Comparison of networked Audio / Video players

 Audio

Apple Airplay

A proprietary and closed audio streaming technology of Apple.  Not supported by Allonis.  It's typical use is streaming iPhone audio apps to Apple streaming audio hardware.

 

Apple HomePods

HomePods are small speakers that support Siri voice commands and play audio content.

Pros: If you have an Apple ecosystem of Apple Music, AirPods, iPhones, then HomePods adds to the Apple experience.

Cons: Proprietery and doesn't integrate with myServer 6 (or much of anything else)

 

Allonis myAudioPlayer

Pros:  Supported by Allonis.  Medium cost.   Runs Moode.   Supports DLNA.  Supports bluetooth audio streaming.  Supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect (stream from their phone).

Cons: Another Pi to manage (TBD if issue or advantage).

 

Heos

Heos is Denon's Audio management software.  Available in Denon powered networked speakers and also built into Denon AV receivers and as a streaming player to connect to an amplifier.

Pros: Medium price,  Medium quality audio for powered speakers, Support multiple audio content providers.

Cons: myServer 5 driver needs to be ported to V6.

 

Sonos

Sonos is Audio management software.  Available in powered networked speakers and also built into some various brand AV receivers and as a streaming player to connect to an amplifier.

Pros: myServer 6 has control limited to Transport controls. No access to media content control of media sources.  Can see Playing Now information.

Cons: myServer 5 driver needs to be ported to V6.  Low to medium quality audio.  Muddy, base heavy.

 

Audio / Video 

AppleTV

Pros:  Works fluently with Apple AirPlay.  Excellent quality video.  If you have an AppleTV subscription, this is the only hardware that will work with (TBD).  If you use "Netflix" and not AppleTV as your content provider - then you have other options that work more effectively with myServer 6.

Cons:  Higher cost.  Can only be controlled via IR by myServer 6.  Cannot be used as DLNA renderer.

 

 FireTV (all)

Pros: Low to Medium cost, V5 driver needs to be ported.  Excellent quality video. Full ABD support.  Supports DLNA for audio.   Launch standard apps.  Customizable to launch new apps. Direct Channel entry?  Can run Kodi.

Cons:

  

myMediaPlayer

Pros:  Supported by Allonis.  Medium cost.   Librelec OS running Kodi.  Supports DLNA.

Cons: Another Pi to manage (TBD if issue or advantage).

 

ChromeCast TV

Pros: Low cost.  Excellent quality video.  Full ABD support for myServer 6 control.  Launch standard apps.  Supports ChromeCast (via Emby).  Customizable to launch new apps. Direct Channel entry?  Can run Kodi.  Supports YouTube TV.  Has handheld Remote control.  Hey Google voice enabled.

Cons: Not many.   V5 driver needs to be ported.  

 

 Nvidia Shield

Pros: Medium cost, V5 driver needs to be ported.  High quality video. Full ABD support for myServer 6 control.  Launch standard apps.  Supports ChromeCast (via Emby).  Customizable to launch new apps. Direct Channel entry?  Can run Kodi.

Cons: Not many.

 

Roku (all models)

Pros:  Excellent price.  V6 Driver works now with same features as handheld remote.  Launch standard apps like Netflix.  Runs Kodi? High quality video (HDR)

Cons: No direct channel entry.  Spectrum app no longer supported (may be short term issue).