Re: [ARSCLIST] MP3 player for public

[Jeffrey Kane <jeffkane@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark,

Have you spoken to Espro? They seem to be very focused on exactly what you
want to do. (http://www.espro.com/) 

Failing that, you might want to contact some of the Rockbox developers about
creating a plugin to do what you want. Rockbox firmware is rather unique as
it works on a number of devices and is under quite constant development, so
one device going out of production wouldn't be catastrophic. You would be at
the mercy of open source development however but it allows the use of low
cost off the shelf devices.

Another option is to have something customized for you. This company
(http://www.logoyouraudio.com/mp3.html) focuses on branding, but what you
want isn't a major customization (basically locking out any menus save
volume and allowing only one playlist, with playback only upon track
selection). I've also seen something called Museum411
(http://www.museum411.com/) that has users utilize their mobiles to access
audio tours. IMO though the *last* thing a museum wants to do is *encourage*
mobile usage. 

Finally, the Melbourne Museum is apparently using Bluetooth to stream MP3s
to visitors. VERY neat idea, no idea of cost.
(http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Museum-audio-tour-streams-M
P3-over-Bluetooth/0,130061791,120281843,00.htm)

@Don,

Many car stereos (including factory radios!) now include the ability to burn
a CD of MP3s and play files that way. Many more include iPod interfaces and
the ability to control the device. IMO this is the best way to go as it
means not managing two MP3 libraries.

Another option is the Phatnoise Phatbox which interfaces to numerous factory
car audio systems as well as Sony Unilink compatible radios. This is a
wonderful system as it voice prompts you and will speak artist
names/playlist names. The company is now more into OEM integration and their
MP3 product seems to be on the back burner but it is still available. 

The only dedicated in car mp3 unit I know of was called the Empeg. It's no
longer available and is quite the cult item as it ran on Linux and is
eminently customizable. 



-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of dnjchi@xxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 8:14 AM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] MP3 player for public

Speaking of MP3 players, is one made to be used in the dash of automobiles?
 
Don Chichester 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: tflists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sun, 22 Apr 2007 7:04 AM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] MP3 player for public


Hi Mark: 
 
Well, there is a reason the iPod is far and away the best selling digital
music player -- ease of use and user-friendly interface. You'd be hard
pressed to find a better interface, although someone probably makes a
specialized player of some sort for institutional purposes. I've seen
specialized CD players in museums -- the covers are locked and they are
ruggedized and offer only play and stop buttons, covered in rubber so slimy
little fingers can't break them. Someone must make a similar MP3 player. 
 
Another idea -- seek out an Apple refurb or recycling place in Europe. You
might find a load of iPod Mini or even an early Nano for very cheap. A Nano
might be your ideal choice because it's got solid-state memory, not a hard
drive, and will thus last longer under constant jarring. 
 
-- Tom Fine 
 
----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark.Davis"
<Mark.Davis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: <ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2007 10:04 PM 
Subject: [ARSCLIST] MP3 player for public 
 
> Dear All 
> I apologize of this topic has been dealt with in the past (though I did do
a search) 
> My institution is considering audio commentaries of exhibits, no doubt a
well worn path. 
> 
> Does anyone know of a cheap larger non-purpose built mp3 player with
simple buttons and few > options to confuse the user. 
> 
> Ideally it should display a numbered playlist, play one track on command
and fall back to the > playlist. Other than select/play/pause/stop and
volume no other functions are needed. 
> 
> I know some institutions use either purpose built units, or have custom
programming for pda's, > however both are outside our price range. 
> 
> Looking in the local shops produces a maze of differing products, all
seemingly for the > technologically adept user and with far too many other
features. Also these products change so > fast that by the time one were to
be purchased and tested it is superceded and no longer > available. 
> 
> Any advice would be welcome 
> 
> Thanks 
> Mark 
> 
> 
> 
> Mark Davis 
> Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery 
> 2 Wellington St Launceston Tasmania Australia 7250 
> Ph 061 3 63233753 Fax 061 3 63233776 
> 
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