Songcast

Songcast

Overview

Songcast allows a DS to tune into another DS. A DS can songcast to more than one DS. Further, a DS can songcast no matter what source is selected. Songcast was introduced in Davaar 1.

Depending on your requirements, songcast can operate in one of two modes: small-scale or large-scale. These modes only impact the scalability of songcast. They do not impact the quality of the songcasted audio.

Small-scale mode

Small-scale mode is suitable for those with 6 or fewer DS's and should work with an existing DS setup.

Large-scale mode

Large-scale mode is required for those with more than 6 DS's and can handle many thousands of DS's. It requires networking equipment specially designed to handle multicast messages. Most modern, high quality networking equipment falls into this category. Further, an increasing amount of consumer level equipment does as well. However, a considerable amount of existing consumer level equipment either does not implement or has a poor implementation of the required multicast functionality.

Setup Considerations

Small-scale mode

Small scale mode operates by transmitting multiple copies of the audio across the network. Hence it should work on any network which can handle the required amounts of data.

• Using a wired network, the limit of 6 DS players has been designed to ensure that Songcast will operate flawlessly, even using the highest resolution audio files.
• Using homeplugs, the more limited bandwidth may cause audio data to be lost, which will cause audio dropout on one or more of the Songcast receivers. The available bandwidth of homeplugs is variable dependant on wiring etc., so cannot definitively state what will work. Testing suggests:
  • CD quality - works with 6 DS players
  • 96/24 (normal hi-res) - works with 2 or 3 DS players
  • 192/24 (highest resolution) - probably will not work

Large-scale mode

More information can be found here

How to Songcast

Initial Setup

• Your DS must be running Davaar 1 firmware or higher.
• You will require a Davaar compatible Linn Konfig to update and configure your DS
• You will require Davaar compatible control software to control your DS

Using Kinsky Desktop

• Insure you have installed KinskyDesktop Davaar
• Select the Songcast source on a DS (similar to Playlist or Radio)
• Select the Songcast sender from the list that you wish to listen to

Using Kinsky PDA

• Not yet supported

Using the handset (REM 019)

• Configure each Songcast sender in your home to have a unique preset number using Linn Konfig.
• Select the Songcast source on a DS (GOTO/Sat button will select the source directly)
• Enter the preset number that corresponds to the Songcast sender you wish to listen to