Sqeezebox - Hackable Device For Streaming My Tunes

(* I am not affiliated with Slim Devices.. this is just a fanboy post.)

I wanted to hook up something that would integrate my home PC (jacked full of glorious DRM-free MP3's) and my home audio system. I didn't want to go the full HTPC route, I am more of an audio guy and my immediate need is for an audio-only solution.

After browsing the various Media Servers, Sound Cards, External Components, and other music playing gizmos; I finally figured out the type of unit I was looking for and what it should do...

Here are my requirements:

• Must be able to play the MP3's stored on my computer
• Must have a cross platform client application (I use both Linux and Windows at home)
• Must have high quality analog and digital output that can connect to my receiver/amp
• Must have a remote with basic controls (volume, tuning, select, etc)
• Must be able to control it from my computer (change songs, playlists, etc)
• Must be able to stream Internet Radio (of some sort)
• No wires connected to my PC

Obviously some of these requirements became apparent when I read about the Squeezebox from Slim Devices.  It seems to do everything I need (and more), and isn't outrageously expensive ($299 retail).

So I ended up ordering one of these bad boys to play around with.  (of course I got the all black version)

OK.. but now the real reason I chose the Squeezebox... It is Open Source and has a developer community!

Well... it is sort of Open Source.  Its SlimServer software (the audio server software) is GPL licensed, so the Source Code is available to modify, hack, and contribute to.  But.. the device's firmware is proprietary and closed (boo).

The real kicker came when I realized that the SlimServer is written in Perl It is web based, and uses templated HTML/CSS.  Hmm.. I've written a Perl program or 2 [thousand] in my day... this could get interesting.  I already have SlimServer running from Source and I am making little tweaks to the interface to customize it for myself.  Hopefully someday I'll do something worth contributing back...  I love that I have the option.

... More to come once I actually get the Sqeezebox and hook it up..  I just ordered it last night.