Hello all,

I am new to this forum and relatively new to the Rio/Dell DAR. I just recently purchased one on eBay (the Dell version), and have been trying to learn as much as possible from sites such as this one. I have done some exhaustive searches, and have read a bunch of threads, and I think I am ready to take the plunge beyond the built-in features of the DAR.

My goal is simple. I have ripped my CD library to MP3 files, and have all of them stored on a spare PC that is only used as a media server. (essentially the PC is running a Win2K clean install, MusicMatch and has the MP3 files on it. All I want to do is play the MP3 files and associated playlists, and internet streaming radio. I know that with the native functions of the DAR, the MP3's and playlists are a done deal, so I am really looking for the best 3rd-party solution to add internet radio streaming.

I would like to preserve as much of the original functionality of the DAR, and just add the radio streaming. It seems that the JRec/Trio combo is the most popular, but I have looked at all of the alternatives. So, I ask all of you out there:

What is the best choice for me to add the radio streaming, given my harware and OS configuration? Is there a good source for installation/configuration information for the solutions available? Is anyone else doing what I'm trying to do, and if so, how so?

Thanks in advance for your help!
PalDoc

I think tRio is terrific. It has a very useable front end for streaming and works with the original ARM server side software: you don't have to go the whole hog of Jrec as well.

tRIO is certainly the best client although others have their uses. For example, there is a modified Rioplay that works with Home Automation, this allows TTS to be sent to the RIO's.

The server is the harder decision, If you have a large collection then ARM will bomb out, jrec is a pain to install, i got stuck on an earlier version that tRio didn't work with. If your happy to use a web interface to make music selections, Streamsicle is very good but keep an eye on Slimserver as it may catch up.

Thanks for the great suggestions. It looks like I will start with tRIO, and take it from there.

I have about 1500 MP3 files in my collection right now. Will that work OK with the stock ARM software?

Thanks again for your prompt and helpful replies!

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I have about 1500 MP3 files in my collection right now. Will that work OK with the stock ARM software?

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No problem. I have over 2000. tRio rocks!

OK...last question...at least for now...

Where do you download ARM v1.4?? I have found the upgrade/download for v1.3, but I have read on some of the threads that v1.4 seems to have some benefits (stability, etc.) Is there a Rio or Dell link for downloading the upgrade to ARM v1.4?

Thanks in advance...again!!

You only need 1.04 if you have a rebadged Dell and if you have a rebadged Dell the CD *should* have come with it.

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For example, there is a modified Rioplay that works with Home Automation, this allows TTS to be sent to the RIO's.

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Hmm. Interesting! Any pointers?

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For example, there is a modified Rioplay that works with Home Automation, this allows TTS to be sent to the RIO's.


Hmm. Interesting! Any pointers?

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How about here:
http://www.xplhal.com/xpl_hardware.htm

[q]How about here:
http://www.xplhal.com/xpl_hardware.htm[/q]
Thanks! Interesting. I had come across the XPL guys a while ago, but they seem to have gotten a bit further. But still seems pretty much the only thing supporting XPL is their own VB stuff.

Wonder how they drive the audio, and why it requires a specific client. I really prefer the tRio for the ability to synch several receivers....

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Where do you download ARM v1.4

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They recently made it available at rioaudio.com.

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v1.4 seems to have some benefits (stability, etc.)

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No, it does not. Its only benefit is that it supports the rebadged dell receivers.

Here is the link, under software you can find the 1.04 beta

http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/product.asp?prodID=99

Did you get/need the v 1.04 ARM software? I can send you a disc if you get really stumped.

M

Thanks for the offer, but it's not necessary. I found the v1.04 upgrade at the link posted above, and I now have everything up and running. Thanks again to everyone for their help!

PalmDoc

Yes, its the XPL manager that i'm playing with at the moment. I wouldn't stray from tRIO unless your into HA or you couln't get jrec to work.
I'm presently using the XPL mgr/Rio as an alarm clock, it announces 'wake up bill', starts playing a playlist and turns the bedroom light on.

The best rio client at the time XPL started was rioplay. I don't know if it could be done for tRIO?
The slimserver also has XPL support.

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The best rio client at the time XPL started was rioplay. I don't know if it could be done for tRIO?
The slimserver also has XPL support.

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Hmm. Does the client really need to support XPL - I woiuld assume the interaction would mostly be at the server level?
I do want to be able to inject announcements/phone rings into the music stream, as well as turn music on/off from my home control system, but I also need the synchronizing and other features of tRio....

Thats always the problem! we can't have our cake and eat it.

I loved tRIO also, but because i had failed to upgrade/install jrec 0.2.5, and ARM is no good with 50K mp3's, i can't get the Rio to select music directly which i need. Hence i'm think of going back to rioplay which i had working with jrec 0.2.3 and has the HA stuff as well.

If they get to doing sync, i think its on the todo list, i'll post it.