Streaming audio across a network to multiple PCs?

[wreckedcarzz]

Hi everybody,

I have several computers in my house (3 of them are mine) and I want to be able to send the audio (selected programs or everything, doesn't matter) through my network to the other PCs (to simulate full-house surround sound if you will ).

I would assume that this wouldn't be too hard of a thing to tackle, but I'm not sure. I just need audio - something that will let me hear my music through the house without having to manually "sync" iTunes on all the computers (a difficult task, I might add ).

Known programs that let you do this? Jury-rig options? Could this call for a coding snack? Can I program it myself (AHK/VB .NET)?

-Brandon

[Renegade]

Install and run a SHOUTcast server. Simple. Easy. Then just connect to it and whatever you have broadcasting over it.

There are many different programs to let you connect to it and control it. ALSong can do it. There are others as well.

[kartal]

http://sockso.pu-gh.com/

http://www.slimdevices.com/su_downloads.html

[phillfri]

Want a home broadcast, huh? Try following these instructions and limit the process to your home network. http://cowboyfrank.net/real/RadioStation.htm

[Deozaan]

Windows XP Media Center Edition?

[phillfri]

Well, since synchronized playback on the network was something I have also been meaning to investigate, I did a bit of googling and came up with the following link. Guess its a bigger problem than one might think. These guys have been working on this for awhile (3-4 years) and the comments here are well worth a read if you want to educate yourself on this subject. In the end, its almost an impossible problem to solve with today's technology. You might get close to acceptable synch if you have a small home gigabit ethernet setup. Wireless synch, on the other hand, is not possible.

http://snarfed.org/space/synchronizing+mp3+playback

[J-Mac]

And you all are still talking music, correct?

I've been investigating squeezebox-type technology that will allow streaming of DVD video on a home network.  There are a few solutions out there, but I have seen mostly mixed results.  Some claim it is definitely doable, while others claim they cannot get it to work at all.

Anyone here at DC streaming ripped DVD's over a network?  (I have seen a few posts alluding to this here.)

Thanks!

Jim

[phillfri]

I was addressing music files. Simply streaming over the network is doable, but getting two network clients to play a music stream in synch is another matter.

[Lashiec]

I've been investigating squeezebox-type technology that will allow streaming of DVD video on a home network.  There are a few solutions out there, but I have seen mostly mixed results.  Some claim it is definitely doable, while others claim they cannot get it to work at all.

Anyone here at DC streaming ripped DVD's over a network?  (I have seen a few posts alluding to this here.)

Mmmm, perhaps this article could be of your interest. I think it's definitely doable with the usual home network, if you use Wi-Fi, then things get troublesome.

[wreckedcarzz]

Yea, I just need music. No other audio/video/whatever. iTunes/WMP stuff.

I use Wi-Fi (N) so not sure if that is an issue?

I just need synced music across 2-4 PCs.

[Grorgy]

I know its old fashioned but some wires and speakers? 

[Deozaan]

Yea, I just need music. No other audio/video/whatever. iTunes/WMP stuff.

I use Wi-Fi (N) so not sure if that is an issue?

I just need synced music across 2-4 PCs.

Seems like from the info given, the most reliable way to do this is to put the music on all PCs and have everyone press the play button at the same time.

[Lashiec]

Or turn the volume up to 11

Wi-Fi won't be a problem, after all a MP3 is not a HD movie.

[wreckedcarzz]

Thats what I do now, but try to turn on 3 PCs at once (2 are laptops) with 2 hands! It works, but...

And speaking of volume, I need to send in my surround sound speakers for RMA already.