[vlc] VLC 1.0 and SMF (MIDI files)

[Pedro Lopez-Cabanillas]

Hi,

VLC 1.0 has been released a few days ago. Congratulations, and big kudos to 
the VLC team! 

	http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

VLC plays MIDI files, with the help of the FluidSynth MIDI synthesizer 
library. This is optional at compile time, so please install FluidSynth 
before compiling VLC. Here are the sources:

	http://download.savannah.gnu.org/releases/fluid

If you want to play MIDI files, you need also a good SF2 SoundFont. Choose one 
matching your taste and the requirements of your MIDI file collection. I like 
this one: General User GS, by S. Christian Collins (30Mb)

	http://www.schristiancollins.com/generaluser.php

Once you downloaded the SF2 file into /usr/share/soundfonts or any other 
suitable place, you should tell VLC about it. It is a bit hidden, but I can 
provide you a detailed map:

Tools -> Preferences (Ctrl+P). VLC shows the preferences dialog.
At the botton left, Show Settings: All (radio button). 
The left side icons have changed into a tree with more options.
Select: Input/Codecs -> Audio Codecs -> FluidSynth.
Sound fonts (required): Here you can set the path to the GeneralUser font, or 
whatever other SF2 font you like.

You can play now your MIDI files. From the Open File dialog you should select 
the filter "all files". You may want to use the playlist (menu: View -> 
Playlist, Ctrl+L) to organize and enjoy your MIDI collection.

You can encode your MIDI files in other formats, in a similar way you use VLC 
to convert your video clips from one encoding/container to another. You can 
easily create MP3, OGG, FLAC, WAV and other types from your MIDI files.

There was once a time when men were men and wrote their own SMF parsers and 
sequencers. Like the brave VLC's people. FluidSynth is used only as a MIDI  
synthesizer. Also, they don't use FluidSynth's output audio drivers, so you 
won't find Jack or PulseAudio output.

It is amazing that a lot of VLC features are available in so many platforms. 
Of course there may be bugs. The ticket#35 says "World Domination", showing 
currently a work status of 20%. Maybe all together can help to fulfill the 
goal.

Regards,
Pedro