Rhapsody is like a music library on the internet that you can access from multiple devices including computers (PC, MAC & Linux), MP3 Players (click here for portable device discussion), Cell Phones (Verizon) and Home Stereo systems. If you want to have access to the Rhapsody library of music and play through your home you have lots of options:
- Computer to Stereo System Connection - the easiest and quickest way to get Rhapsody's library into your home stereo and/or house is to connect a computer with a good audio card to a stereo system. I did this in my house and we love it. The computer is in our kitchen and we use it for parties, dinner music and general listening on the main floor and outside speakers. Click here to read about the PC to stereo configuration we put together (and love!).
- TiVO - you can connect to your Rhapsody music account through TiVO. The menu system is TiVO specific and the integration is done through Rhapsody DNA - this is basically a music operating system that gives device manufacturers that ability to connect directly to the Rhapsody Music library in a very customizable way. Click here for a blog post on the TiVO integration and special deals if you have or want TiVO.
- Sonos Music System - Sonos was one of the first companies to really use the Rhapsody DNA system and build a very cool system for accessing the Rhapsody library. In essence, they have created a standalone receiver that connects to your stereo or powered speakers that can be located throughout the house. The beauty of this is that you can have Sonos units all over the house/garden/garage without wiring them to each other, and plug each unit into a set of speakers and access the Rhapsody library from any unit, in any room with the Sonos remote control. Several of my friends have this system and they really dig it. Click here to learn more about the Sonos system and if it's right for you.
- Streaming Devices that Plug into Your Stereo. These streaming solutions are a bit different than Sonos in that the power for the speakers comes from the applifier of your stereo vs the Sonos unit itself. These streaming devices act as components to your stereo system. The units that are integrated with Rhapsody DNA include Philips Streamium and Logitech Squeezebox Duet.
- Integrated Stereo Receiver and Components with Rhapsody DNA Built In. Denon is the first company to move beyond plugging in devices into the stereo to actually imbedding Rhapsody into the core components. Denon has two pieces of equipment that are great for the including the Denon AVR-5308CI and the Denon S32 Wireless Network Music System.
I'm guessing there are a lot of new systems and ways to play Rhapsody through your home stereo system on the way so do your research, try Rhapsody and rock the house! |