Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase - User contributions [en]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2008-05-23T06:18:14Z

Kanak: Corrected Typos, and made some additions

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has strange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 fully supports Windows Vista (other than a limitation in Windows Explorer which causes the "Enqueue" command to not work properly with a large number of files). The problem is most probably due to a component, so updating to the latest version might resolve the problem.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party component suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do i install components? ==
Most of the components come in either a zip or a 7z file (use 7-zip or WinRar to extract these). Copy the DLL to the "components" folder in the Foobar2000 directory. NOTE: placing components anywhere within the Foobar2000 directory no longer works (as of 0.9.5.3)- you have to put the files in the "components" folder. However, sub-folders within the "components" folder is still supported.

== How do I upgrade Foobar2000? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" setting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

== Why is dragging and dropping directories / files is behaving erratically? ==
The culprit is most likely an input component (foo_input_matroska is a known offender). Removing the input components and adding them back one-by-one can help you pinpoint the location. Note: Haali has coded a stable Matroska component that doesn't cause this problem.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=58574 Default UI Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
This happens almost exclusively when you use a third party program to update tags (updates made by Foobar2000 itself, are immediately reflected). Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
Recommended Method: Using the official play_count component and latest version of foobar2000
The updated official play_count adds information such as added, last played, first played, rating, and play count to a database (by default) or file tags. Use this component to put the "added" information in your files. Then use Album List/Facets/Media Library Search to create an autoplaylist with the following query: <tt>"%added%" DURING LAST 2 weeks</tt>.

Alternative Method:
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
The official play count component can store tags such as rating, play count, last played, first played, and added in a database. If you need to store some other information in a database, use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. This component doesn't work well with the latest version of foobar2000.

== How do i tag various artist albums (compilations)? ==
Enter the information in the "album artist" tag. Most people use "VA", "Various" or "Various Artists", but you can put anything you want.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use [http://foobar2000.audiohq.de/foo_facets/ Facets] if you're using DefaultUI or the "Filter" UI component that comes with the latest version of Column UI. You can also use [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser] with ColumnUI.

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

== How do i have a Winamp / MediaMonkey style "now playing" playlist? ==
Unlike winamp (and mediamonkey), there is no special "now playing" playlist in foobar; the foobar way of doing things is to play playlists. That said, you can use the playback queue to get a similar functionality. Instead of clicking "play", use the "add to playback queue" command. You can use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t47650-50.html foo_uie_queuemanager] component to display a panel that displays queued songs.

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2008-03-12T07:22:05Z

Kanak: Updated Japanese Users wiki link

{{notitle}}<div style="position: relative; top: -45px; z-index: 100;">
{|cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"|
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-bottom: 0px;" colspan="2"|
<div style="font-size: 24px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 5px; margin: 0px;">[[Image:foobar2000 Logo.png]] the foobar2000 wiki</div>
|-
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-right: 0px;"|
'''foobar2000''' is a freeware audio player, and more. Apart from audio playback, it also supports media libraries, file conversion, CD ripping, and many more powerful features.

<div style="border: 1px solid #CCCCCC; padding: 5px 10px;">
'''The latest stable version is:''' [http://www.foobar2000.org/foobar2000_0.9.5.1.exe v0.9.5.1]

'''The latest beta version is:''' [http://foobar2000.org/beta/foobar2000_0.9.5.1%20beta%202.exe v0.9.5 beta 2]
<br />
</div>

== Features ==
* Powerful open component architecture allowing third-party developers to extend functionality of the player (even user interface is a component)
* Full Unicode support
* [[Replay Gain]] support
* [[Gapless]] playback
* Low memory footprint
* Efficient handling of really large playlists ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=47684&view=findpost&p=424530 HA.org])
* Music library
* Advanced [[tagging]] capabilities. (generic file info box and [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Masstagger_%28foo_masstag%29|masstagger]])
* Customizable keyboard shortcuts
* Streaming Support
* Support for transcoding all supported audio formats using the [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Converter (foo converter)|Converter component]] (requires external commandline encoder executables for different output formats).
* [[Secure_ripping|Secure]] CD ripping
* [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Default_user_interface_%28foo_ui_std%29|Default User Interface]]
** Multiple playlists displayed as tabs
** Highly customizable playlist display using [[Foobar2000:Titleformat_Introduction|Titleformating scripts]]

== Supported Audio Formats ==
Native Support ("out-of-the-box"):
* [[MP1]], [[MP2]], [[MP3]], [[MP4]], [[Musepack]], [[AAC]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[FLAC]] / Ogg FLAC, [[Speex]], [[WavPack]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[AU]], [[SND]], [[CDDA]], [[WMA]].

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[ALAC]], [[MOD]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[AC3]], [[DTS]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]], [[MMS]], [[RSTP]], [[TAK]], etc.

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP, [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/foo_unpack_jma.zip JMA] & [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/foo_unpack_lha.zip LHA] archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

Foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=24&t=6349&hl=wine running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems] by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

== Using foobar2000 ==
* [[foobar2000:components 0.9|foobar2000 0.9.x Components]]
* [[foobar2000:Directories|foobar2000 Directories]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Guides foobar2000 Guides (category)]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Preferences foobar2000 Preferences (category)]
* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]

=== Technical Information ===
* [[Foobar2000:ID3 Tag Mapping|ID3 Tag Mapping]]

=== General Guides ===
''Note'' All '''general''' guides were written for 0.8.3 version and could contain outdated information. For 0.9 version, check out the External Guides below.
* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Intermediate User Guide|Intermediate User Guide]]

=== Specific Guides ===
'''0.9.x'''
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Introduction|Introduction to titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Reference|Titleformat Reference]] - Quick-Reference for fields and functions
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|Masstagger]]
* [[foobar2000:Commandline Guide|Commandline Usage]]
* [[foobar2000:Increasing Performance|Increasing Performance]] - Tips
* [[foobar2000:Autoplaylist|Autoplaylist]] Guide and Cookbook

'''0.8.x'''
The following articles contain outdated information that does not apply to Foobar2000 v0.9:
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz (Simple Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagscript|Tagscript (Script-like Syntax)]]

=== External Guides ===
'''0.9.x'''
* [http://fooblog2000.com/ Fooblog2000] News blog with the latest configuration/component tips and guides.
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/ Bachi-Bouzouk's English/French guide] Complete manual about foobar2000, Replay Gain, the masstagger (with a tutorial) and common plugins. Two rather extensive FAQ for UI columns and overall use. Step by step guide to help new users.
* [http://foobar2000.xrea.jp/ fb2k Wiki Page] for Japanese users.
* [http://foobar2000.audiohq.de/ Frank Bicking's German-language guide].
* [http://www.bobulous.org.uk/misc/Replay-Gain.html Replay Gain] focusing on Foobar2000. (But the other articles on this site contain misleading information)

'''0.8.x'''
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar/ Bachi-Bouzouk's guide]
* [http://www.dizwell.com/prod/node/44 Howard Rogers' Beginners' Configuration Guide]
* [http://shsc.info/foobar2000#titelanker2 SH/SC New user guide]
* [http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/foobar/ TechSpot's "complete guide to Foobar2000"]

==== Scripting Tutorials ====
'''0.9.x'''
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/tutorial.php Bachi-Bouzouk's Scripting Tutorial] Color schemes detailed. Main functions explained, basic and complex code for your columns. Several .fcs explained, detailed FAQ.
* [http://tagz.brother-john.net/ Brother John's Foobar2000 Scripting Tutorial]

== Important Links ==
=== Official Site ===
* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Download]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

=== Community ===
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]
* [http://foobar-users.de/ German Support Forum]
* [http://foobar2000.pl/index.php?act=idx Polish Support Forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.pt.vu Portuguese forum]
* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.ru/forum/ Another Russian-language forum]

=== Appearance ===
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Configuration Distribution Thread] Fast Way To Clone Another's Advanced Configuration {{foobar2000v09}}.
* [[Foobar2000:Preferences:Columns UI/Appearance|Appearance]] Guides to customizing the look of your Foobar2000
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery 0.9]: screenshot thread {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery 0.8]: screenshot thread {{foobar2000v08}}
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31027 Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px;" valign="top"|
{{Software Infobox|
|name = foobar2000
|screenshot = [[Image:Foobar2000v0.9.png|250px]]
|caption = Screenshot of foobar2000 v0.9 using the default user interface
|maintainer = Peter Pawlowski
|stable_release = 0.9.5.1
|preview_release = None
|operating_system = Windows
|use = Media Player
|license = Proprietary, BSD
|website = [http://www.foobar2000.org/ www.foobar2000.org]
}}<br clear="both" />
<div style="margin-left: 17px;">__TOC__</div>
|}

[[Category:foobar2000]]
[[Category:Media Players|foobar2000]]

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2008-02-16T17:29:04Z

Kanak: Added link to beta

{{notitle}}<div style="position: relative; top: -45px; z-index: 100;">
{|cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"|
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-bottom: 0px;" colspan="2"|
<div style="font-size: 24px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 5px; margin: 0px;">[[Image:foobar2000 Logo.png]] the foobar2000 wiki</div>
|-
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-right: 0px;"|
'''foobar2000''' is a freeware audio player, and more. Apart from audio playback, it also supports media libraries, file conversion, CD ripping, and many more powerful features.
<div style="border: 1px solid #CCCCCC; padding: 5px 10px;">
'''The latest stable version is:''' [http://www.foobar2000.org/foobar2000_0.9.5.exe v0.9.5]

'''The latest beta version is:''' [http://foobar2000.org/beta/foobar2000_0.9.5.1%20beta%202.exe v0.9.5 beta 2]
<br />
</div>

== Features ==
* Powerful open component architecture allowing third-party developers to extend functionality of the player (even user interface is a component)
* Full Unicode support
* [[Replay Gain]] support
* [[Gapless]] playback
* Low memory footprint
* Efficient handling of really large playlists ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=47684&view=findpost&p=424530 HA.org])
* Music library
* Advanced [[tagging]] capabilities. (generic file info box and [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Masstagger_%28foo_masstag%29|masstagger]])
* Customizable keyboard shortcuts
* Streaming Support
* Support for transcoding all supported audio formats using the [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Converter (foo converter)|Converter component]] (requires external commandline encoder executables for different output formats).
* [[Secure_ripping|Secure]] CD ripping
* [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Default_user_interface_%28foo_ui_std%29|Default User Interface]]
** Multiple playlists displayed as tabs
** Highly customizable playlist display using [[Foobar2000:Titleformat_Introduction|Titleformating scripts]]

== Supported Audio Formats ==
Native Support ("out-of-the-box"):
* [[MP1]], [[MP2]], [[MP3]], [[MP4]], [[Musepack]], [[AAC]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[FLAC]] / Ogg FLAC, [[Speex]], [[WavPack]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[AU]], [[SND]], [[CDDA]], [[WMA]].

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[ALAC]], [[MOD]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[AC3]], [[DTS]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]], [[MMS]], [[RSTP]], [[TAK]], etc.

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP, [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/foo_unpack_jma.zip JMA] & [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/foo_unpack_lha.zip LHA] archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

Foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=24&t=6349&hl=wine running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems] by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

== Using foobar2000 ==
* [[foobar2000:components 0.9|foobar2000 0.9.x Components]]
* [[foobar2000:Directories|foobar2000 Directories]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Guides foobar2000 Guides (category)]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Preferences foobar2000 Preferences (category)]
* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]

=== Technical Information ===
* [[Foobar2000:ID3 Tag Mapping|ID3 Tag Mapping]]

=== General Guides ===
''Note'' All '''general''' guides were written for 0.8.3 version and could contain outdated information. For 0.9 version, check out the External Guides below.
* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Intermediate User Guide|Intermediate User Guide]]

=== Specific Guides ===
'''0.9.x'''
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Introduction|Introduction to titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Reference|Titleformat Reference]] - Quick-Reference for fields and functions
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|Masstagger]]
* [[foobar2000:Commandline Guide|Commandline Usage]]
* [[foobar2000:Increasing Performance|Increasing Performance]] - Tips
* [[foobar2000:Autoplaylist|Autoplaylist]] Guide and Cookbook

'''0.8.x'''
The following articles contain outdated information that does not apply to Foobar2000 v0.9:
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz (Simple Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagscript|Tagscript (Script-like Syntax)]]

=== External Guides ===
'''0.9.x'''
* [http://fooblog2000.com/ Fooblog2000] News blog with the latest configuration/component tips and guides.
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/ Bachi-Bouzouk's English/French guide] Complete manual about foobar2000, Replay Gain, the masstagger (with a tutorial) and common plugins. Two rather extensive FAQ for UI columns and overall use. Step by step guide to help new users.
* [http://foobar.s53.xrea.com/index.html fb2k Wiki Page] for Japanese users.
* [http://foobar2000.audiohq.de/ Frank Bicking's German-language guide].
* [http://www.bobulous.org.uk/misc/Replay-Gain.html Replay Gain] focusing on Foobar2000. (But the other articles on this site contain misleading information)

'''0.8.x'''
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar/ Bachi-Bouzouk's guide]
* [http://www.dizwell.com/prod/node/44 Howard Rogers' Beginners' Configuration Guide]
* [http://shsc.info/foobar2000#titelanker2 SH/SC New user guide]
* [http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/foobar/ TechSpot's "complete guide to Foobar2000"]

==== Scripting Tutorials ====
'''0.9.x'''
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/tutorial.php Bachi-Bouzouk's Scripting Tutorial] Color schemes detailed. Main functions explained, basic and complex code for your columns. Several .fcs explained, detailed FAQ.
* [http://tagz.brother-john.net/ Brother John's Foobar2000 Scripting Tutorial]

== Important Links ==
=== Official Site ===
* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Download]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

=== Community ===
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]
* [http://foobar-users.de/ German Support Forum]
* [http://foobar2000.pl/index.php?act=idx Polish Support Forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.pt.vu Portuguese forum]
* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.ru/forum/ Another Russian-language forum]

=== Appearance ===
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Configuration Distribution Thread] Fast Way To Clone Another's Advanced Configuration {{foobar2000v09}}.
* [[Foobar2000:Preferences:Columns UI/Appearance|Appearance]] Guides to customizing the look of your Foobar2000
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery 0.9]: screenshot thread {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery 0.8]: screenshot thread {{foobar2000v08}}
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31027 Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px;" valign="top"|
{{Software Infobox|
|name = foobar2000
|screenshot = [[Image:Foobar2000v0.9.png|250px]]
|caption = Screenshot of foobar2000 v0.9 using the default user interface
|maintainer = Peter Pawlowski
|stable_release = 0.9.5
|preview_release = None
|operating_system = Windows
|use = Media Player
|license = Proprietary, BSD
|website = [http://www.foobar2000.org/ www.foobar2000.org]
}}<br clear="both" />
<div style="margin-left: 17px;">__TOC__</div>
|}

[[Category:foobar2000]]
[[Category:Media Players|foobar2000]]

Foobar2000:Components/Timebomb (foo timebomb)

2007-08-24T13:40:10Z

Kanak: New page: =Description= This plugin allows you to allows you to stop playback or exit foobar automatically after a specified time. =Use= After copying the foo_timebomb file into the foobar compone...

=Description=

This plugin allows you to allows you to stop playback or exit foobar automatically after a specified time.

=Use=
After copying the foo_timebomb file into the foobar components directory, restart foobar. To use the plugin, go to Playback -> Stop In. A window should pop up. Enter the number of minutes after which you want foobar to stop/exit. Click "Stop" if you want playback to stop or "Exit" if you want the program to exit.

=Link=
* [http://www.acc.umu.se/~zao/foobar2000/ Author's Website]

Foobar2000:Components/Replaygain Override (foo rg trn)

2007-08-24T13:37:41Z

Kanak: New page: =Description= This plugin allows you to allows you to automatically switch between replaygain modes based on specified criteria. =Use= After copying the foo_rg_trn dll file into the foob...

=Description=

This plugin allows you to allows you to automatically switch between replaygain modes based on specified criteria.

=Use=
After copying the foo_rg_trn dll file into the foobar components directory, restart foobar. Now go to Preferences -> Playback -> Replaygain Override. Select the Replaygain mode you'd like to use for each of the playback modes in foobar.

=Link=
* [http://www.acc.umu.se/~zao/foobar2000/ Author's Website]

Foobar2000:Components

2007-08-24T13:32:14Z

Kanak:

{{fb2k}}
This page contains most Foobar2000 v0.9.x components available at time of [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Components_0.9&action=history last update].

==Interface==
===Column UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)|Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)]] Very popular alternate interface for foobar2000 based on a columns and panel layout.

Columns UI supports plugins with [[#panelcomp|panel]] capability which extend the user interface.

===GFX===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)|GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)]] is a skinnable user interface, which doesn't only focus on looking good but tries to be as fast and "lightweight" as possible, too. It uses lua as scripting language. Two skins are included in the archive.

===Panels UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)|Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)]] gives the ability to manage multiple [[#panelcomp|panels]] through titleformating.

===Standard===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default user interface (foo_ui_std)|Default user interface (foo_ui_std)]]. Included in the standard installation package.

===<span id="panelcomp">Panel type components</span>===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)|Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)]] Panel to display album art.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)|Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)]] Albumart mod to read matroska covers.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)|Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)]] Displays the database in a treeview using customizable sorting methods (by genre, artist, directory, etc.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)|Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)]] Help you remember positions in songs.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Console (foo_uie_console)|Console (foo_uie_console)]] Panel version of console. Displays diagnostic messages. Requires Columns UI 0.1.3 beta 1 or newer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)|Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)]] It allows you to create windows that host columns ui panels as floating windows that can be attached to the side of the main foobar2000 window or each other.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)|Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)]] Similar to the default spectrum analyser.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)|Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)]] Displays a treeview of selected disks/folders.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)|Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)]] Display lyrics stored in file tags.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Music Browser (foo_browser)|Music Browser (foo_browser)]] Panels for Browsing Library, Similar to iTunes.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)|Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)]] Displays the playlist in a dropdown menu.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)|Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)]] Tree based media library with many available customizations.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)|Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)]] Search toolbar that sends results to a playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Single Column Playlist (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)|Single Column Playlist Viewer (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)]] Displays the playlist in a single column with "headers". Useful for creating a narrower and smaller layout.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)|Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)]] Tabs allows you to break Pauli's Exclusion principle by placing multiple panels in the same position at the same time.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)|Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)]] Uses TAGZ to display information about a selected track.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)|Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)]] Improved Track Info panel with the ability to use multiple fonts in the same panel. Also has the ability to display images.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)|<span id="wmpvis">WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)</span>]] Uses the visualizations from WMP.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)|WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)]] Windows script host panel.

==DSP==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)|4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)]] Effects for headphone users.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)|ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)]] Reproduces surround sound information present in many stereo audio material and more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)|BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)]] Improves headphone listening of regular hi-fi stereo records.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)|Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)]] Voice cut filter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)|Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)]] Up/down mix to/from 1-6 channels.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Convolve (foo_convolve)|Convolve (foo_convolve)]] Takes impulse response and does a fast convolution of the sound data with that impulse response.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)|Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)]] Allows crossfading between tracks.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)|Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)]] Filters the music to help reduce fatigue caused by listening to music with headphones.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)|Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)]] Dolby Headphone engine DLL.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)|Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)]] Dolby Pro Logic II engine DLL (dll not included).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)|Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)]] Downmix [[AC3]], [[DTS]], etc. to stereo.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)|FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)]] It takes Dolby Surround / Pro Logic I/II encoded stereo music and decodes it into 5.1 sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)|Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)]] Skip silence at begin/end of tracks.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)|LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)]] Noise sharpening filter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)|OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)]] Audio enhancement. SHAREWARE.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)|Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)]] Inserts a configurable amount of silence after each track to help external devices like MiniDisc players to sync track changes.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)|Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)]] Mega Nerd's Secret Rabbit Code sample rate converter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)|Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)]] Detect and skip silence.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)|Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)]] Ajust pitch, tempo and rate.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)|SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)]] Sample rate converter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)|Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)]] Take stereo audio and convolve each channel with two impulse responses.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)|Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)]] WYSIWYG Surround panning.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)|Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)]] Emulate tube sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)|VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)]] Dynamic compressor which amplifies the quiet parts of music.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)|VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)]] Adds support to Virtual Studio Technology audio interface.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)|Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)]] Allows the use of Winamp DSPs.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XOver (foo_dsp_xover)|XOver (foo_dsp_xover)]] Implements this digital crossover to achieve active multi-amplification.

==Input==
===Music codecs===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)|AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)]] Decodes Dolby Digital lossy audio compression technologies format ([[AC3]]).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)|AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)]] Needed for [[AC3]] in [[Matroska]].
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)|Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)]] Alternative [[WMA]] decoder with tagging support.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)|ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)]] Apple Lossless ([[ALAC]]) decoder (has known stability issues: random crashes during decoding).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DTS Decoder (foo_dts)|DTS Decoder (foo_dts)]] Decodes Digital Theater Systems ([[DTS]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)|Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)]] Decodes [[Matroska]] audio container format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)|MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)|Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)]] Adds decoding support for Monkey's Audio files (.[[APE]]) as well as APE Link files (.[[APL]]).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)|OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)]] Decodes both the Lossless ([[OptimFROG|OFR]]) and DualStream (OFS) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)|Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)]] Decodes Shorten ([[SHN]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)|SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)]] SPDIF passthrough for [[AC3]] and [[DTS]] files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)|TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)]] Decodes True Audio ([[TTA]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)|WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)]].

===Other codecs===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)|ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)]] Plays GameCube ADPCM audio data and some. (DSP, ADP, GCM, HPS, STM, AST, etc.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)|Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)]] [http://asap.sourceforge.net/ ASAP] is a player/converter of Atari 8-bit music for modern computers. It provides high-quality, identical to the popular Atari800 emulator, emulation of the POKEY sound chip and the 6502 processor.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)|DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)]] Plays your favorite module files, and then some. (MOD, S3M, XM, IT, 669, PTM, PSM, MTM, UMX)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)|Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)]] Plays Westwood's audio (AUD), Sierra's sounds (SFX/AUD), Core design's cd audio (cdaudio.WAD), Funcom's music (ISS), Rome Total War's IDX (.IDX/DAT), Timegate's format (RWD), EA's Pathfinder audio (MUS) and Ben Gerard's music (SC68).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Emu Player (foo_gep)|Game Emu Player (foo_gep)]] Plays several emulation formats. (GBS, NSF, SPC, GYM, HES, VGM)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)|Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)]] Plays compressed Edlib (.d00, .d01) files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)|Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)]] Plays audio files found on the original Lunar: Eternal Blue CD (RP*.PCM).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/M1 Decoder (foo_m1)|M1 Decoder (foo_m1)]] Plays arcade/pinball game sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)|MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)]] MDX is a MIDI-like format that is designed to be played using the X68000's FM synthesizer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)|NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)]] NSF file is a sound data file containing instructions for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) sound hardware.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/PSF Decoder (foo_psf)|PSF Decoder (foo_psf)]] Plays PlayStation Sound Format (PSF) files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Reverse (foo_input_reverse)|Reverse (foo_input_reverse)]] Play music in reverse.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SID Player 2 (foo_sid)|SID Player 2 (foo_sid)]] Sound chip of Commodore's CBM-II, Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)|S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)]] Sound format for the NEC PC-98 microcomputer.

==Output==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)|ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)]] Adds ASIO output support.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)|Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)]] Allows bit-exact playback bypassing Windows kernel mixer.

==Visualisation==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Peakmeter (foo uie peakmeter)|Peakmeter for Columns UI (foo_uie_peakmeter)]] Displays the level for each channel in dB.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
# [[#wmpvis|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP. ''Panel version only''.

==Other==
===General===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Alarm (foo_alarm)|Alarm (foo_alarm)]] Starts playback at the specified period of time.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)|Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)]] Performs binary comparison between two or more tracks and reports differences.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)|Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)]] Channel Usage Visualisation.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Common Services (foo_common)|Common Services (foo_common)]] Common services.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)|Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Converter (foo converter)|Converter (foo converter)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cwbowron's Title formating (foo_cwb_hooks)|Cwbowron's Title Format Hooks (foo_cwb_hooks)]] Adds various global titleformat functions/variables, tagger window, new file tagger, and more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)|Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)]] Measures decoding speed of audio files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)|EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)]] Allow to save current playlist in the EXTM3U format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)|Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)]] Watches for added or removed features.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)|File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)]] Checks specified media files for decoding errors.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)|HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)]] Provides 19 media macros.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/iPod Manager (foo_dop)|iPod Manager (foo_dop)]] Experimental iPod plugin for foobar2000 0.9.2+, currently in alpha version.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)|Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)]] Control the LCD panel on a Logitech G15 keyboard.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)|Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)]] Adds a few shortcuts in menu.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause On Lock (foo_lock)|Pause On Lock (foo_lock)]] Pauses/unpauses foobar2000 on workstation lock/unlock.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)|Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)]] Pause playing on workstation lock. Optimized for use with Windows XP/2003.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)|Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Preview (foo_preview)|Preview (foo_preview)]] Play only part of each track in the playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Replaygain Override (foo_rg_trn)|Replaygain Override (foo_rg_trn)]] Allows you to automatically switch between replaygain modes based on specified criteria (e.g. use track based RG for shuffle mode, etc.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run (foo_run)|Run (foo_run)]] Able you to run a external program with the foobar syntax.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run Commands (foo_runcmd)|Run Commands (foo_runcmd)]] Search and execute menu commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Scheduler (foo_scheduler)|Scheduler (foo_scheduler)]] Plugin for scheduling actions like play, stop, system shutdown/wake up and many more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)|Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)]] Add "Send to Device" feature.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)|Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)]] Shell link resolver.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)|Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)]] Hides Foobar2000 from the taskbar, even when the window is normally visible.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Timebomb (foo_timebomb)|Timebomb (foo_timebomb)]] Stop playback / exit program after a specified time.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)|Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)|Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)|Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)]] Designed to create a fake Winamp 1.x window which will act as a wrapper between applications written to use the Winamp API and foobar2000.

===Lyrics===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)|Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)]] Search for lyrics and displays it in external window.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)|LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)]] Search lyrics basing on song's artist title and sometimes album.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)|Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)]] Lyrics viewer for synchronizing and displaying lyrics of the currently playing song.

===Notifier===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)|AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)]] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)|Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)]] Sends configurable information about the current playing song to Miranda-IM and shows popup windows with this info.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)|MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)]] Set currently playing song's album art as avatar.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)|MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)]] Show the current song as "Now Playing" in MSN and MS Live messenger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display (foo_osd)|On-Screen Display (foo_osd)]] On screen display of track information and volume bar.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)|On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)]] Same as foo_osd but uses GDI+ for osd drawing.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)|Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)]] Display a moderately sized popup of song information when a new song plays.

===Online database===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)|Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)]] Audioscrobbler will send the name of every song you play on your computer to Last.fm. This effortlessly populates your profile to play radio you like and make personalized recommendations.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)|Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)]] Sends track information to the [http://www.foosic.org/ foosic online database]. You can currently view your top artist, album and track statistics with foosic. Now support FooID fingerprints.

===Online radio===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSLive (foo_input_mslive)|MSLive (foo_input_mslive)]] Support for [[MMS]] and [[RSTP]] broadcast radio protocols.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)|XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)]] Allow you to listen to XM Radio channels over the Internet by using XM Radio Online.

===Playlist tools===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)|Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)]] Generate a playlist from an artist's Last.fm chart. It also allows you to sort a selection in the playlist by the artist's charts.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)|Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)]] CD burning support (requires Nero to be installed on your system.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)|Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)]] Presents a Media Library query in a dynamically-generated playlist (under development).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bin Pack (foo_binpack)|Bin Pack (foo_binpack)]] Creates playlists from a list with a maximum length.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)|Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)]] Add /playlist-activate:"Name" to the foobar command line to activate the named playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)|Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)]] Cuesheet creator.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Database Search (foo_dbsearch)|Database Search (foo_dbsearch)]] Database search.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)|Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)]] Allows you to play your video clips from foobar playlist with default external player.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)|Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)]] Highlights actual now playing item even when the playlist has been broken.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/History (foo_history)|History (foo_history)]] Very basic song history.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)|Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)]] Skips tracks that are marked via a tag as inactive.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MeowDB (foo_meowdb)|MeowDB (foo_meowdb)]] Takes the Media Library and outputs the results to a form and uploads it to your server using the cURL library.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Navigator (foo_navigator)|Navigator (foo_navigator)]] Advanced history component.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)|Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)]] Simple now playing plugin to output formatted string to plain text file.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)|Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)]] ''(Obsolete)'' Keeps track of the amount of times, the last time, and the first time a track has been played.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)|Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)]] Unofficial playcount modded to supress the update tag popups.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)|Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)]] Playback queue viewer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics (foo playcount)|Playback Statistics (foo playcount)]] Collects playback statistics for your Media Library content.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)|Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)]] Stores playback statistics in tags like foo_playcount_mod, with claimed faster response, and uses foo_custominfo db if file is unavailable for writing.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)|Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)]] Stores playback statistics in foo_custominfo database, rather than tags or foobar2000.cfg. This component has now been integrated into foo_playback_custom. Please use that component instead.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)|Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)]] Synchronize playlist with contents of specific directory.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)|Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)]] All playlists are cleared at startup.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)|Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)]] Playlist manager.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)|Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)]] Appends automatically playlist info ("items / length") to all playlist names.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools (foo_utils)|Playlist Tools (foo_utils)]] Provides various general commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)|Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)]] Provides various general commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue. ''Non-ColumnUI obsolete version, try panel version instead.''
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)|Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)]] Randomized playlist entry.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Rating (foo_rating)|Rating (foo_rating)]] Display an icon in the systray with a tooltip popup from which you can choose a rating between 1 and 5 for the currently playing file.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)|Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)]] It removes tracks from the playlist once they've been played.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)|Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)]] Displays a context menu that lets you quickly find songs based on their album title or artists name.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Position (foo_trackpos)|Track Position (foo_trackpos)]] Provides a new context menu item "place after current playing", that allows you to place any tracks after the current playing one in the playing playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XSPF (foo_xspf)|XSPF (foo_xspf)]] Adds XSPF support. XSPF is an open, XML based playlist format.

===Remote control===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)|Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)]] Control all the playback functions from icons in the Taskbar Notification Area (play, pause, next, previous, open)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)|Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)]] Control your favourite music player using your favourite Symbian-based bluetooth enabled phone.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)|COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)]] Allows controlling foobar2000 through COM Automation
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Control Server (foo_controlserver)|Control Server (foo_controlserver)]] Acts as a server to control Foobar2000. Connect with a telnet client and control it using ASCII commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)|DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)]] Control foobar remotelly with DDE interprocess communication (interface in japanese only).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Server(foo_httpserver)|HTTP Server(foo_httpserver)]] Foobar HTTP Server Remote Control.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)|HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)]] It's TCP/IP server that listens on a specified port for incoming requests such as play, stop, etc.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)|Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)]] Control foobar2000 from a joystick/gamepad.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)|Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)]] Control Foobar2k from your PDA (PocketPC based).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)|Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)]] Adds support to Melloware Intelliremote software which claims to work with Creative remote control (Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, Extigy, Audigy ZS and Soundblaster X-Fi.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)|RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)]] Adds support of Creative X-Fi's remote (RM-1800).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)|RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)]] Yet another plugin for remote control. SHAREWARE.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)|Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)]] Create a personal title bar that shows the currently playing song on the top of the screen all the time. It supports custom-made skins.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)|WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)]] Control Foobar from a remote control.

===Tagging===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Custom Info (foo_custominfo)|Custom Info (foo_custominfo)]] Allows you to set info fields for files without modifying them.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Discogs (foo_discogs)|Discogs (foo_discogs)]] Retrieve info and album art from Discogs.com database.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)|Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)]] Freedb.org tagger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)|Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)]] This plugin fix freedb2 problem - some native characters are broken. This masstagger addon can recovery its. ''Note: russian characters supported only.''
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)|Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)]] Live show tagger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger (foo_masstag)|Masstagger (foo_masstag)]] Comes with official installer
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)|Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)]] Some addons for masstagger, including code page conversion and chinese conversion.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)|Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)]] A replacement of the built-in file info box.

==Links==
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=42730&st=0 List of components] from earlier versions not yet ported to 0.9.x.

* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000 Go back to Main Page]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-25T06:41:31Z

Kanak: /* FAQ */

=Introduction=
This component stores playback statistics (play count, first played date, last played date) in a tag like foo_playcount_mod, but has a faster response time. If the component is unable to write a tag, you can have it write the information into the custom_info database (this requires you to have foo_custominfo installed).

=Features=
* Writes playback statistics (play_counter, first_played, last_played) in tags
* Allows you to select which information to be written
* Allows you to select the tags where the information is to be stored: only in the tag, only in the custominfo database or in custominfo database only if tag cannot be written.
* Allows you to select when the information is updated (when the song starts playing, when it has finished etc).
* Allows you to convert from old standards and the official playback statistics format to new standards (e.g. Play_Time, Play_date, Last Played Timestamp, First Played Timestamp, Play Count etc. to Play_Counter, Last_Played, and First_Played)

=Default Settings=
Note: All of the following can be changed
* Default tag name for play count: %play_counter%
* Default tag name for first played: %first_played%
* Default tag name for last played: %last_played%
* format of first played and last played is: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
* Update playback statistics: when song has been played for 60 seconds

=Installation=
Copy the foo_playback_custom to foobar2000's components directory. Restart foobar.

=Settings=
#. Run foobar2000
#. Check to see that foo_playback_custom is installed by going to Preferences -> Components. Also, check to see if you are using the latest version
#. Go to Preferences -> Tools -> Playback Statistics Custom

==Playback Statistics Update Timing==
This option allow you to change when the plugin updates information:
* Disable (Do not update)
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is started
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is ended
(self explanatory)
* Update when playback percentage is
You can select a value between 1% and 99%
* Update counter when playback second(s) is:
You can set any value greater than 1 second

==Playback statistics settings==
* Use the dropdown menu to select where you would like to store the information:
** 'only tag': this option will write the information into the song's tag.
** 'only foo_custominfo database': this option will write the information into the foo_custominfo database. You need the foo_custominfo component to be installed.
** 'tag and foo_custominfo...': this option will write the information to the song's tag whenever possible, if it is unable to do so (e.g. format does not support tagging -> wav), then the information will be stored in foo_custominfo.

Which option should i choose? Writing tags in information means that the information will always be present regardless of whether you rename or move the file. However, when you back up your collection even a single change in tag will register as a file change and will result in the backup program copying the entire file again. if you play lots of music, you could easily be forced to copy a lot of (otherwise unchanged) music needlessly. Also, writing the tag will change the file's MD5 signature, which will wreak havoc if you're using MD5 to verify your files. Foo_custominfo database option avoids the need to write the tags in the file, so you don't have the backup or the MD5 problem. However, foo_custominfo information is lost when you rename/move the file, and the options aren't acccessible through masstagger/properties window. The third option is a compromise between the two, however requires the foo_custominfo component to be installed. So it's not justified for people who don't use wav/wma files very often..

* Use the checkboxes to select which tags you want to write
* If you want to use a different tag to store the information (e.g. Play_Count instead of Play_counter), type Play_count in the box next to the tag and press the apply button.
* If you want to remove older tag standards as they are encountered, check the "convert old tag and remove" option. If you used to use the offfical playback statistics component, leave the tag names unchanged. Otherwise, replace as necessary

==Other Settings==
* Only Tracks in media library update playback statistics
If selected, no information will be written to songs that are not in the media library

* Store playback statistics with foo_custominfo database...
If selected, the component will write information to custominfo database if it fails to write a tag. NOTE: foo_custominfo has to be installed.

=FAQ=
'''Q.''' I get a popup window when playback statistics is being updated. Is this normal?

'''A.''' Normally, the window shouldn't appear while using the component. it only appears when I/O processing time while writing the tag is long. The track might also stop playing.

Cause:
* While playing losssless files (e.g. Flac, APE, Wavpack, TAK) which are highly compressed, IO processing time can be long
* Another component is trying to update the file information at the same time
* Your Hard drive is slow/ fragmented

Solution:
* Use a lower compressed lossless file
* Try changing the update time setting. (Usually components like foosic and audioscrobbler update at around 1 min.)
* Defrag your hard drive

If none of the above works, make the plugin write the information to the custominfo database.

'''Q.''' How do i convert the tag standards in ALL my files at once form the last_played_timestamp (etc.) format to the new standard?

'''A.''' The plugin is capable of cleaning the old information as they are encountered, however it might be more prudent to convert the old information to the newer standard in one go (for autoplaylists, columns display etc).

The main difference between the standards used by the official plugin and these unofficial ones are:
* ''Play_count'' in the official plugin vs ''Play_counter'' in the unofficial plugin

To convert from play_count to play_counter is pretty straightforward. Make an autoplaylist with all the files which have the "play_count" tag (by using <tt>NOT play_count MISSING</tt> in the Query). Select all files, right click them, go to <tt> Tagging -> Manage Scripts </tt>. Click <tt>Add</tt>, and choose <tt>Copy Value</tt>. Under Source put <tt>play_count</tt>, under Destination put <tt>play_counter</tt> and click OK. Again click <tt>Add</tt> and select <tt>Delete values</tt>. Put <tt>play_count</tt> and click OK. Run this script. Now all your play_count information is in play_counter field.

* ''Last_played_timestamp'' and ''First_played_timestamp'' (which are in the Win32Filetime format, and linked to last_played and first_played) vs ''Last_played'' and ''first_played'' (which are in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format)
Note: the official playback plugin is still installed for this to work

This is slightly trickier because of the different standards used. One method to overcome this hurdle is to use Text Tools which is a part of foo_utils. Go to the Text Tools preferences and delete the entries in header, body and footer. Under body enter: <tt> %last_played%. %first_played%$crlf()</tt>. Now create a playlist of all the files that contain both first_played_timestamp and last_played_timestamp (use <tt>NOT first_played_timestamp MISSING AND NOT last_played_timestamp MISSING</tt> as the query). Select about 550 files in the autoplaylist, right click them <tt> Text Tools -> Copy Text</tt>. Now open Masstagger (do not unselect the files). Click <tt> Add</tt>, choose <tt>Input data (one line per track)</tt> and paste the contents into the resulting window (press Ctrl-V or right click paste). Under Scheme, use <tt>%last_played%. %first_played%</tt>. Click OK. and run the script. Repeat these steps for remaining files. NOTE: 550 files is due to the limitations of the masstagger window. If you try to paste more information, the contents will be truncated.

=Link=
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 Discussion thread]
* [http://kitahei.cocolog-nifty.com/youyou/2007/04/foo_custominfo__6ab8.html Download Site]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-25T06:39:15Z

Kanak: /* Playback statistics settings */

=Introduction=
This component stores playback statistics (play count, first played date, last played date) in a tag like foo_playcount_mod, but has a faster response time. If the component is unable to write a tag, you can have it write the information into the custom_info database (this requires you to have foo_custominfo installed).

=Features=
* Writes playback statistics (play_counter, first_played, last_played) in tags
* Allows you to select which information to be written
* Allows you to select the tags where the information is to be stored: only in the tag, only in the custominfo database or in custominfo database only if tag cannot be written.
* Allows you to select when the information is updated (when the song starts playing, when it has finished etc).
* Allows you to convert from old standards and the official playback statistics format to new standards (e.g. Play_Time, Play_date, Last Played Timestamp, First Played Timestamp, Play Count etc. to Play_Counter, Last_Played, and First_Played)

=Default Settings=
Note: All of the following can be changed
* Default tag name for play count: %play_counter%
* Default tag name for first played: %first_played%
* Default tag name for last played: %last_played%
* format of first played and last played is: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
* Update playback statistics: when song has been played for 60 seconds

=Installation=
Copy the foo_playback_custom to foobar2000's components directory. Restart foobar.

=Settings=
#. Run foobar2000
#. Check to see that foo_playback_custom is installed by going to Preferences -> Components. Also, check to see if you are using the latest version
#. Go to Preferences -> Tools -> Playback Statistics Custom

==Playback Statistics Update Timing==
This option allow you to change when the plugin updates information:
* Disable (Do not update)
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is started
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is ended
(self explanatory)
* Update when playback percentage is
You can select a value between 1% and 99%
* Update counter when playback second(s) is:
You can set any value greater than 1 second

==Playback statistics settings==
* Use the dropdown menu to select where you would like to store the information:
** 'only tag': this option will write the information into the song's tag.
** 'only foo_custominfo database': this option will write the information into the foo_custominfo database. You need the foo_custominfo component to be installed.
** 'tag and foo_custominfo...': this option will write the information to the song's tag whenever possible, if it is unable to do so (e.g. format does not support tagging -> wav), then the information will be stored in foo_custominfo.

Which option should i choose? Writing tags in information means that the information will always be present regardless of whether you rename or move the file. However, when you back up your collection even a single change in tag will register as a file change and will result in the backup program copying the entire file again. if you play lots of music, you could easily be forced to copy a lot of (otherwise unchanged) music needlessly. Also, writing the tag will change the file's MD5 signature, which will wreak havoc if you're using MD5 to verify your files. Foo_custominfo database option avoids the need to write the tags in the file, so you don't have the backup or the MD5 problem. However, foo_custominfo information is lost when you rename/move the file, and the options aren't acccessible through masstagger/properties window. The third option is a compromise between the two, however requires the foo_custominfo component to be installed. So it's not justified for people who don't use wav/wma files very often..

* Use the checkboxes to select which tags you want to write
* If you want to use a different tag to store the information (e.g. Play_Count instead of Play_counter), type Play_count in the box next to the tag and press the apply button.
* If you want to remove older tag standards as they are encountered, check the "convert old tag and remove" option. If you used to use the offfical playback statistics component, leave the tag names unchanged. Otherwise, replace as necessary

==Other Settings==
* Only Tracks in media library update playback statistics
If selected, no information will be written to songs that are not in the media library

* Store playback statistics with foo_custominfo database...
If selected, the component will write information to custominfo database if it fails to write a tag. NOTE: foo_custominfo has to be installed.

=FAQ=
'''Q.''' I get a popup window when playback statistics is being updated. Is this normal?

'''A.''' Normally, the window shouldn't appear while using the component. it only appears when I/O processing time while writing the tag is long. The track might also stop playing.

Cause:
* While playing losssless files (e.g. Flac, APE, Wavpack, TAK) which are highly compressed, IO processing time can be long
* Another component is trying to update the file information at the same time
* Your Hard drive is slow/ fragmented

Solution:
* Use a lower compressed lossless file
* Try changing the update time setting. (Usually components like foosic and audioscrobbler update at around 1 min.)
* Defrag your hard drive

If none of the above works, make the plugin write the information to the custominfo database.

'''Q.''' I used the official playback statistics component (foo_playcount). How do i change my tags to the foo_playback_custom/foo_playcounter_mod standard?

'''A.''' The playcounter_mod plugin has option to cleanup the old information from files that are being played, but if you want to do it in bulk (i.e. if you have a LOT of songs that you wish to change the information for) do the following.

The main difference between the standards used by the official plugin and these unofficial ones are:
* ''Play_count'' in the official plugin vs ''Play_counter'' in the unofficial plugin

To convert from play_count to play_counter is pretty straightforward. Make an autoplaylist with all the files which have the "play_count" tag (by using <tt>NOT play_count MISSING</tt> in the Query). Select all files, right click them, go to <tt> Tagging -> Manage Scripts </tt>. Click <tt>Add</tt>, and choose <tt>Copy Value</tt>. Under Source put <tt>play_count</tt>, under Destination put <tt>play_counter</tt> and click OK. Again click <tt>Add</tt> and select <tt>Delete values</tt>. Put <tt>play_count</tt> and click OK. Run this script. Now all your play_count information is in play_counter field.

* ''Last_played_timestamp'' and ''First_played_timestamp'' (which are in the Win32Filetime format, and linked to last_played and first_played) vs ''Last_played'' and ''first_played'' (which are in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format)
Note: the official playback plugin is still installed for this to work

This is slightly trickier because of the different standards used. One method to overcome this hurdle is to use Text Tools which is a part of foo_utils. Go to the Text Tools preferences and delete the entries in header, body and footer. Under body enter: <tt> %last_played%. %first_played%$crlf()</tt>. Now create a playlist of all the files that contain both first_played_timestamp and last_played_timestamp (use <tt>NOT first_played_timestamp MISSING AND NOT last_played_timestamp MISSING</tt> as the query). Select about 550 files in the autoplaylist, right click them <tt> Text Tools -> Copy Text</tt>. Now open Masstagger (do not unselect the files). Click <tt> Add</tt>, choose <tt>Input data (one line per track)</tt> and paste the contents into the resulting window (press Ctrl-V or right click paste). Under Scheme, use <tt>%last_played%. %first_played%</tt>. Click OK. and run the script. Repeat these steps for remaining files. NOTE: 550 files is due to the limitations of the masstagger window. If you try to paste more information, the contents will be truncated.

=Link=
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 Discussion thread]
* [http://kitahei.cocolog-nifty.com/youyou/2007/04/foo_custominfo__6ab8.html Download Site]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-25T06:36:22Z

Kanak: /* Features */

=Introduction=
This component stores playback statistics (play count, first played date, last played date) in a tag like foo_playcount_mod, but has a faster response time. If the component is unable to write a tag, you can have it write the information into the custom_info database (this requires you to have foo_custominfo installed).

=Features=
* Writes playback statistics (play_counter, first_played, last_played) in tags
* Allows you to select which information to be written
* Allows you to select the tags where the information is to be stored: only in the tag, only in the custominfo database or in custominfo database only if tag cannot be written.
* Allows you to select when the information is updated (when the song starts playing, when it has finished etc).
* Allows you to convert from old standards and the official playback statistics format to new standards (e.g. Play_Time, Play_date, Last Played Timestamp, First Played Timestamp, Play Count etc. to Play_Counter, Last_Played, and First_Played)

=Default Settings=
Note: All of the following can be changed
* Default tag name for play count: %play_counter%
* Default tag name for first played: %first_played%
* Default tag name for last played: %last_played%
* format of first played and last played is: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
* Update playback statistics: when song has been played for 60 seconds

=Installation=
Copy the foo_playback_custom to foobar2000's components directory. Restart foobar.

=Settings=
#. Run foobar2000
#. Check to see that foo_playback_custom is installed by going to Preferences -> Components. Also, check to see if you are using the latest version
#. Go to Preferences -> Tools -> Playback Statistics Custom

==Playback Statistics Update Timing==
This option allow you to change when the plugin updates information:
* Disable (Do not update)
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is started
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is ended
(self explanatory)
* Update when playback percentage is
You can select a value between 1% and 99%
* Update counter when playback second(s) is:
You can set any value greater than 1 second

==Playback statistics settings==
* Use the dropdown menu to select where you would like to store the information:
** 'only tag': this option will write the information into the song's tag.
** 'only foo_custominfo database': this option will write the information into the foo_custominfo database. You need the foo_custominfo component to be installed.
** 'tag and foo_custominfo...': this option will write the information to the song's tag whenever possible, if it is unable to do so (e.g. format does not support tagging -> wav), then the information will be stored in foo_custominfo.

Which option should i choose? Writing tags in information means that the information will always be present regardless of whether you rename or move the file. However, when you back up your collection even a single change in tag will register as a file change and will result in the backup program copying the entire file again. if you play lots of music, you could easily be forced to copy a lot of (otherwise unchanged) music needlessly. Also, writing the tag will change the file's MD5 signature, which will wreak havoc if you're using MD5 to verify your files. Foo_custominfo database option avoids the need to write the tags in the file, so you don't have the backup or the MD5 problem. However, foo_custominfo information is lost when you rename/move the file, and the options aren't acccessible through masstagger/properties window. The third option is a compromise between the two, however requires the foo_custominfo component to be installed. So it's not justified for people who don't use wav/wma files very often..

* Use the checkboxes to select which tags you want to write
* If you want to use a different tag to store the information (e.g. Play_Count instead of Play_counter), type Play_count in the box next to the tag and press the apply button.

==Other Settings==
* Only Tracks in media library update playback statistics
If selected, no information will be written to songs that are not in the media library

* Store playback statistics with foo_custominfo database...
If selected, the component will write information to custominfo database if it fails to write a tag. NOTE: foo_custominfo has to be installed.

=FAQ=
'''Q.''' I get a popup window when playback statistics is being updated. Is this normal?

'''A.''' Normally, the window shouldn't appear while using the component. it only appears when I/O processing time while writing the tag is long. The track might also stop playing.

Cause:
* While playing losssless files (e.g. Flac, APE, Wavpack, TAK) which are highly compressed, IO processing time can be long
* Another component is trying to update the file information at the same time
* Your Hard drive is slow/ fragmented

Solution:
* Use a lower compressed lossless file
* Try changing the update time setting. (Usually components like foosic and audioscrobbler update at around 1 min.)
* Defrag your hard drive

If none of the above works, make the plugin write the information to the custominfo database.

'''Q.''' I used the official playback statistics component (foo_playcount). How do i change my tags to the foo_playback_custom/foo_playcounter_mod standard?

'''A.''' The playcounter_mod plugin has option to cleanup the old information from files that are being played, but if you want to do it in bulk (i.e. if you have a LOT of songs that you wish to change the information for) do the following.

The main difference between the standards used by the official plugin and these unofficial ones are:
* ''Play_count'' in the official plugin vs ''Play_counter'' in the unofficial plugin

To convert from play_count to play_counter is pretty straightforward. Make an autoplaylist with all the files which have the "play_count" tag (by using <tt>NOT play_count MISSING</tt> in the Query). Select all files, right click them, go to <tt> Tagging -> Manage Scripts </tt>. Click <tt>Add</tt>, and choose <tt>Copy Value</tt>. Under Source put <tt>play_count</tt>, under Destination put <tt>play_counter</tt> and click OK. Again click <tt>Add</tt> and select <tt>Delete values</tt>. Put <tt>play_count</tt> and click OK. Run this script. Now all your play_count information is in play_counter field.

* ''Last_played_timestamp'' and ''First_played_timestamp'' (which are in the Win32Filetime format, and linked to last_played and first_played) vs ''Last_played'' and ''first_played'' (which are in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format)
Note: the official playback plugin is still installed for this to work

This is slightly trickier because of the different standards used. One method to overcome this hurdle is to use Text Tools which is a part of foo_utils. Go to the Text Tools preferences and delete the entries in header, body and footer. Under body enter: <tt> %last_played%. %first_played%$crlf()</tt>. Now create a playlist of all the files that contain both first_played_timestamp and last_played_timestamp (use <tt>NOT first_played_timestamp MISSING AND NOT last_played_timestamp MISSING</tt> as the query). Select about 550 files in the autoplaylist, right click them <tt> Text Tools -> Copy Text</tt>. Now open Masstagger (do not unselect the files). Click <tt> Add</tt>, choose <tt>Input data (one line per track)</tt> and paste the contents into the resulting window (press Ctrl-V or right click paste). Under Scheme, use <tt>%last_played%. %first_played%</tt>. Click OK. and run the script. Repeat these steps for remaining files. NOTE: 550 files is due to the limitations of the masstagger window. If you try to paste more information, the contents will be truncated.

=Link=
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 Discussion thread]
* [http://kitahei.cocolog-nifty.com/youyou/2007/04/foo_custominfo__6ab8.html Download Site]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-23T19:22:32Z

Kanak: /* FAQ */

=Introduction=
This component stores playback statistics (play count, first played date, last played date) in a tag like foo_playcount_mod, but has a faster response time. If the component is unable to write a tag, you can have it write the information into the custom_info database (this requires you to have foo_custominfo installed).

=Features=
* Writes playback statistics (play_counter, first_played, last_played) in tags
* Allows you to select which information to be written
* Allows you to select the tags where the information is to be stored: only in the tag, only in the custominfo database or in custominfo database only if tag cannot be written.
* Allows you to select when the information is updated (when the song starts playing, when it has finished etc).

=Default Settings=
Note: All of the following can be changed
* Default tag name for play count: %play_counter%
* Default tag name for first played: %first_played%
* Default tag name for last played: %last_played%
* format of first played and last played is: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS
* Update playback statistics: when song has been played for 60 seconds

=Installation=
Copy the foo_playback_custom to foobar2000's components directory. Restart foobar.

=Settings=
#. Run foobar2000
#. Check to see that foo_playback_custom is installed by going to Preferences -> Components. Also, check to see if you are using the latest version
#. Go to Preferences -> Tools -> Playback Statistics Custom

==Playback Statistics Update Timing==
This option allow you to change when the plugin updates information:
* Disable (Do not update)
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is started
(self explanatory)
* Update when a track is ended
(self explanatory)
* Update when playback percentage is
You can select a value between 1% and 99%
* Update counter when playback second(s) is:
You can set any value greater than 1 second

==Playback statistics settings==
* Use the dropdown menu to select where you would like to store the information:
** 'only tag': this option will write the information into the song's tag.
** 'only foo_custominfo database': this option will write the information into the foo_custominfo database. You need the foo_custominfo component to be installed.
** 'tag and foo_custominfo...': this option will write the information to the song's tag whenever possible, if it is unable to do so (e.g. format does not support tagging -> wav), then the information will be stored in foo_custominfo.

Which option should i choose? Writing tags in information means that the information will always be present regardless of whether you rename or move the file. However, when you back up your collection even a single change in tag will register as a file change and will result in the backup program copying the entire file again. if you play lots of music, you could easily be forced to copy a lot of (otherwise unchanged) music needlessly. Also, writing the tag will change the file's MD5 signature, which will wreak havoc if you're using MD5 to verify your files. Foo_custominfo database option avoids the need to write the tags in the file, so you don't have the backup or the MD5 problem. However, foo_custominfo information is lost when you rename/move the file, and the options aren't acccessible through masstagger/properties window. The third option is a compromise between the two, however requires the foo_custominfo component to be installed. So it's not justified for people who don't use wav/wma files very often..

* Use the checkboxes to select which tags you want to write
* If you want to use a different tag to store the information (e.g. Play_Count instead of Play_counter), type Play_count in the box next to the tag and press the apply button.

==Other Settings==
* Only Tracks in media library update playback statistics
If selected, no information will be written to songs that are not in the media library

* Store playback statistics with foo_custominfo database...
If selected, the component will write information to custominfo database if it fails to write a tag. NOTE: foo_custominfo has to be installed.

=FAQ=
'''Q.''' I get a popup window when playback statistics is being updated. Is this normal?

'''A.''' Normally, the window shouldn't appear while using the component. it only appears when I/O processing time while writing the tag is long. The track might also stop playing.

Cause:
* While playing losssless files (e.g. Flac, APE, Wavpack, TAK) which are highly compressed, IO processing time can be long
* Another component is trying to update the file information at the same time
* Your Hard drive is slow/ fragmented

Solution:
* Use a lower compressed lossless file
* Try changing the update time setting. (Usually components like foosic and audioscrobbler update at around 1 min.)
* Defrag your hard drive

If none of the above works, make the plugin write the information to the custominfo database.

'''Q.''' I used the official playback statistics component (foo_playcount). How do i change my tags to the foo_playback_custom/foo_playcounter_mod standard?

'''A.''' The playcounter_mod plugin has option to cleanup the old information from files that are being played, but if you want to do it in bulk (i.e. if you have a LOT of songs that you wish to change the information for) do the following.

The main difference between the standards used by the official plugin and these unofficial ones are:
* ''Play_count'' in the official plugin vs ''Play_counter'' in the unofficial plugin

To convert from play_count to play_counter is pretty straightforward. Make an autoplaylist with all the files which have the "play_count" tag (by using <tt>NOT play_count MISSING</tt> in the Query). Select all files, right click them, go to <tt> Tagging -> Manage Scripts </tt>. Click <tt>Add</tt>, and choose <tt>Copy Value</tt>. Under Source put <tt>play_count</tt>, under Destination put <tt>play_counter</tt> and click OK. Again click <tt>Add</tt> and select <tt>Delete values</tt>. Put <tt>play_count</tt> and click OK. Run this script. Now all your play_count information is in play_counter field.

* ''Last_played_timestamp'' and ''First_played_timestamp'' (which are in the Win32Filetime format, and linked to last_played and first_played) vs ''Last_played'' and ''first_played'' (which are in YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS format)
Note: the official playback plugin is still installed for this to work

This is slightly trickier because of the different standards used. One method to overcome this hurdle is to use Text Tools which is a part of foo_utils. Go to the Text Tools preferences and delete the entries in header, body and footer. Under body enter: <tt> %last_played%. %first_played%$crlf()</tt>. Now create a playlist of all the files that contain both first_played_timestamp and last_played_timestamp (use <tt>NOT first_played_timestamp MISSING AND NOT last_played_timestamp MISSING</tt> as the query). Select about 550 files in the autoplaylist, right click them <tt> Text Tools -> Copy Text</tt>. Now open Masstagger (do not unselect the files). Click <tt> Add</tt>, choose <tt>Input data (one line per track)</tt> and paste the contents into the resulting window (press Ctrl-V or right click paste). Under Scheme, use <tt>%last_played%. %first_played%</tt>. Click OK. and run the script. Repeat these steps for remaining files. NOTE: 550 files is due to the limitations of the masstagger window. If you try to paste more information, the contents will be truncated.

=Link=
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 Discussion thread]
* [http://kitahei.cocolog-nifty.com/youyou/2007/04/foo_custominfo__6ab8.html Download Site]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-23T19:06:09Z

Kanak: /* FAQ */

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-23T19:05:29Z

Kanak: /* Playback statistics settings */

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-23T18:56:38Z

Kanak: /* Features */

Foobar2000:Components

2007-07-23T18:54:51Z

Kanak: /* Playlist tools */

{{fb2k}}
This page contains most Foobar2000 v0.9.x components available at time of [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Components_0.9&action=history last update].

==Interface==
===Column UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)|Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)]] Very popular alternate interface for foobar2000 based on a columns and panel layout.

Columns UI supports plugins with [[#panelcomp|panel]] capability which extend the user interface.

===GFX===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)|GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)]] is a skinnable user interface, which doesn't only focus on looking good but tries to be as fast and "lightweight" as possible, too. It uses lua as scripting language. Two skins are included in the archive.

===Panels UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)|Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)]] gives the ability to manage multiple [[#panelcomp|panels]] through titleformating.

===Standard===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default user interface (foo_ui_std)|Default user interface (foo_ui_std)]]. Included in the standard installation package.

===<span id="panelcomp">Panel type components</span>===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)|Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)]] Panel to display album art.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)|Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)]] Albumart mod to read matroska covers.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)|Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)]] Displays the database in a treeview using customizable sorting methods (by genre, artist, directory, etc.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)|Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)]] Help you remember positions in songs.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Console (foo_uie_console)|Console (foo_uie_console)]] Panel version of console. Displays diagnostic messages. Requires Columns UI 0.1.3 beta 1 or newer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)|Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)]] It allows you to create windows that host columns ui panels as floating windows that can be attached to the side of the main foobar2000 window or each other.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)|Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)]] Similar to the default spectrum analyser.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)|Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)]] Displays a treeview of selected disks/folders.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)|Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)]] Display lyrics stored in file tags.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Music Browser (foo_browser)|Music Browser (foo_browser)]] Panels for Browsing Library, Similar to iTunes.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)|Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)]] Displays the playlist in a dropdown menu.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)|Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)]] Tree based media library with many available customizations.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)|Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)]] Search toolbar that sends results to a playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Single Column Playlist (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)|Single Column Playlist Viewer (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)]] Displays the playlist in a single column with "headers". Useful for creating a narrower and smaller layout.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)|Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)]] Tabs allows you to break Pauli's Exclusion principle by placing multiple panels in the same position at the same time.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)|Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)]] Uses TAGZ to display information about a selected track.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)|Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)]] Improved Track Info panel with the ability to use multiple fonts in the same panel. Also has the ability to display images.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)|<span id="wmpvis">WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)</span>]] Uses the visualizations from WMP.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)|WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)]] Windows script host panel.

==DSP==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)|4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)]] Effects for headphone users.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)|ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)]] Reproduces surround sound information present in many stereo audio material and more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)|BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)]] Improves headphone listening of regular hi-fi stereo records.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)|Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)]] Voice cut filter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)|Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)]] Up/down mix to/from 1-6 channels.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Convolve (foo_convolve)|Convolve (foo_convolve)]] Takes impulse response and does a fast convolution of the sound data with that impulse response.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)|Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)]] Allows crossfading between tracks.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)|Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)]] Filters the music to help reduce fatigue caused by listening to music with headphones.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)|Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)]] Dolby Headphone engine DLL.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)|Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)]] Dolby Pro Logic II engine DLL (dll not included).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)|Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)]] Downmix [[AC3]], [[DTS]], etc. to stereo.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)|FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)]] It takes Dolby Surround / Pro Logic I/II encoded stereo music and decodes it into 5.1 sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)|Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)]] Skip silence at begin/end of tracks.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)|LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)]] Noise sharpening filter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)|OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)]] Audio enhancement. SHAREWARE.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)|Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)]] Inserts a configurable amount of silence after each track to help external devices like MiniDisc players to sync track changes.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)|Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)]] Mega Nerd's Secret Rabbit Code sample rate converter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)|Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)]] Detect and skip silence.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)|Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)]] Ajust pitch, tempo and rate.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)|SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)]] Sample rate converter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)|Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)]] Take stereo audio and convolve each channel with two impulse responses.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)|Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)]] WYSIWYG Surround panning.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)|Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)]] Emulate tube sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)|VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)]] Dynamic compressor which amplifies the quiet parts of music.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)|VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)]] Adds support to Virtual Studio Technology audio interface.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)|Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)]] Allows the use of Winamp DSPs.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XOver (foo_dsp_xover)|XOver (foo_dsp_xover)]] Implements this digital crossover to achieve active multi-amplification.

==Input==
===Music codecs===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)|AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)]] Decodes Dolby Digital lossy audio compression technologies format ([[AC3]]).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)|AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)]] Needed for [[AC3]] in [[Matroska]].
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)|Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)]] Alternative [[WMA]] decoder with tagging support.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)|ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)]] Apple Lossless ([[ALAC]]) decoder (has known stability issues: random crashes during decoding).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DTS Decoder (foo_dts)|DTS Decoder (foo_dts)]] Decodes Digital Theater Systems ([[DTS]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)|Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)]] Decodes [[Matroska]] audio container format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)|MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)|Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)]] Adds decoding support for Monkey's Audio files (.[[APE]]) as well as APE Link files (.[[APL]]).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)|OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)]] Decodes both the Lossless ([[OptimFROG|OFR]]) and DualStream (OFS) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)|Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)]] Decodes Shorten ([[SHN]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)|SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)]] SPDIF passthrough for [[AC3]] and [[DTS]] files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)|TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)]] Decodes True Audio ([[TTA]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)|WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)]].

===Other codecs===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)|ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)]] Plays GameCube ADPCM audio data and some. (DSP, ADP, GCM, HPS, STM, AST, etc.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)|Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)]] [http://asap.sourceforge.net/ ASAP] is a player/converter of Atari 8-bit music for modern computers. It provides high-quality, identical to the popular Atari800 emulator, emulation of the POKEY sound chip and the 6502 processor.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)|DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)]] Plays your favorite module files, and then some. (MOD, S3M, XM, IT, 669, PTM, PSM, MTM, UMX)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)|Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)]] Plays Westwood's audio (AUD), Sierra's sounds (SFX/AUD), Core design's cd audio (cdaudio.WAD), Funcom's music (ISS), Rome Total War's IDX (.IDX/DAT), Timegate's format (RWD), EA's Pathfinder audio (MUS) and Ben Gerard's music (SC68).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Emu Player (foo_gep)|Game Emu Player (foo_gep)]] Plays several emulation formats. (GBS, NSF, SPC, GYM, HES, VGM)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)|Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)]] Plays compressed Edlib (.d00, .d01) files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)|Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)]] Plays audio files found on the original Lunar: Eternal Blue CD (RP*.PCM).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/M1 Decoder (foo_m1)|M1 Decoder (foo_m1)]] Plays arcade/pinball game sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)|MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)]] MDX is a MIDI-like format that is designed to be played using the X68000's FM synthesizer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)|NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)]] NSF file is a sound data file containing instructions for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) sound hardware.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/PSF Decoder (foo_psf)|PSF Decoder (foo_psf)]] Plays PlayStation Sound Format (PSF) files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Reverse (foo_input_reverse)|Reverse (foo_input_reverse)]] Play music in reverse.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SID Player 2 (foo_sid)|SID Player 2 (foo_sid)]] Sound chip of Commodore's CBM-II, Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)|S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)]] Sound format for the NEC PC-98 microcomputer.

==Output==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)|ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)]] Adds ASIO output support.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)|Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)]] Allows bit-exact playback bypassing Windows kernel mixer.

==Visualisation==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Peakmeter (foo uie peakmeter)|Peakmeter for Columns UI (foo_uie_peakmeter)]] Displays the level for each channel in dB.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
# [[#wmpvis|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP. ''Panel version only''.

==Other==
===General===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Alarm (foo_alarm)|Alarm (foo_alarm)]] Starts playback at the specified period of time.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)|Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)]] Performs binary comparison between two or more tracks and reports differences.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)|Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)]] Channel Usage Visualisation.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Common Services (foo_common)|Common Services (foo_common)]] Common services.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)|Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Converter (foo converter)|Converter (foo converter)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cwbowron's Title formating (foo_cwb_hooks)|Cwbowron's Title Format Hooks (foo_cwb_hooks)]] Adds various global titleformat functions/variables, tagger window, new file tagger, and more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)|Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)]] Measures decoding speed of audio files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)|EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)]] Allow to save current playlist in the EXTM3U format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)|Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)]] Watches for added or removed features.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)|File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)]] Checks specified media files for decoding errors.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)|HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)]] Provides 19 media macros.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/iPod Manager (foo_dop)|iPod Manager (foo_dop)]] Experimental iPod plugin for foobar2000 0.9.2+, currently in alpha version.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)|Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)]] Control the LCD panel on a Logitech G15 keyboard.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)|Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)]] Adds a few shortcuts in menu.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause On Lock (foo_lock)|Pause On Lock (foo_lock)]] Pauses/unpauses foobar2000 on workstation lock/unlock.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)|Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)]] Pause playing on workstation lock. Optimized for use with Windows XP/2003.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)|Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Preview (foo_preview)|Preview (foo_preview)]] Play only part of each track in the playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run (foo_run)|Run (foo_run)]] Able you to run a external program with the foobar syntax.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run Commands (foo_runcmd)|Run Commands (foo_runcmd)]] Search and execute menu commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Scheduler (foo_scheduler)|Scheduler (foo_scheduler)]] Plugin for scheduling actions like play, stop, system shutdown/wake up and many more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)|Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)]] Add "Send to Device" feature.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)|Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)]] Shell link resolver.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)|Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)]] Hides Foobar2000 from the taskbar, even when the window is normally visible.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)|Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)|Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)|Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)]] Designed to create a fake Winamp 1.x window which will act as a wrapper between applications written to use the Winamp API and foobar2000.

===Lyrics===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)|Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)]] Search for lyrics and displays it in external window.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)|LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)]] Search lyrics basing on song's artist title and sometimes album.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)|Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)]] Lyrics viewer for synchronizing and displaying lyrics of the currently playing song.

===Notifier===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)|AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)]] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)|Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)]] Sends configurable information about the current playing song to Miranda-IM and shows popup windows with this info.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)|MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)]] Set currently playing song's album art as avatar.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)|MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)]] Show the current song as "Now Playing" in MSN and MS Live messenger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display (foo_osd)|On-Screen Display (foo_osd)]] On screen display of track information and volume bar.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)|On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)]] Same as foo_osd but uses GDI+ for osd drawing.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)|Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)]] Display a moderately sized popup of song information when a new song plays.

===Online database===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)|Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)]] Audioscrobbler will send the name of every song you play on your computer to Last.fm. This effortlessly populates your profile to play radio you like and make personalized recommendations.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)|Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)]] Sends track information to the [http://www.foosic.org/ foosic online database]. You can currently view your top artist, album and track statistics with foosic. Now support FooID fingerprints.

===Online radio===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSLive (foo_input_mslive)|MSLive (foo_input_mslive)]] Support for [[MMS]] and [[RSTP]] broadcast radio protocols.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)|XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)]] Allow you to listen to XM Radio channels over the Internet by using XM Radio Online.

===Playlist tools===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)|Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)]] Generate a playlist from an artist's Last.fm chart. It also allows you to sort a selection in the playlist by the artist's charts.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)|Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)]] CD burning support (requires Nero to be installed on your system.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)|Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)]] Presents a Media Library query in a dynamically-generated playlist (under development).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bin Pack (foo_binpack)|Bin Pack (foo_binpack)]] Creates playlists from a list with a maximum length.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)|Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)]] Add /playlist-activate:"Name" to the foobar command line to activate the named playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)|Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)]] Cuesheet creator.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Database Search (foo_dbsearch)|Database Search (foo_dbsearch)]] Database search.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)|Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)]] Allows you to play your video clips from foobar playlist with default external player.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)|Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)]] Highlights actual now playing item even when the playlist has been broken.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/History (foo_history)|History (foo_history)]] Very basic song history.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)|Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)]] Skips tracks that are marked via a tag as inactive.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MeowDB (foo_meowdb)|MeowDB (foo_meowdb)]] Takes the Media Library and outputs the results to a form and uploads it to your server using the cURL library.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Navigator (foo_navigator)|Navigator (foo_navigator)]] Advanced history component.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)|Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)]] Simple now playing plugin to output formatted string to plain text file.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)|Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)]] ''(Obsolete)'' Keeps track of the amount of times, the last time, and the first time a track has been played.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)|Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)]] Unofficial playcount modded to supress the update tag popups.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)|Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)]] Playback queue viewer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics (foo playcount)|Playback Statistics (foo playcount)]] Collects playback statistics for your Media Library content.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)|Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)]] Stores playback statistics in tags like foo_playcount_mod, with claimed faster response, and uses foo_custominfo db if file is unavailable for writing.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)|Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)]] Stores playback statistics in foo_custominfo database, rather than tags or foobar2000.cfg. This component has now been integrated into foo_playback_custom. Please use that component instead.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)|Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)]] Synchronize playlist with contents of specific directory.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)|Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)]] All playlists are cleared at startup.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)|Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)]] Playlist manager.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)|Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)]] Appends automatically playlist info ("items / length") to all playlist names.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools (foo_utils)|Playlist Tools (foo_utils)]] Provides various general commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)|Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)]] Provides various general commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue. ''Non-ColumnUI obsolete version, try panel version instead.''
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)|Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)]] Randomized playlist entry.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Rating (foo_rating)|Rating (foo_rating)]] Display an icon in the systray with a tooltip popup from which you can choose a rating between 1 and 5 for the currently playing file.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)|Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)]] It removes tracks from the playlist once they've been played.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)|Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)]] Displays a context menu that lets you quickly find songs based on their album title or artists name.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Position (foo_trackpos)|Track Position (foo_trackpos)]] Provides a new context menu item "place after current playing", that allows you to place any tracks after the current playing one in the playing playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XSPF (foo_xspf)|XSPF (foo_xspf)]] Adds XSPF support. XSPF is an open, XML based playlist format.

===Remote control===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)|Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)]] Control all the playback functions from icons in the Taskbar Notification Area (play, pause, next, previous, open)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)|Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)]] Control your favourite music player using your favourite Symbian-based bluetooth enabled phone.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)|COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)]] Allows controlling foobar2000 through COM Automation
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Control Server (foo_controlserver)|Control Server (foo_controlserver)]] Acts as a server to control Foobar2000. Connect with a telnet client and control it using ASCII commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)|DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)]] Control foobar remotelly with DDE interprocess communication (interface in japanese only).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Server(foo_httpserver)|HTTP Server(foo_httpserver)]] Foobar HTTP Server Remote Control.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)|HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)]] It's TCP/IP server that listens on a specified port for incoming requests such as play, stop, etc.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)|Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)]] Control foobar2000 from a joystick/gamepad.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)|Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)]] Control Foobar2k from your PDA (PocketPC based).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)|Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)]] Adds support to Melloware Intelliremote software which claims to work with Creative remote control (Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, Extigy, Audigy ZS and Soundblaster X-Fi.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)|RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)]] Adds support of Creative X-Fi's remote (RM-1800).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)|RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)]] Yet another plugin for remote control. SHAREWARE.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)|Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)]] Create a personal title bar that shows the currently playing song on the top of the screen all the time. It supports custom-made skins.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)|WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)]] Control Foobar from a remote control.

===Tagging===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Custom Info (foo_custominfo)|Custom Info (foo_custominfo)]] Allows you to set info fields for files without modifying them.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Discogs (foo_discogs)|Discogs (foo_discogs)]] Retrieve info and album art from Discogs.com database.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)|Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)]] Freedb.org tagger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)|Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)]] This plugin fix freedb2 problem - some native characters are broken. This masstagger addon can recovery its. ''Note: russian characters supported only.''
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)|Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)]] Live show tagger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger (foo_masstag)|Masstagger (foo_masstag)]] Comes with official installer
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)|Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)]] Some addons for masstagger, including code page conversion and chinese conversion.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)|Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)]] A replacement of the built-in file info box.

==Links==
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=42730&st=0 List of components] from earlier versions not yet ported to 0.9.x.

* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000 Go back to Main Page]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-23T18:50:24Z

Kanak: /* Features */

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-23T18:50:11Z

Kanak: /* Default Settings */

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-20T17:52:37Z

Kanak:

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-20T17:50:12Z

Kanak:

Foobar2000:Components/Freedb Tagger (foo freedb2)

2007-07-20T17:49:13Z

Kanak: Expanded article.

=Description=

This component allows you to get album information from the freedb database.

=Usage=

#. Select the songs (they need to be ordered by tracknumber).
#. Right-click the songs, Tagging -> Get Tags from freedb
#. If the album information exists in freedb, you will get a dialog box
#. If you have more than one match, select the one that seems to be most accurate. (Click on the entry to view its contents)
#. If you want existing information to be removed, select the "wipe out existing tags" option.
#. Click Update Files.

=Settings=

* User/Email: Enter your email address. If you aren't registered with fredb, any address of the form a@b.com will do.
* Server: Allows you to select which freedb server to use. Click Retrieve to get new freedb server address if current server is not responding.

=Limitations=

* Cannot submit information to freedb database
* Unlike the version for 0.8.3, it works per-album
* Cannot access offline databases

=Link=
* [http://foosion.foobar2000.org/0.9/ Official Website]

Foobar2000:Components/Binary Comparator (foo bitcompare)

2007-07-20T17:41:59Z

Kanak:

=Description=

Performs binary comparison between two or more tracks and reports differences.

=Use=

To verify whether the lossless file you compared is bit-exact replica of the source. The plugin only compares the audio data, so presense/ absense of tag(s) does not affect the outcome.

=Link=
* [http://www.foobar2000.com/components/index.html Official Website]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-07-20T17:27:05Z

Kanak: Expanded the article. It's more or less complete.

Foobar2000:Components/Album List Panel (foo uie albumlist)

2007-07-19T18:24:30Z

Kanak: /* Description */

=Description=

Displays the database in a tree view using customizable sorting methods (by genre, artist, directory, etc.). There is also a non-panel version of this component (foo_albumlist) which has essentially the same features.

=Link=
* [http://yuo.be/columns.php Official Website]

=Requirements=
*[http://www.foobar2000.org/ foobar2000 0.9.4]
*[http://music.morbo.org/components.php Columns UI 0.1.3 beta 1v5]
*[http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=6A63AB9C-DF12-4D41-933C-BE590FEAA05A&displaylang=en GDI+] (Only necessary for Windows 2000)

=Installation=
#Extract the downloaded archive and place foo_uie_albumlist.dll in your foobar2000 "components" folder (normally located at %ProgramFiles%\foobar2000\components\).
#Start foobar2000.
#Open up '''Preferences''', navigate to '''Display''' -> '''Columns UI''', and select the '''Layout''' tab.
#Right-click on a splitter and select '''Insert Panel''' -> '''Panels''' -> '''Album List'''
#Click '''Apply''' to make the panel appear.

=Context Menu Options=
==Views==
This is where you pick the different views for the panel. You can add more views (see section: adding views)

==Refresh Tree==
Refreshes the tree. This is useful if: You've updated the media library by moving/deleting files, by updating tags, or if you changed the code of the view you're using.

==Filter==
Enabling this option puts a small text box at the bottom of the panel which accepts queries (use the autoplaylist help for a guide).

==Settings==
Allows you to change the behavior of the panel.

=Settings=
Album List Panel settings can be accessed either by pressing the '''Configure''' button on the Columns UI '''Layout''' tab, or by right-clicking the panel itself and selecting '''Settings'''. The available settings are split up into two tabs.

'''Note:''' This section relates to version 0.2.3 beta.

==Display Tab==
;Views
: This is the lists of "views" available. To change a view while using the panel, Right click the panel, select View -> <choose a view>. To add custom views, see the next section.

;Up/Down buttons
: Use these to reorder the views list

;Delete/New buttons
: Use these to remove / create new views

;Double click / Middle Button action
: Use this dropdown to configure what happens when you double click / Middle Click an entry in the panel (default: Expand/Collapse, no defaults for middle click)

;Autosend to playlist
: use this checkbox to control whether the panel should list contents of the entry when you single click it (e.g. Single clicking on "Metallica" automatically sends all files under Metallica to the playlist)

;Text box below it
: Type the name of the target playlist (where the panel should display the files)

==Advanced Tab==
===Appearance===
;Show sub-item count
: Shows the number of items under each entry

;Show horizontal scrollbar
: (if the content of the entries do not fit the width of the panel)

;Use Item Indices
: Displays items in this form: 1. <entry 1> 2. <entry 2 and so on

;Use Custom vertical padding
: Change the amount of whitespace between entries

;Use Custom indentation
: Change the amount of indentation (between an entry and it's parent)

;Window Frame Style
: Choose between None, Sunken or Gray

===Behavior===
;Autoplay on send to playlist
: Choose whether the songs play automatically when added to playlist

;Apply core sort settings on added files
: If selected, the panel sorts files based on the criteria specified in Preferences-> General -> "Sort incoming files by". When unselected, uses the order as determined by the view.

;Select Added items
: Choose whether the songs added to the playlist are selected automatically

;Populate on Initialization
: If unselected, the panel is blank when you start foobar. You need to manually right click the panel and select refresh tree to have it list items. Unchecking this option leads to a decrease in startup time of the program (the effect is very pronounced if you have large libraries)

;Process keyboard shortcuts
: Allows you to use keyboard shortcuts specified in Preferences-> General -> "Keyboard shortcuts" when the panel has the focus.

;Auto-collapse on Item Expand
: Automatically closes an entry if you select another one (e.g. if "Metallica" is currently open, and you open "Megadeth", the "metallica" entry collapses)

=Adding Sources=
The panel uses the pipe key "|" to distinguish between parent and child entries. e.g. If you want to create an entry that goes as Genre -> Artist -> Album, you'd use <tt>%genre%|%artist%|%album%</tt>.

Since the panel supports the full gamut of titleformatting options, you can do some pretty nifty things with it. Examples:

* Decade -> Year -> Artist -> Album:
<tt> $right(%date%,2)s|%date%|%artist%|%album%</tt>

* Seperate files based on whether they have Replaygain Information:
<tt> $if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,RG,NO RG)|%album artist%|%album%</tt>

* Seperate files based on the date added to libary (This uses the %added% tag which can be added to files using foo_cwb_hooks):
<tt> $if(%added%,$left(%added%,4)|$substr(%added%,6,7)|$right(%added%,2)|%album artist%|%album%,No Info ':(')</tt>

* Sort by codec
<tt> %codec%|%album artist%|%album% </tt>

Tip: As far as possible, avoid using code which forces the panel to display a large number of files under a single entry. This reduces memory usage and significantly shortens startup time.

Foobar2000:Components/Album List Panel (foo uie albumlist)

2007-07-19T18:24:16Z

Kanak: Let's just say the entry is no longer a stub :)

=Description=

Displays the database in a treeview using customizable sorting methods (by genre, artist, directory, etc.). There is also a non-panel version of this component (foo_albumlist) which has essentially the same features.

=Link=
* [http://yuo.be/columns.php Official Website]

=Requirements=
*[http://www.foobar2000.org/ foobar2000 0.9.4]
*[http://music.morbo.org/components.php Columns UI 0.1.3 beta 1v5]
*[http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=6A63AB9C-DF12-4D41-933C-BE590FEAA05A&displaylang=en GDI+] (Only necessary for Windows 2000)

=Installation=
#Extract the downloaded archive and place foo_uie_albumlist.dll in your foobar2000 "components" folder (normally located at %ProgramFiles%\foobar2000\components\).
#Start foobar2000.
#Open up '''Preferences''', navigate to '''Display''' -> '''Columns UI''', and select the '''Layout''' tab.
#Right-click on a splitter and select '''Insert Panel''' -> '''Panels''' -> '''Album List'''
#Click '''Apply''' to make the panel appear.

=Context Menu Options=
==Views==
This is where you pick the different views for the panel. You can add more views (see section: adding views)

==Refresh Tree==
Refreshes the tree. This is useful if: You've updated the media library by moving/deleting files, by updating tags, or if you changed the code of the view you're using.

==Filter==
Enabling this option puts a small text box at the bottom of the panel which accepts queries (use the autoplaylist help for a guide).

==Settings==
Allows you to change the behavior of the panel.

=Settings=
Album List Panel settings can be accessed either by pressing the '''Configure''' button on the Columns UI '''Layout''' tab, or by right-clicking the panel itself and selecting '''Settings'''. The available settings are split up into two tabs.

'''Note:''' This section relates to version 0.2.3 beta.

==Display Tab==
;Views
: This is the lists of "views" available. To change a view while using the panel, Right click the panel, select View -> <choose a view>. To add custom views, see the next section.

;Up/Down buttons
: Use these to reorder the views list

;Delete/New buttons
: Use these to remove / create new views

;Double click / Middle Button action
: Use this dropdown to configure what happens when you double click / Middle Click an entry in the panel (default: Expand/Collapse, no defaults for middle click)

;Autosend to playlist
: use this checkbox to control whether the panel should list contents of the entry when you single click it (e.g. Single clicking on "Metallica" automatically sends all files under Metallica to the playlist)

;Text box below it
: Type the name of the target playlist (where the panel should display the files)

==Advanced Tab==
===Appearance===
;Show sub-item count
: Shows the number of items under each entry

;Show horizontal scrollbar
: (if the content of the entries do not fit the width of the panel)

;Use Item Indices
: Displays items in this form: 1. <entry 1> 2. <entry 2 and so on

;Use Custom vertical padding
: Change the amount of whitespace between entries

;Use Custom indentation
: Change the amount of indentation (between an entry and it's parent)

;Window Frame Style
: Choose between None, Sunken or Gray

===Behavior===
;Autoplay on send to playlist
: Choose whether the songs play automatically when added to playlist

;Apply core sort settings on added files
: If selected, the panel sorts files based on the criteria specified in Preferences-> General -> "Sort incoming files by". When unselected, uses the order as determined by the view.

;Select Added items
: Choose whether the songs added to the playlist are selected automatically

;Populate on Initialization
: If unselected, the panel is blank when you start foobar. You need to manually right click the panel and select refresh tree to have it list items. Unchecking this option leads to a decrease in startup time of the program (the effect is very pronounced if you have large libraries)

;Process keyboard shortcuts
: Allows you to use keyboard shortcuts specified in Preferences-> General -> "Keyboard shortcuts" when the panel has the focus.

;Auto-collapse on Item Expand
: Automatically closes an entry if you select another one (e.g. if "Metallica" is currently open, and you open "Megadeth", the "metallica" entry collapses)

=Adding Sources=
The panel uses the pipe key "|" to distinguish between parent and child entries. e.g. If you want to create an entry that goes as Genre -> Artist -> Album, you'd use <tt>%genre%|%artist%|%album%</tt>.

Since the panel supports the full gamut of titleformatting options, you can do some pretty nifty things with it. Examples:

* Decade -> Year -> Artist -> Album:
<tt> $right(%date%,2)s|%date%|%artist%|%album%</tt>

* Seperate files based on whether they have Replaygain Information:
<tt> $if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,RG,NO RG)|%album artist%|%album%</tt>

* Seperate files based on the date added to libary (This uses the %added% tag which can be added to files using foo_cwb_hooks):
<tt> $if(%added%,$left(%added%,4)|$substr(%added%,6,7)|$right(%added%,2)|%album artist%|%album%,No Info ':(')</tt>

* Sort by codec
<tt> %codec%|%album artist%|%album% </tt>

Tip: As far as possible, avoid using code which forces the panel to display a large number of files under a single entry. This reduces memory usage and significantly shortens startup time.

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:47:58Z

Kanak: /* How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do i install components? ==
Most of the components come in either a zip or a 7z file (use 7-zip or winrar to extract these). Copy the DLL to the "components" folder in the foobar directory.

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

== Why is dragging and dropping directories / files is behaving erraticaly? ==
The culprit is most likely an input plugin (foo_input_matroska is a known offender), remove the input plugins (ones marked foo_input_ ) and add them one by one to find out which one is causing trouble.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. Note however that the tags saved in database are lost if the files are renamed/moved.

== How do i store play count information in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 foo_custom_pc]. You also need [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]

== How do i tag various artist albums (compilations)? ==
Enter the information in the "album artist" tag.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

== How do i have a Winamp / MediaMonkey style "now playing" playlist? ==
Unlike winamp (and mediamonkey), there is no special "now playing" playlist in foobar; the foobar way of doing things is to play playlists. That said, you can use the playback queue to get a similar functionality. Instead of clicking "play", use the "add to playback queue" command. You can use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t47650-50.html foo_uie_queuemanager] component to display a panel that displays queued songs.

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:47:49Z

Kanak: /* How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do i install components? ==
Most of the components come in either a zip or a 7z file (use 7-zip or winrar to extract these). Copy the DLL to the "components" folder in the foobar directory.

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

== Why is dragging and dropping directories / files is behaving erraticaly? ==
The culprit is most likely an input plugin (foo_input_matroska is a known offender), remove the input plugins (ones marked foo_input_ ) and add them one by one to find out which one is causing trouble.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. Note however that the tags saved in database are lost if the files are renamed/moved.

== How do i store play count information in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 foo_custom_pc]. You also need [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]

== How do i tag various artist albums (compilations)? ==
Enter the information in the "album artist" tag.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

== How do i have a Winamp / MediaMonkey style "now playing" playlist? ==
Unlike winamp (and mediamonkey), there is no special "now playing" playlist in foobar; the foobar way of doing things is to play playlists. That said, you can use the playback queue to get a similar functionality. Instead of clicking "play", use the "add to playback queue" command. You can use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t47650-50.html foo_uie_queuemanager] component to display a panel that displays queued songs.

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:47:25Z

Kanak: /* Foobar2000 and other players */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do i install components? ==
Most of the components come in either a zip or a 7z file (use 7-zip or winrar to extract these). Copy the DLL to the "components" folder in the foobar directory.

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

== Why is dragging and dropping directories / files is behaving erraticaly? ==
The culprit is most likely an input plugin (foo_input_matroska is a known offender), remove the input plugins (ones marked foo_input_ ) and add them one by one to find out which one is causing trouble.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. Note however that the tags saved in database are lost if the files are renamed/moved.

== How do i store play count information in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 foo_custom_pc]. You also need [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]

== How do i tag various artist albums (compilations)? ==
Enter the information in the "album artist" tag.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

== How do i have a Winamp / MediaMonkey style "now playing" playlist? ==
Unlike winamp (and mediamonkey), there is no special "now playing" playlist in foobar; the foobar way of doing things is to play playlists. That said, you can use the playback queue to get a similar functionality. Instead of clicking "play", use the "add to playback queue" command. You can use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t47650-50.html foo_uie_queuemanager] component to display a panel that displays queued songs.

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:35:26Z

Kanak: /* General */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do i install components? ==
Most of the components come in either a zip or a 7z file (use 7-zip or winrar to extract these). Copy the DLL to the "components" folder in the foobar directory.

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

== Why is dragging and dropping directories / files is behaving erraticaly? ==
The culprit is most likely an input plugin (foo_input_matroska is a known offender), remove the input plugins (ones marked foo_input_ ) and add them one by one to find out which one is causing trouble.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. Note however that the tags saved in database are lost if the files are renamed/moved.

== How do i store play count information in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 foo_custom_pc]. You also need [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]

== How do i tag various artist albums (compilations)? ==
Enter the information in the "album artist" tag.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:30:54Z

Kanak: /* Database, Tagging & Album Cover */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. Note however that the tags saved in database are lost if the files are renamed/moved.

== How do i store play count information in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 foo_custom_pc]. You also need [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]

== How do i tag various artist albums (compilations)? ==
Enter the information in the "album artist" tag.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:29:21Z

Kanak: /* Database, Tagging & Album Cover */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. Note however that the tags saved in database are lost if the files are renamed/moved.

== How do i store play count information in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 foo_custom_pc]. You also need [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:24:37Z

Kanak: /* Database, Tagging & Album Cover */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

== How do i save tags in a database (as opposed to writing it in the file)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45994 foo_custominfo]. Note however that the tags saved in database are lost if the files are renamed/moved.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:20:41Z

Kanak: /* General */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

== How do I upgrade Foobar ? ==
If it's a minor upgrade (e.g. 0.9.3 -> 0.9.4) then simply install it in the same directory. Remember to select the same "per user" settting while installing; you could lose all your configurations otherwise. If it's a major upgrade (e.g. 0.8 -> 0.9), it's recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the newer version, because the components are (almost always) incompatible with the newer version.

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:17:41Z

Kanak: /* Database, Tagging & Album Cover */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

== How do i make a playlist containing new (recently added) files? ==
You need the following components: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Hooks foo_cwb_hooks] and [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Autoplaylist Manager]. Open Masstagger by right clicking any file and choosing Tagging -> Manage Scripts. Press "Add", select either "Stamp Current Date and Time" (if you want the time when the files are added to foobar) or "Stamp File Creation Time" (if you want the time when the files are created), next set "ADDED" as the tag. Save this as a script by clicking SAVE(give it a meaningful name like "stamp added"). Now, Go to Preferences -> New File Tagger; enable the "Process files added to library" and select the Tagging/Scripts/Stamp Added (replace Stamp added with the name you gave it). Now create a new playlist and open the autoplaylist manager (Library -> Autoplaylist). under query put: <tt>"$cwb_datediff(%added%,%cwb_systemdate%)" LESS 30</tt>, and choose your playlist as "playlist to take over". Click OK. To apply the "ADDED" information retroactively to files added previously, select them, go to masstagger and choose "Stamp File Creation Time".

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:06:49Z

Kanak: /* How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a free program like [http://zabkat.com/xplorer2] to find the duplicate files in your computer.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:06:15Z

Kanak: /* Database, Tagging & Album Cover */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

== How do i make a playlist containing duplicate entries? ==
Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, you can use the album list panel component to remove the dead entries from your library, and use a program like xplorer2 (free) to find the duplicate files in your computer.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:04:25Z

Kanak: /* Foobar2000 and other players */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

== Why do my songs show a square block next to the title/artist fields in iTunes? ==
Although the ID3v2.4 is the standard, iTunes (and many other software players as well as portables) still support only ID3v2.3. A workaround for this is to use compatibility mode tagging (Preferences -> Advanced -> Tagging -> MP3 -> "ID3v2 Compatibility Mode")

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T08:01:23Z

Kanak: /* Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it (although you could "disable" it by not adding any directory in your library).

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T07:59:54Z

Kanak: /* Foobar2000 and other players */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it.

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

== How do i add the iTunes like panel showing (genre, artist, album)? ==
Use this component: [http://www.bazquux.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Browser foo_browser].

== How do i add the iTunes like search toolbar? ==
Use this component: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44012 foo_uie_quicksearch].

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:FAQ

2007-07-19T07:55:30Z

Kanak: /* How can I get tabbed panels? */

{{fb2k}}
A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki] '''(0.8.x only)'''

= General =

== Is foobar2000 still under active development? ==
Yes. Please see the forum and the foobar2000 homepage for the latest version and news about upcoming versions.

== I have Windows Vista and my foobar2000 has stange behavior. Do you plan on fixing those bugs soon? ==
Foobar2000 already fully supports Windows Vista. Some components do not. Try to look for the latest version of those third-party plugins as they might get fixed soon.

== I'm looking for a specific feature. How should I know if a third-party plugin suits my needs ? ==
If you are not the Ctrl+F kind of person with your web browser, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get familiar with it. Go to the [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|components section]], press Ctrl+F and search for keywords related to what you are looking for. [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/index.php Foobar2000 official 3rd party components site] is another option, although it does not contain all the components known for 0.9.x at the moment. You will hopefully find something that suits you. Otherwise, maybe you can make a request in the foobar2000 forum or even better, code it yourself then share it with the community!

= Playback =

== There are multiple output methods available: DirectSound, waveOut and Kernel Streaming. Which one should I use? ==
The default setting (waveOut) is recommended; it should be safe to use anywhere. Using DirectSound results in better performance (less CPU overhead)—especially under Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer—but there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. In certain rare cases, Kernel Streaming may produce better results than DirectSound/waveOut (if for some reason you need data sent through digital out to be bit-identical to source stream); however, bit-identical results with DirectSound have been reported on soundcards capable of mixing multiple streams in hardware (with hardware mixing enabled in DirectSound settings).

Please note that Kernel Streaming is an experimental feature with known issues, and using it is ''not'' recommended unless you have a clear need to do so. Most of perceived "sound quality differences" between DirectSound and Kernel Streaming are related to the fact that Kernel Streaming usually bypasses the Windows volume control. In addition, Kernel Streaming only works on Windows 2000, Windows XP or newer.

== How can I send my files from Windows Explorer into a specific playlist, so as not to erase my current playlist? ==

Preferences → General → Always send to playlist (playlist name)

== Why can't I listen to unfinished downloading files? ==
Foobar2000 needs exclusive access to the file. A good workaround is to copy the unfinished file, then try to play it.

= Look & Feel =

== I just saw a great looking foobar2000 window, but I don't know how to get mine looking the same way! Is there no hope for me? ==
Of course there is! First take a look at those threads and get in touch with what other users achieved:
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery] {{foobar2000v08}}

Then, you are ready to give it a try! You can find some of the user's configuration in the links below. Note that [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:0.9_Single_Column_Playlist_%28foo_uie_single_column_playlist%29 Single Column Playlist] and [http://yuo.be/columns.php ColumnUI] are third-party components that you need to download.
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Single Column Playlist settings database]
* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI settings database]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31509&hl=foobar+gallery Navigator-Suite]
** [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33450 Azrael]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php foobar2000 formatting]

== Is there a way to make my instant messenger's "Now Playing" show the song I'm listening to with foobar? ==
Yes, through plugins:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10632 AMIP] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [http://stephan.kochen.nl/proj/foobar2000.html#msn for MSN]
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#76 for Miranda-IM]

== I have seen some people using something which pops up to display the song being listened to. Where can I find it? ==
* It's called [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=33236&hl=foo_pretty+pop-up foo_prettypop]. Note that it requires the .NET Framework to work.
* If you are using Columns UI, it has a popup notification feature too ("Preferences -> Display -> ColumnsUI -> Status Bar/Systray (tab) -> Show popup notification baloon")

== Is there a way to map my multimedia keyboard keys? ==
You can assign actions with keys including multimedia key from the in "Preference -> General -> Keyboard Shortcuts". If it still does not work, take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?s=39a242a80d03f35b424165dd8e06be6b&showtopic=50067 this] tutorial.

= Columns UI =

== How do I know which component is meant to be used with Columns UI?==
[[Foobar2000:Components_0.9|Component section]] of the wiki shows which plugin you can use for ColumnsUI's interface.

== How can I get tabbed panels? ==
Use [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46106&st=0&p=410247&#entry410247 uie tabs]. Also, the latest version of Column UI (0.2.0 Alpha 3) has the feature built-in.

== Where are the options for changing the playback buttons? ==
Right click on buttons area → Customise...

== How can I display the album art and cover above my playlist? ==
To set the panels above your playlist, just use <tt>list all toolbars</tt>, then add the panels/toolbars/visualizations that you want to use. Organize them as you want them to be displayed. And finally, use the 'minimum height' values of the corresponding panels. As it is not a common way to use the toolbar, you may experience some unexpected behaviour. Keep in mind that it may create some display problems. Musicmusic may fix this into the next version of Columns UI.

== I have more questions. ==
Refer to the [http://yuo.be/wiki/columns_ui:faqs offial ColumnsUI FAQ].

= Database, Tagging & Album Cover =

== Foobar always takes between 5 minutes and several hours to open all the files in the same playlist. Is there a way to reduce this delay? ==

'''0.8.x'''

Sure. Enable the media (Preferences → Core → Database). You will be able to add thousands of files in only 30-40 seconds.

Alternatively, if you don't want to activate the database, just save your playlists in the <tt>fpl</tt> format.

'''0.9.x'''

Database is now known as Media Library ("Preferences → Media Library") and there is no way enable/disable it.

== I updated my tags, but foobar still shows the old tags. How can I fix this? ==
Select the file(s), right click on any of them, go to Tagging, then click on "Reload Info from File(s)".

== How to guess tags based on directory structure? ==
Select all tracks in the playlist → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Fill Values from File Names" from its context menu.

== How to automatically assign tracknumbers based on file selection? ==
Select all tracks that need to be filled with tracknumbers → right click → open the "Properties" dialog → choose "Auto Track Number" from its context menu.

== Is there a way to have album covers downloaded automatically? ==
Unfortunately, it is not possible. But, there is a way to be 2 clicks away from those cover arts. Take a look at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43429&hl=cover+download this thread] for more info.

= Troubleshooting =

== List of banned components ==
Before doing any bug report, be sure that none of [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44213 those problematic components] are installed.

== I get an error message saying "referenced file doesn't exist" on the console. What does that mean, and how can it be fixed? ==
This error is caused by an outdated/broken CUE sheet or APL link. You need to find and repair or remove it. After that, run "Remove dead entries" from the Database page in the Preferences dialog.

== The Album List shows dead entries after restarting, even though I used "Remove dead entries" earlier. Why is that? ==
The files are probably still referenced in one of your playlists or in the history (if you are using an old version of <tt>foo_history</tt>). Use Playlist → Remove dead entries from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

== Menu items for some plugins don't show up. I reinstalled but I still don't see them, even though the plugin is shown as a Loaded Library. ==
If you delete a menu item for a plugin, and then re-add the plugin, it won't re-add the menu items. The solution is to open the Preferences dialog, go to "General → Keyboard Shortcuts" and add the items manually.

== An MP3 does not play properly (there is no sound) in fb2k whereas it plays perfectly in other players. What is the problem? ==
You need to disable <tt>Use peak info to scale down tracks that still clip after applying replaygain</tt> in the Preferences dialog, in the ReplayGain section of the Playback page.

== I use the volume control toolbar but it doesn't work. What's the problem? ==
You may be using Kernel Streaming or ASIO. These two output methods are not compatible with the volume control toolbar.

== There is always a long delay before changes to the DSPs take effect. Can I reduce this? ==
Try reducing the output buffer length from Preferences → Playback → Output → (your selected output method). However, do not put it at the minimum length. 300ms should be enough (more if you are using several DSPs).

== What are metadb_handle leaks? ==
metadb_handles are resources used in the metadata management in foobar2000. A leak indicates that a component does not release them (in time). The overall effect of such a leak is relatively harmless. Nevertheless, this is a programming error and foobar2000 detects and reports it to the user. Unfortunately, it is not possible for foobar2000 to detect which component caused the leak.

== I hear static when fading in/out - pause/unpause. ==
Be sure you have the latest sound drivers installed and disable your dsp's before reporting it. Some users reported that using [http://foobar2000.org/components/index.html Kernel Streaming] instead of the default output fixed the problem ("Preferences -> Playback -> Output"), but be aware that this plugin is still experimental and it is issue related in some cases.

== Playing certain files over HTTP doesn't seem to work in foobar2000. It works in other players. What's wrong? ==
foobar2000 uses MIME types to determine the file type of a given file. If an invalid MIME type is returned, it will cause foobar2000 to use the wrong decoder. If an unidentified MIME type is returned, foobar2000 will use the extension to determine the file's contents. Using the extension to determine the file's contents is a difficult thing to do in code, and is unlikely to be included in foobar2000. To fix the problem, get the server to return valid MIME types. This is a server-side problem, not a foobar2000 problem.

= Foobar2000 and other players =

== Is foobar really better than Winamp? ==
There is no set answer. According to public opinion, foobar is great for people wanting a minimal player, as well as the opposite: people needing advanced features. However, the medium users are lost between the profusion of settings and components to find. Some relevant links:

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20322 Tell us why have you chosen foobar2000, or why don't you like it]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29501&hl=winamp Could foobar2000 replace winamp?]

== Is the sound really better with foobar? ==
As the author of foobar says himself, foobar doesn't have a better sound than the other players like Winamp. From a theoretical point of view, the sound from foobar2000 is not different from the sound from other players since a player can't improve the sound drastically (though it might be altered if not correctly set). Your hardware is much more important (audio card, speakers, headphones, even cables), as is the audio source (Audio CD? Lossless codec? Lossy codec?). The software part is only secondary.

Even if sound modifiers ([[Foobar2000:Components_0.9#DSP|DSPs]]) are used, they only widen the gap between the source and the result, which might actually degrade the sound quality.

== I won't leave iTunes, it manages my iPod perfectly! ==
Maybe this will change your mind: [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=45160&hl=dop foo_dop].

[[Category:foobar2000 Guides|FAQ]]

Foobar2000:Components/Impulse Response Convolver (foo convolve)

2007-06-30T16:57:13Z

Kanak:

[[Image:Dsp convolve.PNG|thumb]]

=Description=
* Takes impulse response and does a fast convolution of the sound data with that impulse response.
* Allows quick computation of any combination of linear effects, such as equalization, echo, flange, reverb, phase shift and so on.
* Transforms the sound to exactly the image you would get as where the impulse response was recorded, allowing you to get an accurate reproduction of a big theather or stadium.
* See readme.txt for more details.

=Link=
* [http://www.foobar2000.org/components/index.html Website]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org/components/foo_convolve.zip Download link]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10611 Discussion thread]
* [http://www.sjeng.org/foobar2000.html Garf's Convolver Impulse Response files]

[[Category:foobar2000 DSP Components|Convolve]]

TAK

2007-06-19T01:07:22Z

Kanak: Removed the line saying "internal tagging not yet supported" because ApeV2 has been implemented.

{{stub}}
{{Codec Infobox
| name = Tom's lossless Audio Kompressor
| logo = [[Image:TAK-logo.png]]
| type = lossless
| purpose = lossless audio compression.
| maintainer = Thomas Becker
| recommended_encoder = TAK encoder
| recommended_text = TAK v1.0.1
| website = [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html ThBeck.de/Tak/Tak.html] ''(german)''
}}

== Description ==
'''Tom's lossless Audio Kompressor''' ('''TAK''') is a lossless audio compressor which promises compression performance similar to [[Monkey's Audio]] “High” and decompression speed similar to [[FLAC]].

=== Features ===
* High compression
* Fast compression and decompression speed
* Streaming support (necessary headers for decompressing the audio are written to the stream every 2 seconds)
* Error tolerance (single bit error will never affect more than 250 ms)
* Error detection (each frame protected by a 24-bit checksum (CRC))

=== Pros ===
* Fast encoding speed (while providing better compression TAK encodes as fast as [[FLAC]] -8 in TAK's “Extra” and several times faster in “Turbo” mode)
* Fast decompression speed (on par with [[FLAC]] / [[WavPack]])
* Good compression levels (on par with [[Monkey's Audio]] High)
* Error Robustness
* Fast Seeking

=== Cons ===
* Closed Source (at the moment)
* No hardware support
* Very limited software support (playback: [[Winamp]] & [[foobar2000]] plugins, tagging: Mp3Tag)

== Hardware and Software That Support TAK ==
=== Hardware ===
* None

=== Software ===
* TAK SDK 1.0.3 – Software Development Kit for TAK [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* Winamp Plugin 1.0.2 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* foo_input_tak, TAK decoder for [[foobar2000]] [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54087 here] (supports tagging and [[Replay Gain]])
* [[Mp3tag]] – universal tag editor with support for TAK

==== Linux ====
* The TAK reference applications (GUI as well as commandline) are known to run on Linux via WINE.

== Recommended Settings ==
* Default compression: “Normal” is the most attractive setting, providing an excellent compromise between compression and encoding speed. (At compression levels close to [[Monkey's Audio]] High (<0.4% difference), it is able to encode more quickly.)
<code>takc -e [input file]</code>
* Highest compression: “Extra” preset with “Maximum” switch. (This will create files which are comparable in size to file created using [[Monkey's Audio]] High. Decompression speed is comparable to [[WavPack]] Normal.)
<code>takc -e -p4m [input file]</code>
* Fastest compression: “Turbo” preset (This will create files which are comparable in size to [[Monkey's Audio]] Fast or [[WavPack]] High. Decompression speed is comparable to [[FLAC]] 0.)
<code>takc -e -p0 [input file]</code>

=== TAK Performance Graph ===
[[Image:TAK_performance_graph.png|frame|center|Graph showing encoding and decoding rate against compression, using data from Synthetic Soul's test on TAK 1.0.1<br />(see [[TAK#External_Links|External Links]])]]

== Using TAK ==
=== TAK with [[foobar2000]] ===
* Copy the takc.exe to your [[foobar2000]] directory
* Go to File -> Preferences -> Tools -> Converter
* Set it up as shown:
[[Image:tak.PNG|frame|center|TAK Encoder with foobar]]
'''Note:''' replace the -p4 with the desired compression level.

* Use [[APEv2_specification|APEv2]] tagging (will be used as internal tagging)

=== TAK with [[EAC]] ===
Please read the [[EAC_and_TAK|wiki guide]], which details how to create TAK files with [[EAC]].

== Future Features ==
* Unicode support
* Piping support
* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification
* A German version
* Embedded cue sheets
* Embedded cover art
* Multichannel audio

== Frequently Asked Questions ==
* Is the codec safe for use?
: Yes. To check, convert a WAVE to TAK and back and compare the two (or use foobar's bitcompare tool).

* Why should I use TAK?
: TAK offers high compression ratios with great decoding rates.

* What can I compress with TAK?
: TAK 1.0 can compress any integer-format (up to 24 bits per channel) PCM RIFF WAVE file (.wav). Since piping support has not been added yet, you must convert your lossless files to wav first to convert to TAK.

* What about hardware support?
: None at the moment. Although, ''Turbo'', ''Fast'' and ''Normal'' are the candidates for hardware playback.

* When will the source be opened?
: Yes, TAK will be open-source, as soon as the code is ported to C or C++ and documented. However, Thomas has mentioned that he would like to improve the codec before opening the source.

== External Links ==
* [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html] – Official Website ''(german)''
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54160 TAK Release Announcement / Discussion Thread on HA] ''(english)''
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 TAK Downloads]
* [http://synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless/ synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless] – Comparison with Other Codecs (by Synthetic Soul)
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html] – An Updated Comparison (from FLAC Homepage)

[[Category:Lossless]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2007-04-20T22:02:30Z

Kanak:

{{notitle}}<div style="position: relative; top: -45px; z-index: 100;">
{|cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"|
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-bottom: 0px;" colspan="2"|
<div style="font-size: 24px; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 5px; margin: 0px;">[[Image:foobar2000 Logo.png]] the foobar2000 wiki</div>
|-
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px; border-right: 0px;"|
'''foobar2000''' is a freeware audio player, and more. Apart from audio playback, it also supports media libraries, file conversion, CD ripping, and many more powerful features.
<div style="border: 1px solid #CCCCCC; padding: 5px 10px;">
'''The latest stable version is:''' [http://www.foobar2000.org/foobar2000_0.9.4.3.exe v0.9.4.3]<br />
</div>
==Features==

* Open component architecture allowing third-party developers to extend functionality of the player
* Full Unicode support
* [[Replaygain]] support
* Low memory footprint, efficient handling of really large playlists
* Advanced file info processing capabilities (generic file info box and masstagger)
* Highly customizable playlist display
* Customizable keyboard shortcuts
* Gapless playback
* Multiple playlists
* Music library
* Streaming Support
* Freeware

==Supported Audio Formats==

Native Support ("out-of-the-box"):
* [[MP1]], [[MP2]], [[MP3]], [[MP4]], [[Musepack]], [[AAC]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[FLAC]] / Ogg FLAC, [[Speex]], [[WavPack]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[AU]], [[SND]], [[CDDA]], [[WMA]].

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[ALAC]], [[MOD]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[AC3]], [[DTS]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]], [[MMS]], [[RSTP]], etc.

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP, [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/foo_unpack_jma.zip JMA] & [http://kode54.foobar2000.org/foo_unpack_lha.zip LHA] archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

Foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=24&t=6349&hl=wine running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems] by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

==Using foobar2000==
* [[foobar2000:components 0.9|foobar2000 0.9.x Components]]
* [[foobar2000:Directories|foobar2000 Directories]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Guides foobar2000 Guides (category)]
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Category:Foobar2000_Preferences foobar2000 Preferences (category)]
* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]

===Technical Information===
* [[Foobar2000:ID3 Tag Mapping|ID3 Tag Mapping]]

===General Guides===
''Note'' All '''general''' guides were written for 0.8.3 version and could contain outdated information. For 0.9 version, check out the External Guides below.
* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Intermediate User Guide|Intermediate User Guide]]

===Specific Guides===

'''0.9.x'''

* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Introduction|Introduction to titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Reference|Titleformat Reference]] - Quick-Reference for fields and functions
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|Masstagger]]
* [[foobar2000:Commandline Guide|Commandline Usage]]
* [[foobar2000:Increasing Performance|Increasing Performance]] - Tips

'''0.8.x'''

The following articles contain outdated information that does not apply to Foobar2000 v0.9:
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz (Simple Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagscript|Tagscript (Script-like Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Autoplaylist|Autoplaylist]] Guide and Cookbook

===External Guides===

'''0.9.x'''
* [http://fooblog2000.com/ Fooblog2000] News blog with the latest configuration/component tips and guides.
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/ Bachi-Bouzouk's English/French guide] Complete manual about foobar2000, Replaygain, the masstagger (with a tutorial) and common plugins. Two rather extensive FAQ for UI columns and overall use. Step by step guide to help new users.
* [http://foobar.s53.xrea.com/index.html fb2k Wiki Page] for Japanese users.
* [http://foobar2000.audiohq.de/ Frank Bicking's German-language guide].
* [http://www.bobulous.org.uk/misc/Replay-Gain.html Replay Gain] focusing on Foobar2000. (But the other articles on this site contain misleading information)

'''0.8.x'''

* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar/ Bachi-Bouzouk's guide]
* [http://www.dizwell.com/prod/node/44 Howard Rogers' Beginners' Configuration Guide]
* [http://shsc.info/foobar2000#titelanker2 SH/SC New user guide]
* [http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/foobar/ TechSpot's "complete guide to Foobar2000"]

==== Scripting Tutorials ====

'''0.9.x'''

* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar0.9/tutorial.php Bachi-Bouzouk's Scripting Tutorial] Color schemes detailed. Main functions explained, basic and complex code for your columns. Several .fcs explained, detailed FAQ.
* [http://tagz.brother-john.net/ Brother John's Foobar2000 Scripting Tutorial]

==Important Links==

===Official Site===

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Download]
* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

===Community===

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]
* [http://foobar2000.fo.funpic.de/ German Support Forum]
* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.tk Portuguese forum]
* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]
* [http://www.foobar2000.ru/forum/ Another Russian-language forum]

===Appearance===

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=49783 Configuration Distribution Thread] Fast Way To Clone Another's Advanced Configuration {{foobar2000v09}}.
* [[Foobar2000:Preferences:Columns UI/Appearance|Appearance]] Guides to customizing the look of your Foobar2000
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=43077 Foobar Gallery 0.9]: screenshot thread {{foobar2000v09}}
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery 0.8]: screenshot thread {{foobar2000v08}}
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31027 Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format
|style="border: 1px solid #777777; padding: 10px;" valign="top"|
{{Software Infobox|
|name = foobar2000
|screenshot = [[Image:Foobar2000v0.9.png|250px]]
|caption = Screenshot of foobar2000 v0.9 using the default user interface
|maintainer = Peter Pawlowski
|stable_release = 0.9.4.2
|preview_release = 0.9.4.3 beta
|operating_system = Windows
|use = Media Player
|license = Proprietary, BSD
|website = [http://www.foobar2000.org/ www.foobar2000.org]
}}<br clear="both" />
<div style="margin-left: 17px;">__TOC__</div>
|}
[[Category:foobar2000]]
[[Category:Media Players|foobar2000]]

TAK

2007-04-17T17:55:43Z

Kanak: /* Recommended Settings */

{{stub}}
{{Codec Infobox
| name = TAK
| logo = [[Image:TAK-logo.gif]]
| type = lossless
| purpose = lossless audio compression.
| maintainer = Thomas Becker
| recommended_encoder = TAK encoder
| recommended_text = TAK v1.0.1
| website = [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html Homepage] (german)
}}

=General aspects of the format=
'''TAK''' ('''T'''om's lossless '''A'''udio '''K'''ompressor) is a lossless audio compressor which promises compression performance similar to Monkey's Audio "High" and decompression speed similar to FLAC. While the basic format is ready and safe to use, many features such as internal tagging, playback support for other players are yet to be implemented.

==Features==
* high compression
* fast compression and decompression speed
* Streaming support
* Error tolerance
** single bit error will never affect more than 250 ms
* Error detection
** each frame protected by a 24-bit checksum (CRC)

==Pros==
* Fast encoding speed
** Tak "Extra" encodes as fast as Flac -8 while providing better compression
** Tak "Turbo" encodes several times faster than FLAC -8 while providing better compression
* Fast decompression speed (on par with FLAC / WavPack)
* Good compression levels (on par with Monkey's Audio High)
* Error Robustness
* Fast Seeking

==Cons==
* Closed Source (at the moment)
* No hardware support
* Very limited software support (Only Winamp & Foobar2000 plugins at the moment)

=Hardware and software that support TAK=
==Hardware==
* none

==Software==
* TAK SDK 1.0.2 - Software Development Kit for TAK [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* Winamp Plugin 1.0.2 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* foo_input_tak, TAK decoder for Foobar2000 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54087 here]

=Recommended Settings=
* Best compression: "Extra" preset with "Maximum" switch. (This will create files which are comparable in size to file created using Monkey's Audio High.Decompression speed is comparable to Wavpack Normal.)
takc -e -p4m [input file]
* Fastest compression: "Turbo" preset (This will create files which are comparable in size to Monkey's Audio Fast or Wavpack High. Decompression speed is comparable to Flac 0.)
takc -e -p0 [input file]
* Setting Up TAK with Foobar2000
** Copy the takc.exe to your foobar2000 directory
** Go to File -> Preferences -> Tools -> Converter
** Set it up as shown:
[[Image:tak.PNG|frame|center|TAK Encoder with Foobar]]

NOTE: replace the -p4 with the desired compression level.

* use [[APEv2_specification|ApeV2]] tagging (will be used as internal tagging)

=Future Features=
* Unicode support.
* Piping support.
* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification.
* A german version.
* Embedded cue sheets.
* Embedded cover art.
* Multichannel audio.

=Frequently asked questions=
* Is the codec safe for use?
Yes. To check, convert a wav to tak and back and compare the two (or use foobar's bitcompare tool).

* Why should i use TAK?
TAK offers high compression ratios with great decoding rates.

*What can i compress with TAK?
TAK 1.0 can compress any integer-format (up to 24bits per channel) PCM Windows Waveform file (.wav). Since piping support has not been added yet, you must convert your lossless files to wav first to convert to TAK.

*What about hardware support?
None at the moment. Although, Turbo, Fast and Normal are the candidates for hardware playback.

* When will the source be opened?
Yes, TAK will be open-source, as soon as the code is ported to C or C++ and documented. However, Thomas has mentioned that he would like to improve the codec before opening the source.

=External links=
* [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html TAK: Homepage] (german)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54160 TAK: Release Announcement / Discussion Thread on HA] (english)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 TAK: Download]
* [http://synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless/ Comparison with Other Codecs (by Synthetic Soul)]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html An Updated Comparison (from FLAC Homepage)]

[[Category:Lossless]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

TAK

2007-04-17T17:53:20Z

Kanak: /* Recommended Settings */

{{stub}}
{{Codec Infobox
| name = TAK
| logo = [[Image:TAK-logo.gif]]
| type = lossless
| purpose = lossless audio compression.
| maintainer = Thomas Becker
| recommended_encoder = TAK encoder
| recommended_text = TAK v1.0.1
| website = [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html Homepage] (german)
}}

=General aspects of the format=
'''TAK''' ('''T'''om's lossless '''A'''udio '''K'''ompressor) is a lossless audio compressor which promises compression performance similar to Monkey's Audio "High" and decompression speed similar to FLAC. While the basic format is ready and safe to use, many features such as internal tagging, playback support for other players are yet to be implemented.

==Features==
* high compression
* fast compression and decompression speed
* Streaming support
* Error tolerance
** single bit error will never affect more than 250 ms
* Error detection
** each frame protected by a 24-bit checksum (CRC)

==Pros==
* Fast encoding speed
** Tak "Extra" encodes as fast as Flac -8 while providing better compression
** Tak "Turbo" encodes several times faster than FLAC -8 while providing better compression
* Fast decompression speed (on par with FLAC / WavPack)
* Good compression levels (on par with Monkey's Audio High)
* Error Robustness
* Fast Seeking

==Cons==
* Closed Source (at the moment)
* No hardware support
* Very limited software support (Only Winamp & Foobar2000 plugins at the moment)

=Hardware and software that support TAK=
==Hardware==
* none

==Software==
* TAK SDK 1.0.2 - Software Development Kit for TAK [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* Winamp Plugin 1.0.2 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* foo_input_tak, TAK decoder for Foobar2000 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54087 here]

=Recommended Settings=
* Best compression: "Extra" preset with "Maximum" switch. (This will create files which are comparable in size to file created using Monkey's Audio High.Decompression speed is comparable to Wavpack Normal.)
takc -e -p4m [input file]
* Fastest compression: "Turbo" preset (This will create files which are comparable in size to Monkey's Audio Fast or Wavpack High. Decompression speed is comparable to Flac 0.)
takc -e -p0 [input file]
* Setting Up TAK with Foobar2000
1. Copy the takc.exe to your foobar2000 directory
2. Go to File -> Preferences -> Tools -> Converter
3. Set it up as shown:
<center>[[Image:tak.PNG|frame|center|TAK Encoder with Foobar]]</center>

NOTE: replace the -p4m with the desired compression level.

* use [[APEv2_specification|ApeV2]] tagging (will be used as internal tagging)

=Future Features=
* Unicode support.
* Piping support.
* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification.
* A german version.
* Embedded cue sheets.
* Embedded cover art.
* Multichannel audio.

=Frequently asked questions=
* Is the codec safe for use?
Yes. To check, convert a wav to tak and back and compare the two (or use foobar's bitcompare tool).

* Why should i use TAK?
TAK offers high compression ratios with great decoding rates.

*What can i compress with TAK?
TAK 1.0 can compress any integer-format (up to 24bits per channel) PCM Windows Waveform file (.wav). Since piping support has not been added yet, you must convert your lossless files to wav first to convert to TAK.

*What about hardware support?
None at the moment. Although, Turbo, Fast and Normal are the candidates for hardware playback.

* When will the source be opened?
Yes, TAK will be open-source, as soon as the code is ported to C or C++ and documented. However, Thomas has mentioned that he would like to improve the codec before opening the source.

=External links=
* [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html TAK: Homepage] (german)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54160 TAK: Release Announcement / Discussion Thread on HA] (english)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 TAK: Download]
* [http://synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless/ Comparison with Other Codecs (by Synthetic Soul)]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html An Updated Comparison (from FLAC Homepage)]

[[Category:Lossless]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

TAK

2007-04-17T17:49:06Z

Kanak: /* Recommended Settings */

{{stub}}
{{Codec Infobox
| name = TAK
| logo = [[Image:TAK-logo.gif]]
| type = lossless
| purpose = lossless audio compression.
| maintainer = Thomas Becker
| recommended_encoder = TAK encoder
| recommended_text = TAK v1.0.1
| website = [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html Homepage] (german)
}}

=General aspects of the format=
'''TAK''' ('''T'''om's lossless '''A'''udio '''K'''ompressor) is a lossless audio compressor which promises compression performance similar to Monkey's Audio "High" and decompression speed similar to FLAC. While the basic format is ready and safe to use, many features such as internal tagging, playback support for other players are yet to be implemented.

==Features==
* high compression
* fast compression and decompression speed
* Streaming support
* Error tolerance
** single bit error will never affect more than 250 ms
* Error detection
** each frame protected by a 24-bit checksum (CRC)

==Pros==
* Fast encoding speed
** Tak "Extra" encodes as fast as Flac -8 while providing better compression
** Tak "Turbo" encodes several times faster than FLAC -8 while providing better compression
* Fast decompression speed (on par with FLAC / WavPack)
* Good compression levels (on par with Monkey's Audio High)
* Error Robustness
* Fast Seeking

==Cons==
* Closed Source (at the moment)
* No hardware support
* Very limited software support (Only Winamp & Foobar2000 plugins at the moment)

=Hardware and software that support TAK=
==Hardware==
* none

==Software==
* TAK SDK 1.0.2 - Software Development Kit for TAK [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* Winamp Plugin 1.0.2 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* foo_input_tak, TAK decoder for Foobar2000 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54087 here]

=Recommended Settings=
* Best compression: "Extra" preset with "Maximum" switch. (This will create files which are comparable in size to file created using Monkey's Audio High.Decompression speed is comparable to Wavpack Normal.)
takc -e -p4m [input file]
* Fastest compression: "Turbo" preset (This will create files which are comparable in size to Monkey's Audio Fast or Wavpack High. Decompression speed is comparable to Flac 0.)
takc -e -p0 [input file]
* Setting Up TAK with Foobar2000
1. Copy the takc.exe to your foobar2000 directory
2. Go to File -> Preferences -> Tools -> Converter
3. Set it up as shown:
[[Image:tak.png]]
NOTE: replace the -p4m with the desired compression level.

* use [[APEv2_specification|ApeV2]] tagging (will be used as internal tagging)

=Future Features=
* Unicode support.
* Piping support.
* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification.
* A german version.
* Embedded cue sheets.
* Embedded cover art.
* Multichannel audio.

=Frequently asked questions=
* Is the codec safe for use?
Yes. To check, convert a wav to tak and back and compare the two (or use foobar's bitcompare tool).

* Why should i use TAK?
TAK offers high compression ratios with great decoding rates.

*What can i compress with TAK?
TAK 1.0 can compress any integer-format (up to 24bits per channel) PCM Windows Waveform file (.wav). Since piping support has not been added yet, you must convert your lossless files to wav first to convert to TAK.

*What about hardware support?
None at the moment. Although, Turbo, Fast and Normal are the candidates for hardware playback.

* When will the source be opened?
Yes, TAK will be open-source, as soon as the code is ported to C or C++ and documented. However, Thomas has mentioned that he would like to improve the codec before opening the source.

=External links=
* [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html TAK: Homepage] (german)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54160 TAK: Release Announcement / Discussion Thread on HA] (english)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 TAK: Download]
* [http://synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless/ Comparison with Other Codecs (by Synthetic Soul)]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html An Updated Comparison (from FLAC Homepage)]

[[Category:Lossless]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

File:Tak.PNG

2007-04-17T17:48:02Z

Kanak: How to set up TAK in foobar2000.

How to set up TAK in foobar2000.

TAK

2007-04-17T17:42:52Z

Kanak: /* Frequently asked questions */

{{stub}}
{{Codec Infobox
| name = TAK
| logo = [[Image:TAK-logo.gif]]
| type = lossless
| purpose = lossless audio compression.
| maintainer = Thomas Becker
| recommended_encoder = TAK encoder
| recommended_text = TAK v1.0.1
| website = [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html Homepage] (german)
}}

=General aspects of the format=
'''TAK''' ('''T'''om's lossless '''A'''udio '''K'''ompressor) is a lossless audio compressor which promises compression performance similar to Monkey's Audio "High" and decompression speed similar to FLAC. While the basic format is ready and safe to use, many features such as internal tagging, playback support for other players are yet to be implemented.

==Features==
* high compression
* fast compression and decompression speed
* Streaming support
* Error tolerance
** single bit error will never affect more than 250 ms
* Error detection
** each frame protected by a 24-bit checksum (CRC)

==Pros==
* Fast encoding speed
** Tak "Extra" encodes as fast as Flac -8 while providing better compression
** Tak "Turbo" encodes several times faster than FLAC -8 while providing better compression
* Fast decompression speed (on par with FLAC / WavPack)
* Good compression levels (on par with Monkey's Audio High)
* Error Robustness
* Fast Seeking

==Cons==
* Closed Source (at the moment)
* No hardware support
* Very limited software support (Only Winamp & Foobar2000 plugins at the moment)

=Hardware and software that support TAK=
==Hardware==
* none

==Software==
* TAK SDK 1.0.2 - Software Development Kit for TAK [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* Winamp Plugin 1.0.2 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* foo_input_tak, TAK decoder for Foobar2000 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54087 here]

=Recommended Settings=
* Best compression: "Extra" preset with "Maximum" switch. (This will create files which are comparable in size to file created using Monkey's Audio High.Decompression speed is comparable to Wavpack Normal.)
takc -e -p4m [input file]
* Fastest compression: "Turbo" preset (This will create files which are comparable in size to Monkey's Audio Fast or Wavpack High. Decompression speed is comparable to Flac 0.)
takc -e -p0 [input file]
* use [[APEv2_specification|ApeV2]] tagging (will be used as internal tagging)

=Future Features=
* Unicode support.
* Piping support.
* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification.
* A german version.
* Embedded cue sheets.
* Embedded cover art.
* Multichannel audio.

=Frequently asked questions=
* Is the codec safe for use?
Yes. To check, convert a wav to tak and back and compare the two (or use foobar's bitcompare tool).

* Why should i use TAK?
TAK offers high compression ratios with great decoding rates.

*What can i compress with TAK?
TAK 1.0 can compress any integer-format (up to 24bits per channel) PCM Windows Waveform file (.wav). Since piping support has not been added yet, you must convert your lossless files to wav first to convert to TAK.

*What about hardware support?
None at the moment. Although, Turbo, Fast and Normal are the candidates for hardware playback.

* When will the source be opened?
Yes, TAK will be open-source, as soon as the code is ported to C or C++ and documented. However, Thomas has mentioned that he would like to improve the codec before opening the source.

=External links=
* [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html TAK: Homepage] (german)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54160 TAK: Release Announcement / Discussion Thread on HA] (english)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 TAK: Download]
* [http://synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless/ Comparison with Other Codecs (by Synthetic Soul)]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html An Updated Comparison (from FLAC Homepage)]

[[Category:Lossless]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

TAK

2007-04-17T17:35:36Z

Kanak: /* Recommended Settings */

{{stub}}
{{Codec Infobox
| name = TAK
| logo = [[Image:TAK-logo.gif]]
| type = lossless
| purpose = lossless audio compression.
| maintainer = Thomas Becker
| recommended_encoder = TAK encoder
| recommended_text = TAK v1.0.1
| website = [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html Homepage] (german)
}}

=General aspects of the format=
'''TAK''' ('''T'''om's lossless '''A'''udio '''K'''ompressor) is a lossless audio compressor which promises compression performance similar to Monkey's Audio "High" and decompression speed similar to FLAC. While the basic format is ready and safe to use, many features such as internal tagging, playback support for other players are yet to be implemented.

==Features==
* high compression
* fast compression and decompression speed
* Streaming support
* Error tolerance
** single bit error will never affect more than 250 ms
* Error detection
** each frame protected by a 24-bit checksum (CRC)

==Pros==
* Fast encoding speed
** Tak "Extra" encodes as fast as Flac -8 while providing better compression
** Tak "Turbo" encodes several times faster than FLAC -8 while providing better compression
* Fast decompression speed (on par with FLAC / WavPack)
* Good compression levels (on par with Monkey's Audio High)
* Error Robustness
* Fast Seeking

==Cons==
* Closed Source (at the moment)
* No hardware support
* Very limited software support (Only Winamp & Foobar2000 plugins at the moment)

=Hardware and software that support TAK=
==Hardware==
* none

==Software==
* TAK SDK 1.0.2 - Software Development Kit for TAK [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* Winamp Plugin 1.0.2 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* foo_input_tak, TAK decoder for Foobar2000 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54087 here]

=Recommended Settings=
* Best compression: "Extra" preset with "Maximum" switch. (This will create files which are comparable in size to file created using Monkey's Audio High.Decompression speed is comparable to Wavpack Normal.)
takc -e -p4m [input file]
* Fastest compression: "Turbo" preset (This will create files which are comparable in size to Monkey's Audio Fast or Wavpack High. Decompression speed is comparable to Flac 0.)
takc -e -p0 [input file]
* use [[APEv2_specification|ApeV2]] tagging (will be used as internal tagging)

=Future Features=
* Unicode support.
* Piping support.
* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification.
* A german version.
* Embedded cue sheets.
* Embedded cover art.
* Multichannel audio.

=Frequently asked questions=
* ''to be added''

=External links=
* [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html TAK: Homepage] (german)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54160 TAK: Release Announcement / Discussion Thread on HA] (english)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 TAK: Download]
* [http://synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless/ Comparison with Other Codecs (by Synthetic Soul)]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html An Updated Comparison (from FLAC Homepage)]

[[Category:Lossless]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]

TAK

2007-04-17T17:28:00Z

Kanak: /* Future Features */

TAK

2007-04-17T17:27:40Z

Kanak: /* Cons */

TAK

2007-04-17T17:27:18Z

Kanak: /* Recommended Settings */

{{stub}}
{{Codec Infobox
| name = TAK
| logo = [[Image:TAK-logo.gif]]
| type = lossless
| purpose = lossless audio compression.
| maintainer = Thomas Becker
| recommended_encoder = TAK encoder
| recommended_text = TAK v1.0.1
| website = [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html Homepage] (german)
}}

=General aspects of the format=
'''TAK''' ('''T'''om's lossless '''A'''udio '''K'''ompressor) is a lossless audio compressor which promises compression performance similar to Monkey's Audio "High" and decompression speed similar to FLAC. While the basic format is ready and safe to use, many features such as internal tagging, playback support for other players are yet to be implemented.

==Features==
* high compression
* fast compression and decompression speed
* Streaming support
* Error tolerance
** single bit error will never affect more than 250 ms
* Error detection
** each frame protected by a 24-bit checksum (CRC)

==Pros==
* Fast encoding speed
** Tak "Extra" encodes as fast as Flac -8 while providing better compression
** Tak "Turbo" encodes several times faster than FLAC -8 while providing better compression
* Fast decompression speed (on par with FLAC / WavPack)
* Good compression levels (on par with Monkey's Audio High)
* Error Robustness
* Fast Seeking

==Cons==
* Closed Source (at the moment)
* No hardware support
* Very limited software support (Only Winamp & Foobar2000 plugins at the moment)
* Tagging is not mature at the moment (ApeV2 Tags can be added using Foosion's decoder and [[MP3tag]] stubble)

=Hardware and software that support TAK=
==Hardware==
* none

==Software==
* TAK SDK 1.0.2 - Software Development Kit for TAK [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* Winamp Plugin 1.0.2 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 here]
* foo_input_tak, TAK decoder for Foobar2000 [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54087 here]

=Recommended Settings=
* Best compression: "Extra" preset with "Maximum" switch
takc -e -p4m [input file]
* Fastest compression: "Turbo" preset
takc -e -p0 [input file]
* use [[APEv2_specification|ApeV2]] tagging (will be used as internal tagging)

=Future Features=
* Internal tagging.
* Unicode support.
* Piping support.
* MD5 audio checksums for verification and identification.
* A german version.
* Embedded cue sheets.
* Embedded cover art.
* Multichannel audio.

=Frequently asked questions=
* ''to be added''

=External links=
* [http://www.thbeck.de/Tak/Tak.html TAK: Homepage] (german)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54160 TAK: Release Announcement / Discussion Thread on HA] (english)
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54159 TAK: Download]
* [http://synthetic-soul.co.uk/comparison/lossless/ Comparison with Other Codecs (by Synthetic Soul)]
* [http://flac.sourceforge.net/comparison.html An Updated Comparison (from FLAC Homepage)]

[[Category:Lossless]]
[[Category:Encoder/Decoder]]