What would the ultimate front end be?

**sama** · 06-22-2006, 03:43 PM

I've thought about that, I wanted to do it in Java for that reason, so it would run on linux/windows/mac

the problem with doing that is codec installers. Java's support for media files is at best poor! divx, realplayer, mp3's and all those need to be external players. So I guess a Java app could use external command lines that are configured, but I fear the multple OS testing.

The second issue is using a GPS app. Again, Java can do this for windows using some ActiveX interfaces etc. But this will be a different game all together for macs and for linux.

I'll give it some thought again, to see whether or not it is a viable option. I'll try a few proof of concepts first but I'm doubtful in all honesty.

**P3rv3rt B3ar** · 06-22-2006, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by sama

divx, realplayer, mp3's and all those need to be external players.

EHHH??? Javas media framework handle those AFAIK.

**turbocad6** · 06-22-2006, 06:02 PM

...I'll second the use of a database for speedy searches of huge music libraries... has to be easily searchable.... priority #1 to me...

**NiN^_^NiN** · 06-22-2006, 06:13 PM

Actually my perfect frontend is browsing by either DB or folder list

I found it faster for me to use folders for bands then the albums under them but only a select few frontends offer this.

Id rather have that and a db but an option for either would be good

**sama** · 06-22-2006, 07:49 PM

@P3rv3rt B3ar - I looked at JMF recently, and focussed mainly on getting DVD to play through it. I was hoping for an out-of-the-box solution but faced many problems, and solutions out there use directshow wrappers, which would pretty much solve the video realm. Perhaps mp3's are implemented, I'm not too sure, but I'd bet a couple of dollars WMA and the likes are not as easy. I will investigate a bit more though. If you have any pointers for me, poke away

@turbocad / Nin - The biggest problem is not the indexing itself, that part is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. The key is updating the indices. I know that in my case I have a removable disk that I take home and update. It would be possible to have an update on demand, but that would have to be a brute force mechanism to check thoroughly. This is a seperate area of debate I think and will probably be started as a thread of it's own when the project gets on the way.

**daristiz** · 06-23-2006, 01:01 AM

and what about using mono? is the opensource implementation of .NET ( and c#), and run in linux and windows

**sama** · 06-23-2006, 02:49 AM

mono seems interesting. But I've found a lovely little gem: FOBS, a JMF plugin for FFMPeg, which is a multiplatform versatile player for divx/dvd/mp3's etc.

I can't see any support for wmv/wma yet tho, still looking

**redbullah** · 06-23-2006, 02:50 AM

sama says,
"Back in the 386 days, some company made a game called Commanche, which loaded itself in that way."
yes indeed nice commodore days.

What about a Linux Carpc edition? Plus you can find anything you need on internet (like codecs etc) and free. I am almost sure that Linux can be modified for carpc.

**sama** · 06-23-2006, 06:41 AM

after much thought, I still think doing it as a windows app is the best for one reason... drivers!

Whilst I've managed to find enough info to get java working with all media formats now, there's still the phone controller, radio, tv and the likes, not to forget GPS.

and even if the front end itself does work through mono, x-platform drivers will be cumbersome.

so my verdict is that .net will be the way to go.