XMPlay v1.1 - Copyright (c) 1998 Ian Luck. All rights reserved.
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Files that you should have found in the XMPlay package
======================================================
XMPLAY.EXE    The executable
XMPLAY.TXT    This file
FILE_ID.DIZ   BBS description file


What's the point?
=================
This is the stand-alone player version of XM-EXE, a program that creates
executables of XM files. So now there's no need to create an EXE to get
that XM-EXE quality! XMPlay can also play MODs.

As with XM-EXE, it's got the best (most accurate to FT2) XM reproduction
that I've heard from any player. All features/effects are 100% supported.
I hope :)


Main Features
=============
* Balls-on Accurate
- plays XMs the way nature intended, unlike most other players.

* Sample Interpolation
- linear/spline interpolated sample mixing.

* Volume/Pan Ramping
- for output that's smoother than a baby's arse. :)

* 5 Band Equalizer
- adjustable gain at five frequency bands.

* Spectrum Analyzer
- Something to look at while the music plays.

* Surround Sound
- errr ... hmmm ... surround yourself in sound!

* Dragon droppings supported :)
- drag your XM/MODs into XMPlay.

* Nice GUI! :)
- normal/double size, with customizeable colour scheme.


The Equalizer
=============
If you don't have your sound card output going through an equalizer (or a
hi-fi with one) then you can use this option to provide one.

The equalizer's five centre frequencies are 70hz, 350hz, 1000hz, 3500hz
and 10000hz. By using the equalizer you can emphasise or weaken these
frequencies. For example, you can boost the bass by using a positive gain
at the low frequencies, or you can boost the treble by using a positive
gain at the high frequencies. The gains are meusured in dB, a gain of 10dB
doubles the level of the frequency, a gain of -10dB halves the level, a
gain of 0dB leaves the level as it is.


The "OUTPUT OPTIONS" Window
===========================
LI/SI = Linear/Spline Interpolation switch
R     = Ramping switch (off/normal/sensitive)
S     = Surround Sound switch
Eq    = Equalizer switch

The graphic equalizer sliders range from +10dB (top) to -10dB (bottom).


The "SETUP" Window
==================
Device Options
--------------
You can change which device (if you have multiple devices) to use, and
what frequency/resolution/channels/buffer to use with the device.

After you've made changes to the device settings, close the "SETUP"
window to apply the changes. If the device does not support the settings
you chose, XMPlay will use the closest settings that the device does
support. If you re-open the "SETUP" window, you will see which settings
are actually being used.

GUI Colour Scheme
-----------------
You can change the colour scheme of the GUI. Use the scroller on the right
to select the element you wish to change the colour of and then use the
three colour (red/green/blue) bars. When you have finished making changes,
close the "SETUP" window to apply the changes.

These are the 7 elements you can change the colour of :
        Text (includes the button text/symbols)
        Selected text (includes the button text/symbols)
        Inactive window frame and caption
        Activated window frame and caption
        Button frame
        Selected button frame
        Title text

Miscellaneous
-------------
LOOP     = Looping switch
INIT F/R = Forward/rewind pre-calculation switch
           Pre-calculates data for forward/rewind of the XM/MOD, so that
           it will be more like forwarding/rewinding a CD or tape player
           rather than a tracker. Switching this off will reduce the
           initialization time a lot when loading a XM/MOD, but after a
           forward/rewind it may sound a bit strange at first.
BIG GUI  = Big GUI (double size) switch
           For those who use hi-res, where the normal GUI size is too tiny.
           Close the "SETUP" window to apply the change.


The Keyboard Shortcuts
======================
 P (or Pause) = pause/play
         Home = restart
  left cursor = rewind
 right cursor = forward
      Page Up = previous track
    Page Down = next track
          +/- = adjust volume
            I = interpolation switch
            R = ramping switch
            S = surround sound switch
            Q = equalizer switch


Latest Version
==============
The latest version of XMPlay can always be found at the XMPlay homepage :

        http://www.icl.ndirect.co.uk/music/


Copyright, Disclaimer, and all that other jazz
==============================================
This program is free for non-commercial use, so if anyone tries to charge
you for it kick 'em where it hurts. But, if you can't live with the guilt
of using a quality piece of software like this without paying then by all
means send a few presidents heads (of the paper variety) my way, to help
you sleep more easily.

This software is provided as-is. The author makes absolutely no
warranties on it. You use it at your own risk. The author shall not be
held responsible for any damage that may result from its use, including,
but not limited to, burning your toast while being too engrossed in the
XMPlay "experience".

All trademarks and other registered names contained in the XMPlay "package"
are the property of their respective owners.


History
=======
1.1 - 2/8/98
-------------
* "SETUP" options window
* Optimized surround sound
* Heavily optimized spline interpolation
* "BIG GUI" option
* Fixed occasional XM loader problem

1.0 - 15/7/98
-------------
First Release


Bug Reports, Suggestions, Coments, Problems etc...
==================================================
If you have any of the aforementioned you can email :

        xmplay@icl.ndirect.co.uk

