Thread: how do i use windows.h to play .MP3 tracks?

  1. #1
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    how do i use windows.h to play .MP3 tracks?

    i was told that in order to play an EXTERNAL .MP3 track, i needed to use <windows.h> and later on system("..\file.mp3") to play the song

    my problem is, when it has compiled and loaded, i am getting problems about the file not being a proper batch file. is the problem that it is not a full file directory? i want it so that it is dynamic and will change depending on where the program is

    so can someone please help me?

    OS: Windows XP Sp2
    Complier: Dev-C++


    cheers
    Last edited by machineman9; 03-30-2007 at 01:08 PM. Reason: edit title

  2. #2
    For Narnia! Sentral's Avatar
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    You can use the PlaySound() function in windows.h

    However, I believe this only plays .wav and .midi format. You might have to use a sound library or DirectX to play .mp3 format. This should be in Windows Programming board....

    If you want it dynamic, look up a function called FindNextFile() or FindFirstFile()

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    okay thanks, ill have a look around

  4. #4
    For Narnia! Sentral's Avatar
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    Also, you may want to look up something called MCI. I think there is an article on gamedev.net ... I forget. There is also a sound library called FMOD which I'm quite sure can play .mp3 format.

    EDIT- Also, FMOD is cross platform.
    Last edited by Sentral; 03-30-2007 at 01:36 PM.

  5. #5
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    you can use mciSendString() which is in mmsystem.h
    although this is a very slow, and CPU intensive way of playing mp3s. I think the easiest API to use is the irrKlang audio API, which plays .wav, .mp3, and ogg vorbis. I cant think of the site right now, but it is at amberia.something I cant remember. it is the API that I use, and it supports 2 and 3 dimensional sounds, and real time audio manipulation.

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    right... i got told you could do it straight off using <windows.h> and the other code i provided...

  7. #7
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    anyone?

  8. #8
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