Squeezebox (network music player)

Last updated
Squeezebox
Squeezebox v3.jpg
Squeezebox 3 in Logitech housing
Developer Logitech
Type Network Music Player
Release date2001
Introductory price US$199.99 (179.99)
Discontinued2012

Squeezebox is a family of network music players. The original device was the SliMP3, introduced in 2001 by Slim Devices. It had an Ethernet interface and played MP3 music files from a media server. The first Squeezebox was released two years later and was followed by several more models. Slim Devices was acquired by Logitech in 2006.

Contents

History

Slim Devices was established in 2000, and was first known for its SlimServer used for streaming music, but launched a hardware player named SliMP3 able to play these streams in 2001. Although the first player was fairly simple only supporting wired Ethernet and MP3 natively, it was followed two years later by a slightly more advanced player which was renamed to Squeezebox. Other versions followed, gradually adding native support for additional file formats, Wi-Fi-support, gradually adding larger and more advanced displays as well as a version targeting audiophile users. Support for playing music from external streaming platforms such as Pandora, Napster, Last.fm and Sirius were also added. The devices in general have two operating modes; either standalone where the device connects to an internet streaming service directly, or to a local computer running the Logitech Media Server or a network-attached storage device. Both the server software and large parts of the firmware on the most recent players are released under open source licenses.

In 2006, Slim Devices was acquired by Logitech for US$20 million. [1] [2] Logitech continued the development of their hardware players until they announced in August 2012 that they would be discontinued. [3] [4] The online service mysqueezebox.com, needed to use a Squeezebox without a private server, was still[ when? ] being maintained by Logitech. Given the cross-platform nature of the server and software client, some users have ensured the continued use of the platform by utilizing the Raspberry Pi as dedicated Squeezebox device (both client and server).[ citation needed ]

In January 2024 Logitech announced that they will close down their online server at mysqueezebox.com in February 2024. After that, the only way to use your Squeezebox device will be through a local Squeezebox server. Open Source code for such a server can be found here.

Squeezebox versions

SliMP3 (2001)

The first-generation hardware requires Logitech Media Server (formerly SlimServer, SqueezeCenter and Squeezebox Server), to run, which is free, open source software. It is wired-Ethernet only and natively supports one audio format, MP3. Logitech Media Server can transcode other audio formats to MP3 on the fly, using the LAME MP3 encoder. [5]

Squeezebox (November 2003)

Second generation hardware, also called SB1 to avoid confusing it with the Squeezebox product range. The SB1 originally used the same display as the SliMP3. Main feature additions included optional 802.11b Wi-Fi, support for uncompressed PCM/WAV/AIFF audio streams, and headphone, coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs. As with successor models, the required server may be SlimServer (ended with Rev 6.5.4), SqueezeCenter (Rev 7.x) or the Logitech Media Server. Slim Devices offered a bitmap display upgrade for this hardware, but that is no longer available. Some units have a 40×2 Noritake character display, others have a 280×16 pixel Noritake bitmap display.

Squeezebox2 (April 2005)

Third generation hardware. Features included optional 802.11g Wi-Fi, native support for more audio formats (FLAC, WMA, Ogg), upgraded 320×32 pixel greyscale bitmap VFD display, visualizers, bitmapped fonts.

This model has infrared remote control, analog outputs, volume control, headphone jack, coaxial and optical digital outputs.

The Squeezebox2 supports numerous audio formats including MP3, Windows Media Audio, Musepack, Monkey's Audio, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Shorten, WAV, AIFF, Ogg Vorbis, and unencrypted AAC. Of these, MP3, Windows Media, FLAC, WAV, AIFF and Ogg Vorbis are natively supported by the player firmware; the remainder are automatically transcoded by the Logitech Media Server host software into one of the player-supported formats. DRM-crippled AAC from the Apple iTunes Music Store is not supported.

Squeezebox Classic (SB3) (November 2005)

The Squeezebox Classic, aka Squeezebox3, aka SB3, aka Squeezebox 3rd Generation, has the fourth generation hardware. The features and most of the technical specifications are identical to that of the Squeezebox2. A new board and chassis design are used, as well as a new remote and internal Wi-Fi antennas. With the introduction of the "Duet" Squeezebox3 was renamed "Squeezebox Classic".

Because of the transition to Logitech during production, the SB3 was available in a Slim Devices and a Logitech housing.

Dimensions: 7.6"W × 3.7"H × 3.1"D (192 mm × 93 mm × 80 mm) including stand.

Transporter (September 2006)

Fifth generation hardware. Features are similar to Squeezebox v3. Geared towards audiophiles. Additional features over Squeezebox v3 include dual 320×32 pixel displays, front panel buttons and tactile feedback knob, redesigned backlit remote control, balanced (XLR) and unbalanced audio outputs, balanced and unbalanced digital inputs and outputs (AES/EBU and S/PDIF) (inputs for operation as a standalone DAC), RS-232 serial connection for external control, Infrared input and output.

Squeezebox Duet (January 2008)

This new design consists of a more sophisticated remote, called the Squeezebox Controller (aka SBC) with a display (like the Sonos), and a separate simplified network music player box, called the Squeezebox Receiver (aka SBR) connecting to the stereo. The SBR can operate without the SBC, although that is not supported by Logitech and is recommended for advanced users only. The SBC can also operate as an audio player through its integrated speaker or through its integrated headphone jack. Additional SBRs could be bought separately.

Differences between the Squeezebox Classic and the Squeezebox Duet include:

The Squeezebox Controller is the first unit in the Squeezebox line that runs on SqueezeOS, an embedded Linux distribution. These devices are less "slim" than the previous Squeezeboxes. The Squeezebox Radio and the Squeezebox Touch are also SqueezeOS based.

As the Squeezebox Controller had largely been rendered obsolete by smartphone and tablet PC apps, and the Squeezebox Touch surpasses the Squeezebox Receiver in all respects, the Squeezebox Duet was discontinued in early 2011.

Squeezebox Boom (August 2008)

In a departure from previous models, the Boom combines Squeezebox functionality with a DSP, a 30  W [6] integrated amplifier and bi-amped stereo two-way speakers to produce a self-contained device which requires only a network connection (either wired or wireless) and power. Without a network connection, the Boom can still amplify and play a line level signal from an external player through a 3.5mm mini-jack plug.

The Squeezebox Boom was discontinued in early 2011, with no replacement model.

Squeezebox Radio (September 2009)

Squeezebox Radio Squeezebox Radio.JPG
Squeezebox Radio

Squeezebox Radio adds a color screen (2.4") to the all-in-one design of its older sibling, Squeezebox Boom, but only in a mono configuration. The Squeezebox Radio can be powered by an optional proprietary battery pack, made available in March 2010. When running off Logitech Media Server, two Squeezebox Radios can be synchronized and set to play one stereo channel each, thus working as a stereo device. Also, by using headphones one can use one single Squeezebox Radio as a stereo device.

Squeezebox Touch (April 2010)

The Squeezebox Touch is the functional successor of the SB3, and has a couple of new features:

UE Smart Radio

The UE Smart Radio is visually similar to the Squeezebox Radio but has a simplified interface and limited functionality. It has an interface option to switch to the Squeezebox firmware. [8] It was discontinued in 2014.

Shutdown

In January 2024 Squeezebox users received a message that the Squeezebox servers would shut down in February 2024, making the Squeezebox devices unusable unless you set up your own Squeezebox server. Squeezebox offered a download for such a server at mysqueezebox.com for anyone wanting to run their own server. On 19 March 2024 the Squeezebox servers were shut down.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boombox</span> Portable music player with tape recorders and radio with a carrying handle

A boombox is a transistorized portable music player featuring one or two cassette tape players/recorders and AM/FM radio, generally with a carrying handle. Beginning in the mid 1990s, a CD player was often included. Sound is delivered through an amplifier and two or more integrated loudspeakers. A boombox is a device typically capable of receiving radio stations and playing recorded music. Many models are also capable of recording onto cassette tapes from radio and other sources. In the 1990s, some boomboxes were available with MiniDisc recorders and players. Designed for portability, boomboxes can be powered by batteries as well as by line current. The boombox was introduced to the American market during the late 1970s. The desire for louder and heavier bass led to bigger and heavier boxes; by the 1980s, some boomboxes had reached the size of a suitcase. Some larger boomboxes even contained vertically mounted record turntables. Most boomboxes were battery-operated, leading to extremely heavy, bulky boxes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPort Express</span> Wi-Fi base station by Apple

The AirPort Express is a discontinued Wi-Fi base station product from Apple Inc., part of the AirPort product line. While more compact and in some ways simpler than another Apple Wi-Fi base station, the AirPort Extreme, the Express offers audio output capability the Extreme lacks. The AirPort Express was the first AirPlay device to receive streamed audio from a computer running iTunes on the local network. AirPort Express outperforms the stringent requirements of the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Small Network Equipment (SNE) Version 1.0.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portable media player</span> Portable device capable of storing and playing digital media

A portable media player (PMP) or digital audio player (DAP) is a portable consumer electronics device capable of storing and playing digital media such as audio, images, and video files. The data is typically stored on a compact disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc (BD), flash memory, microdrive, SD cards or hard drive; most earlier PMPs used physical media, but modern players mostly use flash memory. In contrast, analogue portable audio players play music from non-digital media that use analogue media, such as cassette tapes or vinyl records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intel High Definition Audio</span> Specification for the audio sub-system of personal computers

Intel High Definition Audio (IHDA) (also called HD Audio or development codename Azalia) is a specification for the audio sub-system of personal computers. It was released by Intel in 2004 as the successor to their AC'97 PC audio standard.

Music Player Daemon (MPD) is a free and open source music player server. It plays audio files, organizes playlists and maintains a music database. In order to interact with it, a client program is needed. The MPD distribution includes mpc, a simple command line client.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internet radio device</span>

An Internet radio device, also called network music player is a hardware device that is capable of receiving and playing streamed media from either Internet radio stations or a home network.

Slim Devices, Inc. was a consumer electronics company based in Mountain View, California, United States. Their main product was the Squeezebox network music player which connects to a home ethernet or Wi-Fi network, and allows the owner to stream digital audio over the network to a stereo. The company, founded in 2000, was originally most notable for their support of open-source software, namely their SlimServer software which their products at that time all depended upon, and is still available as a free download and modification by any interested developer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SoundBridge</span>

SoundBridge is a hardware device from Roku, Inc. designed to play internet radio or digital audio streamed across a home network, over either Wi-Fi or ethernet. SoundBridge devices directly browsed the Radio Roku guide. As of 2008 all Roku SoundBridge products were discontinued; Roku focused on IPTV. As of January 2012, the SoundBridge was no longer available from Roku. As of May 2018, internet radio functionality was no longer supported by Roku; they shut down their Radio Roku server that provided searching, saving and accessing "Favorite" stations. However, the Roku SoundBridge can still access radio streams stored in its 18 URL presets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logitech Media Server</span> Open-source streaming audio server

Lyrion Music Server is a streaming audio server supported by the LMS community and formerly supported by Logitech, developed in particular to support their Squeezebox range of digital audio receivers.

The Hauppauge MediaMVP is a network media player. It consists of a hardware unit with remote control, along with software for a Windows PC. Out of the box, it is capable of playing video and audio, displaying pictures, and "tuning in" to Internet radio stations. Alternative software is also available to extend its capabilities. It can be used as a front-end for various PVR projects.

The Rio Receiver was a home stereo device for playing MP3 files stored on your computer's hard drive over an Ethernet or HomePNA network. It was later rebranded and sold as the Dell Digital Audio Receiver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SanDisk portable media players</span> Line of portable media players

SanDisk has produced a number of flash memory-based digital audio and portable media players since 2005. The current range of products bears the SanDisk Clip name. SanDisk players were formerly marketed under the Sansa name until 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Netgear Digital Entertainer</span>

Netgear's Digital Entertainer line of products are digital media players that can pull multimedia content from home computers to the typical audio/video entertainment center. There are three products in the line, the EVA700, the HD EVA8000 and the current EVA9150 Digital Entertainer Elite. All support high definition video, the EVA700 via component output up to 1080i and the EVA8000/EVA9000 up to 1080p with both component and HDMI connectors. All models support audio, video, image and streaming audio and video formats and can be networked via wired and wireless Ethernet. The EVA700 is Intel Viiv certified.

The Walkman A810 series is a portable media player designed by Sony. It was a flagship model in the Walkman digital player family. The model debuted in Asia in 2007, and then became available in North America. This series updates the previous Walkman A800 of the Walkman A Series, with the same hardware but different on-PC music management program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caanoo</span> Handheld game console

The GP2X Caanoo, more commonly known as Caanoo, stylized CAANOO, is an open source, Linux-based handheld video game console and portable media player developed by the South Korean company GamePark Holdings. It was released on August 16, 2010 in South Korea and was also sold throughout Europe. It is the successor to the GP2X Wiz, and was showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010. The device's launch price was about US$150, which didn't reach any retail stores in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AirPlay</span> Proprietary wireless streaming protocol developed by Apple Inc.

AirPlay is a proprietary wireless communication protocol stack/suite developed by Apple Inc. that allows streaming between devices of audio, video, device screens, and photos, together with related metadata. Originally implemented only in Apple's software and devices, it was called AirTunes and used for audio only. Apple has since licensed the AirPlay protocol stack as a third-party software component technology to manufacturers that build products compatible with Apple's devices.

Various accessories for the PlayStation 2 video game console have been produced by Sony, as well as third parties. These include controllers, audio and video input devices such as microphones and video cameras, and cables for better sound and picture quality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PonoPlayer</span> Discontinued portable music player brand

PonoPlayer is a portable music player created by Neil Young's company, PonoMusic, as the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FiiO X3 Portable Music Player</span>

FiiO X3 is a digital music player manufactured and marketed by FiiO Electronics Technology. The player utilizes a built-in Wolfson DAC, and is capable of reproducing music sampled at 192kHz with a sample size of 24-bits per channel, in addition to functioning as a USB audio interface. The X3 is a mid-level member of the FiiO X Series of portable music players. It supports major lossy music formats such as MP3, and lossless music formats such as FLAC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LG V20</span> Android smartphone by LG Electronics

LG V20 is an Android phone manufactured by LG Electronics, in its LG V series, succeeding the LG V10 released in 2015. Unveiled on September 6, 2016, it was the first phone with the Android Nougat operating system. Like the V10, the V20 has a secondary display panel near the top of the device that can display additional messages and controls, and a quad DAC for audio. The V20 has a user-replaceable battery, unlike its successor, the LG V30, unveiled on 31 August 2017.

References

  1. Logitech’s Slim Devices intros Squeezebox Boom network player
  2. Del Conte, Natali (October 19, 2006). "Logitech Buys Squeezebox Maker Slim Devices". PC Mag.com. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  3. Moskovciak, Matthew (September 27, 2012). "Logitech leaves Squeezebox fans wondering what's next". CNET. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  4. Fischer, Ariel (September 28, 2006). "An Open Letter to Squeezebox Fans". Logitech. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
  5. Slim Devices SLIMP3 Player Review
  6. Review: Logitech Squeezebox Boom [ dead link ]
  7. "Squeezebox Touch as a Home Music Server - SqueezeboxWiki". Wiki.slimdevices.com. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
  8. "An update to the Logitech UE Smart Radio - Logitech Forums". forums.logitech.com. Archived from the original on 2013-12-31.