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MP3 Media Center
Breki
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Hey y'all!
OK, so the girlfriend's moving in with me later this year, and this will require some reshuffling of furniture and gear. Because of this, the living room will now essentially be music-less, as my workstation will be moved into a specific "computer room" of sorts. So I've been thinking; why not build a small networked computer dedicated to playing music and keeping that in the living room? I've been working on the idea for a bit now and want to check here if anybody has comments and/or suggestions about this:
I'd be using a barebone computer with a 5.1 sound card, as well as a small (7" or 12") monitor. I'd also be attaching some sort of remote control device to this computer so we don't need a mouse or keyboard to play music. Upon boot, it'd load the music program directly (I'll probably be using some flavor of linux and media program) and then access the music from my file server. Then, using the remote, one would be able to pick music, shuffle, sort, etc - and play music to one's heart's content.
Now, my questions are these:
* Does anybody have experience running remote control-like devices under linux? I'm wondering about compatibility issues with various music software, etc.
* Seeing as how the computer will probably be hidden and all you see is the screen, IR is probably a bad idea for the remote. Are there good radio/bluetooth alternatives?
* Any tips for which music application to run?
Other comments are welcome, of course
OK, so the girlfriend's moving in with me later this year, and this will require some reshuffling of furniture and gear. Because of this, the living room will now essentially be music-less, as my workstation will be moved into a specific "computer room" of sorts. So I've been thinking; why not build a small networked computer dedicated to playing music and keeping that in the living room? I've been working on the idea for a bit now and want to check here if anybody has comments and/or suggestions about this:
I'd be using a barebone computer with a 5.1 sound card, as well as a small (7" or 12") monitor. I'd also be attaching some sort of remote control device to this computer so we don't need a mouse or keyboard to play music. Upon boot, it'd load the music program directly (I'll probably be using some flavor of linux and media program) and then access the music from my file server. Then, using the remote, one would be able to pick music, shuffle, sort, etc - and play music to one's heart's content.
Now, my questions are these:
* Does anybody have experience running remote control-like devices under linux? I'm wondering about compatibility issues with various music software, etc.
* Seeing as how the computer will probably be hidden and all you see is the screen, IR is probably a bad idea for the remote. Are there good radio/bluetooth alternatives?
* Any tips for which music application to run?
Other comments are welcome, of course
*swoon*
Breki on
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Amarok is a nice media player because it is also tied into Last.fm internet radio.
If you want to get fancy you can also use VLC player and hook the unit up to your television, giving you video as well as audio. Ubuntu and Kubuntu are easy Linux distros to get up and running, although you have to download the mp3 packages to play mp3 files.
Edit: Also, for 299 USD you can get the MVIX Wireless Media Enclosure from Thinkgeek, just supply your own hard drive full of media and go.
Transmitter plugs into my laptop, receiver plugs into my audio system in the living room. Bluetooth makes the magiks happen.
I'm already using a media station (old TSOP:ed Xbox running XBMC) for my TV, meaning I can view all the movies and TV series that I download/buy that way - I'm looking for something more light-weight for music only - no video. The only things you'd have to worry about would be a monitor that shows what's happening (what's being played and similar) and a remote control where you can set things up the way you want.
As for remotes, just froogle "Bluetooth remote" and sift through the wireless keyboards/mice. Depending on the size of the remote you were after, you could probably even go for a wii-mote but this is likely a tad heftier than what you want (although waving to the left to skip back a track, to the right to skip a track and so on would be pretty funky...if impractical!).
You may be able to sync the PS3 remote (not pad) up to your pc too. Again it's a tad on the hefty side for what you're after.
Also, depending on your phone you may be able to use that as a bluetooth remote, most Sony Ericssons can.
Finally, stuff like this:
http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/5044/referer/rc_froogle.html
which is meant to be used with Car Headsets would probably work just as well as anything else.
No idea regarding software though sorry
PSN: SirGrinchX
Oculus Rift: Sir_Grinch
At the moment, I've got the system itself more or less planned out - the only problem I'm facing is the question about the remote control. Does anybody have experience with bluetooth remote controls under linux? What kind of compatibility issues can I expect?
http://www.holtmann.org/linux/bluetooth/hid.html
It should give you plenty of information and (it seems) even some suggested devices, don't know if any on there fit your purpose though.
PSN: SirGrinchX
Oculus Rift: Sir_Grinch