Darkplaces and snd_mutewhenidle

[Gnalvl]

Hi, I'm trying to run Darkplaces dual-screen with my girlfriend in Win7. I run window on the tv via extended desktop, and one on a small monitor on the coffee table. Then we use 2 gamepads with each window set to a different id, and voila - coop on one rig.

The issue I'm having is that setting snd_mutewhenidle to 0 doesn't work - one window always mutes itself when the other is selected. I'm guessing is a windows issue - does anyone know a workaround for this?

[Mindf!3ldzX]

Thats common to tons of games,only one window can be "In Front" . You might be able to split the signal off of two seperate audio devices, and some type of command fine function,but you'll still only be able to have one of the windows "active" so to speak. One will always be behind,one in front.

you could try and tackle it like I did awhile back, I got aggrivated but, heck, half the details of getting it going are already contained within the post.

http://quakeone.com/forums/quake-tal...html#post90405

It has some already documented assistance from the author of the engine.

[Gnalvl]

Thanks for the link to FTEQW, I will definitely try that if all else fails. I am interested in overcoming the inactive window limitations primarily because I want to use this process with other games as well.

I know in the MMO community, there are "multiboxing" applications designed for players to grind multiple characters at once. At least one of them may include feature which tricks windows into outputting the sound as if all windows are active.

Additionally, you may have noticed that the limitations of inactive windows are different from application to application - for example, music players are still audible even when in the background. This tells me there must be a workaround for inactive window mutes somewhere.

I'll report back if/when I figure this out so others can use it. In the mean time, if anyone else has a solution, I'd appreciate hearing it.

[Mindf!3ldzX]

You are correct. If you do come across a fix,definately come back and announce your findings

[Gnalvl]

BTW, is there a way to invert Y axis on joysticks in Darkplaces? The "invert mouse" option only affects the mouse (apparently Nexuiz includes some code to change this, but it's not native to Darkplaces).

[Spike]

If you do try multiboxing with fte, the equivelent cvar is 'snd_inactive' which should be set to 1 if you want sound when not active.
You need to do a snd_restart or a vid_restart for it to take effect (or put it in autoexec.cfg, that works too).

Technical: This will enable the DSBCAPS_GLOBALFOCUS flag on the dsound buffers, thus windows won't mute it. It'll also keep the mixer going.
If you want to stick with darkplaces, that's the flag to add in the snd_win.c file.