Control of network players

One of the great advantages of server-based music systems is that you no longer have to crawl on any shelves to find a particular album. In order to enjoy the new freedom fully, however, one does not want to stand up for any spontaneous music request and squat in front of the network player for a minute.


Special display remote controls


Comfortable control from the sofa is among the most important wishes of most network players. Whether it's an app, such as an Apple or Android tablet, a laptop or a netbook, or a customized display remote, this is secondary. But each solution has its advantages and disadvantages, and some are not as complete as they appear at first sight.


Developer-Specific Apps


The first condition for a full-fledged app control is that all the playlists created in this way (or even an entire album) must be transferred completely to the device so that they continue to run after the app has been switched off

Otherwise the iPod or the iPhone would have to be switched on and connected to the network during the entire hearing session. Also, seamless playback is difficult to implement if after each song, the controller has to be asked for the next one after the next song.


There are two ways to meet this requirement: most UPnP players simply imitate the operation directly on the device, which then follows every operation step. The apps for players with extended playlists allow for more independence, they use the touchscreen of an iPad more creative and dynamic.


If you have fundamental concerns about controlling your network player with an Apple tablet, or you suspect the necessary WLAN, you will find tailor-made radio remote controls with your own display on some devices.


Examples are the controllers of Cyrus, T + A or the TEAC WAP players, all of which are without a WLAN infrastructure, ie a direct wireless connection with the device to be controlled. This is more reliable in case of doubt and allows operation without prior knowledge.


Practice: Playlists on network players


In terms of flexibility and screen quality, these solutions can reach the Apple devices but not the water - just the appearance of the cover is, for example, the Cyrus and T + A controllers are comparatively tiny and of low resolution.

This limitation does not apply to the controller of the Sooloos system, but the stationary, huge touch screen is also cumbersome and, above all, expensive. The latter problem, however, compared to the Apple all-rounder, but all proprietary controllers: The small quantities associated with the high specialization make this approach rather ineffective for all parties involved.


Virtually every manufacturer of network-capable devices also has the right operating app on offer. The apps are usually distributed free of charge for Apple devices via the App Store. For Android devices, the offer is significantly smaller.


If you're looking for an affordable device that supports the widest selection of control apps, it's best to use the smallest memory device (8 GB), which is available for less than $ 200.


Practice: Playback options for network players


As an alternative, a used iPod touch also suffices: You should take third and fourth generation models - the first two generations have slow processors for many of the current apps.


There are great differences in the everyday usability of the operating apps: If long lists (such as "all albums", where you can quickly get four-digit numbers) are always loaded only screen-by-screen, so after each five to eight entries to be reloaded, no Right joy while browsing.


Since most apps can work in a kind of demo mode without the device in question, you can check before the purchase, if the control meets the own requirements. Properly good features among the specific apps (which then only control a particular player type) are the Linn, Naim and Sooloos apps. But also the controllers of Yamaha and Pioneer are excellent.