Value Option: Rio Receiver

[Unregistered]

For those on a buget or who want a stand alone player in a small room the Rio Receiver ( http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/product.asp?prodID=99 ) is a device that streams MP3 and WMA files from a server. In addition to standard line level RCA outputs for connection to a stereo the device has a built-in amplifier with standard speaker outputs for those not wanting to run it through a stereo system. Although discontinued, new and used Rio Receivers are readily available at many online stores and auction sites (I'd recommend eBay as a first stop) for well under $100 (in fact I've seen new ones go for closer to $50.) There are Dell and Gateway branded versions of the Rio Receiver as well.

The Rio Receiver has somewhat of a cult following of developers who have written software for the device as well as published guides on the internet for hacking the device. This developer community has resulted in the ability to run the device in many different operating system environments although the official Rio server software only supports Windows (95 through XP.)

The interface (both display and navigation) is not as ready-for-primetime as my SLIMP3 but the device is very usable and the sound through the RCA outputs is good. Since getting a SLIMP3 my Dell branded Rio Receiver has been relegated to my son's bedroom connected to a couple of small Bose 141 speakers (ocaisionally on sale at Fry's Electronics for under $50 a pair). The results are very satisfying for such a small investment. I would never rule out getting another one if I decide I'd like something inexpensive and stand-alone in another small room or bedroom.

It has many positive and negatives but there are three negatives worth mentioning here:

1) Your library is limited to around 10,000 songs

2) It does not read track number information in the tag data, therefore, when playing an album the tracks play in alphabetical order instead of track number order (track order is adhered to in playlists so an album playlist can be created to work around this weakness.) This may not be a big deal to many, especially those who don't rip entire albums, but I found it rather annoying at times (I only rip entire albums).

3) Navigation is based on tag data only (which is not uncommon even for many of today's players.) You can find music based on artists, album, or genre. As mentioned above it does support playlists. However, navigation by file system (the ability to look at your music as it is organized on your hard drive) is not available. If you are not someone who has their tag information in order then you will want a player with the ability to navigate by file system.

The Rio Receiver was one of the first networked MP3 players on the market and was maybe even a little ahead of its time as the home network was only beginning to take off and reserved for computer savvy geeks. I bought mine based on a PC Magazine review of it that claimed "this changes everything" only to watch it fizzle out fairly quickly. Because its age shows it would not beat out any of the systems listed here today head-to-head feature-for-feature but for the money it's difficult to beat.

[jfila]

Thanks for the info "unregistered". Do you have a link to any hacks or guides for this product?

[Unregistered]

A quick Google search of "Rio Receiver" will yield several hack and developer websites.

[jfila]

Heh thanks I'm aware of Google. I figured if you are so into the product you would have links to specific sites that you frequent.

[Ioman]

Please register so we can chat some more!

[Unregistered]

I would not call myself "into" the product (I am "into" my SLIMP3.). I certainly am not trying to over sell the Rio Receiver. I just think it is a great bargain right now as it sells for a fraction of it's original price and well below the price of the latest and greatest components. But, as with any technology oriented device that is older, it has its limitations. If you only need MP3 and WMA support, don't need all the bells and whistles of the newer players and don't want to spend a wad of cash then it's worth serious consideration.

I'm very aware of the various hacker and developer sites. However, I basically run it in a Windows environment, don't run any of the enhanced software and have not "hacked" mine so I don't have any favorite links. But Google does take you right to the most popular ones. I just thought I would mention the third-party support because that is attractive to many (just as it is a big factor in many people's decision to purchase a SLIMP3.)

[jtfields]

Sorry, I've now registered.

[neuroking]

I have a Rio Receiver. Have to say that I have not touched it in the last 1.5 years. It's nice, but the LCD is hard to read and thumbing through 100's of songs just takes too long. Now I use QCast Tuner (actually now GameShark Tuner). Check it out if you have a PS2. Similar functions plus music and movies......

http://www.qcast.com/qcast2.htm

Brandon

[Ioman]

I thought the RIO reciever seemed like a cool idea, but it was expensive when it first came out, plus they made a terrible mistake of not making the case component width. I would want it to match my home theater. I liked the Turtle Beach Audiotron (http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review36.html) because it linked with your computer and could stream internet music to your home theater. You could expand the storage by adding a larger HDD to your computer, not the Audiotron itself making it non-proprietary. You could also classify music by genre making searching for titles a lot easier. Plus it is component width and looks great in your home theater. Add a Wireless USB bridge dongle and you are streaming wirelessly baby!

[neuroking]

The main problem with the RR is that there's almsot no advantage to just running an RCA cord to your stereo. The only difference is that you can't listen to different stuff on your comp at the same time!

Brandon

[jfila]

Originally posted by neuroking
The only difference is that you can't listen to different stuff on your comp at the same time!

Brandon

What does that mean Brandon? Does it lock you out of the folders it uses?

[jtfields]

neuroking - Yes, as I stated, the interface (both the display and navigation) is not as good as what you can get in something newer and more epxensive.

Also, I'm not sure what your comments about the RCA cables mean. The Rio Receiver has RCA outputs that you can connect to any set of line level inputs on a stereo/home theater. It does not stop you from listening to the music on your PC. In fact I have the same PC running the server software for both the Rio and my SLIMP3. I can listen to both devices independently and play music on the PC at the same time (they all share the same music library.)

Ioman - The desire for something component size is really a matter of personal preference. When I looked to replace my Rio I looked at the AudioTron and one of the things I liked about it was that it was component size to fit into my home theater. However, I ended up getting a SLIMP3 which is very small. Now that I have my SLIMP3 the small size doesn't bother me and at times is an advantage.

Also, are you confusing the Rio Receiver to another Rio (Sonic Blue) product? The Rio Receiver connects to your computer via a home network. Your PC then streams music to it just as it does the AudioTron. There is no hard drive in the Rio Receiver itself. You can expand your capacity by upgrading the drive in your computer, although as I mentioned your library is limited to 10,000 songs (the AudioTron is limited to 30,000). You could also use it with a wireless bridge as well, however, anyone spending that kind of money could probaby afford something better than the Rio Receiver or that already has wireless built in.

As I said, I don't want to over sell the Rio Receiver here. It is what it is, an older networked MP3/WMA player, and I'm not trying to make sound like it is more than that. If you are someone who can spend $200-$600 plus then you will certainly want to get something better than the Rio Receiver. I just wanted to make people aware that there is an option out there for someone who would like to be able to stream music to their stereo but is on a budget. Brand new Rio Receivers are selling on eBay for around $50.

It is also a decent option if you want something inexpensive that can stand-alone. This is because in addition to the RCA outputs the Rio Receiver also has a built-in amplifier (albeit fairly low powered) and outputs to drive a small pair of speakers.

[jtfields]

neuroking - I think I understand what you are saying with the "RCA cord" thing. You are basically saying that the Rio Receiver offers little advantage over simply running a phono plug to RCA adapter from your computer's sound card to your stereo.

I would disagree. The Rio Receiver is going to have most of the same advantages over that setup as most networked MP3 players will (such as the AudioTron or SLIMP3).

The sound quality for one is most likely going to be much better. Every setup I've seen where someone has run sound directly to a stereo from a computer sounds horrible unless they use an expensive external sound card.

Also, you can have your PC in one room and the Rio Receiver in another. For example, my home theater is in my living room and my PC is in my home office. Using your setup I'd be running back to my office everytime I wanted start, stop or change music.

There are many other advantages over that setup but in the interest of time I'll just point out one other. As with most of these networked devices, you can run multiple Rio Receivers independently off of one computer. One instance of the Rio server software will run up to twelve Rio Receivers independently. This would allow you to install one in every room in the house if you wanted to (unless you have more than twelve rooms in which case you can probably afford something better than the Rio Receiver anyway. :) ) Since they do run independently each reciever could be playing different songs from the same music library at the same time.

[Ioman]

Originally posted by jtfields
neuroking - Yes, as I stated, the interface (both the display and navigation) is not as good as what you can get in something newer and more epxensive.

Also, I'm not sure what your comments about the RCA cables mean. The Rio Receiver has RCA outputs that you can connect to any set of line level inputs on a stereo/home theater. It does not stop you from listening to the music on your PC. In fact I have the same PC running the server software for both the Rio and my SLIMP3. I can listen to both devices independently and play music on the PC at the same time (they all share the same music library.)

Ioman - The desire for something component size is really a matter of personal preference. When I looked to replace my Rio I looked at the AudioTron and one of the things I liked about it was that it was component size to fit into my home theater. However, I ended up getting a SLIMP3 which is very small. Now that I have my SLIMP3 the small size doesn't bother me and at times is an advantage.

Also, are you confusing the Rio Receiver to another Rio (Sonic Blue) product? The Rio Receiver connects to your computer via a home network. Your PC then streams music to it just as it does the AudioTron. There is no hard drive in the Rio Receiver itself. You can expand your capacity by upgrading the drive in your computer, although as I mentioned your library is limited to 10,000 songs (the AudioTron is limited to 30,000). You could also use it with a wireless bridge as well, however, anyone spending that kind of money could probaby afford something better than the Rio Receiver or that already has wireless built in.

As I said, I don't want to over sell the Rio Receiver here. It is what it is, an older networked MP3/WMA player, and I'm not trying to make sound like it is more than that. If you are someone who can spend $200-$600 plus then you will certainly want to get something better than the Rio Receiver. I just wanted to make people aware that there is an option out there for someone who would like to be able to stream music to their stereo but is on a budget. Brand new Rio Receivers are selling on eBay for around $50.

It is also a decent option if you want something inexpensive that can stand-alone. This is because in addition to the RCA outputs the Rio Receiver also has a built-in amplifier (albeit fairly low powered) and outputs to drive a small pair of speakers.

Oops my mistake. I thought the RIO receiver had an internal hard drive for some reason. What advantage would the RIO receiver have over the Audiotron? Is it priced more or less and can it stream all media types?

[jtfields]

The only advantages the Rio Receiver would have over the AudioTron would be its built-in amplifier (not a big deal if you are planning on running it through a stereo) and price (the AudioTron's going to run you around $300 while the Rio Receiver will probably run you somewhere between $50 and $70.)

The AudioTron will beat the Rio Receiver in just about every other category (as will most newer model network media devices.) Again, the Rio Receiver is really only a serious contender if financial consideration is a high priority.

Out of the box the Rio Receiver plays only MP3 and WMA files and does not play any other media types or internet radio stations. However, I have heard of third party developers trying to get it to play ogg vorbis so there may be software or something out there to get it to play other media types. I'm assuming this would be done through transcoding but I could be wrong.

In any case, if considering buying one I would make the assumption that the Rio only plays MP3 and WMA. If you get it to play more then I would just consider that "gravy".

[neuroking]

Maybe I should reword what I said.

First, I have no use fo playing music on my stereo, or over Rio attached speakers, while I play msuic on my computer. The only time I would think about it is while playing games. However, the RR did have a noticable effect on my pings, so I would not use it while playing.

I have tried the whole multiple room music setup and find that I use it once in about every 8 months. But I can just use the wireless X10 video/audio transmitters I got for $10.

As far as interference on RCA cords running across a room goes, depending on the distance, either get decently shielded cord or use a wireless transmitter. All these are cheaper, and decent quality as long as you're not running cords for 100's of feet.

Overall, I was disappointed in the RR. The receiver is only useful if it is located close to you, so you end up running RCA cords to a stereo over some distance no matter what. In my case, it just ended up sitting next to my computer.

Brandon

[jtfields]

neuroking - It sounds as if your personal circumstances are such that most streaming players will not work for you. I'm not sure what an AudioTron, a SLIMP3, or any other of the many dedicated digital audio receivers would do differently that would satisfy you where the Rio Receiver would not. It just doesn't sound like it's a good fit for you.

The point of a digital audio receiver in general is to make MP3's an integral part of your home audio set up, much the way that your CD player, tape deck or Minidisc player is. If you don't have use for one in that manner then you're probably not going to be satisfied with one.

[n5pwp]

I'm looking at getting a RR. I have been playing with the SLIMP3 server software, which is free. I use it to stream Shoutcast streams and mp3s to a wifi connected Axim PDA. It does a very good job. My question is; will the RR work with the SLIMP3 server software? Or, does the RR use some proprietary protocol to talk to the server PC?

Thanks
Mike

[jtfields]

The Rio Receiver uses its own server software and will not run on the SLIMP3 server software. There are some third-party developers who have designed server software to run multiple devices including the Rio Receiver, but none of those that I am aware of will run the SLIMP3.

You might check some of the Rio Receiver hacker sites. Some explain the Rio's protocol in detail.

I have both the SLIMP3 software and Rio Receiver software running on my server at the same time. I haven't had any problems but my server is dedicated only to digital audio. Of course, while I can have them both playing at the same time I cannot sync them or any of the other stuff you might be able to do if they both ran on the same software.

While the Rio Receiver is great for the money, the SLIMP3 is a much better product.

[Ioman]

I posted a seperate thread about setting up a home media server: http://forums.designtechnica.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3109

Can you guys post your thoughts/experiences on this? I want to see if I can put something like this together.

[ohmygawd]

I have 2 Rio Receivers and I think they are a great device for music. Out of the box you can set it up in 10 minutes and stream MP3s to it from your computer. True the display is small and the it can't play all of the formats and it's not the form factor of stereo equipment.

BUT

It has a built in amp with outputs for regular speakers, as well as a din jack for powered computer speakers and RCA out for hookup to regular audio componentry. You can get good sound from cheap bookshelf speakers, better sound from powered computer speakers with a subwoofer, and excellent sound from a home stereo connected to the Rio.

To add a radio to a bedroom all you need is a Rio and some bookshelf speakers. And like someone said b4 the output from the Rio is better than you get from just about any PC souncard.

As far as what you gain over running phono cables from a computer soundcard to a stereo. I don't want my PC in my living room next to my stereo.

AND

Several of the shortcomings that are evident in the product have been fixed by the aftermarket community. Here'a good place for Info: http://rioreceiver.comms.net/php/ubbthreads.php?Cat=&C=3 Incidentally the original programmers of the software are involved on this site with the continuing development.

For example I use the Trio client available here: http://triot.sourceforge.net/ which allows me to stream Internet Radio to the Rio in addition to MP3s. It also allows me to control all the Rios from a web page running on any PC on my network., that's total control right down to the volume and left right balance. Additionally if gives me the ability to synchronize the Rios so they are all playing the same stream at the same time. Whole House Audio on a beer budget. It also makes the Rio a clock when it's turned off.

Others have used tablet PCs with a wireless card to give them a mega remote that can control all of their Rios from anywhere in the house. I like to freak out my wife by turning on the Rio and cranking the volume in a room she's in all from my home office.

To make my Rios Wireless I simply bought cheap wireless bridges for $40 here: http://www.overstock.com/se/Mitsumi_Wavit11_Wireless_80211b_Access_Point.html

To get around the limit of songs you can have in your catalog, which I think is 10,000, you can use another server program called Jreceiver available here: http://jreceiver.sourceforge.net/ This program can serve several different brands of networked music players.

BEST OF ALL

My Rios only cost me $45 each plus $22 shipping for both from www.ubid.com. I haven't seen any of the other music only networked devices do anything appreciably better to justify paying 4-5 times as much.

[jtfields]

Thanks for the great links!