diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'docs')
-rw-r--r-- | docs/FAQ | 274 |
1 files changed, 128 insertions, 146 deletions
@@ -31,73 +31,57 @@ A7. Start by reading up on the information about the jukeboxes on our web page. | |||
31 | Then go into CVS and look at the code we've written. Then take what you | 31 | Then go into CVS and look at the code we've written. Then take what you |
32 | need and start writing. | 32 | need and start writing. |
33 | 33 | ||
34 | Q8. Okay, so how do I submit a patch? | 34 | Q8. I want to join the development team, but don't have a SourceForge account, |
35 | A8. Run: "diff -ub oldfile newfile > patchfile" against the file(s) you have | ||
36 | changed. Then submit the patch to the project via Sourceforge's patch | ||
37 | tracker. See: http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?group_id=44306&atid=439120 | ||
38 | Your patch will be taken under consideration. Please remember that all | ||
39 | submissions are not automatically accepted. This is nothing personal. | ||
40 | |||
41 | Preferrably, run the diff against the current cvs code: | ||
42 | cvs diff -ub > patchfile | ||
43 | |||
44 | One last note. We would appreciate it if *all* patches, files and fixes | ||
45 | that are meant for inclusion in the sources would be posted to the patch | ||
46 | tracker. Patches sent to the mailing list are quickly lost in the | ||
47 | traffic of the list itself. (And looking back in the archives for | ||
48 | missed patches quickly becomes a nightmare.) | ||
49 | |||
50 | Q9. I want to join the development team, but don't have a SourceForge account, | ||
51 | what should I do? | 35 | what should I do? |
52 | A9. You don't need a SourceForge account to help developing Rockbox. Just | 36 | A8. You don't need a SourceForge account to help developing Rockbox. Just |
53 | submit patches as per the instructions above. | 37 | submit patches (http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/patch.html) |
54 | 38 | ||
55 | If your patches are consistently well-written and thus accepted, you may | 39 | If your patches are consistently well-written and thus accepted, you may |
56 | ultimately be offered CVS commit access. If that should happen, you will | 40 | ultimately be offered CVS commit access. If that should happen, you will |
57 | need to get a Sourceforge account: | 41 | need to get a Sourceforge account: |
58 | http://sourceforge.net/account/register.php | 42 | http://sourceforge.net/account/register.php |
59 | 43 | ||
60 | Q10. Do you have a mailing list? | 44 | Q9. Do you have a mailing list? |
61 | A10. Sure do! As a matter of fact, we have several of them for specific | 45 | A9. Sure do! As a matter of fact, we have several of them for specific |
62 | things. Please check out: http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/ | 46 | things. Please check out: http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/ |
63 | 47 | ||
64 | Q11. Great you have a mailing list! Is there anyway for me to catch up on | 48 | Q10. Great you have a mailing list! Is there anyway for me to catch up on |
65 | past posts? | 49 | past posts? |
66 | A11. Check out the archives at: http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/ | 50 | A10. Check out the archives at: http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/ |
67 | 51 | ||
68 | Q12. How can I meet the developers working on the project? | 52 | Q11. How can I meet the developers working on the project? |
69 | A12. One way is by visiting us on IRC. Head on over to the server | 53 | A11. One way is by visiting us on IRC. Head on over to the server |
70 | irc.openprojects.net, and then join "#rockbox". There is usually at | 54 | irc.openprojects.net, and then join "#rockbox". There is usually at |
71 | least one person there. If you don't see any activity, feel free to post | 55 | least one person there. If you don't see any activity, feel free to post |
72 | questions anyway, serveral of us log the channel and will get you answers | 56 | questions anyway, serveral of us log the channel and will get you answers |
73 | when we unidle. | 57 | when we unidle. |
74 | 58 | ||
75 | Q13: Wow, you guys talk on IRC alot? I wish I had been around for those | 59 | Q12: Wow, you guys talk on IRC alot? I wish I had been around for those |
76 | conversations to see what happened. | 60 | conversations to see what happened. |
77 | A13: We are glad you mentioned that! http://rockbox.haxx.se/irc happens | 61 | A12: We are glad you mentioned that! http://rockbox.haxx.se/irc happens |
78 | to have a list of various logs we have recorded of events in the channel. | 62 | to have a list of various logs we have recorded of events in the channel. |
79 | Feel free to read up, and ask questions on what you find. | 63 | Feel free to read up, and ask questions on what you find. |
80 | 64 | ||
81 | Q14. What is this "SourceForge" you keep mentioning? | 65 | Q13. What is this "SourceForge" you keep mentioning? |
82 | A14. http://www.sourceforge.net | 66 | A13. http://www.sourceforge.net |
83 | 67 | ||
84 | Q15. Can the changes or the software that Rockbox suggests or offers | 68 | Q14. Can the changes or the software that Rockbox suggests or offers |
85 | possibly damage my Archos Player? | 69 | possibly damage my Archos Player? |
86 | A15. All firmware mods that are presented are still highly experimental. | 70 | A14. All firmware mods that are presented are still highly experimental. |
87 | Try them at your own risk. We offer no guarantee that this software, or | 71 | Try them at your own risk. We offer no guarantee that this software, or |
88 | the hardware modifications we show, will not damage your player or void | 72 | the hardware modifications we show, will not damage your player or void |
89 | your warranty. That said, we have not been able to damage any of our | 73 | your warranty. That said, we have not been able to damage any of our |
90 | units by modifying only the firmware. You can accidentally password | 74 | units by modifying only the firmware. You can accidentally password |
91 | protect your harddisk, but there are ways around that. (See below.) | 75 | protect your harddisk, but there are ways around that. (See below.) |
92 | 76 | ||
93 | Q16. I want to see what the inside of my player looks like, but I would really | 77 | Q15. I want to see what the inside of my player looks like, but I would really |
94 | like to avoid voiding my warranty. Is there anything you can suggest? | 78 | like to avoid voiding my warranty. Is there anything you can suggest? |
95 | A16. We have a collection of photos of both the player and recorder. Look at | 79 | A15. We have a collection of photos of both the player and recorder. Look at |
96 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/internals/ | 80 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/internals/ |
97 | 81 | ||
98 | Q17. What exactly are you trying to achieve with this line of development? | 82 | Q16. What exactly are you trying to achieve with this line of development? |
99 | (A.K.A. whats your purpose for being here?) | 83 | (A.K.A. whats your purpose for being here?) |
100 | A17. Firstly, we wouldn't start something like this if we didn't simply enjoy | 84 | A16. Firstly, we wouldn't start something like this if we didn't simply enjoy |
101 | it profusely. This is great fun! | 85 | it profusely. This is great fun! |
102 | Secondly, we feel the firmware is lacking some features and contain a | 86 | Secondly, we feel the firmware is lacking some features and contain a |
103 | number of annoying bugs that we want to fix. | 87 | number of annoying bugs that we want to fix. |
@@ -125,9 +109,9 @@ A17. Firstly, we wouldn't start something like this if we didn't simply enjoy | |||
125 | being on the list does not mean it isn't a neat idea. Bring it to | 109 | being on the list does not mean it isn't a neat idea. Bring it to |
126 | the list. | 110 | the list. |
127 | 111 | ||
128 | Q18. You mention supporting Ogg Vorbis and other file types on your list of | 112 | Q17. You mention supporting Ogg Vorbis and other file types on your list of |
129 | ideas. What is the status on that? | 113 | ideas. What is the status on that? |
130 | A18. Pessimist's Answer: At the current time we believe this is not very | 114 | A17. Pessimist's Answer: At the current time we believe this is not very |
131 | likely. The Micronas chip (MAS3507) decoder in the archos does not | 115 | likely. The Micronas chip (MAS3507) decoder in the archos does not |
132 | natively support decoding and there is very little program space in the | 116 | natively support decoding and there is very little program space in the |
133 | player to implement it ourselves. The alternative would be to write a | 117 | player to implement it ourselves. The alternative would be to write a |
@@ -148,43 +132,43 @@ A18. Pessimist's Answer: At the current time we believe this is not very | |||
148 | but we only have 4 KB for both code *and* data. So the grim reality is | 132 | but we only have 4 KB for both code *and* data. So the grim reality is |
149 | that Ogg will never be supported by the Archos Players and Recorders. | 133 | that Ogg will never be supported by the Archos Players and Recorders. |
150 | 134 | ||
151 | Q19. What about supporting playing of WMA files? | 135 | Q18. What about supporting playing of WMA files? |
152 | A19. Dear Mr. Gates, you have two options. Re-read question #18, or go buy | 136 | A18. Dear Mr. Gates, you have two options. Re-read question #18, or go buy |
153 | your own project. | 137 | your own project. |
154 | 138 | ||
155 | Q20: But you don't understand, I'm not talking about decoding here, | 139 | Q19: But you don't understand, I'm not talking about decoding here, |
156 | since the data we want may already be in the decoded format (PCM). | 140 | since the data we want may already be in the decoded format (PCM). |
157 | A20: Okay, last time. No. We have no problems whatsoever reading different | 141 | A19: Okay, last time. No. We have no problems whatsoever reading different |
158 | file formats, call it PCM, WAV, GRI, PQR or whatever. The problem is | 142 | file formats, call it PCM, WAV, GRI, PQR or whatever. The problem is |
159 | that the CODEC only accepts MP3 data and nothing else. We could write a | 143 | that the CODEC only accepts MP3 data and nothing else. We could write a |
160 | new CODEC if we knew how to do it, but there is no documentation on the | 144 | new CODEC if we knew how to do it, but there is no documentation on the |
161 | DSP. Please note that we have no access to the DAC, so we can't send the | 145 | DSP. Please note that we have no access to the DAC, so we can't send the |
162 | data directly to the DAC. | 146 | data directly to the DAC. |
163 | 147 | ||
164 | Q21. What is the most recent version of Rockbox? | 148 | Q20. What is the most recent version of Rockbox? |
165 | A21. We recently released version 1.4, so head on over to | 149 | A20. We recently released version 1.4, so head on over to |
166 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/download/ and pull it down. | 150 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/download/ and pull it down. |
167 | Make sure to read the release notes. | 151 | Make sure to read the release notes. |
168 | (http://rockbox.haxx.se/download/rockbox-1.4-notes.txt). | 152 | (http://rockbox.haxx.se/download/rockbox-1.4-notes.txt). |
169 | 153 | ||
170 | Q22. What do you plan to add to coming versions? | 154 | Q21. What do you plan to add to coming versions? |
171 | A22. We have a rough idea of which features we plan/expect/hope to be included | 155 | A21. We have a rough idea of which features we plan/expect/hope to be included |
172 | in which versions. Once again, remember that none of this is written in | 156 | in which versions. Once again, remember that none of this is written in |
173 | stone (noticing a pattern yet?) | 157 | stone (noticing a pattern yet?) |
174 | 158 | ||
175 | Version 2.0 | 159 | Version 2.0 |
176 | Recording, Autobuild playlists, File/directory management | 160 | Recording, Autobuild playlists, File/directory management |
177 | 161 | ||
178 | Q23. I tried one of your firmware files and now I can't access my harddisk! | 162 | Q22. I tried one of your firmware files and now I can't access my harddisk! |
179 | When I turn on my jukebox, it says: | 163 | When I turn on my jukebox, it says: |
180 | Part. Error | 164 | Part. Error |
181 | Pls Chck HD | 165 | Pls Chck HD |
182 | A23. Your harddisk has been password protected. We're not 100% sure why it | 166 | A22. Your harddisk has been password protected. We're not 100% sure why it |
183 | happens, but you can unlock it yourself. Look at: | 167 | happens, but you can unlock it yourself. Look at: |
184 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/lock.html | 168 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/lock.html |
185 | 169 | ||
186 | Q24: This FAQ doesn't answer the question I have. What should I do? | 170 | Q23: This FAQ doesn't answer the question I have. What should I do? |
187 | A24: You have a couple options here. You could forget the question, find an | 171 | A23: You have a couple options here. You could forget the question, find an |
188 | easier question, or accept '42' as the answer no matter what. We don't | 172 | easier question, or accept '42' as the answer no matter what. We don't |
189 | really recommend any of these (though I do opt for '42' often myself). | 173 | really recommend any of these (though I do opt for '42' often myself). |
190 | What we do recommend is stopping by IRC, reading | 174 | What we do recommend is stopping by IRC, reading |
@@ -193,43 +177,43 @@ A24: You have a couple options here. You could forget the question, find an | |||
193 | mailing list (rockbox@cool.haxx.se) or the FAQ maintainer listed on the | 177 | mailing list (rockbox@cool.haxx.se) or the FAQ maintainer listed on the |
194 | project homepage. | 178 | project homepage. |
195 | 179 | ||
196 | Q25: Are there other ways to contact the developers? | 180 | Q24: Are there other ways to contact the developers? |
197 | A25: Yes. | 181 | A24: Yes. |
198 | 182 | ||
199 | Q26: Are you going to tell us what they are? | 183 | Q25: Are you going to tell us what they are? |
200 | A26: No. Post to the mailing list and we will get back to you. | 184 | A25: No. Post to the mailing list and we will get back to you. |
201 | 185 | ||
202 | Q27: But I _really_ want to talk with you in person. | 186 | Q26: But I _really_ want to talk with you in person. |
203 | A27: I'm sorry. My girlfriend/boyfriend/pet says I'm not allowed to, and the | 187 | A26: I'm sorry. My girlfriend/boyfriend/pet says I'm not allowed to, and the |
204 | doctors here won't let me have pens or pencils. They say its some rule | 188 | doctors here won't let me have pens or pencils. They say its some rule |
205 | about us not having sharp objects. I'm sorry. Now please stop calling me | 189 | about us not having sharp objects. I'm sorry. Now please stop calling me |
206 | here. | 190 | here. |
207 | 191 | ||
208 | Q28: Will you ever port Quake II to the Archos? | 192 | Q27: Will you ever port Quake II to the Archos? |
209 | A28: If you ask that again, I'm sending your address and phone number to the | 193 | A27: If you ask that again, I'm sending your address and phone number to the |
210 | guy that mailed us with question #25. | 194 | guy that mailed us with question #24. |
211 | 195 | ||
212 | Q29: Umm, was that sarcasm? | 196 | Q28: Umm, was that sarcasm? |
213 | A29: That's it, I'm mailing him now. | 197 | A28: That's it, I'm mailing him now. |
214 | 198 | ||
215 | Q30: Is this legal? I mean, I'd just hate to see something like that | 199 | Q29: Is this legal? I mean, I'd just hate to see something like that |
216 | challenged under the DMCA in all its ridiculousness. Any thoughts or | 200 | challenged under the DMCA in all its ridiculousness. Any thoughts or |
217 | ideas? | 201 | ideas? |
218 | A30: We believe we are in the green on this. We are not violating anyone's | 202 | A29: We believe we are in the green on this. We are not violating anyone's |
219 | copyright and we are not circumventing any copy protection scheme. | 203 | copyright and we are not circumventing any copy protection scheme. |
220 | This has been a big point for the project since its inception. Some | 204 | This has been a big point for the project since its inception. Some |
221 | people wanted us to distribute patched versions of the original firmware, | 205 | people wanted us to distribute patched versions of the original firmware, |
222 | but seeing as that _would_ have violated Archos' copyright, we didn't | 206 | but seeing as that _would_ have violated Archos' copyright, we didn't |
223 | follow that course of action. | 207 | follow that course of action. |
224 | 208 | ||
225 | Q31: On the website [and various information postings] you state | 209 | Q30: On the website [and various information postings] you state |
226 | "Every tiny bit was reverse engineered, disassembled and then | 210 | "Every tiny bit was reverse engineered, disassembled and then |
227 | re-written from scratch". | 211 | re-written from scratch". |
228 | If it was rewritten from scratch then why was it first reverse-engineered | 212 | If it was rewritten from scratch then why was it first reverse-engineered |
229 | and disassembled? Instead this sounds more like someone disassembled it | 213 | and disassembled? Instead this sounds more like someone disassembled it |
230 | then used the understanding that they gained to create a new version, | 214 | then used the understanding that they gained to create a new version, |
231 | which is not quite the same as "from scratch". | 215 | which is not quite the same as "from scratch". |
232 | A31: Don't confuse the terms. Reverse engineering means examining a product | 216 | A30: Don't confuse the terms. Reverse engineering means examining a product |
233 | to find out how it works. Disassembling the firmware is merely one tool | 217 | to find out how it works. Disassembling the firmware is merely one tool |
234 | used in that examination. Oscilloscopes and logic analyzers are other | 218 | used in that examination. Oscilloscopes and logic analyzers are other |
235 | tools we have used. We have written every single byte of the Rockbox | 219 | tools we have used. We have written every single byte of the Rockbox |
@@ -239,11 +223,11 @@ A31: Don't confuse the terms. Reverse engineering means examining a product | |||
239 | software without first researching the surrounding interfaces, then no | 223 | software without first researching the surrounding interfaces, then no |
240 | software has ever been written from scratch. | 224 | software has ever been written from scratch. |
241 | 225 | ||
242 | Q32: Wait a minute here. When you released version 1.0 you did not have a | 226 | Q31: Wait a minute here. When you released version 1.0 you did not have a |
243 | single one of the ideas you have mentioned on your website actually | 227 | single one of the ideas you have mentioned on your website actually |
244 | implimented! Calling this version 1.0 is really misleading. Whats the | 228 | implimented! Calling this version 1.0 is really misleading. Whats the |
245 | story?! | 229 | story?! |
246 | A32: In simple terms, the first release was called 1.0 because it had a basic | 230 | A31: In simple terms, the first release was called 1.0 because it had a basic |
247 | working feature set that worked and had no known bugs. That is what 1.0 | 231 | working feature set that worked and had no known bugs. That is what 1.0 |
248 | meant. It is true that Rockbox 1.0 lacked most of the feature set that | 232 | meant. It is true that Rockbox 1.0 lacked most of the feature set that |
249 | every sane user wanted. However, we never said it was more | 233 | every sane user wanted. However, we never said it was more |
@@ -255,9 +239,9 @@ A32: In simple terms, the first release was called 1.0 because it had a basic | |||
255 | more recent releases we have completed many of our desired goals, and | 239 | more recent releases we have completed many of our desired goals, and |
256 | several new ones that were implimented to fullfill user requests. | 240 | several new ones that were implimented to fullfill user requests. |
257 | 241 | ||
258 | Q33: I've heard talk of a 'Rolo'. What is that? (Or 'All you ever wanted | 242 | Q32: I've heard talk of a 'Rolo'. What is that? (Or 'All you ever wanted |
259 | to know about Rockbox boot loaders') | 243 | to know about Rockbox boot loaders') |
260 | A33: Rolo is our bootloader. Rolo became available with our 1.4 release. | 244 | A32: Rolo is our bootloader. Rolo became available with our 1.4 release. |
261 | To make use of Rolo, you must have a file with the same extension as | 245 | To make use of Rolo, you must have a file with the same extension as |
262 | your Rockbox firmware (.ajz on Recorder, .mod on Player) but a different | 246 | your Rockbox firmware (.ajz on Recorder, .mod on Player) but a different |
263 | name. You can then browse to it, and you 'run' the other firmware | 247 | name. You can then browse to it, and you 'run' the other firmware |
@@ -267,23 +251,27 @@ A33: Rolo is our bootloader. Rolo became available with our 1.4 release. | |||
267 | to Rockbox you may need to reboot manually if the new firmware you loaded | 251 | to Rockbox you may need to reboot manually if the new firmware you loaded |
268 | does not have a bootloader itself.) | 252 | does not have a bootloader itself.) |
269 | 253 | ||
270 | Q34: Can I use the Archos as an USB harddisk to store data from my PDA/ | 254 | Q33: Can I use the Archos as an USB harddisk to store data from my PDA/ |
271 | digital camera/phone etc. | 255 | digital camera/phone etc. |
272 | A34: No. USB is a master/slave protocol, and both the Archos and your device | 256 | A33: No. USB is a master/slave protocol, and both the Archos and your device |
273 | are slaves. Two slaves cannot communicate without a master (usually a PC). | 257 | are slaves. Two slaves cannot communicate without a master (usually a PC). |
274 | (An upcoming extension called USB On-The-Go will let slaves communicate | 258 | (An upcoming extension called USB On-The-Go will let slaves communicate |
275 | without a master, but current Archoses will not be able to support that.) | 259 | without a master, but current Archoses will not be able to support that.) |
276 | 260 | ||
277 | Q35: When I use RockBox my jukebox's red "error" light turns on a lot, but this | 261 | Q34: When I use RockBox my jukebox's red "error" light turns on a lot, but this |
278 | doesn't happen on the factory firmware. Why? | 262 | doesn't happen on the factory firmware. Why? |
279 | A35: Rockbox uses the red LED as harddisk activity light, not as an error | 263 | A34: Rockbox uses the red LED as harddisk activity light, not as an error |
280 | light. Relax and enjoy the music. | 264 | light. Relax and enjoy the music. |
281 | 265 | ||
282 | Q36: I have a question about the batteries... | 266 | Q35: I have a question about the batteries... |
283 | A36: STOP! We have put together a completely different FAQ for battery | 267 | A35: STOP! We have put together a completely different FAQ for battery |
284 | related questions. | 268 | related questions. |
285 | Check out: http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/battery-faq.html | 269 | Check out: http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/battery-faq.html |
286 | 270 | ||
271 | Q36. I have a question about patches... | ||
272 | A36. Check out http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/patch.html as it should answer any | ||
273 | patch related questions you may have. | ||
274 | |||
287 | Q37: What is the WPS? | 275 | Q37: What is the WPS? |
288 | A37: That is the 'While Playing Screen'. Basically this is what is shown on | 276 | A37: That is the 'While Playing Screen'. Basically this is what is shown on |
289 | your player's display while we are playing your song. | 277 | your player's display while we are playing your song. |
@@ -295,51 +283,45 @@ A38: It is very good if you want information about the current item playing ;) | |||
295 | a feature that's not there, we are _always_ open to suggestions!) | 283 | a feature that's not there, we are _always_ open to suggestions!) |
296 | Please see http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/wps.html for information. | 284 | Please see http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/wps.html for information. |
297 | 285 | ||
298 | Q39: So how do I load/make a .wps file? | 286 | Q40: So how do I load/make a .wps file? |
299 | A39: You check out http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/custom_wps_format.html to learn | 287 | A40: You check out http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/custom_wps_format.html to learn |
300 | the format/features of a .wps file, and you visit | 288 | the format/features of a .wps file, and you visit |
301 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/wps.html to learn how to load it ;) | 289 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/wps.html to learn how to load it ;) |
302 | 290 | ||
303 | Q40: Does Rockbox support other languages? | 291 | Q41: Does Rockobx support other languages? How do I load/use different |
304 | A40: Sure do. See the next question. | 292 | languages? |
305 | 293 | A41: See: http://rockbox.haxx.se/lang | |
306 | Q41: How do I load/use different languages? (Recorder-only) | ||
307 | A41: In the sense of brevity (wouldn't that be a first), check out: | ||
308 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/lang | ||
309 | |||
310 | Q42: Why can't I use other languages on the Player? | ||
311 | A42: See the answer to question 45. | ||
312 | 294 | ||
313 | Q43: Does Rockbox support other fonts/character sets? | 295 | Q42: Does Rockbox support other fonts/character sets? |
314 | A43: Yuppers. See the next question. | 296 | A42: Recorders do, Players don't. |
315 | 297 | ||
316 | Q44: How do I use the loadable fonts? (Recorder-only) | 298 | Q43: How do I use the loadable fonts? |
317 | A44: That's and easy one. To use a loadable font you load it. | 299 | A43: If you own a Recorder see: http://rockbox.haxx.se/fonts/ Players |
318 | For less sarcasm check out: http://rockbox.haxx.se/fonts/ | 300 | cannot make use of loadable fonts. |
319 | 301 | ||
320 | Q45: Why can't I use loadable fonts on the Player? | 302 | Q44: Why can't I use loadable fonts on the Player? |
321 | A45: This is because the Player font is character cell based (as opposed to | 303 | A44: This is because the Player font is character cell based (as opposed to |
322 | the Recorder's bitmap based display). This | 304 | the Recorder's bitmap based display). This |
323 | means that we are able to choose what characters to display, but not how | 305 | means that we are able to choose what characters to display, but not how |
324 | to display them. We do have the ability to change/create up to 4 chars | 306 | to display them. We do have the ability to change/create up to 4 chars |
325 | on one model and 8 on another, however we are currently using several of | 307 | on one model and 8 on another, however we are currently using several of |
326 | these 'letters' to store icons for the player. | 308 | these 'letters' to store icons for the player. |
327 | 309 | ||
328 | Q46: Why don't you have any games available for the Players? | 310 | Q45: Why don't you have any games available for the Players? |
329 | A46: The display on the Players is character cell and not bitmap based. | 311 | A45: The display on the Players is character cell and not bitmap based. |
330 | This means we can only control what characters get displayed, not | 312 | This means we can only control what characters get displayed, not |
331 | what pixels are shown. This makes the prospect of game play very | 313 | what pixels are shown. This makes the prospect of game play very |
332 | slim (at least for anything involving graphics, so if you have text | 314 | slim (at least for anything involving graphics, so if you have text |
333 | based games that only use 2 lines send them on in!). | 315 | based games that only use 2 lines send them on in!). |
334 | 316 | ||
335 | Q47: I keep shutting off my player in my pocket. Can the OFF (Recorder) or | 317 | Q46: I keep shutting off my player in my pocket. Can the OFF (Recorder) or |
336 | STOP (Player) key be locked? | 318 | STOP (Player) key be locked? |
337 | A47: No. Unfortunately, the ON/OFF mechanisms are handled entirely in | 319 | A46: No. Unfortunately, the ON/OFF mechanisms are handled entirely in |
338 | hardware. The firmware can read the keys, but can't prevent them from | 320 | hardware. The firmware can read the keys, but can't prevent them from |
339 | shutting off the player. | 321 | shutting off the player. |
340 | 322 | ||
341 | Q48: Where's the recording option? Why can't I record?!! | 323 | Q47: Where's the recording option? Why can't I record?!! |
342 | A48: I'd like to say we hid it because we don't like you, but you seem to be | 324 | A47: I'd like to say we hid it because we don't like you, but you seem to be |
343 | a good person so here's the truth. It's just not implimented in Rockbox | 325 | a good person so here's the truth. It's just not implimented in Rockbox |
344 | yet. But stress not, you can still use Rolo to boot the default Archos | 326 | yet. But stress not, you can still use Rolo to boot the default Archos |
345 | firmware and record from there. (Check out question #33). | 327 | firmware and record from there. (Check out question #33). |
@@ -348,19 +330,19 @@ A48: I'd like to say we hid it because we don't like you, but you seem to be | |||
348 | Recording. If you're brave and want to help out, get one, try out and | 330 | Recording. If you're brave and want to help out, get one, try out and |
349 | report your findings! | 331 | report your findings! |
350 | 332 | ||
351 | Q49: When recording is finally implimented in Rockbox, will it be possible to | 333 | Q48: When recording is finally implimented in Rockbox, will it be possible to |
352 | use custom codecs (like LAME) or is there a built in codec in the Archos? | 334 | use custom codecs (like LAME) or is there a built in codec in the Archos? |
353 | A49: The MP3 encoder is in the MAS3587F chip, and nothing we can change. | 335 | A48: The MP3 encoder is in the MAS3587F chip, and nothing we can change. |
354 | 336 | ||
355 | Q50: What are the max/min bitrates for recording on the Recorder's encoder? | 337 | Q49: What are the max/min bitrates for recording on the Recorder's encoder? |
356 | A50: The builtin encoder is variable bit rate only with a max of 192kbit/s, | 338 | A49: The builtin encoder is variable bit rate only with a max of 192kbit/s, |
357 | and a min of 32kbit/s. | 339 | and a min of 32kbit/s. |
358 | 340 | ||
359 | Q51: Would it be possible to record from line in on the player? | 341 | Q50: Would it be possible to record from line in on the player? |
360 | A51: No. | 342 | A50: No. |
361 | 343 | ||
362 | Q52: I have a question about the id3v1 and id3v2 tags... | 344 | Q51: I have a question about the id3v1 and id3v2 tags... |
363 | A52: Stop! Here is all the information about that (if you still have | 345 | A51: Stop! Here is all the information about that (if you still have |
364 | questions when done, ask then.) | 346 | questions when done, ask then.) |
365 | 347 | ||
366 | - Rockbox supports both id3v1 and id3v2 | 348 | - Rockbox supports both id3v1 and id3v2 |
@@ -376,8 +358,8 @@ A52: Stop! Here is all the information about that (if you still have | |||
376 | - The 300-byte limit is subject to be removed in a future version | 358 | - The 300-byte limit is subject to be removed in a future version |
377 | (Actually, it is already removed in post-1.4 versions) | 359 | (Actually, it is already removed in post-1.4 versions) |
378 | 360 | ||
379 | Q53: Where exactly did the name 'Rockbox' come from? | 361 | Q52: Where exactly did the name 'Rockbox' come from? |
380 | A53: Well you can follow the full line of emails at | 362 | A52: Well you can follow the full line of emails at |
381 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/archive/rockbox-archive-2002-01/0062.shtml | 363 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/archive/rockbox-archive-2002-01/0062.shtml |
382 | However, the brief rundown is that it was recommended first by | 364 | However, the brief rundown is that it was recommended first by |
383 | Tome Cvitan, and put to a vote (which it lost). | 365 | Tome Cvitan, and put to a vote (which it lost). |
@@ -388,8 +370,8 @@ A53: Well you can follow the full line of emails at | |||
388 | 370 | ||
389 | There you have it. Recommended by users, decision by dictator. | 371 | There you have it. Recommended by users, decision by dictator. |
390 | 372 | ||
391 | Q54: Why is there a limit of 400 files in a directory? | 373 | Q53: Why is there a limit of 400 files in a directory? |
392 | A54: We have answered this question numerous times. It is mentioned in the | 374 | A53: We have answered this question numerous times. It is mentioned in the |
393 | release notes, and in the mailing list archives | 375 | release notes, and in the mailing list archives |
394 | (http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/archive/rockbox-archive-2002-08/0448.shtml). | 376 | (http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/archive/rockbox-archive-2002-08/0448.shtml). |
395 | But, hey, we wouldn't want people to have to work to get an answer. | 377 | But, hey, we wouldn't want people to have to work to get an answer. |
@@ -401,9 +383,9 @@ A54: We have answered this question numerous times. It is mentioned in the | |||
401 | file limits in order to provide a greater amount of memory for buffering | 383 | file limits in order to provide a greater amount of memory for buffering |
402 | of files being played. | 384 | of files being played. |
403 | 385 | ||
404 | Q55: Okay, I understand your 400 file limit. But why hardcode? Why not | 386 | Q54: Okay, I understand your 400 file limit. But why hardcode? Why not |
405 | have this be dynamically allocated? | 387 | have this be dynamically allocated? |
406 | A55: Because it's useless. Dynamic memory is only ever useful if you have | 388 | A54: Because it's useless. Dynamic memory is only ever useful if you have |
407 | memory consumers (tasks) that run at different points in time, and thus | 389 | memory consumers (tasks) that run at different points in time, and thus |
408 | can reuse the same memory for different purposes. | 390 | can reuse the same memory for different purposes. |
409 | 391 | ||
@@ -421,22 +403,22 @@ A55: Because it's useless. Dynamic memory is only ever useful if you have | |||
421 | else is able to use it. This is standard practice in memory-limited | 403 | else is able to use it. This is standard practice in memory-limited |
422 | systems. | 404 | systems. |
423 | 405 | ||
424 | Q56: Why is there a 10,000 song limit on playlists? | 406 | Q55: Why is there a 10,000 song limit on playlists? |
425 | A56: This is another hardcoded limit. We feel that as bigger disks arrive | 407 | A55: This is another hardcoded limit. We feel that as bigger disks arrive |
426 | that this limit will increase. Because of the way that playlists are | 408 | that this limit will increase. Because of the way that playlists are |
427 | stored, it tends to be a bit more maleable then the directory file limit. | 409 | stored, it tends to be a bit more maleable then the directory file limit. |
428 | For further detail, look at questions 47 and 48 and replace any instances | 410 | For further detail, look at questions 47 and 48 and replace any instances |
429 | of '200' with '10,000'. | 411 | of '200' with '10,000'. |
430 | 412 | ||
431 | Q57: You don't understand! I _really_ need to have more then 400 files | 413 | Q56: You don't understand! I _really_ need to have more then 400 files |
432 | in a directory! | 414 | in a directory! |
433 | A57: The use of really big directories was a workaround for the poor playlist | 415 | A56: The use of really big directories was a workaround for the poor playlist |
434 | capabilities of the original Archos firmware. With Rockbox, you no longer | 416 | capabilities of the original Archos firmware. With Rockbox, you no longer |
435 | need this workaround. Organize your files in directories, then build | 417 | need this workaround. Organize your files in directories, then build |
436 | playlists for all collections you want to shuffle-play. | 418 | playlists for all collections you want to shuffle-play. |
437 | 419 | ||
438 | Q58: How can I make playlists on my PC? | 420 | Q57: How can I make playlists on my PC? |
439 | A58: There are many programs that can create .m3u playlists. WinAmp is one. | 421 | A57: There are many programs that can create .m3u playlists. WinAmp is one. |
440 | Another simple method, that requires no extra software, is to use dir: | 422 | Another simple method, that requires no extra software, is to use dir: |
441 | 423 | ||
442 | dir /b /s X:\ > X:\allfiles.m3u | 424 | dir /b /s X:\ > X:\allfiles.m3u |
@@ -452,8 +434,8 @@ A58: There are many programs that can create .m3u playlists. WinAmp is one. | |||
452 | Remember that playlists are simple text files. You can edit them with any | 434 | Remember that playlists are simple text files. You can edit them with any |
453 | normal text editor. | 435 | normal text editor. |
454 | 436 | ||
455 | Q59: How does the shuffle work? | 437 | Q58: How does the shuffle work? |
456 | A59: It sees the playlist as a deck of cards, shuffling the entries using a | 438 | A58: It sees the playlist as a deck of cards, shuffling the entries using a |
457 | pseudo-random generator called the Mersenne Twister. After shuffling, | 439 | pseudo-random generator called the Mersenne Twister. After shuffling, |
458 | the list is never changed again until you reshuffle the list, by | 440 | the list is never changed again until you reshuffle the list, by |
459 | stopping the playback and restarting. If the repeat mode is enabled, | 441 | stopping the playback and restarting. If the repeat mode is enabled, |
@@ -463,8 +445,8 @@ A59: It sees the playlist as a deck of cards, shuffling the entries using a | |||
463 | resume feature can shuffle the playlist in exactly the same way when | 445 | resume feature can shuffle the playlist in exactly the same way when |
464 | resuming. | 446 | resuming. |
465 | 447 | ||
466 | Q60: How can I find out about all the neat features that Rockbox has? | 448 | Q59: How can I find out about all the neat features that Rockbox has? |
467 | A60: This information is in our manual (It sometimes gets a bit out of | 449 | A59: This information is in our manual (It sometimes gets a bit out of |
468 | date, so please bear with us.) The information you are most likely | 450 | date, so please bear with us.) The information you are most likely |
469 | looking for is a bit down the tree, so the here is the url: | 451 | looking for is a bit down the tree, so the here is the url: |
470 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/rec-general.html | 452 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/rec-general.html |
@@ -472,12 +454,12 @@ A60: This information is in our manual (It sometimes gets a bit out of | |||
472 | Also, check out the features-list at: | 454 | Also, check out the features-list at: |
473 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/features.html | 455 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/features.html |
474 | 456 | ||
475 | Q61: How can I see what bugs are currently open/being worked on? | 457 | Q60: How can I see what bugs are currently open/being worked on? |
476 | A61: Check out http://rockbox.haxx.se/bugs.shtml for a listing of bugs | 458 | A60: Check out http://rockbox.haxx.se/bugs.shtml for a listing of bugs |
477 | that have been reported. | 459 | that have been reported. |
478 | 460 | ||
479 | Q62: How can I report about bugs in Rockbox? | 461 | Q61: How can I report about bugs in Rockbox? |
480 | A62: If we were better programmers we would take that as an insult. But we | 462 | A61: If we were better programmers we would take that as an insult. But we |
481 | aren't, so we won't. The first step in reporting a bug is to review | 463 | aren't, so we won't. The first step in reporting a bug is to review |
482 | the rules we ask you to follow in your submission (listed at: | 464 | the rules we ask you to follow in your submission (listed at: |
483 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/bugs.shtml#rules). | 465 | http://rockbox.haxx.se/bugs.shtml#rules). |
@@ -487,8 +469,8 @@ A62: If we were better programmers we would take that as an insult. But we | |||
487 | submitted through SourceForge's bug tracker. (A link to the bug tracker | 469 | submitted through SourceForge's bug tracker. (A link to the bug tracker |
488 | can be found under our bug submission rules.) | 470 | can be found under our bug submission rules.) |
489 | 471 | ||
490 | Q63: Could you tell me how to apply a patch? | 472 | Q62: Could you tell me how to apply a patch? |
491 | A63: There are a ton of ways to apply a patch. One way is to use the (GNU) | 473 | A62: There are a ton of ways to apply a patch. One way is to use the (GNU) |
492 | 'patch' program. It used like this: | 474 | 'patch' program. It used like this: |
493 | 475 | ||
494 | $ cd rockbox-root | 476 | $ cd rockbox-root |
@@ -505,8 +487,8 @@ A63: There are a ton of ways to apply a patch. One way is to use the (GNU) | |||
505 | If patch can't apply some changes that are in the diff, you'll get those | 487 | If patch can't apply some changes that are in the diff, you'll get those |
506 | particular changes in a file named "[source-file].rej". | 488 | particular changes in a file named "[source-file].rej". |
507 | 489 | ||
508 | Q64: Whats with all the different versions of Rockbox? | 490 | Q63: Whats with all the different versions of Rockbox? |
509 | A64: There are really only two versions of Rockbox. One for Players and one | 491 | A63: There are really only two versions of Rockbox. One for Players and one |
510 | for Recorders. However, we do have 3 other 'versions' of Rockbox | 492 | for Recorders. However, we do have 3 other 'versions' of Rockbox |
511 | available for download. These would be Releases, Daily Builds, and | 493 | available for download. These would be Releases, Daily Builds, and |
512 | Bleeding Edge. | 494 | Bleeding Edge. |
@@ -531,32 +513,32 @@ A64: There are really only two versions of Rockbox. One for Players and one | |||
531 | but would love to hear any reports you may have about Release or Daily | 513 | but would love to hear any reports you may have about Release or Daily |
532 | build versions. (see question #62). | 514 | build versions. (see question #62). |
533 | 515 | ||
534 | Q65: I am in Windows and can't create a .rockbox directory to store my | 516 | Q64: I am in Windows and can't create a .rockbox directory to store my |
535 | files. When are you going to fix this? | 517 | files. When are you going to fix this? |
536 | A65: We won't. The limitations of your operating system is not reason | 518 | A64: We won't. The limitations of your operating system is not reason |
537 | enough for us to change how we handle things. And you _can_ create | 519 | enough for us to change how we handle things. And you _can_ create |
538 | this directory. Open a command line and type: | 520 | this directory. Open a command line and type: |
539 | mkdir j:\.rockbox | 521 | mkdir j:\.rockbox |
540 | You will need to correct the location for the drive letter that Windows | 522 | You will need to correct the location for the drive letter that Windows |
541 | assigns to your drive. | 523 | assigns to your drive. |
542 | 524 | ||
543 | Q66: I own a Mac. I can't seem to create the .rockbox file. Can you | 525 | Q65: I own a Mac. I can't seem to create the .rockbox file. Can you |
544 | fix this? | 526 | fix this? |
545 | A66: Truth is, we don't need to fix anything. If you are using OSX then you | 527 | A65: Truth is, we don't need to fix anything. If you are using OSX then you |
546 | can just open a console, change directories to the device and just: | 528 | can just open a console, change directories to the device and just: |
547 | mkdir .rockbox | 529 | mkdir .rockbox |
548 | 530 | ||
549 | If you are in another version then you should be able to do command-N in | 531 | If you are in another version then you should be able to do command-N in |
550 | the Finder, then name the folder. | 532 | the Finder, then name the folder. |
551 | 533 | ||
552 | Q67: Will Rockbox work on an of Archos' other units? (FM player, Multimedia) | 534 | Q66: Will Rockbox work on an of Archos' other units? (FM player, Multimedia) |
553 | A67: Unfortunately, RockBox will not likely support any units other than | 535 | A66: Unfortunately, RockBox will not likely support any units other than |
554 | those that we do currently support. | 536 | those that we do currently support. |
555 | 537 | ||
556 | Q68: I copied the rockbox MOD/AJZ file to the root, removed the jukebox | 538 | Q67: I copied the rockbox MOD/AJZ file to the root, removed the jukebox |
557 | safely and rebooted. But Rockbox still didn't load. What is wrong? | 539 | safely and rebooted. But Rockbox still didn't load. What is wrong? |
558 | I am running Windows. | 540 | I am running Windows. |
559 | A68: The old MOD/AJZ was not entirely deleted from the disk. It is still | 541 | A67: The old MOD/AJZ was not entirely deleted from the disk. It is still |
560 | there, and the boot loader finds that one instead of the new file. Here's | 542 | there, and the boot loader finds that one instead of the new file. Here's |
561 | what you can do: | 543 | what you can do: |
562 | 544 | ||
@@ -585,8 +567,8 @@ A68: The old MOD/AJZ was not entirely deleted from the disk. It is still | |||
585 | 567 | ||
586 | (Thanks to Olivier Rafidison for this info) | 568 | (Thanks to Olivier Rafidison for this info) |
587 | 569 | ||
588 | Q69: What kind of mic can I connect to my AJBR? | 570 | Q68: What kind of mic can I connect to my AJBR? |
589 | A69: There are several types of microphones. | 571 | A68: There are several types of microphones. |
590 | 572 | ||
591 | Dynamic: The one that's available from archos is a dynamic one. | 573 | Dynamic: The one that's available from archos is a dynamic one. |
592 | Their output level is high enough so that they don't need an | 574 | Their output level is high enough so that they don't need an |
@@ -644,20 +626,20 @@ A69: There are several types of microphones. | |||
644 | http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/microphone_powering.html. | 626 | http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/microphone_powering.html. |
645 | (As described, you also need amplification.) | 627 | (As described, you also need amplification.) |
646 | 628 | ||
647 | Q70: I can't start rockbox when the charger is connected. What am I doing | 629 | Q69: I can't start rockbox when the charger is connected. What am I doing |
648 | wrong? | 630 | wrong? |
649 | A70: If your device is off and you connect the charger, the Archos charger code | 631 | A69: If your device is off and you connect the charger, the Archos charger code |
650 | is started immediately. You can then start Rockbox with holding down the | 632 | is started immediately. You can then start Rockbox with holding down the |
651 | ON key for several seconds. Hold the key down a really long time, until | 633 | ON key for several seconds. Hold the key down a really long time, until |
652 | you see the Rockbox logo! | 634 | you see the Rockbox logo! |
653 | 635 | ||
654 | Q71: Why can't you implement a crossfader? That would be so cool! | 636 | Q70: Why can't you implement a crossfader? That would be so cool! |
655 | A71: To crossfade you need to decode two MP3 streams simultaneously. The MP3 | 637 | A70: To crossfade you need to decode two MP3 streams simultaneously. The MP3 |
656 | decoding is done in hardware and we only have one decoder chip, so it | 638 | decoding is done in hardware and we only have one decoder chip, so it |
657 | can't be done. Sorry. | 639 | can't be done. Sorry. |
658 | 640 | ||
659 | Q72: My screen is all black/white when I run Rockbox on my Recorder! | 641 | Q71: My screen is all black/white when I run Rockbox on my Recorder! |
660 | A72: We have no way of knowing the correct contrast setting from start and the | 642 | A71: We have no way of knowing the correct contrast setting from start and the |
661 | displays differ a lot. Change your contrast setting by doing this: | 643 | displays differ a lot. Change your contrast setting by doing this: |
662 | 644 | ||
663 | F1, down, right, down, down, right, down, down, down, right, down (until | 645 | F1, down, right, down, down, right, down, down, down, right, down (until |