 | Nov 7 2009 |
MPATTERSON1 Playback 1.2 and my Seagate FreeAgent Theater+HD work very well. So far, I've streamed a .mkv file in 720p resolution (802.11N wireless network) and a song from my iTunes library. The quality and playback were great in both instances. Thanks for the great software.
(Version 1.2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Nov 2 2009 |
TONYPATILLAS99 Can anyone else get Playback to work with the snow leopard firewall on? It works fine with it off but I really don't want to have my firewall turned off to have playback function as it should. The demo worked fine then when I purchased the product it stopped working. Now I can't get playback to work at all. Very frustrated... Any advice gratefully recieved!
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ 6 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
 | Nov 2 2009 |
As mentioned in our FAQ, and my email responses to you; this is not currently possible simply because the SL Firewall does not give you access to all the services that you need to let through. When you activate the firewall, they are OFF by default. If you have a router on your network, a firewall on you Mac is a little redundant. If you'd like to discuss this further, I welcome you to join our forums: http://www.yazsoft.com/f/ The MacUpdate comment section is not really the best place for this type of discussion. | |
| Nov 3 2009 |
I haven't received an email stating snow leopard firewall is not compatible with Playback. Just a link to a forum post about what ports to open which you cannot do with Snow Leopard Firewall. It might be worth stating this in your sites FAQs under 'Is Playback compatible with Snow Leopard's Firewall?'. Also I would also welcome the opportunity to continue this conversation on your forums but I have been waiting since the 24th October for an administrator to activate my account. For now I just get the message 'The specified username is currently inactive. If you have problems activating your account, please contact a board administrator.' I have sent a second request to activate my account but still nothing. Hence my posting on mac update for help resolving the my playback issues, which for someone who has parted money for this software is totally appropriate if I am unable to find answers elsewhere. Apologies for my tone but I am somewhat frustrated with my experience of using Playback so far. | |
| Nov 3 2009 |
Email me at info at yazsoft dot com. Also, please make sure that none of my emails are being caught in your spam folder. In your email, also provide the username you have chosen on the forums. Ill activate your account manually. | |
 | Nov 3 2009 |
RUDHY I've the same problem, but luckily for me I've also license for Rivet which is working just fine with SL, Firewall turned ON and even Stealth mode enabled. I don't understand why Playback can't where Rivet is doing great. For now Rivet is my choice.
(Version 1.2) | |
| Nov 3 2009 |
NAVDEEP BAINS @RUDHY I don't understand it either. I should also add that I can't reproduce the firewall issues being reported on any of my machines. There's only one way to bind a socket to a port, so in that respect, Playback and Rivet are exactly the same. There's no special technique to employ; no magic trick that I'm aware of at least. Take a look at the Rivet forums and you'll see that Rivet users are also having problems with the Snow Leopard firewall. Both Yazsoft and Cynical Peak are being blamed for Apple's buggy code. It's not Yazsoft's fault that the Mac OS X firewall implementation is flaky. It's not Cynical Peak's fault either. There really is absolutely nothing we can do to solve these issues on our end. Playback Developer
(Version 1.2) | |
 | Nov 3 2009 |
My problems with Playback in the end turned out to be a problem with LittleSnitch, running so silently in the background I'd forgotten all about it's use. However, unlike you I was using Leopard, maybe this solution could help solve your issues, but it would include needing LittleSnitch. If you go to the following: http://yazsoft.com/products/playback/faqs/ Look under the question "Is Playback compatible with Little Snitch?" here you'll see my solution as was so kindly helped and provoked by the Yazsoft staff, who I've gotta say where fantastically on the ball with their support. In the end I took their help and went a little further until I found what exactly needed to gain access to the network for Playback to function perfectly. Also I have NetBarrier running but not the built-in Firewall. Hope this helps you out, I know it is seriously frustrating when this software doesn't work, but it really is soooo much better than Rivet it's not fair to compare them. | |
| Oct 22 2009 |
ALECALIXTO This is a perfect media server software for Mac with PS3 and XB360, for some reasons: 1. Very VERY easy to use interface 2. Opens specific files such as iPhoto library and iTunes playlists 3. Light software/service (low resources consumption) 4. Right price for 3 licenses Extremely recommended!!!
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Oct 16 2009 |
MAC-ADDICT I purchased this very recently, having used Rivet for the past few months, only to become a little frustrated with it's performance at times and it's inability to quit when prompted. However when I purchased this I could not get it to talk with my PS3, however, despite my initial maniacal ramblings, with up to the minute feedback from their support team I had this working in no time, but I have to highlight special applause for the support team, they were truly excellent with super quick response times... I'd email them and within seconds there was a detailed reply... now all is flowing smoothly between computers and I couldn't be happier!
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Nov 2 2009 |
TONYPATILLAS99 I seem to have the same issue you encountered... how did you resolve your connection issues after purchasing playback.
(Version 1.1) | |
| Sep 30 2009 |
PBERTRAND Hands down, the best media server on Mac OS X today. Can't wait to see more.
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Sep 28 2009 |
CLAUBERG Ceci est une *excellente* application. Tres rapide et tres tres bon, avec un support imbattable. Merci bcp!
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Sep 26 2009 |
Customers seem to be under the impression that there's some Firewall API for developers to interface with -- there's not. Applications are not supposed to know that the firewall exists and there are no special calls for requesting permission. The only guideline offered by Apple is to not to self-modify the application package. Playback doesn't. As far as I know, there's nothing else we can do on our end. If I'm wrong or if anyone has any suggestions, please email playback@yazsoft.com or post on the forums. @Rustman: Playback doesn't attempt any outgoing connections aside from the Sparkle updates.Also, since you have a router, you won't be opening up your computer to the world -- just to your local network. No one can connect to your computer from the outside unless you specifically open a port on your router. Playback Developer
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Sep 26 2009 |
RUSTMAN Well, I took the plunge and bought this when it was reduced to $9.99. Now I'm wishing that I had held back and tested the limited demo more throughly. It's ability to connect to my Mac (Snow Leopard) through the firewall is completely non-existent. Even when adding all the apps that the software uses (digging inside package contents and manually adding all apps and dependencies) and allowing access it refuses to play ball. That was last night, before I bought the software. Now it's legit, it refuses to connect with firewall on or off. I can see the server on my Xbox, but it then says there is no media of any kind. I also uses Little Snitch and I can see what is trying to connect when and where. However, even with this disabled I still cannot my Xbox to the server that Playback is supposed to create. Bizarrely, Little Snitch reads that "Playback Server" is trying to connect to my iPod Touch, which is also on the local network. The main reason I bought this software is because it allows proper nested folders, unlike Connect360, which hasn't been updated in donkey's years. However at least that worked. The idea of opening up my computer to the entire world just to run a media server on my local network is just anathema to me.
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 26 2009 |
I think it would be much more helpful if you emailed me directly at info at yazsoft dot com. The MU forums, as great as they are, are not the proper place to address support issues of this kind. What you are experiencing should be easily resolved with a little more info. There is nothing wrong with Playback, and no, you shouldn't be exposing your computer to the world just to run a media server. Awaiting to hear from you. Please refer to this post in your email to me. | |
| Sep 26 2009 |
DSW1958 Playback is a compelling app and seems to be what I have been looking for. It is supposed to be plug and play and users comments have indicated that it is but my experience is that I have to turn off the firewall in order for my PS3 to see it. It is in the list to allow incoming connections but this appears to mean nothing. This may be a SL issue or it may not, i have no issues with any other apps and incoming connections. I wanted to purchase this but cannot for this reason. If this issue gets resolved one way or another then I will likely purchase it.
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 26 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT This may help: http://yazsoft.com/products/playback/faqs/what-firewall-settings-are-used-with-playback/ If you need more assistance, please email me directly (info at yazsoft dot com)
(Version 1.1) | |
| Sep 14 2009 |
PDBOWERS I bought "Playback" quickly. The price was right, and it seemed to be exactly what I wanted. I did have free server options, but I like buying software, and supporting developers. I have attempted to get in touch with the Developers with a question I have, but have not received any acknowledgement. "Playback" plays my iTunes music perfectly, but I am not able to access my personal playlists with it. I am more than open to supporting good software, and "Playback" has its plusses, BUT for me, customer service is somewhat lacking. If this application cannot access my personal playlists on iTunes, let me know, so I can go to the free version that works absolutely flawlessly. Communication, either positive or negative, is better than nothing. Right now, my opinion of "Playback" is mediocre at best.
(Version 1.0.5) | |
| [ 3 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 14 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT It is extremely unlikely that you haven't heard back from me if you sent an email. I reply to all my emails usually within minutes of receiving them. If I've received your email and most probably already responded, you may want to check your spam folder in case it fell in there. Also, if you have a server side spam filter in place, make sure that all emails from yazsoft.com are allowed to pass. At the same time, I invite you to resend your email with reference to this post on the MacUpdate forums and I'll be happy to assist you. Playback works very well on all systems up to and including Snow Leopard 10.6.1. If there is something getting in the way on your network, I'm sure we'll iron it out. | |
| Sep 14 2009 |
PDBOWERS I want to take this opportunity to apologize to Johnny, and to Yazsoft. In my original post, I said some things that were not true, the biggest being that "Playback was mediocre at best". That is not true. For what the software is supposed to do, it does it beautifully. I was wrong in assuming that all playlists were supported, and in my case, streaming internet URL's. Through constructive and informative exchange, Johnny let me know in a kind, non accusing way, what the software did, and at the moment, it's limitations. I have no beef with Johnny,nor the company itself. Good communication and support is unheard of most of the time today, but Yazsoft is one of the exceptions. Accept my humble apology. Thank you for your support John. Paul Bowers
(Version 1.0.5) | |
| Sep 14 2009 |
Thank you for taking the time to re-send your email to me and for giving me the opportunity to clarify all aspects initially causing this confusion. I'm glad this issue has been resolved. For the sake of all users, I would simply like to add that while we can do pretty much anything we want with Playback; if the consoles (PS3, etc) themselves don't support certain features, there's no point in implementing them. Regardless, we follow-up with all console firmware releases to see what other cool things we can integrate. Playback has one of the most powerful engines in its core and we will take advantage of it at every possibility. There's a lot more planned for Playback and as always, I'm here to assist in every way possible and to listen to all your feedback. Stay tuned. Thank you once again Paul for your sincerity and continued support. | |
| Sep 12 2009 |
SIDDHARTHA I have just purchased this program, and also have Connect360, and MediaLink. This one seems easier to configure (it was problem-free), and offers all the functionality that I need, it seems to offer the same streaming that the other programs do. I have to test it to see if it suffers from the occasional stutter/drop out that the others do, but so far, so good, and it works on both 360 and PS3, and the price can't be beat. Just be sure to check and see what's in your checkout, as I ended up paying the extra 5$ for license lookup, which I didn't need Still, having paid 20$ for this software is well worth it to me so far And-they actually offer a forum/support, which is more than can be said for Connect360/MediaLink
(Version 1.0.5) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Sep 12 2009 |
The $5 item you saw on your checkout list was probably added by the Kagi store; you can opt to remove it. Regardless, please email me if you like and I'll be able to credit it back to you, no worries on that front. Looking forward to your feedback. | |
| Sep 25 2009 |
SIDDHARTHA Just an update-I would give this more than 5 stars if I could-it's fantastic. It's great to have ONE program that works as a server for both the 360 and PS3-it's trouble-free for me. It's faster, and has less hiccups than MediaLink/Connect360, which I was using before. Those programs worked about 75% of the time, and sometimes would simply stop working, with no reason I could figure out. Perhaps I could if there was customer support/forum, but there wasn't. Oh well-this works really, really well, and is idiot-proof (at least for this idiot).
(Version 1.1) | |
| Sep 7 2009 |
SIGIL If I didn't have Medialink and Connect360, I would buy this. The developers and their products are first class.! (I own Speed Download 5, which is a great app! I've also demoed Sharetool, which I plan to get soon.)
(Version 1.0.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Sep 3 2009 |
LUCAS CAVALHEIRO Great App! Really good! It works perfectly and is great tool for those who want to set up a media central at your place. Really worth! Another great thing is the price! It's really fair!
(Version 1.0.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Sep 1 2009 |
ZIAALI This software is outstanding! Great support as well!
(Version 1.0.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Aug 26 2009 |
CASTLE £3.22 for the ability to look up my license code if I later lose it? They just lost a sale for the sheer cheek of it.
(Version 1.0.4) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Aug 26 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT This is something that is added by the Kagi store automatically by default, not us. Further, it's completely optional and you can opt to remove it should you not want it. It is by no means mandatory. Let me know if I can assist you further. | |
| Aug 18 2009 |
RUDHY After update to newest version (1.0.4) my Xbox doesn't even see Mac with Playback running! Previous version (1.0.3) was able to show me all the photos, but have problem with any music and movie. I wrote to support but get no answer! On the other hand both Rivet and Connect360 works flawlessly on my network. I prefer River because of event handling and was hoping to get even better experience with Playback... Right now, I'm disappointed. :-(
(Version 1.0.4) | |
| [ 4 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Aug 18 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT I've just gone through all our emails since the release of Playback 1.0.4 this morning. I see no email from anyone (good or spam) detailing such a problem. In fact, all users with non-English systems that had issues all let me know that the issue they had was in fact gone with this latest update. If you need assistance, feel free to email me directly at info at yazsoft dot com with your full name and reference to this post on the MacUpdate forum. | |
| Aug 18 2009 |
RUDHY My mail was send exactly two weeks ago (August 4th, 2009 at 20:03:44 GMT+02), to e-mail address mentioned above. Here's full copy of it: I just bought Playback and can't get it to work. I can see movies from iPhoto and all the photos I wanted to share, but can't see movies from iTunes - Xbox 360 displays "no movies" (I CAN see iPhoto movies, but that's all). Another issue: every music track I tried (AAC, without protection) is "no supported". The same music and videos are played without any problems on my Xbox 360 using Rivet. I have newest version of OS X (10.5.7) and Playback (1.0.3) on my white MacBook C2D.
(Version 1.0.4) | |
| Aug 18 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT Please resend your email to my attention with reference to this thread.
(Version 1.0.4) | |
| Aug 19 2009 |
RUDHY Wow! That was quick! Now, after trashing everything and reinstalling Playback works flawlessly. Thanks for help! BTW. It's really fast! ...and I love the way Playback handles photos - it's much nicer than Rivet's way, but you must work on movies sharing. Rivet makes entire hierarchy available, so I can quickly find newest episode of TV show or short clip in iPhoto album. When Playback will handle movies like Rivet does it'll be number one for me! :-)
(Version 1.0.4) | |
| Aug 5 2009 |
69NUMBER69 I tried the demo and works with Dune HD Center.Very easy to use and mac friendly. The only problem is does not support subtitles (.srt) and for not native english people like me,is not so useful. Add subtitles support and i will buy Playback!
(Version 1.0.3) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 31 2009 |
YAUHEN Really awesome app! Awesome buying experience, Awesome licensing policy, I recommend this app, to anyone who needs quality medeia server for PS3 or Xbox.
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 25 2009 |
TH3 J0K3R After update 1.0.2 which fixed the Mac sleep issue, this app is perfect for media sharing with my XBOX. This has so many options for choosing exactly what to share and limiting bandwidth. I leave Media Sharing on all the time and it barely uses any of the CPU. Thanks for this great app.
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 21 2009 |
TH3 J0K3R Does Playback disable system sleep while active like Connect360?
(Version 1.0.1) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jul 22 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT The next update (1.0.2) will have that. Soon :-)
(Version 1.0.1) | |
| Jul 23 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT The just released 1.0.2 update addresses the issue you mention above.
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 17 2009 |
CLUB ED We are a kids education center and needed a reliable media server to run on our machines in order to provide educational videos and pictures for kids with learning difficulties. I have without a doubt, tried all available solutions on the Mac including Rivet, Media, and PS3 Media Server. Absolutely none of them provided the reliability, stability, and feature set that Playback offers. It is a such big sigh of relief to finally have someone address the sorely lacking need for such an application on Mac OS X. Thank you Yazsoft! Highly recommended!
(Version 1.0.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 4 2009 |
ROBOTANK I can't get this app working at all--it cannot recognize the PS3 on my network. All network settings appear to be in order, and other similar apps (MediaLink, PS3 Media Server) work just fine. I emailed Yazsoft support but received no response I'm hoping they will see this post. I'm using an Intel Mac with OS X 10.5.7.
(Version 1.0) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jul 5 2009 |
Thanks for letting us know you sent an email; however without more info, it's hard for me to know if I responded to you or not. I realize you may not want to post your email here, but I need to know who you are in order to better assist you :-) Can you please re-send your email while making reference to this post on MacUpdate? At the same time, please post a quick note here after you've sent your email. | |
| Jun 24 2009 |
THE MAN IN THE BLACK SEDAN This is a horrendously slow and clunky app. Although what do you expect from an app coded in RealBasic. You're much better off using Rivet. Rivet is 2MB whereas this app is 50MB. The 3 extras dollars for rivet is worth it.
(Version 1.0) | |
| [ 11 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jun 24 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT Please provide hard data to back-up your claims. Playback was specifically tested against Rivet, Medialink, and other Mac media servers and wins by a long shot in both performance, and reliability on both wired and wireless networks. The technology powering Playback, also powers sites like YouTube. If you find YouTube slow, by all means, try another product. Else, if you have hard data to provide, feel free to email them directly to us at playback@yazsoft.com and someone will be happy to take a look. Posting on MacUpdate, while nice, is not the best place to get support.
(Version 1.0) | |
| Jul 23 2009 |
SAP1 Download size (from the MU page - right next to the "Download Now" link) Unpacked size (as seen once the application is actually installed) Real Memory Used (as seen in Activity Monitor) Playback: 32.6 + 20.3 + 0.7 = 53.6MB CPU used during playback of a movie file (same file, as averaged by eye on Activity Monitor) Playback: less than 1 percent Rivet: less than 1 percent Feeling of speed (listing a directory with 85 full length movies in it): Playback: 29 seconds - mostly wasted on QuickLook server churning away At first I thought this last test was some sort of cruel joke, but I checked again because I figure maybe some kind of cache was causing this - and yes, upon quitting, restarting Playback, and going back to the same directory, the directory loaded in 2 seconds. http://www.uploderx.net/dphrag/Picture_1837.png http://www.uploderx.net/dphrag/Picture_2858.png http://www.uploderx.net/dphrag/Picture_3970.png http://www.uploderx.net/dphrag/Picture_4892.png These were all done with a 2GHz MacBook w/ 2GB RAM, connected via wireless G to a wired 360.
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 23 2009 |
SAP1 Is that data "hard" enough?
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 24 2009 |
Sure, the data is fine. I just don't see the part where we look bad in comparison to Rivet. QuickLook will take the same amount of time to generate a thumbnail regardless of what application is calling it. You can turn the thumbnails off if you prefer. If I'm reading your message correctly, Playback listed the same directory *faster* than Rivet once the thumbnails were cached. Yes, the download is larger. The memory usage will be close to equal. Playback Menu is taking a much larger chunk on your system than it does on mine, which is strange. If you send us an email, we would be interested in finding out why that is. Playback Developer
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 24 2009 |
SAP1 I'm not saying your app is bad. Let me rephrase the post: Rivet, Connect360, and whoever else were all here first. The lot of us all needed an app to share media to the 360. Some of us chose Connect360, others chose Rivet. Now what you're asking us (the paying public) to do is drop $15 on your software to replace another piece of software we've already bought. It seems the selling points you have here are Growl support and bandwidth limiting. I need to ask, why? Growl support so that I know when my brother/parent/roommate is watching a movie on my Xbox? Bandwidth limiting for an application that doesn't support transcoding? To me, that's bloat. The difference in speed is insignificant - two seconds doesn't make me want to spend $15. - and no, I will not help you debug your software. I test commercial software for a living. You write commercial software for a living. Why should I freely give you my time to help you sell more of your product when there is no benefit to me?
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 24 2009 |
I have to say that the tone of your posts is confusing to me. If you don't find Playback's feature set compelling, that's fine. We're offering an alternative to the choices already available. We're not accosting you at gun point. If we've said something rude or offensive, I'm not aware of it. I requested that you email us on the assumption that you were considering Playback as a user. In that case, there would be an obvious benefit to you. However, it appears that my assumption was incorrect. You clearly have no interest in using Playback. Playback Developer
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 24 2009 |
YAZSOFT SUPPORT SAP1: Thank you for your input. Based on your comments I can only say, feel free to continue using whatever application you feel is "good enough" for your needs. Playback is a rock solid performer that we developed because "we" didn't feel what was out there is "good enough" and wanted to provide an alternative that "we" feel is better. Maybe we're just very picky and have higher standards, who knows. Rest assured though; we will continue to develop, improve, and tweak Playback the way we have outlined and in-line with the loads feedback and suggestions being received. So far, real user response continues to be nothing but encouraging and we have big ideas on the way. You're welcome to try Playback again at anytime. To conclude, Playback is also priced to be accessible by everyone. It's $15 for 3 (three) licenses vs much higher prices for simply 1 (one) license with some of the other apps out there. When a user buys Playback, they can share 2 of their licenses with anyone they choose (friend, family member) or install it on 2 other Macs... legally. | |
| Jul 25 2009 |
SAP1 I guess Navdeep has missed my point, so let me be blunt: you're too late to the game. Why should I pay for your app? You have still failed to answer the following questions: Why is Growl integration important? Why is bandwidth limiting in an app that doesn't transcode important?
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 25 2009 |
If you have a feature you would like to see, we're listening. However, if Playback's mere existence offends your sensibilities, there's not a whole lot we can do about that. This is not an appropriate forum for a debate and I have no interest in engaging in one. This will be my last interaction with you. Have a nice day! Playback Developer
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Jul 26 2009 |
SAP1 You're not listening. You haven't even answered my questions about why you have growl integration and bandwidth limiting in your app. It seems you and your second "Yazsoft" account are more interested in beating around the bush than just answering a couple simple questions...
(Version 1.0.2) | |
| Aug 18 2009 |
TRONDAH SAP1, what are you trying to accomplish? Playback is a really good alternative. Ok, so you don't need Growl support. Turn it off. You don't want bandwidth management. Don't use it. In my experience, Playback is a lot more stable and performs better than MediaLink which I've used before. The developers are also extremely helpful both here, on the forums and on mail. The price is for _three_ licenses. That right there is reason to switch. If you don't feel like it adds any value to you, nobody is forcing you to abandon what you already use. The only reason I can see for your bickering is because you are the developer of an alternative and don't like the competition.
(Version 1.0.4) | |
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