Home Sound & Media Solution

The sound and media setup I have now isn’t really a complete solution, but put together with various components over time as I could afford them. I’ve grown tired of the different cables lying around and the sub par performance of the system and lack of all the functions that I’d like it to have.

Over the years different technologies have emerged – and some even been rendered obsolete – all the while I’ve been pondering which system I should buy. After perusing endless magazines, product catalogues and advertisements from hi-fi outlets I’ve finally come to realize that every thing I need my system to do will never come in any one package: I will have to put it together myself to get all the functionality I want, without having to pay for a bunch of useless features that I’m never going to use.

“But wait – isn’t that what you’ve been doing up until now with limited success?” – well, yes, I guess it is. But if I have a more coordinated plan for replacing my stuff I might end up with something good, instead of something random like I’ve got now.

How to coordinate?

A wordpress-page perhaps? In any case it’s a good place to begin. If I (try to) write it in English and allow people to comment, I might even get some feedback on the subject. So what’s next?

Do I want to try to implement some of the things I have now in the new setup? Should I try to buy a system-package and then add to it with extra hardware that gives me the features that the package didn’t include? I’m thinking none of the above. What do I need? A list! Yes, a list of the things I want in my new setup, with possible products that fulfill that function.

A Check-list

Ok, here’s where I’m at so far:

  • TV – Got one! I need media to put on the screen and speakers to get the sound out of.
  • Sound output:
    • Speakersystem
      • Primarily for the main living room (24m2).
    • Maybe a system with the functionality to play in other rooms as well? Streaming individual content or relaying whatever is playing in the living room (mixing? see below).
  • Sound input options:
    • CDs, DVDs and perhaps BluRay.
    • USB.
    • AUX/jack.
    • FM radio.
    • TV.
    • Media server sound.
    • Gaming system (PS2, maybe Nintendo Wii).
  • Sound mixing.
    • The speakersystem should be able to play music while e.g. the TV or gaming system is playing at a lower volume.
  • Media server
    • Photos, video, internet, internet radio.
    • 1080p.
    • NAS? DLNA?

Did I miss anything?

What do you think? Do you have some tips for solutions to make this work? Please write them in the comments below. Thanks! :D