What is structurally different from the Reciever to the Empeg besides the obvious?

The Rio Receiver has no local storage. It's only got some cache RAM. It requires a server device on the network to store and stream the music.

The idea is like this: Somewhere in your house is a server. It could be a PC that you leave on all the time, or it could be "some other device" similar to a PC that you leave on all the time . You put all your MP3s on that device.

Then, using either ethernet or HPNA networking, you plug Rio Receivers into every room of the house. Then you can have access to all your music everywhere in the house.

They happen to have the Rio Recievers in there for $149.

Do me a favor and go report that over on the Rio Receiver BBS. That's a great price!

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Tony Fabris