I am creating this post having read a previous post earlier along similar lines. Firstly, I am curious to know how many people bought a BeoMedia 1? How do people rate it as a product? Obviously those who bought it and have experience would have the more hands on and honest views so please enlighten me?

I am tempted to buy one as a first attempt at entering the digital world but I am not prepared to spend the asking price for a BeoSound 5 considering its current functionality. I just don't think its worth the money. With the advent of the BeoSound 5, this might mean that the BeoMedia 1 will become more of an option from a financial viewpoint and that might be something that tempts me. I understand from posts that an iPod Touch can be used but I still don't quite understand how this integrates and what the actual point of it is. What would I need to build such a setup? I already have a PC, I bought a new Sony desktop just before Christmas, looks just like an iMac but its Sony's PC version which I prefered. It has 3gb of memory and a 500gb drive. So what next? I buy a BeoMedia 1 and that does what exactly .... copies multimedia content from the PC to itself? So its a backup PC effectively? Then what, does that somehow integrate with my Sky broadband/tv setup? Do I need to buy any other hardware such an Apple TV or an iTouch? If an iTouch is used as a remote, then how is it different to a B&O remote? Can a Beo 5 not do what an iTouch does? Interested to hear from enthusiasts of this type of setup. This is not something I need, rather a sideline project I fancy doing if I can understand it more.

Thanks,

Simon.

Just buy a cheap Mac Mini, get an iPod Touch, set it up wirelessly and then connect an Airport Express to any audio device in your house. You can then store all your digital media, stream wirelessly and (at least) control volume etc from your Beo 4/5.

Works like a dream for me (Peter and many others on here) and is <£500 depending on number of Airport Express devices. Why buy a Beomedia 1?

Thanks Chris. So what is an Apple Airport Express then exactly? And do I need a Mac Mini if I have a Sony PC? I have never really understand these combinations and/or indeed the BeoMedia 1.

Simon.

Everybody is all exited about BS5. Thing is, if I understand correct he Beomedia will run on its own through a TV screen just like Beomedia 1 does. So if it is true that there wil be a 2 way remote down the line, I am hoping iy will run without BS5. 

 This would add another dimension to my setup, I don't really see the need for BS5. I do see a need for the Beomaster 5 though.

I have Apple TV and Ipod Touch for Remote and it won't cut it. It is done imperfectly for now even though it might improve (.i.e. coverarts load too slow when browsing CDs and other funkyness).

 Most important for me though is right now I get gapless playing, I know for sure I would NOT give that up. Way too many dj mixes and classic in my collection. I am unsure if BEOMASTER / Beosound 5 can handle tht, I am also unsure about how content is managed in the future B&O sound system landscape.

 Too many questions that B&O doesnt anwser for me ...... i am hoping they deliver perfection when they ship in May.

The_Beonic_Man:

Thanks Chris. So what is an Apple Airport Express then exactly? And do I need a Mac Mini if I have a Sony PC? I have never really understand these combinations and/or indeed the BeoMedia 1.

Simon.

Simon, it works with your Sony PC as well. The only things you need are iTunes and the Airport Express (for details see http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/airtunes.html). The airport expres is sold for Euro 89, the cable to connect your airport to your stereo for Euro 39 (Monster Cable). Both you can easily buy at the Apple store or an Apple dealer (probably fits you better?) .

If you want to connect to B&O you need a RCA/Cinch converter as well. 

I am using this for over 4 years with a 2300 and it works very well.

I am using also the Airport as an wireless extender increasing the range of my wireless network. The only omission I currently see is that you always need a computer running, you can not directly stream music from the Ipod to the Airport.

See this topic as well:

http://forum.beoworld.org/forums/thread/168221.aspx