Download: MaLa v1.0 RC9b - Please post your log here if issue(s)

[loadman]

[edit]
beta version of mala to fix some issues
see this post
[end of edit]

---------------------------------------------------------

Swindus is on holiday right now....

Since the release of RC9 just before he left I have had many reported bugs with Video playback and the screensaver in MaLa.

In order for SWINDUS to fix this quickly when he gets back from holiday I thought it would help him if we could collate some data here of what problems you all are experiencing on your various systems

MaLa RC9- Users please post here if you have problems with any of these:
1) Playing Video's on start-up
2) Using Picture Screen Saver
3) Using Video Screen saver
4) Sluggish response times when using Circo's new 'high rez' vid's in a layout

Please don't post other MaLa type questions in this thread. Make a new post for those please.

Thanks Guys   

[loadman]

I will go first 
I have 4 PC's available for testing
All are running win XP Pro. They all have at least 1 gig mem and Proc speeds between 1.8 and 2.1 Ghz

* On a newly installed XP I got errors during the screen saver (pic and vid) of files not found. This went away and I am unable to recreate this.
* On 3 of my 4 PC I get sluggish results running Circo's new High Rez Video's. The thing they have in common is the Video Card Gforce4. My Asus card of the 4th PC runs them fine
* On start-up vids it runs slowly and this appears to be caused by the layout underneath (hidden at that point) if you are running videos as I can hear the sound from it too, as they appear to be running at the same time. Ideally the videos on the layout should not start until the MaLa start-up video has finished.

I have some other wired things happen like the start-up video playing when I quit mala via the keyboard too. But this only happened on one PC and it was a Network copied clone of the set-ups on the other PC's. So I have not paid too much attention to this as it may be a 'Red Herring' 

Thanks in advance for posting you findings 

[Extreme8]

Put me down for 1 "Sluggish response times when using Circo's new 'high rez' vid's in a layout"
I was going to try and re-encode with the videos with the xvid codec that has worked with all of Circos older videos, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
Status: unacceptable

I don't use the screen saver, so I have no experience with those issues.
Status: unknown

Startup video is jerky, but if I didn't know that others were having problems I would have assumed it was my encoding.
Status: minor issue

Edit: also running a Gforce card. I will exchange with an ATI that I have and see if it makes any difference.

[acevedor2]

I am having problems with the video in Tempest - you don't see your own ship firing.  I posed this in another thread, but it might be related.  That same game works fine in Gameex using the same version of command line Mame and the same rom.  Additionally, I have run Mame32 and it works fine too.  Seems to be an issue between it and Mala...

[Timoe]

I am experiencing issues 1, 2 & 3
I run mala as a shell on a WinXP Pro machine

3.0ghz P4
1gig ram
video card ATIX300, I think

I set up my programs and emus the same way described in Unclet's Emu set up guide

Is there any other info you would like me to post? logs, ini's, etc.

--oh and thanks for the willingness to help.  It is so great to get everything working as it should.

[loadman]

Timoe: I have the 'Gut feeling' that most of your issues could be the result of a working directory issue not just RC9.     We will work it out either way :-)


If anyone wants to roll back a version to make sure the problems they are experiencing are related to RC9 here is a link to RC8 (mala.exe) so you can compare....       http://www.members.optushome.com.au/backwash/MaLaRC8.zip

[Extreme8]

There must be more to it than just the executable.
I replaced the mala.exe and it completely broke the intro video, and had no change on the hi-rez videos.

[shock_]

I noticed the slowness of the hi-res videos in RC8, and decided to ignore them for now in favour of my smaller, fuller, faster set.

P4 2.8, 1GB RAM, 9800Pro, decoding via whatever got installed with the ffdshow pack someone recommended for MaLa to play the videos. 

nb - Months ago now when I first tried MaLa with the videos it didn't play. I had an Xvid codec prior to installing the ffdshow pack, which worked fine with all other Xvids, and even the emumovies themselves in an external player -- just not in MaLa itself. My debugging ended when I bit the bullet and installed the codec pack, which is something I hate doing.

I wouldn't be surprised if the slowdowns are related to the relevant codec and MaLa's use of it in some way, but I have nothing to back that up.

[Organic Jerk]

I'm noting in here for record's sake that the screensaver function using screenshots has been known to crash for me after an undetermined amount of time.  I've tried using different locations and directory names for my screenshots folder, and nothing seems to work.  I never actually catch it in the act of crashing.  I usually just leave it alone, and then after awhile I come back and Mala has crashed with the screensaver up (never without it).

----------------------------------------

I also have a current problem with running lnk files from a specific PC Games section.  Although all of my Mala settings are presumably correct (no emu, %rom%, lnk) and all my shortcuts work outside of mala, I still get the dreaded "Error Code 2"...  not only that, but if I try to "Refresh game list" even once from the PC Games section, then the last shortcut in the lnk's populates the Entire List (screenshot below)...  it's weird.  I've tried removing games from the section, but it doesnt work. 


What's weirder about that is that it only happens with this particular set of lnk's.  I also have shortcuts under a "Music Games" section, and they work fine.

I should also note that this happened out of nowhere.  When I first upgraded to RC9, they worked fine.  I can't even pinpoint exactly when this started happening.

[loadman]

OrganicJerk:

Thanks

1) I would very much be interested if you have the same issues with RC8

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=64825.msg649838#msg649838

2) You so so so have to upload your layout when you are done...(Or a derivative of that) It rocks!   

[Extreme8]

I've noticed that not only is the intro video running slowly, but I'm getting the audio from the preview video of whichever rom is selected in the FE playing behind it.
Not a big deal, but just so it's mentioned...

[squirrellydw]

I seem to get an error when I select different game lists and then I have to quit mala.  Here is the log

2007/03/31  10:54:52.54   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: FilterGameList, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Zugriffsverletzung bei Adresse 00BC4F93 in Modul 'ledwiz.mplugin'. Lesen von Adresse 02764330

[Organic Jerk]

1) I would very much be interested if you have the same issues with RC8

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=64825.msg649838#msg649838

2) You so so so have to upload your layout when you are done...(Or a derivative of that) It rocks!   

I went ahead and rolled back, and the problem still exists.  I've analyzed my setup from all ends and for the life of me I can't figure out what's wrong.  I tried changing the shortcuts directory to the same one as "Music Games" (which work in mala) and the shortcuts don't work when in this section...

Oh and about the layout.. I'm definitely planning on uploading a generic version when I finish/clean everything up.. (my psd is a layer monster at the moment)..  truthfully, I want to make more changes to it, but have been reluctant because of the lack of 24bit PNG support... I don't want to have to re-create all my tree snaps for every change I make..

[fatfingers]

OK, here's my deal...

I have no issues with my screensaver when it displays snapshots or cabinets.  However, I do have issues with preview videos.  I rolled back to RC8 and RC8 just hangs after a couple seconds of video and that is way worse than RC9.  In RC9 videos seem to work great -- except for after some time (I am on random mode) a windows error box pops up saying "The file cannot be read".  There is no indication of which file it is and there doesn't appear to be an error log file at this point to help me figure out which file it is.  It is possible that the file that cannot be read is invalid I suppose, but I have no way of knowing (short of trying every blasted preview by hand).  I suppose it is also possible that I'm way out of date with preview videos and I should get Circo's (??) new pack, but for some reason I don't seem to be able to follow what I should and what I shouldn't get from him.   

[loadman]

OK, here's my deal...

I have no issues with my screensaver when it displays snapshots or cabinets.  However, I do have issues with preview videos.  I rolled back to RC8 and RC8 just hangs after a couple seconds of video and that is way worse than RC9.  In RC9 videos seem to work great -- except for after some time (I am on random mode) a windows error box pops up saying "The file cannot be read".  There is no indication of which file it is and there doesn't appear to be an error log file at this point to help me figure out which file it is.  It is possible that the file that cannot be read is invalid I suppose, but I have no way of knowing (short of trying every blasted preview by hand).  I suppose it is also possible that I'm way out of date with preview videos and I should get Circo's (??) new pack, but for some reason I don't seem to be able to follow what I should and what I shouldn't get from him.   

i have similar issues

[loadman]

WLVRYN was kind enough to do some testing and sent me the following results:

When I start Mala (either from a reboot, through a desktop shortcut or from Mala.exe), the screensaver only works if the video option is enabled, whether that is the selection when Mala starts or if another selection is made at startup, then switched to video after.  Once the video option is enabled and the screensaver fires up once, then I can switch between the other options (picture or plugin only), and they both work.  One thing that I get with all of them is that the No Files Found screen comes up every time, even if I have files in the target directories or not.

[fatfingers]

I would like to add that my issue seems to increase in frequency over time.  In other words, it seems when I first start MaLa it takes quite a while for the error message to pop up, but then the next time it seems shorter, and the next time it is even shorter, and the next time ...  and so on and so forth.  This would lead me to believe that there is some sort of memory corruption going on that is causing my issue, but it also seems strange to me that it would show up when dealing with files.  Although, I truly know nothing about how MaLa has implemented the file handling nor do I know anything about displaying video files.

 

[loadman]

I would like to add that my issue seems to increase in frequency over time.  In other words, it seems when I first start MaLa it takes quite a while for the error message to pop up, but then the next time it seems shorter, and the next time it is even shorter, and the next time ...  and so on and so forth.  This would lead me to believe that there is some sort of memory corruption going on that is causing my issue, but it also seems strange to me that it would show up when dealing with files.  Although, I truly know nothing about how MaLa has implemented the file handling nor do I know anything about displaying video files.
 

Is this the error you refer to?
(attached)

[Organic Jerk]

Just chiming back in here to update on my shortcuts issue:

As of now, I can't create any new "sections" that are populated with lnk or bat files... Every one I create now has the "Error Code 2" error.  Since my last post I also accidentally edited my "Music Game" section, and now they don't work at all, even though the settings are the same as before.  Sections I have not touched do work, though, such as my Playstation (bat) and Doom Collection (bat) sections... at this point I refuse to touch them as I suspect that the moment I add, remove, or edit anything in those lists, they will not work.

[loadman]

Just chiming back in here to update on my shortcuts issue:

As of now, I can't create any new "sections" that are populated with lnk or bat files... Every one I create now has the "Error Code 2" error.  Since my last post I also accidentally edited my "Music Game" section, and now they don't work at all, even though the settings are the same as before.  Sections I have not touched do work, though, such as my Playstation (bat) and Doom Collection (bat) sections... at this point I refuse to touch them as I suspect that the moment I add, remove, or edit anything in those lists, they will not work.

Dude..my advice:
1) use the backup section in mala
2) Copy your mala directory to say ...mala2 and expireiment with that set-up to find please help find the cause without risking your main set-up

I don't watz going on in your cab but it don't seem like a Rc9 issue  .... If you want post me a CD of your set-up and I will have a play 

[fatfingers]

I would like to add that my issue seems to increase in frequency over time.  In other words, it seems when I first start MaLa it takes quite a while for the error message to pop up, but then the next time it seems shorter, and the next time it is even shorter, and the next time ...  and so on and so forth.  This would lead me to believe that there is some sort of memory corruption going on that is causing my issue, but it also seems strange to me that it would show up when dealing with files.  Although, I truly know nothing about how MaLa has implemented the file handling nor do I know anything about displaying video files.
 

Is this the error you refer to?
(attached)

No, it is the "The file cannot be read" error box with an "OK" button in it.

[Organic Jerk]

Dude..my advice:
1) use the backup section in mala
2) Copy your mala directory to say ...mala2 and expireiment with that set-up to find please help find the cause without risking your main set-up

I don't watz going on in your cab but it don't seem like a Rc9 issue  .... If you want post me a CD of your set-up and I will have a play 

I tried the backup bit, and then copied all of that into the new dir (Mala2), and it has the exact same problems..  I'm not sure, but I have noticed sometimes that mala acts a little "quirky" in some instances (like when saving a complicated GUI Tree), and I feel like this may be one of those unlucky instances for me.. 

It's really cool that you would be willing to have me physically send you files to play with my setup, but I wouldn't want to put you through the trouble.

[loadman]

I wiki page has been set up to table such items 

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Mala_Bugs#Possible_MaLa_Bugs

[Joystick Jerk]

Lots of sluggishness when using the video screensaver function,and I think I'm using those hi-res videos that were mentioned. Also using an intro video, but that runs just fine.

[Organic Jerk]

I tried the backup bit, and then copied all of that into the new dir (Mala2), and it has the exact same problems..  I'm not sure, but I have noticed sometimes that mala acts a little "quirky" in some instances (like when saving a complicated GUI Tree), and I feel like this may be one of those unlucky instances for me.. 

It's really cool that you would be willing to have me physically send you files to play with my setup, but I wouldn't want to put you through the trouble.

Well I went ahead and did another clean install of MaLa and set up the shortcuts as a new emulator.... with BOTH problems existing again... (Error code 2, and list of duplicates after refresh)...

This is really odd and annoying... I don't get it.

Well, I'll still keep at it.. I hope swindus returns soon..

[squirrellydw]

I just tried to run a video on start up and it pops open another little window, forget what it says.  When I close it I here the sound fine but I can't see the video but I do see a lot of flashing.  I am using a mpg from cinemarcade and I have an AVGA card

[Circo]

Loadman, do you have any word if there has been progress with the video issues?

[loadman]

Loadman, do you have any word if there has been progress with the video issues?

Not yet    I just posted Master Swindus

OK........

Worst case scenario I can make a video screen saver like we planned at one point 'Emu-Movies' 

Good to see you back on the scene family man 

[loadman]

I also have a current problem with running lnk files from a specific PC Games section.  Although all of my Mala settings are presumably correct (no emu, %rom%, lnk) and all my shortcuts work outside of mala, I still get the dreaded "Error Code 2"...  not only that, but if I try to "Refresh game list" even once from the PC Games section, then the last shortcut in the lnk's populates the Entire List (screenshot below)...  it's weird.  I've tried removing games from the section, but it doesn't work. 
What's weirder about that is that it only happens with this particular set of lnk's.  I also have shortcuts under a "Music Games" section, and they work fine.
I should also note that this happened out of nowhere.  When I first upgraded to RC9, they worked fine.  I can't even pinpoint exactly when this started happening.

It seems that this is another Bug of Rc9. But thankfully you can fix you .lnk list by running them in the previous version Rc8

[jasonbar]

I came across a weird bug tonight.

I have Daphne set up in the "other emus".

I'm already showing control panel, screen shot, & marquee in the main layout as I scroll through games.

So, I figured I didn't need the info window (unless you can tell me how to get the info window to show cabinet images!), so I deleted all items from the info window list in the MaLa setup.

Out of curiosity, I hit the info window button & up came a blank window w/ a strange title.  Hitting the same button made it go away OK, but if I tried to hit the button to flip to the next info window item, MaLa would crash.


Anyway, odds are nobody will set up MaLa like this, but it seems to be a bug.

Thanks,
-J

[Racer_X]

I'm having an issue with Mala Tree under RC9.  I originally set up nestopia under RC8, and created a blank gamelist with Mala Tree called Nintendo.  After I upgraded to RC 9, the menus still work.  However, whenever I try to update the menu via mala tree, I get a red "x" over the nintendo gamelist and I cannot save it.

When I look at the available emulators within mala tree, Jukebox and mame are all that is listed.

[loadman]

I'm having an issue with Mala Tree under RC9.  I originally set up nestopia under RC8, and created a blank gamelist with Mala Tree called Nintendo.  After I upgraded to RC 9, the menus still work.  However, whenever I try to update the menu via mala tree, I get a red "x" over the nintendo gamelist and I cannot save it.

When I look at the available emulators within mala tree, Jukebox and mame are all that is listed.

Hmm I will add to Wiki page.  This is similar to the the .lnk / .bat problem. You can use list you have set -up it RC8. But if you try and edit/create them in RC9 you run inti trouble

[swindus]

I'm having an issue with Mala Tree under RC9.  I originally set up nestopia under RC8, and created a blank gamelist with Mala Tree called Nintendo.  After I upgraded to RC 9, the menus still work.  However, whenever I try to update the menu via mala tree, I get a red "x" over the nintendo gamelist and I cannot save it.

When I look at the available emulators within mala tree, Jukebox and mame are all that is listed.

Check the directory settings in the file menu of MaLaTree and try again.

[Racer_X]

Oops.  That did it.  Sorry about the scarecrow moment, Swindus  [If I only had a brain]

These aren't the bugs you're looking for - move along....

[loadman]

These aren't the bugs you're looking for - move along....

 

[Circo]

 

Yeah that one deserves a bit of credit

[Joystick Jerk]

So Swindus, what's happening with Mala? Any updates to fix the video screensaver function in the near future?

[swindus]

If it is possible to fix these issues updates will be available. But I cannot make any promises when this will happen. First I need to find the time to investigate and time is rare at the moment.

And of course I need the videos which make troubles.

[squirrellydw]

I got my videos here and wanted to use them for the screen saver and start up.
http://www.cinemarcade.com/movies.html

Do you think re-encoding them in a different format would work, maybe xvid??

[swindus]

@squirrellydw
You have to convert the videos to an avi format. Due to the last changes in MaLa I will remove support for mpg and wmv videos in the next version.

@all
I worked a bit on the video stuff in MaLa and I have found some buggy stuff in the rotation algo of the video components. I changed it and now it works without problems with the HiQ MAME vids from Circo on my setups.

The following has changed:
- The rotation algo which causes slow video playback was changed
- When using a start video the video from the layout is running in the background. Fixed.
- Execution of LNK files does not work. Fixed.

Please have in mind: this is a beta and perhaps there are still some issues with the screensaver and so on. Would be great if some people can test it and report any problems here.

[loadman]

I worked a bit on the video stuff in MaLa and I have found some buggy stuff in the rotation algo of the video components. I changed it and now it works without problems with the HiQ MAME vids from Circo on my setups.
You can download a beta for testing here: MaLa v1.0 RC9a beta (7z archiv)
The following has changed:
- The rotation algo which causes slow video playback was changed
- When using a start video the video from the layout is running in the background. Fixed.
- Execution of LNK files does not work. Fixed.
Please have in mind: this is a beta and perhaps there are still some issues with the screensaver and so on. Would be great if some people can test it and report any problems here.

   Great stuff. LNK's aka windows shortcuts work perfectly.
- A small bug remains that goes before RC8- If you refresh a LNK list more than once you lose items and have some duplicated 

I have a family thing right now so I can't test Video stuff today.   

Thanks Swindus 

[swindus]

  Great stuff. LNK's aka windows shortcuts work perfectly.
- A small bug remains that goes before RC8- If you refresh a LNK list more than once you lose items and have some duplicated 

Checked this and I have no problems here. Can refresh as often I like without losing items or duplicates.

[loadman]

  Great stuff. LNK's aka windows shortcuts work perfectly.
- A small bug remains that goes before RC8- If you refresh a LNK list more than once you lose items and have some duplicated 

Checked this and I have no problems here. Can refresh as often I like without losing items or duplicates.

Hmmm Try creating a new list then refresh 

[swindus]

  Great stuff. LNK's aka windows shortcuts work perfectly.
- A small bug remains that goes before RC8- If you refresh a LNK list more than once you lose items and have some duplicated 

That's what I did three times now.
Checked this and I have no problems here. Can refresh as often I like without losing items or duplicates.

Hmmm Try creating a new list then refresh 

That's what I did three times now.

[squirrellydw]

How do I install/update this so I don't lose any settings?  What should I backup?

[swindus]

Pretty simple: just copy the new MaLa.exe in your MaLa folder and overwrite the old one. If you want you can rename the old MaLa.exe to MaLa.exe.bak before.

[Circo]

I wish that I was at home, can't wait to try this out.

[loadman]

  Great stuff. LNK's aka windows shortcuts work perfectly.
- A small bug remains that goes before RC8- If you refresh a LNK list more than once you lose items and have some duplicated 

That's what I did three times now.
Checked this and I have no problems here. Can refresh as often I like without losing items or duplicates.

Hmmm Try creating a new list then refresh 

That's what I did three times now.

OK, it could well be a windows type issue, I'm using XP under a admin login. I might package up something and send it to you (a game list and a directory of .lnk's for generic things like notepad and solitare). I will also do some video testing tonight  

[GlennEdwards]

Hi Swindus,

Just to let you know that I've tried the Mala RC9a beta, but I'm still having video issues

I've got the emumovies mame videos, not the HiQ ones, but the ordinary resolution videos, and when the preview video plays in Mala, it plays, and I can hear audio OK, but the display is corrupted. I can make out some of the video, but it's very blocky and corrupted..

The videos play OK in Windows Media Player, so I know the vids are OK..

Thanks,

Glenn

[loadman]

Hi Swindus,

Just to let you know that I've tried the Mala RC9a beta, but I'm still having video issues

I've got the emumovies mame videos, not the HiQ ones, but the ordinary resolution videos, and when the preview video plays in Mala, it plays, and I can hear audio OK, but the display is corrupted. I can make out some of the video, but it's very blocky and corrupted..

The videos play OK in Windows Media Player, so I know the vids are OK..

Thanks,

Glenn

I'm sure Swindus will appreciate that feedback...
Some bonus question which might make bug squashing easier for him.
What OS/system are you using?
When you say video problems are you refering to
1) Start-up Video (if enabled)
2) Layout Video
3) Screen-saver video
Thanks

[Circo]

Hi Swindus,

Just to let you know that I've tried the Mala RC9a beta, but I'm still having video issues

I've got the emumovies mame videos, not the HiQ ones, but the ordinary resolution videos, and when the preview video plays in Mala, it plays, and I can hear audio OK, but the display is corrupted. I can make out some of the video, but it's very blocky and corrupted..

The videos play OK in Windows Media Player, so I know the vids are OK..

Thanks,

Glenn

I'm sure Swindus will appreciate that feedback...
Some bonus question which might make bug squashing easier for him.
What OS/system are you using?
When you say video problems are you refering to
1) Start-up Video (if enabled)
2) Layout Video
3) Screen-saver video
Thanks

Uninstall Dixv then install the xvid codec.  Divx and Mala do not play nice together.

[loadman]

OK I did some more testing 

* .lnk game list issues occur if you refresh you game list after quitting mala then  a combination of adding /reducing/ renaming the .lnk' themselves then refreshing the list
- Very minor issue as you can always (in seconds) delete the list create a new one and it will rebuild.

* Video- Only tested on one PC at this stage
(using Dixv codec of course)
1) I noticed a MASSIVE difference in smoothness. All vids including Circo's new HiRez ones look great _ I kicked back and used RC9 and RC8 for a while just to compare.
2) The Bug where the layout video was playing underneath the start up video/Screensave is fixed 
3) However Mala frooze right up occasionally. Usually at the point when you interupt the start video to go to the game list or interupt the screensaver to go back to the game list 

- The old error when it could not find the vids didn't happen but I only ever got that rarely.

...As I say I have only tried it on 1 PC so far, but massive improvement.

Go Swindus Go go go 

[swindus]

3) However Mala frooze right up occasionally. Usually at the point when you interupt the start video to go to the game list or interupt the screensaver to go back to the game list 

I noticed that too. Let's see what I can do here. Thanks for reporting!

[squirrellydw]

Mine is working fine with my couple quick tests.  Using a avi encoded with xvid as my startup video, thanks circo. 

Not sure if this is something I did and messed up or not but.....

My Nintendo emulator was working fine and now it doesn't seem to be working.  I launch the game and I can here it but it then goes back to the menu and is frozen.  I can here the game though.  I will revert back to the older RC9 and see what happens.

Update......the old RC9 version works fine with Nintendo and SNES the RC9 beta does not.

[swindus]

Mine is working fine with my couple quick tests.  Using a avi encoded with xvid as my startup video, thanks circo. 

Not sure if this is something I did and messed up or not but.....

My Nintendo emulator was working fine and now it doesn't seem to be working.  I launch the game and I can here it but it then goes back to the menu and is frozen.  I can here the game though.  I will revert back to the older RC9 and see what happens.

Update......the old RC9 version works fine with Nintendo and SNES the RC9 beta does not.

Thanks squirrellydw!

I also had some strange behavior with some MAME games yesterday. When launching them MaLa pops into the foreground and MAME was running in the background. I think thats the same with your Nintendo emu. Need to check this.

[swindus]

Ok, here we go. Next beta for testing.

MaLa v1.0 RC9a beta2

- Again some changes in the video handling: No freezing when stopping the start video or the screensaver. At last for me ...
- Strange behaviour from last beta (minimizing emus) fixed.
- Stucked 'Shift' key when switching the layout fixed.
- Added some debug log messages to the screensaver to get some information when no files are found.
- New function to remove brackets and parentheses from game names on the fly.
- Some more minor changes (key handling, options dialog layout).

[squirrellydw]

thanks, will check this out tonight

[loadman]

Ok, here we go. Next beta for testing.
MaLa v1.0 RC9a beta2
- Again some changes in the video handling: No freezing when stopping the start video or the screensaver. At last for me ...
- Strange behaviour from last beta (minimizing emus) fixed.
- Stucked 'Shift' key when switching the layout fixed.
- Added some debug log messages to the screensaver to get some information when no files are found.
- New function to remove brackets and parentheses from game names on the fly.
- Some more minor changes (key handling, options dialog layout).

OK This great fun  I had a quick check on 'one' PC.

MaLa crashed on the first 'initial' load.   Maybe it didn't like the existing .ini data from the previous version
Anyway

ALL GOOD.  No Video Problems    I could not crash MaLa again

I will test on more PC's on the weekend. 

All: Don't forget to post in your Logs if you are still experiencing problems. Especially with missing video or pics in the screensaver. Enable in the 'Help and Credits section'

[GlennEdwards]

Hi Loadman,

Using Vista Ultimate, Startup video plays fine. It's the layout preview videos that are corrupted when playing. Screensaver is disabled in my Mala setup.

I'll also give xvid a try instead of the divxcodec

Thx

Glenn

I'm sure Swindus will appreciate that feedback...
Some bonus question which might make bug squashing easier for him.
What OS/system are you using?
When you say video problems are you refering to
1) Start-up Video (if enabled)
2) Layout Video
3) Screen-saver video
Thanks

[GlennEdwards]

Just checked with Gspot, and my .avi's are playing using the XviD codec.

So just to reiterate, I'm using the latest beta of Mala RC9, on Vista Ultimate. The startup video plays fine, but the layout preview videos play, but the video is corrupted (I can make out parts of the video). Audio is OK. The videos play fine in Windows Media Player, and other video players such as Nero.

One thing I noticed is according to GSpot, my startup video is using the XviD 1.01 codec, whilst my layout preview videos are using the XviD 1.02 codec. The layout preview videos I'm using for Mame, are those from the EmuMovies site..

Hope you can help..

Glenn

[loadman]

Kewl

Did you un-install divx codec before insatlling Xvid?

[squirrellydw]

My quick test worked fine.  Tested menu games videos, start up videos, launching other EMUs.  All videos are avi encoded in xvid.

Great job

[swindus]

Sounds good! Now lets fix all screensaver bugs.

[GlennEdwards]

Hi Loadman,

I don't know which was installed first as they were installed a long time ago. I've uninstalled DivX, and still get the same problem. I would uninstall XVid as well, but do not know which particular program I have installed installed the XVid Codec, as I didn't specifically install the XVid codec, it just came with another program.

Has anyone else tried Mala RC9 on Vista to confirm that it's not just me?

Glenn

Kewl

Did you un-install divx codec before insatlling Xvid?

[squirrellydw]

I have XP

[loadman]

Hi Loadman,

I don't know which was installed first as they were installed a long time ago. I've uninstalled DivX, and still get the same problem. I would uninstall XVid as well, but do not know which particular program I have installed installed the XVid Codec, as I didn't specifically install the XVid codec, it just came with another program.

Has anyone else tried Mala RC9 on Vista to confirm that it's not just me?

Glenn

Kewl

Did you un-install divx codec before insatlling Xvid?

Sorry I don't have Vista ,

Try installing the latest xvid codec from here:

http://download.divxmovies.com/XviD-1.1.2-01112006.exe

[loadman]

Sounds good! Now lets fix all screensaver bugs.

Tried on my Cab, All good.     What can we do to help?

[swindus]

Good question! I don't have any problems either. But it would help if the user who have problems would post them here.

[Circo]

I have not been home, but I will be finally installing this afternoon  .  I will report back soon.

[Circo]

Finally got it up, I keep crashing when playing the high def files in the preview window.  I am going to do a quick fresh mala install and see what happens.

[fatfingers]

I also just installed mine today and will report back in a few days.  Just FYI: I am only testing video screensaver.

[Joystick Jerk]

Good question! I don't have any problems either. But it would help if the user who have problems would post them here.

I have a bunch of theEmumovies vid files for my screen savers. The screensaver comes up fine, and they play fine, but when I want to get back to the Mala window that's when the problems occur. Basically keyboard input isn't working right. I hit any button, esc, 1, whatever, nothing happens. I thought maybe the computer itself was having problems, but then I just started mashing keys and then eventually Mala asked if I wanted to exit the program.

So basically I'm losing the ability to exit the screensaver when I want to, as the program gets really sluggish and won't respond to most keyboard inputs.

[SonicSlammaster]

Still having problems with the algo of the videos slugish at times. when using animation the video slows down, this also happens when using sound in the videos but that may have to do with me not using videos from emumovies music videos are fine. mala crashes on gamescroll with attract videos on. cannot start game when using an intro movie. just thought id put this here as these are the problems im having with the beta test. If any1 has any idea what could be causing some of these issues other than the beta please dnt be shy

[loadman]

Guys, Thanks for the feedback     Any chance you could please post the relevant section of the Log to help Swindus out please? 

Enable in the 'Help and Credits section.  mala.exe.log

eg: attached  I renamed it to a text file so it would attach here

 

[Organic Jerk]

Well I tried beta2, and it seems that the lnk issue is gone for me,  (I can refresh, as well), but unfortunately I have other problems..

• When starting mala, the snapshot area is blacked out, and only appears when the config menu is opened.
• mala randomly stops accepting input indefinitely until restarting the app

• After entering a game mala will sometimes keep focus, even after alt-tabbing back to the game, so mouse clicks will bring you back to mala.

EDIT: Attached is a fresh log file I just recorded.  From the time I turned on the debug log, I experienced #1 and #3 of the points above.  2 has not happened again yet.

[loadman]

Well I tried beta2, and it seems that the lnk issue is gone for me,  (I can refresh, as well), but unfortunately I have other problems..

Try changing the lnk names/number of items in windows and then refresh in MaLa and see what happens. Minor issue in any case.   

[Organic Jerk]

Try changing the lnk names/number of items in windows and then refresh in MaLa and see what happens. Minor issue in any case.   

They update fine with some removed.  When renamed, they keep the old names.. to alleviate the problem I change the folder then change it back (The renaming issue was always around, though...)

[Organic Jerk]

I got the #2 issue again where Mala hangs and takes no keyboard inputs.  RIght clicking brings up the menu, but the mouse cursor is nowhere to be seen until mala is closed.

I'm posting the Mala log again, but I didnt cut anything out, so it will also contain the same info as before as well.  I wasn't sure where the error was so I left the file alone to be scrutinized by trained eyes.

EDIT: sorry for double posting

[Circo]

Still having problems with the algo of the videos slugish at times. when using animation the video slows down, this also happens when using sound in the videos but that may have to do with me not using videos from emumovies music videos are fine. mala crashes on gamescroll with attract videos on. cannot start game when using an intro movie. just thought id put this here as these are the problems im having with the beta test. If any1 has any idea what could be causing some of these issues other than the beta please dnt be shy

Same things that happened to me, I started reinstalling from scratch so I have not had a chance to test again, I will post the log when I get it back up.

[swindus]

Thanks for reporting!

Please don't use a layout with animation objects or disable the layout animation in the options dialog when using videos. I think it's just to much for a GDI application to handle. Please try again with disabled animations.

I got the #2 issue again where Mala hangs and takes no keyboard inputs.  RIght clicking brings up the menu, but the mouse cursor is nowhere to be seen until mala is closed.

I changed some bits in the last version regarding the key input. Will revert to to previous version then it should work again.

[loadman]

Please don't use a layout with animation objects or disable the layout animation in the options dialog when using videos. I think it's just to much for a GDI application to handle. Please try again with disabled animations.

Hmmm Maybe you should code it so you can't use both?

Go Swindus Go go go 

[swindus]

Hmm, It's also not possible to drive 300 mph with a payload of 10 tons in an old vw beattle. Or try to install WinXP on a 486DX with 4MB Ram.

Sorry, but the only way to get both running is to use DirectX and that means I have to write a new frontend. With the current MaLa version I'm reaching borders now with performance issues because MaLa is a GDI application and there is no way to get over this without rewriting the main part of my code. And before rewriting so much I would create a new frontend to replace other parts as well.

Maybe this will happen but on the other hand does MaLa all the stuff I wanted and I needed and much more! So there is really no need for me to write a new frontend at this time.

And hey, we are talking about animations, hirez videos and screensavers. MaLa is a frontend, its a menu which can be controlled by joysticks to start a game. When I sit in front of my cab I play games and don't watch animations, videos or screensavers. 

[loadman]

Maybe you mis-read my last post 

I mean code it so you can't use both, eg you can't select both in options to avoid GDI overload 

[swindus]

Yes, I mis-read your post! 

[loadman]

Yes, I mis-read your post! 

But you feel better because you vented.. Yeah? 

Anyway the point you make is that MaLa is not aimed at a lot of Animated 'Bling Bling' and there are other FE's that cater to that for those who want it.

I know that MaLa can run these Hi-Rez Vids as I have seen it and you have too.

I hope you will be patient in figuring out the bugs that are being reported  .   

[swindus]

Yes, I'm patient and I will figuring out and fix what I can. But there are things that will never get implemented into MaLa and maybe there are also things which I cannot fix because of errors in third party modules/components I'm using like the video components.

[loadman]

Yes, I'm patient and I will figuring out and fix what I can. But there are things that will never get implemented into MaLa and maybe there are also things which I cannot fix because of errors in third party modules/components I'm using like the video components.

I understand.  Good luck   

I think Shock_ put it best when he said something like:

I love MaLa like a naughty puppy.

What possible bugs are left:

• Screensaver: Videos Pics not found on saome machines?? (we need someone to send Logs).
• Video in Layout: Poor performance/Crashes on same machines???

• Keyboard control: This is lost in some scenarios on some machines

[youki]

Anyway the point you make is that MaLa is not aimed at a lot of Animated 'Bling Bling' and there are other FE's that cater to that for those who want it.

 

[fatfingers]

I can happily report that my video screensaver has been running a couple of days with no issues.

 

[CM]

Hi Loadman,
    2 issues I observed with latest version are:

1)   When a snap and video are overlapped in a layout:

• RC9a (good) = video plays. If gamelist scrolled, then snaps quickly show until user stops.  Then the next video starts for selected game over the snap area again.
• RC9b (not good) = video plays. If gamelist scrolled, the video image pauses and is persistent until the next game is selected and that video then starts.  Snaps are never shown while scrolling the gamelist. 

2)  Keyboard control lost with my large videos (~5MB).  Mouse inputs still accepted.  (i.e. not hi-res vids, my example is a ~30sec Dragon's Lair intro video that does this).  Smaller ones work fine.

[Chunce DeLeone]

Can't play PC games with MALA, pointing to Shortcuts.

[loadman]

Can't play PC games with MALA, pointing to Shortcuts.

That is fixed in the latest Beta....      The link to it is in a post on this thread from Swindus

[SGT]

That is fixed in the latest Beta....      The link to it is in a post on this thread from Swindus

Loadman,

What is your configuration for LNK files?  It will not work for me if LNK is listed as the only rom extension and after a main game list refresh.  I also have to have explorer.exe as the executable.

Thanks!

[loadman]

I have MaLa running as the shell on my Cab. So I also need to run explorer occasionally for maintanence etc..

But I use this:


I answered your shortcut question here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68772.msg701550#msg701550

[squirrellydw]

Hi Loadman,
    2 issues I observed with latest version are:

1)   When a snap and video are overlapped in a layout:

• RC9a (good) = video plays. If gamelist scrolled, then snaps quickly show until user stops.  Then the next video starts for selected game over the snap area again.
• RC9b (not good) = video plays. If gamelist scrolled, the video image pauses and is persistent until the next game is selected and that video then starts.  Snaps are never shown while scrolling the gamelist. 

2)  Keyboard control lost with my large videos (~5MB).  Mouse inputs still accepted.  (i.e. not hi-res vids, my example is a ~30sec Dragon's Lair intro video that does this).  Smaller ones work fine.

I am having the same issue as number 1, not sure about 2.  I also noticed when it goes into screen saver mode when I comes out of it, I lose keyboard control also   I will post my log file

[SGT]

Swindus/Loadman,

The following problem occurs ONLY in the latest BETA.  It does not occur in v1.0 RC9 . 

Any time I use Windows to do something else (while leaving Mala running), I lose all keyboard control when I return to Mala.  The mouse still works.  If I use the mouse to bring up the options menu, the arrow keys work allowing you to navigate the options menu.  As soon as you close the options window the arrow keys no longer work to navigate game lists nor does the ESC key work to exit out of Mala.

To make sure, I did this with a fresh installation.  I downloaded v1.0 RC9 from Swindus's website and installed it.  I verified that running Windows programs  did not cause Mala to lose keyboard control by trying it many times.  I then copied the beta version of Mala.exe over to the Mala folder and the problem instantly returned.

I am wondering if this is related to the loss of keyboard control that some have when running large videos.  Any ideas?

[loadman]

Same with me. 

I never experienced before as I had not left mala and come back before

[SGT]

Same with me. 

I never experienced before as I had not left mala and come back before

Finally found a work-around.  Press ALT to bring up the information window before you leave Mala will keep the keyboard working when you return to Mala.  Refreshing the main game list restores keyboard functionality, but that takes too long.  That information should hopefully help Swindus pinpoint the problem.

[loadman]

Same with me. 

I never experienced before as I had not left mala and come back before

Finally found a work-around.  Press ALT to bring up the information window before you leave Mala will keep the keyboard working when you return to Mala.  Refreshing the main game list restores keyboard functionality, but that takes too long.  That information should hopefully help Swindus pinpoint the problem.

[In a James Bond Voice-Connery Style]
Well Done #1
[/In a James Bond Voice-Connery Style]

[SGT]

[/In a James Bond Voice-Connery Style]

Sean Connery is the ONLY James Bond. 

[shock_]

and Will Riker is the ONLY Number 1.

[fatfingers]

I can happily report that my video screensaver has been running a couple of days with no issues.

 

Looks like I spoke too soon...

I am now getting the same "File cannot be read" error message pop-up box as I got without the beta.

 

[loadman]

I can happily report that my video screensaver has been running a couple of days with no issues.

 

Looks like I spoke too soon...

I am now getting the same "File cannot be read" error message pop-up box as I got without the beta.

 

Excellent.  Please Post the Log of that section so Swindus can squash that Bug!!!! 

[fatfingers]

Yeah, working on that (albeit very slowly).