As a reluctant Mac User, it always annoys the heck out of me when companies release software that’s only available for PCs. While I’m stuck using crappy iTunes for my music consumption – because I use an iPod, folks who aren’t locked in get the chance to use a really cool new service called Jamcast. It’s a really cool service that lets you capture any audio you can play on your computer and send it to gaming consoles, HDTV’s, and other streaming devices so you can listen to it anywhere. And with transcoding, podcasts, iTunes support and more, it’s the most complete server solution for networked home audio available. It even includes virtual surround sound software codecs for your PC. I’m still trying to figure out how to set up my iTunes to stream music, but this sounds like pretty cool software. You can get it here and try out the 14 day free trial. Full press release after the break.
ORLANDO, Fla. June 29, 2010: Software Development Solutions, Inc. (SDS) announced today the launch of JamcastTM, a streaming media software solution that enables consumers to effortlessly send digital audio from any source directly to their favorite devices.
Jamcast’s exclusive Virtual Soundcard feature captures any audio playing on a consumer’s PC and then transmits it over their wireless network to DLNA and UPnP-compliant devices, such as gaming consoles, HDTVs, smartphones, media adapters, home theatre components and other popular connected devices in the home and beyond.
“Jamcast has really caught the attention of consumers looking to enjoy their favorite music from popular streaming services like Pandora and Spotify away from their PC, in the living room or elsewhere,” said SDS CEO Scott Streaker. “Jamcast’s Virtual Soundcard makes this easy when no solution from the device manufacturer or content provider is otherwise available,” he added.In addition to the Virtual Soundcard, Jamcast offers quick and easy access to all the music stored on a PC and network attached storage devices. Jamcast also allows users to browse and play back their favorite podcasts via integrated support for both RSS and OPML.
Jamcast is easy to install and configure and runs on Windows XP or higher. A fully-functional 14-day trial of the software is available for download at http://getjamcast.com, and a license can be purchased for only $29.99.Other key features of Jamcast include:
• Playback and metadata support for MP3, FLAC, OGG, ALAC, AAC, WMA, WMA Lossless, WMA Pro, WMA Voice, WAV, AIFF, SHN, and PCM
• Playlist support for iTunes libraries, Windows Media (WPL), PLS, and M3U
• Windows Media DRM support allows users to stream tracks downloaded from Napster and Zune Marketplace (requires a DRM-compatible device).
• On-demand media transcoding automatically converts media to a compatible format when necessary.
• Works great with iTunes including playlist synchronization and transcoding support for non-DRM Apple content.
• Intuitive server management via a Windows-based management UI makes it simple to configure Jamcast – no editing of configuration or INI files is ever necessary.
• A plugin framework and SDK allows developers to extend the capabilities of Jamcast by adding additional drop-in content providers.Jamcast works great with the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3, as well as other DLNA and UPnP-compliant devices from manufacturers such as Pioneer, Samsung, Sony, LG, Philips, Roku, Yamaha, Denon, and more. For more information about supported devices, please visit http://getjamcast.com.