FastPlayer: a new opensource video player

[MonsterChicharo]

I'm writting a video player for Windows. Its main goal is to be fast, lightweight and easy to use. It is written in C++, and interacts directly with DirectShow. It's completely Open Source, in case you want to peek at the sources. A pre-alpha version is available (pretty functional, though). Take a look at the homepage (http://fastplayer.sourceforge.net)

Alongside the player I'm writting an AC3 wrapper for S/PDIF enabled soundcards, for I don't really like to use the Intervideo AC3 filter (however cracked, it's still illegal to use it if you don't own it). Although it's not being released yet as a binary, you can download a snapshot of the CVS repository. Go to the project site at sourceforge (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fastplayer) if you are interested.

Contributors are very welcome.

Kindly regards,
César Piñera

[Zhnujm]

well, its really fast. and the implementation of fastforward,reverse and skipping through the video is exactly what i need for my remote control.
so please keep on working ;)

[Emp3r0r]

haven't grasped c++ yet but I've been waiting to get involved in an opensource player, cheers for starting it up

[MonsterChicharo]

Originally posted by Emp3r0r
haven't grasped c++ yet but I've been waiting to get involved in an opensource player, cheers for starting it up
Thank you very much.

After seeing a little bit of your work (just by quickly browsing at your page) I would say that your cooperation could prove to be very much valuable.

The zip file for the player contains both the compiled binary and the source code. You may take a look at both.

The reason for using C++ is that DirectShow is based on COM, which is targeted mainly at C++ developers (other languages must use some kind of translation [as in Delphi] or are virtually unable to handle the structures that contain pointers to further structures [as in VB]). Yet for any development effort the programmers are as valuable as the testers. It does not really matter whether if you have c++ skills. The important thing is that you are willing to spend some of your valuable time.

Drop me a note (cesar@monsterchicharo.net), or better, register yourself as a member at the project's page at Sourceforge (http://sourceforge.net/projects/fastplayer).

Any kind of help is appreciated.

[kagoru]

I'm programming in C++ too and have looked for a open source player for for quite some time. I'd love to help you develop.

[Emp3r0r]

I already tried last night to compile fast player but I had problems trying to compile using Visual Studio.NET. I guess some problems arised when I imported it. I did look at the source though and my gawd, why does C++ look so jumbled and complicated? Oh well, I just registered with sourceforge. I also tried playing with the CVS thing last night to get the newest sourcecode but I failed to figure that out yet. Any suggesstions on where a (java, c#, vb) programmer should go to start learning C++?

[MonsterChicharo]

To join as a project member you must first create an account at SourceForge (the right panel has an option called New User via SSL).

After you have created your account, mail me (cesar@monsterchicharo.net) your account (login) name, so that I can add you as a member, and tell me what your interests are (e.g. programmer, designer, tester, doc manager, bug tracker), so that we can coordinate our efforts.

SourceForge is an extense, rich environment to develop any kind of open source project. I strongly recommend you to read the online documentation (https://sourceforge.net/docman/?group_id=1).

[MonsterChicharo]

Originally posted by Emp3r0r
I already tried last night to compile fast player but I had problems trying to compile using Visual Studio.NET. I guess some problems arised when I imported it. I did look at the source though and my gawd, why does C++ look so jumbled and complicated? Oh well, I just registered with sourceforge. I also tried playing with the CVS thing last night to get the newest sourcecode but I failed to figure that out yet. Any suggesstions on where a (java, c#, vb) programmer should go to start learning C++?
- I don't use Visual Studio.NET (I received several betas through the MSDN subscription, and they were not very nice with my setup, making I had to reinstall the SO) nor I'm planning to do so in the near future. I use Visual C++ 6.0, SP4
- Indeed C++ looks complicated. It is not. Do not dispair.
- CVS has its roots in UNIX. Although there are ports for Win32, I found them akward to install and use. My recommendation is that you download and install Cygwin (http://www.cygwin.com) which is a nice implementation of many UNIX like utilities (including CVS and secure shell, used at SourceForge). It has proven to me to be very strightforward to use. Some background in UNIX is advisable.
- As for the C++ tutorial, allow me to search the net for one. There are plenty, targeted for different backgrounds. Your millage may vary. BTW, if you can read spanish, I teach a C++ course, and my studens happen to be somewhat skilled at Java. The lessons are online (cpinera.no-ip.com)

[Emp3r0r]

How are things looking for fastplayer? u get my email?

[MonsterChicharo]

Originally posted by Emp3r0r
How are things looking for fastplayer? u get my email?

Indeed. I also sent you a response about half an hour ago. Let me know if you don't receive it.

[Emp3r0r]

I wish I could get it to compile with with VS.NET, I may install my older visual studio so I can at least compile it. Learning a little C++, but still having a hard time understanding. I may pick up a book on C++ when I get a chance. Have you modified Fast Player any since Feb 5?

[MonsterChicharo]

Originally posted by Emp3r0r
I wish I could get it to compile with with VS.NET, I may install my older visual studio so I can at least compile it. Learning a little C++, but still having a hard time understanding. I may pick up a book on C++ when I get a chance. Have you modified Fast Player any since Feb 5?

No, there have been no commits since the first release.
Also, isn't VS.NET backwards compatible, at least the C++ part? It should be. I'm using the Platform SDK, yet the DirectX 8 SDK should be enought to compile it.

[Emp3r0r]

I may not have directx sdk installed, i need to check on that

[Emp3r0r]

I tested the AC3 playback of fastplay and intervideo but same bug as all other players that use intervideo. So how is fastplayer coming?