Controlling the media player playhead in access

[liddlem]

Hi Folks
I think that this is a nice challenge.

I would like to build a database which (among other things) will be able to "Play" back text/images and sound with very rigid timmings.

Each soundfile will be linked to a series of pictures / text that gets displayed on the screen.
I would like to sunchronise the text/images to be displayed at specific points to co-incide with the sound file.

For example - I wish to highlight syllables within words, so if the user is hearing the word "wonderful", then
"WON" is highlighted as the "wun" is heard.
"DER" is highlighted as the ""der" part is played etc etc.

In order to achieve this, I need to store the EXACT "timing" points in a table so that I can monitor when the playhead reaches that point, and stop/start the playhead and text/images accordingly.

So the big questions are:
1. Can the windows media playhead be controlled with this type of precision?
2. How would I pass the "timing" point value back to the database/table?

I am currently doing all this using a myriad of software tools, but would like to consolidate this into one database if possible.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Oldsoftboss]

Use Powerpoint. Thats what it's for

 

[liddlem]

Thanks OldSoftBoss - The thought has crossed my mind, but I am developing a learning tool that (I think) is way beyond powerpoint.

Ultimately, I will be extracting XML data for usie in Macromedia Flash to deliver the learning. Students progress will be monitored and along with scores etc.

Thanks for the response anyhow.

 

[Oldsoftboss]

Could you develop it in Flash? My kids have been learning flash as school, and what they can do is quite impressive (and way beyond me!)

 

[Ron_dK]

I agree with Oldsoft, Access is not the right tool for synchronizing text with audio.
You might try this :
http://www.adobe.com/support/director/soundvideo/control_rm_playback/control_rm_playback04.html

 

[liddlem]

Thanks gents
I havent thought devopling a front end in Flash and link back to the database.
That may ultimately be the way to go?

 

[Oldsoftboss]

Thanks gents
I havent thought devopling a front end in Flash and link back to the database.
That may ultimately be the way to go?

Can that be done?

 

[liddlem]

Yes it is possible, but because I am not 100 percent au fait with Flash yet, I think it might be a bit "klunky" from a development point of view.
I would have to parse data between the applications using XML and CGI scripts.
One its is working, it will be a dream, but I am a long way off from getting there.
At present I am investigating all the options and trying to find a quick solution to present as a demo so that I can secure some interest - not to mention funding.

 

[Oldsoftboss]

Good Luck

Dave

PS: Keep us posted on the success of your project.