DLNA Audio Streaming trends

[polkatese]

Wondering why is streaming music becomes such a big deal lately (or it seems that way). From Pre/Pros, Universal players, consoles it seems all of these gears need to have this feature. I've been streaming music/video from xbox360 for more than a couple years. And then I added the ability to stream from iTunes via Apple Airport Express. Next, DirecTV added a feature to do that from the DVRs. I bought a Marantz Pre/Pro that is a Network preamplifier, which has this functionality (it wasn't the reason why I bought it though). Next, Oppo BDP-83.

So, in my current system, I can stream music/video/slideshow from 5 different path. Isn't that a rather redundant number of ways to stream? Out of these gears, and the sad part is: I still having problem to stream .flac from any of these gears.

Thoughts?

[punk-roc]

I've been confused by the same thing.. I'm not sure that every piece of electronics I purchase needs this streaming feature. Most of these products are in the same "basket". If i have a decent AVR it'll stream and i would most likely have a decent DVD/BR transport if i have a decent AVR. Lots of people have Xbox360's for PS3's if they have decent setups.. even an HTPC. I have a file storing PC near enough to my receiver to use it too.. I probably 5-6 ways to stream the same stuff...

But I agree, High-Quality streaming is what is lacking. The netflix streaming isn't that high of quality. Pandora isn't that great (192kb is all), only way i can get FLAC files is via my HTPC, but not through several of the other machines.

There are some websites that stream high quality movies over the internet, but they cost a fair amount of money...

Jason

[xandra]

I'm confused as well, but I do have an answer for you flac dilema:

Since you've got an Apple Airport Express the problem's nearly solved: just get Airfoil (avail from rogueAmoeba: http://rogueamoeba.com/

It allows you to stream from ANY program to your airport express. (available for mac/pc).It's a godsend - Just choose your favorite program that handles flac. hth

[polkatese]

very cool Xandra! thanks for the info. I just downloaded and able to hijack/capture and re-route .flac playback (using VLC) through airport express to my Marantz Pre/Pro!