As the market shifts from CD to downloaded music and streaming music
services, the UK's leading hi-fi manufacturer Cambridge Audio unveils its first
in an exciting series of products to satisfy the "digital music generation" who
demand more from their music.
The first of these, Cambridge Audio's new NP30 network music player,
unleashes the potential of digital music stored on computers and home networks
enabling premium quality 24-bit playback through any hi-fi or home entertainment
system. In addition the NP30 offers fast and easy access to a wide range of
streaming music services and over 20,000 Internet radio stations via its
in-built UuVol Radio internet radio service. Simple network connectivity is
of course critical in this fast evolving sector and the NP30 leads the way.
Using UPnP, the NP30 instantly connects to any home network via either Ethernet
or 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.
For the ultimate in control, UuVol Remote – an App for the iPhone, iPod touch
or iPad – enables access to all of the NP30 features and functions including
network stored media, streaming services, podcasts etc. from anywhere within the
home network. Housed in a compact, low resonance all-metal chassis, the NP30 is
just as intuitive to use from its clear four line LCD display or supplied IR
remote.
The NP30 is part of a new organic digital platform from Cambridge Audio
called UuVol designed to provide all that's required to enjoy your favourite
music from multiple digital sources in the very best quality.
But of course no Cambridge Audio launch would be complete without inclusion
of the brand's legendary value. The NP30 network music player, together with its
supporting UuVol Portal, UuVol Radio and UuVol Remote, offer today's discerning
consumer an easy, versatile and affordable way to unleash the full potential of
their digital music, whether stored on their computer or streamed over the
internet:
Simple no-hassle playback from any UPnP equipped laptop, notebook, PC, Mac
or NAS hard drive
"Better than CD" 24-bit/96kHz playback allowing the streaming of studio
quality 24-bit WAV, and FLAC downloads for an incredibly detailed
musical experience
Wireless 802.11 b/g and n plus Ethernet network connectivity built in
UuVol portal enables:
Over 20,000 internet radio stations
Podcasts and "listen again" shows 24-7
Seamlessly manages favourite streaming services like Pandora, Rhapsody,
Aupeo and more for instant access without a PC
UuVol remote App offers the ultimate in wireless control for all NP30
functions
UuVol portal is the gateway to a world of studio master quality content
Key features and benefits of NP30 network music player and
UuVol:
Enhanced network music playback and simple connectivity
Amongst the rich features of this versatile network music player, Cambridge
Audio believes that most customers will first and foremost benefit from the
NP30's ability to play back digitally stored music in amazing quality.
The adoption of home networks has grown exponentially in recent years with
more and more people now looking to experience their burgeoning digital music
collections in higher quality. The NP30 effectively unites media choice and
hi-fi quality by allowing users to enjoy music and podcasts stored on any UPnP
equipped netbook/laptop/PC, Mac or NAS hard drive through their home
entertainment system.
The NP30 supports a huge array of audio formats including MP3, AAC, WAV, and
OGG Vorbis. What's more, NP30 customers can experience "Better than CD"
24-bit/96kHz playback quality thanks to its ability to support uncompressed WAV
and FLAC CODECs. This amazing advance makes the NP30 truly unique amongst its
peers.
Of course audio performance is at the heart of everything Cambridge Audio
believes in and bit-perfect signal path and jitter suppression guarantee
outstanding sound quality.
Simple sharing of centrally stored music collections is a breeze; either
wirelessly or by Ethernet and the NP30's ability to connect wirelessly to home
networks adds huge advantages since multiple NP30 devices can be used across the
home with virtually no set-up required. Furthermore, the NP30 is compatible with
"b" and "g" and critically, the latest "n" wireless standard which guarantees
interruption-free wireless streaming of music files.
And just as importantly, the NP30's compact form factor (just 8"cm wide!)
makes it perfect for any room in the home. The NP30 has been designed with all
family members in mind and its lightning quick and logical operation control
guarantees the easiest possible set-up and daily operation.
Internet radio In the past, navigating the world of
Internet radio has been at times frustrating and sometimes impossible. UuVol
Radio and the NP30 vastly simplify the process with a 20,000 tried-and-tested
roster of stations from around the planet which are searchable by title, genre
and region. Before inclusion on UuVol Radio, all stations are thoroughly tested
for reliability and quality. Favourite stations, preferences etc. can be
managed via the UuVol website and from here, users can also suggest new stations
which, one validated, are added to UuVol Radio for all NP30 customers to enjoy.
Uuvol Remote App UuVol Remote is a free App which
seamlessly brings together the NP30's full functionality from any iPhone or
iPad. Rather than using a traditional control point (which would only control
the UPnP functionality of the NP30), UuVol Remote allows full control of the
NP30 including streaming services, UuVol Radio, favourites etc.
The customisable layout allows instant switching between each source and
displays album art plus full album and track information. Presets can also be
added, and a queue of favourite tracks can be set which will even continue UuVol
Remote will be available free of charge from the App Store to play if the iPhone
is switched off or loses its network connection.
Streaming services support... Music streaming services
have grown at a staggering pace and one of the NP30's key strengths lies with
its ability to provide direct connection to a range of the world's most popular
streaming services without the need for a PC. With subscription and set-up
management accessible from the UuVol website, subscribed services can be quickly
accessed using the UuVol Remote App or the NP30's ergonomic front panel or
remote.
In North America, the NP30 ships with a range of the most popular services
onboard. These include Pandora, Rhapsody, MP3Tunes and Aupeo! Additional
services will continue to be added via UuVol and registered users notified. And
taking note of the exponential growth of podcasts, the NP30 also allows PC-free
connection to some of the world's leading services including Podcast.com, Blog
TalkRadio, Mediafly and BBC Podcasts.
From launch, the NP30 will allow users across the world access to a wide
range of free and subscription based services depending on their location.
In summary the NP30 and its UuVol platform represent a breakthrough in the
enjoyment of computer music. Whether playing back a download from a laptop,
streaming from one of the increasingly popular music services, or listening to
an internet radio station on the other side of the globe, the NP30 will unleash
the full potential of your favourite tracks, transcending your digital music
into the full realm of hi-fi.
