First of all, The audio shortcomings are not necessarily Blitz's fault. Blitz uses a system called FMOD for it's sound system, which is similar to BASS - a special cut down limited license version has been sold to BRL which means we get basic audio functionality (plus the bonus of mod playback and automatic audio streaming) in exchange for not having to individually pay fees whenever we want to release a game. None of this is officially confirmed or denied, but it makes a lot of sense.
BlitzMAX's audio system is a homebrew called freeaudio - it's very young at the moment and so only very basic features have been granted to the average user - but the system is opensource (and freeware I think?!?) which means even if BRL never get around to it, at least -someone- here could tinker around and provide some features...
There is also talk that BRL plans to write a wrapper module for FMOD - but then licensing costs would be the individual's responsibility.
Actually, if you have an internet connection WMP will automatically find a version of the DivX codec... also it will point you in the right direction to find a codec for QuickTime - that is, a 3rd party CODEC for QuickTime, not Apple's proprietary .dll apis for QuickTime... which means you can play QuickTime movies in anything ;]
aka buying BlitzMax ;]
I would sincerely hope his priorities lie in spending time on what is for the benefit of Blitz Research Limited. Which at this very moment in time, means the Max3D module, so BRL can stop claiming B3D to be their flagship product...
I wonder what plans they have to address this shortcoming in BlitzMAX. <shrug>
BlitzMAX's audio system is a homebrew called freeaudio - it's very young at the moment and so only very basic features have been granted to the average user - but the system is opensource (and freeware I think?!?) which means even if BRL never get around to it, at least -someone- here could tinker around and provide some features...
There is also talk that BRL plans to write a wrapper module for FMOD - but then licensing costs would be the individual's responsibility.
Which by default cannot play DVD (w/o 3rd party expansion), Realplay, Quicktime, or DivX.
Actually, if you have an internet connection WMP will automatically find a version of the DivX codec... also it will point you in the right direction to find a codec for QuickTime - that is, a 3rd party CODEC for QuickTime, not Apple's proprietary .dll apis for QuickTime... which means you can play QuickTime movies in anything ;]
unless we all throw $$$ at Mr. Silby for some extra programming resource I can't see it happening.
aka buying BlitzMax ;]
his priorities are always going to be what to spend time on for the benefit of the most people.
I would sincerely hope his priorities lie in spending time on what is for the benefit of Blitz Research Limited. Which at this very moment in time, means the Max3D module, so BRL can stop claiming B3D to be their flagship product...