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[chrisr]

Library server is great for playing media at the client.  Is there a way to use Library Server to play media at the server PC?

The scenario:  Use a tablet PC (running MC12) as a client to a media server (running MC12 and library server).  The tablet PC would act as a remote control for playing songs on the media server, which is connected to my audio system.  This way, you get the great MC12 GUI, instead of the rudimentary Remote Server interface.  Thanks!

[JimH]

Possibilities:

Under MC Startup options, try RemoteServer.  It runs a web server you can connect to with any web browser.

NetRemote from promixis.com builds on this.

So does MusicLobby from cinemaronline.com.

[chrisr]

Thanks, Jim.

[chrisr]

It seems MC could be set up so that an MC12 client instance could ask an MC12 server instance (running Library Server) to play songs at the server side--that is, the client would remote control the server using Library Server.  In other words, the client would say "play this song at your end server", instead of the client saying "give me access to the song file so I can play it on my end".  That way, the user gets the nice looking MC12 interface on the remote PC, instead of the Remote Server interface. 

[ThoBar]

It seems MC could be set up so that an MC12 client instance could ask an MC12 server instance (running Library Server) to play songs at the server side--that is, the client would remote control the server using Library Server.  In other words, the client would say "play this song at your end server", instead of the client saying "give me access to the song file so I can play it on my end".  That way, the user gets the nice looking MC12 interface on the remote PC, instead of the Remote Server interface. 

I dream of this functionality! I havent heard it mentioned as being on the radar in terms of JR's plans however

C.

[JimH]

I dream of this functionality! I havent heard it mentioned as being on the radar in terms of JR's plans however

Probably won't happen.  We already offer many options. 

Here's another possibility (from the FAQ):
Zoner/Hyslopc's Multi-zone with Russound CAV6.6 in-wall keypads
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=534233.

[fudun_new]

CAV6.6 controllers? I'm pretty sure I won't get any of those in the near future, but I've got a Nokia N95, and I would like to use it to control Media Center with it. I would love to see a multi platform client app that allows you both to use it as a remote and a media client.

I guess there are many people out there, with different PDAs, mobile phones and laptops who would love a way to use it as a remote.

[JimH]

CAV6.6 controllers? I'm pretty sure I won't get any of those in the near future

If you run RemoteServer (part of MC) on the server, you can use a web browser on the client.

[kewe65]

i've used my laptop with the client installed, connected to the MC server, to wirelessly stream to my audio system via a media player connected to said audio.

in other words, instead of telling the server to play the audio wired to the stereo, you tell the client to play the retrieved audio to play through the media player to the stereo

ive used the linksys media bridge for this and it works quite well (though that device is quirky).

netremote is really not necessary if you can install a MC client on the controlling device and you have a wireless media player at the stereo location.  though its interface as well as cinemar's are more 'jukebox' oriented...

Possibilities:

Under MC Startup options, try RemoteServer.  It runs a web server you can connect to with any web browser.

NetRemote from promixis.com builds on this.

So does MusicLobby from cinemaronline.com.

[robydago]

It seems MC could be set up so that an MC12 client instance could ask an MC12 server instance (running Library Server) to play songs at the server side--that is, the client would remote control the server using Library Server.  In other words, the client would say "play this song at your end server", instead of the client saying "give me access to the song file so I can play it on my end".  That way, the user gets the nice looking MC12 interface on the remote PC, instead of the Remote Server interface. 

so you want to remotely control an MC12 PC using the standard MC12 interface? if so, wouldn't any remote desktop software (including the one embedded in XP\Vista) be enough to do what you want?

[chrisr]

robydago - Great idea.  You win the prize (sorry, no real prize).  Thanks!

[Mithrandir]

i've used my laptop with the client installed, connected to the MC server, to wirelessly stream to my audio system via a media player connected to said audio.

in other words, instead of telling the server to play the audio wired to the stereo, you tell the client to play the retrieved audio to play through the media player to the stereo

ive used the linksys media bridge for this and it works quite well (though that device is quirky).

netremote is really not necessary if you can install a MC client on the controlling device and you have a wireless media player at the stereo location.  though its interface as well as cinemar's are more 'jukebox' oriented...

Now this sounds promising.  Would you be kind enough to describe how you configured the client to use the linksys media bridge as opposed to its own onboard sound?  I'm guessing it is a feature of the media bridge software?

TIA

M

[JimH]

Could be this device?
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=31892.0

[Mithrandir]

Thanks Jim.

M

[fudun_new]

If you run RemoteServer (part of MC) on the server, you can use a web browser on the client.

Thank you! Should have found this myself...

But, I think the interface could easily be improved without making the html to heavy or the interface to big for small devices. I can probably fix most of this by setting up another quick and dirty webpage with content from this server, but as I feel this is something more people than me could utilize, I would suggest a small upgrade of this webUI. I could probably make some suggestions if you'd like, or even help with the html (I see you're using
 instead of <li> to make the lists etc... why is that?)

[JimH]

Thank you! Should have found this myself...

But, I think the interface could easily be improved without making the html to heavy or the interface to big for small devices. I can probably fix most of this by setting up another quick and dirty webpage with content from this server, but as I feel this is something more people than me could utilize, I would suggest a small upgrade of this webUI. I could probably make some suggestions if you'd like, or even help with the html (I see you're using
 instead of <li> to make the lists etc... why is that?)

Please send me a proposal including an idea of cost.  Thanks.

jimh at jriver

[JONCAT]

"i've used my laptop with the client installed, connected to the MC server, to wirelessly stream to my audio system via a media player connected to said audio.

in other words, instead of telling the server to play the audio wired to the stereo, you tell the client to play the retrieved audio to play through the media player to the stereo

ive used the linksys media bridge for this and it works quite well (though that device is quirky).

netremote is really not necessary if you can install a MC client on the controlling device and you have a wireless media player at the stereo location.  though its interface as well as cinemar's are more 'jukebox' oriented..."

I'm confused about this setup. Why not install MC12 on the client machine (laptop) and access the files via mapped drives and play them through the wireless speaker setup e.g. Linksys/Airfoil&Airport Express? You're using the html interface of RemoteServer when you could use a fully functional MC gui? Sorry if I missed something...

DC

[JONCAT]

ChrisR - On your main system you could use a Squeezebox or Airport Express and turn your remote into the actual playback device that streams audio from the server to the Airport>Main system. The Airport actually lets you retain the GUI with a hijack feature of Airfoil.

But for a strict remote control ( I found Promixis Netremote clunky, laggy, and buggy on a Dell Axim V51), you could use software to remote control the desktop of the main system's audio.

Since your trying to play music on your main system, I assume that the tablet is for control outside that room; is this correct? When I'm on my HTPC I wouldn't want anything other than the control and functionality of my Logitech MediaPlay mouse. Sounds like remote control access with your tablet makes the most sense....but if it's not as smooth as you'd like and you're spending a lot of time away from the main system, say, outside with the windows cracked open, or hanging in the kitchen, you could implement the Airport and lounge out there with full & responsive control.

my .02,

DC

[AoXoMoXoA]

I'm confused about this setup. Why not install MC12 on the client machine (laptop) and access the files via mapped drives and play them through the wireless speaker setup e.g. Linksys/Airfoil&Airport Express? You're using the html interface of RemoteServer when you could use a fully functional MC gui? Sorry if I missed something...

DC

The reason I do not like this method is that the laptop then handles the load of operating MC to actively seek/transfer/decode/play the files located across the network rather than allowing the media machine to do it (which is part of it's purpose in life)

Also, then I must hook up my laptop to my audio system (I am not setup to do that wirelessly) and while using the laptop I am prone to cause blips & dropouts in the audio, I cannot reboot the laptop without having a pause in the music, etc.

Also, running a remote desktop software is IMO more cumbersome, prone to lags, uses additional resources, etc. I do not need the entire desktop accessable, only MC's controls.

Please, please, please
update/improve the Media Server web interface (alot!)
and/or
create an MC remote control for use across a network to control MC on a media server.

[JONCAT]

Good points, and yes, MC would be GREAT with this feature...BUT in terms of power and stability, I use an old Dell laptop to stream wirelessly and don't get any dropouts. But my use is different from yours, I want the laptop to stream audio from zone 1 (the server) to zone 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. Sorry if I got off topic as this option doesn't really meet the basic setup of simply using a new software feature of MC gui as a remote control for your main system. The remote desktop method is usually pretty laggy even when you go 16bit etc.

DC

[kevind]

I'm going to have to second this request. I could really use this option right now. My business is extreme home automation systems. In my scenario, I don't want the client anywhere near the server room...which happens to be in the basement. MC primary is down there feeding the distributed audio and surround sound systems via MainLobby and a M-Audio Delta 1010 rack mount. This is a "smoking" sound system with 19 zones of audio. All listening and automation features are done via tablets and touchscreens. In my business remote control of centralized systems is a must.

I have to provide my current client with a solution: management of playlists and auto importation of songs and music videos to the central server from remote locations without any hassle. This is to be done from his office PC  and kitchen PC...not the tablets. So...this feature would be the solution. He could quickly make some playlists for a party and update the library etc when he downloads new music from iTunes all from the convenient remote locations via a regular desktop version of MC. These are not people who are going to perform RDP or anything complicated. They also expect good UI.

I wish the feature were there and I believe it is something that is a must moving foward in an ever increasing digital home entertainment world. So...I'm asking what it would take for J Rivers to implement this feature?

Library server is great for playing media at the client.  Is there a way to use Library Server to play media at the server PC?

The scenario:  Use a tablet PC (running MC12) as a client to a media server (running MC12 and library server).  The tablet PC would act as a remote control for playing songs on the media server, which is connected to my audio system.  This way, you get the great MC12 GUI, instead of the rudimentary Remote Server interface.  Thanks!

[ThoBar]

I am looking into business similar to that of kevind, and can see a huge potential for decentralised control for media systems. - By which I mean control over the media and library, not just the ability to access and playback from a centralised library.

I would expect that either the database used by MC would be fully multi-user capable with row-based locking, and that the "server" functionality be extended to allow full database manipulation via the client, or that a client is able to act as the GUI of the server (so still single user, but seamless client/server).

By sharing or syncing the library and media from a server, and using the read-only option, we are in a state of "it'll do" for the more technical users, but this is not really satisfactory for putting into a clients home.

It would also be nice if a single server could serve multiple libraries, each available to clients which could be authenticated for manipulation.

RDP/VNC, useful as they are, are not always a viable answer to remote administration requirements.

The web-based interface does have a place, and I look forward to seeing a nice interface wrapped around it.

I am not anticipating anything for 12.x, but it would be nice if it could be put on the radar. -- Maybe even as a separate version or specialised server product ($$)

C.

[robydago]

I am not anticipating anything for 12.x, but it would be nice if it could be put on the radar. -- Maybe even as a separate version or specialised server product ($$)

I agree and this (paying for extra features) can apply to other features: no one can write the best Player, Ripper, MediaManager, PodcastClient, HTPC frontend, etc. and charge 40 bucks for a bundle including all of them.

Speaking of the Library Server, what I'd really like to see is data in the DB with no media associated to it: things like an Artist Bio should remain in the library even if I delete all media by that artist. And naturally relational tables would allow to link that data to many media files. So in the end I think only a relational DB could do the trick.