[alsa-devel] What does snd_pcm_delay() actually return?

[Colin Guthrie]

James Courtier-Dutton wrote:
> Jaroslav Kysela wrote:
>> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008, Takashi Iwai wrote:
>>
>>   
>>> - Add some new API functions,
>>>     
>> I would prefer to extend the current API than to change meaning of hw_ptr 
>> to handle extra latencies.
>>
>>   
> I would prefer the definition of snd_pcm_delay() to be:
> Before the next sample is written to the buffer, snd_pcm_delay() returns 
> the expect time delay, in frames, indicating the time the next sample 
> will reach the speakers.
> This is what snd_pcm_delay() was introduced into the ALSA api for. I 
> remember, because it was added as a result of me requesting it.
> 
> 
> Then implement a totally different api call to help with under run timings.

Big +1

You also have to think of the use cases currently out there.

* World + Dog uses it as James (and Lennart) states.
* Wine uses it sans latency.

So lots of apps having to change to cope verses one (known) app 
changing. I think even the wine folk would agree this is more sensible!

Also by changing the definition, would you not have to change the 
usb-audio driver works? In general I'd say it's a whole lot less work to 
leave snd_pcm_delay() as it is, update the docs and add a new api 
function for under run stuff.

Col