Operate Fidelio A3 through ITunes and Airplay

[Karlsson]

Hi,
I would like to operate my new Fidelio A3 through iTunes and Airplay only.
Is there a way to control the Fidelio A3 from iTunes, without having to use Phillips Airstudio program?
I have several airplay speakers that all run flawless together through iTunes airplay, but the Fidelio A3 seems to need the Airstudio to be controlled.
I really like the Fidelio A3 for it's looks and performance, but if it can not operate through iTunes Airplay, then I simply have to trade it in for another product, that support this function.
I hope someone can help me, so that i can be able to keep this nice speaker.

[Toengel]

Hi,

check for the latest firmware (released today) - maybe this helps...

Toengel@Alex

[Tias]

Hi !

(I am assuming you mean the AW3000 device here.)
I have not found any statement from Philips that the AW3000 is compatible with Mac AirPlay, nor directly compatible with iTunes, although MediaManager (or most of all available UPnP/DLNA servers) can import your music form, iTunes.
The AW3000 is a UPnP/DLNA player, not an AirPlay device.

Cheers !

[Philips - QK]

Hi Karlsson,

AW speaker series is indeed not Airplay devices, shall I recommend you to use Media Manager to stream music from PC to your AW3000 ?

You can find the license key on Quick Start Guide in your package, and download the PC SW from www.philips.com/mediamanager

[brinded]

Hi, I have the same issue. I'd like to play iTunes and Spotify music from my MacBookAir to my A3 Fidelio without using Media Manager.

The store in London led me to believe I would be able to do this, although after purchasing and getting it home I've spent hours trying and drawn a blank.

Airplay would be ideal, although a simple driver would be fine, too. Please advise.

Thanks,

PS - although Media Manager is a commendable effort, in a way it's re-inventing the wheel when we already have our own preferred apps for organising and playing music.

[brinded]

Anyone know of a way to get Apple Audio Midi Setup to identify A3 Fidelio?

[Tias]

Hehe, I was unaware of that Apple hijacked the "MIDI" name. It has been used since the early 1980's for the interface between synthesizers and drum machines :-)
Anyway, the Audio Midi Setup does not mention any support of UPNP and/or DLNA so it won't work at all with a AW3000 unit

Cheers !

[kwinnie]

brinded,

as explained above by various users that AW speakers do not actually support airplay function via iTunes. if you really want the airplay function, you can consider buying apple AirPort Express. Just connect your AW speaker via 3.5 mm cable to the AirPort Express.

[JWLIB]

Hi,
When you write "AW speakers do not actually support airplay function", does that mean we can hope that in the future ?

[chrisham]

Hi,
When you write "AW speakers do not actually support airplay function", does that mean we can hope that in the future ?

Depends strongly on what 'in the future' means:
- I'm quite confident that, at some point in the future, Philips might release a new device that can communicate via Airplay
- On the other hand, I'm quite skeptical about Airplay being included in a future FW release for current devices. Often, proprietary communication protocols depend on special hardware, or are too complicated / resource hungry for implementation as an add-on for released SW

This can only be answered by Philips, and only after very careful analysis. But experience with many different vendors would suggest not holding your breath ...

[brinded]

brinded,

as explained above by various users that AW speakers do not actually support airplay function via iTunes. if you really want the airplay function, you can consider buying apple AirPort Express. Just connect your AW speaker via 3.5 mm cable to the AirPort Express.

Kwinnie, Thanks for the suggestion.

However, I'm already using the 3.5mm input to take a direct feed from my iMac. Connecting by WiFi (whether Airplay or Philips proprietary) incurs latency and ruins picture sync when watching iPlayer, iTunes Movies, etc.

So, the 3.5mm port is busy, which left me wondering how to connect an iPad and other Airplay devices. And just to reiterate, using the Philips App is not an option since I don't want to have to re-organise all of my music through an inferior interface.

Since posting, I returned my A3 and bought a Philips DS3880W, which does support Airplay. Trouble is, it turns out the DS3880W sounds terrible - tinny, brittle, totally lacking low end. So I've returned that, too.

Shame, because I think the A3 was a decent sounding box although too much of a PITA to use effectively.

[Tias]

Hi !

You do not have to "re-organize" your iTunes library of music. Just install whatever UPnP/DLNA server in your Mac, point it to the folder(s) with your iTunes music and then you can stream it with Philips' AirStudio or any other UPnP control point app that runs on your iOS-device.

Cheers !

[kwinnie]

Depends strongly on what 'in the future' means:
- I'm quite confident that, at some point in the future, Philips might release a new device that can communicate via Airplay
- On the other hand, I'm quite skeptical about Airplay being included in a future FW release for current devices. Often, proprietary communication protocols depend on special hardware, or are too complicated / resource hungry for implementation as an add-on for released SW

This can only be answered by Philips, and only after very careful analysis. But experience with many different vendors would suggest not holding your breath ...

I share the same view as chrisham. Sorry JWLIB, if i have given you wrong expectation.