FPP and RPI

[Keebler]

if I have a RPI running the latest FPP, is there a way to get the FPP to be a music host?

scenario:
 I would like to have one RPI used exclusively for the broadcast.

setup:
RPI as display command (this is where all the direction comes from - )
I would like to have a remote RPI (music) that I can use to play the synchronized music for my display.

the broadcast is in the garage, whereas the command unit is in the home office. I have my display network (subnet) available in the garage as well as in the home office. i can see the remote RPI (music) from the home office, and I can play any or all the music stored therein, but I do not know how to get the remote RPI (music) to play well with the command RPI, play synchronized music with/for the display,  or anything else for that matter..

any help would be greatly appreciated
even just getting me pointed in the right direction would be a great help.

thank you
Ken

[JonD]

You could setup MultiSync and use the second device to play sound only.   If you tried to play sound from both devices within earshot, there could be some situations you would notice the sound echoing, when the timing was off a little.  I have never tried to play audio from two separate devices at the same personally, and the timing might be good enough that you would not notice.  MultiSync is a very popular feature and used often.

If you are using xlights, it can be a simple process if setup correctly.  Let xlights configure your controllers and when you complete all your sequence programming is it simple as 1-2-3... 
1.  Bulk Controller Upload - Upload light string changes to all the controllers.
2.  Batch Render - Re-Render all your sequences with all the new changes
3.  FFP Connect - Upload the sequences, video, and audio to all the FPP devices.

[algerdes]

We did some testing in this scenario.  The idea was dropped because of one thing - timing between the units.  The primary would "play" and send out the sync-signal.  The secondary would receive the sync-signal, compare it to what it was playing, and then adjust (either catch up or slow down for a bit).

With lights, that rarely is a problem.  Most people don't see how far off the secondary is from the primary.  With audio, it was definately noticed. 

Playing audio on the primary, along with sending sync-signals works rather well.

The exception to all of this is where you are actually running two different sequences, complete with audio at both.  In this setup, the two different FPPs play two different sequences that have been added to each but under the same name.  As long as the sequences are the same length, it works.  An example would be a walk-through halloween display with multiple "scenes".  Each scene could have its own soundtrack, but everything runs from the control of one.  I've seen this done quite well.  Their only problem was edge-overlap.  Then again, it sort of added to it all. 

*** Edit ***
One of our helpers stated that during our test of two different sequences, she noticed that occasionally the audio (and lights) would skip.  A check on her term "skip" revealed that the secondary was adjusting to the time sync.  Something that was not mentioned when we were testing. 

[Keebler]

THANK YOU
so, its time to play <evil grin.

thank you both!

[jnealand]

The unit with the audio should be the master.  If all the players are on the same network there should not be a problem.  Having access from your office makes it easy to upload stuff and make changes to players as needed. A portable radio in your office will let you listen to the broadcast from the master in the garage.  Just my 2 cents and kind of how I run mine (I do not even keep a pi in my office except for testing).

[algerdes]

Hey Jim,
You run a lot of wireless remotes.  Did you ever try adding audio to one of the remotes (for any reason)?  If so, did it stay in sync?

[jnealand]

I can't think of any reason to run an audio of a remote.  My player(master) is inside my house along with my FM transmitter and a show wifi router.  I keep a bookbox on my front porch for audio in my yard, but SWMBO insists that I keep it so low that I basically never even turn it up except when I am out in the yard working on the show.  We never see walkers or folks outside of cars except at Halloween and even then usually less than 20 total trick or treaters.