Monster Media 1994 #2/Monster Media No. 2 (Monster Media)(1994).ISO/soundu/glx210.zip/GLX.REV

Text File | 1994-05-04 | 12KB | 230 lines

This is the revision history of the Galaxy Music Player
Coded by Virt of T∙R∙I∙A∙L...

 - > Future enhancements :
     - Loading of 668.
     - SoundBlaster Stereo Support (that's not SB Pro, no typing error !)

 - > Version 2.10 (04-05-1994) :
     - Included GLX32 386 Protected Mode version of GLX in this archive.
     - Improved sound quality by using a new mixing principle, I finally
       got rid of those zero crossings. Thanx to Niels de Jong for explaining
       some of the finer principles of sound movement through air...
     - Combined Stereo and Mono Mixing routines.
     - Fixed FFT Square Root routine, it's a lot faster and more acurate
       right now. So FFT should be a LITTLE bit faster and more acurate.
     - Entire new sample loader, handles 8/16 bit, signed/unsigned, delta/raw.
     - All loading routines now use the MINIMUM number of channels to cover
       the song. So it's possible that an eight channel song, is played
       using only 5 channels, but that's ok.
     - Fixes in 669 Loader.
     - Fixes in STM Loader.
     - Fixes in S3M Loader.
     - Added XM Loader, Mr. H/Vogue, please drop me a line if there IS something
       done in the wrong way. e.g. maybe you could send me some test songs...
     - Added FAR Loader.
     - Added FFT Smoothing.
     - Added Sample Viewer.

 - > Version 2.05 (16-03-1994) :
     - First of all I've changed my handle to Virt so don't think the author
       changed or something ;-))
     - Fixed mixing routine to actually ROUND the sample offset instead of
       TRUNCATING it...
     - Soundblaster 2.0+ High Speed DMA is back again. For any problems see
       GLX.FAQ.
     - New faster, better SoundBlaster Series output, works ok with SBOS again.
     - New faster, better AdLib Gold output method, works on XT's ok again.
     - At last SoundBlaster Pro Stereo support and autodetection.
     - Rewritten ProAudioSpectrum routines, still problems though, has something
       to do with the PAS Timer stuff.
     - Added sample viewer, try hitting Enter.
     - Small fix in 669 Loader.

 - > Version 2.03 (18-02-1994) :
     - New internal memory handling routines, so Upper Memory Block support
       is back. When encountering any problems try using /UMB to disable them.
       For any UMB problems see GLX.FAQ.
     - Fixed a BIG bug in the Stereo routines, it only occurred while using EMS.
     - A Bug in the Pre-Emptive-Ramp processor may have caused some clicking
       on the Gravis UltraSound.
     - Reduced Gravis UltraSound IRQ Rate from 500 Hz to 100 Hz.

 - > Version 2.01 (14-02-1994) :
     - New internal pattern format, which allows great compression of the
       original pattern data, I've seen 147Kb of pattern data shrink in 83 Kb !
     - Changed SoundBlaster output method, should work ok again.
     - New volume table for Gravis UltraSound, it's louder now.
     - Now loads those old Scream Tracker 2.5 modules (.STM).
     - Support for TakeTracker modules.
     - Fixes in EMS Handling.
     - Fixes in S3M Loader.
     - Fixes in 669 Loader.
     - Fixes in MOD Loader.

 - > Version 2.00α (05-02-1994) :
     - Since Virt/T∙R∙I∙A∙L have got a lot of complaints about GLX not
       being the fastest player, we've decided to BOOST GLX's performance
       with about 10% AND due to this performance boost we've decided to
       do the sample stepping at 16 bit resolution instead of 8 bit...
     - New screen layout (designed by Icarus of T∙R∙I∙A∙L) with spectrum
       analysis. This is not a FAKE one it's a 128-Point-Fast-Fourier-Transform
       PS. Because of this FFT when replaying on a GUS there is running a
       22 Khz mono-mixer in the background for the FFT data...
     - A LOT of internal fixes for the forthcoming commercial release of
       the Galaxy Music System...
     - I've put back ALL letters in the name, so everybody can see where it
       came from :)
     - Stereo mixer is nearly just as fast as the mono mixer...
     - Now with "multi-tasking" fileselector-shell
     - Fixed ProAudioSpectrum routines.
     - Fixed S3M & 669 Loaders.
     - EMS Support.

 - > Version 1.55 (19-01-1994) :
     - Fixed AdLib Gold output, finally got rid of those "cracks"...
     - Fixed SoundBlaster output, works ok with SBOS again...
     - Volume table calculation is now fully 16 bit, so lower volumes should
       sound a LOT better...
     - Some "things" fixed in S3M Loader...
     - Used less memory, about 4 Kb...

 - > Version 1.54 (09-01-1994) :
     - Fixed problems with sample conversion of samples over 32k with 669 & S3M
     - SoundEffects are now working, this has nothing to do with MODule playing
       but I can now use GLX in our demos for NICE soundeffects...
     - Internal changes for forthcoming OBJect version of GLX...
     - General fixes in music-file-loaders for S3M & 669...

 - > Version 1.53 (07-01-1994) :
     - Ah. First 1994 release...
     - Well supports ProAudioSpectrum cards, the great MediaVision soundcards !
       Note that PAS Support only works on DMA 0,1,2 & 3 for this version !
     - Rewritten GUS output routines. Now using "Pre-Emptive-Ramping" a
       technique developed by T∙R∙I∙A∙L. It allows VERY fast playing on
       UltraSounds WITHOUT having to wait for the volume ramps to finish !
     - Rewritten GUS dumping routines (no DMA, but VERY fast normal dumping)
       so IF you encounter problems with wrong dumping please contact me...
     - Rewritten AdLib Gold Timing, Now uses the AdLib Gold on board timer.
       I think GLX is the ONLY MODPlayer using the AdLib Gold's timer !
       PS. I still HAVE to get rid of this clicking on an AdLib Gold :(
     - Rewritten Internal format routines now using 32 bit handles instead
       of 16 bit handles.
     - Read buffers for S3M/669 Patterns are now dynamically allocated
       so GLX has become a little bit smaller about 4 Kb...
     - Fixes in some special command handling, again !

 - > Version 1.50 (31-12-1993) :
     - Since this will be the last GLX release for 1993 :
       Happy Newyear to EVERYBODY !!!
       But as you would expect, you'll hear from T∙R∙I∙A∙L in 1994 !
     - Now loads ScreamTracker 3.0 files too, upto 16 channels & 64 instruments.
     - Major fixes in ALL music drivers enable GLX to works VERY well with
       Mousedrivers, ExpandedMemoryManagers etc... Due to all this changes
       GLX's DMA Output has become even faster !!!
     - Changed GLX's internal format in order to play more module formats...
     - Rewritten all general note & instrument handling logic...
     - Rewritten all MODule loading routines, faster !!!
     - Fixed tremolo command...

 - > Version 1.30 (11-12-1993) :
     - Got rid of a lot of UltraClicks, 'cause of a bug in the sample dumper :-(
     - Sample memory is cleaned after samples have been loaded onto the GUS :-)
     - GUS Note handling fixed, should sound better.
     - A couple of little screen changes.
     - BPM Handling finally fixed.

 - > Version 1.25ß (1-12-1993) :
     - Because of complaints about GLX's sad screen layout and because my
       examinations are over, at least for nine weeks, I've designed a complete
       new screen layout for GLX. With a lot of moving stuff, volume bars,
       scrolling pattern. By the way, the fact that there are only 8 channels
       on screen does NOT mean that glx won't play over 8 channels anymore :)))
       With 8+ channels you'll only see the first 8...
     - Fixed some bug when I was using GLX-The-Unit (in Borland Pascal), GLX
       though is still in 100% assembly code...
     - GLX now supports Auto Detection of Soundcards installed, now only type
       the module name if you want to play a module. Detection order:

          - Gravis UltraSound
          - SoundBlaster
          - AdLib Gold
          - AdLib
          - Stereo-On-One
          - PC-Speaker

 - > Version 1.20ß (23-11-1993) :
     - Ah. I'm now a GUSser myself too, which means I've FINALLY got a GUS
       of my very own, so some major fixes have been made to the GUS driver.
       It still isn't perfect, but why do you think the ß is in the name :)
       For example : - Checks if the samples fit into your GUS's DRAM.
                     - Everything you COULD ramp is ramped.
                     - Sample offset commands are now working too.
     - PC-Speaker plays upto 64 Khz, but in practice keep rate below 33 Khz
       for best performace...

 - > Version 1.12 (19-11-1993) :
     - Changed replay speed of C-2 again ! Version 1.10 used 8363 Hz
       that's the AMERICAN(/NTSC) replay rate. Version 1.12 uses 8287 Hz and
       that's the EUROPEAN(/PAL) replay rate (yeah !)
     - Finally fixed arpeggio !
     - GLX Now loads modules with only one instrument too (without crashing !)
     - Note cut works on GUS too...

 - > Version 1.10 (12-11-1993) :
     - Changed replay speed of C-2, it was too high,
       resulting in modules being played slighty too high...
     - GLX now supports, abnormally SHORT loops.
       This means loops of about 20 bytes in length...
     - Little fixes in special command handling...

 - > Version 1.07 (03-11-1993) :
     - Ok, ok, there was a little bit of a delay between the releases
       but I've got "good" reasons :
        * I've to study for University (Linear Algebra, Calculus etc.)
        * I'm working on a vector system, which eats up quite a bit of time
     - Fixed some special effects:  Vibrato now works on GUS too,
       BPM speed are supported better etc.
     - High Speed DMA driver for SB 2.0 was the cause that GLX did NOT
       ran on 486DX33's (with an SB 2.0) so I just ripped it out, maybe
       someday I'll get a vision how to fix it...

 - > Version 1.05 (19-10-1993) :
     - Temporary disabled SoundBlaster 2.0 high-dma-speeds !
       Because, it maybe caused the Internal Stack Overflows at 486DX33's !
       So. Please let me know if you have any suggestions, comments etc.
     - AdLib Gold DMA fixed, now AdLib Gold DMA doesn't stop when shelling
       to DOS or when copying from floppydisk, calling BBS's etc...
     - SoundBlaster 2.0 high-speed DMA fixed, doesn't stop when doing dirty
       things, e.g. copying from floppy etc...
     - Possibility to turn channels on/off.
     - Little bugfixes (e.g. got rid of some dma overhead etc...)

 - > Version 1.02 (02-10-1993) :
     - Ah. GLX now loads .669 files, still ß-669-loader. But hey ! It's better
       than nothing. Loader isn't perfect yet, but that's because the
       669-Format has some *very* strange commands !
       PS. Some .669's got samples > 64KBytes. This .669 loader doesn't support
       them yet !
     - Little change on screen : Unused channels say :"NOT USED" and you can't
       change the position of unused channels, that wasn't really a bug but
       it didn't had any effect at all ! If you want to use all your 16 chn's
       try a GLXComp module (if you're able to find one, signature "GLXC") or
       try an 16 channel fasttracker module...
     - You GUSers (That's GUS-Users or Owners-Of-A-GUS) are now able to change
       the main-volume and position of the channels (Left,Middle,Right) in
       Version 1.01 it didn't work on a GUS, now it does !

 - > Version 1.01 (26-9-1993) :
     - Entire new screen look, because the 1.0ß's look really sucks !
       Shows current pattern row, output device, mixing speed, main volume
     - Main volume support (actually it was already implemented but 1.0ß didn't
       had the option to change it !!!
     - Better documentation

 - > Version 1.0ß (24-9-1993) :
     - Plays upto 16 channel-modules.
     - Support for AdLib, AdLib Gold, SoundBlaster, Stereo-On-1, DAC, Speaker
     - DosShell
     - World's Fastest Player.