Review: The Successor to the CXNv2

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Cambridge Audio CXN100
Cambridge Audio CXN100

The Cambridge Audio CXN100 is a network music streamer that aims to deliver stunning sound quality and extensive streaming features. It is the successor of the multi-award winning CXNv2), which has been one of the best music streamers in the market for years. The CXN100 claims to be a complete mechanical redesign of the CXNv2, with a new DAC, a new StreamMagic Gen4 module, and improved performance and functionality.

The CXN100 has a sleek and elegant design, with a lunar grey aluminum chassis and a ‘floating’ effect. It has a large and clear color screen that displays album artwork and track information. It also has a range of connectivity options, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs, S/PDIF coaxial and TOSLINK optical digital inputs and outputs, and a USB Type B input for connecting a computer. It also supports wireless streaming via Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth.

The CXN100 uses the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC, which is a high-end digital-to-analogue converter that can handle PCM up to 32-bit 768kHz and DSD up to x512. The CXN100 also features the StreamMagic Gen4 module, which is the latest streaming platform from Cambridge Audio. It supports a wide range of streaming services, such as Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and MQA. It also supports high-resolution internet radio, thanks to MPEG-DASH support. Moreover, the CXN100 is Roon Ready, which means it can integrate with the popular music management software and offer a seamless browsing experience.

Performance

First up, Matt Haeson’s “Hallucinogenics” (featuring Lana Del Ray) is truly a versatile track for evaluating audio equipment. The balanced distribution of low, mid, and high ranges, combined with Lana and Matt’s vocal interplay over the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar, creates a perfect testing ground for audio fidelity. Lana Del Ray’s breathy and emotive delivery, juxtaposed with Matt’s nuanced vocal variations, demands a system that can faithfully reproduce these delicate vocal nuances. As the chorus arrives, deep thunderous bass and hints of tambourine emerge, adding further layers to the sonic landscape. The CXN100 impressively maintains the clarity and separation of each musical element, ensuring that the listener can fully appreciate the intricacies of the song without any loss of detail or muddying of the sonic presentation.

Furthermore, the precision and agility of the CXN100 are on full display as the song progresses. In the bridge, subtle background harmonies interweave with the main vocals, requiring a system with excellent imaging capabilities to render these subtleties with precision and accuracy. The CXN100 rises to the occasion, offering a wide soundstage and pinpoint placement of individual vocal and instrumental elements, fostering a captivating and immersive listening experience. The delicacy of the acoustic guitar is also worth noting, as the CXN100 unveils the rich tonal character and intricate fingerpicking details with finesse, preserving the authenticity and organic quality of the performance.

This track’s dynamic range and textural complexity truly put audio equipment to the test, and the CXN100 emerges as a formidable contender, meeting the demands with poise and finesse. It underscores its capability to faithfully reproduce the artist’s intent and deliver a compelling sonic experience that resonates with the listener. As such, “Hallucinogenics” becomes not just a piece of music but a journey through sound, wherein the CXN100 serves as the reliable guide, navigating the listener through the intricacies and subtleties of the musical landscape.

Next, we listened to the Eagle’s Hotel California from 1994’s When Hell Freezes Over. We streamed this song from a Roon music server at 192khz. The CXN100 easily handled the stream with no detectable delay or jitter. We like this version of Hotel California for the opening, which slowly introduces each member of the band through their individual contributions much to the delight of the live audience. From Timothy B. Schmit and Don Felders percussion and harmonies, to Don Henley and Glenn Fry’s distinct vocals, the CXN100 faithfully reproduces each and every element of this classic.

One notable aspect is the expansive and tight soundstage delivered by the CXN100, which truly enhances the immersive quality of the music. The rendition of Don Henley’s vocals as “smoky and weathered” adds a dimension of authenticity, while Joe Walsh’s distinctive playing style is skillfully presented, showcasing the CXN100’s ability to faithfully represent the musicians’ artistry.

Overall, the CXN100 excels in delivering a superb rendition of this iconic song, effectively capturing the intricacies and nuances that make this live performance of “Hotel California” a timeless classic.

Conclusion

The CXN100 from Cambridge Audio truly represents a leap forward in the realm of network music streamers. Boasting impeccable sound quality, versatile features, and thoughtful design, this remarkable device has captured the attention of audio enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Building on the strong foundation laid by its predecessor, the CXNv2, the CXN100 has set new standards and emerged as a strong contender for the title of the best music streamer in its price range.

With its ability to faithfully capture the nuances of digital music across a wide range of genres and formats, the CXN100 offers an uncompromising audio experience for discerning listeners. It excels in delivering the subtle details and emotive depth of music, ensuring that users can enjoy a truly immersive and authentic listening experience. Whether one is delving into the intricacies of classical compositions or feeling the pulsating energy of contemporary tracks, the CXN100 rises to the occasion, consistently delivering exceptional performance.

Furthermore, the CXN100’s versatility facilitates seamless integration into diverse audio setups, allowing users to optimize their sound environment and enhance their listening experiences. Its thoughtful design not only underscores its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its functionality, making it a valuable addition to any home audio system. From its intuitive user interface to its robust connectivity options, the CXN100 has been engineered with the user’s utmost convenience and enjoyment in mind.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Is Immutable Deployment Right for You

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Immutable Deployment is a compelling strategy for deploying applications, characterized by the creation of new instances for each deployment instead of merely updating existing ones. This unique approach offers several noteworthy advantages, including the assurance of consistent, predictable, and repeatable deployments. By eschewing traditional in-place updates, this pattern effectively reduces the inherent risks associated with configuration drift, human errors, and security vulnerabilities, thereby bolstering the overall stability and security of the deployment process. This steadfast commitment to maintaining the integrity of deployments throughout their lifecycle underscores the significance of employing immutable deployment practices in contemporary application deployment scenarios.

Some of the benefits of Immutable Deployment are:

  • It improves the reliability and availability of the application by minimizing the downtime and avoiding the mixed state of old and new versions.
  • It simplifies the deployment process and eliminates the need for complex rollback strategies.
  • It enhances the security and compliance of the application by preventing unauthorized changes and ensuring that the deployed code matches the tested code.
  • It facilitates the scalability and performance of the application by allowing faster provisioning and load balancing of new instances.

Some of the challenges of Immutable Deployment are:

  • It requires more resources and costs to create and maintain multiple instances of the application.
  • It may introduce compatibility issues with external dependencies or stateful components that are not immutable.
  • It may increase the complexity of testing and monitoring the application across different environments.

Immutable Deployment is a promising practice that can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of software delivery. By ensuring that each deployment is immutable, meaning it cannot be changed after it’s been created, this approach minimizes the risk of configuration drift and unexpected changes, thus reducing potential deployment issues and improving overall system reliability.

However, like any approach, immutable deployment comes with its own set of trade-offs and limitations that need to be carefully considered and addressed. For instance, while it can greatly simplify rollback and recovery processes, it may also require more storage space and careful management of image versions. Furthermore, because of the immutable nature of deployments, certain types of configuration updates may necessitate the creation of entirely new deployment images, potentially increasing the complexity of the deployment process.

Therefore, it is crucial for development and operations teams to meticulously evaluate the suitability and feasibility of immutable deployment for each application and use case. By analyzing factors such as the frequency of updates, scalability requirements, and resource constraints, organizations can make informed decisions about whether to adopt this practice and how best to integrate it into their software delivery pipeline. This thoughtful evaluation can help avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that the benefits of immutable deployment are fully realized in a manner that aligns with the specific needs and goals of the organization.

Wi-Fi 7: Next Generation Wireless

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Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, represents a significant leap forward in wireless technology. It offers unparalleled speed, low latency, and enhanced reliability, making it a game-changer for wireless networks. With its advanced capabilities, Wi-Fi 7 is poised to revolutionize the way we connect and communicate.

One of the most impressive features of Wi-Fi 7 is its ability to deliver incredibly high throughput, meeting the growing demands of data-intensive applications and devices. This means smoother streaming, faster downloads, and enhanced overall performance for Wi-Fi users. Moreover, the reduction in latency provided by Wi-Fi 7 ensures more responsive and seamless connectivity, which is crucial for applications such as online gaming, video calls, and real-time data transmission.

Furthermore, Wi-Fi 7 incorporates improved reliability mechanisms, which are essential for mission-critical and high-density environments. These enhancements not only optimize network efficiency but also contribute to a more robust and stable wireless experience for users across various settings.

Overall, Wi-Fi 7 is poised to redefine the possibilities of wireless communication, offering a glimpse into the future of connectivity. Its advancements pave the way for a new era of seamless, high-speed wireless networking that can support the ever-growing demands of modern digital lifestyles.

Some of the key features of Wi-Fi 7 are:

  • It supports 320 MHz superwide channels in the 6 GHz band, which can provide peak rates of over 40Gbs, which is 4 times the throughput of Wi-Fi 6E.
  • It enables Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to use multiple frequency bands and channels simultaneously for increased efficiency and performance.
  • It uses 4K QAM modulation, which can achieve 20% higher transmission rates than Wi-Fi 6’s 1024 QAM.
  • It supports 16 spatial streams and enhanced MIMO protocols, which can improve the capacity and robustness of wireless connections.
  • It implements flexible channel utilization and advanced retransmission mechanisms, which can reduce interference and latency for real-time applications.

Wi-Fi 7 is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024, but some products based on draft standards have already been announced and released in 2023. The Wi-Fi Alliance has also introduced its “Wi-Fi Certified 7” program to certify Wi-Fi 7 devices and ensure interoperability. Wi-Fi 7 is suitable for emerging use cases that require high bandwidth, low latency, and high reliability, such as augmented, virtual, and extended reality (AR/VR/XR), immersive 3D training, and ultra-high definition video streaming.

Here is a list of products the currently support Wi-Fi 7:

For additional information, please visit:

Review: Anthem MRX 1140 8K

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Overview

The Anthem MRX 1140 8K is a flagship 11.2-channel home theater receiver that delivers stunning audio and video performance. It supports the latest surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and IMAX Enhanced, and features Anthem’s acclaimed ARC Genesis room correction system that optimizes the sound for any listening environment. The receiver also has a web-based interface that allows easy setup and control, as well as streaming capabilities via AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect.

The receiver has a sleek and modern design, with a high-resolution front panel display that shows the input source, volume level, and sound mode. The back panel has a generous array of connections, including 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, all of which are HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 compliant, and can be upgraded to HDMI 2.1 for 8K support. The receiver also has 15.2-channel preamp outputs, 2 independent subwoofer outputs, and a Zone 2 HDMI output for multi-room audio and video.

The receiver has a powerful amplifier section, with 140 watts per channel for the main 5 channels, and 60 watts per channel for the remaining 6 channels. The main channels use Class AB amplification, while the others use Class D amplification, resulting in a balanced and dynamic sound. The receiver can power up to 11 speakers, or up to 15 with external amplification, and can handle various speaker configurations, such as 7.2.4, 9.2.2, or 5.2.6.

The receiver supports all the major surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and IMAX Enhanced, and can decode up to 15.2 channels of immersive audio. The receiver also has a DSP platform that allows for amp matrixing and channel reassignment, giving the user more flexibility and customization options. The receiver also has a Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixer that can create a 3D sound field from any source.

The receiver features Anthem’s ARC Genesis room correction system, which is one of the best in the industry. The system uses a calibrated microphone and a software application to measure the acoustic characteristics of the room and the speakers, and then applies filters and adjustments to optimize the sound for the specific listening environment. The system can also correct multiple subwoofers individually, and has a bass management feature that can blend the low frequencies from the speakers and the subs.

The receiver has a web-based interface that allows the user to access and control the receiver from any device with a web browser. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, and allows the user to adjust various settings, such as input names, speaker levels, crossover frequencies, sound modes, and more. The interface also shows the status of the receiver, such as the input signal, the output resolution, the sound format, and the ARC results. The receiver also has an over-the-air update feature that can download and install the latest firmware automatically.

The receiver has a streaming platform that supports AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect, allowing the user to stream music from various devices and services. There are plans for Roon support, which is a music management and playback software that can integrate the user’s local and online music libraries and provide rich metadata and information about the music. The receiver, however, does not have any built-in streaming services, such as Tidal, Amazon Music, or Deezer, which may be a drawback for some users.

The Anthem MRX 1140 8K is a superb choice for a full-fledged Dolby Atmos home theater with 11 or more main speakers, both in terms of sound quality and flexibility. It has a solid and powerful sound, a comprehensive and user-friendly interface, and a high-quality room correction system. It also has a future-proof design, with the option to upgrade to HDMI 2.1 for 8K support. The only downsides are the lack of built-in streaming services, and the absence of USB-B and phono inputs. Overall, the Anthem MRX 1140 8K is a highly recommended receiver for anyone looking for a premium home theater experience.

Sound Quality

The MRX 1140 delivers a stunning sound quality that immerses the listener in a realistic and engaging sound field. The receiver has a powerful and balanced sound, with clear highs, detailed mids, and deep lows. The receiver also supports all the major surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and IMAX Enhanced, and can decode up to 15.2 channels of immersive audio. The receiver also has a DSP platform that allows for amp matrixing and channel reassignment, giving the user more flexibility and customization options. The receiver also has a Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixer that can create a 3D sound field from any source.

The Anthem MRX 1140 8K has a 32-bit AKM AK4458VN DAC with 768kHz sampling capacity. This DAC is a high-performance audio device that supports various digital input formats, such as PCM, DSD, and MQA3. The DAC also has a low-distortion sound filter and a digital de-emphasis filter that can improve the sound quality of compressed audio sources. The DAC can handle up to 15.2 channels of audio, and can output high-resolution audio signals to the preamplifier or amplifier sections of the receiver. The DAC is one of the components that contributes to the exceptional audio performance of the Anthem MRX 1140 8K.

Video Quality

The Anthem MRX 1140 8K also has a high-performance video section that supports the latest video standards and resolutions. The receiver has 8 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, all of which are HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 compliant, HDMI 2.1 for 4K/120hz or 8K/60hz support. The receiver also supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, and can pass-through 4K/60Hz, 4:4:4, and BT.2020 signals. The receiver also has a video processor that can upscale lower-resolution sources to 4K or 8K, and can also apply noise reduction and edge enhancement. The receiver also has a Zone 2 HDMI output for multi-room audio and video.

Review: Roon Music Server

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Roon is a powerful and feature-rich software application designed for music enthusiasts who demand the highest level of control and organization over their digital music library. It is a comprehensive solution that combines music playback, metadata management, and multi-room audio streaming into one seamless and user-friendly package.

One of the standout features of Roon is its ability to organize and curate your music collection. It employs a sophisticated metadata system that goes beyond basic song and artist information, providing a rich and immersive browsing experience. Roon automatically gathers data from various sources, including album art, artist biographies, reviews, and lyrics, to create a visually engaging and informative interface. This allows users to explore their music library in a more meaningful and interactive way.

The user interface of Roon is elegant and intuitive, with a modern design that prioritizes visual aesthetics and ease of use. The software provides multiple ways to browse and search for music, including by artist, album, genre, and even by mood or contextual relationships. The interface adapts well to both small and large music collections, offering powerful filtering and sorting options to help users quickly find the music they desire.

When it comes to audio playback, Roon supports a wide range of file formats, including lossless formats like FLAC and ALAC, as well as high-resolution formats like DSD. It integrates seamlessly with popular music streaming services, such as TIDAL and Qobuz, giving users access to a vast library of music directly within the Roon interface. The software also supports gapless playback and provides advanced features like DSP (digital signal processing) for room correction and equalization.

Another standout feature of Roon is its multi-room audio capabilities. With Roon, users can synchronize and control playback across multiple devices and rooms, creating a seamless and immersive music experience throughout their home. Whether you want to listen to music in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom, Roon makes it easy to manage and control playback across all your connected devices.

Roon is designed to be highly customizable and extensible. It supports a wide range of audio devices, including network players, DACs, and even USB-connected speakers. The software also integrates with popular smart home systems, such as Sonos, Google Chromecast and Apple Airplay, allowing for seamless integration with existing setups. Roon can be installed

One consideration with Roon is that it is a subscription-based service, meaning you’ll need to pay a recurring fee to access its full features. While this might be a drawback for some users, the ongoing development and regular updates provided by Roon Labs ensure that the software remains up-to-date and continues to evolve with new features and improvements.

In summary, the Roon Music Server is a powerful and comprehensive solution for music lovers who value a rich and interactive music browsing experience, seamless multi-room audio streaming, and extensive customization options. Its advanced metadata system, intuitive interface, and broad compatibility with various audio devices make it a top choice for those seeking a high-quality music server to enhance their digital listening experience.

How to Calculate IPv6 EUI-64 Addresses

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An IPv6 EUI-64 address is an IPv6 address format incorporating the device’s 48-bit extended unique identifier (EUI) and additional bits to create a 64-bit interface identifier. In the context of IPv6, the EUI-64 address automatically generates a unique identifier for each network interface based on the device’s MAC (Media Access Control) address. The EUI-64 address format replaces the traditional 48-bit MAC address with a 64-bit interface identifier, resulting in an expanded IPv6 address space. This format simplifies the assignment of unique addresses to network devices and facilitates efficient autoconfiguration without the need for manual configuration.

IPv6 Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) is a mechanism used in IPv6 networks to automatically assign IP addresses to devices without the need for manual configuration or the presence of a dedicated DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. With SLAAC, devices generate their IPv6 addresses using the information provided by the network router. When a device joins an IPv6 network, it sends a Router Solicitation message to discover available routers. Upon receiving a Router Advertisement message from a router, the device extracts the prefix and other necessary information, such as the prefix length and the default gateway, to form its unique IPv6 address. SLAAC simplifies the deployment and management of IPv6 networks by enabling devices to configure their addresses independently, resulting in efficient network setup and dynamic address allocation.

Here is how to calculate an IPv6 EUI-64 Address:

For this example, we will use the following information:
IPv6 Allocation: 2001:0DB8:4::/64
MAC Address: 00:11:22:33:44:55

  1. Obtain the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the device’s network interface card (NIC). The MAC address is a 48-bit identifier assigned to the NIC and is typically represented as six groups of two hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., 00:11:22:33:44:55).
  2. Modify the MAC address by flipping the first octet’s seventh bit (the Universal/Local bit). This indicates whether the address is globally unique or locally administered. If the bit is 0, it signifies a globally unique MAC address, while a 1 indicates a locally administered MAC address.
    • MAC should now read – 02:11:22:33:44:55
  3. Insert the hexadecimal value “FF:FE:” between the third and fourth octets of the MAC address. This step expands the address from 48 bits to 64 bits.
    • MAC should now read – 02:11:22:FF:FE:33:44:55
  4. Finally, convert the modified MAC address to the EUI-64 format by replacing the colons with hyphens. The resulting 64-bit value becomes the interface identifier portion of the IPv6 address.
    • MAC should now read – 0211:22FF:FE33:4455
  5. For example, let’s say we have a MAC address of “00:11:22:33:44:55”. Following the steps above, we flip the seventh bit of the first octet, resulting in “02:11:22:33:44:55:FF:FE”. Then, we convert the colons to hyphens, resulting in “0211:22FF:FE33:4455”. This becomes the interface identifier, which, when combined with the network prefix, forms the complete IPv6 EUI-64 address.

The Benevolent Synergy of AI and Humanity: A Technological Renaissance

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Robot in Time Square at night holding a sign

In the grand tapestry of human evolution, technology has always been a pivotal thread, weaving together advancements that propel societies into new eras of enlightenment. Artificial Intelligence (AI), the latest marvel in this continuum, stands poised to usher in a renaissance of unprecedented proportions, harmonizing with humanity to elevate our collective existence.

At its core, AI is the embodiment of our quest for knowledge, a digital mirror reflecting our intellect and ingenuity. It is a tool, a companion, and a catalyst for growth, transcending the traditional boundaries of what machines can achieve. As we stand on the cusp of this technological revolution, it is imperative to recognize the myriad ways in which AI can amplify our capabilities and enrich our lives.

Enhancing Healthcare Through Precision and Personalization

The realm of healthcare exemplifies the transformative potential of AI. By harnessing the power of machine learning and data analytics, AI can dissect the complexities of medical data with surgical precision, unveiling patterns and correlations that elude even the most astute human minds. This leads to personalized treatment plans tailored to the genetic makeup and lifestyle of each individual, ensuring optimal outcomes and a new standard of care.

Revolutionizing Education with Adaptive Learning

Education, the bedrock of societal progress, can be revolutionized by AI’s adaptive learning algorithms. These systems can curate bespoke educational experiences, adjusting to the pace and style of each learner. By identifying strengths and addressing weaknesses, AI can democratize education, making it accessible and effective for all, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers.

Catalyzing Environmental Stewardship

AI’s analytical prowess extends to the environmental domain, where it can optimize resource management and energy consumption. Smart grids, powered by AI, can balance energy supply and demand, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Similarly, AI-driven conservation efforts can monitor ecosystems, track endangered species, and predict ecological shifts, enabling proactive measures to protect our planet.

Fostering Economic Growth and Equality

Economically, AI can be a great equalizer, automating mundane tasks and liberating humans to pursue creative and strategic endeavors. This shift can stimulate economic growth, spawn new industries, and distribute wealth more equitably. Moreover, AI can bridge the gap between developed and developing nations, offering tools and insights that accelerate progress and level the playing field.

The Ethical Imperative

As we embrace AI’s potential, we must also navigate the ethical landscape with vigilance. The development and deployment of AI must be governed by principles that prioritize human welfare, privacy, and autonomy. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that AI serves as a force for good, augmenting rather than replacing the human spirit.

In conclusion, AI is not a harbinger of dystopian futures but a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a more enlightened, compassionate, and prosperous world. By intertwining the threads of technology and humanity, we can weave a future where AI amplifies our potential, heals our ailments, educates our minds, safeguards our environment, and equalizes our opportunities. The synergy of AI and humanity is not just a possibility; it is the blueprint for a brighter tomorrow.

What is Node-RED?

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Node-RED is a low-code development tool that allows you to create event-driven applications by connecting different nodes in a graphical interface. Nodes are pre-defined or custom-made blocks of code that can perform various tasks, such as interacting with hardware devices, APIs, online services, or other nodes. You can wire together nodes using a browser-based editor that provides a drag-and-drop functionality and a rich text editor for writing JavaScript functions. You can also import and export your flows as JSON files and share them with others through an online library. Node-RED is built on Node.js, which means it can run on various platforms, such as your local computer, a Raspberry Pi, a Docker container, or in the cloud. Node-RED is designed to make it easy to create applications for the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a network of physical objects that can communicate and exchange data over the Internet. Some examples of IoT applications that you can create with Node-RED are:

  • A smart home system that can control lights, temperature, security, and other devices based on sensors, timers, or voice commands.
  • A weather station that can collect and display data from various sources, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, air quality, and rainfall.
  • A chatbot that can respond to user queries and provide information or services, such as booking a flight, ordering a pizza, or playing a game.
  • A dashboard that can monitor and visualize data from different sources, such as stock prices, social media trends, or machine performance.

These are just some of the possibilities that Node-RED can offer. You can learn more about Node-RED and how to get started by visiting its official website1 or watching some tutorials on YouTube. I hope this helps you understand what Node-RED is and how it is used. 😊

Review: Cambridge Audio CXNv2

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The Cambridge Audio CXNv2 is a high-performance network audio player that offers a wide range of features and impressive audio quality. It is designed to cater to audiophiles and music enthusiasts who demand top-notch sound reproduction and versatile connectivity options.

One of the standout features of the CXNv2 is its ability to access and stream music from various sources. It supports a wide range of streaming services, including TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz, Roon, and more, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tracks with ease. Additionally, it has built-in support for internet radio, giving users access to a vast array of stations from around the world.

The build quality of the CXNv2 is exceptional, featuring a sturdy chassis and a sleek, modern design. The front panel houses a large color display that provides clear and intuitive navigation through the menus and settings. The included remote control is well-designed and offers convenient control over the player’s functions.

In terms of audio performance, the CXNv2 truly shines. It supports high-resolution audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, and AIFF, allowing users to experience their music in its full glory. The device utilizes dual Wolfson WM8740 digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to deliver detailed and precise sound reproduction. The soundstage is wide, with excellent instrument separation and a balanced tonal presentation. The CXNv2 produces a warm and engaging sound signature that is pleasing to the ears and suits a wide range of music genres.

Connectivity options on the CXNv2 are extensive. It includes both wired and wireless connections, such as Ethernet, USB, coaxial, and optical inputs/outputs. The device also supports Bluetooth and AirPlay, making it easy to stream music wirelessly from compatible devices. Furthermore, the CXNv2 can function as a digital preamp, allowing direct connection to power amplifiers or active speakers.

The user interface of the CXNv2 is user-friendly and intuitive, thanks to the inclusion of Cambridge Audio’s proprietary StreamMagic platform. It offers smooth navigation, quick response times, and a visually appealing interface. The device can be controlled through the front panel, the included remote control, or via the Cambridge Connect app, available for iOS and Android devices.

While the CXNv2 is a feature-packed and high-performing audio player, it might be considered a bit pricey compared to some competitors in the market. However, the quality of construction, audio performance, and the extensive range of features make it a worthwhile investment for serious music lovers who value both functionality and sound quality.

In summary, the Cambridge Audio CXNv2 is an impressive network audio player that delivers exceptional sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and an intuitive user experience. Its ability to access various streaming services, support for high-resolution audio, and robust build quality make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium audio player for their home audio setup.

Code Snippet – custom:button-card Template – large_status

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Date Created:

Date Modified:

Description:

A third part addon called button-card is a highly customizable component the supports JavaScript and templates. I use it for multiple things, including displaying the status of components in my home theater. This snippet is the template I use for displaying statuses in my control panels and theater remote.

  large_status:
    variables:
      site_var: Label
      entity_var: Entity
      name_var: Name
      state_var: State
      background_var: BackgroundColor
      color_var: IconColor
    layout: icon_label
    label: '[[[ return variables.label_var; ]]]'
    show_name: true
    show_label: true
    styles:
      card: null
      label:
        - justify-self: left
        - align-self: center
        - padding-left: 10px
        - font-weight: bold
        - font-size: 15px
        - font: Ubuntu,sans-serif
      name:
        - justify-self: left
        - align-self: center
        - padding-left: 10px
        - font-size: 12px
        - color: rgba(155, 155, 155, 1)
        - font: Ubuntu,sans-serif
        - font-weight: bold
      grid:
        - grid-template-areas: '"i l" "i n" "i s"'
        - grid-template-columns: 1fr 80%
        - padding: 3px
        - padding-left: 10px
      img_cell:
        - border-radius: 20px
        - height: 40px
        - width: 40px
        - background: rgba(50, 61, 37, 1)
      icon:
        - width: 50%
        - height: 50%
        - padding-left: 1px
        - padding-bottom: 3px
        - color: rgba(139, 195, 74, 1)