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MusicBee & Add-Ons => Customizations => Plugins => Topic started by: Steven on June 04, 2014, 08:36:45 PM

Title: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on June 04, 2014, 08:36:45 PM
When this plugin is enabled, MusicBee will only play the starting portion and optionally the ending portion of a track. You can set a start offset and duration in the Plugin preferences screen and optionally an offset from the track end/ duration  (all in seconds)

(http://getmusicbee.com/images/forum/TrackPreviewer.jpg)

To activate, right click in the Now Playing panel/ Preview Mode/...
  Enable Track Preview Mode - this needs to be done on each restart of musicbee.
  Suspend Track Preview Mode - if you want to keep listening to the current playing track. The preview mode when the current track finishes

or assign and use these hotkey commands:
Player: Toggle Track Preview Mode
Player: Suspend Track Preview Mode


unzip and put in the plugins folder:
https://getmusicbee.com/download/plugins/mb_TrackPreviewer.zip
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: redwing on June 05, 2014, 03:36:39 AM
Can you elaborate on how to use the end offset and its duration? Let's say I'd like to play 0:40~0:50 for 10 secs and then -0:30~-0:25 for 5 secs. How should I configure it? And what if I want to play only the second part?

When multiple tracks are playing in expanded album view, the track list keeps open and closed irregularly with hightlight playing track in the main panel option turned on.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on June 05, 2014, 08:40:02 AM
Can you elaborate on how to use the end offset and its duration? Let's say I'd like to play 0:40~0:50 for 10 secs and then -0:30~-0:25 for 5 secs. How should I configure it? And what if I want to play only the second part?
in the screenshot example the track would start playing @position 10secs to position 40 secs then skip to the last 20 seconds. If you put 5 in the second duration, MB would play from @position -20 seconds from the end to -15 seconds from the end.
I will make a change so only the ending part can be configured by leaving the start parameters blank

When multiple tracks are playing in expanded album view, the track list keeps open and closed irregularly with hightlight playing track in the main panel option turned on.
is this related to this plugin?
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: redwing on June 05, 2014, 11:21:58 AM
If you put 5 in the second duration, MB would play from @position -20 seconds from the end to -15 seconds from the end.

That's what I expected, but it doesn't work that way. Whatever the second duration value is, it plays until the end of the track.

When multiple tracks are playing in expanded album view, the track list keeps open and closed irregularly with hightlight playing track in the main panel option turned on.
is this related to this plugin?

I noticed that while previewing tracks, but it's possible it's an issue with the main program.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on June 06, 2014, 07:13:24 AM
i forgot to mention the link above is updated to address the ending duration and allow no start parameters
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: silvestreccf on June 11, 2014, 04:18:04 AM
Working superb, nice plugin!!
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: redwing on June 12, 2014, 03:33:01 AM
When multiple tracks are playing in expanded album view, the track list keeps open and closed irregularly with highlight playing track in the main panel option turned on.

It turned out that has something to do with Additional Tagging Tools plugin.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: aldredd on June 17, 2014, 10:35:51 AM
Just what I was looking for - and on the first page of plugins too - thank you
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: redwing on June 19, 2014, 10:01:10 AM
I think previewing with this plugin shouldn't update skip count as it's different from active skipping under normal playback.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Moshi_ on June 19, 2014, 02:50:48 PM
Hmm.. I only get the start preview here. Not the end preview. I entered the same numbers as you, Steven, in the original post. I only get the first 30 second preview and then it goes to the next song. It should go to the last 20 seconds but it does not.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on June 19, 2014, 08:50:40 PM
I think previewing with this plugin shouldn't update skip count as it's different from active skipping under normal playback.
its not straight-forward to do that - can you not reduce the skip count parameters in the Now Playing preferences

Hmm.. I only get the start preview here. Not the end preview. I entered the same numbers as you, Steven, in the original post. I only get the first 30 second preview and then it goes to the next song. It should go to the last 20 seconds but it does not.
that should be fixed now - redownload the plugin link from above
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: redwing on June 19, 2014, 09:01:31 PM
I think previewing with this plugin shouldn't update skip count as it's different from active skipping under normal playback.
its not straight-forward to do that - can you not reduce the skip count parameters in the Now Playing preferences

I don't know how I should configure it to make it not affected by previewing while still doing its job. I'll take a look.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: boroda on June 19, 2014, 09:24:03 PM
its not straight-forward to do that - can you not reduce the skip count parameters in the Now Playing preferences
Good solution, but won't work if end of track is also previewed.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on June 19, 2014, 10:27:03 PM
i've put in some automated handling - i will make the plugin and updated MB version available on the weekend
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on June 22, 2014, 05:56:37 PM
this version doesnt update the skip count - you need to redownload the plugin (same link) and also the latest v2.4
http://musicbee.niblseed.com/V2_4/MusicBee_Exe_Patched.zip
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: holuschi on July 17, 2014, 10:33:14 AM
I do not understand where I can activate  the plugin with right click, I do not find "Enble Track Preview Mode" and " Suspend Track Preview Mode" . I could find the hot key commands and the toolbaar commands but only "Enble Track Preview Mode" is working. I can only stop preview mode by restart of MusicBee. What I am doing wrong?
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: aldredd on July 17, 2014, 01:00:56 PM
I do not understand where I can activate  the plugin with right click, I do not find "Enble Track Preview Mode" and " Suspend Track Preview Mode" . I could find the hot key commands and the toolbaar commands but only "Enble Track Preview Mode" is working. I can only stop preview mode by restart of MusicBee. What I am doing wrong?


right click in the 'now playing' queue area --> Preview Mode --> Enable Track Preview Mode
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: holuschi on July 17, 2014, 03:29:50 PM
I do not understand where I can activate  the plugin with right click, I do not find "Enble Track Preview Mode" and " Suspend Track Preview Mode" . I could find the hot key commands and the toolbaar commands but only "Enble Track Preview Mode" is working. I can only stop preview mode by restart of MusicBee. What I am doing wrong?


right click in the 'now playing' queue area --> Preview Mode --> Enable Track Preview Mode

I click right but I cannot find "Preview Mode", Plugin is enabled.
(http://s7.directupload.net/images/140717/arct3olk.jpg)
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: ma_t14 on July 17, 2014, 08:58:46 PM
@holuschi

You probably need to set up the offsets in the plugin settings.


On the matter of offsets, I have a few suggestions.

I think it would be better if the offsets were calculated in percentages instead of seconds. This would eliminate any possible discrepancies between short and long tracks. The durations would still be calculated in seconds for the sake of having a consistent length for each preview.

Additionally, when previewing a track I think it would be even better to add an additional offset that would read, for example "middle of track", which would be fixed and you would only have to choose the duration. Having three different sections (beginning, middle, ending) would actually give a much better insight into what a track is all about when previewing it.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: holuschi on July 18, 2014, 08:39:59 AM
@holuschi

You probably need to set up the offsets in the plugin settings.

I have set up  plugin settings exactly as Steven did in his screenshot. The problem is the same: I do not find "Preview Mode" with right click  and I cannot suspend the track preview mode when I started it with Hotkey or Toolbaar button command.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: ma_t14 on July 18, 2014, 11:46:02 AM
Hm, the only other thing that comes to my mind, are you using the latest 2.4 version?
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: ssergey on July 18, 2014, 11:55:52 AM
I use the latest version and do not see any of the item, although it is the list of plugins
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Pingaware on July 18, 2014, 01:18:18 PM
By latest version, do you mean the latest patch (currently 2.4.5310)? You can check in help - about. Don't be offended by me questioning you - lots of people think they have the latest version when they don't because there are usually three different releases at any one time.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: ssergey on July 18, 2014, 01:48:16 PM
yes, the last one, just specifically checked - 2.4.5310. In the list of plugins this plugin is included and the playing time is written there
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on July 18, 2014, 01:49:37 PM
it doesnt show in the menu when the now playing list is docked in the main panel - this will be fixed in the near future. Not sure why the hotkeys wouldnt work in this case though
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on July 20, 2014, 09:05:25 AM
this should be fixed with the latest patch version:
http://musicbee.niblseed.com/V2_4/MusicBee_Exe_Patched.zip

unzip and replace the existing files
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: ssergey on July 20, 2014, 12:16:30 PM
it works, thanks!
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: holuschi on July 20, 2014, 09:17:48 PM
Thank you, I can see Preview mode now and it works fine in that mode, it is not important for me to use the hotkeys.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: puruff on July 21, 2014, 05:23:19 PM
Than you so mutch for this plug-in. It works wery well for me. I hope you will continue to work with it är uppdate it.

Best Regards
Marcus
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: Steven on July 21, 2014, 06:04:19 PM
Than you so mutch for this plug-in. It works wery well for me. I hope you will continue to work with it är uppdate it.
i was not planning any further updates. What do you think is missing?
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: ma_t14 on July 22, 2014, 03:31:37 PM
Than you so mutch for this plug-in. It works wery well for me. I hope you will continue to work with it är uppdate it.
i was not planning any further updates. What do you think is missing?

Any chance of these getting implemented?  ::)

On the matter of offsets, I have a few suggestions.

I think it would be better if the offsets were calculated in percentages instead of seconds. This would eliminate any possible discrepancies between short and long tracks. The durations would still be calculated in seconds for the sake of having a consistent length for each preview.

Additionally, when previewing a track I think it would be even better to add an additional offset that would read, for example "middle of track", which would be fixed and you would only have to choose the duration. Having three different sections (beginning, middle, ending) would actually give a much better insight into what a track is all about when previewing it.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: redwing on August 30, 2014, 04:04:00 AM
This doesn't work properly with cue sheet-split tracks. It doesn't follow the configured setting, and sometimes even the menu disappears after playing.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: aminfri on July 25, 2017, 04:00:33 PM
Awesome plugin and thanks a bunch. Any chance of plugin selecting a random offset per song? that would make it super nice. Also any chance of making it open source? i would be able to modify it myself then :D .
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: bellyman on March 18, 2018, 06:56:35 AM
Additionally, when previewing a track I think it would be even better to add an additional offset that would read, for example "middle of track", which would be fixed and you would only have to choose the duration. Having three different sections (beginning, middle, ending) would actually give a much better insight into what a track is all about when previewing it.

I understand the developer's goal - simulate the preview like iTunes and a bonus would be to do the same at the end.

In my case I am looking for something that will span a 1-2hr radio show where I want to preview throughout quickly (without manually moving the pointer). Years ago I simulated this with a macro and WinAmp.

Create a macro that will cover an hour show (and another for two hours):
- Invoking the macro will pause x seconds (which is the time to PLAY the music say 30-60s)
- It will then jump ahead y minutes of the track
- Repeat z iterations (say a total of 5 for 1hr/10 for 2hrs)

For the macro - AUTOHOTKEY (open source); for MusicBee I don't see any way to advance the song with cursor keys (odd; would be nice to mimic the same key combos as VLC - with "shift/ctrl/alt"+left/right versions being a different time jump  amount)

Alternative with MusicBee (albeit more work) would be to create cue sheets; MusicBee does have key combos to jump to the next track. For music I listen to a lot, I have a python script to quickly create cuesheets (across a year) - that way if I am in the car or walking and want to skip ahead I just go to the next track (otherwise it is one giant 2 hour program and I jump to the next program).

Neutron Music Player for Android (just a user) is amazing; he has a database which loads cue sheets to separate the tracks and not only that - you can FLAC your collection and it auto-decodes (FLAC+CUE).

belly
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: vorward on March 29, 2018, 11:00:17 PM
Hello, I have Musicbee 3.1.6590 and I like this player!

But I can't get "Track Previewer" working. I set everything like in the first post. But in the right click options there is nothing and with the hotkeys nothing is changing.

Can somebody give me a hint?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: redwing on March 30, 2018, 04:27:51 AM
To activate, right click in the Now Playing panel/ Preview Mode/...

As the first post instructs, the context menu shows up only in the now playing panel which is playing tracks panel since v3.0.
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: vorward on March 30, 2018, 07:55:55 AM
To activate, right click in the Now Playing panel/ Preview Mode/...

As the first post instructs, the context menu shows up only in the now playing panel which is playing tracks panel since v3.0.


Thank you! The rename of the panel was the helping information. Now it works like a charme :-)
Title: how to set percentage instead of secs ?
Post by: schmusimusi on May 25, 2018, 10:23:40 PM
Hello all, (and thank you for this plugin!)
 
I'd like to ask, if it is possible to set percentage instead of secs.

Or, how do I set up this plugin, to have the same effect like in the preview component from foobar2000 (http://skipyrich.com/wiki/Foobar2000:Preview) ?
This is how it looks like:
(https://picload.org/thumbnail/dolcordi/screenclip.jpg) (https://picload.org/view/dolcordi/screenclip.png.html)
(I have very short and very long songs, I'd like to preview, I only want to listen to 50% of it)

Thank you all!
Title: Re: Track Previewer
Post by: pseudonym on April 18, 2020, 12:09:49 PM
Hi everyone,

Thanks for this plugin! However, the way this plugin integrates and works seems odd. Shouldn't it instead of adding a "Preview Mode", add a "Preview Track" context menu item whenever a track is selected, allowing you to preview that track without affecting the Playing Tracks, the Upcoming Tracks or the currently playing track? After the previewed track ends, the player resumes where it left off from the currently playing track and no change to the play count or skip count to the previewed track are made.

Just a thought.

Best regards,

- Pseudonym