Category : Music and Digitized Voice
Archive   : XMSTR10.ZIP
Filename : XMASTER.DOC

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X - Master - The ULTIMATE in CONTROL for

all your

EXTENSION specific programs

v1.0

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An introduction of sorts...

Scenario ONE -

You own a Sound Blaster card, and you have been amassing
an enormous collection of MOD files, as well as a few ROL files, and
a few CMF's. You only have a 60mb HD, and have to keep all these
files compressed as to conserve space. Everytime you wish to play
one of the MOD's, you have to uncompress the file, play it, and then
delete it after hearing it. Kind of a pain...

Scenario TWO -

You own a VGA card and have been collecting a bunch of FLI's.
These are incredible space takers, so keeping them unarchived does
not make any sense, so you ARJ a few of them, ZIP some of the
others, and LZH the rest. Unfortunately, not one program can undo
all the aforementioned archives, so you have to continually remember
which one is compressed with which archive, or repeatedly take
directories. Even more of a pain, especially if you spell one
wrong...

Scenario THREE -

You own the ultimate multi-media machine and have the same
problems as the two people mentioned above, but since you have a
660mb HD, your problems are ten times worse! What you need is a
program which is easy to configure, will automatically choose which
unarchiver and player to use, and give you the ability to play /
view all the various extensions without the added headaches...

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Enter X-MASTER

X-MASTER is the program you need to aid you in combatting the above
scenarios. So what is it, you might ask? X-MASTER will give you a menu
to choose which file you wish to play / view / use. If the file is
archived using one of the three most popular archivers, X-MASTER will
unarchive it for you to a place of your choosing, use the file as
directed, and then delete it once complete. In the BBS' world, there
are so many programs that do different things, but programs can usually
be classified by their three character extension (i.e. .ZIP files are
usually compressed with PKZIP by Phil Katz; .MOD files are usually Amiga
Music files which require an external program, such as MODPLAY, to
use...) Generally speaking, most people keep all there MOD's, VOC's,
FLI's, etc... in a particular directory, a default directory in other
words. X-MASTER has the following features :

þ Easy to configure
þ Support for ARJ'ed, LZH'ed and ZIP'ed files
þ Mouse support
þ An attractive display with an easy to operate menu
þ Ability to sort files by extension/name
þ Supports any and all extensions / players / viewers which
support a command line option
þ Supports multiple directories of the same extension
þ Ability to delete files from archives without leaving
the program
þ Support for multiple players / viewers
þ Speedier than the average program by using special
AutoMagic files
þ Will unarchive the file whereever you wish including
a RAMDRIVE for added speed
þ Ability to "tag" files for playing / viewing to create
a jukebox or video show
þ Can compile several directories worth of same extension'ed
files into one big list
þ Support for 25/43/50 line modes!

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Getting Started

X-MASTER was made to be a simple program to use, but it requires the
use of many external programs for all features to be implemented.
Examine the included XMASTER.CFG file, and change it to suit your
system, and file names. You might be able to use the configuration file
without any changes. The setup of the configuration file is as
follows :

drive / directory to unarchive file
location of PKZIP
location of PKUNZIP
parameters for PKUNZIP
location of LHArc
parameters for LHArc
location of ARJ
parameters for ARJ
first extension for X-MASTER to find
location of the first extension files
second extension for X-MASTER to find
location of the second extension files
.
.
.
(up to forty extensions allowed!)

The lines which require filenames MUST be valid filenames,
regardless of whether or not you use the particular archiver. The
parameter lines may be blank or not (PKUNZIP normally does not require
any parameters). The location of where to unarchive files MUST be a
valid directory. If the line is blank, the current directory will be
used. Furthermore, do not put any extraneous spaces or lines between
the directory names, or file names.

The last lines of the configuration file are the extensions you wish
X-MASTER to recognize. Example : MOD, FLI, GL, GIF, VOC. The line
following the extension is the default directory where to find the
aforementioned extensions. Example : D:\TRAK, E:\VGA\FLIES, C:\PORNO,
D:\SB\VOCS... Notice that none of the directories have a trailing
backslash. Put only one extension on each line, and you may have only
one default directory for each extension.

After completing the configuration file, you are halfway done. You
must now make a batch file for each extension you put in the con-
figuration file. The purpose of the batch file is to actually "use"
(play / view / whatever) the file of your selection. For example, say
you have a FLI extension in your configuration file, and to view the
FLI's, you use the program AAPLAY.EXE. The batch file would be similar
to :

rem This batch file plays FLI's using AAPLAY
E:\VGA\FLIES\AAPLAY %1

Notice that a %1 is in place of where the name of the FLI to view
usually goes. X-MASTER will pass the name of the FLI by use of DOS
parameters to the batch file. If you are unsure of how the %variable
notation works, consult your DOS manual. For most purposes, just place
a %1 where you would normally place the name of the file.

So, how does X-MASTER know which batch file to run?? Well, the name
of the batch file has to be exact for X-MASTER to find it, and it must
follow a very special format. Each batch file is named by the
extension for which it is going to be used, the word "PLAY" and then a
number starting at "1" and going through "9", ending with the .BAT
extension. For example : "FLIPLAY1.BAT" would be the first (default)
batch file to be used to view .FLI files. Always start with "1" and go
up from there. You may have up nine batch files available.

You might be wondering how you can tell the batch files apart when
your inside X-MASTER. Did you notice the "rem" statement in the batch
file given earlier? REM statements are simply "rem"arks made about the
batch file. They do nothing to alter the operation of a batch file.
If you put a "rem" statement as the first line of your batch file,
X-MASTER will show the first forty characters following the "rem "
instead of an ambiguous "Batch file #2".

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Getting around in X-MASTER

When you load up the program, you will see a list of extension
types. These should be the same as the ones you have listed in your
configuration file. Use the arrow keys or the mouse to select which
extension you want, and either press [RETURN] or one of the mouse
buttons. The screen will then clear, and all the files in the specified
directory of the selected extension will appear. Use the arrow keys to
move the cursor around, and press RETURN to "use" the file you have
selected. Press PgDn to go down a page, or press PgUp to go up a page.
Home takes you to the first file, while End takes you to the last file.
Ctrl-Left arrow takes you to the first item on the line, and Ctrl-Right
arrow takes you to the last item on a line. Also, if you press the
first letter of the file name, it will take you to the next file which
starts with that letter. If your list is sorted (see below), it will
take you to all the files which start with that letter. Mouse users may
move the pointer to the appropriate file and double click the first
(left) mouse button. To go up or down a page, click either button on
the words "PgUp" or "PgDn" respectively.

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Options available

When you have a lot of files and you want to play a bunch of them,
you can tag each file you wish to play by pressing the [SPACE BAR]. The
tag switch works like a toggle, so if you tag a file which you do not
want, just press the [SPACE BAR] again. Mouse users may press the
second mouse button to tag or untag. When you have finished tagging
files, press [RETURN] to "use" them. You will be give the option to
"use" them in sequential order (the order in which they appear on the
screen), or random order. If you wish to abort a "tagged play run",
press the [SPACE BAR] or the Escape key between files. Be careful, if
you press ESC too many times, you will exit the program. I would
recommend using the [SPACE BAR], but for those of us that are quick, the
ESC works just as well.

Each of the function keys have special functions as well. They are
as follows :


F1 - Utilities Menu / Help - The first time you hit it, a menu will
pop up containing all the major functions. If you hit it again,
you will see an online help screen with the basic functions
outlined. Not extensive, but will explain parts of the program.

F2 - Change Directory - if you wish to change the current directory
to another, choose this function. Be careful, a config file is
created for every directory you select. Not that this is bad,
but it wastes disk space if you select directories without any
files in it. If you have a few directories which you keep files
in already defined, press F2 again to pick from your currently
defined directories. This reduces typing to a minimum!
Personally, I keep all the files I like in one directory, and
all the new ones, which are not backed up to disk, I keep in
another directory. This aids in easy organization.

F3 - Change current extension - With this command, you may switch to
any of the extensions you have defined in your CFG file. The
directory will be changed to the default directory as specified
in the CFG file, and if no AutoMagic file is found, one will be
created.

F4 - Delete File - Whether this file is in a ZIP, ARJ, or LZH, or
even uncompressed, this command will delete the file the cursor
is currently on. Be extra careful with this one as once its
deleted, its gone for good.

F5 - Sort the Files - Simple enough, all the files with be sorted by
name to aid in easy finding. Just hit the first letter of the
name to go to all the files that start with that letter.

F6 - Change Batch File Number - You may have more than one batch
file defined for use, and with this command, you may switch
between them. The currently selected one will be marked with a
check mark or a star.

F7 - Rescan Current Directory - Rescans the current directory for
any new files. Use this command when you get a new file you
wish to use.

F8 - Make Master Directory - A master directory is a compiled list
of all the currently defined directories. When you make a
master, you may choose a file from any of the defined
directories for the same extension. This can be very useful if
you keep files spread out for some reason.

F9 - Use Master Directory - This will use the currently compiled
master directory.

F10 - Quit - Return to DOS.

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Known pitfalls

Make sure all the archived files are archived correctly with no
errors. If you find yourself getting a Runtime Error #100, check your
archives for errors.

I tried making the program as fast as possible, and on my 386/40,
the program is quite fast. If your computer is slow, use PKZIP and a
RAMDRIVE for best results. The majority of the slowness is due to the
unarchiving process, and there is really nothing I can do about it.

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Command line options

Currently, very little can be done on the command line, but the
following items may help you out a bit. If, for example, you find the
mouse cursor annoying or not working, or the program starts blinking, or
you find my fonts not working, or anything video wise not working, use
the /NOGUI command.

Hopefully you keep all your X-MASTER files in the same directory
in your path. This would include all the *.C? files, the CFG file, and
the *.MST files, and of course the EXE file. If so, you can specify a
starting directory on the command line. Just add the starting directory
to the end of the command line.


Examples :


XMASTER /NOGUI

Start XMASTER in primitive video mode.

XMASTER C:\UTIL

Start XMASTER with the starting directory as C:\UTIL.

XMASTER E:\XM /NOGUI

Start XMASTER with the starting directory as E:\XM in
primitive video mode.


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Tested extensions

I have tested a few of these extensions out with my program and
found that they work well with my program. I'd be interested in any you
have added, and if you are writing a program which plays / views / uses
a certain extension'ed file, please make it accept a full path name on
the command line. Here are some of the ones I tested :

MOD's
-----
I have used TrakBlaster by Volker Zinke with this program ex-
tensively, and it works great. The latest version I have is 2.0.
I have also used MODPLAY by Mark J. Cox. The version I have does
not accept file names on the command line very easily, so I wrote a
program which seperated what my program sent out, and changed the
drive/path to be the one with the MOD file, and then did MP
. Let me know if you need this program.

VOC's
-----
I have used Creative Labs Voice Player (VPLAY) with my program and
it works fine. Furthermore, if you keep your VOC files in normal
packing method (uncompressed), they can be used with NOHISS or
SEEVOX quite nicely.

STM's
-----
The only player I have seen for this is STM by Sami Tammilehto. It
works fine with this program.

ROL's
-----
There are a bunch of ROL player's out there which work with this
program. I use the player called ADMPLAY which works great.
PLAYROL works, as does INTUNE.

CMF's or CMS's
--------------
These are more Sound Master music files, and they work with PLAYCMF
that is supplied by Creative Labs. Apparantly, there are more
players out there, but this is the only one I've seen and it works
fine.

MID's
-----
I have yet to find a DECENT MID file player that accepts parameters
from the command line. The one I have is OK, but not great. I'd be
interested in any I could get, or you could supply me. 🙂

GL's
----
These movies can viewed with GRASPRT.EXE quite nicely provided they
do not require more than 565k or so of memory.

FLI's
-----
These work well with AAPLAY.EXE.

As stated earlier, I'd be interested in any other extensions / players
you come up with.

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Contacting the author

Hopefully, you found this program of use and bug free, but if not,
or you have a suggestion, please contact me on one of the following
BBS's, or write to me at the address given at the end of this document,
or better yet, netmail me at 1:387/255. If you have access to echos,
feel free to leave me a message on the Adlib or SoundNet echos. I check
Nul for mail/echomail daily :


Nul BBS - 512-615-NUL1 or 512-615-NUL2 - 1.2 gigs running RBBS.
Excellent board, with a large file base, and a quarter of a million
echos. Absolutely free! File Requests allowed - 1:387/255. HST /
DS on Node 1.
Sysop - Jan Maaskant

Picture Express - 512-666-4842 - PC-BOARD 14.3 beta - Specializes in
Graphics and anything having to do with them. He also has an Adlib
conference which is the best place to get ahold of me. Join
conference #2 to get in, and you can also check out his hundreds of
ROL files. All sound cards are supported here as well. HST / DS!
Sysop - David Steward

Ultra BBS - 512-637-1240 - SuperBBS system - Specializing in Pascal
files and SoundBlaster files. A small BBS but one of the few in SA
carrying the Adlib conf. Many Soundblaster files, including betas
of this program. The sysop is a beta tester. 2400 only.
Sysop - Daniel Hermann

RoboTech BBS - 904-758-9477 - Searchlight system - Has bunches of music
stuff on this BBS and the newest versions of this program. No file
ratios / no byte limit to keep / no life history required / first
call downloads - HST speeds.
Sysop - Jeff Hancock


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Kudos, Legal BS...

I wish to thank all the people who helped with this program, namely
Fred Hewit, Chris Tio, Greg Collins, Daniel Hermann, Jeff Hancock, and

all the people who release source code into the public domain, including
many of the people in the Pascal and Adlib Echo whose names escape me...
I also wish to thank the sysops of the their above boards for their very
lenient ratios. 🙂 They are really good boards, call them now. All
are in San Antonio, TX, except the last one which is lost in Florida.

Lawyers, take note :

This program here is essentially public domain, and is offered as
is, without warranties of any kind. By using this program, you agree
that the author is in no way responsible for any damage done by this
program. Simple. Anything that happens isn't my fault.

Enjoy!

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Shareware!

SHAREWARE means you try the program before you buy it. If you like
and use the program, you are asked to pay for it. No one is forcing
your hand at paying for it, but your conscious will bother you for the
rest of your life if you choose not to.... I am not a rich person, and
enjoy programming, but in order to pay the bills, a monetary con-
tribution of $20.00 or more would be most appreciated. $20 is not a
great deal of money to pay for a program, and if you use it as often as
I do, it should be well worth the money. Send your contribution to :

Mr. Joy Mukherjee
202 Vanderheck
San Antonio, TX, 78209

Any correspondence as well can be forwarded to this address, and
would appreciate any bug reports or innovative uses of this program.
Thank you for your support... Incidently, in no way is your copy of
this program crippled in any way. Your version of the program is
exactly the same as mine, and all the versions before this were
completely free, but I have spent a great deal of time on this program,
so I felt compelled to see if I could get some return back on it.

--END--