RTP-area local music and culture

[Ron Thigpen <rthigpen AT nc.rr.com>]

Jason M. Sullivan wrote:

> Ross already mentioned the Neuros (which I have and love, there's almost
> enough people in the Triangle to start a users group).  There's also the
> Rio Karma, which looks much cooler and is significantly smaller.
> Additionally, there's good grey firmware for one or two iRiver players.

Good to know.  For now I'm not seeing anything that would make me reach 
for my checkbook.  But at the rate these things evolve, there will 
likely be even better choices by the time I'm back in the market.

> Apple has yet to annouce and ogg related firmware for the iPod (because,
> apparently, they're total bastards), but you can load Linux on the iPod, so
> presumably there's a route for you (if you're into pain and suffering).

Apple's control freak personality is a drag, but they do bring some 
great h/w designs to market.   Linux on the Pod is nowhere near ready, 
though it will hopefully serve as a bridge to someone developing some 
nice, Free firmware for the device.

> > not to mention multi-channel without the licensing fees.
> > OGG . . . Vorbis that is. Soon to be on a DVD chipset near you.
> > DVD-A is such a scam.

Heh, this multichannel thing is Quadraphonic Sound all over again. 
Proprietary BS spec, recordings are way overpriced and not even 
correctly produced to take advantage of the the format.  They can't even 
get two channel hi-rez digital right yet.  Getcherselfa nice two channel 
system and enjoy it now.  Vinyl still rules for home hi-fi!

--rt