Playing "filler" music between singers - how to?

[Ron Larrivee]

Any help will be appreciated - I've been opening both itunes and kJams and switching back and forth between apps to do this. Is there an easier way?

[Karanight]

I do this using automator If you have Automator
Open Automator
Choose Custom
In the variables search area type, Launch application
When you've done that the Launch application Action window will be below
Drag launch application into the window on the right
In the drop down box in the Launch application Action window navigate to itunes
Then whilst you have iTunes open click record on automator and then click on itunes to highlight itunes and hit the space bar
Stop automator recording
You will then have something like this

Bring the window “iTunes” to the front.

Type ' '

Then delete the line Bring the window “iTunes” to the front.
You will the have in you automator window

Launch Aplication
and the next workflow will be
Watch Me Do
Type ' '

If you then do the same with kJams ie
Drag another Launch application Action into the right hand side of the work area below the other two actions
Navigate to kJams in the drop down box
Then whilst you have Kjams open click record on the Automator window
Click on kJams and hit the space bar

Delete the line

Bring the window “kJams Pro” to the front.

as a last thing to do drag the playback speed control on the two Watch Me Do actions to 10x
Once you've done save the automator as a workflow
If you run the workflow when itunes or kJams is playing the workflow will stop the one thats playing and start the one thats not playing

[dave]

another option is to crossfade with iTunes using this script

-dave

[aantix]

I've been using this modified version of the crossfade script at the parties that I throw..
http://www.runfatboy.net/blog/2008/10/2 ... th-itunes/

Works like a dream. Whenever the karaoke window is full screen, the karaoke volume is turned up to 100% and iTunes is faded out. Whenever the karaoke window isn't full screen, iTunes is faded in and a new song is automatically played.

Constant music is being played without any intervention.

[Karanight]

I did try the cross fade but I found the automator workflow much faster when operated, also I've just looked at the modified version thinking I might try it again but I noticed that If the video window is full screen
it assumes that a karaoke song is playing and fades out iTunes. It wouldn't work for me because I have a advert video playing in the background. But if Ron has nothing else playing the script is probably the best option

[dave]

one day there will be crossfading and "filler playlists" built right into kjams. eventually. that has been the plan since the beginning. i know i know, vaporware, i should just shut up and do it. but i want you to know that I know that this is very important. it's very high on the list.

[Karanight]

There is another advantage with Automator and that is until Dave Fixes it (Please don't think I'm nagging cos I know you've got lots more important thing to do) I have the same Automator open prefs and clear the cache. This means that as well as changing the program playing the cache is cleared regularly and never gets forgotten.

[dave]

the cache is automatically cleared regularly (except for disc burn images), so you don't have to think that you have to manage it, it is done for you.

[Karanight]

Didn't know that. What am I seeing in Prefs/Audio/Current Cache Size and a clear button. I thought I had to click this button from time to time

[dave]

no, that's mostly for OCD people (like myself) that like to press the "Close Door" button on elevators.

[Ron Larrivee]

Quick thanks to everyone for replies - working on this and I certainly appreciate your feedback! Very supportive community...merci beaucoup!

[dave]