Would you like a "Networked Audio" sub-forum?

steveinaz

I was thinking a sub-forum under "Advanced Technical" called "Networked Audio" or something similar would be really cool.

With all the interest in audio streaming, internet content, wi-fi audio, CD ripping sw, compression codecs, tag editors, etc, etc; it would be nice to split out a seperate sub-forum. This source is only going to grow in the future.

Please vote.

Pauly

Good idea steve


+1


Pauly

steveinaz

This sub-forum could include discussuion related to (but not limited to):

Squeezebox, Olive, Apple TV, WD, Sonos, sooloos, etc, etc
NAS and general networking info
Hi-end tweaks to get the most out of your media player
Reviews
Discussions on CD ripping software use and config for best results
Wi-fi setup
audio codecs and how-to's
DIY music servers
...etc

comfortablycurt

I'm not currently using any of those formats, but I plan to eventually incorporate some of them.

Plenty of people are using them already though, so I think that would be a great idea.

steveinaz

cast a vote Curt....

vc69

I think it's a good idea.

kuntasensei

Considering that now my Blu-ray player and AVR are both connected to my network, as well as serving media through my Xbox 360, I'd say it isn't a bad idea.

sk1939

kuntasensei wrote: »

Considering that now my Blu-ray player and AVR are both connected to my network, as well as serving media through my Xbox 360, I'd say it isn't a bad idea.

More and more things are moving in that direction as well....

Face

I can't wait for networked tube amps.

vmaxer

Sounds good to me :cool:

Fongolio

Great idea. I'm using PS3 with PS3 Media Server with great results.

WilliamM2

I don't see why a new sub forum is needed to discuss networked audio. As of right now, there are only 14 threads today with new posts in the electronics section, and only 8 in the 2 channel audio section. Not like the sub forums we have now are too crowded to discuss networked audio.

adam2434

Steve, I like the idea and will vote.

I think it could be expanded to something like "Computer-based and Networked Media", which could encompass all topics related to ripping, storage, networking, and playback of both audio and video media.

fossy

good idea --- I can see a squeeze box in the future for sure

packetjones

I know that I am new here but i think that this would be a great idea. I am streaming pandora, netflix, and my own media using a 360 as well as a apple laptop connect to my avr.

dubradio

Intriguing idea, and this will be heavily considered. i will bring this up with Patrick next week...

BlueFox

I will vote for that, and there should be an antique section for tubes and turntables.

Gaara

Solid idea Steve, I would frequent it.

danz1906

Great Idea!

inspiredsports

The concept is clearly on it's way to reaching critical mass and the wave of the present/future. Great idea!

steveinaz

Bump for more visibility.

SolidSqual

I will quote myself from a previous thread where a subject such as this came up:

SolidSqual wrote: »

Computer Audiophile provides all the discless info. I need. I depend on this forum to supply crotchety old farts willing to go to war before trying a new technology. This balance insures my youthful naivety and willingness to jump on the bandwagon is tempered by senile skepticism and unwavering experience.

Any questions I have about new aged audio stuff, I'd probably just put in the stereo section anyway.

steveinaz

All-
The purpose of the poll isn't asking the question "do you like networked audio"; it's asking whether or not a sub-forum would be appropriate to split these topics out from the "electronics" and "2-channel" sub-forums. When you have entire froums covering nothing but media serving, that tells you that there is alot of information to be covered. This is why I thought a dedicated sub-forum would be helpful in better organizing/consolidating this information.

I get the feeling that some of the "NO" votes are simply people expressing their opinion on networked audio in general, rather than looking at the organizational benefits of a sub-forum.

SolidSqual

I like Networked Audio, but I don't like sub-forums. It's all 2 channel to me. To me, sub forums make things more complicated. How about we lobby for a better search feature?

Fongolio

SolidSqual wrote: »

I like Networked Audio, but I don't like sub-forums. It's all 2 channel to me. To me, sub forums make things more complicated. How about we lobby for a better search feature?

A very compelling argument here.

steveinaz

Why in the 2-channel sub-forum and not "electronics'?

See my point? I'd never lump a media server in with 2-channel. Media servers also stream movie media, photos, etc; what would that have to do with 2-channel audio? If anything (IMO) this stuff would belong in electronics due to its computer roots, and the fact that it isn't limited to 2-channel. My idea to take it step further by creating a "Networked Audio" forum, was simply to handle the tons of information, and knowledge base such a forum would require.

Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things--but sometimes change is necessary. It looks like the majority of voters feel the same way.

bigaudiofanatic

Would be a nice touch. As this technology is not going away and becoming pretty big for playing media.

SolidSqual

steveinaz wrote: »

Why in the 2-channel sub-forum and not "electronics'?

See my point? I'd never lump a media server in with 2-channel. Media servers also stream movie media, photos, etc; what would that have to do with 2-channel audio? If anything (IMO) this stuff would belong in electronics due to its computer roots, and the fact that it isn't limited to 2-channel. My idea to take it step further by creating a "Networked Audio" forum, was simply to handle the tons of information, and knowledge base such a forum would require.

Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things--but sometimes change is necessary. It looks like the majority of voters feel the same way.

I see your point here. I am limiting my view to my uses. I could be persuaded if in addition the sub-forum had some nice stickies with simple how-to FAQs.

steveinaz

That would be great and encouraged. Especially basic network setup stickies, FAQ's. The problem is, my experience here shows that getting a "sticky" practically requires congressional approval. Look how long it took to get a "DIY, Tweaks" sub-forum.

megasat16

Wat the hell? I say YES!

inspiredsports

It's too bad Polk is not geared to producing this type of device.

I've always said you can essentially get a "master's degree in sound" in a few short months by studying and participating in Club Polk as there is such a great wealth of talented people who participate here.

If history repeats itself, a sub-form for networked audio will provide a fantastic focus group for someone wanting to either buy OR market this type of product.