HOWTO: Songbird

[plb]

Really simple guys........

Download this
http://developer.songbirdnest.com/nightly/builds/linux/i386/Songbird_20060816_linux-i686.tar.gz

tar -xfzv Songbird*

run songbird from the directory e.g. ./Songbird or add the path to your menu via alacarte

[coastdweller]

Really simple guys........

Download this
http://developer.songbirdnest.com/nightly/builds/linux/i386/Songbird_20060816_linux-i686.tar.gz

tar -xfzv Songbird*

run songbird from the directory e.g. ./Songbird or add the path to your menu via alacarte

Thank you for the submission!

I was able to easily try this out.

I'm still working on my sound problems but its cool to know there is a Itunes-like categloger for music and its easy to use.

Thanks again.

[gils0040]

crashes every few seconds for me....looks great though, i cant wait for it to go stable

[RSX311]

yeah crashes randomly for me too, but it looks awesome, can't wait for a stable release to come out

[mrgnash]

I tried Songbird on Klik, because I thought it would be difficult to install. But this version crashes far less often :D Looks very promising so far!

[handband2]

First I would like to thank ArsGeek (http://www.arsgeek.com/?p=615) for making this so easy to install!!!

Songbird is a great way to have all your media and web media in one place. Check out the site Songbird (http://www.songbirdnest.com/).

Now lets intall it:

You can go here to download the file:
http://www.songbirdnest.com/download/get/?sb_version=RC2&platform=linux-i686

Click here to download Songbird! (http://www.songbirdnest.com/thankyou/?sb_version=RC2&platform=linux-i686)

Go to where you downloaded the file and untar it:
tar zxvf ~/Desktop/Song*.tar.gz

Rename the file:
cd ~/Desktop

mv Songbird_20061003 Songbird

Move Songbird where you would like to have it. I put it into /opt:
sudo cp -Rv ~/Desktop/Songbird /opt

Lets make sure we have use of this folder:
sudo chown -Rv username:username /opt/Songbird/

Time to run Songbird:
/opt/Songbird/Songbird

Add and icon. You can download it by clicking here:
Songbird Icon (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=17030&stc=1&d=1160236451) - The Default icon is /Songbird/chrome/icons/default/default.xpm

More icons here:
http://www.songbirdnest.com/getsongbird

Move icon:
sudo cp ~/Desktop/sb.png /usr/share/pixmaps

Adding it to the Application Menu:

Right click on Applications


Select Edit Menus


In Alacarte Menu Editor - Goto Sound & Video


Click on File -> New Entry


Entry Editor

Name: Songbird

Comment: Songbird

Command: /opt/Songbird/Songbird



Click on No Icon

Goto /usr/share/pixmaps/sb.png


Click OK



Now run it:

Applications -> Sound & Video -> Songbird



I would like to say thanks again to ArsGeek. If any of you have a chance check out the other Ubuntu Posts (http://www.arsgeek.com/?cat=9). There is a lot of good stuff there!

[franestepona]

Nice How-to! Works great, but I have a problem though... How to play last.fm stream? When I click in a radio it says: last.fm is not a registered protocol.

Thanks!

[geovino]

I downloaded the file and it installed a folder in some archiver but is doesn't tell you what program it is. Where do i go from there? It looks like it is already extracted. So I don't know if your instructions will work.

[handband2]

Nice How-to! Works great, but I have a problem though... How to play last.fm stream? When I click in a radio it says: last.fm is not a registered protocol.

Thanks!

I'm glad it worked. :)

For last.fm you have to make sure last.fm player is installed. reda_ea has a good howto for the last.fm player:
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=213185

To install last.fm player:
sudo apt-get install libgconf2-dev libgstreamer0.10-dev libgstreamer-plugins-base0.10-dev libgdk-pixbuf-dev libgtk2.0-dev libmono-dev libgnome2.0-cil mono-mcs mono-gac
or

Open Synaptic Package Manager


Install these packages

libgconf2-dev


libgstreamer0.10-dev


libgstreamer-plugins-base0.10-dev


libgdk-pixbuf-dev


libgtk2.0-dev


libmono-dev


libgnome2.0-cil


mono-mcs


mono-gac



Download the file:
last-exit_2.0-1ubuntu2_i386.deb.tar.bz2 (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=14067&d=1155161192)
Untar or Extract the file:
cd Desktop
tar -xjvf last-exit_2.0-1ubuntu2_i386.deb.tar.bz2
or

Right Click on last-exit_2.0-1ubuntu2_i386.deb.tar.bz2


Goto - Extract Here


Intall last.fm player:
dpkg -i last-exit_2.0-1ubuntu2_i386.deb
or

Click on last-exit_2.0-1ubuntu2_i386.deb


Click on Install Package


I hope this helps.

[handband2]

I downloaded the file and it installed a folder in some archiver but is doesn't tell you what program it is. Where do i go from there? It looks like it is already extracted. So I don't know if your instructions will work.

geovino,
Try downloading it from here:
http://www.songbirdnest.com/download

Make sure you have the Songbird*.tar.gz file downloaded

[~LoKe]

Wow! Thanks!

[TrendyDark]

This needs to be updated.

1) Songbird RC3 is out
2) There is now an audioscrobbler extension for Songbird RC3 :)

http://www.songbirdnest.com/node/838

[aysiu]

This needs to be updated.

1) Songbird RC3 is out
2) There is now an audioscrobbler extension for Songbird RC3 :)

http://www.songbirdnest.com/node/838
I wrote a script that installs Songbird for you (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=273162). I just updated it to install RC3.

If you already have RC2 installed, Songbird has an update manager that will upgrade to RC3.

[TrendyDark]

Great work Aysiu! Although, I already have it installed :)

Thanks though!

Now, if someone could tell me how to get Alltray + Songbird working well together, i would be truely pleased.

[hype]

Songbird looks really nice honestly. :o
The only thing i dont like (in most of this "type" of players) is the management of files. It justs puts your all of them in the library: i'd like to simply be able to browse my drives/folders.

Edit: wOw: this software is REALLY beatyfull and well done. I mean just "ergonomically": its pretty, user friendly.

Edit2: I didn't manage to stream a shoutcast radio (using Shoutcast Radio Directory extension); i get a "connection error" ( i can use bassdrive.com stream using VLC without problem where i get a connection error in Songbird).

[Ago12]

It is pretty funny to write an Itues-like for Linux, but I hate the fact that:

-there is no systray icon
- and the worst: that it is not written nor in GTK, nor int QT.

Integration sucks, it remains me Windows apps :/

[GStubbs43]

It is pretty funny to write an Itues-like for Linux, but I hate the fact that:

-there is no systray icon
- and the worst: that it is not written nor in GTK, nor int QT.

Integration sucks, it remains me Windows apps :/

It isn't trying to be an iTunes for Linux. It wants to take Firefox, and make it a media player and web browser in one. Now, it obviously won't be your main browser, but it can do a lot of things iTunes can't, like play movies (mpeg, .mov etc.) supports more filetypes, and can play flash etc. online.

[GStubbs43]

Edit2: I didn't manage to stream a shoutcast radio (using Shoutcast Radio Directory extension); i get a "connection error" ( i can use bassdrive.com stream using VLC without problem where i get a connection error in Songbird).

I have the same problem, using the Shoutcast extension, I can't connect to any of the streams, it always says error. Any ideas?](*,)

[aysiu]

I've moved the discussion about architectures to this thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=273162), since it has a lot more to do with the script.

[kopilo]

Good work! (no sarcasim)

[alejandrops]

Hi, I tried the new songbird 0.2 RC3 and, like with RC2 I have some issues

- can't get a systray Icon. is there any way to display anything in tray?
- when I move the songbird windows it is really choppy, it's impossible to drag the songbird window! anyone with the same problem?

[kopilo]

When you drag or move the window, ensure that your cursor stays on the window. when I went to the minimise view I have difficulty moving it up the screen lol.

Also as far as I know the only extention for a tray icon is for windows. However It should be in your system panel, just like whatever browser you are using.

[wolf202]

Great Guide, Submitted to Wikitut.org (http://www.wikitut.org)

http://www.wikitut.org/index.php?title=How_to_Install_Songbird_Media_Play er_Under_Linux

-wolf

[mozetti]

Re: Minimize-to-Tray-Extension -- this extension only works for windows, since it's a port of the FFx/Tbird extension that only works in Windows.

Re: Alltray -- the v02 RC2/3 builds are basically "proof-of-concept" builds to generate interest from developers, hence the "Developer Preview" moniker they've given it. In my use over the past coupla weeks, I've noticed the UI isn't 100% implemented/bug-free. For example, I have trouble moving the miniplayer, re-sizing is jerky, etc. I think this may be affecting how Alltray interacts with the window.

Re: Shoutcast Extension -- I get the same problem. Nothing plays, and just says "Error" in the display. If you're a good bugfinder/debugger, try to help out over at their website (http://www.songbirdnets.com), in the development section.

[regeya]

Any early adopters care to comment on the Linux version? I'm running it on OS X, and it tends to suck up all available CPU cycles.

[aysiu]

Save yourself some trouble and use the Songbird installation script:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/songbird

It downloads the appropriate .tar.gz for your architecture, unzips it, creates an executable, and a menu entry with a Songbird icon.

[DSn0wMan]

Thanks for the scritp. It's working wonderfully (so far). Hopefully they plan on updating the hot key tool to let me include my multimedia buttons.

[gg234]

i would suggest try this nice songbird tutorial with screenshots (http://www.debianadmin.com/install-songbird-in-ubuntu-and-enjoy-your-music.html)

i hope you would love it

[aysiu]

i would suggest try this nice songbird tutorial with screenshots (http://www.debianadmin.com/install-songbird-in-ubuntu-and-enjoy-your-music.html)

i hope you would love it
Why?

The script does the same thing in fewer steps.

[Ben Sprinkle]

Just noticed your name means "I see you".

[DC@DR]

Save yourself some trouble and use the Songbird installation script:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/songbird

It downloads the appropriate .tar.gz for your architecture, unzips it, creates an executable, and a menu entry with a Songbird icon.

This script helps me install and run Songbird within a few minutes. Thanks so much, the app is awesome and stable so far for me :)

[FrankVdb]

Script worked for me too, thanks.

Songbird hasn't crashed once after two days of fairly intensive use (listening to mp3's and internet radio). Is still lacking functionality, I'm curious what the first stable release will bring.

I do have a problem with incredibly small fonts in Songbird. Also, I'd like to change the black skin into something that is easier on the eyes. Any chances?

[rejekt]

I was able to install and run Songbird without issue. The problem came when I loaded my music into the library via my mounted network drive.

sbWindowCloak: cloaking..
sbWindowCloak: cloaking..
sbWindowCloak: cloaking..
sbWindowCloak: cloaking..
** Message: don't know how to handle audio/mpeg, mpegversion=(int)1, layer=(int)3

It just spams that over and over as it errors for each song and goes to the next, just spitting out more errors to the console.

Is it safe to assume that it doesn't like the network share, or am I just missing the correct codecs?

Edit: Just tried moving a file to the local drive and playing and still getting an error.

Edit 2: Went to Songbird's site and look at their suggested packages to have installed, installed them and restarted. I am now able to listen to my mp3's across my mounted shared drive without issue. :)

[alaaji]

Use the script from http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/songbird

I did and it works like a charm!

[deanhopkins]

Brilliant! Wow, im in love with this player, thanks!

[bodhi.zazen]

Nice How-to



This thread has been added to the UDSF wiki.



bodhi.zazen

[andlinux21]

I use songbird its pretty sweet I must say. Before I used XMMS and Beep Media Player.

[RTB-UK]

Nice media player. Nice install script too.

[soapytheclown]

can you music share with people on your lan like on itunes on this, if so id use it over rhythmbox just cause of the interface

[qrm]

is there any way to minimize it to tray? I love the design of the interface, the GUI was the only thing that was a turnoff about rythmbox but songbird has the same layout/functions and its way prettier

E: searched around and only found the minimize to tray extencion for windows, If anyone has more luck then let us know :)

[peanut butter]

dare i call it the cross-platform itunes?
It works great, cant wait till the stable release.:)

[pickarooney]

I really like the look of Songbird, but can't seem to fogure out how to use it properly!
I want to scan through my files and add them to the playlist as I find them, but to do it I have to select the file, click on add to playlist, then select a playlist from the list of one.
How do I make it so that a double-click adds a song to the current playlist?

[lilmienboy]

WOW thats script work wonders!! finally got my sound back

[spin2cool]

Here's some quick help on importing windows iTunes libraries from songbird.

I needed two things. First, get the iTunes Importer extension (install it from within Songbird, under Services>Extensions).

Unfortunately, we're going to require one more step before I can use the importer. Since the iTunes library was created with windows, it's xml contains a bunch of links that look like: file://localhost/E:/music/unsorted/filename. Since I'm running it under linux, that clearly isn't going to work.

In linux, I have my music folder mounted at /media/music, and my so I wrote a quick little three line script that will make the changes for me.

Create a new script:
gedit iTunes2Songbird.sh

Copy the following text into the script, altering the paths as necessary:
#!/bin/bash
cp /media/data/documents/My\ Music/iTunes/iTunes\ Music\ Library.xml /tmp/
perl -pi -e 's/file\:\/\/localhost\/E\:\//\/media\//g' /tmp/iTunes\ Music\ Library.xml
echo "Use File>Import Library to import the library (found at /tmp/iTunes Music Library)";


Make it executable:
chmod +x iTunes2Songbird.sh

Run the script:
./iTunes2Songbird.sh

You'll have to modify the script to point to your music folders, but that should be easy enough, now that you see how it works. Sadly, this is a one-way solution, which means that any changes you make in Songbird won't be copied back to iTunes, but I can live with that for now.

Also be sure to go to File>Preferences, then choose the Import tab and check all of the boxes. That'll make sure that Songbird automatically updates the library.

[~LoKe]

Seems to have made some progress since I last saw.

Nice work. =]

[CAX]

I have installed songbird and from what I could see there was no problems But it doesn't play my mp3's. No error message or anything it just doesn't start. Amarok plays them with no problems. Any ideas?

(Kubuntu edgy user)

[byenary]

Hello, installed it, look nice but does not play, it says no devices yet under Devices....
Ive got sound when booting ubuntu, so i guess it should be ok ?

[escopio]

It worked! Your script "iTunes2Songbird" has saved my music library.
I have registered myself in the forum just to say: thank you!!

[tokh]

Hi everybody,

I'm posting this little comment here in the hope that it helps the community. I followed help from numerous pages:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/songbird
http://www.songbirdnest.com/node/1478
http://publicsvn.songbirdnest.com/trac/wiki/SettingUpGStreamer\
as well as this topic here.

anyways, it seems like you need Gstream up and running. the link (mentioned above) to help you is:
http://publicsvn.songbirdnest.com/trac/wiki/SettingUpGStreamer\

the page also mentions which gstreamer files you need, so please install them under synaptic-package-manager by clicking on "system" -> "administration" -> "synaptic-package-manager".
next, you will find help under "Selecting Your Output Plugin".
type :
gstreamer-properties
and a window titled " multimedia systems selector" will open. don't worry (too much) if you see (in the terminal):
gstreamer-properties-Message: Skipping unavailable plugin 'artsdsink'
gstreamer-properties-Message: Skipping unavailable plugin 'polypsink'
gstreamer-properties-Message: Skipping unavailable plugin 'sdlvideosink'
gstreamer-properties-Message: Skipping unavailable plugin 'v4lmjpegsrc'
gstreamer-properties-Message: Skipping unavailable plugin 'qcamsrc'
gstreamer-properties-Message: Skipping unavailable plugin 'esdmon'
gstreamer-properties-Message: Skipping unavailable plugin 'polypsrc'

as my Songbird works fine even without those plugins mentioned above.

i had "autodetect" on my output setting, and it seems like Songbird didn't like that. I chose ALSA and Songbird is up and running.

please note that I'm no expert, I've had Ubuntu installed for just about 4 days now, and I'm trying to migrate from windows to Ubuntu (always good news, isn't it?)
Also note that I did not go through all the posts in this topic, so if my help/tip/advice has been mentioned before, then probably someone has a more elaborate walk-through on how to fix the annoying "error" thing.
another (extremely important) advice i'd like to offer is to google for help besides looking in this forum, and have many walk-throughs open in many windows so you can choose which walk-through best describes your issue(s).

now, let the Bird Sing! :guitar: :guitar:

[kornface13]

Where in songbird are you seeing this output device setting?? mine stopped playing music all of a sudden, and i need to get it fixed. i need my songbird!!!

[martinarg]

Now that is a great post! It worked great and helped me understand how things are done (moved to Ubuntu about 6 months ago and still have a lot to learn).
Thanks for keeping it simple.

[floyd8]

After using the install script from a few posts ago, downloading all the packages i needed to get, I am still unable to play music through Songbird.

I can play it through it's browser with flash, but clicking download, or play on a song does nothing but put an error up.

Has anyone run into this problem?

thanks

[bharadwaj]

crashes every few seconds for me....looks great though, i cant wait for it to go stable
Thats because the version of songbird is still under development it is not stable

[1jackjack]

I know this post was a long time ago, but I found it recently when trying to solve my songbird/alltray problems, so thought i'd post my simple solution...

Now, if someone could tell me how to get Alltray + Songbird working well together, i would be truely pleased.

What doesn't work:
Running songbird, then alltray and trying to click on the songbird UI

What does work:
Running songbird WITH the alltray command: alltray songbird. I have edited my launcher (in /usr/share/applications) to use this command...