As music enthusiasts, we’re a pretty demanding mob. We want all our music, easily accessible, anywhere we go, but especially in the house. In the way-back days that meant that every speaker system and home control system needed to have an iPod dock so we could play tunes in the room without headphones.
But haven’t you heard? Docks are dead. Wireless is the way to go. While nearly every individual home theater receiver or speaker system has a wireless music connection (Bluetooth, AirPlay or **cringe** DLNA), some of the big smart home systems have been a little behind in making this easy and affordable. This week home automation system maker Crestron announced its answer, the CEN-NSP-1 Network Stream Player.
Creston’s Network Stream Player lets user connect their iPads or iPhones wirelessly over AirPlay to their Crestron while-house music system (such as Crestron Sonnex) to play music. With Multiple Network Stream Players, several users can stream their iTunes or any app-based music to separate discreet zones.
In addition to wireless AirPlay compatibility, the Network Stream Player includes a USB port for wired connection to an iOS or any other device. It also connects to Apple’s iCloud service. Crestron suggest that users may want to attached an iPod touch to the USB port of each Network Stream Player in the house, which allows the system to connect to iCloud via Wi-Fi. The user can then use their personal iPhone or iPad to select and control the music playback anywhere.
Via a firmware update coming soon to the device, Internet radio sources will work natively on the Network Stream Player. New services will be announced as they become available.
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