Topic: Encoder and decoder versions (LAME 3.97 encoder & improved MPC decoder) (Read 31016 times)

Alex B · « **on:** December 20, 2005, 03:02:10 pm »

Quote from: pank2002 on December 19, 2005, 06:35:24 pm

It seems that there's a new recommended LAME:
http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Lame_Compiles

Currently MC uses build 96, I think. At least the lame.exe in the plugin folder is build 96... The dll might be different.

Perhaps the LAME-encoder of MC should be updated?

-Rasmus

MC uses LAME 3.96.1 by default. You can replace the lame.exe file with any newer LAME build. It will work.

I wrote this a few days ago:

Quote from: Alex B on December 15, 2005, 12:34:21 pm

...

BTW, there is a new public ~128 kbps listening test on progress at HA forum. The test compares the newest versions of LAME, Ogg Vorbis, Nero AAC, iTunes AAC and WMA Pro. I have tried the test program and I am quite confident the test will prove that these encoders are all very high quality and the results will be pretty much tied. The test is open for public. If someone is interested the announcement is here: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=39448

After the test results are published it would be a good idea to update the LAME and Vorbis encoders to the tested versions. The current LAME version is 3.97 beta 2, but it is expected to be officially released any time soon. I have not heard anything about official Vorbis releases, but Vorbis AoTuV beta 4.51 is probably the best Vorbis version so far at all quality settings. I wouldn't hesitate to include it with the MC installer. I have written about its amazing quality at ~90 kbps here: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=39233.

Any comments Matt & co?

At the same time you could check the compiler/packager options. For some reason MC's lame.exe is four times bigger than the other usually available compiles.

Also, I would like to once again repeat this wish:

Quote from: Alex B on December 15, 2005, 02:51:16 pm

Musepack Fix the decoder, use the latest libraries and remove the "An MPC decoder is already running" warning and limitation.

I mean this warning:

Some other programs can safely run more than one decoder.

The warning pops up all the time:

- when trying to play mpc files on two or more zones.
- when trying to analyze an mpc file during playback of another mpc file.
- when trying to convert an mpc file during playback of another mpc file.
- when a client tries to play an mpc file (with the conversion option enabled) and the server is playing another mpc file.

Matt · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2005, 03:26:33 pm »

Do MC > Help > Check For Updates... to get the latest LAME.

Updated MPC is in the pipeline.

Thanks.

Alex B · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2005, 04:06:41 pm »

Thanks. The installer window looks nice. The new version installed without problems and a test encoding worked fine.

One note though, the version name should be LAME 3.97b2, for now.

marko · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2005, 04:10:38 pm »

Quote from: Matt on December 20, 2005, 03:26:33 pm

Updated MPC is in the pipeline.

Oh happy days

brilliant news.

bob · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2006, 02:58:48 pm »

Can you mpc users try this musepack input plugin for version 11?

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.mjp

Consider it beta but it works well for me. Feedback appreciated.

marko · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2006, 03:52:18 pm »

nice one Bob, thanks.

it's not releasing the files. try doing an "analyse audio" on an mpc file, it can't save the tags. need to close MC, close the tag error dialogue, restart MC, update tags from library.

also, some wierd stuff in the file type info window..
on a freshly imported flac with correct tags, to mpc...

on a fully tagged and imported file...

and a wierd compression entry in the tag info window...

set conversion threads for handheld to 4, playing back mpc files, and it's currently working away, apparently as expected.

bob · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2006, 04:07:23 pm »

Thanks Marko,
I'll check into those. I have an idea on the release problem. Not sure about the tags, I did load the library from the existing tags but didn't try to go the other way.

bob · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2006, 04:28:24 pm »

Ok, can you check to see if the release problem is gone for you??

Just download from the same link.

Also, I haven't been able to duplicate the funky tag problem yet. Perhaps the change above will make a difference??

bob · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2006, 05:10:10 pm »

I cleaned up the file info and just uploaded it again, same link. I'll probably add more info there but that will require some extra changes.

Alex B · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2006, 05:12:20 pm »

This plug-in fixes the "There is already an MPC decoder running" problem. Otherwise I can see the same things marko reported.

- It does not release the files.

This does not go away:

and this comes up when closing MC:

- The compression field looks like this:

- I copied the file tags from the "File Type Info" window:

Code: [Select]

Monkey's Audio 䛰䑘٧�٦m (診矵 )
Monkey's Audio 䛰䑘٧�٦m (診矵 )
Monkey's Audio 䛰䑘٧�٦m (診矵 )
Tag: APE Tag 2.00 (484 bytes)
   Track: 6
   Year: 2005
   Comment: CD1
   Artist: Kraftwerk
   Genre: Electronic
   Album: Test Album
   Peak Level: 0,97464
   Tool Version: 11.1.91
   Media Jukebox: BPM: 132
   Tool Name: Media Center
   Media Jukebox: Intensity: 5
   Media Jukebox: Encoder: 115v_q8_ms15
   Title: Tour de France Etape 1 (Live)
   Replay Gain (radio): -9,9798600000000004
   Media Jukebox: Comment 2: Minimum-Maximum

Alex B · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2006, 05:13:12 pm »

Quote from: bob on January 03, 2006, 05:10:10 pm

I cleaned up the file info and just uploaded it again, same link. I'll probably add more info there but that will require some extra changes.

I have not tried this yet. I will soon...

Alex B · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2006, 05:41:50 pm »

Hmm... I can't see any difference in the behavior.

I mailed a sample file to bob @ jriver.com.

It shows these tags:

Code: [Select]

Monkey's Audio 䛰䑘Կ�Ծ) (診矵@)
Monkey's Audio 䛰䑘Կ�Ծ) (診矵@)
Monkey's Audio 䛰䑘Կ�Ծ) (診矵@)
Tag: APE Tag 2.00 (484 bytes)
   Track: 4
   Genre: Pop
   Year: 1996
   Artist: Björk
   Peak Level: 0,98856
   Tool Version: 11.1.91
   Media Jukebox: BPM: 56
   Tool Name: Media Center
   Media Jukebox: Intensity: 1
   Media Jukebox: CD Track #: 1
   Replay Gain (radio): -11,16879
   Media Jukebox: Encoder: 115v_q5
   Album: A newly tagged test album
   Media Jukebox: Comment 2: Telegram
   Title: Possibly Maybe - LFO (Lucy Mix)

Alex B · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2006, 06:09:05 pm »

The old plug-in shows this:

Code: [Select]

MPC StreamVersion 7.0
Standard
177 kbps, VBR
44.1 khz, Mid/Side Stereo
7007 Frames, 183 Seconds

Tag: APE Tag 2.00 (484 bytes)
   Track: 4
   Genre: Pop
   Year: 1996
   Artist: Björk
   Peak Level: 0,98856
   Tool Version: 11.1.91
   Media Jukebox: BPM: 56
   Tool Name: Media Center
   Media Jukebox: Intensity: 1
   Media Jukebox: CD Track #: 1
   Replay Gain (radio): -11,16879
   Media Jukebox: Encoder: 115v_q5
   Album: A newly tagged test album
   Media Jukebox: Comment 2: Telegram
   Title: Possibly Maybe - LFO (Lucy Mix)

Alex B · « **Reply #13 on:** January 03, 2006, 06:44:36 pm »

Another program can show this info besides the APE v.2 tags. It would be great if MC could show all available info.

Code: [Select]

bitrate = 177
samplerate = 44100
channels = 2
mpc_profile = 'Standard'
mpc_encoder = --Alpha-- 1.15
mpc_streamversion = 7
mpc_accurate_length = yes
codec = Musepack
 ---------- 
8072064 samples @ 44100Hz
File size: 4 049 324 bytes

bob · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2006, 09:24:48 am »

For sure the file info should have changed. I wonder if you are not getting the current version (proxy or something). Could you try again? I changed the version to 3.1.2.2a. Also, if that doesn't show any change, could you download the zip directly, unzip it, put the in_mpc.dll into the plugins directory and use plugins->add to readd it?

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.zip

I will add more info to the file info display asap but it should be at least clean for now (no monkey's audio and weird binary chars).

Alex B · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2006, 11:46:12 am »

You are right. Probably the file was in the browser's cache. 3.1.2.2a fixes the File Type Info window garbage problem. The other issues remain.

bob · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2006, 12:50:47 pm »

Thanks, the file release worked for me. I'll do some more checking.

Alex B · « **Reply #17 on:** January 04, 2006, 06:08:17 pm »

I found a playback problem. The new decoder adds obvious clicks. They are audible in the sample file I sent you.

I made two sort samples from the same file. One with the old decoder and another one with the new decoder. I used MC's disk writer output (I compressed the wave files with Monkey's Audio afterwards).

Old: olddecoder.ape (3.3 MB)
New: newdecoder.ape (3.3 MB)

The playback settings:
Output: Disk Writer
Replay Gain: Album, Automatic based on current playlist
Overflow handling: Clip protection
Output format: 24-bit, Source number of channels, Source sample rate

The clicks look like this in a wave editor:

Alex B · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2006, 01:51:58 pm »

Bob & marko,

Can you reproduce this click problem? I could analyze and compare the audio quality more, but I am not going to start further testing before this issue is resolved.

marko · « **Reply #19 on:** January 05, 2006, 02:01:28 pm »

I'll let you know tomorrow, hopefully.

btw, alex, I don't see any wave editor image, and loading the url directly into firefox, it claims that click.png is a 1 x 1 gif file!

Alex B · « **Reply #20 on:** January 05, 2006, 02:19:05 pm »

Strange, I can display the image with IE, Firefox and Opera. (...and it is not a local file. Actually, it is not even on my ISP's server). ~~Here is the image in jpg format, is it any different?~~ - Fixed, I removed "click" from the image link.

Also, here is the original Musepack file (I made a short sample):

testsource.mpc (21.5 s, 0.5 MB)

marko · « **Reply #21 on:** January 05, 2006, 02:39:24 pm »

Quote from: Alex B on January 05, 2006, 02:19:05 pm

Strange, I can display the image with IE, Firefox and Opera. (...and it is not a local file. Actually, it is not even on my ISP's server). Here is the image in jpg format, is it any different?

nope

EDIT:
outpost firewall is blocking the images because of their filenames!!! Apologies for the interuption

Quote

Also, here is the original Musepack file (I made a short sample)

got that OK.

dpippel · « **Reply #22 on:** January 05, 2006, 02:46:11 pm »

Both images sow up just fine for me in FireFox v1.5.

bob · « **Reply #23 on:** January 05, 2006, 03:22:10 pm »

Ok, let's try again.
All of the file info should be right.
The clicks should be gone.
The tagging should work.
Version 3.1.2.2b
Let me know, thanks...

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.mjp

Alex B · « **Reply #24 on:** January 05, 2006, 04:44:53 pm »

Thanks. I tested it quickly and all functionality seems to be OK now. The amount of technical file information is excellent:

Code: [Select]

Musepack Stream V.7
Quality: 'quality 10'
Sample Rate: 44.1 khz
Avg BitRate: 353 kbit
Channels: 2
Intensity Stereo: No
Mid/Side Stereo: Yes
True Gapless: Yes
Encoder: --Alpha-- 1.15
Length: 0:21
Frames: 824

Tag: APE Tag 2.00 (579 bytes)
   Track: 16
   Year: 2001
   Genre: Other
   Artist: Björk
   Album: Test Album
   Comment: MPC test
   Peak Level: 0,99805
   Tool Version: 11.1.92
   Media Jukebox: BPM: 45
   Tool Name: Media Center
   Media Jukebox: Disc #: 2
   Media Jukebox: Date: 36892
   Media Jukebox: Intensity: 2
   Media Jukebox: CD Track #: 1
   Media Jukebox: Encoder: MPC115_q10
   Title: Possibly Maybe - LFO (Lucy Mix)
   Replay Gain (radio): -9,8816600000000001
   Media Jukebox: Comment 2: Tagging works!

How was this decoder built? I suppose you used the latest decoder library. Can we trust that it produces the highest possible audio quality? As you know, Musepack is used mainly because of its transparent audio quality at higher bitrates (*).

For starters I made a quick frequency response test with True RTA analyzer. I used the same test sample I posted earlier. I tested the original wave, Musepack at Q5 and Musepack at Q10. As a reference I used foobar2000. I made the test at 16-bit and 24-bit output modes. So I got 12 separate curves. Strangely all curves are slightly different from each other, but I am not going post the graphs here (at least not before investigating this more).

Edit

(*) Also, it is perfectly gapless, fast to encode and decode and it is a better source format than most other lossy formats (especially better than MP3) if transcoding to a lower bitrate MP3 format for portables is unavoidable.

bob · « **Reply #25 on:** January 05, 2006, 05:05:40 pm »

It is the latest unix code 1.2.2 which allows us to do multiple instances of the decoder running simultaneously. If you find anything interesting about the quality level or other wierdness I'd be glad to hear about it...

Alex B · « **Reply #26 on:** January 05, 2006, 09:13:31 pm »

So far everything seems to be fine, except that I think the displayed dynamic bitrates are a bit too low. I made a few test tones in MPC format. Perhaps these files can show the difference better than real music:

Sine.mpc
Triangle.mpc
Pulse.mpc
Noise.mpc

bob · « **Reply #27 on:** January 06, 2006, 11:56:50 am »

Thanks, the samples (and Matt) helped. Bitrate should be OK now. 3.1.2.2c:

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.mjp

Alex B · « **Reply #28 on:** January 06, 2006, 04:32:50 pm »

I suppose the dynamic bitrate display is fine now.

I have tried these things:

- Tested gapless playback -> OK

- Ripped in MPC format -> OK

- Converted files to MPC (checked for tagging) -> OK

- Played MPC files on two zones, analyzed a third MPC file and converted a fourth MPC file to another format at the same time -> OK

- Tested Library Server -> If conversion is enabled works, but when played directly without conversion doesn't work. I am not sure if I have tried this recently, but MPC files used to work normally (except for seeking) with the old Media Server.

skeeterfood · « **Reply #29 on:** January 06, 2006, 05:43:57 pm »

Thank you so much!

I was not looking forward to re-ripping all my CDs when I start building my whole house audio system. Now I don't have to, since I can play my mpcs on multiple zones!!!

-John

bob · « **Reply #30 on:** January 06, 2006, 10:25:11 pm »

Quote from: Alex B on January 06, 2006, 04:32:50 pm

- Tested Library Server -> If conversion is enabled works, but when played directly without conversion doesn't work. I am not sure if I have tried this recently, but MPC files used to work normally (except for seeking) with the old Media Server.

I think that MIGHT be a result of my using the mpc reader and not our reader. The structure was quite different. That could probably be resolved but it's likely to take some time as I'm pretty new to this...

bob · « **Reply #31 on:** January 06, 2006, 10:26:24 pm »

Quote from: skeeterfood on January 06, 2006, 05:43:57 pm

Thank you so much!

I was not looking forward to re-ripping all my CDs when I start building my whole house audio system. Now I don't have to, since I can play my mpcs on multiple zones!!!

-John

Great, thanks for trying it!

Alex B · « **Reply #32 on:** January 07, 2006, 06:47:54 am »

Quote from: bob on January 06, 2006, 10:25:11 pm

I think that MIGHT be a result of my using the mpc reader and not our reader. The structure was quite different. That could probably be resolved but it's likely to take some time as I'm pretty new to this...

I hope you'll find a solution. I would like to talk more about Library Server and the usable formats, but that would be a bit OT. Also, I guess that any major changes to the Library Server are not going to happen in MC11.1.

Personally, I have settled to use identical network folder paths and local copies of my main library on each PC instead of Library Server (on a home LAN). For me, the benefits of this are obvious: All PCs can directly play any format, maintain library, make playlists, rip & burn CDs, copy files to portables, etc. The disadvantages are smaller: I have to constantly restore library backup files (currently I copy the big thumbnail file too) and the play counts don't show the real number of plays.

Alex B · « **Reply #33 on:** January 10, 2006, 01:14:29 pm »

Bob,

The former MPC decoder had these configuration options:

The new one does not have any options. I have never tried other than the default settings, but was this a conscious change?

Alex B · « **Reply #34 on:** January 10, 2006, 04:04:28 pm »

Dithering and noise shaping explained (I think...):

http://xmixahlx.dyndns.org/audio/files/linux/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/dither.html

This is from the decoder manual (for the older stand-alone decoder)
http://www2.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/manual.txt

Quote

Only mppdec16, mppdec24, mppdec32:
--bits x
Number of valid bits in the PCM output. Default is all bits.
--dither x
Amount of dither added. 0 is no dither, 1 is +/-1 LSB triangular dither
(if no noise shaping is applied). Useful is 0.0...1.0 depending on the
noise floor of the original audio, listening level, used bits and much
more. Default is a good guess depending on the bits used (--bits) and
the usage of --shape.
--shape x
Select noise shaping type. Default is off. Noise shaping also
affects spectral distribution of the added dither (if used).
This reduces noise by up to 15 dB and reduces artefacts but introduces
a lot of ultrasonic noise.

x type audible noise unweighted noise
0 none 0 dB 0 dB
1 light -5 dB +3 dB
2 medium -10 dB +12 dB
3 heavy -15 dB +30 dB

Bob,

I noticed that you asked at musepack.net tech forum how to make the decoder to output 16-bit signal. It is possible that I don't understand this correctly and naturally I don't know what choices you had available, but should this actually be float or the maximum possible (32-bit) because MC's internal DSP works at 32-bit too (as Matt have explained)?

bob · « **Reply #35 on:** January 11, 2006, 09:54:22 pm »

Alex, the new version doesn't have those options because they are not implemented in the current version of the decoder library (at least as far as I can see).

The output of the decoder is a 32 bit float which varies nominally between -1 and 1. If we put out 32 bits however, it will PLAY fine but some of the other plugins are unable to handle it for conversion to a different format. Perhaps an option could be added that allows one to choose 32 vs 16 bit output.

BTW, I'm working on the reader now...

bob · « **Reply #36 on:** January 16, 2006, 10:50:56 am »

Ok, another mpc input plugin to try:

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.mjp

Version 3.1.2.2d

Includes a 32 bit output option and uses our reader so the media server should work without conversion.

bob · « **Reply #37 on:** January 17, 2006, 11:45:38 am »

Hey guys, any news on that last musepack input plugin candidate?

Alex B · « **Reply #38 on:** January 17, 2006, 12:59:54 pm »

Thanks again, Bob

I have been a bit busy with other things. So far I have just played some files in 16-bit and 32-bit modes. Playback seems to work fine, but as you explained, converting to other formats does not work in 32-bit mode. I guess also audio CD burning is unavailable in 32-bit mode.

I'll test the library server soon.

Alex B · « **Reply #39 on:** January 18, 2006, 06:50:36 pm »

Quote from: bob on January 16, 2006, 10:50:56 am

... uses our reader so the media server should work without conversion.

Hmm... I don't think the Library Server works yet. MPC files can be played only when converted.

Here's the client playback log:

Quote

0002453: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Start
0002453: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Handling exclusive playback zones
0002453: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Getting actual playback track
0002516: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Processing play for 'm01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cAdiemus^5cVocalise^5cAdiemus.Vocalise.08^20-^20Exit^20Schwanda.mpc'
0002516: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating internal track info
0002516: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating mixer
0002516: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating filename
0002516: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Playing: m01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cAdiemus^5cVocalise^5cAdiemus.Vocalise.08^20-^20Exit^20Schwanda.mpc / mpc
0002532: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Play succeeded
0002532: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Finish (79 ms)
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Start
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for invalid position
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Attempting next chapter
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for next disabled
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking can play next state
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Next track not playable
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Finish (0 ms)
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Start
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for not loaded playback engine
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for time-shifting
0002563: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Firing stop to playback engine
0002797: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Processing intnernal previous / next
0002797: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Clearing display info
0003032: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating statistics
0003032: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating playback state
0003032: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating UI
0003032: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Applying database changes
0003032: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Finish (469 ms)

Here the conversion is enabled:

Quote

0002968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Start
0002968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Handling exclusive playback zones
0002968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Getting actual playback track
0002984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Processing play for 'm01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cAdiemus^5cVocalise^5cAdiemus.Vocalise.08^20-^20Exit^20Schwanda.mpc?codec=Ogg Vorbis&settings=Mode=0|Quality=4|Command Line=-q%2010%20--advanced-encode-option%20impulse_noisetune%3d-15'
0002984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating internal track info
0002984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating mixer
0002984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating filename
0002984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Playing: m01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cAdiemus^5cVocalise^5cAdiemus.Vocalise.08^20-^20Exit^20Schwanda.mpc?codec=Ogg Vorbis&settings=Mode=0|Quality=4|Command Line=-q%2010%20--advanced-encode-option%20impulse_noisetune%3d-15 / ogg
0003000: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Play succeeded
0003000: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Finish (32 ms)
0077140: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Start
0077140: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for invalid position
0077140: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Attempting next chapter
0077140: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for next disabled
0077140: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking can play next state
0077140: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Next track not playable
0077140: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Finish (0 ms)
0083672: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Start
0083672: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for not loaded playback engine
0083672: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for time-shifting
0083672: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Firing stop to playback engine
0083968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Processing intnernal previous / next
0083968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Clearing display info
0083968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating statistics
0083968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating playback state
0083968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating UI
0083968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Applying database changes
0083968: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Finish (296 ms)

scub · « **Reply #40 on:** January 18, 2006, 11:58:08 pm »

I'm just getting a chance to test out the new MPC decoder. So far looks good. I can now tranfer multiple files to my Ipod while still listening to music in MC. This should allow users with mpc files and portables to take advantage of the multi-threaded enhancments that came out for handhelds a couple months back. I'll keep testing and let you know if I see any issues. Thanks for the updated decoder, much appreciated.

marko · « **Reply #41 on:** January 19, 2006, 03:58:39 am »

all good here too. (not using media server)
the "science bit" earlier on in this thread was way over my head, so thank you Bob and Alex for the mpc support.

bob · « **Reply #42 on:** January 20, 2006, 09:56:46 am »

Ok, last time (I hope) Version 3.1.2.2e

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.mjp

Works remote for me even with 32 bit output.

Alex B · « **Reply #43 on:** January 20, 2006, 11:38:40 am »

I can't get the server working. (MC 11.1.102 and 3.1.2.2e plug-in at the both ends). Here are the logs (if they help anything).

MPC, no playback, MC just quickly skips the track:

Quote

0000000: General: Log Reset: Logging reset
0002500: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Start
0002500: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Handling exclusive playback zones
0002500: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Getting actual playback track
0002562: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Processing play for 'm01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cGladiator^20Soundtrack^5c11^20-^20Reunion.mpc'
0002562: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating internal track info
0002562: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating mixer
0002562: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating filename
0002562: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Playing: m01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cGladiator^20Soundtrack^5c11^20-^20Reunion.mpc / mpc
0002562: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: Start
0002562: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: Playing http://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cGladiator^20Soundtrack^5c11^20-^20Reunion.mpc with type mpc
0002562: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::StartPlayFile: Start
0002562: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::StartPlayFile: Playback type: MJ
0002578: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::StartPlayFile: Finish (16 ms)
0002578: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: StartPlayFile returned 1
0002578: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Start
0002578: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Opening http://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cGladiator^20Soundtrack^5c11^20-^20Reunion.mpc
0002578: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: Finish (16 ms)
0002578: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Play succeeded
0002578: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Start
0002593: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Start
0002593: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Finish (93 ms)
0002593: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Start
0002593: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Starting download. URL = http://192.168.0.51:4798/X:\Gladiator Soundtrack\Gladiator - Soundtrack - Front.jpg
0002593: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::RequestThreadProc: Start
0002593: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Start
0002593: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Opening http://192.168.0.51:4798/X:\Gladiator Soundtrack\Gladiator - Soundtrack - Front.jpg
0002593: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Start
0002593: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Start
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Success
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Finish (47 ms)
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Finish (62 ms)
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Finish (62 ms)
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Success
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Finish (47 ms)
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Finish (47 ms)
0002640: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Finish (47 ms)
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Start
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for invalid position
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Attempting next chapter
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for next disabled
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking can play next state
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Next track not playable
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Finish (0 ms)
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Start
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for not loaded playback engine
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for time-shifting
0002656: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Firing stop to playback engine
0002656: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Start
0002656: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Stopping visualization data thread
0002672: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Closing feeder thread
0002672: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0002687: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0002781: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (109 ms)
0002781: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0002781: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (94 ms)
0002781: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0002875: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (94 ms)
0002875: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Closing main output bin
0002875: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Closing rights object
0002875: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Updating play state
0002890: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Finish (234 ms)
0002890: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Processing intnernal previous / next
0002890: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Clearing display info
0002890: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (109 ms)
0002890: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::RequestThreadProc: Finish (297 ms)
0002890: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Finished download. Return Value = 1 ()
0002890: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Finish (297 ms)
0002922: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating statistics
0002922: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating playback state
0002922: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating UI
0002922: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Applying database changes
0002937: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Finish (281 ms)

Alex B · « **Reply #44 on:** January 20, 2006, 11:39:19 am »

MP3, works fine:

Quote

0000000: General: Log Reset: Logging reset
0003797: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Start
0003797: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Handling exclusive playback zones
0003797: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Getting actual playback track
0003859: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Processing play for 'm01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cPuccini^27s^20Tosca^20(Callas^2c^20la^20Scala^201953)^5cCD1^20-^2003^20-^20Sante^20ampolle!^20Il^20suo^20ritratto!.mp3'
0003859: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating internal track info
0003859: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating mixer
0003859: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Updating filename
0003859: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Playing: m01p://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cPuccini^27s^20Tosca^20(Callas^2c^20la^20Scala^201953)^5cCD1^20-^2003^20-^20Sante^20ampolle!^20Il^20suo^20ritratto!.mp3 / mp3
0003859: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: Start
0003859: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: Playing http://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cPuccini^27s^20Tosca^20(Callas^2c^20la^20Scala^201953)^5cCD1^20-^2003^20-^20Sante^20ampolle!^20Il^20suo^20ritratto!.mp3 with type mp3
0003859: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::StartPlayFile: Start
0003859: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::StartPlayFile: Playback type: MJ
0003875: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::StartPlayFile: Finish (16 ms)
0003875: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: StartPlayFile returned 1
0003875: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Start
0003875: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Opening http://192.168.0.51:4798/X^3a^5cPuccini^27s^20Tosca^20(Callas^2c^20la^20Scala^201953)^5cCD1^20-^2003^20-^20Sante^20ampolle!^20Il^20suo^20ritratto!.mp3
0003875: Playback: CPlaybackEngImpl::Play: Finish (16 ms)
0003875: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Play succeeded
0003875: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Start
0003875: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Start
0003875: Playback: CPlayerZone::Play: Finish (78 ms)
0003875: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Start
0003875: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Starting download. URL = http://192.168.0.51:4798/X:\Puccini's Tosca (Callas, la Scala 1953)\Puccini's Tosca.jpg
0003875: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::RequestThreadProc: Start
0003875: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Start
0003875: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Opening http://192.168.0.51:4798/X:\Puccini's Tosca (Callas, la Scala 1953)\Puccini's Tosca.jpg
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Start
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Start
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Success
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Finish (16 ms)
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Finish (16 ms)
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Success
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Finish (16 ms)
0003891: Reader: CInternetReader::DownloadFromHTTPURL: Finish (0 ms)
0003906: Reader: CInternetReader::ConnectToURL: Finish (15 ms)
0003906: Reader: CInternetReader::Open: Finish (31 ms)
0003922: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0003969: Playback: CWaveOutBinPlayThread::Thread: Start
0004031: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (109 ms)
0004031: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0004125: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (94 ms)
0004125: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::RequestThreadProc: Finish (250 ms)
0004141: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Finished download. Return Value = 1 ()
0004141: Reader: CDownloadUIDlg::StartDownload: Finish (266 ms)
0043125: General: CPodcastMain::Update: Start
0043125: General: CPodcastMain::TallyAndPurge: Start
0043141: General: CPodcastMain::TallyAndPurge: Search Complete
0043141: General: CPodcastMain::TallyAndPurge: Sort Complete
0043141: General: CPodcastMain::TallyAndPurge: Gathered Statistics
0043141: General: CPodcastMain::TallyAndPurge: Finish (16 ms)
0043156: General: CPodcastMain::Update: Finish (31 ms)
0071969: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Start
0071969: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for invalid position
0071969: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Attempting next chapter
0071969: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking for next disabled
0071969: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Checking can play next state
0071969: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Next track not playable
0071969: Playback: CPlayerZone::Next: Finish (0 ms)
0078688: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Start
0078688: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for not loaded playback engine
0078688: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Checking for time-shifting
0078688: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Firing stop to playback engine
0078688: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Start
0078688: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Stopping visualization data thread
0078688: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Closing feeder thread
0078688: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0078797: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (109 ms)
0078797: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Start
0078891: Reader: CInternetReader::Close: Finish (94 ms)
0078891: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Closing main output bin
0078891: Playback: CWaveOutBinPlayThread::~CWaveOutBinPlayThread: Start
0078938: Playback: CWaveOutBinPlayThread::Thread: Finish (74969 ms)
0078953: Playback: CWaveOutBinPlayThread::~CWaveOutBinPlayThread: Finish (62 ms)
0078953: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Closing rights object
0078953: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Updating play state
0078953: Playback: CMJPlayerCore::Stop: Finish (265 ms)
0078984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Processing intnernal previous / next
0078984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Clearing display info
0078984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating statistics
0078984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating playback state
0078984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Updating UI
0078984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Applying database changes
0078984: Playback: CPlayerZone::Stop: Finish (296 ms)

bob · « **Reply #45 on:** January 20, 2006, 04:07:20 pm »

I'm not sure what is up. Perhaps the zip file is in a cache or proxy somewhere. It works fine here. I just rechecked with the link above.

The file should be in_mpc.dll in your plugins folder the time should be 1/20/2006 9:52 am

If you can would you check that and look for other in_mpc.dlls on your pc and delete them?

Thanks....

Alex B · « **Reply #46 on:** January 20, 2006, 06:25:16 pm »

I guess somehow the system used the previous plug-in even the version number shown was correct. I deleted the file, emptied the browser cache and reinstalled. Now the library server seems to work. Also, seeking is possible now. It seems that MP3, WMA, APE and MPC files can be seeked, but not OGG anymore. ...your next project, perhaps?

Though, the 32-bit mode has an issue with track changes to other formats (I tried OGG). After a track change a loud buzz comes out instead of the next track. This happens only on server connection.

Also, with or without the library server the 32-bit mode seems to produce a warbling artifact now. I tried Wave out, Direct Sound and ASIO. All three output options have this problem. Something must have changed somewhere because I couldn't hear any audio problems with the previous plug-in version.

I could test this more and on other PCs, but it would be nice to know first if you can reproduce this warbling.

bob · « **Reply #47 on:** January 20, 2006, 09:07:37 pm »

OGG doesn't have a seek function at all unfortunately so it looks like that one isn't going to work without conversion.

The only difference between e and d was the seekability flag. The difference between d and c was the reader. If c worked and d + e didn't perhaps the reader could be involved.

I didn't hear anything odd on my test tracks but I'll try it with headphones and let you know...

Thanks....

bob · « **Reply #48 on:** January 23, 2006, 03:44:03 pm »

Ok, 32 bit trouble was the clipping thing again. My tracks don't have that problem so I didn't run into it. This version should fix it, 3.1.2.2f....

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.mjp

or if you are having cache trouble, just grab the zip and manually import the dll...

http://accessories.musicex.com/mediacenter/mc_data/plugins/786.zip

Alex B · « **Reply #49 on:** January 24, 2006, 06:16:19 am »

Quote from: bob on January 23, 2006, 03:44:03 pm

Ok, 32 bit trouble was the clipping thing again. My tracks don't have that problem so I didn't run into it. This version should fix it, 3.1.2.2f....

Not quite yet, I think.

Try these samples: 16_32_bit_test.rar (14.5 MB)

The package includes:

- a ~20 s sample of the original CD audio track in APE format
- a Musepack version of the same sample (encoded with 1.15v @ "Braindead")
- a Disc Writer output file, 16-bit mode
- a Disc Writer output file, 32-bit mode

INTERACT FORUM

Author Topic: Encoder and decoder versions (LAME 3.97 encoder & improved MPC decoder) (Read 31016 times)