I have just started playing around with Hairstyle, actually because I know my friends will need to use it more than I do. I have HDTV so Mega-Me looks clear and I mostly use Netremote now.
But everyone I know only has a analog TV, so Hairstyle is very important for them.
For one, I think that choosing an album is very difficult. You have to right arrow into the album, then left arrow back out to select enque all then go back up to hit play. Why now just have 1 click and the album will play?
Another thing I would love to see- a screen that shows all of the info from playing now, without the added stuff found in Mega Me. A simple screen with what song is playing now, with the time and cover art. Underneath that, the que which can me changed with the remote at any point. I know that when you choose a song, HS goes to full screen mode, but I have yet to find a full screen skin that satifies me.
Also, from a purely cosmetic perspective, I don't think HS measures up to all of the other screens on MC9. Have you looked at myHTPC or even the 800x600 ccf from Wicked Ewok for Netremote? Both are very nice.
As far as streaming, I did notice that with the Tivo and thought that was a very nice solution although still just a work around untill the hardware guys add more formats. I would expect FLAC to be added, since it has become the lossless format leader, being open source and all. I use APE and love it, but I don't really expect it to make much headway into this area. But that is the beauty of lossless, I can change at any point.
I have been using MC9 now for a few months and am absolutely amazed at the speed in which you guys improve things. I know that you have many othe rthings on your menu, but I personally think that HS should be near the top of the list. You guys are going to have major competition from these Media Adapters now. If I was running the business (major
) I would develop HS and sell the inteface to these hardware guys. Linked with MC9 running on a PC, that would be the ultimate soltuion! I have full faith that you guys can pull off anything you want.