PowerModul 2/POWERMOD2.mdf/glx213/glx.rev

Text File | 1994-07-28 | 14KB | 267 lines

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

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

 - > Version 2.13 (29-07-1994) :
     - New internal reset routine, should give less clicks at startup
       of a new piece of music. Should affect all devices...
     - New memory allocation routines for Loaders, should utilize memory
       more efficiently.
     - Fixes in AdLib Gold routines, should WORK a lot better now...
     - Delete option in FileSelector, just try pressing Delete.
     - Fixes in ULT Loader, thanks goes to MAS for the extra information.
     - Fixes in S3M Loader.

 - > Version 2.12 (02-07-1994) :
     - New form of pattern compression, compresses about 10% tighter as the
       previous compression method.
     - Added support for UltraTracker modules, upto file format version 3.
     - Added support for variable pattern length (e.g. rows).
     - Now press backspace to toggle the FFT display AND calculation, this
       because many people asked for it. Now you can also see 12+ channels
       when replaying FARs, MTMs etc. Upto 22 channels on screen.
     - Fixes in FAR Loader.
     - Fixes in XM Loader.

 - > Version 2.11 (10-06-1994) :
     - Fixed a MAJOR bug in the command handling, S3M Support should now be
       a LOT better.
     - Added support for MultiTracker Modules, I know this loader isn't a real
       speed daemon, but at least it's functional.
     - Added support for Extended 669 Modules, thanx goes to Stefan Danes for
       giving me those GREAT dox.
     - New Gravis UltraSound reset routine, should work on non-initialized
       UltraSounds too (Even versions 3.7+).
     - Fixed a bug in the stereo/panning calculation routine.
     - Fixed a bug in the UMB support, which disabled the usage of UMBs.
     - Panning support, well at least for a Gravis UltraSound. For nice stereo
       panning try out AMBLIGHT.XM or PANIC.S3M.
     - Patternlooping/breaking is now supported properly.
     - Changed colour map, should look well on EGA's again...
     - Little fixes in Module shell.

 - > 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 five 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 into 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.