Cary Audio Design just introduced a software update for the MS-1 Music Server. The new features give the MS-1 a multitude of control and playback options over the previous MS-1 version.

Additional Resources
• Read more media server news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• See reviews for many different products in our Media Server Review section.
• Download the update from Cary Audio Design's website.

Previous versions of the MS-1 could only be controlled via the free Apple iOS app and played back via its USB output. The new version of the MS-1 software is compatible with many streaming audio devices. There is also now the ability to access the MS-1 library from anywhere you have internet access via iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 7 smartphones and tablets, or even a web browser.

UPnP Compatible
The MS-1 now supports UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). Any FLAC capable UPnP streaming device connected to the same network as the MS-1 will reportedly be able see, access and play back all the music stored on the MS-1 via the simplicity of UPnP. Also, many third-party Smartphone apps use this protocol, allowing for control and playback of the MS-1 from multiple apps and platforms such as Apple and Android.

SMB Share for Sonos, Squeezebox, and PC Play back
This allows the MS-1 to be seen on the network. The MS-1's music library can be opened and music files played back over the computer itself via a FLAC capable media player. Additionally, the MS-1 can be seen by the Squeezebox and Sonos devices.

Subsonic
The MS-1 has been pre-installed with the Subsonic Music Streamer. Subsonic is a third party server application that allows MS-1 users to access their MS-1 from anywhere. This means one can stream their MS-1 content to their iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone 7 devices over a wireless network or 3G/4G cellular network via various Smartphone apps. Listen to your MS-1 in your car, while on a jog in the park, or docked to an audio system in your vacation home. Log in to the Subsonic web app from any computer in the world and listen to music on your MS-1. Subsonic allows for set up of multiple servers, whether it's a friend's MS-1 or any other music library they have set up.

Multi-Zone Playback
These new control options also allow for multi-zone playback over the network. With multiple UPnP, Squeezebox or Sonos streamers located in different zones, one can reportedly stream music independently and simultaneously to each of the zones all from the same MS-1 library. This apparently does not affect the MS-1's main USB audio output as this is controlled via the free Apple iOS app and is another independent output or zone.

Media Rendering
With a compatible media player and computer operating system, such as Windows 7 and Windows Media Player 12, one can send music files from a computer for playback over the MS-1 USB output. With Media Rendering, simply connect the computer to the same network the MS-1 is connected to, select and right click a music file within the media player or from a folder and highlight "send to" and select the "MS-1 Music Server" for playback over the MS-1 USB output.

Web Interface
The MS-1 has a custom web interface to access the music files and the SHOUTcast music service over a web browser on the network. This lets you select files for playback over the MS-1 USB output (not over the computer like the SMB Share does).

All MS-1's shipping as of May 1, 2011 will be upgraded to the new software version. All new units shipped will remain at the current list price.

All MS-1 shipped prior to May 1, 2011 can be updated with the new software update release. The new software update file will be posted on the Cary Audio Design website. MS-1 owners will have the option of downloading the software update from the website at no charge, obtaining the DVD software update disk for a nominal fee, or returning the MS-1 to the factory to have the software update installed for a service fee.

Additional Resources
• Read more media server news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• See reviews for many different products in our Media Server Review section.
• Download the update from Cary Audio Design's website.