about the toshiba f40 project...

[DVS GOD]

I have been reading up on the project for the f40 player, and I am interested in doing so r&d with rockbox. My main goal is to use the click and drag features of the firmware without the .sat encryption, and the ability to play video is the greater addition that brought my interest in this project. before I go into turning my player into a research tool, I do have a few questions to get out of the way. first I have read the installation instructions and wanted to verify the process of returning to the original firmware is by simply saving the boot file from the original before replaceing with the new rockbox boot file, so it can then be replaced then rebooted to return to factory settings. Second, how is the success rate with the video patch? This is the larger reason for me getting involved so I do want to get some feedback of other users satisfied results, also what is the full progress of this patch? My third is my last, does the currently playing screen display album covers with the song info? I like having the album covers shown, , so if it doesn't is there a possibility of a request for this function? thank you for your time reading through this, I know it's a good portion. I know by reading through alot of the forums that I will have no problems with bugs and glitches, everybody throughout seems to be quite helpful and I will do my best to report my findings . This is absolutly great what you have going here, I'm glad someone is using the internet for something useful.

DVS GOD

[AlexP]

1)  Yes, oddly enough the instructions in the manual to restore the OF are correct.

2)  Video (without seeking) works very well on the gigabeat as it has a fast processor.

3)  Cover art is not currently implemented in the core.  I'm sure it will be at some point, but this is open source, free, volunteer software so it won't be until someone with the requisite skills does it.  This could be you.  There is no time frame on this, please don't ask.

By the way, I get the feeling from your post you somewhat misunderstand rockbox.  It is NOT a patch for the original firmware it is a complete, unrelated, from scratch replacement.

[GodEater]

1) Yes, all that's required to go back to the original firmware, is to write your backed up FWIMG01.DAT over the top of the Rockbox provided one.

2) What Video patch are you talking about? Mpegplayer has been included in the core of Rockbox since January. It works extremely well on the Gigabeat, but still lacks seeking.

3) Album Art is not officially supported, but there are patches to make it work, and several unsupported builds which include the patch already if you don't want to roll your own.

[DVS GOD]

Thanks to the both of you. I've been doing my reading around and have been looking into more of the unsupported builds, and been trying to compare them with the current builds. definantly thanks for taking the time to answer the newbie.

[AlexP]

The unsupported builds can definately have some interesting extras in, but a couple of words of warning.

They may not be quite as up to dae - if you see an exciting new feature added to rockbox (on the front page) whilst it is (in about 15 minutes) available immediately in the official current build, it won't be in an unoffical buld until the person who compiles the unofficial build makes a new one.

If you discover any bugs in an unsupported build you will only get support in the thread for that build.  To get general support you will have to confirm with  current offical build.

That being said, enjoy rockbox!