In what language is XtreMe PCR written?

XtreMe PCR was developed in C++, using MFC.  The specific compiler being used is MS Visual Studio .Net 2003.  It is not written using Managed C++, nor is it using using the .Net framework.

Almost all of the windows are custom drawn.  You won't convince MFC to use gradient toolbars, "XP Style" menus, or transparent buttons out of the box.  Many people have asked "how did you do the [toolbars/buttons/list view]"?  The simple answer is that they are all owner-drawn.  The complex answer is way beyond the scope of what can be covered here.

Will you make the source code available?

Sorry, the source code for XtreMe PCR cannot be made available.  Some of the libraries used for custom drawing toolbars and menus are the same libraries used within other commercial applications that I have developed.  For competitive and legal reasons, this source code cannot be made available.

Are you looking for alpha/beta/[insert your choice of Greek letter here] testers?

Yes!  If you are interested in testing future versions of the software, please send email with a small bit of introduction of yourself, how often you use the software, and a general description of the machine(s) you run XtreMe PCR on -- specifically the operating system version, video card manufacturer, and the type of Internet connection you have.  The email address is:

XtreMe PCR crashes when I attempt to Minimize from the Compact View.

OK, so this isn't a question -- the question is usually "how the heck do I fix it?"  The best way to help get it fixed is to volunteer to help test newer versions (see question above).  This appears to happen on some video ATI cards, and appears to be a problem with the way XtreMe PCR is interacting with the video driver.  Since I cannot repeat this problem on any of my development machines, I'm currently relying on testers to help pinpoint the problem.

To work around the problem, try these steps until the bug can be fully corrected in the software:

• From the Full view mode, click on the Options menu, and select "Settings...".

• Select "Window Settings" from the pane on the left.

• Turn on the option for "Create Icon in System Notification Area".

• Turn on the option for "Remove Compact Mode Player from Windows Task Bar".

• The application will now minimize to the "system tray" instead of the taskbar.  To restore the application into view, double-click the XtreMe PCR system tray icon.

Why doesn't the title progress bar always appear?

The current title (song) duration and progress are transmitted by the XMPCR.  Through either an 'incomplete feature' or a bug in the XMPCR firmware, this information is not always available when switching channels.  The XtreMe PCR software displays the progress bar whenever the information is available.  Most of the time, the progress bar is shown when the following occurs:

• The XMPCR is first powered on -- song duration is almost always transmitted by the XMPCR at power on.

• After the title changes on the current channel.  If a progress bar was not shown previously, it will usually appear when a new title begins playing.

• Most of the time when switching between channels on different satellite transponders.  The XM channels are split between two transponders on the satellite.  When the XMPCR switches between transponders (or possibly even satellites), the song duration information is sent.  For example, switching between channel 44 and channel 81 causes a transponder change, and will usually (but not always!) trigger a duration update.

Why does it say "Unknown" for the Tuner Activated field in the signal viewer?

If your PCR was already powered on when you started the XtreMe PCR software, the activation status cannot be determined.

The activation status of your radio is normally transmitted by the XMPCR when the PCR is initially powered on.  If you want to refresh this information, power off the radio, then power it on again.  The activation status should then revert to either an Activated or Unactivated state.

How do I make the XMTracker signature work?

Extensive documentation for the XMTracker integration provided in XtreMe PCR is posted here:  http://www.xtremepcr.com/help/xmtracker/index.html.

What's coming up in future versions of the software?

Here are some of the features and changes that are on the list of things to do.  I can't guarantee that any or all of these will be available on a specific date, or a specific version.  Some of these are user suggestions, some are just things swimming around in the back of my mind.  If you would like to see a feature not currently listed here, please forward it on!

The items listed below are in no certain order.  The last item in the list may very well be the first completed, and vice-versa.  Many of these have variable amounts of work and testing that must be done in order to be labeled 'complete', and will be completed as time becomes available.

• Support for MySQL as one of the database types available for logging.

• More configurable Compact View, allowing the addition/removal of specific user interface elements -- including toolbar buttons, progress bar, etc.

• Play Modes that support switching channels based upon "minutes after the hour".  This would allow users to define play modes that switch away at specific times (perhaps at 0 and 30 minutes after an hour) to listen to news, sports updates, etc.  Note that XtreMe PCR already has the ability to schedule specific times of the day to perform certain actions (defined under the Options menu, Schedule Editor), but currently has no way to schedule minutes/seconds after the top of the current hour.

• Ability to view channel information and control the PCR over a network.

This FAQ will be updated as common questions, problems, or requests are received.  This FAQ was last updated on 09 Jun 2004.