# RideStream Complete Documentation & Technical Reference

> Full documentation index for RideStream — Local Multimedia Player & Wi-Fi Streaming Server for Windows and Android.

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## 1. Overview & Architecture

RideStream is a lightweight, zero-cloud multimedia streaming server and local media player built for Windows 10+ and Android 8.0+.

- **Developer**: ITGridForge (https://itgridforge.com)
- **Official Site**: https://ridestream.itgridforge.com
- **Privacy Standard**: Zero cloud uploads, zero telemetry, zero user tracking, zero account registration.
- **Network Engine**: Built-in HTTP media server (port 9191) with automatic local network discovery over UDP broadcast (port 8082).

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## 2. Core Features

### Wi-Fi Host Mode
Turn any Windows PC or Android device into a local HTTP media server. Broadcast your media library over your local Wi-Fi network without third-party servers or cloud setup.
- Automatic background auto-host mode.
- Local IP broadcast over LAN.
- Multi-client simultaneous streaming support (all clients play the same synchronized stream).

### Receiver Mode & Remote Control
Connect as a client to any active RideStream host on your network.
- Browse host playlists directly from receiver devices.
- Full remote control capabilities: Play, pause, skip, seek, shuffle, and toggle repeat.
- Real-time state synchronization updated every second.

### Mixed Audio & Video Playlists
Unlike standard media players that separate audio and video files, RideStream allows seamlessly mixing MP4 videos, MP3 songs, FLAC tracks, and MKV files in a single unified playlist.

### Native-Resolution Adaptive Streaming
Video streams at the file's native resolution by default (no re-encode). When Wi-Fi bandwidth is limited, adaptive quality scales the stream down:
- Native / Direct (High bandwidth LAN or strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi)
- 720p HD (Standard Wi-Fi)
- 480p SD (Low signal / congestion)

### Copy from Server (Offline Transfer)
Transfer media files or entire playlists from host server to receiver local storage over Wi-Fi for offline playback when traveling away from home.

### Audio Normalization & Background Playback
- Dynamic Audio Normalization: real-time loudness balancing (LUFS / ReplayGain / EBU R128) that prevents clipping during playback.
- Batch "Normalize Audio Volume": re-encodes audio and video in a playlist to a permanent loudness target (Standard -16 LUFS, Music -14 LUFS, Cinema -18 LUFS) using an FFmpeg EBU R128 filter.
- Background audio playback with Android persistent media notifications and lock screen controls.

### Google Drive Backup
Export a playlist (M3U8 index plus all media files) to a Google Drive folder on Android via the system folder picker, and restore it on any device. Requires the Google Drive app to be installed.

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## 3. Supported Formats & System Requirements

### Video Formats
- MP4 (H.264 / AAC)
- MKV (Matroska)
- AVI
- WebM (VP8/VP9)

### Audio Formats
- MP3
- AAC / M4A
- FLAC
- WAV
- OGG

### Minimum Requirements
- **Windows**: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit). Available via Microsoft Store.
- **Android**: Android 8.0 (Oreo / API level 26) or higher. Available via Google Play.
- **Network**: Local Wi-Fi or Wired Local Area Network (LAN).

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## 4. Licensing & Trial Details

RideStream operates under a fair, transparent licensing model:

| Feature | 15-Day Free Trial | Unlocked License |
|---|---|---|
| Local Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Mixed Playlists | Yes | Yes |
| Background Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Host Mode | Yes (15 days) | Permanent |
| Receiver Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | $0 | One-time purchase |

### Shared Host Licensing Policy
Only the **Host device** requires an unlocked license to serve media libraries across your network. Any device with an expired trial can connect in **Receiver Mode** to an unlocked host and stream media without paying additional fees.

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## 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### How do I stream media from PC to Android over Wi-Fi?
1. Open RideStream on Windows PC and enable **Host Mode**.
2. Open RideStream on Android connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Select **Receiver Mode** to auto-discover your PC and start playing files immediately.

### Is RideStream private?
Yes. RideStream never phones home, collects no analytics, requires no account login, and transmits media exclusively within your private local network.

### How does RideStream compare to Plex or Jellyfin?
RideStream is designed for instant setup with zero configuration. Plex and Jellyfin require server daemons, port forwarding, user accounts, and database maintenance. RideStream runs directly on demand with no background background services or account requirements.