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[cncb]

It is not an Alexa device that can just be discovered.  Even with Ring, I have to first connect my Ring account by typing in my account details, and then the devices are "discovered" by Alexa.  That's basically what we are talking about here.

[dtc]

The real problem is the access code and the whole low, cap nomenclature. It's kind of like asking for a serial number in an awkward format. Hopefully you can fix that.

Thanks.

[kevin_marchant]

You have to separate J and Talk a little when you speak.  Alexa often mistakes what I say for another skill whose name is at all similar other than it starts with a J.  Speak loudly also.

Thanks Jim, Craig.

It now works most of the time if I leave a 2 second pause between "J" and "Talk" so the problem is with my speaking and not your end.  However, it'd suggest that it's a bit unruly as a wake phrase.  I wonder if you had set it as JAYTALK if you wouldn't need the pause between the "J" and the "Talk"

[cncb]

It now works most of the time if I leave a 2 second pause between "J" and "Talk" so the problem is with my speaking and not your end.  However, it'd suggest that it's a bit unruly as a wake phrase.  I wonder if you had set it as JAYTALK if you wouldn't need the pause between the "J" and the "Talk"

Weird. Mine always detects it no problem even if I purposely try to have no pause.  Maybe you have something with a similar name installed (or Alexa likes my mumbly voice)?

[maliceme]

I'm getting "Cannot authenticate on M C Server" from my Alexa device. (It successfully launches JTalk, but when I give a command - Play Pink Floyd - I get the cannot authenticate message.)

I've been careful to follow the capa lowb process. In the Alexa app, I get a confirmation: Access key is {MyAccessKey}, User name is {bob}, Password is {x} characters, Connection is {http}. I note that my password is actually x+1 characters, but repeated attempts to set this value always returns a message that "Password is {x} character".

Any help is appreciated.

[cncb]

I'm getting "Cannot authenticate on M C Server" from my Alexa device. (It successfully launches JTalk, but when I give a command - Play Pink Floyd - I get the cannot authenticate message.)

Please hold on for a little while.  The current difficult setup will be replaced with something easier very soon.

[cncb]

The new version is now available which uses Alexa account linking for setup.  This means you now type your access key and credentials into a web page instead of the messy "capa, ..." syntax.  There is no error checking yet, so be sure to be accurate with what you type in.

Seeking was also added.  For example, you can say "seek backward" or "seek forward 2 minutes" to jump around.  You can also say "seek to time 5 minutes 30 seconds" to go to an absolute position.  See the command reference for more details.

[maliceme]

Using the new version (with the simplified login) I launch Jtalk, but all commands other than Help are met with "Cannot process that request."

[JimH]

Using the new version (with the simplified login) I launch Jtalk, but all commands other than Help are met with "Cannot process that request."

The Access Key may be wrong.

Make sure the server is running.

[cncb]

Using the new version (with the simplified login) I launch Jtalk, but all commands other than Help are met with "Cannot process that request."

It sounds like you might have the session closing on you or you are trying to open it multiple times.  Can you post some sample dialog?

[cncb]

During setup (account linking) it now confirms that it can connect to your server with the specified access key and credentials before it will successfully link the server.

[thecrow]

Apologies I have not read the whole thread yet.
I got the skill working quickly without any problem.
BUT I am having a less than 50% hit rate with Alexa, she more often than not hears Jay Talk and I am clueless with how to annunciate the difference between J and Jay.
Very frustrating so far.

[kevin_marchant]

Craig, are you able to set the wake word to “Jaytalk” - I’m still having problems too.

[cncb]

Craig, are you able to set the wake word to “Jaytalk” - I’m still having problems too.

It has to be 2 words, so we can try "jay talk" to see if it is better.

[JimH]

It's working fine for me.  I just say, "Open JTalk" with no separation between J and Talk.

[cncb]

Me too. It must be a UK thing...

[kevin_marchant]

It has to be 2 words, so we can try "jay talk" to see if it is better.

Sounds like a plan!  Let us know when it goes live and we non-English speakers can let you know if it helps :-) BTW grew up in Canada so combo of UK English and accent might throw things.  But it does not work any better for my wife fro Yorkshire aka not to be argued with ;-)

[cncb]

Sounds like a plan!

So much for that plan.  It gives me an error of "You cannot change the invocation name for a live skill.".  Are there any users in Australia or Canada that have the same problem?

[JimH]

For those in foreign countries like England (or probably Australia) try speaking like a 'Merican

J tôk

[Rossputin]

Hello all,

When I go into the Alexa app and open the JTalk skill, when I get to the point of connecting by using the Access Key, I get this error: "Could not authenticate on the MC server. Please check your credentials and make sure the server is running and accessible over the internet."

I'm confident that the Access Key is working because I connect to the main server library using that key from another computer in the house and it works fine.

When I run a network map app on the phone, it does see my music server (which has MC30 running on it) and it even identifies it by name, so I'm more confident that it's an Alexa issue and not just a broader issue with the phone. I do not see a setting in Alexa app or in iOS Privacy/Local Network settings to allow Alexa to see devices other than smart-home devices, and the smart home thing is on and it sees plenty of devices around the house.

Any help much appreciated!

[cncb]

Make sure you are using the correct username and password.  The server also has to be accessible over the internet which requires opening ports if you have not done that.

[JimH]

Make sure you are using the correct username and password.  The server also has to be accessible over the internet which requires opening ports if you have not done that.

And get it working locally before you leave home.

[Rossputin]

Make sure you are using the correct username and password.  The server also has to be accessible over the internet which requires opening ports if you have not done that.

I disabled requiring authentication, at least for now. It is set to allow "everyone".

I'm assuming the port stuff is done by logging into my router...can you please remind me which ports need to be open?

That said, I can already access the MC server with a computer on the network, though it's a wired connection rather than wireless, but not sure that should make a difference.

[cncb]

I'm assuming the port stuff is done by logging into my router...can you please remind me which ports need to be open?

Yes, it will be port 52199 unless you changed it.  See the link in the first post for more information.

[Rossputin]

Yes, it will be port 52199 unless you changed it.  See the link in the first post for more information.

THANK YOU!!!

Port forwarding in the settings for my router was the answer.

[apeschi]

I think that in Italy, JTalk is not available.

I search it into Alexa app on my Iphone in Skill menu but I didn't find it.

Do you know if it is available in Italy (or will be available) ?

Thanks a lot.

[cncb]

I think that in Italy, JTalk is not available.

That is correct.  It needs to be translated first which might happen if someone is willing to do it.

[apeschi]

That is correct.  It needs to be translated first which might happen if someone is willing to do it.

Is possible to have the original to be translate?

[cncb]

Is possible to have the original to be translate?

Yes, we would give the translator a list of strings to translate.

[datdude]

Just started using this. Easy to setup and works great. Couple of suggestions.

Add an optional starter trigger to include 'tell JTalk' instead of just 'ask'. I'm used to using the word 'tell' for another custom skill that also controls media center, indirectly.

Allow the word 'the' to be added in when saying commands like ask JTalk to play the song.... I find myself wanting to talk to it in more normal conversational language but it doesn't work unless the commands are exactly right. I think some fuzzy optional words could be allowed when issuing the commands to make it more likely the commands will work.

[cncb]

Add an optional starter trigger to include 'tell JTalk' instead of just 'ask'. I'm used to using the word 'tell' for another custom skill that also controls media center, indirectly.

Allow the word 'the' to be added in when saying commands like ask JTalk to play the song.... I find myself wanting to talk to it in more normal conversational language but it doesn't work unless the commands are exactly right. I think some fuzzy optional words could be allowed when issuing the commands to make it more likely the commands will work.

Sorry, we don't have control over the trigger word.  If you use "tell", it will try to announce something on your Alexa device.

Adding "the" should work for most commands.  For example, "ask JTalk to play the song better" and "ask JTalk to play the artist blues traveler" works as expected for me.  Can you give me a specific example that is not working?  Thanks.

[datdude]

Ok, using it again today, it appears that saying Ask JTalk to play the song XYZ does work. I must have been saying something slightly different last night that it wasn't recognizing it.

[cncb]

@cncb if you need help for the french translation you can count on me

I sent you a personal message.

[cncb]

Anyone willing to do the Spanish translation for JTalk, please send me a personal message.

[cncb]

JTalk now includes some Cloudplay commands:

play radio j river station [jazz]
start cloud play with genre [classical]

[Vocalpoint]

cncb

Been following this thread with interest as we have expanded our Alexa universe quit significantly here at the house in the last few months. Added several new echos including the Link etc and now I am hoping to get access to my MC library as easy as say our Spotify stuff.

Can you clarify that once I get V30 of Media Center rolling, the port forwarding, the JTalk skill and all the rest ironed out - will I be able to instruct Alexa to play music directly from my MC FLAC library to ANY Alexa hardware device in the house (OR a known smart speaker that Alexa offers as a target like my JBL Bar 5.1 Surround)?

If this is possible - I am willing to consider changes - but I need to know for sure.

Cheers

VP

[thecrow]

AFAIK it is not possible to get MC to play anything through the Echo hardware.
JTalk just acts as a remote control of MC.
So will only be able to play music to an existing zone setup in MC.

[Vocalpoint]

AFAIK it is not possible to get MC to play anything through the Echo hardware.
JTalk just acts as a remote control of MC.

Ah - thank you for the clarification - disappointed for sure. I was hoping this would be that "missing" link to be able to get my local music library "freed up" from the server via MC and out to the new listening points in the house.

Sadly - after testing several music services over the last month with our new hardware "freedom" - it seems inevitable that the end is near for MC given that these other services can play what we want, when we want and most importantly to "where" we want via simple voice command or the Alexa app.

Continued success with this new feature for those that can use it.

Cheers

VP

[cncb]

thecrow is correct, it currently only controls the server.  I think you can hook up a server zone to the echo via bluetooth and have it play on the device but I have not tried it.

[Vocalpoint]

thecrow is correct, it currently only controls the server.  I think you can hook up a server zone to the echo via bluetooth and have it play on the device but I have not tried it.

Thanks for the update.

VP

[Riki]

Hi!
It's available in Italy?

[cncb]

It's available in Italy?

We would need to find someone willing to translate first.

[Axedall]

Am really happy to see this feature finally integrated in to JRiver! Have been playing around with it and have been able to get it to work pretty well for what I want. I find opening a J-talk session to be really cumbersome since I just want to issue short commands and have them executed. For anyone else having this problem my workaround is to set up individual routines in Alexa where the input i something short like 'Alexa play the good stuff' and the output is a verbal string to Alexa such as 'Alexa tell j-river to start playlist The good stuff'. Although it may seem like a small difference, i've found it to be incredibly useful.

***As an aside, is there any functionality to include commands to set star ratings for actively playing tracks? This is something that would be a great add on for me.***

Thanks again for bringing JRiver in to the modern smart home with this feature. I hope there will be continued work on this!

[cncb]

***As an aside, is there any functionality to include commands to set star ratings for actively playing tracks? This is something that would be a great add on for me.***

This will be considered for a future update.

[Mebobo]

I'm able to connect Alexa to JTalk, however it is only playing the last song played on my computer, and on the computer system not my iPhone. If I instruct it to play Santana or any other specific artist in my collection, it will not work. "Sorry, I had trouble doing what you asked. Please try again." Suggestions?

[cncb]

I'm able to connect Alexa to JTalk, however it is only playing the last song played on my computer, and on the computer system not my iPhone. If I instruct it to play Santana or any other specific artist in my collection, it will not work. "Sorry, I had trouble doing what you asked. Please try again." Suggestions?

It only controls your server at this time.  It does not play to the local device.

What specific commands are you trying?

[landolfi]

Hi, just installed the skill and it worked for the first few minutes but somehow it changed the zone and now everytime I ask it to set zone it just tells me what the current (wrong) zone is. I can get it to list zones but it won't let me change to any other than the one it is stuck on right now. Is there any other way to change what zone JTalk is using if Alexa won't recognize the name of the one I'm asking for? I could rename the zone in JRiver but I'd rather not. I've been using the syntax "Set zone to..." and I've tried "Denon" as well as its full name "Denon AVR-X1200W".

EDIT: Just answered the last question myself. I went to the server instance of JRiver 30 and changed the zone there by clicking the desired one. That caused Alexa to recognize the zone that was playing. Now the zone is changed to one that JTalk lists using the "list zones" command, namely Denon AVR-X1200W, but Alexa then says current zone is unknown. Is that a known issue?

[cncb]

Hi, just installed the skill and it worked for the first few minutes but somehow it changed the zone and now everytime I ask it to set zone it just tells me what the current (wrong) zone is. I can get it to list zones but it won't let me change to any other than the one it is stuck on right now. Is there any other way to change what zone JTalk is using if Alexa won't recognize the name of the one I'm asking for? I could rename the zone in JRiver but I'd rather not. I've been using the syntax "Set zone to..." and I've tried "Denon" as well as its full name "Denon AVR-X1200W".

See the first post.  It talks about "Sessions" and there is a link to the complete command list at the end.   Basically there are 2 ways to open a session - either "open j talk" or "ask j talk to ...".  Once the session is open you can issue multiple commands until it closes on its own (differs depending on the device).  After the session is open you do not prepend "ask j talk to..." to the subsequent commands so if you are doing that Alexa won't understand.

I am considering closing the session after each command to make it less confusing.  So, you would issue commands with "ask j talk to..." every time.  What does everyone think about this?

[landolfi]

See the first post.  It talks about "Sessions" and there is a link to the complete command list at the end.   Basically there are 2 ways to open a session - either "open j talk" or "ask j talk to ...".  Once the session is open you can issue multiple commands until it closes on its own (differs depending on the device).  After the session is open you do not prepend "ask j talk to..." to the subsequent commands so if you are doing that Alexa won't understand.

I am considering closing the session after each command to make it less confusing.  So, you would issue commands with "ask j talk to..." every time.  What does everyone think about this?

By trial and error I figured out the sessions/open/ask. I have found at least on my Echo that a session times out after 10 seconds, so "ask JTalk" is more expedient anyway.

I noticed a problem with the session remaining open if I issue multiple commands in sequence. This may be because of the annoying "unknown zone" problem. It seems that Alexa is able to resume only if I let JTalk time out:

1. Ask JTalk to Pause
2. Alexa:OK (JRiver pauses)
3. A few seconds later Ask JTalk to Play
4. Alexa: Current zone is unknown
5. Alexa: JTalk timeout signal (bloomp)
6. Ask JTalk to Play
7. Alexa:OK (JRiver plays)

So I wonder if having the JTalk session remain open is actually causing this inability to resume?

[cncb]

So I wonder if having the JTalk session remain open is actually causing this inability to resume?

As I said, when the session is open you do not prepend "ask j talk to...", so in #3 you should just say "play".