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[JimH]

Here's a new front end for MJ and MC:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=280946

[nila]

How do these and other plugins talk to MC?

Just curious because I need to talk to it from some PHP web pages as I'm trying to make a plugin to make dynamic webpages from our photo collections.

Any information at all would be helpful.

Thanks

[Doof]

Wow... this interface for MC costs 3 times what MC costs!

What else can it (and MainLobby) do to justify such a high price tag?

[LonWar]

And you still need to buy MC for it... 150.00US

It better make me coffee in the mornin.

[LisaRCT]

ROFL

You MUST be kidding!

Not for that kind of $$


Edit:  I am sorry, I should have mentioned that it IS indeed a beautiful piece of work, just not worth that kind of money to me.     Nice Job!

[lOth]

I whish Hairstyle could be made to look like that. No extra $$ then...

[sraymond]

Count me among those that wonder why Hairstyle doesn't provide similar functionality.  When I first purchased MC, I was *solely* interested in Hairstlye.  I quickly learned about things I wanted but didn't know I wanted - making me a continued advocate of MC, even though Hairstyle hasn't matured to expectations.

But I'll always have that nagging hope that Hairstlye becomes good enough to abandon thoughts of myHTPC, MusicLobby, etc.

Scott-

[lOth]

But I'll always have that nagging hope that Hairstlye becomes good enough to abandon thoughts of myHTPC, MusicLobby, etc.

I think that right now the idea is more to make MC good enough to abandon thoughts of iTunes for Windows before it even comes out. Don't get me wrong, I would support that move more strongly if only... I had an iPod. At this point I'm fully satisfied with the library aspect of MC (database, view schemes, search capacity, etc.) and I'm only waiting for hairstyle improvement. I guess that our best hope to see things moving in the hairstyle area is if a major competitor starts exploring it with success. Which means, I guess, not soon, at least not soon enough to my own taste maybe even after I get an iPod  

[JimH]

Don't despair.  We're not satisfied with Hairstyle yet either.  We'll give it more attention in the next couple of weeks.

[lOth]

Oh don't play with my nerves  :-/

Promised?

[mcascio]

Hi everyone,

While MusicLobby isn't in everyones price point...I'm dealing with a very niche market and on top of that, it currently only supports Media Center/Jukebox narrowing the possible number of customers even more.

When you purchase the combo MainLobby/MusicLobby you are getting more than just control over Media Center/Jukebox and an attractive GUI.  Someone mentioned it "better make me coffee in the morning"...well you actually could.  With MainLobby you can control X10 devices and other components in your home.  It was originally developed for home theater enthusiasts who wanted to pretty up the windows interface.  You can also run it on a wireless webtablet. It can replace your remote controls, launch programs, movies, web pages, control other automation software, etc.

Not to mention it comes with over 50+ background skins and 350+ buttons that allow you to build some very cool looking interfaces.

I'm not sure if anyone here has researched this area, but there are much more expensive solutions out there costing $1000's that Cinemar's software replaces and still looks better.  Try pricing out a Kenwood Escient system for launching your movies. MainLobby has converted even Crestron and AMX dealers.  

If you could only see the expression on my friends faces when they see a wireless tablet running MusicLobby sitting on the counter.  This is a remarkable way to allow friends to control your music from any room in the house or even out on the deck.

Once the PocketPC version is available with a consistant look/feel - it will be even better.

A lot of work has gone into making MusicLobby a reality for Media Jukebox/Center customers (many 16 hour days).  It's a shame no one here see's the value it brings to what J River has done.

If some people are interested, I would be willing to offer a group buy discount for J River customers.

Sincerely,

Mario Cascio
Cinemar
http://www.cinemaronline.com

[mcascio]

BTW, I forgot to mention probably the coolest thing that we will be working on for MusicLobby...skinnability.  You'll be able to completely customize it to your needs.

Use the 50+ backgrounds available or create your own, swap out buttons from our library of over 350+ or even relabel them.


You'll also be able to drag and drop the buttons any where on the screen or even make them invisible.  Swap files with your friends and they'll have the same skin as you.

[Doof]

I wouldn't say we don't see the value in it.

MainLobby\MusicLobby certainly sound impressive. But I never buy any piece of software without being able to test drive it first. I didn't see any kind of link to a demo anywhere - but I'll be the first to admit that I often times have difficulty navigating websites to their fullest potential.

I just wonder what MusicLobby can do for me that justifies a pricetag that's higher than the software it operates. Does it control all of the MainLobby components and Media Center right from the same interface? This is not meant in anyway to detract from what you've done. It looks great.

[sraymond]

Mario,

Your product looks quite impressive, but I share Doof's hesitation at jumping into a $200 investment (I guess I'd need the suite to do all the things you've mentioned:  audio, video, web, TV) without the benefit of a demo.

Question:  It appears to me that MusciLobby only does Media Center music...  and that DVDLobby does the video side of things (especially videos stored on local drives).  Am I right - or can MusicLobby also deal with non-music media managed by Media Center?

I can certainly see why HTPC enthusiasts would be very excited with your product...  but amateur HTPC wannabes (like myself) are somewhat overwhelmed.

It's a shame no one here see's the value it brings to what J River has done.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...  and you've got some great screenshots on your website.  But I could use some help with the functionality part.  I guess I should read more of avsforum, but I have a hard enough time keeping up with INTERACT - and avsforum seems an order of magnitude more busy.

Scott-

[mcascio]

Hi Guys,
Thanks...I was starting to lose faith.

Doof,

Just click on the Free Trial button thats pretty much on every page.  This will send an email to me.  In turn, you'll recieve more information on downloading the trial.  I currently don't have a trial of MusicLobby available...but I will hopefully have time to make one soon.  I'll also be adding keyboard shortcuts to the interface - what does this mean - control it from a remote control.  Display it on your TV and have a full screen jukebox.

I guess I'm so used to the Home Theater crowd - my guess is that a lot of users here aren't utilizing tablets or displaying their system on a TV.  This software could be a good reason to do it.

The way it works is you can build intricate scenes or even wizards so your wife can operate the interface.  Think of MainLobby as a kiosk development software.  You drag and drop buttons on to a background skin and assign them actions.  One action might be to jump to another scene that contains MusicLobby or DVDLobby Pro 2.  

Adding a hardware component such as the Slinke to your computer would even allow you to control your stereo components in your home from the interface.  Such as changing the channel on your TV or adjusting the volume.

DVDLobby Pro 2 is a way to preview trailers or launch movies.  It can play media files located on your drives or with a Slinke - you can actually control a Sony 300 disc Megachanger.  All you have to do is locate the movie by browsing by cover art or searching, click on the cover art and DVDLobby will automatically select the proper disc in your changer...assuming you've done the proper setup.  

Currently MusicLobby only supports audio from Media Center.  I was going to investigate supporting some of the other formats but it really depends on the response from users like you as to how much more time I invest in the project.

I can certainly help educate users how they can use the software more effectively.

Imagine when you go to a hotel and you turn on a TV, they usually have a nice GUI that you can navigate with a remote and select your movies or music, surf the web, etc.  That's what the Lobby software is all about.  The great thing is, you can build it to your needs.

It certainly helps out with the Wife acceptance factor (WAF) when she can see large buttons that guide her.

Show your significant other MusicLobby and I bet in about 1 minute she'll know exactly how it works and how to navigate.

Do the same thing with MediaCenter and it will probably confuse the heck out of her.  Nothing against MediaCenter because I think it's a great product...obviously.  But it has more options than she'll ever need.

Hope this helps folks.

I think the issue might be educating potential users of the possiblities that I'm probably taking for granted being in the home theater arena for so long.  Sometimes I need to take a step back.

[nila]

Let me get back to you in 5 years, this is out my budget for a LONG time to come

I can see what market your aiming for and if you want to really test this market I'd suggest you put some fliers for it in your local top of the range audio shop - see what the response is from there.

Alot of people who want this setup have the cash but aren't necessarily computer geeks like us

[NoCodeUK]

As nice as it looks I think I would have to stick with myHTPC for now until HS is sorted.  myHTPC seems to be able to do a lot of the things mentioned here but is free and the new version 2 which is being developed at the moment looks like it will be amazing and still free.  I could not justify spending $200 on something knowing that I could replicate it with free software...which is a shame cos your software looks really nice...

Adam

[_K_C_]

Alot of people who want this setup have the cash but aren't necessarily computer geeks like us

This is definitely a product that won't appeal to all readers of these boards.  It's aimed squarely at folk (like me) who have a PC that they're using as their entertainment system.

For me, the pre-built systems that Mario mentioned in his post are completely out of my budget.  They cost thousands!

But, again for my needs, the lobby suite is excellent.  I get a very high quality front end to all of my entertainment software:  tv and personal video recorder, music, DVDs...

This means that I can create a high class entertainment system for a fraction of the price of the alternatives.  And this doesn't even get into the extra functions - integrating with home automation, DVD changers etc.

Is the lobby suite expensive?  It depends on your point of view.  It's a new product in a - so far - small market.  Simple arithmetic means that if Mario expects to sell 1000 copies of this it will have to be more expensive than if he expects to sell 10,000 copies.

I bet J River are extremely happy that Mario has done this.  They now have a product that is state of the art both in the backend database and the frontend display.  If Media Center is to be a success I'm sure they realise that they have to sell it to more people than the "computer geeks" .  

I've spent a lot of time researching different possibilities for my entertainment system, and I'm extremely happy that I settled on Mario's products.  They're easy to set up and once they're set up on a good quality TV they look fantastic.

And one last thing: his technical support is excellent.  If any of you guys want to wander over to avsforum you'll see a post from me about MusicLobby that I sent about 1.30 am Mario's local time.  He replied to it, sorting out my confusion, within a few minutes.  Try getting that from Microsoft.  

[_K_C_]

I could not justify spending $200 on something knowing that I could replicate it with free software...which is a shame cos your software looks really nice...

Adam

I think that's the point    I've looked at myHTPC and it does do some of the things that the lobby stuff does.  But it doesn't do everything, and it definitely does not look as nice.  Mario is an extremely good graphics designer, and part of the price of the lobby suite is paying him for those services.  

[NoCodeUK]

As with all these things pov is very subjective.  I personally really like the look of myHTPC and the new version will allow complete skinning anyways.  I am certainly not knocking Marios work I can just think of lots of other things to spend £200 on  I guess if I was a serious HTPCer I would consider it.  As I am an HTPC dabbler I will stick with myHTPC and marvel at MusicLobby from afar

Adam

[_K_C_]

As with all these things pov is very subjective.

Definitely, and I'm certainly not knocking myHTPC.  I started looking at HTPCs only about nine months ago, and I'm impressed with how much things have moved on in that time.       I'm all in favour of competition  

[LisaRCT]

Is the lobby suite expensive?  It depends on your point of view.  It's a new product in a - so far - small market.  Simple arithmetic means that if Mario expects to sell 1000 copies of this it will have to be more expensive than if he expects to sell 10,000 copies.

Then again there is the marketing logic that what you may sell 10 of at $200, you may sell 1000 of at say $50.
Yes volume of sales can affect pricing, but it is also true in the opposite direction.

I think the software looks Awesome!  Very impressive.
True that MC9 is a mass of confusion to non-geek types or others who have not become familiar with it, and this software looks like a solution to that.

Sure I would love this program or HairStyle or some other 'front-end' for others to play music on my system
but as a junior geekette on a low budget (had to build my own PC using alot of hand-me-down parts),  this is out of my range.  Besides, I just spend my computer budget on hard drives and if I invest much more in my PC I will again be single and homeless.  

IF there was a massive discount for MC beta folks so as to help debug and/or just 'spread the word' about Music Lobby perhaps I could do it, but otherwise I must simply look on and drool as I do at plasma screen digital televisions and BMW Z-3's.    

Again, I must agree that the product does look fantastic, good work and GOOD LUCK!  

[_K_C_]

I must simply look on and drool as I do at plasma screen digital televisions and BMW Z-3's.    

You should see the Z-4 !


Now that is out of my budget.  

[salsbst1]

Mario,

Are the soon-to-be keyboard shortcuts the best we can do for girder integration?  Or are there windows messages that can be sent/received to/from the lobby suite?

Thanks,
Stuart

[mcascio]

Stuart,

Once the keyboard shortcuts are added, you could use Girder to send keypresses to MusicLobby.

MainLobby Version 3 will have it's own builtin function to Send Keypresses.

[salsbst1]

Stuart,

Once the keyboard shortcuts are added, you could use Girder to send keypresses to MusicLobby.

MainLobby Version 3 will have it's own builtin function to Send Keypresses.

Can you explain what you mean by MainLobby having its own built-in function to Send Keypresses would do for me? I'm not familiar w/MainLobby.   Are you saying that Girder would send windows messages to MainLobby, which would handle the task of sending keypresses to MusicLobby?  I doubt that's what you're saying.

My concern is to have discrete messages that always do what they are meant to do.  The problem with key presses is that you need to "go" to the screen on which the key appears before you can press it.  If one wants to create a shortcut to a particular function, it isn't always possible of the keypresses are "stateful".

If it's not obvious already, I'm controlling my HTPC via a remotecontrol->USB-URIT->Girder, hence my dislike for stateful UIs.

Lack of a stateless mode of communication isn't a deal killer for me, though lack of any way to send messages from Girder certainly is... I'm looking forward to a demo once the keyboard shortcuts are in!

Did that make any sense?

Thanks,
Stuart

[ddwakeham]

Jim,

I'm keeping the faith and have been keeping an eye on hairstyle since the early 9.0 beta.    I'd gladly pay more $$ (within reason for MC9) if it had a good UI like music lobby.   Why does this simple enough feature/UI seem to be so unattainable for MC9?

[phelt]

ddwakeham: I don't think it's unattainable, just that J River is focused on other parts of MC right now. When you consider all the functions of MC, it's a massive amount of work to develop, then to test, then to bugfix, etc.

When Hairstyle eventually becomes one of the top-of-the-list items for the J River team, I expect some great features, followed by mammoth discussion threads, followed by refinements and some twisted user-built Hairstyles.

If any of the J River folks feel that I've gotten this wrong, please correct me... immediately after implementing SWF support in Hairstyle  

[KingSparta]

I don't see what the big deal is about Hairstyle.

I just don't see an advantage over the standard interface.

I'm With Doof, is MusicLobby worth the price, i think not


'Ai No Corrida' Charted At 28 In 1981

Listening to: 'Ai No Corrida' from 'The Best Of Quincy Jones' by 'Quincy Jones' on Media Center 9.1

[salsbst1]

I don't see what the big deal is about Hairstyle.

I just don't see an advantage over the standard interface....

My guess is that you're not trying to navigate your library using a remote control and a low-def TV.... but I could be wrong!

[KingSparta]

My guess is that you're not trying to navigate your library using a remote control and a low-def TV.... but I could be wrong!

Correct...


'Games People Play' Charted At 05 In 1975

Listening to: 'Games People Play' from 'The Best Of Spinners' by 'Spinners' on Media Center 9.1

[lOth]

I don't think it's unattainable, just that J River is focused on other parts of MC right now

I agree, although there seems to be a change now. For some good news from JimH:

http://www.musicex.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=MediaCenter;action=display;num=1056084057;start=50#50

With myHTPC2 and xlobby2 coming soon, I think that the very fact that a program like musiclobby is now out (and with such a price tag) means it is time for JRiver to recenter their effort a little more toward the HTPC front-end.

immediately after implementing SWF support in Hairstyle

that would be great!

Listening to: 'I Can't Turn You Loose' from 'The Very Best Of Otis Redding' by 'Otis Redding' on Media Center 9.1

[lightnin]

I had to break down and register (not a bad thing...I'm certainly looking forward to participating here   ) just to comment on this.

There was this same announcement over at AVS and it's good to see (IMO) folks here also feeling that, as cool as ML might be, at nearly THREE TIMES the price of MC9 it sure as heck seems like a fleecing to me.

What is it exactly..?  A pretty flash front end for hard work someone else created...?

For $20 or $30 it would probably sell like hotcakes, but at $120 that's totally insane.  If the author of ML can manage to get that much, more power to him I guess...  ?

"There's a sucker born every day..."

Lightnin'

[Quisp]

Seems like everyone is focusing on the interface and not on the functionality. Since I'm not too sure what the similarities/differences are with functionality between HS and ML, but I DO know the difference in price and looks, maybe there is a possibility of licencing skins/technology or perhaps selling them specifically as HS skins for a greatly reduced rate. That way, people could have the look of ML integrated with HS and maybe pay an extra $10 bucks. Seems like that would be an easy ROI to justify and there is nothing wrong with appealing to two niche markets; not to mention making $10 instead of $0.

Or, MC could go for $125 which would solve the three times as much problem!  

[johnp]

it sure as heck seems like a fleecing to me.


Lightnin'

Well, I suppose if you are thinking about using this just as a front end for Media Center and nothing else, the price is prohibitive, but if you are building automated home theater systems ran by tablet PC, then I would have to disagree with you.  And beleive me, I am nobody's sucker.

Consider for a moment that in addition to the Music Lobby component, that you also have Main Lobby which is cabable of doing more things than I care to list in this post.  
When it comes to theater + home automation and controls, looks and ease of use are everything.  Being able to hand my tablet to my 75 year old - techno phobic Mother in Law and have her be able to control every aspect of the theater, dim the lights and see who is at the front door all from the same UI is very powerful indeed.  
That kind of functionality does not come cheap.  Ok , so if yoiu don't have the money, I understand that it is not practical for you to buy it, but I don't think it is fair to belittle a product just because you can't understand it's capabilities., or what it takes to make such a user interface a reality for that matter.  

Of course, those that believe they can do it better, faster and cheaper are welcome to step up to the plate and amaze me.  

JP

[lightnin]

Well, I suppose if you are thinking about using this just as a front end for Media Center and nothing else, the price is prohibitive, but if you are building automated home theater systems ran by tablet PC, then I would have to disagree with you.

I didn't know I had rolled into the "Home Automation" by JRiver forum by accident.

When it comes to theater + home automation and controls, looks and ease of use are everything.  Being able to hand my tablet to my 75 year old - techno phobic Mother in Law and have her be able to control every aspect of the theater, dim the lights and see who is at the front door all from the same UI is very powerful indeed.

I could be entirely mistaken, but I don't think many MediaCenter users roam our hallways w/tablet pcs.

That kind of functionality does not come cheap.  Ok , so if yoiu don't have the money, I understand that it is not practical for you to buy it, but I don't think it is fair to belittle a product just because you can't understand it's capabilities., or what it takes to make such a user interface a reality for that matter.

I never belittled the PRODUCT, I believe I said it actually looked very cool.  I take issue w/the pricing.  Period.  MusicLobby appears to take most of it's core functionality from MC9, but at 150% the price of MC9 it isn't even standalone.  It takes 300% the cost of MC9 to be functional for MC9 users.

Of course, those that believe they can do it better, faster and cheaper are welcome to step up to the plate and amaze me.

Since I'm only interested in the UI aspects, not checking my cars air pressure remotely via a tablet, I certainly believe that JRiver and the greater skinning community at large will do just that.

In the interest of offering alternatives, a more appropriate thing to do would be to offer MusicLobby as a stand-alone front-end for MC9 at a reasonable price of $20-$30.  If folks dig the feel of MusicLobby then they can upgrade to MainLobby and an uncrippled version of MusicLobby for $80 or $100 dollars.  It just feels like MusicLobby exists to sell MainLobby more than it does to enhance MC9.

Lightnin

[Flobalob]

It seems to me that there are two (or more) subgroups of MC users. The majority are computer users (geeks) who just use MC to listen to music while they go about their computer tasks, etc.
A few of us, however, use MC as the core of a serious home entertainment system.
As far as the first group is concerned, MusicLobby is merely a skin like any other they download for free off MC's website and consequently consider the price incomprehensible.
To the second group, MusicLobby has the potential to save so much money that it would pay for itself many, many times over.
As a home automation contractor myself, I work with all aspects of lighting, stereo, HVAC, security, etc. system integration. I regularly see people spend 50k and up just for the back end control of their hardware from companies like Phast AMX, Crestron, Escient, etc.
If that functionality (and more) can be obtained with regular PC's and software like MainLobby and MC, etc. then everybody will be happy.
Even on a music only system using an Escient controller and a rack of CD jukeboxes, MC and MusicLobby would generate huge dollar savings not to mention far more functionality.
It just needs a little work on stability and multi-zone capability, etc. and it looks like it could be a serious contender

[mcascio]

Well said Flobalob.

I'm looking at ways to *consider* making a stand-alone version of MusicLobby (would still require MC/MJ).

It would be limited from the version that requires MainLobby.  No skinning features along with some other things.

[lightnin]

I think that's a GREAT idea.  I'm certainly on record as saying I think MusicLobby *looks* wonderful.  I though, like imagine many MC users, just am not going to take the time to install two other programs that I can't really afford after 30 days anyhow.

That said, I'd shell out some money for a standalone version, and a slightly "crippled" version would be fine w/this fella.

Lightnin'

[mcascio]

We're putting some finishing touches on the next update to MusicLobby.
A full featured list will follow soon.

Here are some screenshots showing some of the skinning capabilities of the new update. You currently won't be able to replace buttons, but changing the background can provide an entirely new look and feel.

We're also working on some new ideas for some really cool skins during a special jukebox mode that will really blow you away!  Stay tuned.

[mcascio]

OK everyone,

We're still putting some final touches on the new version of MusicLobby.
Lots of new features in this one - it will hopefully be available for registered users sometime tomorrow. Special thanks to Dan for his tremendous amount of work he put in to this update. Believe me folks, we're talking night and day plus weekends!

New Features and Updates to MusicLobby 1.50
> Completely new MusicLobby Plugin for MediaCenter/MediaJukebox
> Faster Response Times (especially with larger collections)
> View and Control Multiple Zones (requires MediaCenter 9.0)
> View Playlists
> Drag Scrollbar slider for faster movement through lists
> Now playing list continuously scrolls on holding up/down buttons
> Volume Slider
> New User Customization Panel (Scrolls Up)
- Show/Hide Volume Control
- Show/Hide Elapsed Time
- Show/Hide Zone
- Option to list the currently playing song at top of playlist
- Shuffle Playlist
- Continuos Play On/Off
- Mute On/Off
> Adjust Colors/Transparency of Display items
- Transport control back
- Volume Slider
- Progress Slider
> Define Server Domain and Port within MusicLobby
> New Status light shows whether you've connected to MediaCenter/MediaJukebox
> Autoconnect (Load MusicLobby first then MediaCenter - MusicLobby will autoconnect when possible)
> Define and setup Internet Radio stations in the MusicLobby plugin within MediaCenter/Media Jukebox and you can view them from within MusicLobby
> Keyword Search Capability
> Popup on-screen keyboard for touch displays prior to Search
> Quickly jump to any top-level scheme with new Scheme buttons
> Updated graphics provide sharper imagery when scaled
> Add your own background skin
> Scheme View back button now iterates in reverse through each step you've taken instead of going back to the beginning.
> Valet mode (Shows cover art for previous/current/next track)
> mlblank.jpg - configure your own replacement image when no Cover Art is available
> Bonus : New Background Skins that will work with MainLobby & MusicLobby

Here's a screen shot of Valet mode with one of the new background skins:



There's a hidden button in the lower left corner of the screen that will return the user to adding songs to the playlist. This is good for parties where you have a predefined playlist and don't want visitors to modify the playlist, but still have control over navigating through the playlist.

[mcascio]

Well it's been almost 10 days since the last release of MusicLobby 1.50 - so it's about time for another cool update.  Here's what's to come.

The emphasis on this release was "customizability" and "enjoyability". Every element of the screen but the two dialogs (volume, transport, progress, zone control, elapsed time is now able to be hidden/shown and moved). I'm looking for some users to get creative with the transport controls via MLServer.

Some new features/fixes include:

*Fixed: Zone control in single-zone installations was dropping the 'R' in 'MEDIA CENTER'
*Fixed: 'Playlist is empty' dialog in MC when appending to an empty playlist and pressing large 'Play' button.
+Added: Ability to change base view scheme by adding &baseScheme=Media Library\Audio\ to musiclobby.ini
+Added: Equalizer with zone selection and balance adjustment
+Added: Ability to set Play Behavior to plug-in
+Added: Ability to quick-jump on scroll bars by pressing empty area
+Added: Browse by cover art
+Added: Ability to hide/move transport controls
+Added: Ability to move Zone Control
+Added: Jukebox mode
+Added: Ability to move volume control
+Added: Ability to hide/move progress indicator
*Fixed: Cover art not displaying correctly in Valet mode
*Fixed: Loop errors would cause MC to go to 100% CPU
+Added: Ability to press cover in Valet mode to change to next/previous track

Without further delay, some screenshots....

Customize the look to suit your tastes/system


Navigate using the new menu system


The new setup screen for future enhancements.


Added equalizer support. The latest beta releases of MC support equalizers in the currently active zone. Use this to change zones and control zone output independently via the Preamp output.


Added thumbnail browsing capability (possibly the most requested feature)


But wait there's more...

Browse your albums 4 at a time.


View your Now Playing from the jukebox. Even select/delete songs.


Plus, those in the know can do so much more just by entering the proper codes. A little help to guide you is available at ALBUM# 9999 TRACK# 00.


The new jukebox mode allows you to do SO MUCH (but only if you know how). Select album/tracks from the on-screen buttons or entering directly. Move forward/back with the on-screen buttons or RIGHT ARROW & LEFT ARROW. Add credits by pressing the coin!  Add/play an entire album by typing the album# and track 99.

The new jukebox mode allows you to do SO MUCH (but only if you know how). Select album/tracks from the on-screen buttons or entering directly. Move forward/back with the on-screen buttons or RIGHT ARROW & LEFT ARROW. Add credits by pressing the coin!  Add/play an entire album by typing the album# and track 99.

No stone was left unturned on this one.

[PhatPhreddy]

And it just keeps getting better....

Now I need some way of getting all three of my touchscreen / control clients running simultainiously... If only they all had enough omph for MusicLobby I would be good to go but I need a multiple client terminal services app...

This has really changed my home setup in the same jump as first using MC and first using glissando on a touchpad...

Makes Crestron go green at 10th the price...

[johnp]

Hi Mario,

This looks really impressive.  Too bad JRiver does not allow full discrete control of zones.  It really limits your ability to make this work to it's full potential.

For example:  Say you have 4 zones and one zone is in your great room by the pool table.  You have a dedicated PC in that room and you are hapily adding songs to the playlist.  Then you wife in the kitchen uses her tablet to access media center.  Not realizing the active zone is on "Great Room" she wipes out your playlist because she didn't like any of the songs you were listening to.  And starts adding her music to the zone you want to listen to.

You can see the rub.  The way it should be designed is that each control device should have the ability to control a specific zone discretely and not be bound to this "Active Zone" concept.  This "Active Zone" concept only works if you have a single console running things.  It is truly restrictive and really quite a shame.  I could sell many more of these systems if that feature was available.

I know it is not your problem, Music Lobby does the best it can with the tools JRiver supplies.  Hopefully this will be fixed in a soon to be released update.

Excellent work,

[mcascio]

Hi Phat Phreddy,

Thanks for the great words.

I've seen a lot of users going out and buying touchscreens lately just because of MusicLobby.  Most of them want their significant other to be able to select music with messing everything else up.

The Compaq TC1000 Tablet PC is still rather pricey, but I like it because it has a built in keyboad that swivels around to the back.  So it can be used as a tabelt or as a full functioning keyboard/monitor.  The only thing I didn't like about it is that it requires a pen.

John,

I believe their latest beta version does allow you to control the volume of zones with our new EQ that's coming out.  I guess it's a step in the right direction.  But for professional installations, we still need to sync up zones and few other features to really make this a polished piece of work and fully competitive with the big dogs like Crestron & AMX.

The scarey part is the speed at which these new releases are coming out.  Imagine what you'll see in about 3 months.  We're putting out releases in 2 weeks that would typically take larger companies a year to come to market!  Exciting things ahead.

[PhatPhreddy]

Mario... For the cost concious I can go one far better (should have done an AVS post on this)...

Have a look at a Virgin Webplayer... its a discontinued web appliance with an IR Rx (IR keyboard as well) a LCD screen and small footprint silver and black unit... It can be hacked into a lean PC and best of all can be picekd up dirt cheap (I got some brand new units for $65 USD)... Add a small hard drive ($3.50 on Ebay   ) and I have a neat little unti sitting on my audio rack now...

In fact the wireless silver and black logitec mouse I bought for it cost nearly as much as the computer !!!

Now anyone who wants a CD simply walks to the screen... Navigates with the mouse... Voila jukebox heaven for < $70... Not as 'cool' as a wireless touchpad admitedly but it is a fine setup...  

[mcascio]

Hey PP,

I'll have to check out the device you are referring to.

Hi All,

Pulled an all nighter and made some significant progress on the PocketPC version of MusicLobby in order to have it ready by CEDIA.  I'll try to keep this short and sweet for my own sanity.

Just wanted to post some screenshots of the interface.  I'm still working on some of the details, but this gives you a good idea of what to look forward to.

Cover Art and Transport Control Screen


Media Library Screen


Playing Now Screen


Playlists Screen

[Nexus]

My reply comes after recently evaluating the ML suite of applications (demo version).

MainLobby was designed to simplify/consolidate the entire process of accessing and playing back media of all types. MainLobby/MusicLobby gives MediaCenter a user friendly interface for accessing large amounts of media. If you are looking at whole house audio or creating an HTPC, the ML suite of applications provides an exceptional front end for interacting with your media. Maybe you would like your entire family to have access to your media library or even friends when the stop over. ML provides the type of interface that anyone can use, even your grandmother. The whole purpose of ML is to simplify access to your media library (music/video). In addition it can also provide home automation via X10 (control lights, appliances, etc.).

Example 1:
Say you are having a party and you want your guests to control the music selection (similar to a jukebox). Many of them may not be computer savvy or have the skills to navigate MediaCenter. Giving them a very user friendly interface allows anybody to select and play music from your collection while protecting your underlying software from tampering (such as deleting songs).

Example 2:
You have guests over to see your new home theater. You have a large collection of DVD's and computer based media files (AVI,MPEG, etc.). You want to give your guests the ability to easily navigate and playback the movie of their choice. Using DVDLobby they can easily navigate your entire video collection by title, cover art, genre, etc. They can then simply select the movie of choice and ML + some additional hardware will turn on your AV components, load the DVD, dim the lights, and start the movie.

The ML suite is actually extremely reasonable when you compare it to the competition. The competition consists of high-end automation software and hardware that is priced out of reach for most individuals.  If you are looking for a way to setup touch screen or PC control of your media to share with family members and friends, ML is one of the nicest options I've come across.


Mario,

The MainLobby suite  is the only reason I purchased MediaCenter in the first place. I installed the demo of ML and was blown away by it's easy of use and graphical elegance. I intend to pickup a touch screen in the near future, once again... solely because of ML.  

GROUP BUY
I have only demoed ML and my trial runs out soon, so you are about to gain another customer. I would be very interested in doing a 'Group Buy' with other MediaCenter owners if possible. If you are a user of MC, download the suite of ML apps and give them a try today!

One other comment I would like to make... the other reason I intend to purchase the ML suite has to do with the exceptional customer support I've received since installing the trial version. Thanks again for such a stellar product.

[Kurt Young]

Gentlemen, please excuse me for rambling for a bit...

I've been extremely hopeful that someone would code up something that does what MusicLobby's "Jukebox Mode" (http://uwpos.redirectme.net/mul/musiclobby_jukebox_main.gif) seems to do.  It looks perfect (at least it does in the screenshots...) and if the screenshots do it justice, it is the exact piece of software that I've been hoping for.

But $110?

I know that it's a niche market.  I know that the good folks at Cinemar aren't counting on getting customers like me (ya know... poor people, hehe) into MainLobby or MusicLobby.  Say it with me, "You are not our target audience, Kurt."  

I'm not trying to flame, or to cause more of a ruckus.  I admire software designers like nobody's business (knowing that I can't do it myself).  It pains me that Mario and his crew have created such a perfect (looking) "Jukebox" front-end for MC9.  I'd love to use it but with that kind of pricetag, there's no way that I ever will.

So, My options:

1.  Beg Cinemar to produce a stripped-down "Jukebox Mode Only" version of this software.  I'll license it in a minute if it exists and is cost-effective (I'm talkin $25 or less).

2.  Beg JRiver to transform their "Party Mode" into something that looks like this "Jukebox Mode" -- I've said for a long time that "Party Mode" should have its own unique, jukebox-like, fullscreen GUI.  Well... I've said it a couple times.

3.  Go troll in the development forums, shamelessly begging KingSparta to make a plugin that does something similar.  King!  Buddy!  Pal!  

4.  Go without.  That's probably what'll end up happening.

Respek, and enjoy MusicLobby if you can,

Kurt


PS:  I clicked the Trial button, but nothing happened... one torch left at hot mail dot com if the "email me and I'll send you the trial" folks are watching.

[shAf]

I don't know how to say anything in addition to what's already been said ... 'cept to say "please understand my post as another individual's opinionated vote".

My own situation is that I have just built my HTPC, and I am still in a quandry as to how to make everything work together, and at the same time justify all this expense to my wife ... which would be a lot easier if it all could be made easy to use (... sounds like whateverLobby to the rescue, right!? ...).  However, at this point ... while both Mario and JRiver are working the bugs out, I am extremely reluctant to climb yet another learning curve, which is also expensive.

It could be argued whateverLobby takes the climb out of the learning curve, and all I need do is try it.  My response would be (or asks) "I don't need this pretty face on top of MC!" ... "I simply need something to make switching from DVD-to-MC, or MC-to-TV, or TV-to-DVD much easier than always accessing my M-audio Revo panel inbetween.

Mario ... how 'bout HTPCLobby lite[/b] ... and an upgrade path??