syncMaker PRO
AVI - DV - WAV - MP3  Video and Audio Synchronizer

 

Welcome...

Welcome to the multi channel video and audio solution! Play as many AVI, DV, WAV or MP3 - Files synchronously on different computers that are connected over you LAN or over Null-Modem connections via COM-Ports.

Do you have the newest version ?

Please feel free to download the newest version of this shareware and test the tool in your environment. The program has no DLLs and is only installed in one folder that you can choose. You can delete the folder manually to remove syncMaker completely from your system. 

Concept

syncMaker is designed for media and art installations where more than one AVI, DV, WAV or MP3 File has to be played synchronous on different computers. The synchronization works via a simple Null-Modem cable (connected at the COM Ports) or via your LAN (TCP/IP ). All AVI-File codecs are supported that you have installed on your system. Additional there is a build in Software DV Codec that enables fullscreen DV playback!

syncMaker based on the DirectShow interface. It allows playing several AVI Files (with all the DirectShow encoders like: DV, Indeo, Intel, Mpeg, Video and so on) fullscreen and synchronous on different computers without any drop of frames! 

Synchronization Strategy 

syncMaker starts the Media files on the different computers at the same time using special commands witch are send over the TCP/IP or COM connection. The files start running synchronized. At user defined positions all files are paused for a minimal time and after that are started again synchronously. You will have an adjustable pause from 1 to 50 Frames depended on the speed of your playback computers.

Interface 

The interface is very simple and easy to use. Just choose the AVI, WAV, MP3 file name,  the connection, the Master/Slave-Settings, set some sync Points and press Start! 

syncMaker saves its settings in an INI-File after closing and loads them automatic on the next start (important for autostart). Just follow the hints. 

Who needs syncMaker? 

You will need it if you plan to play several AVI, DV, WAV or MP3 files on more than one computer synchronous (e.g. for video walls, video and/or audio installations). We have used the program for various art and sound installations. Because we are often ask to produce such installations we have decided to offer this special program to the world! Normally you have to pay much money to setup such synchronized environments, because the studio players are expensive. But now you only have to register syncMaker and use cheap computers! If you like you can connect the computers to data video beamers and play the files fullscreen. Many art installations does not allow a down time for example during turn back the reels of the videoplayers. Playing the files direct from the hard disk, CD or DVD, like syncMaker does, allows direct looping the video without any dropped frame. 

Best video quality using DV Files! 

We got very good video quality results using the DV files witch are generated from a fire wire or IEEE 1394 interface card (with the DV Camera connected). syncMaker can play this DV encoded AVI files with the DirectShow software decoder! Please be sure you enable DMA Mode for your hard disk to allow smooth DV video playing. 

Requirements 

Based on the DirectShow interface, syncMaker can play every AVI file witch many decoders. For satisfying results you'll need: 
 

  • Pentium 400MHz or higher, based on the frame size and rates you want
  • 3MB hard disk and additional space for AVI files 
  • Windows 9x/ME (NT is not supported because of the DirectX problems)
  • DirectX 6 or higher installed on Win95 (Win98 already has DirectX installed) 
  • 16-bit stereo soundcard, which supports DirectX, if you want to use sound


Please be sure that the computer has enough CPU power to play the AVI files without many frame drops. (e.g. to play DV files use a 400MHz Celeron/Pentium III or better and be sure you has enabled DMA Mode for your hard disk!). If some drops occur
syncmaker can fix this but if dropouts are generally syncMaker has no chance to synchronize. 

No special video card is needed! For video presentation just connect a data beamer to your monitor connector! But you can use video cards with TV out too. 

For information about DirectX, please visit: http://microsoft.com/directx/ 

Installation 

Just unpack the .zip file (with pkunzip.exe or another archiving utility such as WinZip) into a destination folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\syncMaker). On Win95 systems, make sure that you have DirectX 6.0 or higher installed. If needed put an alias of syncMaker in the windows autostart folder. 

Start the file syncMaker.exe and follow the dialog and hints. 

Register syncMaker PRO

Although syncMaker is a very complex and sophisticated program, it is very inexpensive shareware. When you register, you will receive a registration key that will:

  • Disable the register dialog after 6-12 min. play time.
  • Secure enhanced technical support!
  • And: You will get a free drink when you visit us in Munich, Germany ;-)
Registration is very easy! We have joined a good shareware payment processing service which accepts payment by credit card via the internet or a simple phone call - even in the USA. Please register online!

Have fun with syncMaker PRO

Jörg Stelkens
(The author and owner of büro </stelkens>)