diff --git a/user-facing/media-and-entertainment/droppedneedle.md b/user-facing/media-and-entertainment/droppedneedle.md index 4bd5adb..9365041 100644 --- a/user-facing/media-and-entertainment/droppedneedle.md +++ b/user-facing/media-and-entertainment/droppedneedle.md @@ -1,61 +1,81 @@ -# DroppedNeedle — Music Discovery & Streaming +# DroppedNeedle: Music Discovery & Streaming -**DroppedNeedle** is a music discovery and streaming service that searches multiple sources (including Usenet and Soulseek) to find and play music. Think of it as a personal Spotify powered by community-shared libraries. - -## Access - -- **Web UI:** -- **Internal (home network):** - -## Features - -- Search across multiple music sources simultaneously -- Stream found tracks directly in the browser or mobile app -- Automatic FLAC-to-Opus transcoding for storage efficiency -- Library management and playlist creation -- Integration with [slskd](../technical/slskd-soulseek.md) for Soulseek P2P searches - -## Getting Started - -1. Open in your browser or mobile app. -2. Click **Sign In** and choose **Sign in with The Nest**. -3. Use the search bar to find a song, album, or artist. -4. Click play — DroppedNeedle will locate and stream the best available source. - -## How Music Requests Work - -DroppedNeedle lets you discover and request music yourself — no admin intervention needed. Here's how it works: - -1. **Search** for a song, album, or artist using the search bar. -2. DroppedNeedle queries multiple sources simultaneously: - - **Usenet indexers** for high-quality releases - - **[slskd](../technical/slskd-soulseek.md)** for Soulseek peer shares - - **Local library** for music already stored on The Nest -3. Browse the results and click **Play** to stream immediately, or **Download** to add it to your library. -4. If a source isn't available, DroppedNeedle can queue a request — the media automation pipeline will handle downloading it when possible. - -> [!TIP] -> Music requests are handled by you directly through DroppedNeedle's interface. Just search and play! - -## How It Finds Music - -DroppedNeedle queries multiple backends: - -- **Usenet:** Searches indexed Usenet groups for high-quality releases (requires working indexer configuration). -- **Soulseek:** Queries the [slskd](../technical/slskd-soulseek.md) instance running in The Nest for peer-shared files. -- **Local library:** Plays music already stored on The Nest's NFS share. - -## Tips - -- **Search tips:** Use specific album or artist names for better results. DroppedNeedle prioritizes higher-bitrate sources. -- **Transcoding:** FLAC files are automatically transcoded to Opus (160 kbps) when streamed. Originals remain on disk. -- **Mobile streaming:** Use the DroppedNeedle mobile app (if available) or your device's built-in browser for the best experience. - -## Related Services - -- [slskd](../technical/slskd-soulseek.md) — Soulseek P2P client that feeds DroppedNeedle searches -- [Sonarr/Radarr](../technical/media-automation-pipeline.md#radarr) — Automated movie/TV downloads (not music) +**DroppedNeedle** is the primary music discovery and streaming service for **The Nest**. It searches across multiple sources—including local storage, Usenet, and Soulseek peer-to-peer shares—to help you find, play, and build your music collection. Think of it as your personal, self-hosted streaming service powered by community-shared media! --- -*TODO: Add screenshot of DroppedNeedle search results page.* +## 1. Getting Started & Signing In + +1. Open **[heron.mynest.love](https://heron.mynest.love)** in your Web browser or mobile app. +2. Switch to the **SSO** tab on the sign-in screen. +3. Click **Continue with SSO**. +4. Authenticate using your central Nest passkey. + +--- + +## 2. Streaming Music & Mobile Apps + +DroppedNeedle acts as a **Subsonic-compatible music server**. This means you can stream music directly in your Web browser or connect any Subsonic-supported mobile application! + +* **Web Player:** Stream lossless audio directly from your Web browser with no setup required. +* **Mobile Apps:** Choose from any [Subsonic-compatible client](https://www.subsonic.org/pages/apps.jsp) (such as Symfonium, Feishin, or Ample) to stream on iOS or Android. +* **Automated Transcoding:** High-fidelity FLAC files are automatically transcoded to high-efficiency **160 kbps Opus** when streaming to save mobile data, while original lossless files remain untouched on disk. + +--- + +## 3. How Music Discovery & Requests Work + +Unlike movie or TV requests, DroppedNeedle lets you search and request music directly—no administrator approval needed! + +1. Use the main search bar to search for a song, album, or artist. +2. DroppedNeedle queries multiple sources simultaneously: + * **Local Library:** Music already stored in The Nest's shared collection. + * **Usenet Indexers:** High-speed indexers for full releases and albums. + * **Soulseek (slskd):** Peer-to-peer network search for rare tracks and obscure releases. +3. Click **Play** to stream immediately, or **Download** to pull the track into the library. + +> [!TIP] +> **Help Keep the Library Clean!** +> Occasionally, DroppedNeedle needs help matching a rare file. Visit the **Downloads** tab to review pending downloads, select correct releases, or verify track tagging. Helping review downloads ensures the library stays organized for everyone! + +--- + +## 4. Recommendations & Scrobbling (ListenBrainz & Last.fm) + +Want weekly mixes and personalized artist recommendations? DroppedNeedle supports scrobbling (listening history sync) with **ListenBrainz** and **Last.fm**: + +1. Create a free account on [ListenBrainz](https://listenbrainz.org) or [Last.fm](https://www.last.fm). +2. Navigate to your **Profile Settings** inside DroppedNeedle. +3. Log into your ListenBrainz and/or Last.fm account and enable **Scrobbling**. + +Once connected, DroppedNeedle will automatically generate custom weekly mixes and artist recommendations based on your listening habits! + +--- + +## 5. Following Artists & Local Concert Tracking + +Keep up with your favorite musicians directly inside DroppedNeedle: + +* **New Release Alerts:** Follow an artist to receive notifications when new singles or albums are released. +* **Local Concert & Event Tracking:** Navigate to the **Following** tab and select **Coming Up**. Enter your location, and DroppedNeedle will aggregate upcoming concerts and live events near you via sources like Ticketmaster! + +--- + +## 6. Syncing Spotify Playlists + +You can sync your existing Spotify playlists directly over to DroppedNeedle! However, please note: + +* **Developer API Limit:** Spotify limits developer apps to a maximum of **5 connected accounts** simultaneously. +* **Setup Request:** Because of API constraints, Spotify playlist sync must be enabled manually by an admin. If you would like to connect your Spotify account, drop a request in the Matrix **"Ask an Admin"** room! + +--- + +## 7. Service Summary & Related Links + +| Component | URL / Endpoint | Purpose | +| :--- | :--- | :--- | +| **DroppedNeedle Web UI** | [heron.mynest.love](https://heron.mynest.love) | Web streaming, music search, and library management | + +### Related Nest Documentation: +* **[slskd (Soulseek)](../technical/slskd-soulseek.md):** The peer-to-peer backend supporting music searches. +* **[Matrix Chat](../communication-and-security/matrix.md):** Reach out to an admin to request Spotify playlist integration.