Re: [GnomeMeeting-list] [PATCH] No audio feedback in 0.98 config druid!!!

[Chris Rankin <rankincj yahoo com>]

 --- Damien Sandras <dsandras seconix com> wrote:
> We have a problem here :
> 
> - either we apply the patch and people with a low
> volume (0) will think
> that it doesn't work
> - or we keep it and people with a good setup will
> hear sounds too loud
> - or finally we add volume sliders in the druid and
> make it even bigger
> 
> I think I prefer the second solution...

Then maybe you're not understanding the extent of the
problem? 

a) Forcing my MIC to 100 via the OSS mixer interface
was DEAFENING, and that was BEFORE the "5 second grace
period" expired. After that, gnomemeeting started to
playback the noise that it had just heard and my
speakers started SHRIEKING!!!!! This isn't just about
hearing a noise that is too loud. It is about being
blasted with a banshee-scream capable of damaging both
speakers and end-user! (My ears were ringing for the
rest of the night!)

b) It was utterly impossible for me to perform the
druid's audio test because the test REQUIRES a lower
mixer setting, which I was prevented from providing.

c) The "OK" button was disabled for the first 5
seconds of the test, meaning that I couldn't ABORT,
despite the OBVIOUS (and INSURMOUNTABLE) problem. And
I've already mentioned that the noise had become an
ear-splitting SHRIEK by the time the button did become
enabled.

d) The OSS interface was adjusting the completely
wrong mixer device anyway. The correct one was
actually "AC97 Capture", not "MIC".

e) It is very arrogant to think that you know more
about the PC's mixer settings than the user. You
don't, and never can.

Since you've obviously never experienced this problem
for yourself, let me suggest what the only real
solution can be:
1) Rename the "OK" button to "End Test". Do not
disable it.
2) Add a MIC mixer control to the test dialog, and
invite the user to adjust if if s/he cannot hear
anything (your third suggestion). Show the user the
current setting, and leave it there.

Believe me when I say that your second suggestion is
NO SOLUTION AT ALL! And that's bitter experience
talking. Practice, not theory. A voice from the
trenches.

Sincerely,
Chris


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