transporter from Slim Deices.

[via AutomatedHome]