So, after months and months no real D&D play, and a back stock of unused books I have decided to move our games online, using VoIP and Maptool.
For VoIP it will likely be xfire (xfire.com) or googletalk.
Now, what I'm seeking advice is mostly in the sound department.
I'd love A) A way to stream a soundtrack to the players and B) A way to play specific sounds to the plays at certain moments in the adventures (ambient stuff, ominous winds, etc). A soundboard type program for mp3s would be great. Any suggestions?
I was thinking of using a male-to-male ended sound cable from my line-in to my line-out for the music(winamp) and ambient, and my regular mic for Narrating. I'd have to test some in the VoIP program first, though.
Any thoughts, or Advice?
I'm not 100% certain, but doesn't Fantasygrounds offer file streaming features? Maybe that would work with audio files, too.
You could look into Video Lan Client, which can be used for streaming (both server and client). I don't know whether it will be useful to you, but since it's free, you don't lose anything.
Well, Maptool is definitely the program we will be using. I've tried fantasyground, and the features do not equal the cost (I'd end up buying for everyone).
VLC has the same draw backs as winamp + shoutcast plugin for me, it wouldn't be true real-time. They generally have a delay that is long enough to throw off the description and general mood, I think.
Edit:
http://www.bsiusa.com/software/stinger/stinger.php
Stinger seems to be just right as far as soundboard program, I just a good way to transmit.
Streaming Voice and a Soundtrack would definately be a big step up from Play by Post. I'm in California and I'm thinking of running a game for two friends. One is in Seattle and the other is in Florida. So if the set-up works out for the OP, I'll have to give it a try!