In an age when the digerati are searching eagerly to stream their music out of the computer and into their lives, it's nice to know that we have options. One such solution is Orb Networks Orb Music Player, model MP-1, which combines proprietary software with barely-there hardware to unite our iTunes with pretty much any stereo in the house, wirelessly.
For starters, we need to download and install the free Orb Caster media server software onto our Wi-Fi enabled host computer, PC or Mac. With our permission it scans the hard drive for music files, peeking first into our iTunes library but we can also explore other locations. Orb supports the usual suspects: MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, even Apple Lossless and Audible.
We must purchase the $69 hardware, a lightweight, palm-sized plastic puck complete with all necessary wires and an AC adapter. The device connects to the computer to set it up for use on our specific home network, as well as to receive any firmware updates. This is a quick step before we move it to the destination audio system in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or anywhere we'd like to hear all our music. The Orb MP-1 patches into a receiver or directly to powered speakers via the RCA-type analog stereo cables (mini-jack on the MP-1 end). The USB port doubles as the necessary power port, with a nifty little USB/AC wall adapter.
Once we can successfully play Orb's little test tune, we know we've done everything right and we're ready to rock-n-roll. (Or in my case these days, to easy-listen.) It's quite a sense of accomplishment considering how fast and simple the setup is. Of course, now that we're away from the computer, we need some way to control playback, and for that we can grab the Orb Controller application for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (Apple's Wi-Fi devices) as well as Android-based smartphones. I downloaded the free app directly to my iPhone 4 and found its operation to be happily proactive, with amusing text and graphics to boot.
The Orb Music Player also streams Pandora, Sirius, and Internet radio stations, although for this and for iTunes-streaming, the host computer must remain powered on. In exchange, we gain access to an unlimited supply of music in any room, or even outside, with a slick, intuitive interface. For ease of operation and overall value, the Orb Music Player will be tough to beat.
More Information:
