SummaryThis new feature allows simultaneous playback of Linked Zones. At this time, it works best with zones that run JRiver Media Center.
DetailsMedia Center 24 introduces more precise syncing of audio playback over multiple Media Center zones. If all zones within a zone link group have this version or newer, they will start playback at the same time.
Requirements to achieve best results1. On Windows, use WASAPI audio in exclusive mode, with a buffer size between 25 and 100 milliseconds.
2. Set playback options for each zone to match the image below.
3. Avoid Bluetooth or wifi audio zones or complicated output chains.
4. Play songs at the same sample rate with the same channel setup (stereo).
5. Turn off conversion in Media Network / Add or configure DLNA servers... / Audio / Mode: "Original"
6. No DSP filters.
7. Important: Make sure the DLNA "SetNext" command is not disabled on your remote zones. On your main zone computer, right-click on the remote zone and make sure the menu choice "DLNA Controller Options / Disable SetNext support..." is NOT checked. See image below.
There will be a short pause (a couple seconds) for every Play, Pause, Seek, Next, Previous etc. command. We expect to be able to shorten this pause in the future.
The zone that starts playback is "main" zone and time server for the remote zones.
Manually tweaking the syncThe sync system is a work in progress and you may experience out of sync audio on some zones. However you should be able to perform a one-time manual sync adjustment to fix it. On the main zone computer, right-click on a linked zone and select "Adjust link timing..." and then adjust the slider until the audio is synced. Note that you have to restart playback each time an adjustment is made for it to take effect.
Audio settingsMake sure "Disable SetNext ..." option for remote Media Center zone does NOT have a check-mark by it.