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[NaTeDoGG]

How can I synchronize the playback on two different computers? They are on a LAN. Normally I just use Library Server to play music from the main PC on the other PC. How can I have them play the same music at the same time?

Thanks!

[Alex B]

It would be nice, but there is no simple way to synchronize network traffic.

Check these threads:

http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=26573.0

http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=24691.0

[Mastiff]

Run an audio cable from the digital out on one of the computers to the digital input of the other one, and play it that way.

[Alex B]

However, this other app does not actually work... I got playback on both computers but it was not synchronized.

Perhaps that was the reason. AFAIK accurate synching is not possible with TCP/IP. That kind of technology would be revolutionary. Months ago I browsed that site and tried to find some proof for their claims, but I didn't find any. I think they don't mean time synchronized playback at all. They just provide means to play the same audio on more than one computer. That is nothing new and free alternatives for that are available.

Personally, I use Oddcast v.3 standalone and Icecast2 server with MC on my home LAN (both programs are freeware). The system broadcasts everything I play on the server MC and the client MCs can connect the stream similarly like any other web radio station. I have set it to use Ogg Vorbis @ q10 (VBR ~400-500 kbps) and the audio quality is fine.

I could post detailed Oddcast + Icecast instructions later if requested. In this thread I explained how Shoutcast server (mp3 only) can be used with MC: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=28560.0

[Cookie]

I could post detailed Oddcast + Icecast instructions later if requested. In this thread I explained how Shoutcast server (mp3 only) can be used with MC: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=28560.0

Hi Alex,

I realise this reply's over a year old, but if you *could* provide detailed instructions on using oddcast/icecast/shoutcast, i'd be eternally gratefull - I've wasted HOURS trying to get a stream working at home, with slimserver, and VLC player....

I just don't seem to speak the right language where this streaming stuff is concerned.  ;-(

Hope you can help.

David

[Alex B]

That thread is missing a couple of attached pictures because my server address has changed. It would have been clearer with the pictures. Unfortunately the thread is locked and I cannot correct the links.

I'll try to create new step-by-step instructions, but that may take a few days. I am rather busy with other things just now.

[JimH]

That thread is missing a couple of attached pictures because my server address has changed. It would have been clearer with the pictures. Unfortunatley the thread is locked and I cannot correct the links.

I've unlocked it long enough for you to change the links.  Thanks.

[Alex B]

Thanks, Jim.

I found three broken links if I didn't miss any. They are fixed now.

The service I used previously ended some time ago. I moved the screenshots and other images that I have posted during the last few years to a new server. I have fixed the links one by one whenever an old thread with broken links has come up.

[Cookie]

That thread is missing a couple of attached pictures because my server address has changed. It would have been clearer with the pictures. Unfortunately the thread is locked and I cannot correct the links.

I'll try to create new step-by-step instructions, but that may take a few days. I am rather busy with other things just now.
snip

I found three broken links if I didn't miss any. They are fixed now.

Geeze I feel dumb.
I still don't understand.
There seem to be about 3 or more threads discussing how to do this, so i'm not sure which steps you're referring to and I just can't see how to get the output from MC to oddcast and icecast.
- I've installed oddcastV3
- and Icecast2
(both downloaded last night, so they should be the latest versions.

I hope this doesn't seem demanding - it's more a pathetic cry for help...
How do i tell MC to send the output to Oddcast
How do I tell oddcast what input to listen to
How do I tell oddcast what do do with it's output
Ditto Icecast.

I haven't downloaded winamp, since I read that oddcastV3 will work directly with MC?

If i'm just testing it at home, i should be able to just use MC without the server, yes?
(The server's just a remote control for MC, after all, yes?)

sorry to be so stupid, but hopefully someone can explain the obvious step I've missed.
In fact, my brain is so addled from trying to work this out, that I think I just need step by step instructions from playing it on the source MC, to receiving it on MC on another pc...

  

thanks in advance - BIG thanks!
David

[Cookie]

Geeze I feel dumb.
I still don't understand.

Wow! I got it working after all - and didn't even waste the whole work day on it!

BUT - it's not in sync on the two test computers in the other room. :-(
So this seems to get back to Alex's earlier comment about not being able to sync two computers, given the different hardware?
Are there any tricks to improve syncing 2 computers listening to the same stream?

Thanks again.
David.

[Alex B]

BUT - it's not in sync on the two test computers in the other room. :-(
So this seems to get back to Alex's earlier comment about not being able to sync two computers, given the different hardware?
Are there any tricks to improve syncing 2 computers listening to the same stream?

Did you check this link out: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=26573.0 ?

As I have said, there is no simple solution. PC file systems, soundcards and LANs use buffering at various SW and HW stages and the network connection may resend occasional data packets if needed. In general the TCP/IP protocol is not tied with accurate timing anyhow. Supposedly some working solutions exist, but as far as I know these use expensive proprietary hardware in conjuction with standard LAN technology.

Mastiff's suggestion is good.

Or perhaps you could close the doors... 

[john h]

For what it's worth, I've long had a goal of synchronized playing in several areas of the house.  I finally ended up plunking down the coin for the sonos systems (www.sonos.com).  It's pricey, but I am able to play all my MC playlists/smartlists all over every room in the house, simultaneously if I want or playing different songs if I want.  I'm not some shill for the company, but it works pretty well.