goblinlordx
12-11-2006, 06:49 AM
NOTICE: I have and will continue updating this post as things change.
What is the PS-3mu project?
My personal attempt to create a small and simple distribution of linux programs based around use of emulation and multimedia software specificly for the PS3. The goal is to make it easy to install with virtually no user interaction (any interaction that is needed will be by the use of the gamepad via USB). This could eventually transform the PS3 into the ultimate gaming console. It would have a massive library of games and could support all the multimedia filetypes you wish the gameOS could.
What programs will be in the distribution?
As many good emulators as possible as well as a Xine backend for multimedia. Using Xine multimedia should be able to be integrated into the frontend. I am looking at Wahcade as a possible starting point for a frontend. Here is a list of programs I have compiled so far that I know work and will probably be included:
Complete:
Fluxbox
QT (if it ends up being needed)
SDL? (not sure if my sound issues lie here but probably not)
Allegro (haven't actually fully tested it yet... though it seems to be working properly via FakeNES)
sdlmess (though... I only really did a quick test with NES emulation)
DOSbox
ScummVM (I love old adventure games... some of my best gaming memories)
Mplayer
Partially Complete:
Xine (optional aaXine just for effect ^-^)
FCEU (of course no openGL support atm)
Snes9x (same as FCEU)
FakeNES (this one will probably NOT be included)
Emulators I plan on adding to the list ASAP:
FreeSCI
Any genesis emulator I can get working (I need suggestions... for now sdlmess)
Emulators for any major console system from (1st gen to 4th gen)
When proper support comes out... emulators for 5th gen
When developement reaches this point and if at all feasable 6th gen emulation
Other programs I plan to try and get working but have yet to:
qjoypad (or any other gamepad->keyboard/mouse mapping program)
The frontend (possibly starting from current Wahcade builds)
Other stuff to do:
Optimize boot time for booting much quicker
Setup decent support for all video modes. Possibly by having different install CD images... or via small patches or installation interation.
Create an optional addon CD that includes things like a browser and other components not needed for gaming.
What is partially completed supposed to mean?
At the moment, I am having troubles with getting the proper sound output of all these programs. It sounds terrible at the moment. Almost as if it were being processed to slow (though the CPU usage isn't even near being maxed out according to top). This is one of my first major issues to come up with this project. Also, Xine has a problem with dropped frames (even though it still doesn't load down the CPU). Xine's problem is probably caused from having no CPU optimizations at the time it was compiled. I may end up changing to a different backend for multimedia.
Why are you announcing it in a forum?
I would like to see if anyone else is interested in working with me as I am not exactly an expert in either programming or linux. I do know a little... but I study network and communications... not programming :/. Any type of support from the community would be extremely nice. I would not only like help from the community but I would love to be able to give this distro back to the community in return.
When will this project be complete?
It is quite possible it will never get finished completely (as in some adding emulation support for later gen systems). Though, I am pretty sure the rest is quite feasable... I am working on it pretty much solo atm. So don't ask... because I don't know.
Will there be ROMs included with it?
NO...
What software will be used for sound and graphics?
My current plan is using the latest releases of X.org for a X server and ALSA for handling sound.
Can I do other stuff like surfing the web, checking e-mail, or IM?
With the original package... no. I plan to include dpkg and apt-get along with a graphical frontend with it when I get a chance. This will allow for this other software to be downloaded seperately and installed with relative ease. It will probably end up linked to the latest PPC repository of my favorite distro (Debian)... or even PPC64 if they port it to it by then.
Why won't you include this other software?
Simply put, that is not what this distribution is being formed for. The target group is gamers (including myself). I think this seems like an optimal target for this since the PS3 mainly targets the same group of people. The entire reason is to add the absolutely massive amount of existing games to be easily played on a 7th gen console. The objective is to make it as simple as possible so that anyone that has a PS3 can follow simple instructions (to install kboot), insert a CD (yes... CD... no need for a massive DVD with lots of useless software for a gamer), wait for automatic install, then play their games from a disc of their choice (with the option of "installing" them to the HDD).
What types of features do you want to add?
What I would like to add are some nice features like this:
Scanning of a disc for a certain type of ROM/file set to use as a list in the menu
Using currently available programs (or code from them... properly giving credit to them of course) to identify the actual name of the ROM or files
Allowing for the serching inside various types of compressed files
Allowing for this database to be linked to a database of screenshots/carts/boxes
Allowing for the pic database to be on either the disc with the ROMs or on the HDD
When possible add openGL support (that is when someone comes up with a software wrapper for SPEs or we get access to GPU first)
How can I help the project?
I am looking for anyone willing to help me get the properly compiled software together. You can start by posting on these forums. If you would like to assist me in my effort then please private message me via this forum.
What is currently being worked on?
I am have put off getting FreeSCI up and running only because I do not think it will be difficult. Instead I am trying to figure out what the problem is with the sound. I do not know where exactly my problem lies. My guess is it is something to do with the programs' interactions with ALSA. If anyone has any insight for this issue please contact me. Once I get sound working properly I can get a keyboard mapper working and might be able to get an initial testing disc out there. Of course, it won't include a frontend and you will still need a keyboard and mouse... but it will be something.
Update: I got sound working with some of the programs... the rest I am going to have to find out how to fix. It definately has to do with program->ALSA interaction.
What is the PS-3mu project?
My personal attempt to create a small and simple distribution of linux programs based around use of emulation and multimedia software specificly for the PS3. The goal is to make it easy to install with virtually no user interaction (any interaction that is needed will be by the use of the gamepad via USB). This could eventually transform the PS3 into the ultimate gaming console. It would have a massive library of games and could support all the multimedia filetypes you wish the gameOS could.
What programs will be in the distribution?
As many good emulators as possible as well as a Xine backend for multimedia. Using Xine multimedia should be able to be integrated into the frontend. I am looking at Wahcade as a possible starting point for a frontend. Here is a list of programs I have compiled so far that I know work and will probably be included:
Complete:
Fluxbox
QT (if it ends up being needed)
SDL? (not sure if my sound issues lie here but probably not)
Allegro (haven't actually fully tested it yet... though it seems to be working properly via FakeNES)
sdlmess (though... I only really did a quick test with NES emulation)
DOSbox
ScummVM (I love old adventure games... some of my best gaming memories)
Mplayer
Partially Complete:
Xine (optional aaXine just for effect ^-^)
FCEU (of course no openGL support atm)
Snes9x (same as FCEU)
FakeNES (this one will probably NOT be included)
Emulators I plan on adding to the list ASAP:
FreeSCI
Any genesis emulator I can get working (I need suggestions... for now sdlmess)
Emulators for any major console system from (1st gen to 4th gen)
When proper support comes out... emulators for 5th gen
When developement reaches this point and if at all feasable 6th gen emulation
Other programs I plan to try and get working but have yet to:
qjoypad (or any other gamepad->keyboard/mouse mapping program)
The frontend (possibly starting from current Wahcade builds)
Other stuff to do:
Optimize boot time for booting much quicker
Setup decent support for all video modes. Possibly by having different install CD images... or via small patches or installation interation.
Create an optional addon CD that includes things like a browser and other components not needed for gaming.
What is partially completed supposed to mean?
At the moment, I am having troubles with getting the proper sound output of all these programs. It sounds terrible at the moment. Almost as if it were being processed to slow (though the CPU usage isn't even near being maxed out according to top). This is one of my first major issues to come up with this project. Also, Xine has a problem with dropped frames (even though it still doesn't load down the CPU). Xine's problem is probably caused from having no CPU optimizations at the time it was compiled. I may end up changing to a different backend for multimedia.
Why are you announcing it in a forum?
I would like to see if anyone else is interested in working with me as I am not exactly an expert in either programming or linux. I do know a little... but I study network and communications... not programming :/. Any type of support from the community would be extremely nice. I would not only like help from the community but I would love to be able to give this distro back to the community in return.
When will this project be complete?
It is quite possible it will never get finished completely (as in some adding emulation support for later gen systems). Though, I am pretty sure the rest is quite feasable... I am working on it pretty much solo atm. So don't ask... because I don't know.
Will there be ROMs included with it?
NO...
What software will be used for sound and graphics?
My current plan is using the latest releases of X.org for a X server and ALSA for handling sound.
Can I do other stuff like surfing the web, checking e-mail, or IM?
With the original package... no. I plan to include dpkg and apt-get along with a graphical frontend with it when I get a chance. This will allow for this other software to be downloaded seperately and installed with relative ease. It will probably end up linked to the latest PPC repository of my favorite distro (Debian)... or even PPC64 if they port it to it by then.
Why won't you include this other software?
Simply put, that is not what this distribution is being formed for. The target group is gamers (including myself). I think this seems like an optimal target for this since the PS3 mainly targets the same group of people. The entire reason is to add the absolutely massive amount of existing games to be easily played on a 7th gen console. The objective is to make it as simple as possible so that anyone that has a PS3 can follow simple instructions (to install kboot), insert a CD (yes... CD... no need for a massive DVD with lots of useless software for a gamer), wait for automatic install, then play their games from a disc of their choice (with the option of "installing" them to the HDD).
What types of features do you want to add?
What I would like to add are some nice features like this:
Scanning of a disc for a certain type of ROM/file set to use as a list in the menu
Using currently available programs (or code from them... properly giving credit to them of course) to identify the actual name of the ROM or files
Allowing for the serching inside various types of compressed files
Allowing for this database to be linked to a database of screenshots/carts/boxes
Allowing for the pic database to be on either the disc with the ROMs or on the HDD
When possible add openGL support (that is when someone comes up with a software wrapper for SPEs or we get access to GPU first)
How can I help the project?
I am looking for anyone willing to help me get the properly compiled software together. You can start by posting on these forums. If you would like to assist me in my effort then please private message me via this forum.
What is currently being worked on?
I am have put off getting FreeSCI up and running only because I do not think it will be difficult. Instead I am trying to figure out what the problem is with the sound. I do not know where exactly my problem lies. My guess is it is something to do with the programs' interactions with ALSA. If anyone has any insight for this issue please contact me. Once I get sound working properly I can get a keyboard mapper working and might be able to get an initial testing disc out there. Of course, it won't include a frontend and you will still need a keyboard and mouse... but it will be something.
Update: I got sound working with some of the programs... the rest I am going to have to find out how to fix. It definately has to do with program->ALSA interaction.