Description: This plasmoid for KDE 4.3 is based on my TextLaunch application launcher, but instead of launching applications it plays audio streams. It can also play audio files, compact discs, or any other media source phonon can handle.
I wrote this because I don't have a massive collection of mp3 files, I don't have an iPod to manage, and I just generally don't need 9/10 of what a big audio player like Amarok does. I listen to about 5-6 audio streams, sometimes while sleeping, and I wanted something that would let me switch streams or turn them off quickly and without a lot of clicking around (since I'm sometimes half asleep when I do it).
You may find novel uses for it, like a sound board or jukebox application. Feel free to request features, but let's not make this too bloated.
KNOWN ISSUES: - WARNING: Upgrading from older versions WILL cause breakage. You'll need to remove and re-add the plugin after upgrade. Sorry, I can't help this unfortunately.
- The plugin initially wrought havoc with my audio, until I set my music output from ALSA to PulseAudio. YMMV, you know how audio can be.
TODO:
- Optional Transport control (Pause/FF/Rew) for playlists and CD. - Drag + Drop? I'll have to think about this one.
If you want to contribute, get the code from github:
Version 0.4.1 Mar 28 2010 - Tooltips remain up while the button is hovered
Version 0.4 Mar 15 2010 - Volume setting saved between sessions - Tooltips display metadata (Artist, album, etc) on active button
Version 0.3 Mar 13 2010 **WARNING: Breaks previous configs. Sorry!** - Added option to use icons - Buttons appear "down" when active - Export your launcher settings to a text file for backup (since configs might break again)
Version 0.2 - Optional volume slider with tooltip - Fixes to appearance dialog, bugs in display.
is there a possibility to change the cache size for streams? I have one particular ogg stream, which is halting a lot, when it starts to play and gets better after a minute or so. An increase of cache size helps in mplayer.
Nevertheless, great plasmoid!!!
I think I tried to do that at one point, because I have had similar problems.
I don't think phonon exposes this capability, though; at least, I couldn't find it.
Hi.
As far as I know there is no requirement for pulseaudio. KliqTune talks to phonon, so if phonon is working you should have sound. If not, the trouble is elsewhere.
I figured out that sound is not the problem. If I play a CD with it, it works. But.. streaming doesn't work at all. I don't recieve error messages when running it in plasmoidviewer.
Using KDE 4.6.
Okay, finally it plays something. Phonon seems to have troubles resolving several URLs. Even the default streams don't work. But well.. now I'm happy. Great plasmoid :)
I can start plasmoid with
~/.kde4/share/apps/plasma/plasmoids/veromix-plasmoid/dbus-service/VeromixServiceMain.py
and
plasmoidviewer .
and it works fine in a window but if i try to add it to the desktop it shows me a box with:
Object could not be created...
Script initialization failed
strange as it works with above commands....
Nice and convenient! One thing it lacks for me is song name change update (for audio streams). If it will be added, this sure will be the best streaming plasmoid!!!
BTW, developer question: did you use phonon? just wondering.
Thanks, glad you like it!
In 0.4 the tooltip of the active button will show all the metadata (artist, song, etc). The code is already in place, just teasing out a few bugs before release.
I did indeed use phonon, it's quite easy and powerful as I've discovered.
Works very well, but may I suggest to add an optional feature of using icons along with text (or without text)? This could make plasmoid more appealing.
Thanks for implementing icons. Since your plasmoid now shows song information too, in my opinion it surpasses SimpleStream plasmoid in terms of functionality.
Ratings & Comments
19 Comments
is there a possibility to change the cache size for streams? I have one particular ogg stream, which is halting a lot, when it starts to play and gets better after a minute or so. An increase of cache size helps in mplayer. Nevertheless, great plasmoid!!!
I think I tried to do that at one point, because I have had similar problems. I don't think phonon exposes this capability, though; at least, I couldn't find it.
doesn't it work w/o pulseaudio? The last thing I'd do is break my system with pulseaudio stuff.
Hi. As far as I know there is no requirement for pulseaudio. KliqTune talks to phonon, so if phonon is working you should have sound. If not, the trouble is elsewhere.
I figured out that sound is not the problem. If I play a CD with it, it works. But.. streaming doesn't work at all. I don't recieve error messages when running it in plasmoidviewer. Using KDE 4.6.
Okay, finally it plays something. Phonon seems to have troubles resolving several URLs. Even the default streams don't work. But well.. now I'm happy. Great plasmoid :)
I can start plasmoid with ~/.kde4/share/apps/plasma/plasmoids/veromix-plasmoid/dbus-service/VeromixServiceMain.py and plasmoidviewer . and it works fine in a window but if i try to add it to the desktop it shows me a box with: Object could not be created... Script initialization failed strange as it works with above commands....
ignore above post please
Nice and convenient! One thing it lacks for me is song name change update (for audio streams). If it will be added, this sure will be the best streaming plasmoid!!! BTW, developer question: did you use phonon? just wondering.
Thanks, glad you like it! In 0.4 the tooltip of the active button will show all the metadata (artist, song, etc). The code is already in place, just teasing out a few bugs before release. I did indeed use phonon, it's quite easy and powerful as I've discovered.
Works very well, but may I suggest to add an optional feature of using icons along with text (or without text)? This could make plasmoid more appealing.
Sounds like fun. I'll look into it.
Icons added in 0.3. Enjoy!
Thanks for implementing icons. Since your plasmoid now shows song information too, in my opinion it surpasses SimpleStream plasmoid in terms of functionality.
Tooltip disappears too soon, can't really read what it says.
I agree, but I haven't figured out how to keep them alive longer. If I do figure it out, I'll definitely change that.
Of course, I say this, and 15 minutes later I have it figured out. I give you KliqTune 0.4.1...
It's very nice, but it is similiar to the SimpleStream plasmoid (also on kde-look).
I hadn't looked at that one. Mostly I wrote this for my own needs, but I'm happy to share.