Slim Devices Wireless Squeezebox V3

Reviews: Multimedia

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Bradford Day
Kurtis
Slim Devices
Jun. 26, 2006

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Setup

First, let me say that this device is part audio equipment, part networking hardware. As Slim Devices sent me the wireless version of the Squeezebox, I first had to prepare my network for the addition of a new component. For me, this meant adding the Squeezebox MAC address to my router's "allow" list. After that it was a matter of installing the aforementioned downloaded Slim Server file. The Slim Server software must be installed on the computer that houses your digital music files. After you click through the series of installation options, the Slim Server will activate and pull up a browser window (Internet Explorer, Mozilla, etc!) through which you can connect to your Squeezebox and start listening to music and building playlists. But wait, slow down there speedy, you haven't even turned the Squeezebox on yet.

The next step is to connect the Squeezebox unit to your home audio receiver, powered speakers or even a headset!there are several options. After plugging the unit in, you will be greeted by a quick display of the Slim Devices logo followed by a series of network connection instructions. Just follow the on-screen instructions and you should soon be connected to your local network. Of course this will depend on the complexity of your network. For my wireless network I had to enter a WPA password as well as set up a static IP address and subsequent subnets and gateways, but everything was very straightforward and easy to enter via the multi-function remote. The remote's number pad doubles as a SMS style keyboard for entering SSIDs and passwords.

Once all info is entered, your Squeezebox should connect to your wireless (or wired) network and then it's back to the computer and the Slim Server software. In the Slim Server info panel you should see that your Squeezebox has been recognized. It is now time to tell the device where you hide all your music using the "server settings" link. If you are an iTunes user, you can simply tell the Slim Server to look towards your iTunes folder. For you non-iTuners, just point the server towards your MP3 stash. It will take the program a few minutes to scan your music library, especially if you have a large collection. After such time you should be able to browse your collection from within the Slim Server browser and from your Squeezebox. I had some problems with many of my MP3s not showing up when I went to view my collection by albums or artist. I'm guessing this is an ID3 tag problem on my end. But, when I use the "Browse Music Folder" link, I can see my entire list and play any file with no problem.

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Page 1: Introduction & First Looks
Page 2: Setup
Page 3: Testing
Page 4: Conclusion

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4 User Comments

1 - Posted by zicada on July 4, 2006 - 7:08 pm

I think you'll find the lag is more to do with your network than the squeezebox.

When you use the remote you are actually controlling the slimserver software on your computer, not the squeezbox itself.

I have a v1 squeezebox and when i upgraded my PC (switched to debian) and used wired ethernet to the squeezebox the lag dissappeared.

2 - Posted by Das Capitolin on July 5, 2006 - 12:23 am

If I win a Squeezebox (and I really hope that I do) I will need to keep this in mind. I had planned on using WiFi connectivity, but I can utilize Ethernet as well.

3 - Posted by Rich on July 5, 2006 - 12:23 pm

Something I would like to also point out is that the slimserver plugin can be added to the Infrant ReadyNAS which we reviewed previously (http://www.thetechlounge.com/article/239/Infrant+R...)
The plugin can be downloaded directly from Infrants website (http://www.infrant.com).

4 - Posted by handrail on July 7, 2006 - 8:39 am

that is quite possible. i did notice that it only lagged on certain operations, so maybe specific instructions require just a touch more network traffic than others. although, theorhetically, the amount of data that the device is sending can't be all that huge and with wireless G, the transmission speed as compared with a wired connection shouldn't be perceivable when sending small packets of data. i suppose there could have been some interference of some kind as well. either way, the lag was not anything to worry about.

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