Squeezebox

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A series of network music players from Logitech were sold under the name Squeezebox until 2012 . The players were originally developed by SlimDevices , which was then taken over by Logitech.

Squeezebox v3

From version 3, a number of popular music service providers such as Pandora , Slacker (music service) , Napster , SomaFM , Mediafly , Live365 , Rhapsody , Last.fm , Spotify , Deezer and Sirius can be used. Both the server software and large parts of the player's firmware are published under an open source license and can be expanded accordingly by the user. There are also pure software players that can play music on computers or mobile devices (telephone or touchpad).

There are two different operating modes of the box:

  • In connection with an Internet server provided by Logitech without a server operated in its own network
  • In connection with a Logitech Media Server installed in the network on a PC or NAS

Squeezebox versions

SliMP3 (2001)

The first generation of the Squeezebox requires a Logitech Media Server to operate. Only the MP3 format is supported. Other formats are converted to MP3 at runtime on the Logitech Media Server and transferred to the player. The network connection takes place via a fixed Ethernet connection.

Squeezebox (November 2003)

The second generation of the player, also known as the SB1, uses the same display as the SliMP3, but has some additional features:

Like the SliMP3, it requires its own Logitech Media Server to operate.

Squeezebox2 (April 2005)

The third generation of the Squeezebox now also supports FLAC , WMA , Ogg, has an extended 320 × 32-pixel display and 802.11g - WLAN support.

Squeezebox Classic (SB3) (November 2005)

The SB3 is very similar to the Squeezebox2 in terms of hardware. But it is housed in a more modern housing and comes with a new remote control.

Transporter (September 2006)

The Transporter is a 19 "rack housing designed for audiophiles. Compared to the Squeezebox Classic, sample rates up to 96 kHz are also supported, a second extended display is used and operation can also be done using a rotary knob in the middle of the front ( Transnav The audio capabilities have also been upgraded through the use of high-quality DA converters, and the model also has corresponding AES / EBU and XLR connections for professional use .

Transporter SE

The Transporter SE is a modified version of the Transporter without a large control wheel in the middle of the front. The other data correspond to the transporter.

Squeezebox Duet (January 2008)

The Squeezebox Duet introduces a new operating concept with a separate intelligent remote control - the Squeezebox Controller . The Squeezebox itself, in this case the Squeezebox Receiver , does not have its own display.

Using the Squeezebox Controller, it was possible to conveniently navigate through the music collection. He also had his own playback options with an integrated headphone connection. The Squeezebox Receiver , as an independent device, ensured the connection to the stereo system. It can also be operated alone and controlled via the Logitech Media Server, for example.

In the meantime, the Squeezebox Controller has become obsolete due to the introduction of smartphone apps that can take over its task and production of the Duet has been discontinued.

Squeezebox Boom (August 2008)

The Squeezebox Boom extends the Squeezebox series with a model equipped with its own stereo speakers. It includes a DSP and a high quality digital amplifier.

Squeezebox Radio (September 2009)

The Squeezebox Radio corresponds to the mono configuration of the Squeezebox Boom with a small 2.4 "color display. An accessory kit is available for the Squeezebox Radio which contains a remote control and a battery pack with which it can also be operated without a mains connection Device was presented with changed firmware and integrated battery pack in 2012 under the name UE Smart Radio.

Squeezebox Touch (April 2010)

The Squeezebox Touch is the functional successor to the Squeezebox 3. Extended capabilities compared to the Squeezebox 3 include:

  • 4.3 "color touchscreen
  • Possibility of playing directly from a memory card or USB hard drive. The Squeezebox Touch functions as its own server
  • Support of audio sample rates up to 96 kHz

Squeezebox Software Player

SoftSqueeze

SoftSqueeze is a software player that was programmed in Java and thus runs on every computer. Thus, this player is an addition to the hardware player.

SqueezePlay

SqueezePlay is the desktop version of the Squeezebox controller software. It delivers the audio player with a look and feel similar to the Squeezebox user interface. SqueezePlay runs on Mac, Windows and Linux. It is the successor to SoftSqueeze and is based on the SqueezeOS software platform.

SqueezePlayer (Android)

SqueezePlayer is a Squeezebox software player for the Android operating system.

Squeezecast (iOS)

Squeezecast is a Squeezebox software player for the Apple iOS operating system.

criticism

The Squeezebox range is often criticized for its lack of native UPNP / DLNA support (a running Logitech Media Server in the network can, however, provide this via the server). On the other hand, the Squeezeboxes are particularly positive due to their good audio quality and the open source system.

Hardware comparison

SliMP3 Squeezebox Squeezebox2 Squeezebox Classic Transporter Squeezebox Duet (Receiver) Squeezebox Boom Squeezebox Radio Squeezebox Touch
CPU Microchip PIC16F877 microcontroller Ubicom IP2K, 120 MHz Ubicom IP3K, 250 MHz like Squeezebox2 IP3K, 325 MHz like Squeezebox2 like Squeezebox2 Freescale i.MX25 400 MHz ARM926EJ Freescale i.MX35 533 MHz ARM11
DAC Crystal CS4334, 16 bit 44 kHz Micronas MAS3539, 44.1 and 48 kHz Burr-Brown PCM1748E, 24 bit 44.1 and 48 kHz like Squeezebox 2 AKM4396, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz Wolfson 24 bit WM8501, 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz Texas Instruments TAS3204 & Wolfson WM8501 Texas Instruments TLV320AIC3104 AKM4420, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz
Display Noritake 40 × 2 character VFD Noritake 40 × 2-character VFD or 280 × 16-pixel VFD 320 × 32 pixel VFD like Squeezebox2 dual 320 × 32 pixel VFD --- 160 × 32 pixel VFD 2.4 "color LCD , 24 bpp, 240 × 320 pixels 4.3 "-Color- LCD - touch screen , 24 bpp, 480 × 272 pixels
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS --- 802.11b, external antenna; only WEP (no WPA) 802.11g; WPA, WPA2-AES and 64/128-bit WEP encryption, internal and external antennas like Squeezebox2, but with two internal antennas like Squeezebox2, but with two external antennas like Squeezebox Classic like Squeezebox Classic like Squeezebox Classic like Squeezebox Classic
connections Stereo RCA analog, 10-Base-T Ethernet RJ 45 Stereo RCA analog, 10-Base-T Ethernet RJ 45 , headphones 3.5 mm SPDIF: TOSLINK SPDIF : Cinch + TOSLINK , stereo cinch analog, Ethernet RJ 45 , headphones 3.5 mm SPDIF : Cinch + TOSLINK , stereo cinch analog, Ethernet RJ 45 , headphones 3.5 mm RS-232 , XLR , SPDIF : Cinch + TOSLINK in + output, AES / EBU in + output SPDIF : Cinch + TOSLINK , stereo cinch analog, Ethernet RJ 45 Ethernet RJ 45 , line-in 3.5 mm, headphones / subwoofer 3.5 mm Headphones 3.5 mm, line-in 3.5 mm, Ethernet RJ 45 USB , SD , Ethernet RJ 45 , SPDIF : Cinch + TOSLINK , stereo cinch -analog
analog audio data Total harmonic distortion : 0.002%, signal to noise ratio : 100 db Dynamic range: 120 db, distortion factor : 0.00005%, signal to noise ratio : 106 db Signal to noise ratio : 90 db Dynamic range: 91.7  db (A) , distortion factor : 0.01% Dynamic range: 97.9  db (A) , distortion factor : 0.001%

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ License.txt in Squeezebox Server 7.3 repository . Retrieved September 25, 2010.
  2. ↑ Squeezeplay now under BSD License . January 14, 2010. Retrieved September 25, 2010.
  3. ↑ PDF
  4. ↑ [1]
  5. ↑ Squeezebox Touch as a Home Music Server - SqueezeboxWiki . Wiki.slimdevices.com. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  6. ↑ Test report Squeezebox Touch . Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  7. ↑ Hardware comparison . Wiki.slimdevices.com. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  8. ↑ a b Sven Hansen: That's where the music plays! . In: heise (Ed.): C't . 2012, No. 10, Hanover, April 23, 2012, p. 129. ISSN  0724-8679 .