How important is Apple Airplay to your system?

[Hair Nick]

Looking for some crowd source info here on the use/importance of Apple Airplay in your system.

[AudioHTIT]

Nov 4, 2022 12:14:21 GMT -5 Hair Nick said:

Looking for some crowd source info here on the use/importance of Apple Airplay in your system.

I use AirPlay 2 quite regularly (and let's make sure we're talking about 2, not the original). I have two ways to get music or video into my current RMC-1 based system.

Most often I use a later generation AirPort Express plugged directly in the the "B" (second) input of my Nuvo Zone amp, this allows us to stream music from our iPhones to our outdoor speakers -- without turning the main system on (it only requires the Nuvo). While this doesn't affect my RMC-1 I mention it so you know how it's being used, maybe I could get rid of the AirPort?

I also have an TV connected to one of the HDMI inputs of my RMC-1, besides streaming, this gives me an AirPlay 2 input to my system for both Audio and Video. The TV can then participate in an AirPlay 2 speaker group, so for instance if I wanted the same music inside and outside the house, and still wanted to stream from my iPhone, I could select both the AirPort Express, and TV as 'Speakers' from the iPhone's control panel and play to both devices. Alternatively I can also just turn on Zone 2 on the RMC which drives the "A" input of the Nuvo Zone Amp, this will also play music in both places.

Of course I can also wirelessly 'mirror' or 'cast' my iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the TV and onto the TV and speakers.

So I assume this question is in regard to adding AirPlay 2 to the G4P? I support that idea, but it would have to be implemented in a particular way for me to be able to eliminate the AirPort. So I have solved my current AirPlay 'needs', but I would likely still use AirPlay 2 if it were built in, and it would probably allow me to come up with better solutions.  I also know it's an added expense, both parts and license, you'll have to wrangle that issue, but if I were looking at a competing device, AirPlay 2 would be a feature that would catch my eye.