Hello all,
Lee Ray from the (newly dubbed) Creative
Advanced Technology Center here.
1) I want to make some quick comments.
They may seem somewhat generic. I am
certainly willing to discuss issues in greater
detail as you wish - either through the reflector
or as a separate email chat. A predictable
caveat applies - I am speaking as an
individual, not as a spokesperson. This
program is being run by another part of the
company.
2) Creative is exploring the value and utility of
open-sourcing drivers for their premier
soundcard product. This is a first-step for us.
There are obviously complications for a
product like SoundBlaster Live relative to
open-source. It is a mix of the relatively
generic and the definitely proprietary (bus
mastering vs. effects engine might be an
example); it is sold mostly to Windows users;
and it is (at least partly) a hardware solution in
an application area (music and audio) that is
still evolving. Because of the complexity of this
situation, I guess we are adopting a sort of
"let's see what happens if we just do it"
approach. To do that quickly, I believe a
decision was taken to just leave the question
of "proprietary" features to be answered
later, possibly even using things we learn
from this first try...in other words, do something
iterative, incremental, not jumping to any
conclusions that may or may not be merited
(for example, "it is good - a win for all - to
open-source code for commercial products
like sound cards.")
3) Obviously open-source is not the same as
having a developer program. Wehave one of
those.
4) For those who don't already have them,
here are some relevant links.
http://developer.soundblaster.com/
see the Creative open source page too
http://opensource.creative.com/
5) Eric S asked:
Q: [is] the 10K1 spec likely to be included as part of
the open-source package?
A: Not now - the effects engine has definitely
been identified as a sensitive proprietary
element. Other elements such as details of the
architecture embody a lot of knowhow and are
also sensitive. But maybe I am thinking of the
wrong thing? I am thinking of the many, many
pages of drawings, diagrams, features as well
as specifications.
Q: Will there be enough information
that the non-registered developer will be able to
program the 10K1 and send code to the chip?
A: Assuming this mean "code to the effects
engine", again the answer for now is no.
Regards to all,
Lee Ray
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