diff --git a/src/auracast/multicast.py b/src/auracast/multicast.py
index a1f99f7..02203bb 100644
--- a/src/auracast/multicast.py
+++ b/src/auracast/multicast.py
@@ -674,7 +674,12 @@ class Streamer():
         self.is_streaming = True
     
         # frame drop algo parameters
-        sample_rate = big['audio_input']._pcm_format.sample_rate
+        # In demo/precoded modes there may be no audio_input or no _pcm_format yet
+        ai = big.get('audio_input')
+        if ai is not None and hasattr(ai, '_pcm_format') and getattr(ai, '_pcm_format') is not None:
+            sample_rate = ai._pcm_format.sample_rate
+        else:
+            sample_rate = global_config.auracast_sampling_rate_hz
         samples_discarded_total = 0  # Total samples discarded
         discard_events = 0  # Number of times we discarded samples
         frames_since_last_discard = 999  # Guard: frames since last discard (start high to allow first drop)
@@ -813,9 +818,11 @@ class Streamer():
                 # Increment guard counter (tracks frames since last discard)
                 frames_since_last_discard += 1
                 
-                # Periodic stats logging
+                # Periodic stats logging (only for device/sounddevice streams, not WAV files)
+                # WAV file concurrent access causes deadlock in ThreadedAudioInput
                 now = time.perf_counter()
-                if now - last_stats_log >= stats_interval:
+                is_device_stream = hasattr(big['audio_input'], '_stream') and big['audio_input']._stream is not None
+                if is_device_stream and now - last_stats_log >= stats_interval:
                     # Get current buffer status from PortAudio
                     current_sd_buffer = 0
                     if hasattr(big['audio_input'], '_stream') and big['audio_input']._stream: