JockMaster : charliedavy.co.uk

What's It All About ?
For quite a while, I've wanted to have a go writing my own playout software - Mainly as a self-learning exercise but it would also allow me to create a program that had the features found in other packages. There are plenty of playout apps around - each offer their own unique features and abilities.

Is there room for another ? Of course there is!

BETA TESTING
There are a team of beta testers who are evaluating the program and assisting me with bug reports, fixes and the general "feel" of the program. A public release is due late-summer.

click here for screenshot of "LiveLog" Playlist window

Features

Interchangeable GUI Skin [example of skins]
Using MSStyles, you can customize JockMaster's GUI by choosing from the 1000's of available skins.

Simple 24/7 Automation
Load hourly or daily playlists which can be played non-stop

Drop Songs from Portable Storages
Specialist DJs often bring their own music - subject to user account settings, songs can be drag 'n' dropped from Windows' Explorer into the JockMaster playlist view and played-out in the usual way. Automatic audio cue-in/out ensures hassle-free overlaps.

Segue Editor [screenshot]
Adjust overlapping items with precision - create unique segues for your show.

M3U Playlist Load/Save
Industry-standard M3U playlists can be loaded/saved - enabling you to build your schedule by hand or import from Music1, Natural Music, Powergold or StationPlaylist Creator.

Data File Support - for non-database users or for backup
Using JMD files, each audio item's properties can be saved/recalled: Intro, Segue, Year, Tempo etc

JM Admin [free utility]
All configuration and user settings are managed via the JM Admin utility - no critical changes can be made within JockMaster.

JM Producer [free utility]
Manages your audio and JockMaster library: Import, export and manage your tracks.

The following features are offered as additional modules and can be added at any time - They turn the basic JockMaster application into a powerful automation/live-assist solution for professional broadcasters.

Database Driven [optional module] [screenshot]
Items are given a unique "cart" number whilst preserving the original filenames.

HotKey Module [optional module] [screenshot]
Instant access to audio cuts such as jingles, sound fx and talk-beds

Script Module [optional module]
Permits easy viewing of HTML, RTF and TXT file prompts

VoiceTracker [optional module] [screenshot]
Not just a voicetrack recorder, but enhanced segue editing and sweeper placement with level-ducking. Recording voicetracks into your playlist is both quick and simple. Add dry/sweeper production elements between songs and duck each song's volume on a "per segue" basis.

Now Playing [optional module]
Whilst the basic licence outputs a text file showing the artist and title of each track - this additional module allows you to be a bit more picky about what's sent and you can even define templates to create a webpage of recent tracks (excluding boring details like adverts/jingles). When playing a PACKAGE item (such as a pre-recorded show), you can time-stamp each song played which allows JockMaster to output that track's details at the time it is played. When recording your show using JockMaster, this is done automatically.

USB Hardware I/O [optional module]
Permits control of external switching equipment (such as satellite feeds, studios etc). Also allows JockMaster to be controlled (Start, Stop, Next etc). Using the DigiBee USB board, up to 16 inputs and 16 outputs may be defined.

The working title is JockMaster and you're free to choose a better one : you'll get a free copy if I use your suggestion :)

Downloads
JockMaster v1.0 r112 This is the latest EXE for existing users.		JockMaster v1.0 r112 Setup Full installation for first-time users - includes 2 custom XP themes and all required files.

JockMaster CHM Help [2nd June 2010 , 185KB] Help File - included with full setup but available to prospective users who wish to know all about the software.		JockMaster Product Sheet [31st May 2010 , 370KB] PDF brochure - this page in Acrobat format.