Since the Mark II is going to have network cabability a built in http server with Selection listings etc would be
an excellent feature for both units used in the car and in the home. Examples would be MP3BOX's php client
http://igalaxie.com/ltt/mp3/php3/index.html.

Ger.

This is second-hand information so take it for what it's worth.

In a correspondence with Rob back in December I asked about this in a private email to Rob. According to Rob (at that time) there was no plan to support this. I specifically asked about web-based management and ftp-based uploads of mp3s. According to Rob the issue with this has somehting to do with httpand ftp having limitations when it comes to the actual storage/retrieval of the mp3's (and their corresponding information -- like ID3 tag data, I suspect), themselves.

That mentioned, I was also told that the network interface would simply provide me with faster upload/synch times -- which is fine by me.

I also asked if it'd be a 10/100baseT(x) autosensing port and was told that the ARM's bus limitations would restrict the ethernet speeds to 10baseT.

Even though I'd like to see a scheme that doesn't rely on a proprietary client/server codebase, I have no problems with any of this; I understand the difficulties involved.

Rob, please correct any misinformation contained above should you happen to read it. It's not intentional -- my memory is a bit fuzzy as this is two-month old recollection.

-- Bleys

"If you would judge, understand." -- Seneca

I also asked if it'd be a 10/100baseT(x) autosensing port and was told that the ARM's bus limitations would restrict the ethernet speeds to 10baseT.

It'd be great if it was autosensing. I've standardised on 100Mbps at home now, which would mean an extra hub (or an autosensing one) just for the empeg which is a bit of an extravagence (although not completely unlikely )

Even if it worked at 10mbs on a 100mbs link - that'd be fine.

Paul.

Paul Haigh, 6GB, Blue
Reg: 4120 - Serial 00254

You mean there's a such thing as a 100mbps hub which won't drop back to 10 on slow ports? I've never bought a 100mbps hub before, only switches. All my hubs are 10s, all my switches 100s...

As far as having to buy a new hub... you won't have to use the ethernet if you don't want to. It'll still have the USB port which (theoretically) would allow uploads at about the same speed as ethernet.

Rob, if you're listening, have you done any "upload races" between USB and ethernet on your Mk2 prototypes? Are they about the same?

Too bad you can't do web management on the Empeg. That would instantly make it 100 percent cross-platform compatible, and there would be no worries about writing a Mac Emplode.


-- Tony Fabris -- Empeg #144 --
Caution: Do not look into laser with remaining good eye.

unfortunately, many of the older/cheaper 100mbs hubs are just that, 100mb hubs.. My cnet hub in perticular can't drop back to 10mbs...
-mark

...proud to have one of the first Mark I units

No, I actually have a cheap (very) 100Mbps hub. It really can't do 10Mbps. (It was cheap ).

So if the empeg could just talk 100, that would be fine.

As for using USB - this is a little inconvenient (although I use it right now), since my server which has the .mp3's on it, is a linux box at the moment.

Besides, it's a 486, and doesn't have any USB ports.

Paul.

Paul Haigh, 6GB, Blue
Reg: 4120 - Serial 00254

The network interface was primarily included for the convenience of developers. The download speed will be comparable with USB, although for clients who cannot (for whatever reason) use USB the advantages over RS232 are obvious.

The future use of this new interface is pretty much an open book right now. We already have Shoutcast streaming working, albeit in a prototype stage, and the possibilities for home networked applications are considerable. Watch this space.

Rob

If you're paying >$1000 for an empeg, you should be able to get a <$100 10/100 switch for your local network. ;)

Fly me to the moon...

Makes me glad I never went up to 100mps.. =)
And my Risc PC (what's that? =) is still connected via BNC (shock, horror.. =)


Jazz
(List 112, S/N 00030, 4 gig blue)

BNC. Isn't that that thing with the nasty metal ends ... or is that just body-piercing?



Paul.

Paul Haigh, 6GB, Blue
Reg: 4120 - Serial 00254

Aaah yes, but now that I've spent best part of £1000 (!) on the empeg, I can't afford food (except penguins), let alone a new hub (or personal mp3 player, etc, etc).



Paul.

Paul Haigh, 6GB, Blue
Reg: 4120 - Serial 00254

You already have a personal MP3 player! Besides, who needs one of those 64MB flash chip jobbies? I don't. Never liked the thought of them... they don't hold enough tunes.

-- Bleys

"If you would judge, understand." -- Seneca