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September 22, 2006
Dear CNET members,
Happy Friday, folks! Before I get started on this week's topic, I wanted to let you know that your contributions to this community make a difference! Here's a great example: Bob C., the nongamer who asked for recommendations for video cards in last Friday's newsletter topic, e-mailed me wanting to thank you all for your advice. So rather than just saying "thank you" for him, I've included his actual e-mail here. You all deserve a pat on the back for your efforts! Now let's dive into this week's question from George--who would like to know how he can play his computer's MP3s on his home stereo via his existing wireless network.
Well, for starters, many of you e-mailed me not to answer the question but to tell me that you were excited to hear this request, as this was a topic you were interested in, too, so I'm glad to present it to you all. To get the party started, I have this week's winning answer by Joshua who offered many different solutions that I believe will fit George's needs. While George's request is to use his existing Wi-Fi network to transmit music from his computer to his stereo, many of our members offered alternatives to using a wireless network, solutions ranging from USB connection devices to FM signal transmitters, which could come in handy for those of you who don't necessarily have a wireless network. So check out all the recommendations provided this week from our members for a method that suits your needs. Thank you all for you participation and have a great weekend!
(Note to readers: I will be taking a week off to spend some time with my kids, so there will be no Community newsletters next week. I'll see you when I get back!)
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Member Question of the Week
How do I play my computer's MP3s on my home stereo via a wireless network? My idea is to be able to quickly drop a few music folders into my Winamp playlist area, randomize the tracks, and hear what's playing on the stereo in my living room. I have only a few simple guidelines I would like to work within.
1. I want to use my existing wireless home network. I know there are a few devices on the market that send a signal from a USB device to another device plugged into the receiver; however, I want to avoid these types of devices.
2. I would also like to be able to use whatever music-playing software I like, whether it is Winamp, iTunes, or anything else I choose. I do not want to be restricted to special music software that works only with the stereo receiver unit.
3. The receiver unit should be able to play all music files, whether they be MP3, M4A, WAV files, or anything protected I may own.
4. I would like to stay under $200 if possible.
The receiver unit should be somewhat stylish, small, and nonintrusive. Thanks!
Submitted by:
George L. of California
George, it's a problem many of us are familiar with. We have an extensive music library on our computers and iPods/portable music players, and we would like to listen to it at home, but our computers are too far from the stereo or the rest of the family wants to listen to music while you go out with your iPod. Or perhaps you'd like to listen to Shoutcast radio stations on your stereo at home--something portable music players are at the moment largely incapable of.
These are all very sensible reasons for wanting a networked music player. Many companies have products for sale that fill this need, but this page is not about buying things. This page is about hacking a do-it-yourself wireless networked music player for less than half the cost of a retail model and potentially creating one with more features.
Submitted by:
Joshua W.
For
Joshua's
efforts, we're sending him his choice of any
Help.com Learning CD.
Community Buzz
 Each week we take a look at topics discussed in the forums.
Best regards and enjoy!
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Check out next week's question:
I love taking pictures, but I want to sign my work before putting it out into the public. As painters of old signed their names to their work, is there a way of digitally signing digital photographs so as to embed your name in the piece prior to putting it up on the Web? Is there a program that does this? Should I put something in the picture that only I will know that's there so that the image can't be stolen by someone else? Could a copyright sign also be digitally embedded within a work? Thanks for all your help!
--Submitted by:
Rita K.
If you have the answer,
e-mail us at messageboards@cnet.com.
If we choose your response, you'll get a
free Help.com CD.
Have a question?
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• Digital Cameras
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