I would like to see the audio output of Media Center as an oscilloscope or as a spectrum analyzer (or as a VU meter, or as a PPM meter with digital "over" indicator, or as a stereo phase diagram), fully configurable. And with its output replicated on the system tray.
The standard Visualization Studio is somewhat limited, as it provides basic oscilloscope and spectrum visualizations only, with little control over them, and no reference grids for level and frequency. It gives more an "aesthetic" view than a technical view of audio output.
I have also tried the DirectX Host plug-in, but it is designed for pure audio plug-ins, not for real-time visualization. Its display is refreshed only a few times per second.
I think that a custom plug-in should be developed. I understand that Media Center plug-in developing is for "real programmers", so no documentation is provided (only source code). Which is the best way to start such an effort: a visualization plug-in or a DSP plug-in? How does one get the current audio output of Media Center in order to process (and display) it?