I’ve mostly got the iTunes XML stuff done, and two of the things on my list are:
1. Better interface for adhoc scripts (like you are doing right now). That’s detailed at http://www.mt-daapd.org/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&Itemid=40&func=view&id=1149&catid=7.
If you are interested in remote IP with that, I can add that.
2. An event infrastructure such that interesting events (client connect/disconnect/play song, etc) gets reported somehow. (unix socket? fifo? something like that)
Once I get #1 done, perhaps that will help your effort. It will allow you to transcode *and* run your apps, anyway, plus control the “song” display on iTunes better (or the soundbridge)