Jukebox Software: "Arcade Music Box 2006" (v30 released, final version)

[Space Fractal]

Hi Anyone.

I do now try to keep all update in this thread, instead to create new ones. So the next updates is now here, where only the title may change the version number and released date....

FOR NEW USERS OF THIS BOARD:

WHAT IS ARCADE MUSIC BOX?

This is a fullscreen HTPC like jukebox interface, that was designed to works in a windows based MAME cabinet with limited controls in mind. I have used MAMEWAH frontend for MAME as it reference, and it act very similar (thanks Minwah).

There was many jukebox, that use ID3 tags to display the album, artist and so on. If you have a large collection, you may not have remembed to tag them all. This is why I did my own application to avoid ID3 tagging. Instead, this application use Dir Mask and File Mask to check, how your collection was used on your harddrive. Arcade Music Box does support real ID3v1 and ID3v2 tags, if you want to use them trough.

Arcade MUSIC Box do also act like a MS Explorer, but this is in full screen, and there are no sign of Windows (unless you use the windowed version of course).

Arcade MUSIC Box does not need to check all files on the harddrive at the start-up, so the loading is fast (few seconds). It checks the files, while you open the folders, like you are was using Explorer. Arcade Music Box support file caching for faster read, so read the directory lots faster (it use it own data fir for that), so it use that, when you open the folder for second time.

BONUS GAME: As a little great bonus feature, Arcade MUSIC Box have a little "name the song" minigame, which some great people have requested on the great ArcadeControls.com forum.

www.arcademusicbox.com (it free, and you can donate if you want)


TODAY, A NEW RELEASE:

25.06.2005: Version 2.03 - released

• Hiscore for the minigame now works.
  
• Input for fullscreen now works (it diddent work, when you saved files for the playlists, but it worked fine in windowed mode).
• Shortcuts on desktop and quickstart didn't work, that now fixed.
• Updated the lowest resolution skins to work a bit better on a Arcade Monitor.
• Minor bugfixes here and there.

NB: The default EN.txt language file have been added a few words, so remember to translate them to

Best Regaards
Space Fractal

[pacman]

Hi Space fractal,

I am using an Arcade VGA+Arcade monitor...do you confirm that I can only use the specified resolution (the one with an 'a') with this graphic card ? Tried to run AMB in 640x480 but I got a prompt crash message (window XP with SP2).

If I run it with the 'a' resolution then it is fine but I cannot get AMB working with joystick and buttons with the default mapping (I am also using Mamewah and evrything works fine using the J-Pac). I tryed then to remap buttons from the AMB config windows but I just get a blank instead of the mapped key.....

[Space Fractal]

I have not tried that resoulutaion on my Arcade VGA 9200 based machine, but it work fine with 321x240. I would soon to test it with all resoulutions, what it happens on my arcade machine (Im using the GPWiz49 as the interface).

What kind of the message did you get in the 640x480 resoulations?

Do the key respons in the remap configuration?

 - The file "ascii.dat" must been exists in the bin dir, otherwice the remap just empty.

 - This file list the keys, that can been configuration. This text file could been changed by a thirdpart, this must about 1.15kb big.

 - Otherwice you can get a patch, that may have fixed that in the config.

[pacman]

Well in 640x480 AMB do not launch at all but I have instead the classic XP error message saying that the program will close because of an error.

Thanks for the tip, I will check later if the Ascii.dat file is in the bin directory. In case not were can I find it ?

[Space Fractal]

hmmm? I forgot to add that file in v2.03, sorry. Download ascii.dat and put that file in the bin directory in your arcade music box directory. I Reupload the new setup, that including that file.  Im doing that, when I can caugt my friend, that have the "download" server.

ooops.

http://arcademusicbox.playitgame.org/ascii.dat

(it a text file)

[pacman]

Many thanks Space Fractal  ..you are doing a great job with your Jukebox, I cannot wait playing all my nice Billboards from 1975 to 2000 

May I suggest for the future releases to add also a search engine ? It would be helpfull when using a large mp3 database to find out the song in a few seconds..

[Space Fractal]

May I suggest for the future releases to add also a search engine ? It would be helpfull when using a large mp3 database to find out the song in a few seconds..

I have thinked about that under developing, but because AMB dosen't use a redix or mysql, I can not made it yet. Alternate, i could made a search feature to a playlists (and made one big playlists, that hold all songs)?

We let see!!

[pacman]

Well I confirm that now it is working like a charm 
I still have the 640x480 issue but I believe this is a driver issue with AVGA cards.

Just one thing : I am using MP3 with ID3 tags but I cannot have both Artist and Song name together in the list...do you know by chance how can I change that ? 

[Space Fractal]

Well I confirm that now it is working like a charm

[pacman]

Well the thing is that all my MP3's have this name structure : Artist - Song name. But when displayed in AMB I have only the song name...

[Space Fractal]

You need to use the "File Mask" feature (use the configuation setup), like #ARTIST#-#TITLE#. (you may remember to add the dot at the line) to use that feature.

[Space Fractal]

Well in 640x480 AMB do not launch at all but I have instead the classic XP error message saying that the program will close because of an error.

Same behavior here, thanks for the tip.

I went back, when/if I (can) have fixing that. The 640x480 and 321x240 do not have a real different, because it was designed for both resolutions yet (I have allways used the 321x240 skin).


EDIT: 640x480 bug is now fixed !!

I release this when 2.032 (or 2.04) are made.... (in very few days). I need to add some suggestions first.

[Space Fractal]

Version 2.04 Released

• Fixed a stupid 640x480 crash bug.
  
• Fixed a small Dir Mask issue, if / was used instead of \.
• Artist names from ID3 tags can now display directly to the file names (enable it from the options menu, if you want this feature).

NB: Added a word to the language file.


There are a new skin to download.....

[pacman]

Hi Space fractal

Just to let you know that AMB 2.04 cannot be downloaded from your web site...the download link is broken..

[Space Fractal]

Fixed!

Hotlinking not allowed , the file was in that place.

I have not updated from my download links yet, because I'm a not home, but you can get it here:

http://www.geocities.com/spacefractal/



V2.042 released
Just a various bug fixing release (why i didden't make a new post, but edit this one).....

[Space Fractal]

24.07.2005: v2.044 Release

• Fixed a Screensaver bug, if no mouse control was used (it didden't work).
• The manual is moved to the online page.
• Moved to a new domain.

Yes, I got a new homepage and moved to a new domain: http://www.arcademusicbox.com

So no more Geocites space, and I handle the downloads myself.

I hope it now very stable. If you still found more bugs and request, I would like to known.

NB: I have edited some posts to cooperate with the new homepage.

[Minwah]

There are a new skin to download.....

Looks good   I really must find some more time to set this up on my cabinet...

[Akide]

24.07.2005: v2.044 Release

• Fixed a Screensaver bug, if no mouse control was used (it didden't work).
• The manual is moved to the online page.
• Moved to a new domain.

Yes, I got a new homepage and moved to a new domain: http://www.arcademusicbox.com

So no more Geocites space, and I handle the downloads myself.

I hope it now very stable. If you still found more bugs and request, I would like to known.

NB: I have edited some posts to cooperate with the new homepage.

Sorry, download of Arcade Music Box don't work.

[Space Fractal]

Do you got the antileech page?

I have proctected the file with a antileech php script, so you may use LEFT click to download, and do NOT use any download acceletators or d blockers. Some of these may remove HTTP_REFERER infomartion, and this need to been supported.

[Akide]

Do you got the antileech page?

I have proctected the file with a antileech php script, so you may use LEFT click to download, and do NOT use any download acceletators or d blockers. Some of these may remove HTTP_REFERER infomartion, and this need to been supported.

The message for download appear but when i select to save it go down immediately ((
...Thank you for your work!

[Space Fractal]

Download should now work in other browsers than Internet Explorer (it cracked in Mozilla).

Im now use my hosts own hotlinking protection.....

[Akide]

Download should now work in other browsers than Internet Explorer (it cracked in Mozilla).

Im now use my hosts own hotlinking protection.....

Now work fine, THANK YOU very much! 
Now finally i can use the  Arcade Music Box!!! 

[pacman]

Hi Space Fractal,

Many thanks for your ini file, now after a couple of checkings AMB is working fine with Mamewah

Your jukebox software is great and constantly improved . I would suggest to add aldo a music search engine in future releases

I was also thinking that for people using it in a MAME Cab it would be also nice to have a skin with some 80's arcade games characters (pacman, mario,donkeykong and so on)..

[Space Fractal]

Hi Space Fractal,
Your jukebox software is great and constantly improved . I would suggest to add aldo a music search engine in future releases

Arcade Music Box is unlike many other jukebox not do have any indexing, but it is just a MS Explorer like overlay. But I can try to make a search engine to the playlists dat (m3u is still need to been converted to dat, so these contain id3 tags) files instead, because these files can been read very fast.

I do not known, when I made the search feature, but I add soon it to my todo list.

[Space Fractal]

Version 2.05 Released:

• A simple search feature, that using a "search.m3u" file.
• A bug un the m3u->dat convert for albums, that didden't tagged correct.
• Playlist files, that use in the minigame, does not display in the playlists, but only in the game.
• It autoselect 321x240 for ArcadeVGA users, when a 320x240 skin are used. No more use of the speciel 321x240 skins

Yes, Im finally made a simple search feature. It is not the best, but it work well. Look the manual, how to get it to work.

[RTj]

This looks perfect for my MAME set up! Thank you!

Was just wondering if there was a jukebox style prog that would allow selection with only joystick/buttons. AMB sounds just right!

Cheers!
 

[RTj]

Is there a way to create skins for AMB yet? Just that i'd like to create a skin for it that looks similar to the MAMEwah skin i made.

Oh and for a feature: how about a random function? Where on free play it will play random songs from the list of albums & singles?

Other than that, its a top prog! Love it to bits and is easily the best jukebox prog i've come across and i've tried most of them!

Thanks!
RTj

[Space Fractal]

Is there a way to create skins for AMB yet? Just that i'd like to create a skin for it that looks similar to the MAMEwah skin i made.

This is possible, but I have not made a "how to make a skin" yet, and I hae not made a skin tool yet. I recommed to dig little around in the skin folder, and you may figure how it works. I have made a another skin to AMB from my Homepage. You can may look to that skin, and look in the ini file, how I did. The ini file is just a text file, and is easy to alter.

Oh and for a feature: how about a random function? Where on free play it will play random songs from the list of albums & singles?

Other than that, its a top prog! Love it to bits and is easily the best jukebox prog i've come across and i've tried most of them!

I allready made this feature. Just add some songs to the queue, and the random appear in the control panel (it the queue mode you can change here).

[RTj]

Hi Space Fractal,
Ah... so i need to add stuff to the queue before the random feature works, ok, gotcha. Was wondering how I couldn't get it to work...    

I had a look at the skins directory and I think i've figured out most of the config file so had a go at creating a skin. Feel free to use it on your website or whatever.
Here's a screen grab of it:

NOTE: this skin is only for 640x480 resolution. If it proves popular then i'll include other resolutions soon.

Here's a link to download the skin:
http://www.ronnietucker.co.uk/RT_AMB_skin.rar

Enjoy!

[Space Fractal]

Ilike your skin. I have uploaded it to my homepage in my skin section. I want to credits you, and not just "A userskin". I should link to your homepage, if you have one?

I have fixes the last bits, you didden't see, because these was only used in the windowed mode. I have made a 320x240 skin, because it show finer on my homepage. It is just a scaled version (AMB support downscaling of backgrounds).

All big icons (nocover etc) have changes to blue (colorize), so it match better to your great skin.

Hope you like it, what I changed.

PS. I found a small bugs in titlenames in the netradio section. There are a another bug, that dosent trunct titlenames in the currect length in the frontpage (notice the "name that song" in 320x240, using RT skin). These are small, and I fix them soon, and made a exe patch to that (would named 2.051).

[RTj]

I've no problem at all with any tweaks you think my skin needed.
I only altered the main 640x480 full screen mode since that's the way I use AMB.

Yeah and i forgot to add a new icon for 'no cover'. But... no matter. I can always update it soon.

Although... i just can't get AMB to add a whole album. And even adding songs to the queue and pressing the button for random doesn't do anything. Probably my button set up though... but a function to choose a random song from all mp3's would be cool (without having to add them to a queue). So you could just load it up, put it on random and leave it to it...      Or like other progs, you could rate a song (say like between 1 and 6 (1 being best) using the p2 buttons?) and it'd play them most often?

Anyway... thats just some ideas i had while playing about with it.

Thanks again for such a cool prog!

[Space Fractal]

Although... i just can't get AMB to add a whole album. And even adding songs to the queue and pressing the button for random doesn't do anything. Probably my button set up though... but a function to choose a random song from all mp3's would be cool (without having to add them to a queue). So you could just load it up, put it on random and leave it to it...

[Space Fractal]

Version 2.052 Released:

• "Add Whole Album" didden't work, if it was displayed on bottom.
• Netradio do now show correct (again). It was truncted few chars.
• Chooses in frontpage do now view correct (it could truncate, wich it should not due).
• "View Queue" Feature is now better. Removed Artist and Albums, and let it show in ther normal places instead.
• Random now randomize all songs (including the first one), if "add whole album" was used.
• Added an another skin in the skin packs

It just a bugfixing release.

[RTj]

Version 2.052 Released:

• "Add Whole Album" didden't work, if it was displayed on bottom.
• Netradio do now show correct (again). It was truncted few chars.
• Chooses in frontpage do now view correct (it could truncate, wich it should not due).
"View Queue" Feature is now better. Removed Artist and Albums, and let it show in ther normal places instead.[/li]
[li]Random now randomize all songs (including the first one), if "add whole album" was used.[/li]
Added an another skin in the skin packs[/li]
[li]

It just a bugfixing release.
[/quote]

A new release! Cool!
I'm on the case...   

[Space Fractal]

Another update: Version 2.06

• The caching system is now detect changes, and it now set to automatic!
  
• Fixed a bug, that displayed flac files wrong.
  
• Cache files need to been recached/updated (it doing that automatic too).
  
• Dotted the minor version number (2.05x to 2.05.x), wich I use in the future.
  
• Coverart do now change, when you just select a directory, before you enter that.

That all!

This version do have a better cache system, so it should not pause between directorys. It do not index all files to the start, but first time you open the folder. Next Time it just read from the cache file instead. It detect any changes in the folder, and recache it.

[jbrem41]

I got a error "Invalid Stream Handle"

[Space Fractal]

hmm? can

[jbrem41]

I configure it, give it a good mp3 path and still same error.  I even tried to reinstall it.  What all does this program need to run. I'm trying to get it to run on win98 SE.

[Space Fractal]

Try this version (please copy and paste it on your adressbar in your browser, you can NOT click on the link):

http://www.arcademusicbox.com/Temp/amb.zip

Copy this exe on the top in the bin directory.

This version create a c:\ArcadeMusicBox.log, that have writting the last file, AMB have tried to open or write.

Wich file and path do it have problem with, look on the file?

[jbrem41]

READ: C:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Software\AMB\Arcade Music Box 2\language/extra

Thats what is says.
I dont know

[Space Fractal]

It a Bug.

This one should fix that bug (please copy & paste to adressbar, and do NOT click on the link):

http://www.arcademusicbox.com/Temp/amb2.zip

[jbrem41]

Works now!
Thank you and great program, I will be using this for my Jukebox.

[Space Fractal]

Version 2.07 Released:
[LI]New search engine, based on cache files. Search.dat are not supported anymore.[/LI]
[LI]If the search feature are enbabled (disabled by default), Arcade Music Box create all Cache files by the first run. This take time.[/LI]

[LI]Cache files can now been updated by each run (auto detect all changes, so no reindex all files are required).[/LI]

[LI]Input rutine improved to sync with the improved search feature.[/LI]

[LI]Added "Move Right" and "Move Left" inputs, so these can been used by the new Input$ rutine.[/LI]

[LI]The shutdown feature did not work as intended (it shutdowned after it was played the current song).[/LI]

[LI]Another language bug, caused in Windows 98, are fixed. Arcade Music Box now run correct (again) on this OS.[/LI]
[/UL]

Hoping you like the new way, I have made the Search on!


[EDIT]
FOUND A IMPORTANT BUG IN V2.07:

"Name That Song" game are messed a bit in this version. It fixed, and all works again.
Im release a new version later today.

A NEW VERSION RELEASED TODAY (v2.07.2): It fix the above bug. That all.
[/EDIT]

[Space Fractal]

It may been a week or 2 before I release the next version.

I'm are working on a Karaoke feature (and have other projects to due), that accept

[Barry Barcrest]

WOW, Well done that man 

[Space Fractal]

Thanks Barcrest.

Do somebody have CDG files (i do NOT need the sound version), so I better can test (I have only that song)?

Im still missing a few instructions (text scrolling), but this song didden't use that feature (and it "only" working as a standalone application).

[Barry Barcrest]

Would be nice if you could put it into an OCX file, save me $299 lol....

Here are some CDG files, to be honest i have never seen the scroll used on any comercial discs and i actually host karaokes in bars.

http://rapidshare.de/files/4463985/cdg.zip.html

[Space Fractal]

Thanks Barcrest. I have downloaded that file.

Sorry, but Blitz+ (wich i was using) Basic dosen't support OCX files, only EXE files), but Blitz does support Command Line. If it ok with you, it that way you need to do (but it can't been act like a video in a tab in your application).

CD-G files is actuelly a pretty simple format, when you first have found out, how it works (only the scrollingpart can take some time to made, and is the missing part)....

[EDIT]
To Barcrest:

It ok with me, if you using this part of my software (just credit me anyware in your software), when im finished it (cannot tell the release day, but soon). I have a plan to madea standalone command line version, and a version, that is direct impleted on my own jukebox software (of course).
[/EDIT]

[Barry Barcrest]

Hey, thanks for the offer but i don't want to call any external programs. You can fully control winamp from visual basic and that's heavilly documented. That also supports CD+G MP3+G but i don't like piggy backing on external apps. I could use the direct show filter i posted up and use media player but again i don't feel 100% comfortable with this. I think i will use the OCX file i have then attempt to code my own at a later date.

Thanks for the offer dude, i don't want to sound ungreatful but for the look i want i need to use a method that keeps it intergrated within the jukebox. Looks like with CD+G support your jukebox will be one of the most sort after.

[Space Fractal]

You cannot use a visual winamp plugin? maybe like this one? http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/cdgplugin/

I have never used Visual Basic works (and do not known how OCX files really works, I only use dll files), because I have really never like this language (but it can even been made really nice and great applications made in Visual Basic), maynly because it requied a lots of runtimes files to use. This is is just a personal note.

When you going to made your own, you should look on this sourcecode: http://www.kibosh.org/pykaraoke/

(even I never have used that language too, the source is well documented).

I can nothing due anymore. Blitz have that shame, and that it.

[Barry Barcrest]

It's cool. I just this second found out i can play them using that direct show filter. I was loading up the wrong files before, it all works sweet now.

[Space Fractal]

Hoping you save the 299$, it seen to a very high price.

The cdgfiles I got diddent use any the scrolling instructions, but I have found some Author, that using the scrolling intruction. Some of these song I tested could have maked use of this instruction, because it sometime dislay the first word very late (twist & shout doing that in a another way).

There was a transperancy problem, that diddent display the black color correct (the black color was a transperancy color, wich it should not been there). Otherwice they all worked fine with that alpha stadie of my software.

[cerebus]

Space Fractal, I noticed that if you select a limit of 10+ max songs in free mode it won't work properly.
It will only let you queue a maximum of 2 songs.

otherwise great stuff!

[Space Fractal]

Space Fractal, I noticed that if you select a limit of 10+ max songs in free mode it won't work properly.
It will only let you queue a maximum of 2 songs.

otherwise great stuff!

Thanks for the notice. I have fixed that now to the next release (you was right).

I am going to make a direct support for the cdg files (the song istelf dosent need to been mp3), without using a thirdparty plugin. Im only missing a scrolling intruction (wich it seen it diddet use it very much).

[EDIT]
My connection is down, and have used a another connection. When It work again, I release the new version.
[/EDIT]

[Space Fractal]

New Release 2.08.2 with (another) Karaoke support:

- A new Karaoke Mode tab, using uncompressed CDG files. Just need to add a another path. Define ot from the config app.

- Small bugs around AMB, like that one with the "Max number of songs on queue" limit diddent work as it should.

- The English language is allways loading as default. If it find a another language it just replace the exists lines on that file.

- V2.08.2 has fixed a "tiny" Rotate 180 bug (may been used in a vertical monitors), that dident work in 2.08. It all it does.

It my turn to make that feature . All Basic features (includning scrolling) should work.

[NB] If somebody want a command line version of the cdg-player, let me know (PM me).

[Space Fractal]

I got a partially harddrive failure yesterday, which my D: Drive is gone (none sourcecodes was here, trout). I need to take care about this first.

The next release may take some weeks, which I take a focus on the "Name That Song" to integrate better with the cache system, like the same way I did on the search feature (much easier to mainstream that game).

Note: The Hiscores in the minigame may been changed, because the game behaver would been changed.

[EDIT] Download link was messed, but it now works again [/EDIT]

[Space Fractal]

It finally updated after the "Bad Block" harddrive crash, last week (but I did not lose any sourcecodes).

New Release 2.09 - Name That Song v2

Name That Song Changes:

- It now based on the automatic updated cache files, so no more manual creation of playlist files anymore.

- Game edit in control panel is removed, and it now based on ini files (look in the online faq).
Hiscore is changed (sorry) and moved to cache folder, so it dosen't use *.lev or *.hi files in data folder anymore, Delete them (it doing that auto, if you have autoupdate on).

- The game do now appear as a System Control, like "View Queue" and "Add Whole Album" entries in the music navigation.

- Some visual bugs in the game now squazzed.

Other Changes:
 
- Cache system is cleaned a bit up, and now work even better. It should now 100% sync, even when you rename folders.

- Using Cover.* files as coverart is now supported. If it dosent find any folder.* or cover.*, it use the first found picture file as coverart instead.

NEXT VERSION?
One of the next version I have a plan to make some touch screen support with the exists skin, only using 3 buttons (to keep it so simple, so even kids can use it). It may been using desktop overlay for compatible, so no rotations is supported here. Oterwrice is act like the windowed system, but with added buttons.

[Space Fractal]

25.09.2005: v2.10 - "Touch Screen Support"

- I now added a touchscreen support. Only the standard skin and only with 640x480 can been used by now. This is just because I diddent added the require graphics to the other skins yet, so it all skinable and rotation too. It just added some buttons (Up/down/select) to the screen.

- Fixed some titlename problem in netradio (it now act like Singles).

- Fixed some problems in the config app, and removed a feature (removing the scrollbar didden

[Space Fractal]

25.09.2005: v2.10.2 - "Slow Computer Support"

A possible sound crackling with selecting a song to the queue is fixed.
10FPS (normal 30FPS) version is added ("Slow Computer" in Config/Misc) for using on a slow computers.

19.10.2005: v2.11 - "CD Player+Plugins Support"

Added the Bass's new plugin system from v2.2, so you now can add a whole extra extensions to the Arcade Music Box.

Added a regular CD-Player, that fine support both "data+audio" cd's and multiply cd-drives.

Added 2 new touch skins to Classic Purple skin: "H320x240" and "V480x640" (Vertical Touch panels do now works, they was buggede)

Moving some bits around in the config app (needed to add a another tab).

Removed "File Mask" feature on singles. It got to much touble to get this to work, and have never and/or partilly worked.

Forgot to take "level_1.ini" file to the "Name That Song" game. It now included.

[thesmit]

Hi Space,
I am running a cab with the MameWah front end (and lovin it!).. but I am havin a bit of trouble getting your juke box to work in it.
Do I just configure it like any other emulator (have tried this with no success - maybe doing it wrong)?

If anyone has done this before or has any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks
Smit

[Space Fractal]

Im using this settings in the ini file (the path may been edited, because Im using a danish XP vesion):

### jukebox.ini (mamewah v1.60) ###

emulator_title                            Arcade Music Box

### List Generation Settings ###
rom_path                                  C:\Programmer\Arcade Music Box 2
rom_extension                             lnk
dat_file                                 
nms_file                                 
catver_ini_file                           
list_generation_method                    rom_folder

### Execution Settings ###
emulator_executable                       PC
commandline_format                        [name]{autodosbox}{nosafelaunch}
alt_commandline_format_1                  [name]{autodosbox}{nosafelaunch}
alt_commandline_format_2                  [name]{autodosbox}{nosafelaunch}
game_specific_config_path                 
mouse_cursor                              none

### Artwork Locations ###
artwork_1_image_path                     
artwork_2_image_path                     
artwork_3_image_path                     
artwork_4_image_path                     
artwork_5_image_path                     
artwork_6_image_path                     
artwork_7_image_path                     
artwork_8_image_path                     
artwork_9_image_path                     
artwork_10_image_path                     
movie_preview_path                       
movie_artwork_no                          1

### Screen-Saver Settings ###
enable_music_in_screensaver               1
saver_type                                slideshow
movie_path                               
movie_fullscreen                          1
quit_delay                                30
wrapper_executable                       
wrapper_commandline_format                [name]{nodosbox}{nosafelaunch}
scr_file                                 

### External Application Settings ###
ipc_file_or_path                         
app_1_executable                         
app_1_commandline_format                 
app_2_executable                         
app_2_commandline_format                 
app_3_executable                         
app_3_commandline_format                 
auto_launch_apps                         

### Additional Settings ###
music_path                               
play_music_during_emulation               0
lcd_display_file_path                     
lcd_fe_text                               

### Settings used by MAMEWAH ###
current_list                              0


Create a shourtcut, that point to the bin/amb.exe (wich it should allready doing that under installation), and it should now work.

[thesmit]

Thanks for the help

I'll try it tonite and let ya know...

cya
Smit

[thesmit]

Hi Space
I have tried to get Arcde Jukebox going in MameWah on the weekend.
I have used the info from your .ini file you provided (thanks again for that!), and I can get the Jukebox to come up in a list, but my prob comes when I try to run it.
It does nothing. The MameWah list stays in view (but cannot be used - it is frozen) and Arcade Jukebox does not start. It seems to start and then run in the background or something, because if I press Esc after attempting to run the Jukebox from MameWah, it is as if it exits the invisible Jukebox program and go back to the MameWah list, un-freezing MameWah which then alllows me to use MameWah like normal.
I have tried adding other programs to this list (using the .lnk extension) and they run from MameWah fine, so I know it is not MameWah (hopefully).

Any ideas?

thnx
Smit

[Space Fractal]

Hi again.

Try doing these:

- Change rom_path in the ini file (that one is only work for a danish version of XP).

- Do the shortcut work, when it double clicked from MS Explorer? If not, the start path may been wrong, and it need to been started from the bin dir.

- You may need to change the line "commandline_format" to "[name]{autodosbox}{safelaunch}" to get it work.

[thesmit]

Hi Space,
Thanks for your help.
Yes, double clicking the shortcut from within windows explorer runs the program no problems. I think it is something in one of my mameWah .ini files.

I'll try what you suggested and let ya know.

Thanks
Smit

[thesmit]

Hi
I have now looked at the problem further and have discovered that it is not only the Jukebox Software that is not running, but no PC applications are running (they all freeze MameWah). I am certain that this is a problem with my configuration... but thanks a heap for your help anyways Space.

If anyone ha a solution/ suggestion to fix this problem, feel free to let me know. I would be much appriciated.

Thanks
Smit

[Space Fractal]

Try to search in the software forum, and in the Mamewah readme file, how to get PC Applications to run.

I found this one in the mamewaq faq:

Launching [emulator name] or [PC game/app] results in MAMEWAH hanging.

[Silver]

I'm being a bit slow I think, but having difficulty getting the songs to list with there names.

I have some mp3s stored with 1 dir per album, each mp3 is named "Track# - Title.mp3", All have full id3 info.

In the config I have #ALBUM# in the dir mask and #TRACK#-#TITLE# in the file mask.

The dirs are all listed, but when I go into a dir, the songs are listed by 1 letter only, with another in brackets after. Presumably this is showing 1 character of the Artist and track?

What am I doing wrong?

[Space Fractal]

Can you give me a screenshot, what it doing here (you may pm me)? It a mystery, it seen you doing the correct. How do it display?

If you have a # and a space in the your file name, you may try to use #TRACK##-#TITLE# instead.

You may try to delete cache files in the cache folder, before a retry, otherwice it just read all id infos directly from them, and do not reread the tags again (wich of cource much the id3 again with the same problem).

Ohterwice do you use ID3v1 or ID3v2 tags? If you only use ID3v1 tags, and ID3v2 is empty (but it enabled), it may try to review info from ID3v2 tags, wich is empty. Hence you must try to use a tool to copy all info, so ID3v1 and ID3v2 is correctly.

[EDIT]
If you have a eailer version (about a version or 2), Dirmask and Filemask may been buggede, but should works as expeted in the v2.11 and up (I remember I got some simular problem with dirmask in the past).

[Silver]

I'm using the latest version.

A bit more playing around has revealed that its not doing this for all my albums, but it is the majority of the ones I'm testing with.

All mp3's have both id3v2 and id3v1 (which have same info). I've attached a pic of what happens for most of the albums, and one for when it works. I'm updating cache files at start and currently using:

#ALBUM# for the dir mask.
#TRACK#-#ARTIST#-#TITLE# for the file mask.

I have a hunch this could be something to do with unicode in a lot of my tags - I know Barcrests program lists loads of songs with weird characters at the front. Although its odd you seem to list just the first letter....

[Space Fractal]

You should delelte cache files manually, before you update. It only update cache file, if you have renamed a file, added a folder or such on, otherwice it never updated.

It seen your songs was treated like a SINGLE album, and not a ALBUM? If Im correct, AMB should never retrive any id3 tags, but just retrive data directly on your defined MASK, and never touch the id3 tags. So I guess you have used a SINGLES dir folder instead of ALBUM dir folder?

FILE DIRMASK is disabled in the lastest version for SINGLES, because they never did work as intended, but it may return sooner or later.

The unicode problem may been a bug in tags.dll (from BASS homepage), wich I use for tagging. I would been happy to get one of the problem mp3 file to see a clue on, what it happens.

[Silver]

Ah, deleting the cache files seemed to sort this....

Thanks

[Space Fractal]

I would like to get a mp3, why it id3 tagged them wrong. otherwice I make a function, that automatick delete all cache files, if DIRMASK or such functions was used to avoid this to been happen....

[Space Fractal]

I released a v2.11.3 today with some bugsfixing;

- Coverart diddent show correctly, when cachefiles was used (forgot to load them).

A user by email reported that one, when he could not get coverart to work. sorry to you.


- Can now been started anyware, if standard installations folder is used, so start path is no problem longer (if it not in the standard installation folder, it display a fine error message instead).

[Stobe]

Hello,

I just downloaded the newest version from your webpage (2.11.4) and installed it on my WinXP SP2 cab, (arcadevga).  After install, I went through the config program and made a few changes.  But when I run the software, I get the main screen, which lets me choose Albums, Singles, or CD Player.  When I choose anything, it immediately crashes, and I get the Windows "Send.Don't Send" screen.

I've tried changing a few things in the config, but no matter what I do, it just crashes every time.

Do you know what could be causing this?  My computer has a pretty clean install of XP.  The only other thing I've installed on the machine is MameWAH, which works fine.

Thanks, and keep up the great work!
-Stobe

[Space Fractal]

There may been a stupid bug added in one of the newest AMB (in 2.11.4), if there are some other non music files in the same folder, when it trying to read first.  This bug is fixed in the next release.

But I'm are going to make a DirectX to a fulscreen window canvas change, which may take a day or 2 to make that. I doesn't have the original 2.11.4 source, so you may have to wait.

By now:

1) Try to enable "Allways update cache files at start up in "Audio" in the config setup. If it still crash, I can not make a hurry fix to that problem, because I doesn't have the unchanged source for that.

2) Download 2.11.3 (added to my homepage), that didn't cause the bug (but a little bug in "singles" may show numbers instead of "song", but they still works. This bu fix may have also caused a another more crash bug instead.

_________________________________

STATUS V2.12 (next version):
NB: NEAR FINISHED. Relaseing that tomorrow.

- Should been even cheaper in DirectX, because I changede the fullscreen DX mode to fullscreen canvas mode. This took some time remap some things (specefic the CDG player), and now it work pretty stable. No more graphicscard trouble, like that one in version 1.XX!

- The crash bug Stobe wrote from 2.11.4 is hopefully fixed (it crashed here, when I tried to dig to the CDG directory, so this is very stupid bug), I hope you can wait a day.

[Space Fractal]

Version 2.12 (No DirectX) released:

    * Changed DirectX full screen mode to using Window Canvas (Still in fullscreen of course), so DirectX should now only been used by the sound (I hope).
    * You can now write a little help screen (look in the 3 new files in the language Dir).
    * CDG Player is now a much more integrated in Arcade Music Box (can been played in a window and it doesn't change resolution.
    * A (stupid) Crash bug is fixed, if you selected a category from the main screen (this may only appear on some machine).
    * NB: The Joystick code are not tested (last thing to test) in the graphics mode change, but it should work.

[grueinthebox]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm having some pretty serious problems using 2.12...  The program will not launch in full screen mode - just gives an error "User lib not found".  It will launch in windowed mode, but freezes after bringing up a list after making a selection from the main menu (after the album list comes up when selecting "My Albums" or the radio list after selecting "My Radios").  Have to close the program out using Task Manager after it freezes.  Also, the keyboard controls don't work in windowed mode - have to use the mouse.

This is running under Windows XP with all current patches, etc.  Running an Athlon XP 2800+ w/ 1GB RAM and an ATI Radeon 9600XT.  Tried completely uninstalling the program, deleting the folder and reinstalling, with the same results.

[Space Fractal]

It my dumb  .

I forgot to add a new dll, that was used in V2.12. I release new v2.12 in between 15 min and a hour. I may also forgot something, when I changed the mode. I look on that now!

Released v2.12.2:
- Fullscreen now works again (I hope you got the missing dll file?)
- Keyboard in windowed now works again.

Released v1.12.3:
- Some netradio issues, that diddent behaiver as they should. ASX, PLS and URLS should now all works.
- Tiny bug: Select Button didden't work (keyboard), if using windowed mode.

I cannot get AMB to freeze on a fresh installation, maybe it fixed in 2.12.2 and/or 2.12.3?

[Space Fractal]

Coming Soon in v2.13:
- Movie support!

This would works as sameway as cdg files does.

But this is writtin in a external language application, because Blitz+ dosen't support rotations for video files (but it just use borderless window).

The dark side is Direct9 (it writting in Dark Basic) is requried to play movies, but only if a rotation is used. If you dosen't use a rotation, this movieplayer would not been needed.

This release is a far away, because Im are going to move home, and this may take a 1-2 weeks, because I dosen't have access to my sourcecode.....

[Space Fractal]

v2.13.2 is realesed on this new year (Happy New Year to all of you):

CHANGED: You can now clearly see, when a skin dosen't support CDG and/or movies. The config automatic disable or enabled them, what it required. But some skins let you doing that yourself.

FIXED: A coverart bug, that did not change, when using the mouse/trackball.

FIXED: Screensaver now automatic disable, when a cdg or music video is playing.

FIXED: Screensaver didden't disable, when mouse/trackball was moved.

FIXED: Volume didden't set back to normal when exists

FIXED: Finally got joystick buttons from 17-32 to work (a compiled AutoHOTkey script is used).

[tibbs68]

Hi Space Fractal,

I've tried launching Version 2.08.2 from Mamewah with no success.

I've pointed the Mamewah ini files to the AMB.exe file but I get an error message saying "Language Not Found" when I try to launch via the Mamewah "Launch External Application" option.

It launches fine from the Desktop shortcut icon!

Any ideas

Also I've tried downloading v2.13.2 from your site onto my PC to play around with that and get an "Invalid Canvas Gadget handle" error message when I try to start it up.

Cheers

Tibbs

[Space Fractal]

To get Arcade Music Box to run from Mamewah:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=45464.0

The "Invalid Canvas Gadget handle" bug:
Found it, and now fixed. Going to compile a new exe.

The bug was caused by the "Allways Update cache files at start" (Config/Audio), when it was enabled (by now just disable it). It tried to paint the graphics, that wasen't init.

EDIT:
Download the new v2.13.3, that should fix that bug.

[Space Fractal]

I have now change a topic on this thread, that may not be renamed again (i got tired to modify the first tread again and again).

V2.14 Released "Frontend Update Time":

IMPORTANT: I have added a start.bat (start config.exe to create/update that) and a shortcut to that. These files was made, so you can config your frontend easier (so it changedir correct). You can find them in the bin dir.

IMPORTANT: Arcade Music Box is also need to define a startpath again to get this application to work (you may notice this, if you use mamewah, and try to start amb.exe direct). This was made to avoid problems with the new joystickcode, that was caused by a blitz+ bug.

CHANGED: Arcade Music Box does not change the resoulutions, if it is the same as the desktop (before it allways changed resoulution).

FIXED: Better focus when launched from a frontend (it may out of focus, when launched by the trackball)

FIXED: Fixed a litle problem with movement with the 49Way joystick.

FIXED: Some netradio filetypes didden't work as they should.

FIXED: Blank screen now works again, it may not have worked since v2.12

NOTE: If you downloaded it yesterday, please redownload it again (there was small flaws on it).

[Space Fractal]

I have released some versions in the past with many small bug fixes:

20.01.2006: v2006 .7 Released

FIXED: Shutdown (when last song was played) didden't work, when screensaver was activated.

Version number changes!
I have changed the version system to being easier. That was not much system, when I changed major (new features added) and minor (mainly bug fixes).

Because of this, I have now change the version to 2006, and this release is a 7th release in the year.

I'm are now going to make a another installer, that only update the changes (from this version). So it may been easier to update the changes alone.

16.01.2006: v2.14.4 - Another release

ADDED: MovieLength is now detected (but it may been slow, so caching was a great idea).
FIXED: A important Typo in the config: "Display Song Timer" should have display "Do NOT display Song Timer"

16.01.2006: v2.14.3 - Another release

FIXED: "Page Up" and "Page Down" now works again.
FIXED: Blindfixed a bug about disabling the song timers (only visual).
FIXED: Screensaved maybeen forced, and diddent release that when pressing a key.

14.01.2006: v2.14.2 - Another release

ADDED: You can now disable song timer in the song list (enable it from config/features)
ADDED: You can now use the blank screensaver as a screensaver (enable it from config/options).
ADDED: You can now disable the blank as well the normally screensaver (enable it from config/options).
BUG: Forgot to add the word "MOV" to the language file (oops).

Hi From
Space Fractal

NB. I have now got some donations, so I have now brougt Pure Basic, so I can add some missing features (dll making).

The most important thing is (for me), is am looking on a webserver system (Purebasic support multithreaded), but this is still a far away (may take some month), got dual screen and maybe movie rotation to work.....

[Space Fractal]

I have another about 5 releases since the last post. The most important is now the new Dual Screen support (wich is why I updated this thread).

I hope the problems with green vindeos and another codec problems are gone with this release too (I using a webgadget to show videos now)..

That all.

Best regaards
Space Fractal

Ps. If you cant find the download link: http://www.arcademusicbox.com/index.php?item=download

__________________________________________

03.02.2006: v2006 .12 Released (DUAL SCREEN)

NEW: A Simple Dual screen support to playing CDG's and Movies (consult the faq to read more about that).
NEW: CDG's and Movies can now been pause and resumed.
IMPORTANT CHANGE: Movies is now use a HTML gadget using IE, instead of Direct Show. This should get more codec to work, and perforcement better.
CHANGE: Movie Mode is now using a change of fullscreen and a windowed screen (instead of putting the text on the top). CDG's and Movies works both the same.
CHANGE: "2xScale CDG/Video's" is CHANGE to "Show Track Nr on Singles" (if you prefer that instead of "SONG"), please use config to take your change.
BUG FIX: SEARCH and HISCORE input was messed.

29.01.2006: v2006 .11 Released

NEW: You can now pause the CDG Player.
CHANGE: CDG Fullscreen / Movie Fullscreen behavier is CHANGED:
- Instead of "Display Movie in fullscreen", You can now display movies in a fully fullscreen, and dosen't cover over graphics.
- Instead of "Display CDG in fullscreen", this is the old behavider, wich cover over the graphics, but it dosen't both the movies and CDG's
CHANGE: You can not play "NAME THAT SONG", while you play a movie or a CDG (can cause some problems).
CHANGE: Some movies, that sync to about 10 FPS, does now automatic change the setting to "Slow Computer" (wich is using 10 FPS), but only as long these movies is played. When the movie is finished, it change back to 30 FPS again.
BUG FIX: Unpause may been have messed? But it now works again.

26.01.2006: v2006 .10 Released

NEW: "Movie Mode" button (se it on the control list). Usefull when displaying fullscreen video. You can now change the move, and choose you wich to see the movie on the top, or the selection text on the top (so you can use the selection list, while viewing the movies).
CHANGE: When pressing the touch screen about a sec, it change movie mode, instead of stop that video.
BUG FIX: Mpeg extension to support *.mpg as well as *.mpeg (it only supported the last extension.
REMOVED: Parent as a stop the movie button (only when fullscreen), use the normal stop function instead.

There are some things to fix before release, so it may been released on 27th or 28th jan.

 
22.01.2006: v2006 .9 Released

NEW: NEW The Moon Light skin, so you have 2 skins to choose from in the default (it still downloable, if you upgrade).
BUG FIX: Some Coverart trouble, that didden't cycle as it should, when parent (this appear most when using touch or windowed mode).
BUG FIX: A little string trunct bug, so it dosen't just display "..." as a title, when no spaces was used in the title.
REMOVED: MovieLength feature from v7, because it got some trouble to get it work in Win 98 (I need to access to one before I look on that again).

21.01.2006: v2006 .8 Released

NEW: Page Up/Page Down can now scroll a page without scrolling per title (enable it from config).
BUG FIX: Shutdown feature have been commented out (forgot to reenble this again).
BUG FIX: A Queue bug, when you tried to add a 2 videos and adding a song to the third. The videos may refuse to start (the same may go with the another way).

[Space Fractal]

This software is now updated 6 times since last post. This time, instead to get a big bug fixes list, here is the list to the bug fixes since .12:

http://www.arcademusicbox.com/index.php?item=news

Main new features short:

- It have now better dual screen support (Horizotal Stretch Mode is now supported),
- Arcade Music Box is now checking wich way Windows is orinterd (some desktop may being rotated vertical).
- Primary Winamp plugin support (not tested much yet).

- A lots of bug fixes wich is to long to destription here!

Enjoy!

NB. I have setup a new forum on my homepage, this forum do not need registreing (yet).

[dblume]

Is there any way to maybe have "joystick left" and "joystick right" scroll to the first artist/song of the next letter of the alphabet in the same way that mamewah does with games?  If I want to hear a song by an artist with a name that starts with Z, it takes a LONG time to scroll there, even with the "fast scroll"...

[Space Fractal]

No, not yet.

I'm didn't use the function in Mamewah, so this is why I may not made that feature. But I see, what I can do with that in next version (v.20).....

Until by now, you can maybe use subfolders like A-E, F-G and so on for shorting the list for a easier search by artists, or group them in a main genre folder?

[EDIT]
 Is now added in the next version (v.20).  I'm now fix a another tiny bug, before a new release....
[/EDIT]

[EDIT2]
 .20 is now released with this letter scroll request. It also fix a another bug, if only video path was used.
[/EDIT2]

[dblume]

Thanks for being so dedicated to the requests of your users!

[dblume]

I'm having a problem with the latest version: I downloaded the update and installed.  The file name said v.20 but after installation it displayed v.19 on screen.  The same was true when I downloaded and installed the whole program as opposed to just the update.  Also, the letter jump function was not in the configuration menu.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[Space Fractal]

ooops!!!

Forgot to comling the new exe's (Blitz+ doesn't doing that automatic, while Dark Basic does), I doing recompile it now, and upload it. I edit this post, when it done.

It now compiled and re uploaded (same url). Sorry about this, it should now work.

The versionnummer is on the exe's itself, so you may been 100% correct is this one.

[Space Fractal]

Since it a bit of "spam" war for VMJ and Freebox, I do of the same. Unlike others, I do not want to start a new thread (which could act a spam too), so I just post a new entry on my own support thread (wich is over 4 month old):

No I doesn't have any new quick search features, but it have still a simple one with joystick. I dosne

[Barry Barcrest]

I don't remember the thred about genres specifically but i do remember saying i would get them in at some point if thats what you were refering to...

As for my post about my updated search is more a parody of the VMJ post and i don't see how you can call 1 post by each of us a spam war. Every time anyone posts anything about anything you seem to have a reply for them but no one says anything, get off my case dude.

[Space Fractal]

About spam war:
Don

[Space Fractal]

version 2006.30 is the final version and I won't work future on AMB.

Reason: I Lost soucecode for many versions. Look more on the page. It was saved with whitespace with one or other reason on ALL sourcefiles includning backup.

Now: Im creating generation 3, when I have time.

[recklessindian]

Hi Space Fractal
  I just started using your program this weekend.  It works great.  Later today I am going to straighten out my ID tags. 
  I have a problem though.  The volume control does not work.  I remapped the controls to different buttons but it still does not work.  I notice in the "control panel" the volume % does increase and decrease with the pressing of the buttons.  But the actual sound level from my speakers stays the same.  It may be an issue with my computer, but at this point with my limited computer skills I am stumped.  Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Space Fractal]

Checked it, you are right. It a bug...

The bug is on AMB_Play.dll, wich I still have the source for, so Im trying to fix that today or tomorrow.

[recklessindian]

Wow that was a quick response.
  Also of note:  every time I close configuration it says there was an error with configuration program and shuts it down.  Which doesn't matter because I just tried to shut it down, and it does save my new configurations.
   

[Space Fractal]

Here is the fixed dll (I hope):
http://www.arcademusicbox.com/files/App/AMB/AMB_Play_dll_fixed.zip

Just replace the old bin/AMB_Play.dll file


For your last comment:
Weird, since it does

[recklessindian]

I downloaded the fix.  It did not unzip into a .dll file.  What do I do with it.  It is a oxc file or something like that.
I believe I have your latest version.  I downloaded it from your site last week.
I also need to know how to change the skin.  I have downloaded, from your site, the "moon light" skin.  I unzipped it and put it in the skins folder but I do not know how to switch them.   Thanks for your help and making such an awesome program.

 

[saint]

SpaceFractal has asked me to pass on that he cannot log on to the forums right now as we are having some problems still. He's asked that you email him so he can answer you. Alternatively you can you the forum on his web site as well.

[recklessindian]

 Hi SpaceFractal, are you still working on a new jukebox software.  If so how long before it is released.   What features will it have.  I am hoping it will be like the first one, which I am still using.  I like the fact you can control it with very few buttons.
  The only reason I am asking is that I was thinking of trying a different program that would have a built in equalizer.  But I don't want to stop using your easy to use program.  I can't decide what to do yet.

[Space Fractal]

MultiJuke? It still vaporware ;-), and a very far from finished. Most config (mame like) work but, the rest dosent work very well.

Here is few things I have in mind:

- A lots better touchscreen support (now have them as mind as well).
- A lots better search function.
- Autoresize to any 4:3, 16:9 and 5:4 resoulutions (both vertical and normal).
- Realtime rotation.
- Start external games, like a FE do.
- Support for any format (Singles, Albums and maybe more speciel things).
- Works great with Joystick + 4 colored buttons, but can used with 2 buttons.

These can been removed and do not have high priotity in first version:
- DualScreen. By now I cant get this to work in BlitzMax.
- Skinable support, but you can change many visual things.
- Video support (but you may can use a external app to do that feature)

Stay tuned for more info. I have other projects as well, so it a bit slow.

I can look on the equalizer thing, but maybe not in the first version (but I have it on todo).