For >$5000US I get a "box" and a user interface that looks really cool and allows me to scroll through my media choices.  How is that different then what I have now with my Apple set-up?  I have an old powerbook in w closet with iTunes streaming wirelessly to an Airport connected to my BS3200 Aux input.  Using my iPhone (recently upgraded from a Touch which did that same thing), I can use Apple Remote to scroll through all of my media.  Sure the BS5 is a dedicated system, right? with a 500gig HD to load up all of my music but there has to me more to it?  How do I load video?  Play DVDs?  Connect to my TV?  How do I get my music on it - does it support every format?  Does it support 5.1? 7.1?

 

-michael 

The BeoSound 5 is a high-end music system, not a multimedia system, which is what you're comparing it to.

The only way you can really answer your question is to use it in person.

i understand its high end but 3rd party devices are now getting better and better for intergration with B&o

can you please explaie your set up to me, whats airport express?

what remote do you use and does it it support multiroom and album covers?

mfirst uses an AirPort express and an iPhone with iTunes (I'm sure he'll explain in more depth) which is a great system. I use something not too dissimilar at home, and it works a treat. However, it's not at all B&O IMO. The BeoSound 5 is a genuine high-end BeoSound, not a multimedia player which you'd find on your computer & control with your iPhone...

I think how one gets the music onto it is a bit of a mystery. I think expectation is that you do it through the Beoplayer Software or through Beoconnect and Itunes if you are under Mac.

When you read the service manual, it has XP underneath and it looks just like normal windows when you hit the service menu. Question is what they use to play video etc, maybe plug ins can be installed similiar as one could in Beomedia.

Personally I am too lazy to maintain a library, this is why I prefer my old Ipod  that does not rely so much on cover art.

I dont think it will support 5.1 or 7.1. I think its mostly music and web, photo and video are just considered small things on the side.

Cheers

JK 

What is it?  It is the greatest thing since sliced bread......let me try to explain (I am sure others can chime in on the specifics)

iTunes = integrated music/video software package for Mac/PC.   Plays MP3, videos, internet music.  Has folders, playlists, etc.  Link to Music store in which you can purchase millions of songs for not much.  Does not need internet access.  Has album covers which can be automatically downloaded from the internet.  Import/Export/Burning abilities, etc.  Free from Apple

Airport Express: Wifi based router which does many things, but what it is best as is a wireless distribution system.  Plugs into an electrical outlet and has a stereo output which can be easily plugged into any Aux input in a music system (yes, even B&O).  iTunes can then wirelessly stream music to 1 or multiple different AEs.  I have one in my living room and 1 in my bedroom.  About US$125 each

 iPhone/iTouch Remote - Obviously (unless you just got out of a cave and have been in hibernation for a 1000 years) is Apple's phone and Ipod system with a very sophisticated touch based user access.  Must be experienced to clearly appreciate- but in a word, amazing (please disagree anyone).  My 9 year/old picked it up for the first time and within minutes was using it like he was born with it in his hands.  Anyhow, the Remote program (free from Apple) allows wireless from the iPhone/iTouch to control a limited subset of iTunes features - mainly playing from folders and playlists on the iTunes located on the computer (not the music that is available on the iTunes on either the iPhone/iTouch).  Searching is also possible as is controlling the streaming location.  This is a 2-way system that is also WiFi based with various feedback - album art, lyrics, time remaining, volume control, etc.  iPhone=US$300-$500 (with ATT wireless contract) iTouch around US$200-400 (depending on memory).

Much of this is based here in the U.S. but I think most of the parts are available worldwide (not sure about the music store....you can thank the EU for that) and I dont think the iPhone is available outside the U.S. (it really is a revolutionary device, a "game changer", up there with landing on the Moon).

For more info, check out www.apple.com and see what you have been missing.

Questions? 

 

 

 works great!

 

questions? 

I use baically the same but connect my Mac to the Beoport so have it wired through the house. The iPod wirelessly controls the Mac from anywhere in the house - I get coverflow etc Of course I can also use laptops around the house to also control the music and gey a full display of iTunes ut the iPod works very well. I have got Airport but don't have the need.

mfirst:

Airport Express: I have one in my living room and 1 in my bedroom.  About US$125 each

i have (1) connected to the transmitter of an acoustic research portable speaker -not the greatest -but cheap and nearly indestructible for "party" time on the patio... the other is to a bs9000 -and i plan to use more!

mfirst:

iPhone/iTouch Remote: Searching is also possible as is controlling the streaming location.

wanna have some fun? late in "party" time -we hand the itouch off -take turns -and play "name that song / artist whatever" using the search function -it is a blast! we eventually all end up on our backs in belly laughs!

even if the bs5 were, ahem, portable -it would never happen -couldn't imagine an intox'd friend dropping it! all of the above apple items (and the a/r speaker) are effectively disposable...

disposable and indestructible (almost)....