Hi All,

I am looking for some advice on playing MP3s at home.

My uncle is disabled and needs to be able to change the tracks via remote control. So initially i thought just an mp3 player plus a dock would be suitable. Having had a look around im finding that most if not all docks that have remote controls are only suitable for Ipods.

As far as i can see, there is no need for him to have an ipod, any simple mp3 player should be able to do the job of storing mp3s and playing them back, the only functionality i need on top of that is remotely being able to change the track.

I wondered if anyone had any suggestions or experience with this and could offer some advice?

Maybe a stereo system that supports usb or has a hard drive? My budget is around £150 for the mp3 + speaker system. i could also point out that he has a stereo already, but i cant really think of a way to harness this as it does not support mp3s.

Thanks,

Many (most?) modern PVRs support playback of MP3 tracks and of course come with a remote control. As well as being connected to the TV to choose tracks they can also be connected any stereo which has an AUX IN. Look to see how easy it is to transfer MP3 tracks to the PVR from a computer. Is this something he will be wanting to do himself on a regular basis or is it more a one off transfer of his collection?

You might also consider a cheap media player, these will play MP3's.

Something like this for £26

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...29E73GHT1YWWFV

Just be aware that with most media players you need to have the TV on to see what you are doing.

Easier to see than a tiny display on an MP3 player in a dock on the other side of the room.

And probably most people have an old portable TV knocking about doing nothing, assuming using the main TV isn't possible.

Thank you for your feedback.

I will pop round and check his current hardware and see what the most suitable way is. I am assuming if the current stereo system has an AUX In, i can simply buy one of these players and it will be HDMI from the media player to the tv and AUX from the media player to the stereo and the remote will simply control the media player? then presumably you can load up a usb stick or media card with tracks?

sounds simple, and if possible a good solution.

Thanks all.

Couldn't you just get an extension lead with a 3.5mm plug on it to connect the MP3 player and Hi-Fi? Then he could just keep the MP3 player on his chair.

Not if they find it difficult to operate the fiddly controls of an MP3 player directly which is the impression I got from reading the OP.