Playing MP3's on 2nd Soundcard

Question

Recently I tried to write a little app which I want to use to play MP3-Files. It was no Problem to use the predefined classes in the Microsoft.DirectX.AudioVideoPlayback namespace. Again, it wasn't a Problem to write my own classes to access different devices (I use two soundcards...) and play WAV-Files with classes from within the Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound namespace (using classes like Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound.Device or Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound.SecondaryBuffer). BUT: How the hell do I write a class, that can play MP3's and uses my special Hardware? It just didn't work for MP3's because the Buffer Class does not accept them! I just want to be able to play two files at the same time on two different soundcards... Can this problem be that big??? Any suggestions?

fetf · Answer

It's so stupid that everything is made just for C++ but not for VB or C#. I'm also haveing difficulties with MP3 and still no solution. Maybe i'll have to hire a C++ programmer. If anyone solved this please mail me fetf@gmx.net

sacresp · Answer

Maybe this is of help? http://www.planet-source-code.com/URLSEO/vb/scripts/ShowCode!asp/txtCodeId!1592/lngWid!10/anyname.htm

mr_bart_simpson · Answer

That's what I thinktoo. But I still don't understand how to get/use one... I have no opinion how to load an mp3 file decode it and put it into a buffer so that I can use it :-(

sacresp · Answer

I don't know about DirectX programming but basically you need a decoder for playing mp3 files.

marvin7 · Answer

I see what you're saying now. No matter which route you go there's a stumbling block. Sorry can't help you there. At least not at the moment.

mr_bart_simpson · Answer

Maybe I have to explain more exactly what I've done yet: Managed DirectX has some new Namespaces: -In Microsoft.DirectX.AudioVideoPlayback you can find some classes that make it as easy to play a file as if you were playing it within your Mediaplayer. But you don't have any control on the devices used etc. - Within Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound there are classes that allow you to access a list of devices select one play the content you've loaded in a buffer etc. These classes are again very easy to handle BUT I could not find a way to load any other files than .wav into the buffer used... Bart Simpson

mr_bart_simpson · Answer

Hmm? Sorry but I don't see any reason why I should explicitly use threads (except those automatically generated and used by DirectX). For my first try I Just used the predefined objects from Managed-DirectX... quite easy cause you don't have to care 'bout such things like threads. Meanwhile I posted my question in a MS Forum too. I got an answer that told me my approach won't work 'cause DirectX doesn't support it... The only way out he said could be to change the default device programatically. That brings up two other questions: a) Is that true? Can't it be done directly??? b) How do I change the default device? Any suggestions? Bart Simposon

marvin7 · Answer

It sounds like you've done 90% of the work. I definitely do agree with your last comment. Have you considered the (explicit) use of threads? If you've done everything you want in seperate programs I don't see why threads won't work.

mr_bart_simpson · Answer

Nice idea... but isn't it one (if not the) reason of existance for DirectX not to have to do so? DirectX implements an abstraction layer between apps and the OS or the hardware. And I can't see any good reason for not using it if there is a possibility to do so.

ssswamii · Answer

C# is a high-level language; if I were you I'd use unmanaged Visual C++ to directly manipulate the hardware.