Looking for Beta testers 1.62g (Finished)

[loadman]

A small release:

Includes:

MaLa.. Added remote MaLa Messages ability to switch to various orientations
Applied new Icon to the MaLa suite
Added Definable images option of EMU's (other than mame) FINALLY!
Added Extra logging (in verbose mode) to show event info passed to the plugins
BugFix. Fixed orientation that was incorrectly reported for non mame. EMU's
BugFix. Only one press of start button now required after rotate
Added hotkeys to switch to various orientations
BugFix. MaLa now re-enables mouse (if required) after resuming from standby
BugFix. Stop mala crash if gamelist empty and MaLa Hardware leds were enabled
 JukeBox Disabled 'brackets removed on the fly' in Jukebox mode
JukeBox. Fixed bug where songs that were read only were getting shown twice in the list
Logging - Now can be set at Normal or Verbose Levels
Jukebox. Better labelling on config window to make operation more intuitive.
Config defaults changed to something I feel is a better starting point ;-)
Dreamcast (Nulldc) preset added
MaLa: When mame.exe is specified in options the user is asked if they wish to create a new mame.xml even if one exists.
Some collection options now shown in display box when refreshing game list for Mame.
Bugfix. Stopped mala crashing with delayed layout items if game lists are empty (in some circumstances including rom directory change).
Bugfix. LED Hardware override files also are used when game is launched
Bugfix. Stopped delayed layout video playing in background behind a running game in some scenarios. This did sometimes result in performance and Windows focus issues.
Bugfix. Stopped delayed layout video playing when options window opened.
Bugfix. Fixed incorrect cocktail command line mapping allocations on 90deg and 270deg
Bugfix. Fixed flash of default text before Layout loads (in some cases).
Bugfix. Background music will not start until Startup Video is finished.
Bugfix. Switching to and from Jukebox from any list now works correctly.
Config. Added more verbose descriptions and logging for custom Layout options, and Other EMU MaLaHook loading.
Bugfix. Fixed bug switching between custom game list with custom layout. Elements switching is now synchronized.
the right mouse click. About Screen added

Enjoy..  

[bsweet0us]

Downloaded, extracted, overwrote existing files, launched, nothing.

Here's the error log....what happened?

2009/03/08  11:02:15.07   Info: Starting MaLa 1.6.0.14
2009/03/08  11:02:15.09   Info: LoggingLevel =  1
2009/03/08  11:02:15.09   Info: Check plugin directory: E:\Emulators\Mala\plugins
2009/03/08  11:02:15.09   Info: Collecting event plugins (*.mplugin) in E:\Emulators\Mala\plugins\
2009/03/08  11:02:15.09   Info: Found event plugin UltraStikMapPlugin.mplugin
2009/03/08  11:02:15.09   Info: Event plugin UltraStikMapPlugin.mplugin loaded
2009/03/08  11:02:15.09   Info: Function: PluginName found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Function: PluginCopyright found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaGameSelected found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaEmulatorSelected not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaListSelected not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaOrientationSwitch not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaScreensaverStart not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaScreensaverSwitch not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaScreensaverStop not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaAttractModeStart not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaAttractModeStop not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaGameStart found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaGameQuit found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaStart found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaQuit found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaTreeUp not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: MaLaTreeDown not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.10   Info: Event Function: PluginConfigure not found
2009/03/08  11:02:15.12   Info: Check backup directory: E:\Emulators\Mala\backups
2009/03/08  11:02:15.12   Info: Check to see if hook dll is required
2009/03/08  11:02:15.12   Info: Win98/ME Hook dll not loaded because OS is: WinXP
2009/03/08  11:02:15.21   Info: Loading config params from ini file
2009/03/08  11:02:15.29   Info: Setting params from ini file
2009/03/08  11:02:15.31   Info: Creating and loading mame cl conditions: E:\Emulators\Mala\mame.clc
2009/03/08  11:02:15.31   Info: Creating and loading mame info pages: E:\Emulators\Mala\mame.mli
2009/03/08  11:02:15.31   Info: Creating and loading other emu info pages: E:\Emulators\Mala\otheremu.mli
2009/03/08  11:02:15.31   Info: Creating and loading filter sets: E:\Emulators\Mala\mala.mlf
2009/03/08  11:02:15.31   Info: Creating and loading non mame emulators: E:\Emulators\Mala\mala.mle
2009/03/08  11:02:15.31   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: LoadEmulatorList, Exception Class: EFOpenError, Exception Message: Cannot open file E:\Emulators\Mala\mala.mle
2009/03/08  11:02:15.37   Info: Joystick 1 recalibrated
2009/03/08  11:02:17.01   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/03/08  11:02:17.01   Info: Show Main Form
2009/03/08  11:02:17.20   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: DisplayVideo, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 005E17D8 in module 'mala.exe'. Read of address 000000A0
2009/03/08  11:03:15.59   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/03/08  11:03:15.59   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed
2009/03/08  11:03:18.40   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/03/08  11:03:18.40   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed
2009/03/08  11:03:21.00   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/03/08  11:03:21.01   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed

[toadstoolprince]

i think there is some confusion over version numbers.. 1.0.6 or 1.6?

also could you please please please add auto scrolling/key repeat so i can just push up on my arcade stick and i can scroll through the list without having to repeatedly push up to go to the next one.

[slapaham]

Did the 'loss of focus' problem ever get solved?

Great work by the way! Having used several frontends I now swear by Mala!

Oh, and totally agree with the scrolling comment - that would make it so much easier to use - it is so laborious looking through 5000+ games the way it is.

[TheShanMan]

Guys, I can just hold my joystick up or down to keep my list scrolling. Not sure why you haven't been able to. Works with my analog and digital joysticks.

Loadman, I had to revert back to 1.05 because the video feature seems to be screwy in this version. As I scroll through my game list I frequently get hangs (not crashes) right when a video is supposed to start playing.

Also, I don't know if this is relevant or not, but an interesting thing with my Super Mario Bros video. I've posted before about how Circo's AVI SQ video has audio/video synchronization problems (mostly directed to Circo, not you), and it causes mala to hang. So normally I just delete this video but I tried again today in case Circo had a fixed version (answer turns out to be no), and 1.06 does something quite different with the bad video than 1.05 does. It shows it zoomed in! So I can only see part of the screen. And then when I move to the game above or below it, that video is zoomed out! So there's a bunch of black space surrounding the video. Then when I change the selection again the videos show correctly. Again, don't know if this helps you at all. Maybe it relates to the hanging problem I mentioned above? Or maybe it is meaningless simply because it's a bad AVI. But I thought I'd mention it just in case.

[loadman]

Downloaded, extracted, overwrote existing files, launched, nothing.
Here's the error log....what happened?
2009/03/08  11:03:15.59   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed
2009/03/08  11:03:18.40   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/03/08  11:03:18.40   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed
2009/03/08  11:03:21.00   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/03/08  11:03:21.01   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed

Looks like a video issue in MaLa 1.6 . As I see you use a startup video. 

Oh, and totally agree with the scrolling comment - that would make it so much easier to use - it is so laborious looking through 5000+ games the way it is.

The scrolling can be fixed by using the correct i-pac chip. Have a search

FYI This release is 1.6

OK.

Bugger Bugger Bugger Video problems again   

THis is what I get for not releasing a Beta Version 

Anyway my best guess is the problem is I am using the latest version of video lab.

I will try reverting and see if that fixes it..  Sorry Guys!

[TheShanMan]

Look forward to the reverted version. Why is it called 1.6 in places, and 1.06 in others (web site for one)? Same seems to be true for 1.5 vs. 1.05.

[dungbeetle46]

Downloaded, extracted, overwrote existing files, launched, nothing.

same here, had to revert back to 1.05
tried it by extracting to complete different folder and it launched fine and created some more files in that folder but required setting up everything again.
then tried copying all files from new folder to old mala folder and it launched but still no old files, needed to set it all up again, so reverted back to 1.05 and now I have to set everything up again.
thank god for backups

[csa3d]

Also, not to rain on the parade, but the rotating monitor plugin still does not work with the latest changes for other emulators.  Even though it's said that the other emulators now report the correct orientation, it appears that no event trigger is kicked in when selecting a game from an emulator which requires 0 degrees rotation when coming from a 90 degree rotation from a Mame list.

Though, the select game with single click is definately working.  I also found that I couldn't just overwrite my directory, and had to recreate all my settings from scratch.  I'm 50/50 on reverting at this time.

btw - very excited about this update, even with the bugs in it!  Thanks so much for putting in the hard work to make these happen Loadman!

-csa

[loadman]

Look forward to the reverted version. Why is it called 1.6 in places, and 1.06 in others (web site for one)? Same seems to be true for 1.5 vs. 1.05.

It should be 1.6!   I will look at that   

Also, not to rain on the parade, but the rotating monitor plugin still does not work with the latest changes for other emulators.  Even though it's said that the other emulators now report the correct orientation, it appears that no event trigger is kicked in when selecting a game from an emulator which requires 0 degrees rotation when coming from a 90 degree rotation from a Mame list.

What does the log say it's doing (in verbose mode). I added a log to mark when it was sending an orientation change to the plugins. I tested this and seems to be reporting correctly to the log.

Though, the select game with single click is definately working.  I also found that I couldn't just overwrite my directory, and had to recreate all my settings from scratch.  I'm 50/50 on reverting at this time.

I don't understand?  The only thing you need to is was swap the mala.exe in your current setup? You can change the name of mala.exe to mala105.exe if you want to try both

same here, had to revert back to 1.05

I assume you use a video on startup?  Hence it failed from the beginning?

[dungbeetle46]

no not using a video, it says something about cant load emulator list because it was created in a previous version
hers a log
2009/03/09  18:50:31.59   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: LoadEmulatorList, Exception Class: EFOpenError, Exception Message: Cannot open file C:\mame\MaLa\mala.mle
2009/03/09  18:50:33.70   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: DisplayVideo, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 005E17D8 in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 000000A0

[dungbeetle46]

worked it out, I copied too much to directory the first time, should have just copied mala.exe

[loadman]

no not using a video, it says something about cant load emulator list because it was created in a previous version
hers a log
2009/03/09  18:50:31.59   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: LoadEmulatorList, Exception Class: EFOpenError, Exception Message: Cannot open file C:\mame\MaLa\mala.mle
2009/03/09  18:50:33.70   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: DisplayVideo, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 005E17D8 in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 000000A0

Yes that is supposed to happen.      Did you read the full message. ?  It needs to upgrade your emulators file. I had to do this to add the definable images on other emu's  I will change the message so this is more clear. Thanks for reporting 

worked it out, I copied too much to directory the first time, should have just copied mala.exe

I should have added better instructions 

[loadman]

OK Guys,

I have taken 1.6 away from the download page

Looks like the lastest version of the video driver made it worse so I will have to revert. I have already begun work on it. Hopefully it won't take too long

[TheShanMan]

Well think of it this way, loadman. Probably everyone who downloaded are people who would have downloaded it as a beta anyway. And I'm sure you've learned your lesson about video engine changes requiring LOTS of testing before releasing!

So anyway, don't feel bad loadman. Just keep up the good work and we all look forward to the update whenever it's ready. We appreciate your effort!

[fatfingers]

Ahhh....software....don't you love it....

[lcddream]

The scrolling can be fixed by using the correct i-pac chip. Have a search

Scrolling works for player 1 but not player 2. I need a new IPAC to get player 2 scrolling working? It worked in mamewah...

[loadman]

The scrolling can be fixed by using the correct i-pac chip. Have a search

Scrolling works for player 1 but not player 2. I need a new IPAC to get player 2 scrolling working? It worked in mamewah...

New IPAC chip not a whole new IPAC.  Hope to develop a way to do this within mala eventually

[loadman]

If you wish to beta test 1.62betaA then PM me for the download link

Only download if you have time to test and report please 

[dungbeetle46]

been testing the new beta and only bug I have come across so far is if I enable audio everything is fine but if I start mala and then disable audio it gives the mala has encountered a problem and shuts down. Not a major problem if I restart with audio disabled its fine, its only after disabling and pressing OK to close options.

this is from the log when it shuts down
2009/03/11  23:56:22.82   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: SaveTrackingInformation, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 00403D58 in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 646F6F5F

[csa3d]

So I looked at it tonight, and I am still having issues with automated monitor rotation when selecting "other emulators".  Here's how I reproduce it:

Go into a Mame list and choose a vertical game (ie: frogger).
The monitor auto rotates using mrotate plugin from DaOldMan.
Exit the vertical game, and the Mala list changes to match the vertical orientation of the screen (fantastic so far)
With the screen vertical, switch over to NES or Atari or something not having vertical screenage, noting that you are currently IN vertical mode and that in my particular setup, I had to check the box which flips the screen orientation so the vertical list wouldn't be upside down.
Now that you are in the NES list, choose any game and launch it.
Note that the screen does not rotate.

Mrotate only seems to deal with 0 and 90, so I'm not sure who's at fault here.  What info do you need to help track down the culprit?

-csa

[wooowman93]

2009/03/15  11:12:19.79   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: DisplayMarquee, Exception Class: EListError, Exception Message: List index out of bounds (0)
2009/03/15  22:48:13.82   Error: Object Class: TPopupList, Object Function: CollectGamelistFiles, Exception Class: EListError, Exception Message: List index out of bounds (0)
2009/03/16  14:05:33.73   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: LoadPicture, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 004BBBDC in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 022B0000
2009/03/16  14:05:33.81   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: LoadPicture, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 004BBBDC in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 022B0000
2009/03/16  14:40:20.32   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: LoadPicture, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 004BBBDC in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 01790000
2009/03/16  14:40:20.39   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: LoadPicture, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 004BBBDC in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 01790000

[slapaham]

Not sure if this has already been posted but when I updated my MAME version and therefore my romlist... when it tried to replace the existing roms with the new ones, it kept crashing - doesn't do this in the old version...

[TheShanMan]

Where is our fearless leader? He hasn't been visiting often at all lately. Hopefully he's furiously creating a super-stable 1.6 release (for the record, I tested, it crashed on startup - unlike the first 1.6 release, and I PM'ed him the results). I'm hoping for a new version to try out for the weekend!

[dungbeetle46]

Not sure if this has already been posted but when I updated my MAME version and therefore my romlist... when it tried to replace the existing roms with the new ones, it kept crashing - doesn't do this in the old version...

same here
had to update gamelist with old version then change over to 1.62

[loadman]

been testing the new beta and only bug I have come across so far is if I enable audio everything is fine but if I start mala and then disable audio it gives the mala has encountered a problem and shuts down. Not a major problem if I restart with audio disabled its fine, its only after disabling and pressing OK to close options.

this is from the log when it shuts down
2009/03/11  23:56:22.82   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: SaveTrackingInformation, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 00403D58 in module 'MaLa.exe'. Read of address 646F6F5F

Thanks

That was a know issue 

Any video problems?

[loadman]

Where is our fearless leader? He hasn't been visiting often at all lately. Hopefully he's furiously creating a super-stable 1.6 release (for the record, I tested, it crashed on startup - unlike the first 1.6 release, and I PM'ed him the results). I'm hoping for a new version to try out for the weekend!

Sorry Frikken work again 

Anyway ......MaLa
I am getting the sh*ts with it all (video mainly) and so am considering bitting the bullet and scrapping working on 1.6 and start work on 2.0 with new video and audio engines using a newer ide

I have been testing TVideoGrabber today.  It seems to play all the problem videos (including the 3 ninja kickback one), rotate and even allow graphics partially over the top.

[Later] I am still liking this, but it aint cheap [/Later]

If you want to test it with your video download the demo standalone video player at:

http://www.datastead.com/vidgrab/maindemo.zip

I would be interested in feedback

[TheShanMan]

Sorry to hear about the problems! I'd almost say go for it on the 2.0 decision, except right now my spinner/trackball panel is almost unusable due to how "use mouse" gets turned off on standby. It would be a bummer if I had to wait a long time for that to be fixed.

I'd be open to suggestions of possible workarounds. I've already tried setting mala's ini file to be read only (to at least keep it from turning the option off there), but mala DOES NOT like that at all. I just hate having to break out the keyboard or mouse whenever I want to play a spinner/trackball game.

I'll try to do a little testing with the video player soon. Sounds promising though!

[loadman]

Sorry to hear about the problems! I'd almost say go for it on the 2.0 decision, except right now my spinner/trackball panel is almost unusable due to how "use mouse" gets turned off on standby. It would be a bummer if I had to wait a long time for that to be fixed.

Well, I made a work around/ fix for that in 1.6 (mouse is re-enabled after coming out of standby). But 1.6 introduced video problems it seems that I can't easily reverse.

The irony is part of 1.6 project was adding the mala code into perforce version control software.

 What I might try and do is possibly add the new video engine to 1.6 then work on 2.0, but only if I don't get charged twice for the  TVideoGrabber software. I need the Delphi5 version (for mala 1.6) and Delphi 2007 version (for mala 2.0). USD  $695 aint cheap, but I could use the engine in many other projects. Let me know what you think. It seems to do everything

[TheShanMan]

Does this mean you don't really have the 1.5 code then (i.e. no version control until now)? I'd be perfectly satisfied with a 1.51. But hey, if it's going to be a lot more hassle and/or money to do a 1.6 and you would otherwise decide against a 1.6, I'll live despite the "use mouse" bug.

[loadman]

Does this mean you don't really have the 1.5 code then (i.e. no version control until now)? I'd be perfectly satisfied with a 1.51. But hey, if it's going to be a lot more hassle and/or money to do a 1.6 and you would otherwise decide against a 1.6, I'll live despite the "use mouse" bug.

It's weird.

I have the 1.5 code but MaLa behaves differently due to it' current dependence on the current video player components. This you install this separately. A version or minor change to it's config effects a lot of things in mala. I guess I can't expect too much form a free component

I am looking like I will at least make a beta with a new video engine at this point.

Hang in there, I think the worst is behind us 

[loadman]

Mrotate only seems to deal with 0 and 90, so I'm not sure who's at fault here.  What info do you need to help track down the culprit?
-csa

Can you try 1.62 and tell me what the logs say when you rotate the screen? Do they match reality?

[loadman]

Beta Testers Wanted.

I have made a quick and dirty test video player using a different video engine.

The idea is make sure it works before I part with more $$$$$ and replace the existing video engine

Can you all please help by testing this for me.

run your videos you have have issues playing through this player please and post results...

http://www.malafe.net/files/download/VideoTest2.zip

NOTE: If you change settings you need to reload video for it to come into effect. I could have fixed this but I ran out of time.

Thanks   

[TheShanMan]

So far I've tried it with the bad "sq" super mario bros video (audio/video sync problems), and at least it doesn't lock up like happens with MaLa. Maybe a good sign?

I don't know how tough it is in delphi to add support for dropping files from explorer to open them, but I would definitely be more prone to test a large number of videos if I could do that, since it would greatly simplify the process.

[zophar707]

tried to run 1.62 and get this error

2009/03/26  19:46:51.78   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: Ctrl1Down, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 005F3600 in module 'MaLa162ba.exe'. Read of address 000000A0

[loadman]

I don't know how tough it is in delphi to add support for dropping files from explorer to open them, but I would definitely be more prone to test a large number of videos if I could do that, since it would greatly simplify the process.

Easy

Done 

Please advise 

http://www.malafe.net/files/download/VideoTest2.zip

[arzoo]

Hey loadman - any chance you'll be able to add support for animated gifs to the background images? We were talking about this some time ago and I recall you had a working solution.

On a side note - I've been watching that FE poll with MaLa and Hyperspin duking it out for the top spot. It's amazing how quickly HS gained in popularity. Still, for those who want to customize/personalize the look of their FE, MaLa is the #1 choice!

[TheShanMan]

Yeah, they have been neck and neck for a long time, with MaLa always edging out HS, but finally HS passed up MaLa.

loadman, I hope to do some more video testing this weekend. I appreciate you adding drag and drop to the test app!

[loadman]

Hey loadman - any chance you'll be able to add support for animated gifs to the background images? We were talking about this some time ago and I recall you had a working solution.

On a side note - I've been watching that FE poll with MaLa and Hyperspin duking it out for the top spot. It's amazing how quickly HS gained in popularity. Still, for those who want to customize/personalize the look of their FE, MaLa is the #1 choice!

HI,

Yep I have not forgotten.   

The stability of MaLa became the priority.

With Animated gifs, I only have a solution when rotated at 0 deg at this point. Is that OK?

The current mala code flips the pics (on the fly) when you flip orientation. Not sure how you would handle a muti framed animated gif?  Any Ideas?

[TheShanMan]

I just went through 111 games from my game list, dragging them in one at a time and watching on average for about 3-4 seconds. The player handled them all great. The one "problem" video is Super Mario Bros, which has audio/video sync issues. That video causes mala to lock up if you try to switch off of the game later on in the video, but no problem for this test player!

So it's not a lot of data to go on, but from my experience the new player seems to be more robust than the old one.

[loadman]

I just went through 111 games from my game list, dragging them in one at a time and watching on average for about 3-4 seconds. The player handled them all great. The one "problem" video is Super Mario Bros, which has audio/video sync issues. That video causes mala to lock up if you try to switch off of the game later on in the video, but no problem for this test player!
So it's not a lot of data to go on, but from my experience the new player seems to be more robust than the old one.

 

now...

For the 'super keen' amounst you here is another beta version. It is a work in progress. I will finish this week.

It needs more work with the video window position/ window size / loading and reveal timing/scrolling).

I am hoping that it is stable enough to persue this work with the new video engine (I have not paid for yet)

Feedback welcome....


url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162ba.zip
url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162d.zip

[zophar707]

Been testing for a few days now and only problem ive had is, when exiting a game the odd time, the layout goes all to pot and i have to exit and run it again.  Need to get some flv's ordered now. Next thing is to put together my machine.  Great frontend.

[bsweet0us]

I'm still able to crash MALA into "Not responding" mode with my MAME gamelist.  Sometimes I'll get to a game and the video won't load and it just crashes.  Next time I launch MALA it works for the same game just fine but crashes on a different one.

this only seems to happen within the MAME gamelist.  I have NES, SNES, N64 and Genesis gamelists (all with videos) and haven't experienced this behavior with any of those gamelists.

I did have it happen once when switching from MAME to NES, but not before or since.

Not sure if this is any help to you, but I zipped the logfile and attached here if you wanna take a look at it.

[arzoo]

Hey loadman - any chance you'll be able to add support for animated gifs to the background images? We were talking about this some time ago and I recall you had a working solution.

HI,

Yep I have not forgotten.   

The stability of MaLa became the priority.

With Animated gifs, I only have a solution when rotated at 0 deg at this point. Is that OK?

The current mala code flips the pics (on the fly) when you flip orientation. Not sure how you would handle a muti framed animated gif?  Any Ideas?

I guess you could implement the animated gif feature and just mention that it doesn't work when the orientation is flipped. This would probably be fine for most users - works for me 

[loadman]

I'm still able to crash MALA into "Not responding" mode with my MAME gamelist.  Sometimes I'll get to a game and the video won't load and it just crashes.  Next time I launch MALA it works for the same game just fine but crashes on a different one.

this only seems to happen within the MAME gamelist.  I have NES, SNES, N64 and Genesis gamelists (all with videos) and haven't experienced this behavior with any of those gamelists.

I did have it happen once when switching from MAME to NES, but not before or since.

Not sure if this is any help to you, but I zipped the logfile and attached here if you wanna take a look at it.

Thanks but there is a problem with this forum and attachments so I can't download it :-(

Are you using the latest beta?


url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162ba.zip
url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162d.zip

Hey loadman - any chance you'll be able to add support for animated gifs to the background images? We were talking about this some time ago and I recall you had a working solution.

HI,

Yep I have not forgotten.   

The stability of MaLa became the priority.

With Animated gifs, I only have a solution when rotated at 0 deg at this point. Is that OK?

The current mala code flips the pics (on the fly) when you flip orientation. Not sure how you would handle a muti framed animated gif?  Any Ideas?

I guess you could implement the animated gif feature and just mention that it doesn't work when the orientation is flipped. This would probably be fine for most users - works for me 

ok

[bsweet0us]

I'm still able to crash MALA into "Not responding" mode with my MAME gamelist.  Sometimes I'll get to a game and the video won't load and it just crashes.  Next time I launch MALA it works for the same game just fine but crashes on a different one.

this only seems to happen within the MAME gamelist.  I have NES, SNES, N64 and Genesis gamelists (all with videos) and haven't experienced this behavior with any of those gamelists.

I did have it happen once when switching from MAME to NES, but not before or since.

Not sure if this is any help to you, but I zipped the logfile and attached here if you wanna take a look at it.

Thanks but there is a problem with this forum and attachments so I can't download it :-(

Are you using the latest beta?

url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162ba.zip
url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162d.zip

Yeah....downloaded it and tried it right away.

Do you want me to email the log to you?

[loadman]

I'm still able to crash MALA into "Not responding" mode with my MAME gamelist.  Sometimes I'll get to a game and the video won't load and it just crashes.  Next time I launch MALA it works for the same game just fine but crashes on a different one.

this only seems to happen within the MAME gamelist.  I have NES, SNES, N64 and Genesis gamelists (all with videos) and haven't experienced this behavior with any of those gamelists.

I did have it happen once when switching from MAME to NES, but not before or since.

Not sure if this is any help to you, but I zipped the logfile and attached here if you wanna take a look at it.

Thanks but there is a problem with this forum and attachments so I can't download it :-(

Are you using the latest beta?

url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162ba.zip
url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162d.zip

Yeah....downloaded it and tried it right away.

Do you want me to email the log to you?

That would be fantastic is you have the logging set to 'Verbose' mode   

[loadman]

What the logs show is that I am an idiot sometimes

162d is the version you should be testing!!!!

Sorry About that!!!   

Try this :
http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162d.zip

P.S. I fixed the earlier download links too!

You probably want to run this in seperate copy of your working mala directory (so you don't break what you have already).

I have not made a file converter yet so as soon as beta mala loads (in your test folder) load the config window and click ok. This will save the config in the latest format reducing chance of crash

It would be great for users to test with and without the follwing combos
- Video on Start enabled
- Video on Start disabled
- Video Screensaver enabled
- Video Screensaver disabled
- Layout Videos enabled
- Layout Videos disabled

I am hoping that it is stable enough to persue this work with the new video engine (I have not paid for yet)

[bsweet0us]

Did some quick testing and the new beta seems MUCH more stable than previous releases. 

The only bug I've seen is scrolling through the gamelist quickly by hitting the button rather than holding it down will sometimes cause the video that is playing is from a game earlier in the list.

For example, I scrolled through my MAME list quickly and stopped on "Batman" but the video was from some other game I scrolled past earlier.  This may have something to do with the test version of the video player as I noticed a disclaimer stating something like playback will randomly stop, etc.

Regardless, I would say this video engine is the right piece of the MALA video puzzle, but not at the expense of being a financial strain on you or your family.

Maybe all us grateful MALA users could donate a couple bucks to the cause...

Keep up the good work my friend! 

[loadman]

Excellent news

I have seen what you report and I am sure I can improve it :-)

Regardless, I would say this video engine is the right piece of the MALA video puzzle, but not at the expense of being a financial strain on you or your family.
Maybe all us grateful MALA users could donate a couple bucks to the cause...
Keep up the good work my friend! 

Well if I do buy it it aint cheap. http://www.datastead.com/vidgrab/order.htm
USD $695 ... Maybe I can plead with them to reduce in out case as this is a non profit project?

If I do purchase it then I certainly won't discourage donations but MaLa will always be free.
In any case wait until I have a new official stable release before considering donating. 

[zophar707]

Been testing for a few days now and only problem ive had is, when exiting a game the odd time, the layout goes all to pot and i have to exit and run it again.  Need to get some flv's ordered now. Next thing is to put together my machine.  Great frontend.

Been testing the new 1.6d beta and its running great. The above fault is not happening anymore.  I'll keep testing (and playing).

[loadman]

Been testing the new 1.6d beta and its running great. The above fault is not happening anymore.  I'll keep testing (and playing).

    Thanks,   I expect there to be scrolling through games list video timing issues that I can tune later.
My main interest now is stability to gauge if it's worth buying this new video Engine.

[DaOld Man]

Just downloaded V1.62d.
Unzipped the exe file and placed in current mala folder.
Everything seems to be working great right now, but why is the "TVideoGrabber" message  on top of the game demo videos?
I skimmed through this post, if I missed the reason for this, i am sorry.

You are doing a great job on this project Loadman!

[loadman]

the tgrabber message is there because I am using the demo video engine. I did not want to part with $$ until I was sure it was a valid solution
Thanks for testing :-)

[DaOld Man]

No prob.. I figured that out after I went back and re-read some posts.
I have not used the tree function yet, so it's probably something Im doing wrong, but it has crashed mala a few times while trying to set it up.
Im trying to add wincab jukebox to a tree, not having much luck.

[DaOld Man]

I cant seem to find anyway to turn the video right side up.
They are upside down when mala is rotated to vertical.
I tested it on my older version of mala and it does ok, so it may have something to do with the video engine??

[loadman]

Im trying to add wincab jukebox to a tree, not having much luck.

Have you looked here:  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=91094.0

I cant seem to find anyway to turn the video right side up.
They are upside down when mala is rotated to vertical.
I tested it on my older version of mala and it does ok, so it may have something to do with the video engine??

  Yes Probably my fault    I will have a look.  90 deg and 270 deg are the opposite to the old engine so I probably have not changed something to reverse it to what mala is expecting.

Thanks for reporting.   

[DaOld Man]

Thanks for the quick reply Loadman.
About wincab, I did read that post you linked above, and in the tree I named the jukebox "Wincab" and it's still not working. Im sure it's something I havent figured out yet.

[dungbeetle46]

to DaOld Man
How I set wincab up was to set it up first normally as an emu
Under other emu set it up and under emulator point this to wincab.exe
Under rom path point this to a folder which has a file in it, name the file whatever you want to show on your layout before you start wincab, I named mine Scan for Songs
under execution take out everything and leave it blank ie:%folder%%rom%%ext% remove completely
now press ok and under wincab right click and refresh gamelist, the file you named earlier should appear in the gamelist now press 1 and make sure wincab launches.
if all working up to this point you can now setup your tree
under tree
click add menu call it wincab
now add gamelist I called this one almost there now pick your wincab emu and your gamelist you created earlier.
thats it

check pics

[loadman]

Any More Testers.....   

I was hoping to get a bit more feedback please before the release of the next beta version and subsequent release.   

"Help me, help you"     

Thanks in advance 

http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162d.zip

[zophar707]

Would have had more testing but sysytem got nailed with a win32 vitro virus.

Absolute nightmare. After 3 fresh windows installs and switching to kaspersky antivirus my system is now stable so on with the testing   

[loadman]

Would have had more testing but sysytem got nailed with a win32 vitro virus.

Absolute nightmare. After 3 fresh windows installs and switching to kaspersky antivirus my system is now stable so on with the testing   

 

[TheShanMan]

Just got it installed. When I launched it remotely thru Remote Desktop I saw the eval message on the videos, but when I rebooted to see it on the cab, no eval message. I double checked the about box and it says 1.62d. Not that I'm complaining, but any idea why?

The only trouble I've noticed so far with the video engine is that it seems to take longer to start playing the video (like 1 second) than the old engine. I haven't done extensive testing with it yet though so I can't speak to the stability of it at this point (other than the testing I did with the test app).

[wooowman93]

Video trouble i just wanted to report for some reason the video snaps don't stop playing when i start the game it keeps on playing

[loadman]

 yes it does take a bit longer to load. I think we are going to have to live with that

I have fixed the video playing while a game is running

Thanks. ;-)

[TheShanMan]

I hate to say it, but if taking a second to start is to be expected, then I'd be pretty disappointed in the upgrade.

[loadman]

I hate to say it, but if taking a second to start is to be expected, then I'd be pretty disappointed in the upgrade.

Disappointed sure but You would rather it stay unstable?

I don't know how to deal with that comment 

The only downside I have found is initial load time. The upside is stability, multiple videos playback simultaneus, multiple monitor options and ability to play a wide range of videos

http://www.datastead.com/vidgrab/index.htm

I have emaiedl them asking if thaey can make the videos load any faster

 I don't have any otrher alternatives, but not through lack of research.  This solution is gonna cost me $$$$ so I want to be sure. I asked others to look for an a Delphi solution and got ZERO response   

But.......... I don't want to waste any more of my time if it is not going to be appreciated by the majority.

Shall I put it to a vote?

Stable V Fast? Or is it more complex than that?

I dunno    Should I bother working any more on this 

The irony is I have just taken 2 weeks leave, part of this time is to push out a release, but your feedback his given me doubts as to the MaLa users expectations

Personally I don't see this the video delay as a big deal. On my existing MaLa Layout I have my video's window on top of of my snaps window with a set delay so the video shows up in place of the snap after 2 secs. IE Snaps turn to videos if i stop on an item so you don't get any extra delay. This works well as you get fast scroll and it only plays the video if you stop on an item

Having said that I notice VideoLab have released a new version so Maybe I should try that?

http://www.mitov.com/html/what_s_new_in_videolab.html

[dungbeetle46]

Dont get disheartened Loadman, I for one think you deserve a medal, I dont use videos but even if I did, I would be happy with the slight delay setup as you have. I think the majority would feel as I do.
You are much appreciated. Dung

[Orclord]

Personally I don't see this the video delay as a big deal. On my existing MaLa Layout I have my video's window on top of of my snaps window with a set delay so the video shows up in place of the snap after 2 secs. IE Snaps turn to videos if i stop on an item so you don't get any extra delay. This works well as you get fast scroll and it only plays the video if you stop on an item

That's exactly the way I have mine setup.....Instant loading mucks up the scroll......

Keep up the good work old chap........

 

[loadman]

Cool, so maybe the delay is not a showstopper

I am a bit down as I cut my leg open yesterday waterskiing, 10 stitches later.

I personally would like to use this new engine also it is easy to use (in the code).

I got a response from my email to the supplier, they sent me tool to obtain some special logging, so we will see if anything comes of that

[isucamper]

Personally, I prefer there to be a small delay.  I like the screenshot to be visible for just a bit before the video starts.  Also, for people going through the list, just wanting a glimpse at each screenshot, it's good not to be starting the video at each short stop.

Loadman, at one point, someone requested an option to only play videos once instead of looping them.  Is this feature included in the new version?

[Neverending Project]

First of all, I haven't installed the beta, so I am only replying with my opinion on the video - not my feedback on the video engine.

For me personally, I would prefer a video engine that did not take one second to load and begin playing the videos. There is an option in MaLa for just that reason - if people want to delay the start of the videos so their menus scroll smoother than they can, but if we want to set that delay to 0 (or very small) than we should be able to.

That being said, what are the other pros of using this video engine? There are always trades to be made, so if you are giving up a small load-time performance for being able to load many more types of videos, perhaps that is the vote that should be put out there.

Also, it is your prerogative to make a decision on what you feel is best for the future of MaLa. Maybe there is a slight setback on this one area now, but if coding is simpler, more formats are available, and this will enable you to have simpler code and focus on other areas, maybe this decision is making itself? And finally, maybe a solution to the video-start delay will present itself over time... maybe there is some tweaking to be done. Maybe it only delays certain types of videos? Maybe only certain sizes?

Just my 2 pennies... As always, thanks for your great support and development.

[Orclord]

I am a bit down as I cut my leg open yesterday waterskiing, 10 stitches later.

That'll teach ya for having a real life..........

 

[TheShanMan]

Sorry to upset you loadman. You really do a great job and I appreciate it. Hopefully most people don't mind, but it is something that would very reluctantly cause me to consider switching to another FE (although I have no idea if another one would please me more).

Like NP said, there is a delay option for a reason. I use it to prevent instant display so scrolling works better, but I see long delays as a problem especially when I have friends over that want to go through a big list of games looking at one at a time to bring back memories of childhood. That's time consuming enough as it is, without adding extra delay for each video.

Frankly, I have never liked seeing a snapshot for an instant before the video starts. It gives a jerky feel to it. And having the video take longer to display only worsens that problem. I've always wished that mala would not bother showing the snap at all if a video is present. But with the slow loading I think it would be worse to look at blank space for a second.

You say "stability vs. speed". Well, for me the old one has been plenty stable with the rare exception of not being able to handle a bad video gracefully. So while I know the old engine has been problematic for some people, and for you to support, from a selfish standpoint the trade off is really more like "slow vs. fast". So I'm sure you can see why it's a disappointment to me.

I sure hope there is some sort of optimization that the engine's provider can tell you about that will speed up loading. It "seems" kind of silly that if the engine is already loaded and initialized from other game selections that it wouldn't be able to start a new video more quickly. Maybe it is doing buffering that would be important for a web based video but is irrelevant here, and maybe you could just turn off the buffering? Just a wild guess.

Again, sorry to rain on your parade - I really do hate to do it. But this is my honest opinion and I REALLY don't like the idea of entertaining other FE's as a solution to this problem but that's where I'm at right now. It really is a big enough deal to do that. Of course, maybe they all have the same problem or other downsides I couldn't live with and I'd end up sticking with MaLa anyways (albeit with less satisfaction). Not that I am some super-important user though - if 95% of users don't care about the delay then of course you shouldn't let my concerns stop you.

[drventure]

I'd be happy to take a look at the 1.62 version but anyone know if it might address this problem....

When I have a number of apps loaded, I get the following crash in Mala on startup.

2009/04/13  12:46:11.17   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: FormShow, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.

2009/04/13  12:46:52.72   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: FormShow, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.



It's pretty consistent, but if I unload +MOST+ of the running apps, Mala loads no problem.

I can't imagine it's a memory issue (even with all the other apps loaded I still have >1gb free mem when I start Mala, the machine I'm working on now has 4gb ram (though it's 32 Vista, so I don't get to use ALL 4gb). I've got >100gb free on my hd so it can't be a disk space issue.

I'm guessing it must be a resources issue (too many icons trying to be allocated, too many windows, or something), and not really a storage issue but I'm not sure.

Any other debugging I could turn on to help run it down?

[zophar707]

That's exactly the way I have mine setup.....Instant loading mucks up the scroll......

Keep up the good work old chap........

 

Me too.  I would rather have the delay than a buggy scroll.  1 second is nothing .

[loadman]

thanks for the feedback

Got it loading faster now I think

Will release a new beta today

[TheShanMan]

Sounds like good news. I'll do my best to get it installed this evening if it's available (it's 5:45 PM here ATM).

[loadman]

Sounds like good news. I'll do my best to get it installed this evening if it's available (it's 5:45 PM here ATM).

Cool,

FYI: You didn't upset me,    I really appreciate the honest feedback, I just was very concerned that I was on the wrong track with MaLa development priorities.

I can't wait to start adding new features to mala but don't want to build on a unstable ground (for some users anyway) .

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE NICE WORDS AND PROMPT FEEDBACK.   

[loadman]

I'd be happy to take a look at the 1.62 version but anyone know if it might address this problem....

When I have a number of apps loaded, I get the following crash in Mala on startup.

2009/04/13  12:46:11.17   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: FormShow, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.

2009/04/13  12:46:52.72   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: FormShow, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.



It's pretty consistent, but if I unload +MOST+ of the running apps, Mala loads no problem.

I can't imagine it's a memory issue (even with all the other apps loaded I still have >1gb free mem when I start Mala, the machine I'm working on now has 4gb ram (though it's 32 Vista, so I don't get to use ALL 4gb). I've got >100gb free on my hd so it can't be a disk space issue.

I'm guessing it must be a resources issue (too many icons trying to be allocated, too many windows, or something), and not really a storage issue but I'm not sure.

Any other debugging I could turn on to help run it down?

In the beta there is verbose logging.

You can run mala in XP and run video with 1 gig of memory.

This kind of instability is a major reason for switching video engines

Please try the beta   

Dont get disheartened Loadman, I for one think you deserve a medal, I dont use videos but even if I did, I would be happy with the slight delay setup as you have. I think the majority would feel as I do.
You are much appreciated. Dung

:-)

Personally I don't see this the video delay as a big deal. On my existing MaLa Layout I have my video's window on top of of my snaps window with a set delay so the video shows up in place of the snap after 2 secs. IE Snaps turn to videos if i stop on an item so you don't get any extra delay. This works well as you get fast scroll and it only plays the video if you stop on an item

That's exactly the way I have mine setup.....Instant loading mucks up the scroll......

Keep up the good work old chap........

 

:-)

Personally, I prefer there to be a small delay.  I like the screenshot to be visible for just a bit before the video starts.  Also, for people going through the list, just wanting a glimpse at each screenshot, it's good not to be starting the video at each short stop.

Loadman, at one point, someone requested an option to only play videos once instead of looping them.  Is this feature included in the new version?

No, But that would be very easy to add.  As it is extra code to make it loop so I can just bypass that code.
Remind me to add this later will you please. I need a MaLa dev clerk. 

First of all, I haven't installed the beta, so I am only replying with my opinion on the video - not my feedback on the video engine.

For me personally, I would prefer a video engine that did not take one second to load and begin playing the videos. There is an option in MaLa for just that reason - if people want to delay the start of the videos so their menus scroll smoother than they can, but if we want to set that delay to 0 (or very small) than we should be able to.

That being said, what are the other pros of using this video engine? There are always trades to be made, so if you are giving up a small load-time performance for being able to load many more types of videos, perhaps that is the vote that should be put out there.

Also, it is your prerogative to make a decision on what you feel is best for the future of MaLa. Maybe there is a slight setback on this one area now, but if coding is simpler, more formats are available, and this will enable you to have simpler code and focus on other areas, maybe this decision is making itself? And finally, maybe a solution to the video-start delay will present itself over time... maybe there is some tweaking to be done. Maybe it only delays certain types of videos? Maybe only certain sizes?

Just my 2 pennies... As always, thanks for your great support and development.

Seems to be consistent delay. After some advice from Datastead i have set the video renderer to VMR7 rather than auto and removed the FrameGrabber option as I am not performing performing graphic or text overlays, or to capture frames. I think this has helped.

I am a bit down as I cut my leg open yesterday water skiing, 10 stitches later.

That'll teach ya for having a real life..........

 

Just back from the doctor. Healing up well.  I got the injury due to failed 'beach start' but I got dragged over a very sharp shell fish (Razor Fish).

[loadman]

Here is the latest beta.

It fixes bugs this like:
- correct orientation
- Playing videos when game is running

http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162e.zip

Notes:
* Recommended: Use in a separate mala directory (so you don't mess up you current gaming setup). Copy files across from your real setup.

* This version may freeze at any point when loading a video. This is a restriction of the evaluation version of the video engine.. I hope    This is more so than before as there is no message on screen about evalutaion as I turned that off.

Thanks in advance for you feedback 

[drventure]

Hi Loadman

I have to second the others sentiments about the work you've done on Mala, it's a very slick application!

This particular issue is very strange.

I'm getting the more verbose log now, but basically the same error.

Here's the log (whole thing, I cleared it and then ran the prog.)

2009/04/13  22:05:11.21   Info: ##########################################################################
2009/04/13  22:05:11.22   Info: ##########################################################################
2009/04/13  22:05:11.23   Info: **** LOGGING AT VERBOSE LEVEL *****
2009/04/13  22:05:12.82   Info: Starting MaLa 1.6.2.10
2009/04/13  22:05:12.85   Info: LoggingLevel =  2
2009/04/13  22:05:12.89   Info: Check plugin directory: o:\mame\Mala\plugins
2009/04/13  22:05:12.91   Info: Collecting event plugins (*.mplugin) in o:\mame\Mala\plugins\
2009/04/13  22:05:12.95   Info: Check backup directory: o:\mame\Mala\backups
2009/04/13  22:05:12.97   Info: Check to see if hook dll is required
2009/04/13  22:05:12.98   Info: Win98/ME Hook dll not loaded because OS is: WinVista
2009/04/13  22:05:13.05   Info: Loading config params from ini file
2009/04/13  22:05:13.24   Info: Setting params from ini file
2009/04/13  22:05:13.25   Info: Creating and loading mame cl conditions: o:\mame\Mala\mame.clc
2009/04/13  22:05:13.31   Info: Creating and loading mame info pages: o:\mame\Mala\mame.mli
2009/04/13  22:05:13.32   Info: Creating and loading other emu info pages: o:\mame\Mala\otheremu.mli
2009/04/13  22:05:13.34   Info: Creating and loading filter sets: o:\mame\Mala\mala.mlf
2009/04/13  22:05:13.35   Info: Creating and loading non mame emulators: o:\mame\Mala\mala.mle
2009/04/13  22:05:13.36   Debug **: Emulator: Loading List
2009/04/13  22:05:13.38   Info: Creating and loading layout ...
2009/04/13  22:05:13.48   Info: Collecting layout files (*.mll) in o:\mame\Mala\Layouts\No18Arqadium\
2009/04/13  22:05:13.52   Info: Creating and loading mala tree
2009/04/13  22:05:13.55   Info: Collecting game list files (mlg) in o:\mame\Mala\
2009/04/13  22:05:13.57   Info: Creating and loading bios
2009/04/13  22:05:14.05   Info: Creating audio object
2009/04/13  22:05:14.34   Info: Creating and loading mala lcd screens
2009/04/13  22:05:14.37   Info: Creating and loading mame lcd screens
2009/04/13  22:05:14.39   Info: Creating and loading jukebox lcd screens
2009/04/13  22:05:14.41   Info: Creating and loading led config and attroct mode list
2009/04/13  22:05:14.42   Info: Collecting attract mode files (*.mlc) in o:\mame\Mala\
2009/04/13  22:05:14.45   Info: Changing Layout
2009/04/13  22:05:14.46   Info: Loading layout: o:\mame\Mala\Layouts\No18Arqadium\No18Arqadium.mll
2009/04/13  22:05:15.34   Info: Displaying Game List:
2009/04/13  22:05:15.35   Debug **: Cancel any Display & Video Delay due to list change
2009/04/13  22:05:15.36   Info: Scroll Delay:
2009/04/13  22:05:15.56   Debug **: Display Delay Enabled
2009/04/13  22:05:15.57   Info: Show Main Form
2009/04/13  22:05:15.65   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: FormShow, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.

2009/04/13  22:05:15.70   Debug **: Display Delay
2009/04/13  22:05:15.71   Debug **: GetDefinablefilename function
2009/04/13  22:05:15.73   Debug **: Mame Def 1 path: o:\mame\Mame129\cabinets naming # 0 selected # 0 filename: o:\mame\Mame129\cabinets\alexkidd
2009/04/13  22:05:15.84   Debug **: Definable 1- Loading snap of master: o:\mame\Mame129\cabinets\alexkidd
2009/04/13  22:05:15.85   Debug **: GetDefinablefilename function
2009/04/13  22:05:15.93   Debug **: Definable 1- Loading default: o:\mame\Mame129\cabinets\
2009/04/13  22:05:15.95   Debug **: GetDefinablefilename function
2009/04/13  22:05:16.00   Debug **: Mame Def 2 path:  naming # 0 selected # 0 filename: \alexkidd
2009/04/13  22:05:16.01   Debug **: Hiding Definable 2
2009/04/13  22:05:16.02   Debug **: GetDefinablefilename function
2009/04/13  22:05:16.04   Debug **: Mame Def 3 path:  naming # 0 selected # 0 filename: \alexkidd
2009/04/13  22:05:16.05   Debug **: Hiding Definable 3
2009/04/13  22:05:16.06   Debug **: GetDefinablefilename function
2009/04/13  22:05:16.07   Debug **: Mame Def 4 path:  naming # 0 selected # 0 filename: \alexkidd
2009/04/13  22:05:16.09   Debug **: Hiding Definable 4
2009/04/13  22:05:16.10   Debug **: Saving Tracking Info
2009/04/13  22:05:18.61   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/04/13  22:05:18.65   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed


Notice the Not enough storage error right after trying to show the main form.

The error "could" be related to my layout, but again, if I shut down all other programs, I can usually get it to run.

I'm not using any videos at this point, just static JPGs and PNG's in my layout.

[loadman]

Keep in mind the source code for mala was passed to me. I did not write 95% of it. The great Swindus did.  I am keeping the fire burining and adding little bits and pieces

Are you using a starting Video?

Can you backup you mala.ini file then remove it so you can start again.  EG create a new mala.ini.

Just add bits at a time add see at what point it is having trouble. A guess is the layout graphics. If you change to deafult is it OK?

Very Odd.

You could later  try it on another PC as it could be OS related? Try defaults first then later copy the mala folder over from the PC your are having issues with

[drventure]

Will do. I'm guessing it's something about my layout as well.

No startup video, at least not yet.

I'll try reducing the mala.ini and seeing what happens.

Thanks!

[loadman]

Will do. I'm guessing it's something about my layout as well.

No startup video, at least not yet.

I'll try reducing the mala.ini and seeing what happens.

Thanks!

Or just move/copy it and let mala build  a new one and start again to see what happens

[bsweet0us]

Here is the latest beta.

It fixes bugs this like:
- correct orientation
- Playing videos when game is running

url=http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162e.zip

Notes:
* Recommended: Use in a separate mala directory (so you don't mess up you current gaming setup). Copy files across from your real setup.

* This version may freeze at any point when loading a video. This is a restriction of the evaluation version of the video engine.. I hope    This is more so than before as there is no message on screen about evalutaion as I turned that off.

Thanks in advance for you feedback 

Download link not working.  It's got an extra URL=http// in front of it, but even when I delete that it takes me to a search page.

ETA: Appears to be a typo...remove "url=http://" and add a colon after the second http.

or click this link: www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162e.zip   

[Ummon]

Just back from the doctor. Healing up well.  I got the injury due to failed 'beach start' but I got dragged over a very sharp shell fish (Razor Fish).

Start from the beach, huh? I've only skied once, almost twenty years ago, but we started in the water. Anyways, don't fret Loadman. Yer doin good.

[loadman]

Opps Link fixed, Thanks


www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162e.zip

Any Testers?

[bsweet0us]

I didn't notice any substantial difference between this latest release and the previous one.  I can report that I had to remove two videos from from Genesis gamelist prior to using the new video engine and I re-added them with this latest release and it worked flawlessly.

I didn't extensively test the new engine, but I am exhibitin no problems that were present for me with the previous engine.

My hat goes off to you loadman for all the hard work and improvements you have put into MALA since taking over for Swindus (who deserves a ton of credit as well).  Keep up the good work and I truly believe you are incrementally making the MALA frontend better and better.

Thanks for all you do. This one's for you...

[dungbeetle46]

Hi Loadman, have added some vids and done some testing, seems fine to me, no probs so far. and the slight delay is neglible
I dont know if its an easy fix but I am still having a problem generating a gamelist for mame with the newer versions, I need to gen the list with 1.5, it gets just past the using collection options then the window pops up Mala has encountered a problem and needs to close.
cheers Dung

[loadman]

I didn't extensively test the new engine, but I am exhibitin no problems that were present for me with the previous engine.

Thanks 

I dont know if its an easy fix but I am still having a problem generating a gamelist for mame with the newer versions, I need to gen the list with 1.5, it gets just past the using collection options then the window pops up Mala has encountered a problem and needs to close.

I will check this. When you say 'newer versions' from what version so I can download it to check. I use older version so I may well not have seen this.  I just tried it and works with 89 & 107

[TheShanMan]

Loadman, I'm pleased to state that the latest version is MUCH better with regard to the delay before video startup!

The new video engine is also handling the faulty Super Mario Bros. video flawlessly. In fact, I recall trying that video in WMP and it showed sync'ing problems. And of course MaLa would hang with it. But now it not only doesn't hang, but somehow the audio and video are more or less in sync!

Oh, and also it's nice that the "use mouse" option stays enabled after resuming from stand by. While it's unfortunate that you had to solve it with a hacky solution like "wait 3 seconds and then re-enable it", I can't say I'm displeased in practice. It takes a few seconds for things to settle down and the screen to warm up anyway.

 

[loadman]

Loadman, I'm pleased to state that the latest version is MUCH better with regard to the delay before video startup!

I forgot to re-enable the faulty Super Mario Bros. video to see how well MaLa handles it now. I'll give that a try and report back.

 

Cool

Still not quite ready for release as it has a problem if you quit before the video loads it will crash, not ideal. ie if you go to the next item in the list (with a video) and quickly right click before the video loads then exit.

I can recreate this problem in a mini test ap, weird thing is it only happens on delphi 5 not 2007. Yet more incentive for me to move development to delphi 2007. Doing so is a bit of a headache as most of the 3rd party components I only have delphi 5 code. The other downside is it will take some time, anyway I am doing this regardless slowly in the background.

[TheShanMan]

Loadman, note that I edited my prior post. Your quote has the original content so in case you didn't see my edit, have another look at my post.

[loadman]

Loadman, note that I edited my prior post. Your quote has the original content so in case you didn't see my edit, have another look at my post.

Sweet, I am getting there. Thanks 

If you intend to leave it running on your cab then keep in mind there are still some scenarios I have not caught yet where it may hang or crash.

Note to all:  If you can recreate a crash/freeze please send the log (in verbose mode to me) 
Send Bugs to :    bugs@malafe.net

Thanks all for you continued support "Help me help you"   

[dungbeetle46]

I dont know if its an easy fix but I am still having a problem generating a gamelist for mame with the newer versions, I need to gen the list with 1.5, it gets just past the using collection options then the window pops up Mala has encountered a problem and needs to close.

I will check this. When you say 'newer versions' from what version so I can download it to check. I use older version so I may well not have seen this.  I just tried it and works with 89 & 107

I meant newer version of mala
1.5 generates my mame list but 1.6 crashes, this is with around 5000 sets.

this is the log
2009/04/15  18:26:03.92   Error: Object Class: TPopupList, Object Function: SaveBiosList, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 7C912C16 in module 'ntdll.dll'. Write of address 004041C9

[TheShanMan]

If you intend to leave it running on your cab then keep in mind there are still some scenarios I have not caught yet where it may hang or crash.

Definitely plan to keep it running provided it's somewhat stable. I know it's beta quality so I'm not expecting perfection, but I'd rather give it plenty of usage so I can give you feedback as necessary.

[loadman]

Hi,

An update.

Testing is going very well.   

I discovered a bug in the Video Engine that I reported to datastead and they fixed very it quickly. Videos are loading faster and more stable. 
I also managed to get all the mala tools (layout, editor etc) compiling on Delhi 2007 which makes life easier for me. One day I will get mala on it too.

I am feeling positive about MaLa development now. I hope to soon get back to the fun job on implementing enhancements.

I may release another beta tonight.

[zophar707]

Only thing i have encountered so far on this new beta is, it takes a lot longer to exit Mala.  It isnt a major gripe. 

Keep up the great work 

[loadman]

Only thing i have encountered so far on this new beta is, it takes a lot longer to exit Mala.  It isnt a major gripe. 

Keep up the great work 

Thanks for the feedback 

I think I have fixed that too. I put the delay to stop mala crashing out at one point. It takes just under 2 secs to exit for me now.

[zophar707]

I have one more query.  My command wrapper for pj64 doesnt seem to work now. it comes up with this error

The application failed to initialize properly (0x0000135). click on ok to terminate the application.

It works without the wrapper but when i press escape to exit game it just goes to the pj64 emulator.

[Dioskilos]

When I go to:

Option>Mame Config>Basics>Config>Vector

I change the "Intensity" from it's default of 1.50 but it never seems to save this setting.

Am I doing something wrong?

[TheShanMan]

I think that doesn't work in MAME. I tried setting that one time a couple of months ago in MameUI and it never seemed to take.

[loadman]

I have one more query.  My command wrapper for pj64 doesnt seem to work now. it comes up with this error

The application failed to initialize properly (0x0000135). click on ok to terminate the application.

It works without the wrapper but when i press escape to exit game it just goes to the pj64 emulator.

  Are you sure this is related to this beta. What happens when you revert mala.exe back to 1.05?

[loadman]

OK.  I Paid (at a reduced price) for the non eval version for the Video Engine (TVideoGrabber) 

So the videos should not randomly pause anymore.   

Download latest beta here:
http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162f.zip
 

Note to all:  If you can recreate a crash/freeze please send the log (in verbose mode to me) 
Send Bugs reports to :    bugs@malafe.net

Thanks For reporting everyone 

[TheShanMan]

Very cool! I'm sure you don't want people to feel pressured to donate, but may I ask how much you ended up having to pay for it? I'm sure there are plenty of us who would be happy to donate to help cover the cost!

[loadman]

Very cool! I'm sure you don't want people to feel pressured to donate, but may I ask how much you ended up having to pay for it? I'm sure there are plenty of us who would be happy to donate to help cover the cost!

MaLa is Free    ...but any token donation is appreciated. 

I do appreciate any form of support especially helping other users in this Forum and updating the wiki 

[zophar707]

I have one more query.  My command wrapper for pj64 doesnt seem to work now. it comes up with this error

The application failed to initialize properly (0x0000135). click on ok to terminate the application.

It works without the wrapper but when i press escape to exit game it just goes to the pj64 emulator.

  Are you sure this is related to this beta. What happens when you revert mala.exe back to 1.05?

My bad it appears im missing the Microsoft .NET framework.

Its all working again,  now for the next beta   

[wooowman93]

It seems 1.62f crashes a lot when using a tree

[SGT]

It seems 1.62f crashes a lot when using a tree

Just a wild-assed guess, but I'm thinking loadman needs more details on exactly what you're doing when it crashes, and a view of the log.  Also thinking he'll want to know if it crashes with videos off and if it doesn't which videos it crashes on.

Of course I've been wrong many times before.

[loadman]

It seems 1.62f crashes a lot when using a tree

yes some details so I could fix would be nice 

If you can recreate a crash/freeze please send the log (in verbose mode to me)
Send Bugs reports to :    bugs@malafe.net

[dungbeetle46]

I use a tree and I have been trying to make it crash but it wont, my tree used to crash when returning back to the tree list from an emulator, in the log it said something about loading custom picture just before it crashed so I changed my tree background pic from png to jpg and that stopped it from crashing.

[loadman]

I use a tree and I have been trying to make it crash but it wont, my tree used to crash when returning back to the tree list from an emulator, in the log it said something about loading custom picture just before it crashed so I changed my tree background pic from png to jpg and that stopped it from crashing.

Can you email the background pic that was  the problem   bugs@malafe.net

[dungbeetle46]

sent

[wooowman93]

Ya i just changed all the backgrounds to jpg(they were png) and it stopped crashing

[loadman]

Ya i just changed all the backgrounds to jpg(they were png) and it stopped crashing

Interesting, can you send me one of your png's to bugs@malafe.net

dungbeetle46 sent me one and it is causing problems so if I have a few examples of problem images I can validate a mala fix for it.

[drventure]

I'll second that about the PNGs. Originally, with 1.5, I was using a (admitted very large) png as a background and crashed quite often.

Switched to jpg and the crashing quit (I got the "out of resources" error).

But haven't tried PNG's with 1.62 yet.

The PNG's I used were created in FireWorks, so they had lots of extra "baggage" though.

[loadman]

I'll second that about the PNGs. Originally, with 1.5, I was using a (admitted very large) png as a background and crashed quite often.

Switched to jpg and the crashing quit (I got the "out of resources" error).

But haven't tried PNG's with 1.62 yet.

The PNG's I used were created in FireWorks, so they had lots of extra "baggage" though.

Thanks for that ;-)

[drventure]

Hi Loadman

Sorrry about that, i guess my last post could have used a tad more detail 

I've sent an email to the addr you supplied with the questionable png file. It's 13mg, so if it doesn't make it, just email me back and I'll get it to you some other way.

[Ummon]

When I go to:

Option>Mame Config>Basics>Config>Vector

I change the "Intensity" from it's default of 1.50 but it never seems to save this setting.

Am I doing something wrong?

MameUI no longer has 'intensity' in its features, so I'm guessing neither does base Mame. What I've done instead is set advanced>full screen contrast to 1.3, and display>contrast correction to 2.0 .

[wooowman93]

Here they are

[loadman]

Thanks

[system01]

Allright, so Ive been messing with this for a little over a week now.  I LOVE the new video engine and fades behavior!

I'm having problems with multi-list layouts (not tree).  I'm trying to use my "Generic Cocktail" layout and lists.  I either get the 'all games' list with the correct pages, or I get the correct lists with the 'standard' layout as each page.  Is something wrong, or am I really, really high?  I've even copied the INI from my cocktail machine with no success.

Per previous discussion, have animated GIFs been integrated?  If so, wheres the new layout editor?

Beside that, I'm having no issues.  I'm not using tree or multi-emus, but as far as mame goes I'm pleased as punch.  I'd like to get the page switching sorted so I can upgrade my cocktail.

Lastly, THANK YOU LOADMAN!   MaLa would suck hind teat if you weren't putting in all these ungratifying hours of work.  Maybe, once again, I'll inch closer to that Donate button.

PS. Wheres that guy that had the bubbles over his head with beer, women, and arcade thoughts?  I figured he'd be all over this!

[loadman]

I'm having problems with multi-list layouts (not tree).  I'm trying to use my "Generic Cocktail" layout and lists.  I either get the 'all games' list with the correct pages, or I get the correct lists with the 'standard' layout as each page.  Is something wrong, or am I really, really high? 

What do the Logs say in 'verbose mode'?
MaLa defaults to the standard layout if the custom layout is not found
The attached snapshot of the options screen should explain, as this is how I work too.
eg mame_JakeMame.mll
mame_MameMore.mll

Per previous discussion, have animated GIFs been integrated?  If so, wheres the new layout editor?

Looks like that is in the 'too hard' basket. The problem is resizing / rotating animated gifs. As I mentioned to Arzoo an alternative might be to have the option of a second video window as the new video video engine allows this.

PS. Wheres that guy that had the bubbles over his head with beer, women, and arcade thoughts?  I figured he'd be all over this!

Good Question. I think I PM'd him at one stage for some feedback as he used to report video issues. Possibly you could ask him to test please

[system01]

The log says nothing, literally blank.  I had the same boxes ticked as you.  I'm switching to regular mame, mameXT is now giving me some fuss about INIs and snaps or something and I'm not feeling confident with it.

Per previous discussion, have animated GIFs been integrated?  If so, wheres the new layout editor?

Looks like that is in the 'too hard' basket. The problem is resizing / rotating animated gifs. As I mentioned to Arzoo an alternative might be to have the option of a second video window as the new video video engine allows this.

With the new engine, will video still remain on top?  It would be cool to have some animated backgrounds, or at least some scrolling bars on the top and bottom.

[csa3d]

I looked at the 1.62f today.  I was hoping the new video addition would allow me to REMOVE the delay for full screen (1920x1240) snaps to be display.  Sadly, it does not.

I'm using the "game launcher" layout which stretches the snap in the background very large.  Something with this stretching code is very slow, so I always end up having to muck with the delay in order to get responsive scrolling.  Once you stop scrolling, the image finally shows about a second or so later.  Not optimal.

Any chance you might be able to look into why image stretching brings MALA to a crawl?  Because my resolution is so "high" (read as LCD monitor), I have to disable fades as well for the same reason.

Thanks again for all your hard work and continual updates on this front end!

-csa

[loadman]

I looked at the 1.62f today.  I was hoping the new video addition would allow me to REMOVE the delay for full screen (1920x1240) snaps to be display.  Sadly, it does not.

I'm using the "game launcher" layout which stretches the snap in the background very large.  Something with this stretching code is very slow, so I always end up having to muck with the delay in order to get responsive scrolling.  Once you stop scrolling, the image finally shows about a second or so later.  Not optimal.

Any chance you might be able to look into why image stretching brings MALA to a crawl?  Because my resolution is so "high" (read as LCD monitor), I have to disable fades as well for the same reason.

Thanks again for all your hard work and continual updates on this front end!

-csa

A thought outside the box.

Use graphics software to increase the images  so mala does not have to do so much work on the fly 

[system01]

Any idea what this means?

Code: [Select]

2009/04/25  22:15:42.44   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: DisplaySnap, Exception Class: EListError, Exception Message: List index out of bounds (0)
I'm getting this consistently when I exit (Hit "OK") the options menu inside Mala.  It gives me the dialog "MaLa has found an error, check the logs, blah blah" then exits the FE.  I am now using the regular build from mamedev with the Generic Cocktail layout and lists.  I have all of the artwork paths pointing to all valid paths.

[csa3d]

Use graphics software to increase the images  so mala does not have to do so much work on the fly 

Indeed, probably something I could look into.
-csa

[loadman]

Use graphics software to increase the images  so mala does not have to do so much work on the fly 

Indeed, probably something I could look into.
-csa

I should not take you too long, I'm sure someone could point you to a good batch program.

I think it would make a big difference.

I don't plan to change that section of mala any time soon as it works good for most and I have a long list of things to do.   

[csa3d]

Use graphics software to increase the images  so mala does not have to do so much work on the fly 

Indeed, probably something I could look into.
-csa

I should not take you too long, I'm sure someone could point you to a good batch program.

I think it would make a big difference.

I don't plan to change that section of mala any time soon as it works good for most and I have a long list of things to do.   

Ha, fair enough.  I hope one day your list becomes much shorter, but I understand.  While your suggestion seems like telling someone with squeaking car breaks to spray the rotors with WD40, I'm sure it will probably help the delay issue.  I will not however, resolve full screen fade effects, etc.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I might also try creating a layout with smaller snaps.  I think the more you enlarge the snaps, the worse it slows.

-csa

[SGT]

While your suggestion seems like telling someone with squeaking car breaks to spray the rotors with WD40, I'm sure it will probably help the delay issue. 

I don't see the analogy.  It makes a lot more sense to have the graphics scaled to the right size in the beginning rather than have them the wrong size and require the software to resize them on the fly while scrolling at a high rate of speed.   Resizing graphics to the size YOU want is a permanent fix, spraying WD40 is not.

[loadman]

While your suggestion seems like telling someone with squeaking car breaks to spray the rotors with WD40, I'm sure it will probably help the delay issue. 

I don't see the analogy.  It makes a lot more sense to have the graphics scaled to the right size in the beginning rather than have them the wrong size and require the software to resize them on the fly while scrolling at a high rate of speed.   Resizing graphics to the size YOU want is a permanent fix, spraying WD40 is not.

I agree, I find 'csa3d' response a bit rude, especially considering the suggestion has not even been attempted yet

Used to use that Layout myself being an old GameLauncher user and I know it was slow, but I understood why. I am not sure I can do much to make 'resize on the fly' much faster anyway.

[csa3d]

While your suggestion seems like telling someone with squeaking car breaks to spray the rotors with WD40, I'm sure it will probably help the delay issue. 

I don't see the analogy.  It makes a lot more sense to have the graphics scaled to the right size in the beginning rather than have them the wrong size and require the software to resize them on the fly while scrolling at a high rate of speed.   Resizing graphics to the size YOU want is a permanent fix, spraying WD40 is not.

I agree, I find 'csa3d' response a bit rude, especially considering the suggestion has not even been attempted yet

Used to use that Layout myself being an old GameLauncher user and I know it was slow, but I understood why. I am not sure I can do much to make 'resize on the fly' much faster anyway.

Sorry to offend.  I just don't think that resizing all the snaps is the best solution for the problem; though I am positive it will likely mask the image delay issues I mentioned earlier.  I could always make a backup copy of the snaps before batch resizing for when the image scaling code is better optimized.  Points for thinking outside the box and suggesting a "in the meantime" solution.  Maybe some of the other front-end devolopers on this board would have suggestions on how to improve the scaling code.

-csa

[loadman]

While your suggestion seems like telling someone with squeaking car breaks to spray the rotors with WD40, I'm sure it will probably help the delay issue. 

I don't see the analogy.  It makes a lot more sense to have the graphics scaled to the right size in the beginning rather than have them the wrong size and require the software to resize them on the fly while scrolling at a high rate of speed.   Resizing graphics to the size YOU want is a permanent fix, spraying WD40 is not.

I agree, I find 'csa3d' response a bit rude, especially considering the suggestion has not even been attempted yet

Used to use that Layout myself being an old GameLauncher user and I know it was slow, but I understood why. I am not sure I can do much to make 'resize on the fly' much faster anyway.

Sorry to offend.  I just don't think that resizing all the snaps is the best solution for the problem; though I am positive it will likely mask the image delay issues I mentioned earlier.  I could always make a backup copy of the snaps before batch resizing for when the image scaling code is better optimized.  Points for thinking outside the box and suggesting a "in the meantime" solution.  Maybe some of the other front-end devolopers on this board would have suggestions on how to improve the scaling code.

-csa

To use more Hardware analogy you are trying to dig a mine with a gardening tool 

But what I personally think is what you are asking it to do 'on the fly' is pretty extreme.  How may percent increase in size is that? The adverage width is 300pixels and you needed stretched to 1920pixels.

That said if you find (or obtain) some 'Delphi' code for faster scaling of PNG images, please share so I can test to see if it is any better. 

...why not try another FE, to see if that is more suited to you.  Especially since you believe they have a better way of scalling graphics. Makes Sense to me.

But if you decide to keep using mala you might consider in options UnChecking gui-options-Display Delay (snaps). Then it will only load the snap when you stop scrolling. That is what I did when I used that layout.

[loadman]

OK Guys...

For anyone with a Joystick/ Gamepad/ etc with more than 12 Buttons this is for you to test please, as I don't have the hardware to test it.    (well one with more than 12 buttons anyway)

For beta testers with 1.62f don't bother downloading this as the Joystick expansion is all I have done.

Download latest beta here:
http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162g.zip


Note to all:  If you can recreate a crash/freeze please send the log (in verbose mode to me) 
Send Bugs reports to :    bugs@malafe.net

Thanks For reporting everyone 

[Orclord]

OK Guys...

For anyone with a Joystick/ Gamepad/ etc with more than 12 Buttons

I thought that was called a keyboard......

 

[Lave Laar]

The PNG's I used were created in FireWorks, so they had lots of extra "baggage" though.

Thanks for that ;-)

If you're using pngimage to display the PNG-files and still have problems with these files there is a known bug in the 1.564 version.
Had similar problems with my program. Take a look at post 16 here or this page.

[system01]

Any idea what this means?

Code: [Select]

2009/04/25  22:15:42.44   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: DisplaySnap, Exception Class: EListError, Exception Message: List index out of bounds (0)
I'm getting this consistently when I exit (Hit "OK") the options menu inside Mala.  It gives me the dialog "MaLa has found an error, check the logs, blah blah" then exits the FE.  I am now using the regular build from mamedev with the Generic Cocktail layout and lists.  I have all of the artwork paths pointing to all valid paths.

Sorry, my bad.  Turns out I was really, really high.  My gamelists were misnamed and causing the crash.

And maybe I should rephrase this:

MaLa would suck hind teat...

Did not want to offend swindus, he built a great app.  What I meant was that, with all the FE competition out there, MaLa could easily fall by the wayside if it werent for all your hard work.

[loadman]

OK Guys...
For anyone with a Joystick/ Gamepad/ etc with more than 12 Buttons

I thought that was called a keyboard......
 

Yeah, I think it is more for people with these USB encoders really

Sorry, my bad.  Turns out I was really, really high.  My gamelists were misnamed and causing the crash.

Could you PM what you did so I can reproduce it? It would be better if MaLa did not crash 

If you're using pngimage to display the PNG-files and still have problems with these files there is a known bug in the 1.564 version.

I am using that but the links just tell me that it is no longer avaliable for download? Also I was half asleep and made quick attempt to flick the and from my monitor (your avitar)     

[system01]

I rescanned the whole topic but didn't see it mentioned yet.  It looks like the standard video won't rotate with the layout in vertical mode correctly.  It's squashed at 90° (right side up).

A thought about animated GIFs... If you rotate the screen, its changing layouts.  So if I wanted flashing "left" and "right" arrows like Maximus, wouldn't the different layouts have different arrow GIFs, with one set pointing to relative up and down?

[loadman]

I rescanned the whole topic but didn't see it mentioned yet.  It looks like the standard video won't rotate with the layout in vertical mode correctly.  It's squashed at 90° (right side up).

?    I just tested this again and videos are working fine for me rotated in vertical. Can you check your vertical layout is not busted and you are using the latest beta.

A thought about animated GIFs... If you rotate the screen, its changing layouts.  So if I wanted flashing "left" and "right" arrows like Maximus, wouldn't the different layouts have different arrow GIFs, with one set pointing to relative up and down?

Yeah animated gifs seem like more pain that it is worth. Might have to settle for a second video window unti MaLa version 2338929323 when I use Direct 3d 

[dungbeetle46]

if you could put in the extra video window and anyone had animated gifs they wanted to use

river past video cleaner will convert gifs to avi

the second window would have to allow for a base video though as it wont be using the rom name like the other video window.

[loadman]

if you could put in the extra video window and anyone had animated gifs they wanted to use
river past video cleaner will convert gifs to avi
the second window would have to allow for a base video though as it wont be using the rom name like the other video window.

That is my current thinking. Need to test.

I hope to have a updated Beta (Mala & Layout Editor) soon

[system01]

I rescanned the whole topic but didn't see it mentioned yet.  It looks like the standard video won't rotate with the layout in vertical mode correctly.  It's squashed at 90° (right side up).

?    I just tested this again and videos are working fine for me rotated in vertical. Can you check your vertical layout is not busted and you are using the latest beta.

I just got home, and it works fine.

I was at work and I messed with this many times with the non-rotated, squashed result.  Before I left, I copied the MaLa and MAME dirs and put them on my home PC.  Same exact files; Worked fine.  I'll try it again tomorrow at work, but it's feeling like an isolated problem.

I'm a bad tester and I should feel bad.

[loadman]

I rescanned the whole topic but didn't see it mentioned yet.  It looks like the standard video won't rotate with the layout in vertical mode correctly.  It's squashed at 90° (right side up).

?    I just tested this again and videos are working fine for me rotated in vertical. Can you check your vertical layout is not busted and you are using the latest beta.

I just got home, and it works fine.

I was at work and I messed with this many times with the non-rotated, squashed result.  Before I left, I copied the MaLa and MAME dirs and put them on my home PC.  Same exact files; Worked fine.  I'll try it again tomorrow at work, but it's feeling like an isolated problem.

I'm a bad tester and I should feel bad.

Better safe than sorry,      Thanks

[system01]

I'm not getting definables to work either in a box or through the additional info windows.  They come up fine in 1058.

[loadman]

I'm not getting definable to work either in a box or through the additional info windows.  They come up fine in 1058.

 

Sorry, More Info please. I don't understand 'box or through the additional info windows' ?

Definables for 'other emu' was intoduced in the beta.  Is that what you are talking about? 

[system01]

No, I mean the regular Definables1/2/3/4 boxes.

I now have both 1058 and 162f both in the same folder and using the same INIs and art folders.  I cant get my 'controls' definable (or snaps, marquees, cpanel) to show up in that box in 162.

- see attached - and pay no mind to the misalignment, my crappy monitor isn't 4:3 right now.

[loadman]

No, I mean the regular Definables1/2/3/4 boxes.

I now have both 1058 and 162f both in the same folder and using the same INIs and art folders.  I cant get my 'controls' definable (or snaps, marquees, cpanel) to show up in that box in 162.

- see attached - and pay no mind to the misalignment, my crappy monitor isn't 4:3 right now.

Thanks for reporting

Is it Definable 4 you are using in that box? I just found a problem with that and fixed it for the next version. Definable 4 was using Defianable 3's path. Copy and Paste error.. D'oh!

You will probably find if you set a path for defainable 3 the definable 4 it will work in the last beta's

If not 4, What definable number are you using?

[system01]

Yep, #4.  At least it wasn't me this time.

Thanks.

[loadman]

Yep, #4.  At least it wasn't me this time.

Thanks.

That's why I pay you the Big Bucks.....  Well maybe not   

Thanks for reporting.  I like the easy ones.

Update of my beta dev work:

I today have added an extra video window to the Layout editor, that was relatively painless.
The pain is layouts (*.mll) won't  be backward compatible , this is a similar issue I stuck with (*.mle) files when I added defainables to 'Other Emulators'. Hmmmm

[dungbeetle46]

just obtained a full set of vids for mame and have done some testing, this is the first time I have used videos and just wondering if this is normal or anyone else having this problem.
My videos will play for the first 5 or 6 games I scroll through then I will just get a black screen in the video box, if I goto the next game and then back to the one that was just black, I now have a video playing, not a big problem and its not the video as it picks and chooses which one it will turn black, its seems random.
does this happen to others or is it something in my setup
cheers Dung

[system01]

I today have added an extra video window to the Layout editor, that was relatively painless.
The pain is layouts (*.mll) won't  be backward compatible , this is a similar issue I stuck with (*.mle) files when I added defainables to 'Other Emulators'. Hmmmm

Will the new video have to remain on top still?

Backward compatability - Are you saying 1.5 layouts won't open in 1.6, or that 1.6 layouts won't open in 1.5?  If it's the latter, I don't see any real issues with it, other than the fear of no turning back.  And all the layouts released so far will still exist on malefe.net (or elsewhere) in their pre-1.6 state, so if something goes wrong you could always reDL it.

@dung
My videos show up consistently anywhere in the list.  If it matters, I'm running XP SP2 with the CCCP.  I put delay on ~1s and also disabled it with no black boxes.

As mentioned yesterday, I'm still having non-rotated video on my work machine (see attached).  At home it works fine.  I first thought it was nVidia twinview causing the problem, but I turned it off and nothing changed.  To me it's not that big a deal, and I'm suspecting the video card/driver.  At work I'm using a QuadroFX 4500, at home I'm running a 8800 GTX.

[system01]

Another nitpick:
Basics tab -> Mame executable -> Config button -> Display tab -> 'Use additional artwork' doesn't do anything, and it won't remain unchecked...  i.e. 'OK' out of options and it will be checked again when you go back into options.  The individual checkboxes (bezel, backdrop) below work fine though.

This had the same behavior in the later 1.5s.

[loadman]

Another nitpick:
Basics tab -> Mame executable -> Config button -> Display tab -> 'Use additional artwork' doesn't do anything, and it won't remain unchecked...  i.e. 'OK' out of options and it will be checked again when you go back into options.  The individual checkboxes (bezel, backdrop) below work fine though.

This had the same behavior in the later 1.5s.

Many options don't work in that section (depending on what version of mame you are using as they have changed). I can't cater for every mame version I guess

It's a starter and you need to finish off by editing mame.ini manually

Will the new video have to remain on top still?

At this stage yes, but I am sure you 'creative' people can think of ways to make a video window blend into the layout. 

Backward compatability - Are you saying 1.5 layouts won't open in 1.6, or that 1.6 layouts won't open in 1.5?

 
1.62x won't open in 1.5 or lower (at this stage)

@dung
My videos show up consistently anywhere in the list.  If it matters, I'm running XP SP2 with the CCCP.  I put delay on ~1s and also disabled it with no black boxes.

I certainly think not have any delay with video's is going to cause grief with scrolling. I would enable delay (~100ms) and have in the Delay Exceptions text and snap

[TheShanMan]

Another nitpick:
Basics tab -> Mame executable -> Config button -> Display tab -> 'Use additional artwork' doesn't do anything, and it won't remain unchecked...  i.e. 'OK' out of options and it will be checked again when you go back into options.  The individual checkboxes (bezel, backdrop) below work fine though.

This had the same behavior in the later 1.5s.

Many options don't work in that section (depending on what version of mame you are using as they have changed). I can't cater for every mame version I guess

It's a starter and you need to finish off by editing mame.ini manually

I'm not able to look at MaLa right now so excuse me if this is already there, but might I suggest adding a disclaimer to the settings window so people's expectations aren't too high? Might even want to suggest using MameUI (version matched to the command line mame being used) for more accurate/complete configuration (I only use MameUI to configure because my expectations are not that high for having MaLa do it ).

[loadman]

might I suggest adding a disclaimer to the settings window so people's expectations aren't too high?

Good Idea

[dungbeetle46]

does Mala 1.62f now have the licensed version of tvideograbber or still the demo version. just wondering if after a while will it stop working or something.
cheers

[loadman]

does Mala 1.62f now have the licensed version of tvideograbber or still the demo version. just wondering if after a while will it stop working or something.
cheers

All paid for.  ;-)

Refer here:  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90230.msg962101#msg962101

So if it stops working it is for another reason.

[dungbeetle46]

cool, your a champ Loadman

[Kayden]

Buttons look to work for me. 
The only problem I can find is that I tried to play music in Jukebox mode and it seems to have locked up.

This also reminds me of my other wish to be able to add a directory and populate recursively for the background music instead of adding them one album at a time.

[loadman]

Buttons look to work for me. 
The only problem I can find is that I tried to play music in Jukebox mode and it seems to have locked up.

This also reminds me of my other wish to be able to add a directory and populate recursively for the background music instead of adding them one album at a time.

Thanks for Testing.

Is the Jukebox problem related to the JoyStick +12 buttons enhancement?  or are just mentioning a random error you came across while testing?

I will add you music request to the list

[csa3d]

I have an older version of Arzoo's Ledblinky installed.  I've noticed that when Mala first starts up, that none of my buttons light up until I push up or down to trigger the "next game" event, which then tells Arzoo's plugin to light up the proper controls.

Is there an event that Mala should trigger upon startup to basically reselect the last selected game, therefore lighting the controls upon startup?  Is this something the LedBlinky plugin needs to handle?

Thanks
-csa

[loadman]

I have an older version of Arzoo's Ledblinky installed.  I've noticed that when Mala first starts up, that none of my buttons light up until I push up or down to trigger the "next game" event, which then tells Arzoo's plugin to light up the proper controls.

Is there an event that Mala should trigger upon startup to basically reselect the last selected game, therefore lighting the controls upon startup?  Is this something the LedBlinky plugin needs to handle?

Thanks
-csa

That should work on start up. The Plug-ins get the a 'EventPlugins.SendGameSelectEvent'

I am at work right now so I can't confirm this is still happening.

have you tried an older version of MaLa?

You probably should check with Arzoo as well

[bsweet0us]

OK Guys...

For anyone with a Joystick/ Gamepad/ etc with more than 12 Buttons this is for you to test please, as I don't have the hardware to test it.    (well one with more than 12 buttons anyway)

For beta testers with 1.62f don't bother downloading this as the Joystick expansion is all I have done.

Download latest beta here:
http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa162g.zip


Note to all:  If you can recreate a crash/freeze please send the log (in verbose mode to me) 
Send Bugs reports to :    bugs@malafe.net

Thanks For reporting everyone 

Testing the new beta with a control pad that has 14 buttons (and an analog stick) and all seems to be working well for buttons 1-14.  This is strictly on the gaming side of MALA (scrolling gamelist, switching emulators, launching games) but I've run into no problems as of yet.

Thanks for the extra button support loadman!

[Kayden]

Buttons look to work for me. 
The only problem I can find is that I tried to play music in Jukebox mode and it seems to have locked up.

This also reminds me of my other wish to be able to add a directory and populate recursively for the background music instead of adding them one album at a time.

Thanks for Testing.

Is the Jukebox problem related to the JoyStick +12 buttons enhancement?  or are just mentioning a random error you came across while testing?

I will add you music request to the list

I have no idea if it's related, this is the first time I've tried the option.  I'll try it again tonight with both versions.

I have an older version of Arzoo's Ledblinky installed.  I've noticed that when Mala first starts up, that none of my buttons light up until I push up or down to trigger the "next game" event, which then tells Arzoo's plugin to light up the proper controls.

Is there an event that Mala should trigger upon startup to basically reselect the last selected game, therefore lighting the controls upon startup?  Is this something the LedBlinky plugin needs to handle?

Thanks
-csa

Arzoo told me not lighting the first is by design.  It also doesn't light the game you land on when you go to the next game list.

[curtis-r]

Just started the beta.  Unzipped Mala 162g.exe & replaced my prior mala.exe.  Apparently there are no other files needed for beta. 

Result: crashes almost immediately, though background music plays.  There are 2 error windows, but one is obscured by the other.  The visible one "Unexpected error. Mala will terminate now".  The other error I can only make out "Other emulator emulator config-".  Log:

[Kayden]

I didn't replace my current Mala.exe.  I left the beta one named mala162g.exe (or whatever it is) and everything worked fine.

[Kayden]

Ok, after retesting the Jukebox, 162 seems to lock up as soon as I try to play music.  My music is on a mapped drive to another machine, but it does work for the background music.

On 1.05 the Jukebox doesn't even work.  I switch to it and it displays one of my game lists with the actual game count, but the menu is empty except for Play all and Add to Playlist.  Neither seems to do anything.

[system01]

Just started the beta.  Unzipped Mala 162g.exe & replaced my prior mala.exe.  Apparently there are no other files needed for beta. 

Result: crashes almost immediately, though background music plays.  There are 2 error windows, but one is obscured by the other.  The visible one "Unexpected error. Mala will terminate now".  The other error I can only make out "Other emulator emulator config-". 

When I used 106f in my 105 "playground" I was getting some weirdness.  I ended up making a whole new folder and letting 106 make new INIs and everything, and everything worked fine.  Then I copied 105 into that new folder so I could compare the two.

[loadman]

Just started the beta.  Unzipped Mala 162g.exe & replaced my prior mala.exe.  Apparently there are no other files needed for beta. 
Result: crashes almost immediately, though background music plays.  There are 2 error windows, but one is obscured by the other.  The visible one "Unexpected error. Mala will terminate now".  The other error I can only make out "Other emulator emulator config-".  Log:

Cool,

I got your log thanks. I had not tried music for a while

Sounds like I should check the Muzac section Again. Maybe this is an opportunity to upgrade MaLa to use the latest bass.dll.    I will ponder.

The 'Other Emu' window is an expected error as it needs to upgrade the file to cater for definables in 'other emu. 

Thanks for reporting ;-)

Ok, after retesting the Jukebox, 162 seems to lock up as soon as I try to play music.  My music is on a mapped drive to another machine, but it does work for the background music.

On 1.05 the Jukebox doesn't even work.  I switch to it and it displays one of my game lists with the actual game count, but the menu is empty except for Play all and Add to Playlist.  Neither seems to do anything.

Not concerned with Juke on 1.05 as I know that had issues like the ones you described,

but in 162 when you say it does not work?  What do you mean?  What do the log say in verbose mode?

It just worked for me so I am confused about that.    .  However I did find a Bug trying to quit MaLa while Jukebox was running 

 I am trying to determine if you have found a bug or you are not sure how to use the JukeBox.

Thanks for reporting

[LATER] When I went back to the JukeBox it stopped working for me too    OK good news is I am able to reproduce the fault 

One thing you could please check for me is the voulme in MaLa SoundsAndMusic-BackGroundMusic, I found mine was left at ZERO as a fade up failed. Please check this

[MuchLater] I think I fixed that bug but I can't post a new beta yet as I am half way through  implementing the 2nd Video window option.

[Kayden]

My background music isn't at 0.  When in my games list, I have my BG music on, it's at about 20-30%.

I don't know if this is related, but since switching to 162g, my sticks occasionally go postal.  When quitting a game, I get a message from the u360 map program that says it couldn't communicate with one of my sticks, when I click OK to go back to the game menu, one of two things happens, either the stick works fine, or it scrolls up or down the game list insanely fast.  If it scrolls, the only reliable way I can stop it is to close Mala.  Replugging the stick seems to work about 50/50; sometimes it stops scrolling and sometimes it stops scrolling until it's rerecognized and then starts scrolling again. 

I never once had this issue with 1.05 and since I can close Mala and reopen it with it coming back fine, I don't think it's an issue with my sticks.

[loadman]

I don't know if this is related, but since switching to 162g, my sticks occasionally go postal.  When quitting a game, I get a message from the u360 map program that says it couldn't communicate with one of my sticks, when I click OK to go back to the game menu, one of two things happens, either the stick works fine, or it scrolls up or down the game list insanely fast.  If it scrolls, the only reliable way I can stop it is to close Mala.  Replugging the stick seems to work about 50/50; sometimes it stops scrolling and sometimes it stops scrolling until it's rerecognized and then starts scrolling again. 
I never once had this issue with 1.05 and since I can close Mala and reopen it with it coming back fine, I don't think it's an issue with my sticks.

Might need FatFingers help here.    I don't have Ultrasticks

The only thing I changed in that area was increasing the buttons supported from 12 > 32.

have you checked all the Button mapping for Joysticks in MaLa?

[Kayden]

The mapping is the same as it's always been.  I just get an error saying it can't communicate with the stick and then it's either fine or insane.  I'll do more playing in 1.05 to see if it's a problem with my stick.

[fatfingers]

Hmmm....I'm afraid I don't have much to add here.  It sounds like maybe you could try reinstalling the drivers for the sticks, but I'm not sure that will help either. 

 

[csa3d]

I used to use the FatFingers plugin, but have found that using the u360 support in LedBlinky to actually work better.  With the Fat Fingers plugin, I would get erratic scrolling issues as well.  I think what the issue is there, is that his plugin calls the external command line executable distributed by ultimarc to do the remapping while the LedBlinky uses the .dll directly.  Something having to with code leaving Mala and taking action inside an external .exe seems to trip up Mala (in my opinion).  I had found similar issues with launching other externals, such as .bat files, and what I'm guessing might be part of the problem with Mrotate2.exe

I could be on crack, but that's my best guess.

-csa

[Kayden]

Thanks, I will definitely keep that in mind.

[NelsonPJ]

For what it's worth, I've been using beta 1.62g for about a week and have had no problems.  I'm using MAME preview videos from the recent  Emumovies torrent (SQ), and they display with no issues.  I'm also switching between a few other emulators (fusion, zsnes, nestopia, Virtual Pinball, Future Pinball) with no major problems.  Occasionally I've got a problem with Visual Pinball where PinMAME doesn't properly launch, but I think that's really a Visual Pinball problem.  I'm using the VP-Launch 5.1 wrapper that hasn't been updated in a while, so maybe that's the issue (although it's much better with the wrapper that without!)

I've been so impressed with Emumovies that I paid for FTP access yesterday, and as soon as I get my password I'll download and test Mala with videos for the other emulators.

This is on a 2.8GHz P4 with 2 gig RAM and WinXP SP3 (a recent upgrade from my old 933MHz P3 that seems so slow now!).

[dungbeetle46]

Occasionally I've got a problem with Visual Pinball where PinMAME doesn't properly launch, but I think that's really a Visual Pinball problem.  I'm using the VP-Launch 5.1 wrapper that hasn't been updated in a while, so maybe that's the issue (although it's much better with the wrapper that without!)

Nelsonpj
I use visual pinball and had the same problem, change the wrapper to closemul and you shouldnt have any more problems
cheers

[drventure]

A possible issue with the 1.62g version

Here's the log. I get crashes pretty consistently using this particular layout. Note that there are no custom sounds with this layout, but the debug log seems to indicate that the problem is with playsound.

I reverted back to the standard MALA layout, and everything worked fine, so I'm guessing it's something about my layout still.

Here's what's interesting. if I DISABLE the UI sounds (under the sounds tab in the config), the problem gets +far worse+. Strange, but it seems consistent.


2009/05/10  21:12:10.99   Info: Changing Layout
2009/05/10  21:12:11.00   Info: Loading layout: O:\Darin\mame\Mala\Layouts\No18Arqadium\No18Arqadium.mll
2009/05/10  21:12:11.81   Info: Show Main Form
2009/05/10  21:12:14.23   Info: Loading game list: O:\Darin\mame\Mala\Gillian's Favs.mlg
2009/05/10  21:12:14.75   Info: Loading game list: O:\Darin\mame\Mala\Non-Alternating Games.mlg
2009/05/10  21:12:16.33   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: PlaySound, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.

2009/05/10  21:12:16.36   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: PlaySound, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.

2009/05/10  21:12:16.39   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: PlaySound, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.

2009/05/10  21:12:17.37   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/05/10  21:12:17.39   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/05/10  21:12:17.44   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/05/10  21:12:17.84   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: CropStringLength, Exception Class: EOutOfResources, Exception Message: Not enough storage is available to process this command.

2009/05/10  21:12:18.31   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/05/10  21:12:18.34   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed

[loadman]

Interesting.

Have you tried loading the layout into the editor and re-save under s a different name?

Send me the layout (juts the .mll) if you still have issues.

[wooowman93]

would it be a possibility to be able to make snaps, marquees and other dynamic images rotate in the layout

[loadman]

would it be a possibility to be able to make snaps, marquees and other dynamic images rotate in the layout

They do when you you rotate the layout...

[TheShanMan]

I think he means display them at an angle, like rotated 30 degrees for instance.

[wooowman93]

ya like he said

[cmoses]

Just a question - but has any thought been given to having a horizontal game list?

Actually using the marquees instead of a list, but have the go left and right instead of up and down?

[system01]

Just a question - but has any thought been given to having a horizontal game list?

Actually using the marquees instead of a list, but have the go left and right instead of up and down?

That's not a bad thought.  However, is this possible if you make a free-aspect vertical layout and batch-rotate your marquees... playing it horizontal?

[loadman]

Hi All,

Sorry I have not been all that responsive on the forum lateley

. Work has been long hours again. 

Might not be working on Mala again until another 7 days.

I appreciate all the feedback I am getting with the beta version,

I am copying and pasting relevant postings to a separate list for me to check /fix.

Thanks   

[TheShanMan]

That happens loadman. Don't worry about it - we don't want you getting overwhelmed or burned out! We'll be fine in the meantime.

[Ummon]

Yeah, take some time to play some games.

[zophar707]

Please take your time. My pc went boom the other day  so it will be a few weeks before i rebuild a new one.  Just using my work one to get on to the forums at the moment.

Keep up the good work 

[R0UNDEYEZ]

Sounds like you have some cool features planned for the new release.. thank you for all your time you invest into the coding and helping all us mala users here on the forum!  like some others have said don't get all burned out.. take some time play some games and enjoy the thing that makes you come to this forum in the first place. arcade games.

[slsimon]

Thought I would download the latest beta release for testing.  I can't get Mala to load.  Below is the info in the error log.  Thanks for any update. 

2009/05/24  20:25:52.57   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: Ctrl1Down, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 00634220 in module 'MaLa162g.exe'. Read of address 000000A0
2009/05/24  20:26:47.31   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: Ctrl1Down, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 00634220 in module 'MaLa162g.exe'. Read of address 000000A0
2009/05/24  20:27:36.21   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: Ctrl1Down, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 00634220 in module 'MaLa162g.exe'. Read of address 000000A0

I will keep on playing...  Thanks, Shane

[loadman]

I am back! 

[dungbeetle46]

about bloody time, I dont know, slacking off, taking it easy, what a life,
good to see you back Loadman

[SGT]

I am back! 

Well its about %@*#&@! time!  Hasn't been the same around here!

[csa3d]

It's infectious.. you couldn't stay away if you wanted to 

-csa

[DaOld Man]

Welcome back Loadman.

Now I need a vacation! (See what you started?)

[NelsonPJ]

I've been using Mala 1.62g for a few weeks, successfully playing Emumovies SQ videos in my layouts.  The videos loop continuously when a game is selected, which is really cool.  However, I'm wondering if there's a setting to stop playing the videos after a certain amount of time (like a "sleep mode"?).  I looked through the preferences and couldn't find anything.

I've got my monitor to turn off after 15-30 minutes of inactivity, and I'd really like to set the preview videos to turn off after a similar amount of time.  Thinking about it, the videos could probably stop playing after 5 or 10 minutes of inactivity.

[drventure]

Glad you're back loadman!

But I've got a nasty one for you. The videos have been working great up till this weekend.

I got the latest JRiver MediaCenter (version 13), and after I installed it, the videos play in mala, but I only get the sound, there's just a black box where the actual video should be.

I'm fairly certain Media Center has jacked up a codec that mala requires, but I'm not sure how to go about figuring out what to reinstall.

I checked the debug log, and as far as I can tell, mala THINKS it's playing the video. There's a line about finding the AVI file and then a line about playing it, but there's no errors at all.

There may not be anything mala can or should do about this. I just wanted to let you know it's something I'm seeing.

[drventure]

Ok, good news about the codec stuff.

I decided to try and view one the Mala videos in "something else", I tried both Media Center and Windows Media Player and got the same results (audio but no video).

Did some googling and found a great page that lists all the various FOURCC codes for codecs.
http://www.fourcc.org/fcccodec.htm

From that, I found a little app you run against a specific AVI to determine what codec it uses called GSPOT

http://www.headbands.com/gspot/v26x/index.htm

Running that against the AVI in question yielded the XVID codec.

From the table at FOURCC, I went to the xvid codec page.

http://www.xvidmovies.com/codec/

Downloaded and installed. Presto! Videos in mala again!

[system01]

Got a crash for ya.

In the 'Sound' tab, uncheck 'Enable Audio" and hit OK back to the FE.
RMB -> Options, go back and check 'Enable Audio'.
When you hit OK to get back to the FE, about 500 exception-error boxes come up.

A log-full of these:

Code: [Select]

2009/06/04  09:20:31.31   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.32   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.34   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.35   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.39   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.42   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.43   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.46   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.50   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
2009/06/04  09:20:31.53   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation
Followed by this at the bottom:

Code: [Select]

2009/06/04  09:20:33.57   Error: Object Class: TPopupList, Object Function: LoadLEDConfig, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 00000002. Read of address 00000002
2009/06/04  09:20:33.70   Error: Object Class: TTimer, Object Function: AppDeactivate, Exception Class: EInvalidPointer, Exception Message: Invalid pointer operation

I have all the delays off, 'Use layout sound' and 'Use layout BGM' checked, and no sounds (empty boxes) inside MaLa config.  I'm trying to get layout sounds to work, which is how I got here.  This happens consistently, and I'm using 162f.

If it makes any difference, in the layout I'm using WAVs (PCM) for the movements and a 220kbps MP3 for the BGM.  I haven't got them to work yet.

[dungbeetle46]

This is a bug already known by Loadman, I mentioned it to him on page 1 of this thread so dont change your layouts to try fix, its in Mala code where the problem lies
cheers

[Kayden]

Heya Load,

I've been playing around more with the background music skipping.  It only seems to happen in Mala paying the music over the network.  If I copy the music locally, it plays fine in Mala, but I can play it over my wireless just fine in Media Player.  My wireless is N spec at 250mbps.  I have gigabit ethernet, but I can't test it with my cab.

Additionally, is it possible to configure the hotkeys under other emulators to accept joystick input?  I'd like to use button 15 on my stick to close FCEUX because it doesn't seem to have that feature built in like Mame, nestopia or ZSNES.

[drventure]

One minor note about the Beta build

Did you notice that it puts an icon in the system tray (looks like it has something to do with the video encoder you're using now.) See screenshot

You might consider turning that off, or having an option to turn it on. Seems a little odd to show it.

But, like I said, it's a pretty minor thing.

[Kayden]

FFDShow handles the codecs for video and audio.  It should only appear if your GUI has music or videos in it.  I think you can stop it from displaying, but you don't want to stop it from running.

[loadman]

Additionally, is it possible to configure the hotkeys under other emulators to accept joystick input?  I'd like to use button 15 on my stick to close FCEUX because it doesn't seem to have that feature built in like Mame, nestopia or ZSNES.

Not easily

[dungbeetle46]

Not sure if this a bug or something in my setup so if others could try, it would be appreciated.

I built a cab for a buddy of mine and the first night he rings me and says mame works fine but none of the other emus work
ie:
N64
Pinball
Sega
etc
I knew they were working when he picked it up so was scratching the head a bit, so I went round to take a look
The problem was that when in mame he pressed 2 to open menu and in game list he set browse to <yes>, well it seems when it is set to browse, none of the other emus work, set browse back to <no> and everything works again.
Wierd

[Lave Laar]

If you're using pngimage to display the PNG-files and still have problems with these files there is a known bug in the 1.564 version.

I am using that but the links just tell me that it is no longer avaliable for download? Also I was half asleep and made quick attempt to flick the and from my monitor (your avitar)     

From the first link:

basically, the line

ImageData := pRGBQuad(@ImageSource[i2 * 3])^

needs to be replaced with

pRGBTriple(@ImageData)^ := pRGBTriple(@ImageSource[i2 * 3])^

The ant can be annoying as hell, I know. Saw it on another forum and tried to flick it off my screen as well   

[slik50]

Loadman,  would it be possible to add a feature in 1.6 that when you add audio files to be played during your scrolling of games they change each time you go back and forth from games to user interface?  The shuffle feature shuffles if your on the user interface for extended periods of time. 

Thanks!  Love your work thus far and can't wait to check out 1.6 when its ready. 

Justin

[loadman]

Loadman,  would it be possible to add a feature in 1.6 that when you add audio files to be played during your scrolling of games they change each time you go back and forth from games to user interface?  The shuffle feature shuffles if your on the user interface for extended periods of time. 

Thanks!  Love your work thus far and can't wait to check out 1.6 when its ready. 

Justin

Sorry I have not been working on MaLa for some time (thanks to the real world)

I have not even fired up my Mame cab for 6 months  :-(

I don't quite understand what you are asking

Can you please explain in more detail

[curtis-r]

Welcome back.

Any thoughts to why during screensaver mode, after each video/snap is played, it leaves screensaver mode and returns to the menu.  Then after the preset time, it re-enters screensaver?  In other words, it doesn't just keep displaying screensavers like it's supposed to.

[loadman]

  dunno. I have not seen that

[JustMichael]

How can we try the beta?

[mr_doles]

How can we try the beta?

Middle of page 4 on this thread.

[JustMichael]

How can we try the beta?

Middle of page 4 on this thread.

Sorry I didn't read the whole thread.  I only read the first page where he said to PM him to get the download link from that I thought it was a private beta.

[loadman]

Yes .. here: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90230.msg964524#msg964524

[slik50]

Loadman: Sorry I have not been working on MaLa for some time (thanks to the real world)

I have not even fired up my Mame cab for 6 months  :-(

I don't quite understand what you are asking

Can you please explain in more detail

======================================

Feature I was curious about:  When adding music into MaLa it plays while searching or scolling through your gaming menu's.  When you select a game the specific song stops and the game starts.  Now, when I want to go back to my MaLa gaming menu to select another game the options avl are: continue song from where it left off, and to start song from beginning each time.  Would it be possible to add another selection to start new track each time I go back to the gaming menu in MaLa?  hopefully that helps! Or would it be possible to link to iTunes playlists?   I now have 2 MAME cab's in my house...my roomie put 1 together now too.  lol..

[loadman]

Oh yeah

That sounds like a good idea.

Remind me after the next minor release (that fixes most video issues)

I have a list of sound related things to work on

[slik50]

Sounds good.  Whats your target looking like for that video fix release?

[drventure]

About that video....

I've been playing around with a few things and I noticed that the Windows Media Player control "appears" to play Mala vids just fine. Is there something I'm missing (or maybe it plays them fine BECAUSE the Mala video player components are installed?).

[Ummon]

Feature I was curious about:  When adding music into MaLa it plays while searching or scolling through your gaming menu's.  When you select a game the specific song stops and the game starts.  Now, when I want to go back to my MaLa gaming menu to select another game the options avl are: continue song from where it left off, and to start song from beginning each time.  Would it be possible to add another selection to start new track each time I go back to the gaming menu in MaLa?

Man, and people call me a picky mo fo. Welcome to the club.

[loadman]

About that video....

I've been playing around with a few things and I noticed that the Windows Media Player control "appears" to play Mala vids just fine. Is there something I'm missing (or maybe it plays them fine BECAUSE the Mala video player components are installed?).

The Video Engine in MaLa 1.05 or less is pretty crappy. Media could play videos that MaLa could not

The video Engine in BETA => 1.62 should play all the videos ok

[drventure]

I'd been meaning to write back on this.

I've found that using WMP to play vids results in "most" of the vids playing, but I've found some that,even though they're AVI files and mala 1.6 can play them, WMP can't.

Since if you have mala 1.6, the machine will have those new vid drivers, I'm going to see if I can piggy back on the video library you're now using.

[Sprawler]

I'm getting an error when i try to run the beta. Procedure Entry Point_Except_Handler4_common could not be located in dynamic link library MSVCRT.DLL
I have tried many fixes I found through google but none have worked. I'm running Windows XP Sp3. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[loadman]

I'm getting an error when i try to run the beta. Procedure Entry Point_Except_Handler4_common could not be located in dynamic link library MSVCRT.DLL
I have tried many fixes I found through google but none have worked. I'm running Windows XP Sp3. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

You are using the right verion of bass.dll (that comes with 1.5) right?

[81ramirez]

Hi, I'm trying to download Mala. I started with the beta, but the files from 1.05 are needed. Is there any mirror? 'Cause it's about a month and I'm still receiving the same message... 
Tank's anyway....

[loadman]

 I just downloaded it

I just re-uploaded , re-zipped it and tested the download again anyway

Try that

[Sprawler]

Yeah, I was using mala 1.5 for a while and extracted the 1.62g exe to the install directory and recieved the error.
Thought it might have been a conflict with my setting or something I extract the base 1.5 files to a seperate directory
and then extracted the 1.62g exe to that directory and got the same error.

[81ramirez]

Sorry loadman, my bad.... I have my antivirus(nod32) set to automatically deny the download of infected files.....
I'm happy to see that MalaKeyhook.dll is only needed for win98/me... Now I'll try your App.
Tank you very much.
 

[loadman]

Sorry loadman, my bad.... I have my antivirus(nod32) set to automatically deny the download of infected files.....
I'm happy to see that MalaKeyhook.dll is only needed for win98/me... Now I'll try your App.
Tank you very much.
 

:-)

cool,   No dll's will be required for the next version  (eh bass.dll).  I am working on that

[pubjoe]

Hi loadman.  I only just noticed this thread.  It's very cool that your active here, taking feedback and giving help etc.

Sod hyperactivespin, mala is pure class.  

I have two questions:

First, would it be possible to expand the filter a bit?  Maybe have an option to "Exclude games who's description contains "******" (mature for example). Or perhaps allow more than four filters in a filter set.  The up to date catver.ini is just so specific, with so many subcatagories, that 4 filters isn't enough to include/exclude all of one catagory.  At the moment I use a renaming tool and then refresh list, as a work around, but this is pretty messy.

Second.  Minor nitpick this.  You know the arc/curve option for the gamelist.  Is it possible to add more curve/arc options?  Or be able to apply rotation AND the curve?  I am making a (bastardized retrogui) layout below, and I'd like to be able to curve the gamelist around the shape of the machine, but I can't with the current options.  (I did say this was a minor nitpick!)

[drventure]

though I do wish the Layout editor was a bit more "polished"

Code: [Select]

(oops) sorry edited the rest of your post in error, feel free to edit it back (sorry -loadman)  'You said something to the effect that you should not slam HyperSpin as it is a good but not
 just to everyone's taste as it is a bit 'in your face'

[pubjoe]

Yeah, sorry I don't really mean to slate it.  There's no denying hyperspin's an impressive acheivement, just not my cuppa tea.  Mala's my personal preference.

[loadman]

though I do wish the Layout editor was a bit more "polished"

Let me know if you are interested on helping on improving it

First, would it be possible to expand the filter a bit?  Maybe have an option to "Exclude games who's description contains "******" (mature for example). Or perhaps allow more than four filters in a filter set.  The up to date catver.ini is just so specific, with so many subcatagories, that 4 filters isn't enough to include/exclude all of one catagory.  At the moment I use a renaming tool and then refresh list, as a work around, but this is pretty messy.

1) Have you tried : http://www.waste.org/~winkles/ROMLister/

2) No time soon

[drventure]

Let me know if you are interested on helping on improving it

Yeah, i'm actually working a lot of what would be necessary into the plugin I'm putting together.

One question, I just haven't gotten this far yet, Can Mala be made to switch layouts while it's open, or do you have to completely close Mala and reopen it to have a new layout get loaded?

[loadman]

One question, I just haven't gotten this far yet, Can Mala be made to switch layouts while it's open, or do you have to completely close Mala and reopen it to have a new layout get loaded?

Of course it can      

MaLa can switch layouts on changes to Emulator and GameList.

Have a look at the Options-gui-layout tab, there are two checkboxes for autolayout switching options.

[drventure]

Very cool. Honestly, I hadn't gone looking yet. What I've got in mind is a layout editor plugin, so I wouldn't so much be switching layouts as refreshing the loaded layout. Good to know that's there though.

Thanks!

[pubjoe]

1) Have you tried : http://www.waste.org/~winkles/ROMLister/

No, but I will.  Looks to be just what I wanted to create a mala list.  Thanks.

Thanks for the reply.

[pubjoe]

1) Have you tried : http://www.waste.org/~winkles/ROMLister/

Cheers.  Looks to be just what I wanted.

Thanks for the reply.

[Sprawler]

I'm trying to setup a tree menu, but when I open Mala tree editor I'm getting "Error loading emulator file!" and in the emulator lists
 it will only show Mame, jukebox and the first emulator in other emulators and then blank spots for the rest of the other emulators.
The emulators all work nicely in Mala, and will show up when I don't use the tree menu.

PS. I am using a different computer running windows 7, which Mala 1.62g works fine on, so this shouldn't have anything to do with my other problem.

[loadman]

I'm trying to setup a tree menu, but when I open Mala tree editor I'm getting "Error loading emulator file!" and in the emulator lists
 it will only show Mame, jukebox and the first emulator in other emulators and then blank spots for the rest of the other emulators.
The emulators all work nicely in Mala, and will show up when I don't use the tree menu.

PS. I am using a different computer running windows 7, which Mala 1.62g works fine on, so this shouldn't have anything to do with my other problem.

Yeah... I probably need to recompile MaLa Tree after the changes made  ;-)    I forgot about that.  MaLa, MaLaLayout and MaLaTree share a couple of files.

[loadman]

I'm trying to setup a tree menu, but when I open Mala tree editor I'm getting "Error loading emulator file!" and in the emulator lists
 it will only show Mame, jukebox and the first emulator in other emulators and then blank spots for the rest of the other emulators.
The emulators all work nicely in Mala, and will show up when I don't use the tree menu.

PS. I am using a different computer running windows 7, which Mala 1.62g works fine on, so this shouldn't have anything to do with my other problem.

Yeah... I probably need to recompile MaLa Tree after the changes made  ;-)    I forgot about that.  MaLa, MaLaLayout and MaLaTree share a couple of files.

I had a play, test again when I post a new MaLa beta....

[OnezerO]

2 issues.

1. I have been using individual LED files to light up the game buttons and now with this new beta no buttons are being lit up.

2. For some reason when I make a change under options menu and then click "OK" Mala will crash. The log provides the following abbreviated message, "List index out of bounds (-1)".  I have seen some similar posts on this problem but no solutions.

I am running Mame v0.124a.  Please let me know if you need any additional information.  Thanks.

[loadman]

2 issues.
1. I have been using individual LED files to light up the game buttons and now with this new beta no buttons are being lit up.

Do let me know what LED hardware you are using.

MaLa Hardware, PacDrive, LedWiz via PlugIn? Any other Details? MaLa has a few options/ ways of using LED's so I need to know what part of it might be busted. Thanks

2. For some reason when I make a change under options menu and then click "OK" Mala will crash. The log provides the following abbreviated message, "List index out of bounds (-1)".  I have seen some similar posts on this problem but no solutions.

The '-1' means no details exists in the mala config files where it expects them to be.. which is bad obviously

The reason is some of the files are not compatible between the old version and the new so you may need to start from scratch in some areas (especially 'other Emu's' aka in the file mala.mle)  The worst example I found is if you go back to an old version ofter using the new one and back again. It alters the file in such a way where you need to delete mala.mle to let mala recreate it again (when also means setting up all the non mame emu's again)

I recommend using the MaLa beta in a separate folder so not to break your MaLa working version

In any case I am working on ways on making the transition easier without crashes. I have made good progress already.

The beta linked here is a bit dated now. A new beta will be posted soonish 1.63, just gotta finish the audio Engine swap, right now it is at 60% complete .  And maybe one day a release  

[Milner08]

Out of interest will a new Mala Tree be provided with this beta? The one from the stable release dosn't work with the current beta, and is the only reason im not currently using the Beta (I feel like im missing out )

TM

[loadman]

Out of interest will a new Mala Tree be provided with this beta? The one from the stable release dosn't work with the current beta, and is the only reason im not currently using the Beta (I feel like im missing out )

TM

Yes.   

[drventure]

Any chance of the MLT file becoming XML/non-binary?

[OnezerO]

Do let me know what LED hardware you are using.

MaLa Hardware, PacDrive, LedWiz via PlugIn? Any other Details? MaLa has a few options/ ways of using LED's so I need to know what part of it might be busted. Thanks

I am using the Mala Hardware.  You had actually helped me out several times before getting Mala to work with the individual LED files.  Thank you for the detailed response to the "Option" problem I was having with the beta version.  Thanks for all of the work you have put into and continue to put into the Mala project.

[OnezerO]

2. For some reason when I make a change under options menu and then click "OK" Mala will crash. The log provides the following abbreviated message, "List index out of bounds (-1)".  I have seen some similar posts on this problem but no solutions.

The '-1' means no details exists in the mala config files where it expects them to be.. which is bad obviously

The reason is some of the files are not compatible between the old version and the new so you may need to start from scratch in some areas (especially 'other Emu's' aka in the file mala.mle)  The worst example I found is if you go back to an old version ofter using the new one and back again. It alters the file in such a way where you need to delete mala.mle to let mala recreate it again (when also means setting up all the non mame emu's again)

I recommend using the MaLa beta in a separate folder so not to break your MaLa working version

In any case I am working on ways on making the transition easier without crashes. I have made good progress already.

The beta linked here is a bit dated now. A new beta will be posted soon 1.63 (before new year I hope), just gotta finish the audio Engine swap, right now it is at 40% complete .  And maybe one day a release  

I deleted the mala.mle file but I am still getting an error message when I click "OK" from the "'option" menu.  Mala does recreate the "mala.mle" file. Any help on resolving this would be greatly appreciated as I want to start testing video files but I am not able to save my configuration files thru Mala.  The exact message I am getting in the log file is as follows:

2009/12/29  00:01:28.40   Error: Object Class: TPopupList, Object Function: InitAudio, Exception Class: EStringListError, Exception Message: List index out of bounds (-1)

Thank you.

[loadman]

2. For some reason when I make a change under options menu and then click "OK" Mala will crash. The log provides the following abbreviated message, "List index out of bounds (-1)".  I have seen some similar posts on this problem but no solutions.

The '-1' means no details exists in the mala config files where it expects them to be.. which is bad obviously

The reason is some of the files are not compatible between the old version and the new so you may need to start from scratch in some areas (especially 'other Emu's' aka in the file mala.mle)  The worst example I found is if you go back to an old version ofter using the new one and back again. It alters the file in such a way where you need to delete mala.mle to let mala recreate it again (when also means setting up all the non mame emu's again)

I recommend using the MaLa beta in a separate folder so not to break your MaLa working version

In any case I am working on ways on making the transition easier without crashes. I have made good progress already.

The beta linked here is a bit dated now. A new beta will be posted soon 1.63 (before new year I hope), just gotta finish the audio Engine swap, right now it is at 40% complete .  And maybe one day a release  

I deleted the mala.mle file but I am still getting an error message when I click "OK" from the "'option" menu.  Mala does recreate the "mala.mle" file. Any help on resolving this would be greatly appreciated as I want to start testing video files but I am not able to save my configuration files thru Mala.  The exact message I am getting in the log file is as follows:

2009/12/29  00:01:28.40   Error: Object Class: TPopupList, Object Function: InitAudio, Exception Class: EStringListError, Exception Message: List index out of bounds (-1)

Thank you.

Leave it for now, and try the next beta (when it is done)

Do let me know what LED hardware you are using.

MaLa Hardware, PacDrive, LedWiz via PlugIn? Any other Details? MaLa has a few options/ ways of using LED's so I need to know what part of it might be busted. Thanks

I am using the Mala Hardware.  You had actually helped me out several times before getting Mala to work with the individual LED files.  Thank you for the detailed response to the "Option" problem I was having with the beta version.  Thanks for all of the work you have put into and continue to put into the Mala project.

Oh yes I remember now.   I will look at it. No doubt something simple

Any chance of the MLT file becoming XML/non-binary?

Possibly. Can I ask why?  Swindus set some of these files to binary for a reason. But for the life of me I can't remember why?

[drventure]

Possibly. Can I ask why?

Nothing in particular, though I was thinking of a plugin tree editor. I guess the main reason though is just to avoid proprietary file types. XML should be good enough for any of the kind of stuff going on in there. And with it open like that, it would just encourage more stuff I can't even think of right off.

I'm not saying the extension has to change(or that it has to be xml for that matter). Like the MLL file, it's just an INI file with a different name. Heck, the tree could even go in an INI file like that, though xml might be better for a tree layout....)

[loadman]

Possibly. Can I ask why?

Nothing in particular, though I was thinking of a plugin tree editor. I guess the main reason though is just to avoid proprietary file types. XML should be good enough for any of the kind of stuff going on in there. And with it open like that, it would just encourage more stuff I can't even think of right off.

I'm not saying the extension has to change(or that it has to be xml for that matter). Like the MLL file, it's just an INI file with a different name. Heck, the tree could even go in an INI file like that, though xml might be better for a tree layout....)

hmmm I will PM you on this. I have an idea 

[Sprawler]

The problem I had earlier with the bass.dll and such was because I was running a chopped down version of xp, totally forgot I was lol. Reinstalled xp full version and all is well.

edited : after testing, what i said about mala tree wasnt true  

[loadman]

The problem I had earlier with the bass.dll and such was because I was running a chopped down version of xp, totally forgot I was lol. Reinstalled xp full version and all is well.

edited : after testing, what i said about mala tree wasnt true  

It was probably more likely that it works as you did a fresh MaLa install.

for at least the "blank spots for the rest of the other emulators" anyway. I got that when I ran an older version of mala.

Basically you can't go back versions....  You need to run the beta in a separate folder

Buit wait for the next beta. It handles things better.

1. I have been using individual LED files to light up the game buttons and now with this new beta no buttons are being lit up.

I found the issue.  d'oh!

When I changed the code to handle IO-Warror24 I killed support for IO-Warror40/MaLa Hardware. I can easily swap to support either but I need to write some code so it can handle both.

[OnezerO]

Thanks loadman you are the man.  I can't wait for the next beta release!!!

[drventure]

Me either.

Actually had another thing that I've noticed recently and didn't see anything searching through the forum.

When I run StepMania from Mala, it works just fine, but StepMania only runs in up to 1280x1024. Since my screen and Mala run native at 1920x1200, SM changes the screen res, then changes it back when it closes.

That all appears to work fine, but when control goes back to mala, the background is completely hosed. It's offset down and to the right by several hunded pixels.

HOWEVER, all the controls (text boxes, game list, video, etc), all render in the proper places. The end result is a pretty messed up looking screen.

If I right click and Flip orientation, then flip back, everything comes back proper, so it appears to be that Mala is drawing the background before the resolution change, or something. Not exactly sure what.

I'd be surprised if this is a new problem, just because I'm guessing lots of games switch resolutions and then switch back when they terminate, so I likely just don't have something set right.

Any ideas?

[jmr15]

Me either.

Actually had another thing that I've noticed recently and didn't see anything searching through the forum.

When I run StepMania from Mala, it works just fine, but StepMania only runs in up to 1280x1024. Since my screen and Mala run native at 1920x1200, SM changes the screen res, then changes it back when it closes.

That all appears to work fine, but when control goes back to mala, the background is completely hosed. It's offset down and to the right by several hunded pixels.

HOWEVER, all the controls (text boxes, game list, video, etc), all render in the proper places. The end result is a pretty messed up looking screen.

If I right click and Flip orientation, then flip back, everything comes back proper, so it appears to be that Mala is drawing the background before the resolution change, or something. Not exactly sure what.

I'd be surprised if this is a new problem, just because I'm guessing lots of games switch resolutions and then switch back when they terminate, so I likely just don't have something set right.

Any ideas?

1 Options/GUI/Game Start/Quit
go to
2 Reorder layout after game quit

i guess

[drventure]

You know. If it was a snake....

Thanks jmr15, that did the trick!

[jmr15]

youre welcome

i had the same problem
 
but in the spanish mala forum / http://www.retrovicio.com/foro/showthread.php?t=7200

i asked they give me the answer and they did

i think maybe this a bug?
 

[drventure]

Well, I don't have this prob with Mame, but then, I have mame set to run at the same res as Mala, whereas StepMania runs at a different resolution (as high as it'll go, but still not the native res of my monitor).

It'd be best if Mala could set that option on a "per game" or "per emulator" basis, because setting it globally like that causes the screen to flash a little coming back from games like Mame, where there really isn't a need to redraw things, but that's the way it is right now, I guess.

Hmmm, maybe a plugin for that 

[drventure]

Well, I may have spoken too fast. On my workstation, that option seems to have done the trick, but on my actual arcade cab, the screen is still messed up after it comes back from StepMania. Not sure what the difference might be but I'll poke around in some of those other options panels.

Thanks for the pointer though. I have a feeling that'll have something to do with whatever the fix might be.

[kako121]

youre welcome

i had the same problem
 
but in the spanish mala forum / http://www.retrovicio.com/foro/showthread.php?t=7200

i asked they give me the answer and they did

i think maybe this a bug?
 

jijiji

Happy new year!

Saludos

[mh12]

can't wait to check out the new audio engine! i was playing with my configuration again and put in a lot of 'jukebox' tunes. as soon as MaLa is able to play continuously and perhaps assign a key to queue songs, it'll be perfect 

[loadman]

assign a key to queue songs, it'll be perfect 

It's much more betttera, but what do you mean by the quote above?

[mh12]

assign a key to queue songs, it'll be perfect 

It's much more betttera, but what do you mean by the quote above?

for example: press start, selected song starts playing. i hope you'd be able to select something else and press another button for 'play this song next'... and keep adding songs to that (with the same button).. which may necessitate a 'skip to next song' button. a live playlist... like a jukebox

in any case, i'm using it now, and if it can play the whole list (without my input) in the next version, that's great!

[ivwshane]

So I had to reinstall my OS and mala, apparently I'm a noob because I can't get mala to run.

I get a "missing bass.dll" error. I did a quick search and it appears it's a required dll but it also seems like loadman was going to make it so that it was no longer required.

Can I get some advice please?

win7 64

[loadman]

So I had to reinstall my OS and mala, apparently I'm a noob because I can't get mala to run.

I get a "missing bass.dll" error. I did a quick search and it appears it's a required dll but it also seems like loadman was going to make it so that it was no longer required.

Can I get some advice please?

win7 64

Ohh Yeah

You can get in a package with an older version

http://www.malafe.net/files/download/MaLa105a.zip

[markronz]

I'm trying to setup a tree menu, but when I open Mala tree editor I'm getting "Error loading emulator file!" and in the emulator lists
 it will only show Mame, jukebox and the first emulator in other emulators and then blank spots for the rest of the other emulators.
The emulators all work nicely in Mala, and will show up when I don't use the tree menu.

PS. I am using a different computer running windows 7, which Mala 1.62g works fine on, so this shouldn't have anything to do with my other problem.

Yeah... I probably need to recompile MaLa Tree after the changes made  ;-)    I forgot about that.  MaLa, MaLaLayout and MaLaTree share a couple of files.

Sorry, has this been done?  If so, where can I download the new Mala Tree?   I get the same error after I add a second emulator...

Thanks!

[loadman]

I'm trying to setup a tree menu, but when I open Mala tree editor I'm getting "Error loading emulator file!" and in the emulator lists
 it will only show Mame, jukebox and the first emulator in other emulators and then blank spots for the rest of the other emulators.
The emulators all work nicely in Mala, and will show up when I don't use the tree menu.

PS. I am using a different computer running windows 7, which Mala 1.62g works fine on, so this shouldn't have anything to do with my other problem.

Yeah... I probably need to recompile MaLa Tree after the changes made  ;-)    I forgot about that.  MaLa, MaLaLayout and MaLaTree share a couple of files.

Sorry, has this been done?  If so, where can I download the new Mala Tree?   I get the same error after I add a second emulator...

Thanks!

I think So    . When the new beta comes out let me knwo if you still have issues 

[mh12]

I think So    . When the new beta comes out let me knwo if you still have issues 

can't wait
i'm going to do a few cab updates whenever the new MaLa's out.
..and at least get MaLa to stop crashing when i flip through emulators too fast. probably layout related? it didn't do that in the beginning before i started messing around a lot

[loadman]

I dare say the new beta will still have some bugs.... but the good news is with the work I have done they will be easier to find and fix.

[wolfsoft]

I am using mala 1.62g with mame 0.137.
But I got an error when reading the mame.xml for generating the mame gamelist
It aborts with:
Please wait: Collecting Games...

2010.05.06  12:24:13.95   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: SaveBiosList, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 7C912C4E in module 'ntdll.dll'. Write of address 004041C9

Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance

[loadman]

I am using mala 1.62g with mame 0.137.
But I got an error when reading the mame.xml for generating the mame gamelist
It aborts with:
Please wait: Collecting Games...

2010.05.06  12:24:13.95   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: SaveBiosList, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 7C912C4E in module 'ntdll.dll'. Write of address 004041C9

Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance

Does it happen with other versions of mame?

[andrewbean90]

I want / need to test the latest version 1.62g

[loadman]

There is a link for download in this thread

[andrewbean90]

found it but it didnt help my situation with the errors im getting

[loadman]

found it but it didnt help my situation with the errors im getting

Right.  

I have not released a new beta for some time.    Next one due soon 'Beta 1.69' .

 As I mentioned in another thread I have fixed a number of those related bugs.  So I will relay on your feedback and others.  

When major bugs are ironed out 1.7 will be the official release.

I don't want to make the same mistake as I did with 1.6 and release it officially without user testing.

[wolfsoft]

I will first install a new clean version and check it again
thanks in advance

I am using mala 1.62g with mame 0.137.
But I got an error when reading the mame.xml for generating the mame gamelist
It aborts with:
Please wait: Collecting Games...

2010.05.06  12:24:13.95   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: SaveBiosList, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 7C912C4E in module 'ntdll.dll'. Write of address 004041C9

Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance

Does it happen with other versions of mame?

[loadman]

New Beta post: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=103178.msg1092541#msg1092541