OK, well, seeing as the main web page contains the product now, there's an official announcement thread and this speculation thread contains some inaccuracies, here are some FACTS:
- the units have an RTC (real-time clock) which maintains time even when it loses contact with the server. So yes, you can stop your server and Boom will still display the time. It'll even play alarms (currently firmware-generated tones) when the server is offline. - there is a sleep button on the top, which isn't readily apparent from photos. - player-side, the unit is an SB3 except for the audio circuitry. This includes all networking (i.e. it's 802.11g and has an Ethernet port). It should be capable of bridging as well. The wi-fi antennas are at least as good as an SB3, almost as good as an SB2. - it has a smaller display than the SB3 - no digital outs, although there is an analog line out. - the line out is not compatible with IR Blaster. This isn't critical since Boom was designed to be a standalone unit and not integrated into a stereo system. - there is a line in - the line out is configurable between headphone out (full-range) and sub out (with an internal crossover) - there's a state-of-the-art DSP inside which handles all the advanced crossover functions and tone controls. It has lots of untapped potential. - it can be mounted on a wall or under a cabinet, there is a bracket coming. Above the rear connectors are threaded inserts for this use. - the VFD auto-dims with a light sensor, so it's perfect as an alarm clock for bedroom use, and the display circuitry is designed to go dim enough for use in a dark room. - the knob does not have feedback like the Transporter knob, but it's very nice to use - nice detents, good feel, easy to control. - IR codes are the same as for the SB3 - oh and for people who judge things based on weight, it's quite heavy for its size. I know this because there was a beta test program just like there was for the Controller, and the beta testers have had these since April or so. Basically this is a standalone player that is also a great alarm clock. It is -not- a portable player (i.e. it won't run on batteries*) but as it's self-contained, it can be carried to wherever you have wireless networking access. Most important of all, I can say that Boom sounds FANTASTIC for its size. There's quite a bit of work in the DSP to get it sounding as good as it does, especially with bass performance. It will go down to 50 Hz with ease, and this is with 3" woofers! Have at it! * oh I suppose you could do something with those power tool batteries... :-) -- Mark Lanctot "Make it so it doesn't suck" is a good design target, but hard to implement - Michael Herger ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mark Lanctot's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2071 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=50760 _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
