Beat2X Advanced Step File Generator - Beta 0.0.2.2 BETA

(updated ReadMe file... some sections left unchanged from previous readme)

0.0.2.2 UPDATE INFO:
1) Fixed error with the "Save Steps" button! Steps can once again be saved now!
2) Included what I've made so far or the Step Previewer (no gameplay yet)

This program requires Windows 95 or above!
This version uses DirectX for live simulation (available at http://www.microsoft.com/directx)

Here is a more advanced and FAR COOLER (than my first) version of the Beat2x Step Generator.
This one simulates the Beat2x display as you press the step keys.

Before you begin:
When you've loaded the program, you will notice 6 images near the bottom of the form. Each of these represent the steps in Beat2x and have been mapped to specific keyboard buttons for your PC....

L = Z key
R = X key
Y = Up Arrow key
A = Left Arrow key
B = Right Arrow key
X = Down Arrow key

This has been done deliberatly for comfort and simplicity.
Before you start recording the steps for your first track, familiarize yourself with the controls by pressing the keys. You will notice that whilst the key is held down, the appropriate image will change to show that it is being pressed. Letting go of the key will then return this image to the way it was before. You may want to familiarize yourself with this updated environment before starting to record steps.

How it works:
Step 1) Run the program "Beat2X Step Gen ADVANCED 0.0.2.2b.exe"
Step 2) Click the "..." button next to the "Music File" box and locate the track you wish to create steps for (this can be WAV, MP3, MIDI and POSSIBLY OGG - though that's not been tested yet)
Step 3) Click the "..." button next to the "Output File" box and enter the filename (and find the folder) you want to save your step file to.
Step 4) Press "Start Recording"
	To stop recording at any time, simply press ESCAPE on your keyboard.
	Once your recording is finished........
Step 5) Press "Save Steps" and the step file will be generated.

Things I want you to know:
1) Step files only work if included as part of a Pack.... a pack file is easy to write (a pack manager will be included in the next release of the program sometime in the next 2 weeks)
2) Beat2X (latest release) seems to only like OGG files.... there are many programs which can convert your tracks to OGG files such as dbPowerAMP.... so you should find one of these and install it. A demo version of dbPowerAMP is available (check Downloads.com or various torrent websites)
3) This program is a BETA and therefore I expect some glitches to occur. You will find information on reporting these glitches at the end of this document.
4) This interface is far better looking than my previous release!

NEXT STAGE IMPROVEMENTS:
1) Pack Manager
2) Playback facility (play your Beat2x packs on Windows and test your own packs).

Improvements you can expect in coming releases:
1) A Pack Manager to create and edit Packs for Beat2X
2) An OGG converter capable of converting WAV and MP3 files to the preffered format of Vobis/OGG
3) A playback facility which will essentially be a simplified version of Beat2X for the PC so you can test your track without going through the hastle of transfering it to your GP2X.
4) as part of 3: A CLEANUP facility. This is complicated to explain but simple in practise! IF you notice during playback that one or more steps are out of sync slightly with the music, you will be able to pause it, click on the step in question, and adjust the timing to your liking. This gives you ultimate control of your steps to ensure that your pack is perfect.

Possible ideas for expansion once the program is almost completed:
1) An online "Pack Sharing" comunity you would be able to access from within the program to enjoy other people's Packs, and share your own with others all in one place.

Okay now for the legal information:

BY USING "BEAT2X ADVANCED STEP FILE GENERATOR" (HEANCEFORTH REFFERED TO AS "THIS PROGRAM") YOU ARE AGREEING TO THE FOLLOWING:

1) THIS PROGRAM IS RELEASED AS-IS, AND MUST NOT BE ALTERED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMITTION OF GREY CASCADE DESIGNS AND SIMON J STUART
2) YOU USE THIS PROGRAM AT YOUR OWN RISK! GREY CASCADE DESIGNS AND SIMON J STUART TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT COULD OR MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF (OR DURING THE PERFORMING OF) THIS PROGRAM.
3) THIS PROGRAM IS FREE TO DISTRIBUTE ON THE CONDITION THAT THIS README FILE, THIS AGREEMENT, AND THE PROGRAM FILE ARE ALL CONTAINED AS ONE PACKAGE SUCH AS THE ZIP YOU RECIEVED IT IN.
4) THIS PROGRAM IS FREE TO USE AND FREE TO DISTRIBUTE, BUT THE CODE ITSELF REMAINS COPYRIGHT PROPERTY OF GREY CASCADE DESIGNS AND SIMON J STUART.

BEAT2X IS COPYRIGHT PROPERTY OF ITS RESPECTIVE OWNER(S)

Okay... now that's out of the way....

Contact information:
If you would like to contact me, you are welcome to do so on the condition that you do not try to sell me anything, or annoy me generally in any way.
Feedback is always appreciated, but negative feedback MUST be in the form of "constructive critism" containing details on why you feel the way you do. I will not respond or take kindly to such comments as "it sucks" or "its useless".

MSN AND E-MAIL: kraven@greycascade.com
Skype: kravenpoem

I only speak English fluently, and would therefore appreciate it if you use English when communicating with me. However in E-mail form I am will be able to understand French, Spanish, Romaji (romanized Japanese), Dutch, and some German (since I'll have the time to sit and think about what I'm reading).

Anyway.... thanks for using this program and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I am making it!

Grey Cascade Designs website is located at www.greycascade.com
You may also be interested in our games website (in progress at this point) at www.vgpit.com