MCX-2000 Streams Music Wirelessly or Wired, Sends up to 16 Independent Music Programs to 16 Different Locations, Is XM Satellite-Ready and Can Play Back Music from a PC
Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the leader in digital audio production and reproduction, will show the MCX-2000, a new powerful and versatile music server for MusicCAST, a wireless music storage and distribution system, at CES 2006.
MusicCAST can store a family’s entire music library on its hard disk and distribute individual audio selections to as many as 16 different locations. Allowing do-it-yourself installation, MusicCAST is the simplest way for homeowners to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality, multi-room music throughout their homes.
The MusicCAST MCX-2000 music server sends music to the user’s choice of an external desktop music access client, the MCX-A10, which can be conveniently be placed anywhere in the house; or the in-wall mountable music access client, the MCX-C15, which can blend into any room.
The next-generation MusicCAST server offers XM Satellite Radio-ready tuner to enjoy high quality radio channels. The MCX-2000 allows users to plug in the XM Connect-and-Play home antenna and activate the XM Satellite Radio service to receive more than 150 news, sports and entertainment digital radio channels. The XM Connect-and-Play home antenna is capable of receiving XM’s satellite and terrestrial signals as well as channel tuning, decoding and audio transmission. It will be the only accessory needed to receive XM Satellite Radio through the MCX-2000. Along with its XM-Ready connection, the MCX-2000 also incorporates FM tuner reception and Internet radio compatibility.
The MCX-2000 is planned to support DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) digital interoperability, giving it the ability to connect with and play music stored on a PC via the MusicCAST server and distribute it to 15 client units, increased from seven in the previous version.
Using computer network technology, the server streams audio sources to all client locations, allowing music to be played from one central location to any location in the home or outdoors. The server-to-client communication system can combine up to five wireless connections, or 15 wired connections and the server to make up to a total 16 discrete locations for music playback. Each client can be sent a different song, or all can listen to the same song simultaneously, even at different points in that song. For additional versatility and extended range, clients can connect to existing home computer networks using CAT-5 wiring. An RS-232C serial port allows interactivity with the Yamaha AV receiver features of automatic DSP selection, radio tuner selection and volume adjustment.
The server incorporates a CD-R/RW drive that allows users to transfer music to and from the hard drive. Music is saved in its original form to the 160 GB hard-drive at a fast speed (CD approximately in 3½ minutes). The recording format is PCM and/or MP3, which allows the user to record about 2,000 CDs in MP3 format or about 200 CDs in PCM format. By using the external inputs on the rear of the unit, the server has the ability to store or stream real-time audio to a client from XM Satellite Radio, FM, LP, tape, or any other source.
Other features include an extremely user-friendly interactive on-screen GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows users to create playlists or access other on-screen functions, such as retrieving music information from the database. The MCX-2000 comes with a built-in CD recognition database provided by Gracenote, and will automatically display and save information from an audio CD from an artist, album, track and music genre. With a simple Internet connection, the latest CD recognition information (track, artist, album) can be accessed through Gracenote’s CDDB online service and easily updated.
The MCX-2000 (MSRP $2,199.95) is currently available.
For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9105; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/musiccast.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Electronics Corporation (YEC), USA, based in Buena Park, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha. YEC offers Home Theater components and systems, featuring A/V Receivers, Amplifiers, DVD/CD, Speakers, Mini-Systems, Video Projection, as well as A/V & IT Convergence Products
The XM Satellite radio service is only available in the 48 contiguous United States (not available in Alaska and Hawaii).
The XM name, “XM Ready” and related logos are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
