RCA Lyra - Send audio wirelessly - SALE: $19.99 (November 16, 2006)

[Fat-Johnny]

Hi all,

There has been a lot of discussion here throught the years about sending audio from your juke to stereo receivers throughout your house.  There has been a few threads recently that have revived the subject.  My personal choice has been the RCA Lyra, basically a USB soundcard that transmits to a receiver that you plug into your stereo's RCA inputs.

My lengthy thread about the options that I have personally tried can be found here:
http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=5;action=display;threadid=12058
and a follow up to that thread by me can be found here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=26060.0

Today, I happened to get an e-mail from www.buy.com on their special deals of the week.  Looks like they got a hold of a bunch of the now discontinued RCA Lyra's, and are selling them for $19.99
http://enews.buy.com/cgi-bin5/DM/y/efoE0IttuS0F3M0BvMm0G7

I ordered three, and shipping to Ohio was like $12 total.
Get 'em while the gettin's good,
FJ

UPDATE:  This original post was from April.  They have the Lyra on sale again:
http://www.buy.com/prod/RCA_Lyra_RD900W_Digital_Media_Streamer/q/loc/101/90121506.html#prodInfoSec

Although, S&H seems a little higher this time.

The thread speaks for itself.  Nice little product,
FJ

[zaphod]

Thanks for the headsup!  I already have two (love them) so I ordered a third to hook to my basement system.  Great equipment especially given the price.

[quarterback]

I'm surprised that there aren't more replies to this thread.  I just bought a couple of these based on your post, Fat-Johnny.

I've scanned through the posts in the other threads you linked, but since I don't have this in hand yet, I'm wondering ifs there a good way to control iTunes with the remote? 

You mention that you use "Virtual Music Jukebox" but I'm not sure that you're even using the remote since you've got a jukebox setup, right?    Is there any way to use the remote effectively with non MusicMatch software?

Thanks

[zaphod]

I'm surprised that there aren't more replies to this thread.  I just bought a couple of these based on your post, Fat-Johnny.

I've scanned through the posts in the other threads you linked, but since I don't have this in hand yet, I'm wondering ifs there a good way to control iTunes with the remote? 

You mention that you use "Virtual Music Jukebox" but I'm not sure that you're even using the remote since you've got a jukebox setup, right?    Is there any way to use the remote effectively with non MusicMatch software?

Thanks

The remote only works with the MusicMatch software.  I don't use the remote and, instead, control it via the HTTP Winamp/WAWI combination.  A Wi-Fi PDA (which I don't have yet) would work great, too.  You'll be quite happy with your purchase.

[logik]

I bought one for my jukebox and its great. just plug and play. No configuration was neccessary, divers detected by XP, works right out of the box. Couldnt ask for more, especially at that price!

[quarterback]

The remote only works with the MusicMatch software.

You are, of course, correct.  That being said, MMatch v 7.5 (which came with the Lyra) really isn't too bad.    I've got it running on a laptop with the transmitter attached and it's working fine for me.

I've had some staticky/no-audio/sketch connection problems with the unit at much closer than 100feet but overall these things are great.  In fact, I like the first two so much that I've ordered FOUR more!

Thanks!
qb

[zaphod]

The remote only works with the MusicMatch software.

You are, of course, correct.  That being said, MMatch v 7.5 (which came with the Lyra) really isn't too bad.    I've got it running on a laptop with the transmitter attached and it's working fine for me.

Are there any 'gotchas' with using MMatch?  Does it rearrange your music directories?  You would still need to be near a PC when you set up the playlist, correct?

[lustreking]

Are there any 'gotchas' with using MMatch?  Does it rearrange your music directories? 

That's the only question that's holding me back.  I have all my diretories set up Artist\Album\Songs for SK Jukebox, and I don't want to have Musicmatch change that.

-S

[JackTucky]

I just did it.  IT didn't mess anything up that I can see.

I wish this thing just plugged into the speaker jack of my PC.  It installs another device, and you have to select between the sound card you already have and the Lyra device.  My kids won' t be bothered changing the device, they will listen to the crappy pc speakers that my wife has.  When I get there, i'll have to switch the device.

Jacktucky

[zaphod]

Thanks for checking.  Also, do you have to setup the playlists on the PC first?  That is my other concern (well, one of my two).   

The soundcard issue doesn't personally bother me as the machine that is running it only acts as the print and MP3 server.  It doesn't even have speakers on it as it is KVM attached to my main machine.  However, if I wasn't setup this way, it would have caused me some grief.

Thanks.

[JackTucky]

We're using SK Jukebox, and we don't use playlists.

My wife and kids loved it.  They came home last night and I demoed it.  All High School musical all night.    

Not sure about the Musicmatch software.  I wouldn't use that all.

Jacktucky

[gonzobrian]

I just did it.  IT didn't mess anything up that I can see.

I wish this thing just plugged into the speaker jack of my PC.  It installs another device, and you have to select between the sound card you already have and the Lyra device.  My kids won' t be bothered changing the device, they will listen to the crappy pc speakers that my wife has.  When I get there, i'll have to switch the device.

Jacktucky

So are you saying it cant play through the pc speakers and a home stereo? At the same time?

[zaphod]

I just did it.  IT didn't mess anything up that I can see.

I wish this thing just plugged into the speaker jack of my PC.  It installs another device, and you have to select between the sound card you already have and the Lyra device.  My kids won' t be bothered changing the device, they will listen to the crappy pc speakers that my wife has.  When I get there, i'll have to switch the device.

Jacktucky

So are you saying it cant play through the pc speakers and a home stereo? At the same time?

Correct.  It routes the audio out the USB port.  It's either/or. 

[JackTucky]

So are you saying it cant play through the pc speakers and a home stereo? At the same time?

Yep, what he said.

JAcktucky

[quarterback]

Are there any 'gotchas' with using MMatch?  Does it rearrange your music directories?  You would still need to be near a PC when you set up the playlist, correct?

This got answered already but, no, it doesn't.  I was afraid it might move or, even worse, start copying a bunch of files.  But no such bad-luck.   I have MM running on a laptop and pointed at my iTunes directory on another computer in the house via a mapped drive letter.  Works just fine.

It also makes some 'playlists' for you, which I just discovered.  It'll already have playlists by album, artist, genre and stuff like that.  Pretty handy I think.

you have to select between the sound card you already have and the Lyra device.  My kids won' t be bothered changing the device, they will listen to the crappy pc speakers that my wife has.  When I get there, i'll have to switch the device.

I know that other people have this problem as well but, I should say, this isn't the case with my setup.  I'ts probably because I've only run MMatch on laptops, but on both laptops I've used, it'll automatcially switch back to the internal soundcard when I unplug the Lyra.    And it will automatically switch to the Lyra when I plug it in.  I haven't done extensive testing as to how this happens, but I haven't had to manually change anything so far.     Clearly, YMMV because everybody else seems to have to change settings.

[nyconx]

Does anyone have any idea on how I could run this off of my powersupply. I really am not much of a electricion. Some simple soldering I can do.  Is it possible to run from a power connector for a drive? If so how and what would I need.

[quarterback]

Does anyone have any idea on how I could run this off of my powersupply. I really am not much of a electricion. Some simple soldering I can do.  Is it possible to run from a power connector for a drive? If so how and what would I need.

The adapter for the transmitter puts out 9v DC, so there's no direct connection you can make to your pc's power supply (which puts out 12v and 5v).

You could buy a 12v (car lighter) to 120v AC (home outlet) converter and plug the wall wart into that.   

IOW, take 12v DC from your power supply (the yellow and black wires from a molex connector) and splice it into an AC adapter that would otherwise plug into your car's lighter.   That item will convert the 12v DC to 120v AC.  You can then plug in the wall wart which converts 120v AC to 9v DC which will power the transmitter.

Not the most efficient way of doing things, but the simplest for a non electrician.

[GadgetGeek]

I think you can get a car adapter with selectable outputs.  That would avoid the need to convert to AC and then using an AC adaptor.
Here is an example one at Radio Shack that is fixed 9V output.  They also make some that are selectable.

[nyconx]

So if I get the 9volt DC to DC car adaptor I just have to connect the black and yellow wires from the molex connector to the cigerete lighter end (im guessing there is a resister in the cigerete lighter end). This should work correct? Would you suggest just using a sleve to connect it to make it cleaner looking, or to actually rip the lighter end apart and tape it up with electrical tape  once done with the wireing.

Thanks for your help.

[Fat-Johnny]

UPDATE:  This original post was from April.  They have the Lyra on sale again:
http://www.buy.com/prod/RCA_Lyra_RD900W_Digital_Media_Streamer/q/loc/101/90121506.html#prodInfoSec

Although, S&H seems a little higher this time.

The thread speaks for itself.  Nice little product,
FJ

[JMB]

Thanks for the bump.  Just ordered one.

[spocktwin]

   Just got mine this evening....took all of 5 minutes to get up and running.....thanks, works great!!!
Live Long and prosper
Spock

[andy4343]

I know this is bringing back an old thread, but is there anywhere that this unit can still be purchased? cant seem to find it anywhere now, if anyone has one that they would want to sell please email me at andy4343@msn.com ......thanks, Andy

[MameDownUnder]

yeah ill be interested too

[MameDownUnder]

http://audioengineusa.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=82

and

http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/audio/862c/?cpg=ab

[andy4343]

would work, just not looking to spend that much.,,,,thanks for the ideas though,

[hsr]

http://www.buy.com/prod/2-4ghz-wireless-audio-video-sender-broadcast-transmitter-receiver/q/loc/111/208179115.html

[andy4343]

that would work too but I wish there were still 20 dollar options like we had a few years ago.....which looks like the only 20 dollar option today is to run a wire........thanks.....Andy

[hsr]

http://cgi.ebay.com/OMNIFI-DMS1-Home-Digital-Media-Streamer_W0QQitemZ270266542147QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270266542147&_trkparms=72%3A552%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[andy4343]

bid on it........hopfully no forum members outbid me.....thanks, andy

[padstack]

I have one of these Omnifi myself.  I bought it in one of the woot.com bundles a couple years ago.  I really like it.  Be forewarned though, it doesn't do anyhing other than 802.11b.  I prefer to use a wired connection.  It tends to skip if you're flipping through options while playing files encoded higher than (I think) 256Kbps.  I.e., no lossles music through this.

All things considered, it's pretty cool and if you buy it - definitely sign up for the Yahoo groups Omnifi group to see some of the hacks that have been done w/ it.  You can cycle through music and pictures on your TV, but that's as far as it goes.

There are currently better options out there, but you have to spend more than $20 for them.

Also, I noticed that Car audio is mentioned in this thread.  This isn't the Car version.  The Car version is a DMP1, not the DMS1.

Hope that helps!

**edit**  if you keep your eyes open, you can occasionally find one of the old slingboxes for around $50 + Ship.  IMO, that's a better option even for more money.

[Dermbrian]

These are reasonably priced.  I wonder how well they work.

http://www.x10.com/products/transmitters.htm

EDIT:  From reading some of the comments on the X10 forum, I'm not going to risk the $49.
Brian

[Dermbrian]

Today at www.woot.com


Soundcast Audiocast Wireless Audio System
$49.99 + $5 shipping


Brian

[richms]

These are reasonably priced.  I wonder how well they work.

http://www.x10.com/products/transmitters.htm

EDIT:  From reading some of the comments on the X10 forum, I'm not going to risk the $49.
Brian

Crap would be the answer. You may get acceptable performance if you can see the transmitter from where the reciever is, none of your neighbours cook dinner or have wifi and you never walk inbetween the 2 units.

Even then the cheap crap FM decoders they have in them mean you have noise galore even with a great signal.

you can send spdif thru the video part of them, but there is no error correction so any interference will cause breakup and crackle. Loud crackle.

[andy4343]

thanks padstack for all the info, should be getting it in the mail shortly.....got if for 16 plus shipping so I am happy with the purchase.......andy

[andy4343]

so I got it in the mail today.......unfortunatley in order to send the signal wirelessly I need to buy a seperate d-link wireless adapter so now its gonna cost me another 30 dollars......oh well hope it works when I get the d-link