Looking for Beta testers 1.62g (Finished)

[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 .