INTERACT FORUM

More => Old Versions => JRiver Media Center 18 for Mac => Topic started by: JimH on February 06, 2013, 01:01:54 pm

Title: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 06, 2013, 01:01:54 pm
A year ago, when we said we were going to port to Mac, we said we hoped to show early versions by the end of 2012.  That probably won't happen now.

We are very close to having something to show.  [Edit: you can expect a First Look (still rough) version on Feb 22]

It will be a music only version, and it will initially be fairly rough.  We'll release new builds about once a week, as we do for the Windows version.  Each version will fix problems until we think it's pretty good, and then we'll start to add back some of the features we've removed.

The exact feature set won't be known until we begin to release.  As it stands today, the Mac version can import and play the most common music formats:  FLAC, MP3, AIFF, ALAC, WAV, and APE.  The interface looks exactly like it does on Windows.  This may or may not change.

We'll offer it at a steep discount if you purchase early (by Feb 22), partly to say thank you for your patience.  It will be $24.98 initially and will go up about $5 per month until we reach $49.98.

We'll anounce availability in this thread and in the older thread (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=75129.150).
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: glynor on February 06, 2013, 01:16:40 pm
A year ago, when we said we were going to port to Mac OSX, we said we hoped to show early versions by the end of 2012.  That probably won't happen now.

 ;) ;D

Seems a bit unlikely, that's for sure.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: sunfire7 on February 06, 2013, 01:58:57 pm
Ready to test  :) Waiting Release
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: sgallaghe on February 06, 2013, 04:15:32 pm
The exact feature set won't be known until we begin to release.  As it stands today, the Mac version can import and play the most common music formats:  FLAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV, and APE.  The interface looks exactly like it does on Windows.  This may or may not change.


Many of us looking for an iTunes alternative on the Mac platform have their libraries ripped in Apple Lossless, ALAC.

Will this be supported?
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: Matt on February 06, 2013, 04:51:40 pm
Many of us looking for an iTunes alternative on the Mac platform have their libraries ripped in Apple Lossless, ALAC.

Will this be supported?

Yes.

Here's a screenshot of MC playing a high bitrate Apple Lossless file on OSX:
(http://files.jriver.com/images/2013/apple_m4a_support.png)
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: kiwi on February 06, 2013, 04:52:46 pm
Very exciting!
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: glynor on February 06, 2013, 05:31:48 pm
Huh!

The DSP is even skinned more Mac-like, while the main UI still has the close button in the wrong corner.

Fine with me, just noting.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: MrC on February 06, 2013, 06:04:48 pm
I can tell from the look of the screenshot it sounds superior.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: jmone on February 07, 2013, 02:54:12 am
....and will you be able to sync to iStuff?
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: toomanybarts on February 07, 2013, 10:32:41 am
If I use a PC and a Mac to access my audio library (sharing the settings folder from my NAS : views, ratings, playlists etc), although never at the same time as obviously the library would appear locked, is that possible?

What I'm really asking is will the file system be the same for these settings between PC and Mac such that either one could update them?

(The scenario would be I use my Mac to listen and rate songs upstairs in the bedroom, but later on want to use my PC that is connected to my Home Theatre system to listen to the same Library and share the same song ratings, playlists etc)
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: kiwi on February 07, 2013, 11:05:44 am
If I use a PC and a Mac to access my audio library (sharing the settings folder from my NAS : views, ratings, playlists etc), although never at the same time as obviously the library would appear locked, is that possible?

What I'm really asking is will the file system be the same for these settings between PC and Mac such that either one could update them?

(The scenario would be I use my Mac to listen and rate songs upstairs in the bedroom, but later on want to use my PC that is connected to my Home Theatre system to listen to the same Library and share the same song ratings, playlists etc)

This does seem like a good case for setting one up as a server and the other as a client.  I'm hoping that some time in the future that will be supported on the mac version.  But my understanding is that it is currently how things could work on the PC version.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: JimH on February 07, 2013, 12:27:40 pm
Early Bird Mac Licenses are available now:
http://www.jriver.com/mac.html

Expect First Look (Still Rough) versions by February 22.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: kiwi on February 07, 2013, 01:07:54 pm
I hope mine was in the first 10...

How close was I to being the first?  8)
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: pirogallo on February 07, 2013, 01:11:21 pm
 As it stands today, the Mac version can import and play the most common music formats:  FLAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV, and APE.  
just bought.
my library has about 53,000 files, are all in ALAC format.
I'm very sad.  :'(
Gianni.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: kiwi on February 07, 2013, 01:13:03 pm
just bought.
my library has about 53,000 files, are all in ALAC format.
I'm very sad.  :'(
Gianni.

An earlier screen shot showed it playing ALAC, I believe... 
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: JimH on February 07, 2013, 01:14:26 pm
That's correct.  ALAC is supported.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: JimH on February 07, 2013, 01:26:56 pm
I hope mine was in the first 10...

How close was I to being the first?  8)
You were in the first 10 if you purchased before posting.  I couldn't match your license to your forum e-mail address.

Here are the first 10:
1.  RG
2.  PW
3.  WT
4.  TC
5.  FE
6.  GT
7.  FW
8.  CB
9.  AB
10.  GP

Thank you!
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: freddiejohn on February 07, 2013, 01:33:47 pm
Hi,
I just purchased and downloaded JR for Mac.  Unfortunately the only files that were downloaded were these:

Media Center Mac18-191606(1).mjr
Media Center Mac18-191606.mjr
Purchase complete_files
Purchase complete.html

Is there a dmg file or exe file that I am missing?
Thank you,
Fred
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: JimH on February 07, 2013, 01:35:46 pm
I'm sorry, but it will still be two more weeks before the software is available:
http://www.jriver.com/mac.html

Please let me know if you'd like a refund.  I'm jimh at jriver.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: kiwi on February 07, 2013, 01:40:26 pm
Hi,
I just purchased and downloaded JR for Mac.  Unfortunately the only files that were downloaded were these:

Media Center Mac18-191606(1).mjr
Media Center Mac18-191606.mjr
Purchase complete_files
Purchase complete.html

Is there a dmg file or exe file that I am missing?
Thank you,
Fred

It sounds like it will be available some time around or after the 22nd.

You'll probably have to get a new mjr file when the early release is made available... but that's been really easy via their web interface.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: kiwi on February 07, 2013, 01:42:00 pm
You were in the first 10 if you purchased before posting.  I couldn't match your license to your forum e-mail address.

Here are the first 10:
1.  RG
2.  PW
3.  WT
4.  TC
5.  FE
6.  GT
7.  FW
8.  CB
9.  AB
10.  GP

Thank you!

Cool, I think that I just squeaked in. ;)

Excited and looking forward to helping make it as good or better than the PC version.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: erviv on February 07, 2013, 02:05:19 pm
Ok, purchased my license.  Looking forward to using it.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: arin on February 07, 2013, 05:15:32 pm
So now I'm chirping with a Mac license in my beak...
Waiting for something tastier!    ;)

More than two weeks to go...
And my 180.000 tracks library is getting impatient.  :o
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: Magic_Randy on February 07, 2013, 07:49:12 pm
You were in the first 10 if you purchased before posting.  I couldn't match your license to your forum e-mail address.

Here are the first 10:
1.  RG
2.  PW
3.  WT
4.  TC
5.  FE
6.  GT
7.  FW
8.  CB
9.  AB
10.  GP

Thank you!
I wish I'd have known as I could of ordered earlier in the day and been in the first 10 list. As it turned out I wasted the whole day working instead of monitoring the forum.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: liddown on February 07, 2013, 08:45:10 pm
Another license purchased! Looking forward to getting this up and going!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: sunfire7 on February 07, 2013, 11:52:47 pm
purchased as well, now only wait untill feb 22.  :)
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: liquidsmoke on February 08, 2013, 06:06:03 am
How long with the early bird licenses be available? Right up until first non-beta release?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 08, 2013, 06:08:46 am
The current price will be in effect until at least February 22.  Expect the price to go up about $5 per month until it reaches $49.98.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: liquidsmoke on February 08, 2013, 08:52:25 am
Do you have a plan and/or estimate of if/when OSX version will reach feature parity with Windows?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 08, 2013, 09:13:14 am
The music side should be there by the end of 2013.  After that, it's too soon to say.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: pirogallo on February 08, 2013, 09:14:47 am
An earlier screen shot showed it playing ALAC, I believe... 
Sorry, I was careless... ::)
Now I'm very happy  ;D
Gianni.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: robojock on February 08, 2013, 10:14:36 am
Purchased as well :) awaiting release :D
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: MartinG on February 08, 2013, 11:39:48 am
Also purchased a license.  I'm looking forward to use it. And Jim... if you ask me, a pure audiophile music player with all the nice features of the Windows version is all I want!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: toomanybarts on February 08, 2013, 10:10:43 pm
Also purchased a license.  I'm looking forward to use it. And Jim... if you ask me, a pure audiophile music player with all the nice features of the Windows version is all I want!

+1
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Gone4it on February 09, 2013, 01:21:13 am
Also purchased a license.  I'm looking forward to use it. And Jim... if you ask me, a pure audiophile music player with all the nice features of the Windows version is all I want!

Same for me. I Would even like to keep it audio only. Could that be possibel with future Update og the software?
Looking  forward for release :)
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: ting8663 on February 09, 2013, 01:31:40 am
just purchased, but what is the use of the mjr file? thanks and looking forward to the final release
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: erviv on February 09, 2013, 02:57:21 am
The file notes that you have made a purchase.  This seems a simple way to keep track of the early tester discount.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 09, 2013, 06:37:17 am
just purchased, but what is the use of the mjr file? thanks and looking forward to the final release
It doesn't do anything right now, but when the download is available, it can be used to license the software.  It's called an Install Key and it is good for two weeks.  After that, you use your permanent license, the Registration Code, and do a Restore.

Here's a better description of how it works on Windows:
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Restoring_a_License

This may need to change a little for Mac.  We'll see.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: liquidsmoke on February 09, 2013, 07:47:45 am
Jim, will the current ipad remote controls that are created to work with windows jriver, also work with osx jriver?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 09, 2013, 08:22:54 am
Probably, but it may not work when MC Mac is first released.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: jeffcarter on February 09, 2013, 11:34:12 am

If you are interested in prioritization input from the early adopters...

After importing and playing, a remote control application like JRemote would be next on my list of suggestions.

Understand the development process and that things do take time...

Thanks!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: toomanybarts on February 09, 2013, 01:09:40 pm
Purchased - now eagerly awaiting Feb 22nd.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: carsany on February 09, 2013, 04:12:01 pm
Just purchased as well.  Thanks for porting this over to the MAC.  Much appreciated and thanks for the early bird discount.  Look forward to a integrating this software into my system and having something I can stick with for life!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: jtwrace on February 10, 2013, 07:24:59 am
I purchased from the CA posting.  One request would be screen sharing from MacBook Air to Mac Mini where JRiver would be running.   :)
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 10, 2013, 07:37:55 am
I purchased from the CA posting.  One request would be screen sharing from MacBook Air to Mac Mini where JRiver would be running.   
It's too soon to say when it might appear, but the Tremote feature in MC does that and more.  Here's more:
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Tremote
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: jtwrace on February 10, 2013, 06:15:03 pm
It's too soon to say when it might appear, but the Tremote feature in MC does that and more.  Here's more:
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Tremote
Thanks!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: zoomster on February 11, 2013, 01:03:14 am
Just purchased the initial release and looking forward to February 22!
I appreciate the initial offer price and wish JRiver great success with
the Mac version.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Alexis on February 11, 2013, 04:35:04 am
What a wonderful piece of news! Just purchased too. Now my wife (a Mac user in our household) is going to be happy, since my entire music collection is still in Flac. Many thanks and best wishes for the launch of this version!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: rgporter on February 11, 2013, 10:42:26 am
My system is a "headless" Mac Mini, will JRemote work with the anticipated Media Center 18 for Mac? If not, is there a work around anyone is aware of? A different remote that may will work. Presently I use both my iPhone and Kindle HD to run iTunes on the Mac.

Thanks,
Ralph
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: wes on February 11, 2013, 01:08:38 pm
Just bought it?  Will we receive an email letting us know to download it?  How many macs can we install it on?  I am looking forward to compare it with Audirvana?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 11, 2013, 01:09:39 pm
Thanks.  It will be available for download on Feb 22.  You can install it on all "your" Mac's (within reason).

Watch this board for news.
Title: Re: When will it be released?
Post by: wes on February 11, 2013, 01:10:09 pm
Yes.
Here's a screenshot of MC playing a high bitrate Apple Lossless file on OSX:
http://files.jriver.com/images/2013/apple_m4a_support.png

Looks great looking forward to it, will I have to reimport all my music?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Peter_RN on February 12, 2013, 08:59:50 am
Hi Jim

Are you able to say whether or not the UPnP server element will be working at launch, as this is the only way for us to use the program?

Many thanks and good luck with the project.

Regards
Peter


Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 12, 2013, 09:14:01 am
It's too soon to say exactly what the feature set will look like on Feb 22, but networking features are important to us, so it won't be too long after that.

Import will work as it does on Windows.  Libraries may be compatible.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: wes on February 12, 2013, 09:23:35 am
I don't know how the window version works so what does that mean import will work same as windows?

I hope I don't have to reimport all my CDS I have everything in AIFF format 1TB of it :)
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 12, 2013, 10:16:55 am
Maybe you mean "rip", not "import".  I suppose Apple calls ripping importing.

You won't have to rip your CD's again. 
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Cmagic on February 12, 2013, 12:13:10 pm
Hi Jim, Hi Folks,

You know what?
I just bought some sort of music software for my Mac. They said it would be available sometime next week as a rough cut. Anyway, I just bought it, for the fun of it. Can't be worse than iTunes I thought and it might help the developers.
Ah yes, they call it MC for Mac, strange name.....

We will see how it goes, I'll keep you informed.

 :)  :)

All the best to the JRiver folks and welcome on Mac!

Christian
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 12, 2013, 12:33:31 pm
How many macs can we install it on?  I am looking forward to compare it with Audirvana?

Assuming the licensing works the same as the Windows version, you can install it on any machines that you, personally, own (within reason).
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 12, 2013, 12:34:14 pm
All the best to the JRiver folks and welcome on Mac!

Christian

Nice to see you again!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Cmagic on February 14, 2013, 03:01:18 am
Nice to see you again!

Thanks glynor, nice to be back...
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Pale Rider on February 15, 2013, 01:41:05 pm
Got the promotional email from PS Audio last night, and put my order in this morning. Looking forward to trying this out.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: dcooper2 on February 15, 2013, 02:14:00 pm
As a long time user of MC I would like to send two prayers up the development team's features pipe. First, steadily allow us to use iTunes less and less. iTunes remains the most sadly baffling product in an otherwise stellar Apple line. We need a full featured media player.

Second, while staying true to your amazing speed and efficiency we all know and love in the PC world, support some of the really nice things OSX brings to our media world. Like Airplay, Airplay Mirroring and non-linked updating of iOS devices.

I'm so pulling for this release to be amazing. Congratulations on your impending launch.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: xluorp on February 17, 2013, 12:52:46 pm
I just got on board and purchased a license.  Been a JRiver user for years.  I have both Mac and Windows machines using NAS for music files.  I hope they play nice together.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: cubbie5150 on February 17, 2013, 11:07:04 pm
Long time Mac user here...  I've never used a J River product; I've been locked into Apple's ecosystem for so long, my heart was actually palpitating while I was purchasing the intro-priced license for Mac MC. =)

Anywho, I figure for $25, I'll give this public beta a shot.  It can't be any worse than what iTunes has become.  And I've heard great things about J River in general, & MC in particular, on forums like head-fi.  I'd like to find a "better sounding" software player.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: flac.rules on February 18, 2013, 12:53:54 am
Just to be sure, the Mac license is a totally different product? You don't get a mac-license if you have a windows-license, or any kind of lower price if you have a windows-version?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 18, 2013, 06:48:29 am
Just to be sure, the Mac license is a totally different product? You don't get a mac-license if you have a windows-license, or any kind of lower price if you have a windows-version?
Correct.  Separate and the Mac license is the same price for all (at this time).
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 18, 2013, 06:51:40 am
Long time Mac user here...  I've never used a J River product; I've been locked into Apple's ecosystem for so long, my heart was actually palpitating while I was purchasing the intro-priced license for Mac MC. =)

Anywho, I figure for $25, I'll give this public beta a shot.  It can't be any worse than what iTunes has become.  And I've heard great things about J River in general, & MC in particular, on forums like head-fi.  I'd like to find a "better sounding" software player.
Welcome and thanks for the purchase.  Please be patient with us for the first few months.  It will be a little ragged sometimes.  Let us know what you find and we can usually fix it.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: iansr on February 18, 2013, 07:12:25 am
Correct.  Separate and the Mac license is the same price for all (at this time).

You really ought to give a discount to exisitng Windows licensees.

Do you anticipate it will run on an ipad in due course?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: bspachman on February 18, 2013, 09:03:52 am
Do you anticipate it will run on an ipad in due course?
Macintosh programs are unable to run natively on iPads/iPhones--different processor architectures...

However, I believe they are hoping to include much of the current Windows network/server/client functionality in the Mac version (though probably not at first). If the Mac version becomes a full-fledged DLNA citizen, then some of the already-existing iPad control options will work great--the Windows version has a built-in feature called WebRemote to allow you to control MC; there's also WebPlay built-in; and I've just been turned on to the 3rd party app JRemote--check it out at the iPad app store...

brad
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 18, 2013, 11:11:09 am
We released a partly broken Mac version to the beta board on Friday and got a lot of useful feedback.  There are still lots of problems and unimplemented features, and the minimum OS is apparently 10.7 at this time.

The feedback was generally encouraging.  Most installations went reasonably well.  Import worked.  Playback worked for most music codecs.  The exceptions are ogg and wavepack.  No encoders are working yet.

The program still looks like the Windows version, but we plan to tune it a little for Mac.

Switching views doesn't work.  Volume control in the program doesn't work, but the Mac volume control does.  There were a few crashes.

We will put out a couple more of these "pre-alpha" builds on the beta board, and then release an alpha version on this board on Friday, February 22.  
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: REShaman on February 18, 2013, 11:56:08 am
Jim,
Thank you for the update. If this is the wrong thread for my question/comment, please excuse my "newness" to the forum which I only joined several days ago.

If I may, in contemplation as a pre-order license purchaser for the possible release on February 22nd which I understand is not carved in concrete, but may be subject to "Is it soup, yet", for Mac user's like myself who have 3,000+ albums using Amarra Symphony (and all the rest, i.e., Audirvana Plus, BitPerfect, Decibel, Fidelia, Pure Music, is there any concern that our present library(ies) and preferred software player may be compromised by/when/after installing the intended release? Aside from a prudent backup of the music library, are there changes to any essential Mac software OSX, Core Audio, whatever that installation of JRMCM-18 may affect that returning to the earlier setup would be compromised. Excuse my pointed question if it has been asked before and elsewhere, admittedly I have not yet researched this forum in advance, but your post today prompts my question.
Thank you in advance for any insight by way of reply,
Richard
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: musicman59 on February 18, 2013, 12:11:21 pm
I have been using Audirvana Plus with a Mac mini and really like it BUT I have heard so much about how good JRiver sounds in Windows that I just got in to the "early birds" this weekend.
It's gong to be fun.....
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 18, 2013, 01:08:44 pm
... is there any concern that our present library(ies) and preferred software player may be compromised by/when/after installing the intended release?
There should be no problems, but it is not possible to be certain.  You could wait a few days to install if you're concerned.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 18, 2013, 02:42:39 pm
We released a partly broken Mac version to the beta board on Friday and got a lot of useful feedback.  There are still lots of problems and unimplemented features, and the minimum OS is apparently 10.7 at this time.

The feedback was generally encouraging.  Most installations went reasonably well.  Import worked.  Playback worked for most music codecs.  The exceptions are ogg and wavepack.  No encoders are working yet.

The program still looks like the Windows version, but we plan to tune it a little for Mac.

Switching views doesn't work.  Volume control in the program doesn't work, but the Mac volume control does.  There were a few crashes.

We will put out a couple more of these "pre-alpha" builds on the beta board, and then release an alpha version on this board on Friday, February 22.  

I'd just like to confirm this.  Two minor points (to the positive) about what Jim reported above:
1. switching views worked mostly-fine for me on Mountain Lion.
2. Internal volume control works fine.  System volume control doesn't (though bringing system volume up and down normally through the OS works, of course).

There are certainly a few issues, and parts of the UI don't work right (or do anything at all), but I was very pleasantly surprised with how well basic functionality worked.  Most importantly: It does not, at all, "feel like" a "translation layer" was inserted.  Speed feels completely native.

I tested: MP3 (both "new style" LAME VBR and "who knows where they're from" CBR old ones), M4A (from the iTunes store), FLAC, and APE, so far.  Everything worked well except when I tried my weirdo multichannel OGM files (which Jim mentioned above).
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Matt on February 18, 2013, 02:59:07 pm
1. switching views worked mostly-fine for me on Mountain Lion.

It's Mini View, Display View, and Theater View that aren't working correctly yet.

Mini View and Display View won't be hard, but Theater View will require switching to OpenGL so won't happen for a while.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: REShaman on February 18, 2013, 05:17:59 pm
There should be no problems, but it is not possible to be certain.  You could wait a few days to install if you're concerned.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Prudence at this stage is warranted. There appears to be enough brave souls to set an example for the rest us to follow. I have been a beta tester for Amarra Symphony since 2011. Perhaps that will also serve the interests of JRMCM18 as well.
Best,
Richard
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 18, 2013, 07:57:54 pm
It's Mini View, Display View, and Theater View that aren't working correctly yet.

Mini View and Display View won't be hard, but Theater View will require switching to OpenGL so won't happen for a while.

Ahh, yes, I misunderstood.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: johnjen on February 19, 2013, 03:41:27 am
I'm a n00b to JRiver and have waited for this Mac version for a while now.

My question is (and I realize there may not BE an answer, yet) When will OSX 10.6 be a viable option?

I ask because while I could update, if there is no short term reason to, then I'll stick with what I'm currently running (10.68).

Thanks in advance for any info.

JJ
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: bpmcrae on February 19, 2013, 07:15:35 am
Ditto to above. Actually thinking I probably just stuffed up as I'm running a PowerPc G5 with OS 10.5.8, as high has I can go, and I just bought a licence as I've been looking forward to the Mac version. Sounds like I might have wasted my money?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 19, 2013, 09:19:07 am
We don't know yet where the dividing line will be.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: pirogallo on February 19, 2013, 10:14:23 am
We don't know yet where the dividing line will be.
I strongly hope that Snow Leopard will be included. on my macbook I can not install more.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 19, 2013, 11:03:06 am
Ditto to above. Actually thinking I probably just stuffed up as I'm running a PowerPc G5 with OS 10.5.8, as high has I can go, and I just bought a licence as I've been looking forward to the Mac version. Sounds like I might have wasted my money?

PowerPC won't work, unless I'm totally crazy.

This will (as with most new things anymore on OSX) require an Intel Mac.
Title: Apple AppStore
Post by: lemonpie on February 19, 2013, 01:05:45 pm
Hi there!

Great, that JRiver finally creates a Mac version of MediaCenter. :-)

Will the software be available in Apple AppStore? Would prefer an AppStore version, due to update process...

Cheers!
Title: Re: Apple AppStore
Post by: JimH on February 19, 2013, 01:51:14 pm
Great, that JRiver finally creates a Mac version of MediaCenter. :-)

Will the software be available in Apple AppStore?
Not anytime soon.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 19, 2013, 02:06:17 pm
My question is (and I realize there may not BE an answer, yet) When will OSX 10.6 be a viable option?

I ask because while I could update, if there is no short term reason to, then I'll stick with what I'm currently running (10.68).

I tested the pre-alpha they released over the weekend on 10.6.8 (despite them telling us "This requires 10.7+").

It is not completely broken.  However, it is certainly WAY more rough on Snow Leopard than it is on Mountain Lion.  There are quite a few additional UI glitches and graphical problems right now.  I'd call the current pre-alpha "in the realm of usable" on Mountain Lion.  By no means a complete product at this point, but "close".  You can see the flag sticking out of the hole way up ahead, anyway.  Whereas on Snow Leopard, it isn't completely and utterly broken (I did get it to play music), but I'd call it "unusable" currently.

I did not test Lion, though I'd expect that to be closer to ML than SL.

Now, I'd like to just reiterate...

I know there is a lot of excitement over this.  That's great!  However, please, please, please keep in mind:

When this comes on Friday-ish, this will be an ALPHA QUALITY RELEASE.  That means:

1. Don't depend on it for day-to-day activities.
2. Large swaths of functionality will be broken or incomplete.
3. UI Design is NOT final (in any way - it currently looks essentially identical to the Windows version).*
4. It is going to change rapidly during development.  They will PROBABLY make changes that will require you to reset your Library to defaults and start over at some point, and other stuff like that.

Consider it a "test release" that is fun to play with, and in a few months, you should have a nice (perhaps still Beta-quality) release that you should be able to actually use.  Great, you got the early-bird deal and you got to help them craft a better product.

However, don't evaluate this build (or any others coming over the next few weeks/months) as "representative of the final product".  Again, this is ALPHA.  If you have never participated in a beta/alpha trial before, you may need to reset expectations.

* However, I did get Lucida Grande as my Standard View font.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 19, 2013, 02:12:30 pm
but Theater View will require switching to OpenGL so won't happen for a while.

No no.  Just whip up an OpenGL wrapper for the entire DirectX API.  That'd be more convenient for me, and then I could use it to run games too.

KThanxBye!  ;) ;D
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Rogerdn on February 19, 2013, 08:01:10 pm
I strongly hope that Snow Leopard will be included. on my macbook I can not install more.

Ditto
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 20, 2013, 01:11:10 am
Whereas on Snow Leopard, it isn't completely and utterly broken (I did get it to play music), but I'd call it "unusable" currently.

I should add... I'm not privy to the technical details of how much work it will be to get the problems with Snow Leopard fixed.  They do seem to be mostly GUI and graphical in nature, not core functionality.  But that could vary wildly from easy-peasy to bag-of-hurt.  The issue with pinning it down is, I think, that they don't really know (for sure) either which it is.

In any case, they've been in "get it working at all" mode.  Figure out how to make it work better in other cases is a later phase.  Right now, if having Snow Leopard support is a dealbreaker, then don't click buy.  We'll know more in a few weeks I expect.

I will be testing it on Snow Leopard.  So we'll know the deal.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: johnjen on February 20, 2013, 03:20:18 am
Thanks for the details.

I kinda figured this release would be 'iffy' and right now there are so many other more important things to worry about I wasn't holding my breath for 10.6.8.

So since I'm not in a hurry I'll wait and see how this plays out.  And I'll prep a 10.7 boot volume on one of my spare partitions, just because.

JJ



I tested the pre-alpha they released over the weekend on 10.6.8 (despite them telling us "This requires 10.7+").

It is not completely broken.  However, it is certainly WAY more rough on Snow Leopard than it is on Mountain Lion.  There are quite a few additional UI glitches and graphical problems right now.  I'd call the current pre-alpha "in the realm of usable" on Mountain Lion.  By no means a complete product at this point, but "close".  You can see the flag sticking out of the hole way up ahead, anyway.  Whereas on Snow Leopard, it isn't completely and utterly broken (I did get it to play music), but I'd call it "unusable" currently.

I did not test Lion, though I'd expect that to be closer to ML than SL.

Now, I'd like to just reiterate...

I know there is a lot of excitement over this.  That's great!  However, please, please, please keep in mind:

When this comes on Friday-ish, this will be an ALPHA QUALITY RELEASE.  That means:

1. Don't depend on it for day-to-day activities.
2. Large swaths of functionality will be broken or incomplete.
3. UI Design is NOT final (in any way - it currently looks essentially identical to the Windows version).*
4. It is going to change rapidly during development.  They will PROBABLY make changes that will require you to reset your Library to defaults and start over at some point, and other stuff like that.

Consider it a "test release" that is fun to play with, and in a few months, you should have a nice (perhaps still Beta-quality) release that you should be able to actually use.  Great, you got the early-bird deal and you got to help them craft a better product.

However, don't evaluate this build (or any others coming over the next few weeks/months) as "representative of the final product".  Again, this is ALPHA.  If you have never participated in a beta/alpha trial before, you may need to reset expectations.

* However, I did get Lucida Grande as my Standard View font.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: pirogallo on February 20, 2013, 04:37:07 am
...
 Right now, if having Snow Leopard support is a dealbreaker, then don't click buy.  
it's too late ... already did!  ;D
Quote
We'll know more in a few weeks I expect.

I will be testing it on Snow Leopard.  So we'll know the deal.
Thanks a lot.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: satbaba on February 20, 2013, 05:33:57 am
purchased my license,I'm waiting on 22 February :)
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: preproman on February 20, 2013, 05:46:00 am
Purchased...
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: jmrdc on February 20, 2013, 11:12:09 am
Purchased!  Excited to use the software.  Regardless of it's initial functionality, it's probably going to run my DAC better than its current software.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: sgomes on February 20, 2013, 11:51:31 am
Purchased, even though I'm switching to Linux permanently before the year is up. I need this until then, though ;D
Keeping my fingers crossed for a Linux version too, at some point :)
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Barronius on February 20, 2013, 03:24:21 pm
I'm excited about the new Mac version and as a Mac user, I've admired the Windows product for awhile. However, I'm a bit concerned that the Mac version is not native and will not behave as a Mac user would expect, nor take advantage of the Cocoa programming frameworks that allow most native Mac apps to perform to their fullest capabilities. Looking at the screen shots, I see that the menus are integrated into the app's main window instead of being located at the top of the screen and the resize buttons are definitely Windows like and on the right side rather than the Mac's sideways "stoplight" buttons which appear on the left side of a window. Do future plans include creating a native Mac app (Objective-C)?
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Matt on February 20, 2013, 03:30:45 pm
Do future plans include creating a native Mac app (Objective-C)?

It's a fully native application.  MC is primarily C++ (more than one million lines of code).

There is some SSE for some performance critical sections and also some Objective-C on OSX for Cocoa work.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: glynor on February 20, 2013, 06:50:29 pm
Looking at the screen shots, I see that the menus are integrated into the app's main window instead of being located at the top of the screen and the resize buttons are definitely Windows like and on the right side rather than the Mac's sideways "stoplight" buttons which appear on the left side of a window.

Also, note that the UI of the Mac version is not final.  They are at pre-alpha status right now, and have been primarily concerned with getting the product working on OSX, not with UI or design issues.  There is another thread (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=78154.0) where Jim addresses some of these concerns (or, at least, acknowledges them) and where others have voiced similar requests/concerns over the design of the UI.

So, the short answer is:  Not right now, while it is alpha.  It will change to be more macish in the future, but exactly where version 1 (aka 18) lands is still up in the air.

For the longer answer, you might want to check that other thread.  In principle, however, many of us users (even the current Windows ones like me) are with you on those UI design points.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: lunático on February 21, 2013, 07:11:29 pm
I've just purchased the early bird version but can't open the download. Is this because it hasn't been released yet? If so, how do I then download it tomorrow without paying again? Thanks
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 21, 2013, 09:48:47 pm
It will be available tomorrow.  You can install it and restore your license then.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: REShaman on February 22, 2013, 12:57:44 am
To All at JRiverMCM18 and to all of us eagerly awaiting the release of the first beta, Good Fortune with the new release later today. I happen to be up and on the internet and thought to post a warm welcome. Much success to all of us as creators and users.
Best,
Richard
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Mindful hermit on February 22, 2013, 05:26:35 am
This is the day!  Today we begin our emancipation from the idiosyncrasies of the iTunes filing system and Apple’s sheer arrogance in refusing to recognize FLAC files. Whatever the limitations of your initial Alpha offering, at least there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Accolades to your entire team for taking the financial risk needed to make JRiver MC available on the Mac OS.  May that venture be successful in every way possible!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: Pale Rider on February 22, 2013, 10:13:52 am
This is the day!  Today we begin our emancipation from the idiosyncrasies of the iTunes filing system and Apple’s sheer arrogance in refusing to recognize FLAC files. Whatever the limitations of your initial Alpha offering, at least there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Accolades to your entire team for taking the financial risk needed to make JRiver MC available on the Mac OS.  May that venture be successful in every way possible!
I don't use FLAC files, but I understand those who want this feature. However, as an iTunes user for years, with over 17,000 tracks, and nearly 4tb of music, I must be missing the idiosyncrasies of the iTunes filing system. And given the very clear warnings from the development team about the stability of this pre-alpha release, I will reserve my enthusiasm for success. I will be downloading the software today, and eagerly trying it out, but I will be proceeding with caution. I say this as someone who has already paid for his JRiver Mac license.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: zwanenbj on February 22, 2013, 11:26:27 am
always liked the functions in MC. Customer since I went to Mac.  Used it up to version 13. 
Great to have MC on Mac.   In Europe we are hours ahead on you....   don't make it too late...   ;-)
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: johnnysix on February 22, 2013, 02:50:58 pm
UK user here. This appeared shortly after 7pm (GMT) and I've been listening to a selection of audiophile recordings through an Audiolab M-DAC into XTZ speakers. My immediate impression is that it sounds better than Audirvana with x2 upsampling enabled! (i.e. 44->88KHz only). However, I've often thought that upsampling benefits the atmosphere of songs sometimes at the expensive of dynamics, so I'll have to give Audirvana a chance without oversampling again to verify MC18's superiority.

Anyways... obviously there have been some glitches and crashes... but only when I was messing around too much, trying to find the View where all the album covers fly by at breakneck speed using the Graphics card acceleration. I guess that's a DirectX feature that is too difficult to be translated to Mac yet. (N.B. I haven't read any Release Notes!).

Nevertheless, if you just let it do it's job of playing music at High Quality from beginning to end, then there are no major problems and it gives us Audiophiles and FLAC-library-keepers a cause for celebration at last!.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: JimH on February 22, 2013, 04:03:26 pm
The first alpha build of JRiver Media Center for Mac is available at the top of the Mac board now:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=78427.msg533299#msg533299
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: liting on February 23, 2013, 01:11:55 am
I've download the MC and how can I register it, I don't find any place for the registration. Please help!
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: MrC on February 23, 2013, 01:16:04 am
Don't worry about registration right now.  The current builds are good for 30 days.  Once JRiver gets the registration working, you can enter it then.
Title: Re: When will it be released? ... Feb 22
Post by: DerAlteDachs on February 23, 2013, 04:02:26 am
Just installed MC on my 8GB-Macmini with OSX 10.6.8 ... it works, but when i play ALAC-Files the Music stutter and ist sounds if the Music plays a little to fast. Hope, that you keep this Bugs, the Interface of MC looks very fine and i think i will like MC mutch more the iTunes.