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[nicolas75]

Ah, that's what I was afraid of. Doesn't sound like a solution for me. And I'm already familiar with the capabilities of all-purpose audio/media software like iTunes, Winamp, Foobar, Songbird, etc etc. Thanks anyway.

I have to check how MediaMonkey can be controlled with a smartphone application.
Didn't knew it was possible before I answered your question and checked forums.
There are several ones, apparently some with WIFI.
If one of them really works fine, that would be great, and the small nettop running MediaMonkey could be hidden.

[nicolas75]

I also think it's incorrect/unhelpful to state that mediamonkey ( for example) is years ahead of LMS/SBS. I used to use mediamonkey in my pre SBS days, and I certainly don't miss it. The name SBS kind of gives it away really.It's primarily a SERVER, and as far as I'm concerned it does that rather well. Having said that, things can always be improved,can they not?
Regards,
Trev

You probably never use your library the way a lot of people does.
If you want to play some files wherever there are located, without necesseraly keeping them in your database, and make frequent changes to your library, MediaMonkey is really years ahead LMS (ease of use, speed, reliability).

The first time I tried MediaMonkey was several years ago, and at that time, it was already much more convenient than LMS is today.

There is NO file selection feature in LMS.
You have to declare a directory to LMS, and place this file in this directory.
If you just want to play a flac file located on a USB stick, and then disconnect the stick and forget about this file, LMS behavior is a nonsense.

[nicolas75]

Ok, it seems MediaMonkey even have addons to behave as a server controlled with a web interface.
The more I see it, the more MediaMonkey seems to be everything LMS should be.
I really use it in a much too basic way ...

[socistep]

You probably never use your library the way a lot of people does.
If you want to play some files wherever there are located, without necesseraly keeping them in your database, and make frequent changes to your library, MediaMonkey is really years ahead LMS (ease of use, speed, reliability).

The first time I tried MediaMonkey was several years ago, and at that time, it was already much more convenient than LMS is today.

There is NO file selection feature in LMS.
You have to declare a directory to LMS, and place this file in this directory.
If you just want to play a flac file located on a USB stick, and then disconnect the stick and forget about this file, LMS behavior is a nonsense.

Your obviously quite frustrated that SBS/LMS doesn't meet your requirement, however I suspect for the majority of users it works well and does what they want - it does for me complimented by Erlands plugins.

However I can understand where users get frustrated around playlists, as mentioned I tend to user ratings based playlists and edit on the fly if needed as well as Spotify playlists rather then spending a lot of time myself on creating playlists - I also heavily used the LastFM 'my library' and 'my recommendations' playlists before they started charging - I prefer to get others to do the work rather then spending ages myself creating playlists but every user is different.

[aubuti]

This is not totally correct. If you have LMS on your PC then you don't have to have a LMS music database, hence no scanning. An empty folder is all that is required for the music folder address. MediaMonkey can manage your music database and it tells Squeezebox what to play. LMS is still required and anyway it has useful plugins that MediaMonkey doesn't. LMS on a Linux NAS (e.g. ReadyNAS DUO) does require a managed music database due to file format issues between the windows OS and Linux.

Try MediaMonkey(basic)/MonkeySqueeze for yourself and see the advantages of playing your music collection on Squeezebox using these freeware programs. The official release is here: http://www.mediamonkey.com/addons/br...monkeysqueeze/

Also try the MonkeySqueeze Development site for the latest beta which has playlist sync: http://www.mediamonkey.com/forum/vie...p?f=19&t=59907

Thanks for the additional information. You say MM "tells Squeezebox what to play". Is this true if LMS is on a Linux box? And does it apply to multiple SBs, and to sync'd or different streams?

To be completely honest, I don't have problems with SBS scanning (haven't tried LMS yet), and don't have problems with SBS at all except for a few minor bugs. But I have an open mind and am willing to see what advantages MM or other approaches offer, especially advantages that don't involve controlling the music from a laptop or desktop computer (so the MM smartphone app has potential appeal). Having the computer hidden away and multi-room capability are two "must tick" boxes for me.

EDIT: Never mind the first question ("Is this true if LMS is on a Linux box?"), as I now see the answer is yes it can. Would still be good to know the answers to the other Qs. Thanks.

[Gingernut63]

EDIT: Never mind the first question ("Is this true if LMS is on a Linux box?"), as I now see the answer is yes it can. Would still be good to know the answers to the other Qs. Thanks.

I think it's time to list the pros and cons of using MediaMonkey/MonkeySqueeze with Squeezebox. LMS is still required and remember MonkeySqueeze is under constant development:

Pros
- MM/MS can tell LMS/Squeezebox what to play
- You can multisync devices as normal using LMS
- MM/MS can communicate with Linux NAS Devices with LMS installed
- Playlist sync is available in the latest MonkeySqueeze Beta release There is a no lag between tracks anymore.
- LMS does not have to manage a music database
- MM provides quick access to the music library and is not hindered by a very large database
- Creation and use of Playlists is very easy
- All supported audio formats play

Cons
- MM/MS cannot do multiple streams
- MM/MS cannot play audio in-sync with Squeezebox (at the moment). Although you can mute MM and use SqueezePlay on the same PC, synced with the other devices.
- PC and MM/MS must be on for the sync to work. Not a major issue if running LMS on the PC.
- LMS will need to link to a music database if SB devices are to individually access music

Using MediaMonkey/MonkeySqueeze with Squeezebox won't appeal to everyone. I have my PC on all the time and use MediaMonkey to play music. I have a hardwired connection to my HiFi system and to the pergola outside. I have a Boom in the Kitchen plus I use Squeeze Player on my phone connected a portable audio system. When required (quite often) I have the same music playing throughout the house. I can use the Boom separately to either play music direct from the LMS database or access internet radio.

Would I like MediaMonkey to manage the SB system full time, absolutely, however it cannot do everything that LMS can do. It's also important to point out that MediaMonkey is now a multimedia player with a DLNA server in the latest release.

Gotta go, I am happy to answer further questions at anytime. Try MM/MS with SB, it's not hard to setup and you can always go back to your present setup at anytime.

[aubuti]

Thanks, Gingernut63, for laying out the pros and cons so clearly. Given my situation, I personally don't see the appeal, because SBS works reliably for me, and MM/MS's inability to do multiple streams is a dealbreaker. But I'm glad it's there for others who might benefit. Keep up the good work.

[Mnyb]

Thanks, Gingernut63, for laying out the pros and cons so clearly. Given my situation, I personally don't see the appeal, because SBS works reliably for me, and MM/MS's inability to do multiple streams is a dealbreaker. But I'm glad it's there for others who might benefit. Keep up the good work.

There is also Muso and Moose and some script to use foobar2000 directly .

It enhances the whole platform if alternative ways to use the system is developed .

I'm quite satisfied with iPeng as UI on my iPad .

[paulster]

There is NO file selection feature in LMS.
You have to declare a directory to LMS, and place this file in this directory.
If you just want to play a flac file located on a USB stick, and then disconnect the stick and forget about this file, LMS behavior is a nonsense.

That's because LMS is designed for people who buy their music.

[gruntwolla]

You probably never use your library the way a lot of people does.
If you want to play some files wherever there are located, without necesseraly keeping them in your database, and make frequent changes to your library, MediaMonkey is really years ahead LMS (ease of use, speed, reliability).

The first time I tried MediaMonkey was several years ago, and at that time, it was already much more convenient than LMS is today.

There is NO file selection feature in LMS.
You have to declare a directory to LMS, and place this file in this directory.
If you just want to play a flac file located on a USB stick, and then disconnect the stick and forget about this file, LMS behavior is a nonsense.

You are pretty strident with your opinions, but when all is said and done that is all they are - opinions.

All I want from my squeezebox SERVER is to to stream my flac and mp3 files to my 5 squeezeboxes around the house, and sync them as and when needed. This is exactly what it does. I only ever access the web interface for maintenance. Everything else is done on Squeezecommander. I hardly ever buy cd's anymore - Spotify and Napster work seamlessly, and there are plenty of sites to download hi res files.

If a friend should pop by with some flac files on a stick, then admittedly my choice is limited, but as previously stated, no one is suggesting that SBS/LMS can't be improved.

However, regarding the things LMS can do that MM cannot - does that make MM behaviour a nonsense? Of course not - one was designed as a player, the other a server.

Finally, when I eventually upgrade to my much longed for Cyrus hifi system, you would be welcome to come round to my house and plug your USB stick straight into the back of the amp!

Trev