For anyone who hasn’t seen JohnM’s MediaFlow add-on, go check it out now! It essentially implements CoverFlow in Songbird using all Javascript & Canvas.
He’s done a lot of nice little things like hooking up the visual browser to always stay in sync with the playlist, and making the album art scroll automatically to the track you select.
Absolutely stunning what you can do with Javascript these days isn’t it?
8 Comments
SubscribeGot it and I have to say, Job well done. Awesome addon!
The Album Art Manager, does not work in Songbird 0.5. =/
He sure did a really great job !
Since iTunes isn’t available for Linux, apart from when using Wine, this is certainly a feature I embrace with open arms. However, it seems that almost everyone using Ubuntu 8.04 LTS with Compiz is having their computer killed; the add-on takes 80% of the CPU making it extremely slow. Personally, I’ve tried disabling Compiz, and running Songbird; same thing. I’m still scratching my head, trying to find out what’s causing this. With Vista, I experienced some slowdown (below 20 fps), but nothing compared to Ubuntu. I run a 2,2 Core 2 Duo with 2 GB ram and a 8600 GT. No matter what, it still needs tweaking to make it as silky smooth as iTunes Media Flow.
Yeah! It’s is far from as silky smooth as iTunes Cover Flow. Only downside!!!!
Needs to be fixed. Other than that, I’m new to Songbird, and I must say I’m impressed. I like it!
Regarding the problems with compiz and the sloooow media-flow, I’ve found a solution that might help others overcome the CPU problems when using media-flow:
Hard-/Software setup:
Ubuntu Hardy Heron, 8.04
GeoForce 6600GT using EnvyNG Hardware Drivers
Compiz libraries installed
Solution:
Install xserver-xgl using the package-manager, after X-relaunch, the original server will be replaced and Xgl will kick in. Afterwards, MediaFlow in Songbird will work fluently.
Conclusion:
In my opinion, the MediaFlow plugin cannot use OpenGL functionality on it’s own, therefore relying completely on the X-Server’s capabilities. My compiz installation was not harmed, e.g. the avant-window-manager (relies on compiz) still works fine.
I hope, this can help some of the (frustrated) user of Songbird’s MediaFlow plugin. Generally, I think Songbird in itself is a great piece of software. I’m relieved to finally have found a piece of software for media-management and -playback, that utilizes the general approach so often seen in other operating-systems.
Keep up the good work. I’m looking forward to the next versions.
it seems I can’t make my mediaflow show the covers, help anyone? ‘m new on this XD
Hello, I can not be able to see image. Please correct the image. http://addons.songbirdnest.com/addon-images/741/mediaflow_large.png