SlimServer Driver (Test Release)

[Jonathan]

The release version of this driver is now included in CQC 2.0

Description:

This driver provides controls for the SlimDevices SlimServer. SlimServer powers the new Squeezebox network music player, the free software SoftSqueeze player as well as the original Squeezebox and SLIMP3 players, and can stream your music to any other software MP3 player. It supports MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV and more. SlimServer is released under the Open Source GPL license.

This driver provides the following functionality:

• Full control over SlimDevices including the Squeezebox, SoftSqueeze and the Transporter
• Bidirectional communication to SlimServer for real-time status and control
  
• Integration with CQC for media rendering

Quirks and Limitations:

SlimServer provides its own media repository that is separate and distinct from CQC. It is not necessary to set up the SlimServer media repository as CQC will provide all the information to the SlimServer as required for playing media that has been imported into CQC.

Connection Details

Upon installation the driver will ask for the hostname of the SlimServer and the name or ID of the network player it will be managing. If you have multiple network player devices you will need to load this driver multiple times, once for each of the network player devices you wish to manage. Once the driver connects it will communicate with SlimServer for the display and status information for the designated player.

How To
There is a how to by jkmonroe posted here: http://jkmcomputers.com/cqc/current/how-to

Sample Template Pack

You can download a sample template pack here (it is too big to be attached to this post)

[Jonathan]

10/14: Version 0.1

• Initial Release for Testing

11/26: Version 1.0

• First version for the new CQC 2.0 (1.7.20 build)
• Now provides nearly full integration as a media renderer and media repository support for CQC

12/29: Version 1.3

• Updates to support the new CQC jukebox/playlist functionality

[Rolecgroup]

Jonathan

Its looking good !!

Just given it a quick try - made Daughters name appear on the slimp - made her smile.

More importantly - set up a PlayPlaylist that starts a Shoutcast stream and using the DisplayLine2 i can see whats playing !!

Now will be able to build a nice Internet Radio page in CQC !!

Only real observation - sending to DisplayLine is good which will be useful for CallerID - but... will/is it possible to make the 5 seconds configurable ? - I'm not sure when the phone is ringing that 5 secs will be enough for you to hear phone/look at slimp etc.

Oh - and DisplayLine2 is the only one displayed when you go for double height text on a Slimp - not sure if its same on Squeezebox etc. - so might want to note that in the docs.

And another Oh - sending the PlayPlaylist command turns the Slimp on - coool !!

Top driver - thanks



Dean.

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Rolecgroup

Just given it a quick try - made Daughters name appear on the slimp - made her smile.

Awesome! It's those little things that are so much fun!

Only real observation - sending to DisplayLine is good which will be useful for CallerID - but... will/is it possible to make the 5 seconds configurable ? - I'm not sure when the phone is ringing that 5 secs will be enough for you to hear phone/look at slimp etc.

Next update will have a new command called "ShowMessage" which I think will do what you want:

Displays a message on the network media player screen. There are two versions, the second will use a large font to fill the entire screen. Duration is specified as a number of seconds, brightness is specified as a number from 0 to 4. The display will return to the previous brightness level after the message expires.

1. “Message Line 1” “Message Line 2” Duration Brightness

2. “Message” Duration Brightness

E.g: “Hello” “World” 10 4

[Rolecgroup]

Here's screenshot of Streaming Radio buttons, and DisplayLine2 for Now Playing.



Thanks for the driver !!



Dean.

[Jonathan]

That looks pretty darn awesome! I listen to Club 977, SkyFM & Digitally Imported (Premium subscriber). Did you make those icons or find them?

I've just finished a quick template so I can play my albums from the CQC cover art browser. Next, I need to do what you did so I have all my streaming stations easily accessible that way

[Rolecgroup]

Hi Jonathan

I did the icons myself - i've packaged them here if of interest to you http://www.samares.net/bed-overlay-dab.CQCTmplPack




Dean

[Ripper]

Jonathan as you know I'm a slimdevices newb ...is it possible for me to use the driver as it is with the softsqueeze thing or do I need an actual network player?

[Jonathan]

It works fine with SoftSqueeze. I have downloaded SoftSqueeze 3 and have the headless version in my HTPC startup group so it always runs in the background without UI (and use the web or now CQC to control it)

[Ripper]

Thanks for the info gonna try to test this tomorrow some more when I have free time.