Russound's Whole House Audio Platform

I can't wait, when is it coming out?

Comparable devices are in the $2-4k range, it would be interesting to see how much one would cost. Am sure a low end closet PC with iTunes can do the same....

In the video era a device that only does music and photos a little bit dated. Real integration with the home entertainment system requires video...

Real integration? Is seems pretty simple, just give us a media pc that fits in a home theatre equipment rack that is designed with CD/DVD removable drives (like a laptop) so it can be easily updated to HD DVD; removable hard drives so you can store all your music etc with no concern of disc size; open slots to add cards that will allow adding HDMI or any other connections needed to control all your home theatre equipment (you know, like a desktop pc); video turner card that allows over the air, cable or DirecTV HD programing; ethernet/Wifi connectivity to connect to your home LAN and a user friendly interface to control it all. Sounds like a media pc that is designed with the flexibility of a pc instead of the no options, no flexibility of the media pcs that are now being offered.

250GB isn't enough, not even for just audio. I have a bit over 600 CD's in Apple Losseless, which takes up almost all of my 250GB external drive, and I have no backup. There must be a route to expansion or it is pointless. You also did not mention if it has Gracenote CDDB. And I do agree, it needs at least somekind of video capability.

Does it only capture old fashioned stereo CDs, or can it also capture multichannel DualDiscs, SACDs, and DVDAs? There is a need for *something* to replace the old "200 CD Changers", but it had better be something that captures today's multichannel music.

Stereo Outputs? what are these guys thinking!

Trumps Sonos?? A quick scan of the SMS3 spec sheet leaves me skeptical. Yes they've integrated a HDD and CD drive for ripping purposes, but CDs are becoming so passe these days. What about integration with an online music streaming service (Rhapsody, MMatch for example). Also I'd prefer Sonosnet 802.11 based mesh networking to tying up my CAT5 wiring with the proprietary RNET protocol. Also lacks an LCD RF remote control like Sonos.

The SMS3 is designed for WHOLE-HOUSE AUDIO systems. The target performance is that of a BACKGROUND music server in the home, rather than the main listening system. Surround channels are not typically necessary -much less noticed- say, in your foyer, deck, kid's room, dining room, bath, etc.... well, for most folks! THe SMS3 is definitely not what I would use to drive a 7 or 9 channel media ROOM surround system The SMS3 offers 3 independent audio streams SIMULTANEOUSLY. Basically, it is 3 audio/jpeg media players in your house, in one device. S.mart M.edia S.erver, 3. streams. The SMS3 offers it's G.U.I. via std composite video output for any TV in the house, or all media meta-data ( song title, album title, playlist ) can be viewed on supported system keypads (Russound systems). Wireless remote is also supplied, which can be used to teach programmable remotes and keypads. However, I agree, it has limited file format compatibility. I would like to see integration with Rhapsody, Apple ( AAC ) musicstore, etc. . Yes, it does utilize Gracenote Metadata services. Requires access to internet/network. SMS3 will appear on the network as a seperate drive, so drag and drop is supported as well. I will begin the installation and integration of the SMS3-250GB into a client's home within the month. I'll post more info as they come up. **Client has already passed us about 100 CD's for ripping; SMS3 manual quotes up to 12 minutes a disc for ripping and Gracenote metadata download. My project manager thinks he will spend the time to do it. I am trying to convince him to outsource for cd ripping services