[grc] Digital playback systems

[Jim Thompson]

David,

About a decade ago, KBOO was looking for a software/computerized replacement for 
the IR-360 cart player. We found no available software that fit the bill -- we 
found lots of full-blown automation software and of course things like 
RealPlayer and VLC.

So I thought 'why not' and wrote custom software that replicated the base IR 
functionality and allowed the station management to do their normal 
administrative tasks, like assigning carts per program. And something with a 
gentle learning curve. And relatively foolproof.

Anyway, I severely underestimated the effort -- not just developing the software 
but working within the system to get it adopted. Even though the price was right 
(free), there was a lot of FUD, and complaints but it has been up and running 
now for 6 or 7 years. I'd call it a success but that was largely due to a couple 
of staff members who championed the project. As a part-time volunteer, I don't 
have a lot of sway or influence.

So far, nobody has come up with better else.

As to the question about building one of your own, proceed with caution. For one 
thing, software development needs QA, needs testing. I managed to rally a few 
folks together as testers a time or two but it was never rigorous. Any new 
system needs training/evangelism. Another issue is time and resource commitments 
from volunteer developers (that's me). And don't forget support (again, that's 
me). In short, if I had to do it again I might not.

Having said all that, if anyone is interested in the software, feel free to 
contact me directly.

best,

Jim



On 6/10/2016 10:02, David Goodman via grc wrote:
> Friends and colleagues:
>
> I'm hoping you can offer some advice and suggestions based on your
> experiences...
> My station is looking to purchase (or build) and install a digital playback
> system for our DJ's.
>
> Here's our current situation: We have approximately 300,000 CD's and an on
> again, off again ripping project. We receive digital files (as opposed to
> physical media) from record companies and independent artists. Currently,
> we are burning these files onto blank CD's.
>
> We would like to stop burning CD's and create a digital storage and
> playback system for new files and all the material we've ripped previously.
>
> Questions: what do you use? Do you recommend buying a system from a vendor
> or custom building one of our own? What are some of the details we need to
> consider in terms of integrating storage and playback? What sort of
> interfaces work best? (we would like a system that is DJ intuitive and user
> friendly...)
>
> Thanks for your assistance!
>
> Cheers,
> dave goodman
> WMBR, Cambridge
>