Yamaha MusicCAST MCX 2000

The next generation MusicCAST server offers XM Satellite Radio-ready tuner to enjoy high quality radio channels. The MCX-2000 allows users to plug in XM Connect-and-Play home antenna and activate the XM Satellite Radio service to receive more than 150 news, sports and entertainment digital radio channels. The XM Connect-and-Play home antenna is capable of receiving XM's satellite and terrestrial signals as well as channel tuning, decoding and audio transmission. It will be the only accessory needed to receive XM Satellite Radio through the MCX-2000. Along with its XM-Ready connection, the MCX-2000 also incorporates FM tuner reception and Internet radio compatibility.

The MCX-2000 is planned to support DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) digital interoperability, giving it the ability to connect with and play music stored on a PC via the MusicCAST server and distribute it to 15 client units, increased from seven in the previous version.

Using computer network technology, the server streams audio sources to all client locations, allowing music to be played from one central location to any location in the home or outdoors.

The server-to-client communication system can combine up to 5 wireless connections, or 15 wired connections and the server to make up to a total 16 discrete locations for music playback. Each client can be sent a different song, or all can listen to the same song simultaneously, even at different points in that song. For additional versatility and extended range, clients can connect to existing home computer networks using CAT-5 wiring. An RS-232C serial port allows interactivity with the Yamaha AV receiver features of automatic DSP selection, radio tuner selection and volume adjustment.

The server incorporates a CD-R/RW drive that allows users to transfer music to and from the hard drive. Music is saved in its original form to the 160 GB hard-drive at a fast speed (CD approximately in 3½ minutes). The recording format is PCM and/or MP3, which allows the user to record about 2,000 CDs in MP3 format or about 200 CDs in PCM format. By using the external inputs on the rear of the unit, the server has the ability to store or stream real-time audio to a client from XM Satellite Radio, FM, LP, tape, or any other source.

Other features include an extremely user-friendly

• Interactive on-screen GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows users to create playlists or access other on-screen functions, such as retrieving music information from the database.
• Built-in CD recognition database provided by Gracenote - automatically displays and saves information from an audio CD from an artist, album, track and music genre.
• With an Internet connection, the latest CD recognition information (track, artist, album) can be accessed through Gracenote's CDDB online service and updated.

The MCX-2000 (MSRP $2,199.95) will be available in October, and can be seen during the CEDIA 2005 show at Yamaha's booth (#166) in the Indianapolis Convention Center.

For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9105; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com ; or visit www.yamaha.com/musiccast .