Disklavier

I would still go with the DKC-850 (shop the internet, I'm sure there are some dealers that would give you a good price if they have extra inventory).  I've installed mine on a MkII XG Pro as an "add-on" to my original controller.  I can access my entire song collection from:
1. my laptop with a usb-to-midi cable (directly to the back of the DKC-850) and various midi software (I like Anvil myself) or #2 below
2. my desktop pc via wireless remote and Kevin Gogoway's DKVController software
3. from my iPhone with the free app (I believe there's one for Android)
4. my wireless network storage drive where I can drag and drop any song file into the 850's internal flash memory
5. from a 500GB "always-on" USB drive plugged into the 850 were I keep over 9000 of my favorite songs
6. from the internal memory of either controller (old controller for my PRO-XP music)
7. and of course, floppies, CDs, and midi media

I can also control the Disklavier from 1-3 above as well as each controller.  It's the best of both worlds and the only thing I don't have (although it's an easy cable change-out) is internet radio (which I wasn't that impressed with anyway).

I added the 850 to my piano in less than 30mins. The instructions were very clear and there are free new updates directly from Yamaha that you can download to allow for new features.  In addition, it required no re-calibration of my piano.  Because I didn't want either controller under the piano keyboard, I just placed them in a small cabinet under the piano.  

Hope this helps, happy listening 


  




--- In disklavier@yahoogroups.com, "jthyder" <jhyder@...> wrote:
>
> I've done some searching around the forum, but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for, so I hope someone can answer these questions, or point me to the answers that are undoubtedly here somewhere. 
> 
> I have an 11-year-old DC3A with the original DKC55RCD controller. I've just moved it into my new wife's home and would like to be able to control it remotely from a desktop computer and/or other wireless devices. 
> 
> In my old home, the Disklavier was connected via MIDI to my laptop, and when I was so inclined I could control it from my home office with a remote viewing program that took control of the laptop from my office desktop. It was cumbersome, and I didn't use it often, so I'm not inclined to go back to a similar setup.
> 
> That was years ago, and I'm hoping there are newer and better ways to do it now. 
> 
> My primary interest is the ability to play standard MIDI files and playlists that would be stored on the network. Playing PianoSoft files or other special formats is not a top priority. I have zero interest in Yamaha's Internet Radio service, but might have slight interest in a similar service that was free. However, an Internet connection just for that purpose is not a high priority.  
> 
> I know about the DKC-850, and I'm considering it, but it seems a little pricey for what I'm hoping to do.  
> 
> Here are my questions: 
> 
> 1. Is there a way, using the DKC55RCD, to play MIDI files and playlists using a networked desktop, laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone? We have an iPad, an Android smartphone (Droid 3), and plan to get an Android tablet. It would be nice if there were apps for both OSes, but since we have both we could live with one or the other if we had to. Android is my preference.
> 
> 2. If the answer to #1 is no, or not easily or cheaply, does the DKC-850 definitely allow this? I've read through the literature and many posts, but it's not clear to me that this is is one of its capabilities. The brochures say a lot of the Internet Radio, but not so much about controlling the piano from other devices. 
> 
> 3. If I get a DKC-850, does it need to be calibrated to my piano? Is this something I can do myself, or does it require a technician visit? 
> 
> 4. If I don't get a new controller, should I re-calibrate the DKC55RCD after having moved the piano? Again, can I do it myself? And is calibration best done before or after tuning?
> 
> Thanks for your advice.
>