For those interested in wireless audio streaming to a stereo reciever, I have recently created a MediaMonkey-compatible output plug-in that is capable of streaming audio to an Apple AirPort Express (ala AirTunes).
If anyone wants the basic functionality of the AirPort Express but doesn't want to shell out the dough, there is a much cheaper alternative that I have been using without any issues. It's the RCA RD900W Lyra Wireless Transmitter/Receiver. It plugs into the USB port and appears to Windows as external speakers, so any and all audio content can be broadcast. I have found the range and sound quality to be quite exceptional. You can get your hands on this for only $20 right now at Buy.com. It was cheap enough that I bought two so I can transmit to two stereos (one transmitter to two receivers) at the same time! It also comes with a RF remote control for playback but it only works with MusicMatch software (so far). A MM plug-in for this remote would be awesome! Anyway, definitely a great solution for the budget conscious...
I checked and the RCA Lyra remote is only compatible with MusicMatch. I tried it with WinAmp and MM and no dice. It's not a big deal since there is not a display on the remote it's not really that useful. The only thing that I would use it for is to skip a song during playback. I just build a playlist in MM and let it run.
I have rd900w. The quality is really good but the remote works only with musicmatch up to version 8.2. For $30 I can live with that. It strange that all rd900r are sold-out!
i've been waiting for your solution for a long time. i recently took a 1-month break from scouring the web for low-cost solutions that don't require a bunch of equipment that i don't already have. it looks like i should have just taken a couple week break based on the date of your post.... i knew that a solution was imminent considering the number of resourceful MM fans out there. i've noticed occasional half second "blanks" during playback but that's a small price pay for not having to use itunes.
i already have the airport express but i think i'm going to invest in a couple of the Lyra units that were also mentioned in this thread. i like the idea of broadcasting to two stereos at the same time. the units seem a little large but i'm sure in six months they'll be available as something the size of a memory stick.
There is a software to stream from any audio application to the airport express (don't remember if it was for Windows). And Linksys has a similar device to the Apple Airport Express, allhough the review said that the sound was that great.
I've got the Lyra, and can confirm that it works great. I don't use the remote since I use MM, and there's no added functionality. But it's simple, it works, and it's only $20.
Hey, just picked up an Airport Express tonight, and I already have it up and running with MediaMonkey thanks to the Remote Speakers Output Plugin. Very cool.
One problem I expect to have, though - my h/k receiver is really picky about the digital signal you feed it (I'm using the Airport's digital optical output). If the signal goes quiet for a second the receiver goes quiet and takes a moment to lock on the signal when a song starts playing again. It hasn't done that yet with this output plugin, but I suspect it will, sooner or later, unless this has already somehow been addressed. It would be cool if there was a feature to prevent the signal from ever going completely quiet, since the output seems to be locked to 16/44.1, anyhow . . .
Apart from that it's working well so far. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Any chance we might see a crossfading plugin at some point?
Peke wrote:Have you tried to use Winamps in_mp3.dll as input plugin I think it has silence remover or it was in_!mpg123.dll
You know, so far (knock wood) it hasn't been an issue. Color me stunned, since there are gap issues when I'm using iTunes itself. This plugin works better than Airtunes!!!
There's a new version of this out, at http://emilles.dyndns.org/software/out_apx.html. This new version, "decoupled receiving audio data from the player and sending audio data to the remote speakers." As a result, Winamp and MediaMonkey no longer slowdown while the plugin is in use. Seems rock solid on my machine (so far).
Wolverine4580 wrote:If anyone wants the basic functionality of the AirPort Express but doesn't want to shell out the dough, there is a much cheaper alternative that I have been using without any issues. It's the RCA RD900W Lyra Wireless Transmitter/Receiver. It plugs into the USB port and appears to Windows as external speakers, so any and all audio content can be broadcast. I have found the range and sound quality to be quite exceptional. You can get your hands on this for only $20 right now at Buy.com. It was cheap enough that I bought two so I can transmit to two stereos (one transmitter to two receivers) at the same time! It also comes with a RF remote control for playback but it only works with MusicMatch software (so far). A MM plug-in for this remote would be awesome! Anyway, definitely a great solution for the budget conscious...
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