View Full Version : Wishlist Boom2
Detachable speakers for better stereo separation.
Admitted I haven't heard the Boom yet. I plan to buy one and put in the kitchen.
But if it really sounds as good as beta-testers are saying I would like to put one in the livingroom as well (with a sub). But stereo separation will be a problem in a larger room.
With detachable speakers you will have a lowcost high quality stereo that will kick the s... out of any micro/mini sub/sat stereosystem that many families are buying today.
I know this is far from Slim devices starting point but volume will be huge.
/Letten
max.spicer
2008-08-29, 03:30
Detachable speakers for better stereo separation.
Admitted I haven't heard the Boom yet. I plan to buy one and put in the kitchen.
But if it really sounds as good as beta-testers are saying I would like to put one in the livingroom as well (with a sub). But stereo separation will be a problem in a larger room.
With detachable speakers you will have a lowcost high quality stereo that will kick the s... out of any micro/mini sub/sat stereosystem that many families are buying today.
I know this is far from Slim devices starting point but volume will be huge.
/Letten
So first you ask for one with built-in speakers, then you ask for one with built in speakers that you can take off. :-) I think if you want separate speakers, you'd be much better off going with an SB3 or Receiver and combining it with some active speakers.
However, wait until you hear Boom. It's pretty damn good, and the Stereo-XL stuff is very effective.
Max
I think if you want separate speakers, you'd be much better off going with an SB3 or Receiver and combining it with some active speakers.
Max
But that wouldn't take advantage of all the finetuning that went into the DSP, the high quality class D amplifiers and speakers of the Boom? The nice thing about the Boom is that the system was designed together as a whole.
Now I'm not saying that a receiver+active speaker combo is going to perform worse, for sure you can buy insanely expensive active speakers. But for the price of the Boom i guess it's difficult to match with a combo.
Detachable speakers for better stereo separation.
Admitted I haven't heard the Boom yet. I plan to buy one and put in the kitchen.
But if it really sounds as good as beta-testers are saying I would like to put one in the livingroom as well (with a sub). But stereo separation will be a problem in a larger room.
With detachable speakers you will have a lowcost high quality stereo that will kick the s... out of any micro/mini sub/sat stereosystem that many families are buying today.
I know this is far from Slim devices starting point but volume will be huge.
/Letten
Great topic to open, but the unit is not even on store shelves yet and you are seeking changes. I also point out that you haven't heard or owned one yet (give it time and a listen first).
It appears to me that the Boom was designed with a purpose in mind. To fill or fit a specific need, filling a gap in a product line. That it is so versatile is a credit to the design team. The Boom was not designed for or intended to act as a replacement for a main stereo system in ones living room. As others and I have pointed out, that is the purpose of the SB3 or Duet or Transporter.
On to the specifics of the changes you seek, the Boom is a local unit speaker system. Basically everything was designed around the tweeter and woofer. Meaning the cabinet is the way it is, the DSPs, the Class D digital amps, bi-amping, and so on to maximize the available sound. Creating separate speaker enclosures much less removable ones would reduce the overall volume of space available to the woofer (it’s a sealed system, not ported) creating issues with frequency response and limiting how low Boom’s bass could go.
Wait until you hear a Boom because it sounds better then any other micro/mini/sub-sat system out there at three times its price. And lastly you brought up the exact point against the changes you would seek in your reply, for it takes two to three times as much money to equal the sound of Boom with a Squeezebox Classic and a pair of high quality powered speakers!
Again the Boom is very versatile, but it is not a do everything end all all in one solution. It is not designed to fill a large room in place of a proper main stereo system (even though it sounds fairly good in a large room up to a point).
Hi,
It's funny that You reply to this idea this way, because it was your comment about boom vs Audioengine A2 in another thread, that inspired me :-)
You wrote:
I have heard the A2s (so this will be from memory) but don't own a pair. I do have the A5s. I would have to echo Sean's comments on the A2s. A great small powered speaker to match with an SB3 or Duet, but for the money and amount of sound as well as quality of sound, the Boom is a better deal and has a more accurate even sounding presentation. The only column the Boom doesn't win over the A2 is in physical stereo separation (even though the StereoXL is very close).
So I figured being able to detach the speakers would improve on this.
I'm not an expert on speakerdesign so there might bee very good reasons not to design them as detachables, but from a users point of view it would've been a nice option.
Now, I agree on your comments about not being ment as a replacement for a main stereo. But for me and I guess for many families (buying crap micro systems) it could be a replacement even in a larger livingroom.
I would add built in battery.
Digital output, for combined use with your real hifi when using digital out speakers could be made to mute. Then you could disconnect and move it to another location :-) where it plays cordless with built in battery ;-)
Another scenario is if your young/and/or poor and get a real hifi later you could hook up digitally and enjoy that then.
I would also add a cradle for charging the controller at the top of the unit.
And what about more colors, red, pink :) anyone ?
what about a designed edition in with cool graphics and color schemes.
Make it able to act as AP for the controller, that would be nice when the controller will be able to roam (enhancement in the works methinks)
If we're really going to town here... integrated 3G HSDPA for a truly portable solution! As long as I don't have to pay the bill.
urbanshepherd
2008-08-29, 07:41
I'd also like it if it could keep the same build quality of the single unit, yet be able to fold it into your pocket. Then, store the heat from your body, and use this as a power source for when its unfolded again.
Surely...
max.spicer
2008-08-29, 08:16
Don't forget the free pony!
Max
I'd also like it if it could keep the same build quality of the single unit, yet be able to fold it into your pocket. Then, store the heat from your body, and use this as a power source for when its unfolded again.
Surely...
Greatest... idea... EVER! :)
Mike
I don't want detachable Speakers, period!
Please leave the unit as it is. Battery option - only when it can connect to the squeezecenter via umts with no extra cost.
What i would like to see next, is a VFD Unit for a Squeezecenter, make it fit into a optical drive bay and be connected to the Squeezecenter via usb or lan.
this woukd be cool for a Mediacenter scenario (using the Mediacenter as a Player Server Combo without powering the TV on) or a Squeezecenter in the Hobby room where you want to listen to the musik and have the unit running anyway.
Greetz surly
What i would like to see next, is a VFD Unit for a Squeezecenter, make it fit into a optical drive bay and be connected to the Squeezecenter via usb or lan.
Great idea! It should be fairly straightforward to program an existing 5¼" VFD unit (most are programmable) to use the SC API. If I had a VFD myself I'd probably take it up as a project.
It would be cool if it had the same vfd as the classic and an ir receiver.
It could be connected to a softsquezze sans graphics.
If it would also display messages of the Vista and XP MCE it would be perfect.
Greetz surly
ps. i forgot the on/of remote option (as with the irTrans units)
I would like to see a 'slave device' that could go on my wife's nightstand, with a speaker, the ability to snooze/turn off alarms as well as display the time/date (or superdatetime, etc.). I currently have a Nakamichi SoundSpace 3 which has a dual 'head' and a subwoofer. Great concept, but it really is a poor design. I've lived with the problems for years only because I can't find anything better to replace it. The Nak only has two alarms so having multiple alarms is a plus, and with the above 'multi' unit design you could have his and her alarms that only sound on one side of the bed.
I realize I could buy two of these and probably do what I am asking above, but I think having a less expensive 'add-on' unit would be a plus.
Adding a battery (for wireless use and for battery back up for power failures) would be a plus. (Couple with a cradlepoint battery operated wireless router and EDVO card you could take streaming music just about anywhere.)
Built in HD tuner would be another nice to have.
Build in USB port for charging devices (cell phone, PDA, iPod, etc.) would be another cool feature.
Built in photo cell to auto dim the display when the lights are turned off or brighten the display when a lot of light is present. (could be configurable from the server side).
Ethernet pass through so another device can be daisy chained if using a wired connection (maybe this is how the slave unit is attached?). (or it can be used as a wireless bridge if using a wireless connection).
Great design and nice looking device.
-Jeff
Mark Lanctot
2008-08-29, 12:21
Built in photo cell to auto dim the display when the lights are turned off or brighten the display when a lot of light is present. (could be configurable from the server side).
Boom already has this.
Built in HD tuner would be another nice to have.
More general solution is a HD tuner card in the server and an SC plugin. This approach works for some users for AM/FM, DAB and satellite.
On Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 4:41 PM, urbanshepherd <
urbanshepherd.3ewsoz1220021102 (AT) no-mx (DOT) forums.slimdevices.com> wrote:
>
> I'd also like it if it could keep the same build quality of the single
> unit, yet be able to fold it into your pocket. Then, store the heat
> from your body, and use this as a power source for when its unfolded
> again.
>
> Surely...
>
Amazingly enough, there was recently a major breakthrough in this area. No
kidding.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93872974
-Caleb
dwilliams01
2008-08-29, 17:55
1) usb ports for charging (I didn't even think of this until someone else mentioned it and now I'm kicking myself).
2) Could the controller be charged from a usb port cradle?? I'd certainly buy another charging cradle for this. How about a harmony remote??? (I know, different division, but I have a lot of stuff to put on a nightstand - it'd be nice if they shared space in some way (stacked?)).
3) A ruggedized boom. "Outdoor Boom"tm or "Travel Boom"tm
3a) This one would have a textured exterior.
3b) An lcd or other passive display very good in bright sunlight (probably need an occasional back light). Or a controller with this...
3c) Potentially be a bit more "sealed" against the environment (if it needs it, mine almost go hit with a hose once - scared me to death for a second).
3d) A physical clip or holder for the remote (I actually like the smaller one over the old ones, by the way...). If it is being carted around a lot in a car, etc. the remote's magnet needs a bit of beefing up, otherwise.
3e) Some kind of case, cover, or flap that would protect the face (display and buttons) when packed up in a car, etc.
3f) Built in ssh client support so that it can connect back up to my home system without a laptop.
3g) Multiple network settings memory so that I don't have to keep entering my family and friend's wireless network settings all of the time. Note, I get around this somewhat now by carrying around a travel wireless router (about the size of a deck of cards) that I know the settings to so that I just have to plug it in and go.
3h) An external battery pack accessory. I don't need it internal and I'd probably want a couple of them if they only lasted 6 hours or so anyway. This doesn't have to be supplied by Logitech, but it would be nice if they would test a few of them an "approve" them for use, etc. Maybe the "travel case" could be big enough to hold the boom and a battery...
4) A fail safe backup buzzer in the boom that would sound if all else fails and the power is totally off when the alarm sounds. Only has to chirp for a few minutes total with no need for anything other than to turn it off. More of a perception thing than anything really needed, I agree.
5) A "brick in the middle" instead of a "wall wart" power supply option. A regular plug on the end of a short cord is the style that I personally prefer - easier to plug into a wider variety of power sources.
What I DON'T think that I need:
1) A handle on the boom (I really thought that I wanted one before I got one).
2) Any other wireless network connection. 3g, etc. For playing in the park away from an 802.11 wireless network completely, for example. If it cost the price of another cell phone per month I can't see paying for that, personally. If the pricing becomes resonable than an accessory that flipped 3g, etc. to 802.11 would be EXTREMELY usefull for a LOT of things and I'd buy one for a number of uses outside of music.
3) Detachable speakers. The StereoXL is amazing, in my opinion, of simulating the stereo separation of speakers that are placed fairly far apart - especially outside.
Completely off the wall and unrelated to boom in every way (just thought that I'd throw it in):
1) SqueezeVideo. This device would attach to my AVR or TV and play my video AND audio library from one UI. My computer already has all of my audio files on it and I've got a lot of video files on it as well - it would be nice to have one central place to control/play them on. Just my DVD library (OK, BluRay in the future) - for live TV I'd use Tivo. A bonus would be to be able to manage Tivo recordings that have been saved to the PC for playback as well, though. Perhaps "SqueezeMedia" is a better name. Coordinate with Tivo and Amazon for downloading?
Michaelwagner
2008-08-29, 18:14
Don't forget the free pony!
I was wondering if the pony would get an honourable mention in this thread.
On a more serious note, I really think that it's a bit pointless to start suggesting improvements before you've even seen, let alone used, the product.
There was a lot of discussion amongst the beta-testers about many of these points, and many of the design tradeoffs were made for good and defensible technical reasons.
For instance, why no batteries even though it's name sounds very similar to a boom box.
There are many trade-offs one could make, but many of them cost so much, relative to the number of people who would want it, that they are essentially cost prohibitive.
I'm not suggesting that Slim/Logitech always gets everything right, but they seem to have gotten a lot right here, and what they omitted or left out was also, for the most part, for good reasons.
Thanks for the suggestions. You can believe we have already, and will in
the future, consider all the suggestions you post here for future products.
The ruggedized version would need to be waterproof I guess. The problem
with waterproof is that it really does need to be virtually water PROOF, not
just resistant. This is because with a 'water resistent' system, steam can
get in, condense, and never get back out again, causing corrosion. How
many watches have you seen with condensation on the inside of the lens?
Generally, the system needs to be open or seriously sealed. The latter is
difficult. Not impossible, but definitely difficult.
The boom spec is *non condensing* humidity.
-C
On 8/30/08, dwilliams01 <
dwilliams01.3exl5z1220058003 (AT) no-mx (DOT) forums.slimdevices.com> wrote:
>
> 1) usb ports for charging (I didn't even think of this until someone
> else mentioned it and now I'm kicking myself).
>
> 2) Could the controller be charged from a usb port cradle?? I'd
> certainly buy another charging cradle for this. How about a harmony
> remote??? (I know, different division, but I have a lot of stuff to
> put on a nightstand - it'd be nice if they shared space in some way
> (stacked?)).
>
> 3) A ruggedized boom. "Outdoor Boom"tm or "Travel Boom"tm
>
> 3a) This one would have a textured exterior.
>
> 3b) An lcd or other passive display very good in bright sunlight
> (probably need an occasional back light). Or a controller with
> this...
>
> 3c) Potentially be a bit more "sealed" against the environment (if it
> needs it, mine almost go hit with a hose once - scared me to death for
> a second).
>
> 3d) A physical clip or holder for the remote (I actually like the
> smaller one over the old ones, by the way...). If it is being carted
> around a lot in a car, etc. the remote's magnet needs a bit of beefing
> up, otherwise.
>
> 3e) Some kind of case, cover, or flap that would protect the face
> (display and buttons) when packed up in a car, etc.
>
> 3f) Built in ssh client support so that it can connect back up to my
> home system without a laptop.
>
> 3g) Multiple network settings memory so that I don't have to keep
> entering my family and friend's wireless network settings all of the
> time. Note, I get around this somewhat now by carrying around a travel
> wireless router (about the size of a deck of cards) that I know the
> settings to so that I just have to plug it in and go.
>
> 3h) An external battery pack accessory. I don't need it internal and
> I'd probably want a couple of them if they only lasted 6 hours or so
> anyway. This doesn't have to be supplied by Logitech, but it would be
> nice if they would test a few of them an "approve" them for use, etc.
> Maybe the "travel case" could be big enough to hold the boom and a
> battery...
>
> 4) A fail safe backup buzzer in the boom that would sound if all else
> fails and the power is totally off when the alarm sounds. Only has to
> chirp for a few minutes total with no need for anything other than to
> turn it off. More of a perception thing than anything really needed, I
> agree.
>
> 5) A "brick in the middle" instead of a "wall wart" power supply
> option. A regular plug on the end of a short cord is the style that I
> personally prefer - easier to plug into a wider variety of power
> sources.
>
>
> What I DON'T think that I need:
>
> 1) A handle on the boom (I really thought that I wanted one before I
> got one).
>
> 2) Any other wireless network connection. 3g, etc. For playing in the
> park away from an 802.11 wireless network completely, for example. If
> it cost the price of another cell phone per month I can't see paying
> for that, personally. If the pricing becomes resonable than an
> accessory that flipped 3g, etc. to 802.11 would be EXTREMELY usefull
> for a LOT of things and I'd buy one for a number of uses outside of
> music.
>
> 3) Detachable speakers. The StereoXL is amazing, in my opinion, of
> simulating the stereo separation of speakers that are placed fairly far
> apart - especially outside.
>
>
> Completely off the wall and unrelated to boom in every way (just
> thought that I'd throw it in):
>
> 1) SqueezeVideo. This device would attach to my AVR or TV and play my
> video AND audio library from one UI. My computer already has all of my
> audio files on it and I've got a lot of video files on it as well - it
> would be nice to have one central place to control/play them on. Just
> my DVD library (OK, BluRay in the future) - for live TV I'd use Tivo.
> A bonus would be to be able to manage Tivo recordings that have been
> saved to the PC for playback as well, though. Perhaps "SqueezeMedia"
> is a better name. Coordinate with Tivo and Amazon for downloading?
>
>
> --
> dwilliams01
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> dwilliams01's Profile:
> http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10988
> View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=51660
>
>
ModelCitizen
2008-08-30, 00:36
No to detachable speakers. I'm certain sound quality woud be affected and anyway, the stereo XL goes a long way to compensate.
No to batteries. Too heavy. An addon battery pack might be a good future edition though.
I like the idea of the FM radio plugin. I'm finding that since I got my Boom my bandwidth requirements have shot up (mainly as I'm a bit of an insomniac and fall asleep listening to radio in the middle of the night).
The *only* thing I'd change about the Boom is the headphone socket. It should be on the front. I find Logitech's assumption that more people would use a sub with the Boom than would use headphones quite odd. Even stanger is the fact that originally the box was only going to have a sub-out and that the socket was not intended to run headphones at all. For a box that a lot of people will position right next to their beds this just seems wierd.
As it's so fiddly getting the headphones in and out (and completely impossible in the dark) I leave mine in all the time. Which means that, as things currently stand, they emit sound all the time I'm using the Boom (i.e. when using the speakers) - another odd design decision (but at least this might be changed in software soon).
MC
Phil Leigh
2008-08-30, 01:04
I have a 1 metre mini-jack to mini jack socket extension lead plugged into mine permanently. If I use it outside I can plug the sub into the extension socket rather than into the boom socket directly. Likewise for bedside headphones, I can easily plug/unplug into the extension socket.
dwilliams01
2008-08-30, 06:30
Thanks for the suggestions. You can believe we have already, and will in
the future, consider all the suggestions you post here for future products.
The ruggedized version would need to be waterproof I guess. The problem
with waterproof is that it really does need to be virtually water PROOF, not
just resistant. This is because with a 'water resistent' system, steam can
get in, condense, and never get back out again, causing corrosion. How
many watches have you seen with condensation on the inside of the lens?
Generally, the system needs to be open or seriously sealed. The latter is
difficult. Not impossible, but definitely difficult.
The boom spec is *non condensing* humidity.
-C
[/color]
Got to get the ideas in some time... If it is too early then hopefully a kernal will be remembered at the correct time. :)
Oh, I don't think that it needs to work underwater, or anything - far from it. Just be able to handle the occassional splash on the top and front if it accidentially gets in the way of some water. I know that there was some discussion of hostile environments before. I know that a drain in the bottom would mess up the accoustics, but in my book, even one with a drain hole would still be able to handle geting hit with a splash (or hose) without worrying too much and that's all that I'm looking for outside.
I was mainly thinking that the exterior being textured and not mirror-finished would be the biggest part of ruggedizing, in my book. Not showing any type of scuffs, etc. and being able to be put into a bag or box without worrying about marring the finish. Making sure that it wouldn't be impacted by a lot of UV, etc.
And a bit higher rated operating temp. would be nice as well, I guess.
Michaelwagner
2008-08-30, 07:01
Maybe the aluminum case that some have talked about would be an option there. Reflects sunlight so stays cooler, might have a tough time making it totally scuff-resistant, though. Most aluminum is kinda soft.
dwilliams01
2008-08-30, 07:20
That's a great idea. With a clearcoat covering they are pretty resilient. Again, just looking for something a bit tougher to handle things a bit more extreme - not intending to kick it accross the yard or anything...
Hey, wait - FootballBoom? :)
Michaelwagner
2008-08-30, 12:01
Footboom? ...
chalkandtalk
2008-08-31, 11:58
The Boom looks great and I plan to get one. I'm going to put it in our kitchen/diner. Having detachable speakers would probably make it easier for me to install more conveniently - if I don't need to detach them then so what?
On a different kind of wish list I have the following "Superbox". This would consist of a SB with studio type monitors for the main HIFI of the home. The XO and vol control would all be in the digital domain. There would also be digital and analogue input. Digital EQ would be possible. The DAC in the Superbox would be the ESS Sabre. Styling on the lines of Bang & Olufson. The key to all this as I see it is that the XO and volume control would be in the digital domain - carefully matched to the drive units (high spec naturally) and cabinets. There doesn't seem much out there which offers all this. Dream on....
I want an in-dash one for my car.
The Ka-boom?
muski
More general solution is a HD tuner card in the server and an SC plugin. This approach works for some users for AM/FM, DAB and satellite.
Is it? Not sure how these cards can be programmed to work, but I have multiple SB's around (and soon a Boom) and they may all want to play different radio stations at the same time. In the kitchen I have a combination of a Tivoli Audio DAB/FM radio and an SB3. That funtionality is the ideal solution for me.
Michaelwagner
2008-09-01, 04:07
I want an in-dash one for my car.The Ka-boom?
I think the name KaBoom is already taken.
How about AutoSqueeze?
Squeezeauto?
On Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 11:58 AM, chalkandtalk <
chalkandtalk.3f0ttz1220209203 (AT) no-mx (DOT) forums.slimdevices.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> On a different kind of wish list I have the following "Superbox". This
> would consist of a SB with studio type monitors for the main HIFI of
> the home. The XO and vol control would all be in the digital domain.
We already do that! Check out the whitepaper I wrote that describes it
all. Boom is a Superbox :-)
>
> There would also be digital and analogue input. Digital EQ would be
> very welcome.
We have the analog input anyway! We do Digital EQ alraedy :-)
> The DAC in the Superbox would be the "ESS Sabre".
Our current DAC has well over 100 dB SNR. You don't really need more in a
closed system where the gains are all controlled properly.
> Styling
> on the lines of Bang & Olufson.
Hmmm, you'll have to talk to our designers on that one...
> The key to all this as I see it is that
> the XO and volume control are in the digital domain - carefully matched
> to the drive units and speaker cabinets.
This is ABSOLUTELY what we already do. In a $300 unit!
> There doesn't seem much out
> there which offers all this. Dream on....
>
Well, the boom pretty much does...
-Caleb
The one new feature I'd like more than any other is a larger display. I'm accustomed to using my SB2/SB3 units to display information (weather, mainly; occasionally news) and the Boom's narrower display is the *only* reason it hasn't replaced some SB3 setups that are larger, more expensive, and don't sound as nice as the Boom.
Does somebody know the exact sizes of the Display unit of SBC and SBB? I mean the whole unit with frame. If somebody knows a link to a data sheet of these units would be even better.
Greetz surly
brdbointx
2008-09-01, 19:36
The Boom 2 could be this, but even better would be a car radio unit or an mp3 player sized device that had direct access to Satellite internet (basically Squeeze Network). I would pay just about anything every month for that subscription. Imagine taking Squeeze in the car and pluggin it into the input jack. Waking around with it in your pocket like an ipod. Same thing with the Boom. Battery powered and directly connected to SN so I can take it to the beach, a picnic, etc.
This is the day I wait for...or, second best, maybe Rhapsody will finally do something like that with their service for the car.
Hey,
My alarm clock has electrical buzz and a cheap mono speaker. I wanted an alarm clock that was a squeezebox (squeezebox, alarm clock functionality, battery backup, decent speakers). But I also want to use my own dac/amps/speakers/headphones.
I understand what I want is not really mainstream: people who have their own systems will get a classic, people who want an alarm clock or no-hassle setup will get a boom, but for me right now, I need two squeezeboxes in a single room.
Adding a digital out will solve all of my problems. I understand this could cannibalize classic sales, but should this be a matter of marketing or a matter of design? In a perfect world (for me) the classic still exists, perhaps cheaper for those uninterested in an alarm or speakers, the Boom gets a digital out (even if it costs me extra!).
Oh, I can't wait for my Boom to arrive now. In my opinion its just such a great product. Small, supposedly good sound quality, ok price, excellent software development... I've wanted a squeezebox for years, and now its the perfect excuse.
I don't mind that the speakers don't detach, don't care that there are no batteries. Its all good. Even looks nice in a plain understated way.
Ok, I guess it would be better if the headphone socket was on the front. It can still share the digital crossover with the subwoofer so you can't have the sub working with headphones plugged in - that's not a big deal and will save some pennies.
But I think thats it!
Mark Lanctot
2008-09-02, 07:24
Does somebody know the exact sizes of the Display unit of SBC and SBB? I mean the whole unit with frame. If somebody knows a link to a data sheet of these units would be even better.
Both units use Noritake VFDs. (I know this is true for the SB3, I assume this is true for Boom). The SB3 uses a 320 X 32 and Boom a 160 X 32.
The only 320 X 32 graphical VFD Noritake makes is the GU320x32D-3900, display area 143.85 x 14.25 mm, see http://www.noritake-elec.com/3000_series.htm and http://download.reliablenetworks.net/codebase/Noritake/GetSpecification/GetSpecification.asp?part=GU320x32D-3900&full_id=2519&reduced_id=2592 BTW for those wanting larger displays, note Noritake has larger displays but that they are MUCH larger, i.e. 468.2 x 50.2 mm or 307 x 25.4 mm. They'd be so large as to be impractical, have wider dot pitch and are surely much more expensive.
Noritake's 160 X 32 graphical display is the GU160x32-800B, display area 101.45 x 20.17 mm http://www.noritake-elec.com/800.htm http://download.reliablenetworks.net/codebase/Noritake/GetSpecification/GetSpecification.asp?part=GU160x32-800B&full_id=2660&reduced_id=2656
Thank's alot for the info Mark!
I Thought that both would have the same Pixel Matrix, but the Boom has only half the Pixels in width!?
So the graphics on the boom are looking diffrent than on the SBC aren't they?
Greetz Audiodude
On Sep 2, 2008, at 1:55 PM, surly wrote:
> I Thought that both would have the same Pixel Matrix, but the Boom has
> only half the Pixels in width!?
> So the graphics on the boom are looking diffrent than on the SBC
> aren't
> they?
The pixels are the same size, but there are only half as many of them
across.
We did tweak the font a bit to fit more in, I was really worried about
living in half as much screen, but it works surprisingly well. When I
go back to my SB3, it seems _too_ big.
On Sep 2, 2008, at 1:55 PM, surly wrote:
> I Thought that both would have the same Pixel Matrix, but the Boom has
> only half the Pixels in width!?
> So the graphics on the boom are looking diffrent than on the SBC
> aren't
> they?
The pixels are the same size, but there are only half as many of them
across.
We did tweak the font a bit to fit more in, I was really worried about
living in half as much screen, but it works surprisingly well. When I
go back to my SB3, it seems _too_ big.
What seems to big is going from Boom to Transporter for me. But I bring it all back to reality by going from Boom to Controller! Thank the stars that for me "Its all good" as my daughter would say.
The pixels are the same size, but there are only half as many of them
across.
We did tweak the font a bit to fit more in, I was really worried about
living in half as much screen, but it works surprisingly well. When I
go back to my SB3, it seems _too_ big.
The analog VU in mono on Boom looks really nice. In addition to font changes (the "narrow" fonts), I do think some strings have been shortened to make them fit better. I know in my development, things that look good on the Boom do look oddly narrow on my SB3 screens.
If you download SqueezeCenter 7.2, the SoftSqueeze emulator has been updated to include a Boom "skin", so you can get a pretty good idea what the screen can do.
Mark Lanctot
2008-09-03, 06:02
So the graphics on the boom are looking diffrent than on the SBC aren't they?
Actually I hardly notice!
The time display is the same size with the font set to large. The settings pages are all designed to fit in the display without scrolling.
On playback, most artist-track listings scroll, but many do on the SB Classic as well. I use the spectrum analyzer screensaver. It doesn't have as many frequency slices on Boom but it's hard to really notice because it still looks roughly the same.
So finally I found something that I don't like about the new Display of the Boom.
I tested this with softsqueeze only so correct me if this is no issue with the real Product.
On the new Display when I choose now playing and elapsed Time as Screensaver I will get the Following message on the top row: "NOW PLAYING (xx of -01:45".
So the now playing info is overlayed by the time info, which isn't looking really nice.
The question is, why is the precious room on the Boom Display wasted with the Term "NOW PLAYING"?! I think it should at least be optionally possible to display just the time and for example a progress bar.
I don't need the Boom to tell me that the Scrolling text below is the actual playing song. At least the Term could be shorter. In german that term is even longer.
Or is there a way to fine tune this already?
greetz surly
ModelCitizen
2008-09-06, 06:10
The question is, why is the precious room on the Boom Display wasted with the Term "NOW PLAYING"?
Yes, it would be nice if it was replaced by the current time for instance (in both Now Playing screen and Now Playing Screensaver). Having the current time displayed permanently on a device that functions as a bedside clock/alarm clock is quite errr... handy... (and knowing what is currently playing is obviously useful on something that plays music).
Oh look:
http://bugs.slimdevices.com/show_bug.cgi?id=8555
You might want to add your two-penny worth (or at the very least vote for it).
MC
Howard Passman
2008-09-06, 10:28
...the only thing I would like is to have the time always showing somehwhere, no matter what is displaying otherwise.
Howard
ianstuart
2008-09-06, 10:36
Why not include RCA, coaxial and optical outputs so that you could have all the functionality of a Squeezebox as well as the Boom? It should not require much additional work and would enable the Boom to do double duty.
On the new Display when I choose now playing and elapsed Time as Screensaver I will get the Following message on the top row: "NOW PLAYING (xx of -01:45".
I think I read elsewhere that SoftSqueeze does not render exactly the same as the Boom screen. I have always used remaining time for the now playing screensaver and I have not seen the "XX of..." text cut off. Not that I have noticed anyway.
Softsqueeze Boom definitely cuts off more text than the real Boom.
I did some tests with date display when day and month were long format (i.e. spelt in full). For example, dates with Wednesdays in September - had some of "September" and all of "2008" cut off on Softsqueeze Boom but IIRC only some of the year was cut off on a real Boom.
What about a Controller kind of LCD-screen on Boom2 showing Album art and stuff...
Having the current time displayed permanently on a device that functions as a bedside clock/alarm clock is quite errr... handy...
MC
Did you know you could add CURRTIME to the list of Title Format options that are scrolled on the now playing screen? (I ask only because I just discovered it today.) For now, it is an okay workaround for getting the time on the Now Playing screen. You do have to wait for it to scroll by, but it is better than nothing.
Mark Miksis
2008-09-07, 20:26
Did you know you could add CURRTIME to the list of Title Format options that are scrolled on the now playing screen? (I ask only because I just discovered it today.) For now, it is an okay workaround for getting the time on the Now Playing screen. You do have to wait for it to scroll by, but it is better than nothing.
You can put CURRTIME on the top line if you use Michael's MIS plugin.
You can put CURRTIME on the top line if you use Michael's MIS plugin.
I looked at that today but found it confusing, and I got frustrated with it. And for my needs, it's better on the second line where I can see it in bright sunlight.
I looked at that today but found it confusing, and I got frustrated with it. And for my needs, it's better on the second line where I can see it in bright sunlight.
Yeah, I tried playing with the different font sizes that are available in MIS on Boom, but neither the size nor the position appeared to be consistent with what the Settings page said. Did you find that too? If so one of us should send Michael a message. I now have CURRTIME - TITLE - ARTIST in the bottom left corner and it meets my needs fine.
> so one of us should send Michael a message. I now have CURRTIME - TITLE
What would you write in that message?
--
Michael
What would you write in that message?
Hi Michael :)
I would write that when using the custom font sizes what appears on the Boom display often doesn't match neither the font size or the location I specify in the Settings. The fonts tend to be smaller than they should be, and tend to populate the top line even when set to appear on the bottom line. In general, after experimenting with the different custom font settings for 30-60 minutes I found the resulting display pretty unpredictable.
Of course, before writing that message I would do some more systematic testing to make doubly sure it isn't user error, and would jot down some specific examples for you to replicate. I'll try to take the time to do that tonight.
> I would write that when using the custom font sizes what appears on the
> Boom display often doesn't match neither the font size or the location I
> specify in the Settings. The fonts tend to be smaller than they should
> be,
I should never have added the preview... It's only an approximation of the result, but will never match the display. You have to play with it to get a feeling for the real size of the display. But the plugin is still limited to regular font sizes available for SB. It only allows for selecting which one you want to use.
> and tend to populate the top line even when set to appear on the
> bottom line.
Now that would be a bug.
> Of course, before writing that message I would do some more systematic
> testing to make doubly sure it isn't user error, and would jot down
> some specific examples for you to replicate. I'll try to take the time
> to do that tonight.
That'd be great. Please also note that you'll have to Apply the changes. Pressing the Ok button won't do.
--
Michael
Michael: The thing I found most frustrating about the MIS plugin, is that I could not find a list of all the data elements in one place and with an explanation of what each one did. Some of them are listed in the Settings > Interface page, and then some are scattered through the release notes for MIS. When I couldn't figure out how to get remaining time as one of the items to display, I gave up on trying to use MIS.
I listen with headphones late at night because my inconsiderate housemate doesn't like to hear my music blaring away at all hours. I've always thought it would be great if devices that function as alarm clocks but have headphone jacks would be able to channel the alarm out the external speakers even when the headphones are plugged in. That way, when I find myself sinking into sleep's sweet oblivion (or just passing out) I can simply cast the headphones aside without fiddling with cables and/or software settings. I've never had a bedside player that could manage this so either I'm alone in this wish...or it's hard to do.
Nevertheless, the Boom is fantastic!
Craig
> Of course, before writing that message I would do some more systematic
> testing to make doubly sure it isn't user error, and would jot down
> some specific examples for you to replicate. I'll try to take the time
> to do that tonight.
That'd be great. Please also note that you'll have to Apply the changes. Pressing the Ok button won't do.
Okay, here's the results of some semi-systematic testing. Sorry in advance for the length of the post. To get to the punchline, here are the three issues I saw:
A) when trying to display fields in top left (standard or standard narrow) and bottom left (standard), the bottom left text doesn't show. But if you display fields in top left and middle left (full or full narrow), it displays fine.
B) sometimes text (eg, TITLE) displays in top left even when nothing is set for top left, or any of the top cells
C) when PLAYTIME_PROGRESS is requested, something else is displayed (looks like BUFFER)
==== Here is the actual sequence I ran through ====
With "Use SC's font size setting" OFF
1. tried CURRTIME (standard) in top left & TITLE - ARTIST (standard) in bottom left, but only CURRTIME shows (yes, I pressed OK then Apply)
2. get same results when I change Lower Left to TITLE - ARTIST (Standard narrow)
3. Put CURRTIME (Light) in Top Center, ARTIST - TITLE (Full) in Middle Left, and that is what is displayed, but it ALSO displays TITLE in top left (apparently in Light, but it's hard to be sure). For most tracks this extends over top of the CURRTIME.
4. From #3, remove the ARTIST - TITLE (Full) from Middle Left, and the TITLE persists in top left.
5. put ARTIST - TITLE (Standard Narrow) in bottom left, and it doesn't show, but TITLE remains in top left (overwriting CURRTIME in top center).
6. change to ARTIST - TITLE (Standard) in bottom left, and still no change
7. drop CURRTIME from Top Center, and it goes away, leaving TITLE in Top Left, EVEN THOUGH TOP LEFT IS SET TO BLANK.
8. HIT RESET SETTINGS (Apply), and it resets to using SC's font size setting, with: Now Playing (X_of_Y) in Top Left, some % number in Top Right (looks like buffer fullness) even though the preview says it should be Playtime_Progress, and TITLE (ARTIST) (Full) in Bottom Left.
9. Switched the SC font settings to OFF and it stays the same as #8.
10. Turn Playtime_Progress (Top Right) off, it goes off. Turn it back on, and I get buffer fullness again.
11. put CURRTIME (standard) in Top Right, and it comes in fine
12. with SC fonts off and all three lines showing (top, bottom, and middle that is big on preview), it's hard (impossible?) to select the middle left. Can only select middle left if I first clear bottom left.
13. putting CURRTIME - ARTIST (full) in middle left, with ALBUM - ARTIST (std) in Top Left seems to work, and that's pretty close to what I want so I'll leave it there.
14. but, if I put CURRTIME - ARTIST (std) in bottom left instead of middle left, it doesn't show at all, only showing me top left.
15. remove ALBUM - ARTIST from top left, so that nothing is in top left, top center, or top right, and TITLE suddenly appears in top left.
Happy to turn on debugging, try other things, etc.
Hmm, was it something I said?
Anyway, I have an update. The other night when I set MIS with CURRTIME - TITLE(*) (full) in middle left and ALBUM - ARTIST (std) in Top Left (#13 above), the CURRTIME - TITLE actually appeared in the bottom left position and the two sets of text did not overlap. Last night I noticed that the CURRTIME - TITLE line was now really showing in middle left and at full size, thus overlapping the top line of text. Now, I really like the idea of the SBB display matching the specified settings, but any idea why it didn't do that before?
(*)In my earlier post I said it was CURRTIME - ARTIST, but I should have typed CURRTIME - TITLE.
fairyliquidizer
2008-09-15, 13:07
I listen with headphones late at night because my inconsiderate housemate doesn't like to hear my music blaring away at all hours. I've always thought it would be great if devices that function as alarm clocks but have headphone jacks would be able to channel the alarm out the external speakers even when the headphones are plugged in. That way, when I find myself sinking into sleep's sweet oblivion (or just passing out) I can simply cast the headphones aside without fiddling with cables and/or software settings. I've never had a bedside player that could manage this so either I'm alone in this wish...or it's hard to do.
Nevertheless, the Boom is fantastic!
Craig
Mrs Liquidizer is equally inconsiderate and I have also pondered what an excellent feature this would be. It requires soft rather than hard switching. Does anyone know if the SB Boom mic socket is a hardware switch? I assume it is.
Thanks,
Fairy
max.spicer
2008-09-15, 13:11
I listen with headphones late at night because my inconsiderate housemate doesn't like to hear my music blaring away at all hours. I've always thought it would be great if devices that function as alarm clocks but have headphone jacks would be able to channel the alarm out the external speakers even when the headphones are plugged in. That way, when I find myself sinking into sleep's sweet oblivion (or just passing out) I can simply cast the headphones aside without fiddling with cables and/or software settings. I've never had a bedside player that could manage this so either I'm alone in this wish...or it's hard to do.
Boom does exactly that! During an alarm, music comes out of the main speakers even if you have your headphones plugged in. You are not alone.
Max
On Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 1:07 PM, fairyliquidizer <
fairyliquidizer.3fsp2n1221509402 (AT) no-mx (DOT) forums.slimdevices.com> wrote:
>
> cca651;338270 Wrote:
> Does anyone know if the SB Boom mic socket is a hardware
> switch? I assume it is.
The line-in and line-out sockets on the boom are digital hardware switches,
so if there is something plugged in, the CPU thinks there is something
plugged in. However, the audio control is completely under software control
-- so plugging something into a jack does not switch the audio in hardware.
You can take a look at the paper about the audio design:
http://wiki.slimdevices.com/uploads/a/ad/Logitech_Squeezebox_Boom_Audio_Design.pdf
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