avKode - Phonon backend for FFmpeg

[Vlad C.]

Hi,

I'd like to share some concerns regarding the avKode
Summer of Code project that involves writing an FFmpeg
backend to Phonon. One of the biggest fears is that
this will turn out not to be a simple backend, but an
aRts-like framework that will bring the same
difficulties.

Here are my questions:

1) Can FFmpeg reliably detect and play all the video
and audio formats that Xine-lib can (Windows media,
Quicktime, Real Player, DVD+menu, Audio CD, DivX, AAC,
AVI, Ogg, Dirac, DVB, etc)? If not, FFmpeg won't by
itself meet the needs of real-life users.

2) Will avKode be simple a glue between FFmpeg and
Phonon or will it also be a backend for other
libraries like libMAD, libmpeg2, liba52, FAAD2, ogle,
mpc, and xiph?

3) Why don't KDE apps (amaroK, Kaffeine, KMplayer,
Codeine, etc) already use FFmpeg directly as a
backend? My guess is that's because FFmpeg doesn't do
everything users need.

4) Does FFmpeg output sound via ALSA or will it need a
sound server? If so, how hard will it be to port it to
Windows, which is the plan for KDE4?

Xine-lib does everything FFmpeg does (and more!)
because Xine-lib combines FFmpeg and the other
libraries mentioned above. Furthermore, Xine-lib takes
care of outputting sound to ALSA. Lastly, Xine-lib has
a dedicated core of developers who will make sure it
gets updated. All KDE devs have to do is keep Phonon
in sync with Xine-lib's API.

My goal in sending this email is to encourage you to
avoid duplicating work. Good luck any way you choose
to do it!

Vlad

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