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*** Azimer's HLE Audio v0.56 WIP 2 ***
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Last Updated: May 8th, 2005


----- Contents -----

0. Disclaimer
1. What's New
2. What's Next
3. Usage
4. FAQ
5. Greetings and Closing Comments

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0. Disclaimer

This plugin is provided as is for beta testing purposes only.  You are
solely responsible for any damages or data loss incurred through use of
this software.  Use at your own risk.  If you do not agree with these
terms, please delete this application and use something else.  The software
has been tested to the best of my ability.  There is no warranty expressed
or implied.  Commercial use of this product will constitute a criminal act.
blah blah blah... if you can think of an illegitamite use for this product,
please do not use it.  I am not responsible for stupidity. Now that is over
with...

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1. What's New?

*** v0.56 WIP 2 ***
- Bug Fix release... nothing much new
- Finally received Project64 1.6
- Hydro Thunder and Tarzan work well by using Project64 1.6's 
- Fixed those nasty SP_DMA_READ Errors
- Fixed hangups in all roms which worked before
- Eliminated some pops and crackles in games that shouldn't have them
- And no... configuration has not been changed (least of my worries)

*** v0.56 WIP 1 ***
- Revamped Audio Code from v0.50.2
- HLE Code is untouched as of now
- Added some low level RSP code temporarily to assist in fixing HLE Audio
- Added a hidden console window for Audio status/debugging (disabled unless public finds it desirable)
- Fixed MANY stuttering issues and issues with MusyX games.  Tarzan is still a problem because of timing.
- Added Old Audio Sync option... You will need to set it every time you start the emulator if you want to use it.

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2. What's Next?
*** Coming Soon ***
- Fix Twisted Edge Extreme Snowboarding
- Fix Golden Eye HLE Envelope Mixer code
- Fix BIO Hazard and Mystical Ninja pops
- Attempt to reduce Smash Bros crackles a little bit if possible
- Try to remove MusyX interrupt dependance on dsound code (Causes problems for solutions to fix problems)

*** Near Future ***
- Add MusyX HLE Code
- More audio configuration options (Buffer size adjustments, Bitrate adjustments, MP3 logging)
- Equalizer/Filters
- HLE speedups/optimizations
- Top Gear Rally - Doesn't seem to do HLE Audio

*** Maybes ***
- Find a solution to the Dolby Prologic problem (help would be nice)
- Music isolation for MP3 logging (big maybe)
- Modified "Force Old Audio Sync" in which speed limiting and interrupts are based on samples per second as
  opposed to buffer fill.  It may even be better than the default. :)

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3. Usage

*** Setup ***
1. Place AziAudio.dll into the "Project64" folder's "Plugin" folder. (ie C:\Project64 1.6\Plugin)
2. Go to the Options menu, click settings.
3. Go to the Plugins setting tab.
4. Under "Audio (sound) plugin click the drop down box.
5. Select "Azimer's HLE Audio" whatever version is the latest (ie "Azimer's HLE Audio v0.56 WIP 2")
6. All the default options should be okay, so click ok

You should now be good to load an image as defined in the Project64 user help file.

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4. FAQ

4.1.Q - Why do I hear some pops in some parts of the game?
4.1.A - I have noticed through my own testing that during certain parts of a game, the game uses the
        emulated processor power to the point where it can not perform at a constant 60/50FPS if even
        for a moment.  This neglect will cause the constant stream of audio to the plugin to be halted
        for that brief popping period.  It is not a problem with the Audio plugin and nothing can be
        done to accomodate.  You can try setting the emulator to High priority to eliminate the turn
        around time for the emulator to preempt any process during its waitstate.  It seems to have
        helped me.  Another problem is that PJ64 1.5's speed limiter isn't the best.  If it's a compatible
        game, you could attempt to use the old speed sync.  A better speed fix is underway to go by samples
        per second based on the set frequency.  This is likely another audio code revision just to try it out.

4.2.Q - Why isn't Tarzan allowing me to go in game?
4.2.A - This problem has finally be isolated to an option acquired in Project64 1.6.  Make sure you have
        RSP Audio Signal checked in the Rom Settings options.

4.3.Q - Is there going to be a Project64 1.6 Audio Fix?
4.3.A - Maybe.  It depends on if I can get Tarzan to work without it.  1.4 came about so I could display
        my fix for Hydro Thunder.  Thankfully, zilmar released 1.6 with the fix included.

4.4.Q - How come there's no audio in Tarzan, Hydro Thunder, TWINE, or any other MusyX game?
4.4.A - Try changing the options in the RSP plugin so Audio Lists are not processed by my Audio HLE.  I
        haven't gotten the chance to HLE the entire uCode yet.

4.5.A - There seems to be problems in a game I've been playing?  How should I contact you?
4.5.Q - Please post all problems on EmuTalk's Apollo board.  I will be more than happy to answer any questions.

4.6.A - I am getting an SP_READ_DMA Error?  What does this mean?
4.6.Q - Either you are using an older version of this plugin or you have encountered a ROM I haven't tested.
        Please write me on emutalk with the specific GoodN64 rom title and I will look into it. Thanks.

If none of those FAQs help you, please post on EmuTalk and I will answer the question and include it here.
www.emutalk.net

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5. Greetings and Closing Comments

I would like to thank the following for all thier help.
RCP     - For giving me a booster for HLE Audio.
F|RES   - Thanks for allowing me to join TR64 years ago and getting a start on Audio HLE from this.
icepir8 - If you ever continue TR64, feel free to include my Audio plugin.  It will always be a TR64 plugin. :)
zilmar  - The single biggest help with AudioHLE.  Thank you for all the RSP help and information.  It was invaluable.
Jabo    - I still use a variant of you Audio playing idea you proposed to be years ago from JNes.  Thanks :)
LaC     - Many long conversations that now make me feel newbish.  Thanks for putting up with me.

Hack, Rice, Schibo, Phrodide, episilon, realityman, and everyone else who has worked on N64 emulation.  You all
have contributed to the success of our interest.  Also like to say thanks to breakpoint for pioneering N64 
emulation.  I will never forget the days I waiting to see better screenshots of MKT.  I was very sad when you
stopped. :)

Special thanks to all my past beta testers and supporters.  Thank you to the guy who maintains the Audio FAQ in
the Apollo board (I feel badly I don't remember your nickname off the top of my head).  Thank you to those who
inspired me to release one more version.  It is not an easy thing to pick up again after years of non-work.
Thank you to all those who I have forgotten, it wasn't intentional.

Though N64 emulation seems to have died out in favor of NextGen consoles, I feel it is up to the end users to
inspire more authors to get back into the game.  Feel free to post a word of praise to your local emu author.
Without them, we would have anything to play our great legally obtained roms on.

-Azimer (www.apollo64.com)