Music in Desktop X (why no one uses it)

Huh
I wonder why no one uses DesktopX's music capabilties
I hope you all know that there are audio capabilties (okey most of you do but what about the new users)
Well in any case I have used it
I put the Halo theme music looping in the backround of my halo theme and uploaded it seperatly as a wiget with a system tray icon and everything
https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=3&SkinID=3383
I dont think anyone else has ever done somthing like this before
It would be nice if there was a DX music Section
Admins?
5,358 views 24 replies
Reply #1 Top
If anyone has any questions about how to make an audio object please post them here because I am quite experienced at Music tech (with a synthesizer) and am very knoledgeable on the subject (unless it invoulves Windows Media Player which I HATE)
Reply #2 Top
Hmmm...I can see why it might suit some people, but a lot of people would choose to be listening to their own music rather than the theme authors choice. Pluse, how quickly would a looping track get anoying? Plus, isn't there a (C) issue when using existing works?

This has made me remember an article back in the late 80's though about using sound as feedback to the user...the idea was that when things are working in the background, if they made a very quiet repeating sound, then the user would notice quickly if they stopped working....so, should news-tickers make a little tick-tick sound as they scroll, and stop if they get an error trying to get an update? Should weather widgets make nice little chirps and beeps when the weather looks good, but turn darker and more sinister if it looks stormy? Hmmm...maybe not
Reply #3 Top
Well u can always mute the volume
[Message Edited]
Reply #4 Top
Which reminds me...
Has anyone every tried to change the startup sound?
Reply #5 Top
Plus, isn't there a (C) issue when using existing works?


well yes and no
If you handle it correctly i.e put a link to the author's site or where the cd can be bought and state clearly that it was written by ***** and specify the source of the file used then there shoulden't be any problems. It actually helps advertise for albums with these little one-song cliffhangers

Also
As I said before I am an experienced Music Tech composer i.e I write great songs
[Message Edited]
Reply #6 Top
Mute is no good if people are listening to their own stuff in media play though is it?

(C) - you can't ignore it by just adding a link as you suggest. You would need to get formal permission to include another persons work or else you're breaking the law....sorry, but that's the way it is. Anything else is theft.

Now...if you include and use your own work, that's fine...I just wouldn't choose to use it myself as I doubt your taste would match mine. As a related point, I hate websites that foist the authors choice of music on me when I visit them...it's especially anoying when at work and some innapropriate dirge starts blurting out from someones machine...
Reply #7 Top
Well what about the music you download off the internet
I mean its not like I am selling it or anything
If it is up for download than whoever wrote the copyright dosn't care anymore
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Reply #8 Top
also it HELPS ADEVERTISE music
Reply #9 Top
Also
They cant retrive the song file when it is a wiget so they cant open it in WMP
Reply #10 Top
a) if something is available for download, it doesn't mean it's available for people to use at will. It doesn't mean it's copyrite free unless it says so explicitly. There is such a thing as (c) free music, you can buy CD's of the stuff.

b) it doesn't matter if your selling it - redistribution is a breach of (C) unless you have permision in advance.

c) just because something is available for download does not mean the author "doesn't care any more" - everything on the web retains copywrite unless the owner explicitly relinquishes it.

d) The author isn't asking you to advertise their work, and you can't do that with out permision in advance no matter what your good intentions may be. It's not yours to decide, it's the authors.

e) There is a slight grey area which you MAY get away with it under, which is "fair use". In some parts of the world (and only some), there is the expectation that the end user can use the artists work for some other things as long as they remain within a nebulous idea of "fair use". In the UK for example, this argument has been used to allow people to make backup copies of CDs they purchase. In some cases, if you sample a very small amount of a larger work, and then use that in certain ways, it can sometimes (if you're lucky and have a good lawer) be permissible.

Other than the very limited and tricky bit under e) you can't use someone elses work without prior permision. That's just the way it is, and you can't just decided to re-write the law because you think something is a good idea and you have your fingers crossed....

Stick to writing your own music for inclusion unless you're prepared to jump through the hoops to legitimately use other peoples work. Since you tell us you're good at it, this shouldn't be a problem anyhow.
Reply #11 Top
I dont like any other peoples music anyway
Also the music isint retriviable when it is a wiget (you cant obtain the actual music file)
I thought there may be some kind of exception for somthing like this... Is there?
Reply #12 Top
I thought there may be some kind of exception for somthing like this... Is there?


I don't think so. Redistribution without permission is pretty cut and dry. Just because it's 'not retrievable' doesn't make a difference.
Reply #14 Top
Of course isn't the startup sound only allowed to be .wav files? Not bad but...
On the reason for this post, its nice that DX can do that music I guess. However I can't see the purpose of having repeating music myself. I often listen to internet radio or something else and would find it annoying. As it is WB's that include sounds for events get old after the novelty has worn off.



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Reply #15 Top
Too bad your latest attempt to "up grade" your user status didn't quite cut it, Latin



[Message Edited]
Reply #16 Top
Too bad your latest attempt to "up grade" your user status didn't quite cut it, Latin


my thoughts as well hehe
Reply #17 Top
#21 by Admin CerebroJD - 4/9/2004 1:18:27 AM

Uh-oh, what did he try?
[Message Edited]
Reply #18 Top
Too bad your latest attempt to "up grade" your user status didn't quite cut it, Latin my thoughts as well hehe


I am not quite sure what you are refering to
Reply #19 Top
but you cant upload startup sounds or anything like that
Reply #20 Top
I don't see them being very popular :/

I have DesktopX set to disable all sound effects anyway
Reply #21 Top
My speakers are off until I want some music. I tried to rip the speaker from my last PC and weeeelll, that didn't go so hot!
Reply #22 Top
I have DesktopX set to disable all sound effects anyway


well I can understand that...
maybe what I am really asking is where to upload sounds
Reply #23 Top
One thing i wish DX would support is the ability to at a sound to a show (start-up) state.


It can probabably be done with a script
maybe we should contack martin or Frogboy
Reply #24 Top
My speakers are off until I want some music. I tried to rip the speaker from my last PC and weeeelll, that didn't go so hot!


lets not go into detail
it might scare the inocent skinners