Squeezebox (network music player)
Under the name Squeezebox to 2012 a number of network music player from Logitech were expelled. Were originally developed the player at the company SlimDevices, which was then taken over by Logitech.
As of version 3 Slacker ( music service ), Napster, SomaFM, Mediafly, Live365, Rhapsody, Last.fm, Spotify and Sirius may include a number of popular music services like Pandora, are used. Both the server software as well as large parts of the firmware of the player are released under open source license and can be extended accordingly by the user. Also, there are pure software player which can play music on computers or mobile devices ( phone or touchpad ).
There are two different modes of operation of the box:
- In conjunction with an Internet server provided by Logitech without a powered in- network server
- In conjunction with an installed on a PC or NAS on the network Logitech Media Server
- 2.1 SoftSqueeze
- 2.2 SqueezePlay
- 2.3 SqueezePlayer (Android)
- Squeezecast 2.4 (iOS )
Squeezebox versions
SLIMP3 (2001)
The first generation of the Squeezebox needs a Logitech Media Server to operate. It only supports the MP3 format. Other formats are converted at run time on the Logitech Media Server in MP3 and transferred to the player. The network is made via fixed Ethernet connection.
Squeezebox (November 2003)
The second generation of the player also called SB1 uses the same display as the SLIMP3 but was expanded to include some skills:
- Playback of uncompressed PCM / WAV / AIFF streams
- 802.11b Wi -Fi
- Headphone output
- Digital SPDIF RCA and Toslink outputs
It requires as well as the SLIMP3 own Logitech Media Server to operate.
Squeezebox2 (April 2005)
The third generation Squeezebox now supports FLAC, WMA, Ogg has an extended 320 × 32 pixel display and 802.11g Wi -Fi support.
Squeezebox Classic ( SB3 ) (November 2005)
The SB3 is the Squeezebox2 hardware side very similar. But is housed in a modern housing and comes with a new remote control.
Transportation (September 2006)
The van is a tailor-made Audiophile model in a 19 " rack cabinet. Compared to the Squeezebox Classic and sample rates up to 96 kHz are supported, there is a second extended display is used and the operation can also be a rotating wheel in the center of the front ( TransNav ) take place. the audio capabilities have also been enhanced by the use of high quality DA converter. For professional use, the model has also appropriate EBU and XLR connectors on.
Transporter SE
The Transporter SE is a modified version of the van without much Bediendrehrad in the middle of the front. Other data correspond to the transporter.
Squeezebox Duet (January 2008)
The Squeezebox Duet is introducing a new operating concept with a remote intelligent remote control, Squeezebox Controller, a. The Squeezebox itself, in the case of the Squeezebox Receiver, does not have a display.
About the Squeezebox Controller comfortable navigation through your music collection was possible. He also had its own playback capabilities with an integrated headphone jack. Squeezebox Receiver presented as a standalone device to connect to your stereo safely. It can also be operated alone, and are controlled for example through the Logitech Media Server.
Meanwhile, the Squeezebox controller is through the introduction of smartphone apps can take over the task of obsolete and production of Duet has been set.
Squeezebox Boom ( August 2008)
The Squeezebox Boom extends the Squeezeboxreihe to a mounted stereo speakers with their own model. It includes a DSP and a high-quality digital amplifier.
Squeezebox Radio (September 2009)
The Squeezeboxradio corresponds to the mono- configuration of the Squeezebox Boom with a small 2.4 " color display. For the Squeezebox Radio an accessory kit is available which contains a remote control and a battery pack with the Squeezebox can also be operated without a mains connection. The hardware of the Squeezebox Radio is now marketed with modified firmware under the name Smart UE radio.
Squeezebox Touch (April 2010)
The Squeezebox Touch is the functional successor to the Squeezebox 3 Advanced capabilities over the Squeezebox 3 include:
- 4.3 " color touch screen
- Possibility of playing directly from a memory card or USB hard drive. The Squeezebox Touch thus acts as its own server
- Support audio sample rates up to 96 kHz
Squeezebox software player
SoftSqueeze
SoftSqueeze is a software player has been programmed in Java and therefore runs on any machine. Thus, this player is a complement to the hardware players.
SqueezePlay
SqueezePlay is the desktop version of the Squeezebox Controller software. It provides the audio player with a similar look and feel as Squeezebox user interfaces. SqueezePlay running on Mac, Windows and Linux. It is the successor of SoftSqueeze and is based on the SqueezeOS Software Platform.
SqueezePlayer (Android)
SqueezePlayer is a Squeezebox software player for the Android operating system.
Squeezecast (iOS )
Squeezecast is a Squeezebox software player for the Apple iOS operating system.
Criticism
The Squeezeboxreihe is often criticized for its lack of native UPNP / DLNA support ( a running Logitech Media Server on the network but this can provide through the detour of the server). Particularly positive on the other hand fall on the Squeezebox because of their good audio quality and the open source system.