owntone/owntone-server
Owntone Server
OwnTone is a self-hosted music library manager and multiroom audio streaming server designed to run as a Unix-native daemon. It functions as a centralized hub that aggregates local audio files, internet radio, podcasts, and cloud-based music services into a single, unified library for network-wide access.
The server distinguishes itself by providing synchronized multiroom audio broadcasting to AirPlay and Chromecast devices, alongside support for standard network protocols like DAAP and MPD. It manages these streams through a multi-protocol pipeline that handles transcoding and relaying, ensuring compatibility across diverse hardware and software players.
The system includes comprehensive library management features, utilizing relational database indexing for fast navigation and smart playlist generation. It supports remote control through mobile and web-based interfaces, allowing users to manage playback and library navigation from any connected device on the network.
The software is designed for deployment on Unix-like operating systems and can be installed via native package managers, container images, or manual compilation.
Features
- Audio Stream Synchronizers - Broadcasts local music and online streaming services to multiple network-connected speakers simultaneously for a synchronized home audio experience.
- Networked Audio Synchronization - Synchronizes and broadcasts audio streams across multiple network-connected speakers and devices.
- Music Library Managers - Organizes and indexes local audio collections for network-wide access and playback.
- Media Servers - Serves local audio libraries to external players and hardware using standard network protocols.
- Multi-Protocol Media Streaming - Transcodes and relays diverse audio sources into standardized network streams compatible with various speaker protocols.
- Self-Hosted Music Platforms - Aggregates diverse media sources into a unified, self-hosted library for remote control and playback.
- Audio Streaming Servers - Streams local files, internet radio, and cloud music services to AirPlay and Chromecast devices.
- Music Metadata Indexing - Uses a relational database to store and query large music collections for fast library navigation and smart playlist generation.
- AirPlay Receivers - Enables non-Apple hardware to receive and play audio streams via AirPlay and Chromecast protocols.
- Remote Media Playback - Exposes interfaces for mobile and web applications to manage media playback and library navigation remotely.
- Music Streaming Integrations - Integrates with premium music services to incorporate remote cloud-based media libraries directly into the local playback environment.
- Remote Audio Controllers - Provides software interfaces to adjust audio system parameters and playback from external network-connected devices.
- Unified Media Libraries - Aggregates local files, internet radio, podcasts, and cloud services into a single unified library.
- Internet Radio Streams - Fetches and plays live audio streams from internet radio stations and RSS-based podcast feeds.
- UPnP and DAAP Media Protocols - Shares local media libraries with hardware devices and software players using standard protocols like DAAP and MPD.
- Background Input Daemons - Runs as a background system process that interfaces directly with hardware drivers and network stacks for stable operation.
Star history
How this analysis was created: This summary and feature list are AI-generated from collected project material and can contain mistakes. Stars, license and language are imported from GitHub. Inclusion does not mean that we have tested or audited this project. Check the source documentation for any feature you depend on. Learn more on our About page.
