Music downloads

[Steven Barkess]

Hello

Ever heard the track by Faithless 'Insomnia'.

I am still trying to get my head around the function of musci downloads, not to buy, just to listen to track samples. I was kinda hoping to include this within Actinic Catalogue but dont think it has this function.

What i really want is to have within 1 product extended info 5 or 6 track samples, each with the ability to be heard using Real One.

I tried using...

<table>
<tr>
<td><iframe width="330" height="200" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="musicsample.mp3"&nbsp;></iframe></td>
</tr>
</table>

which worked for a single track, but cannot see how to include several tracks

I appreciete this is a long shot....

Thanks all

Steve

[cdicken]

Hi Steven.

I'm afraid this is one I cannot help you with. Hopefully someone else is about who can advise.

[NormanRouxel]

Would plain links not do the job?

E.g.

<a href="musicsample1.mp3">Song 1</a><br>
<a href="musicsample2.mp3">Song 2</a><br>
<a href="musicsample3.mp3">Song 3</a><br>

Norman

[Steven Barkess]

Hi

Thanks for that.

I have played with this a little and now have the following...

!!<<b>Track Samples</b><br>
<a href="demo1.mp3" target="_blank">Song 1</a><br>
<a href="demo2.mp3" target="_blank">Song 2</a><br>
<a href="demo3.mp3" target="_blank">Song 3</a><br>
>!!

I have this code within my extended info text, and have included the mp3's in the 'Additional Files' option within Actinic so that they load up too.

When you click on the 'Song 1/2/3', this brings up a new window where the mp3 plays. Within my brower this opens up Quick Time, I didn't think i had QT set as default for any thing, but guess I must have somewhere (unless this is an Actinic thing, although I could not find any thing about this).

(If you want to see this working, I have only added it to 1 product, Cat No. FDJ4, site is http://www.fidelitydj.co.uk/acatalog/store_newin.html)

One thing that has happened is that when I click Add to Cart, either in the extended info section or on the product page, this brings up a new brower too, something I dont want. I am trying to keep the user in 1 window at all times, excpet in the music download. I dont recall changing any settings.

Appreciate this is out side the original Actinic code, above is for info.

Cheers
Steve

[NormanRouxel]

The Add to Cart button works as expected on that page ( http://www.fidelitydj.co.uk/acatalog/store_newin.html ).

I tried product FDJ4 and the popup add to cart worked OK as well. However the popup links to the mps give Not Found" errors.

Norman

[Zoot]

Just tried your sample files and all works perfectly - opening up in real audio.

I shall now promptly nick this idea and put in in my own store.

Steve

[Steven Barkess]

Hi Steve

Since my post detialing the set up, i changed it to the following...

!!<<b>Track Samples</b><br>
<a href="demo1.rm">Song 1</a><br>
<a href="demo2.rm">Song 2</a><br>
<a href="demo3.rm">Song 3</a><br>
<a href="demo5.rm">Song 4</a><br>
<a href="demo60s.rm">Song 60s</a><br>
>!!

This removes the need for a new pop up window, and defaults RealMedia as the player. Obviously in the above, .rm is the file extention used by RealMedia.

There is a lot of info on streaming media from RealOne too, using their Helix Producer app. Have not looked too much at this, have no idea about the consequences with Actinic, although I am sure I will have fun finding out (just not yet tho).

Cheers
Steven

Steven

[NormanRouxel]

Remember that what works on your system may not work on all your customers (they may not have RealPlayer for example).

You could always (twice as much work though) offer a Micro$oft format as well.

Norman

[Steven Barkess]

Hi

Nice to return to a posting from almost a year ago, how time flies.

Since it relates to the thread, thought I would keep it all together.

I offer 2 track samples and have the following code (specific product used):

!!<&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="FDJ606A.mp3"><img src=speaker.gif alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> First Side</a> >!!

!!<&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="FDJ606B.mp3"><img src=speaker.gif alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> Flip Side</a> >!!

This comes out and looks like:

First Side

Second Side


Question. Is there an easy way to make it

First Side Second Side


Thanks

Steven

[Zoot]

Hi Steven
Indeed how time flies, as well as my coffee, which i've just knocked all over my desk. :o

Not sure if this is what you mean - you could apply both links in one html escape

!!<&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="FDJ606A.mp3"><img src=speaker.gif alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> First Side</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="FDJ606B.mp3"><img src=speaker.gif alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> Flip Side</a>>!!

This lines them up side by side.

Happy New Year
Steve

[Steven Barkess]

Hi Zoot

Thanks for the reply.

I have tried to edit the product catalogue in Excel, Notepad, and VIM but alas cannot do a Find and Replace. Going to have to do it the long way I feel and do product by product.

Question. If I wanted to have seperate CustomVars for both A and B side of track samples, how would I do that. I have set up Track A as CustomerVar Track_A, but what code would I need. Currently have for track A:

!!<&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="FDJ606A.mp3"><img src=speaker.gif alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> First Side</a> >!!

I am thinking about removing the sound track from the info text and displaying seperately in the product table, A and B, one above of the other. Just playing with the idea in my head, any info appreciated.

Thanks

Steven

[NormanRouxel]

Put this in your product template and it will only generate the Listen link and graphic if the appropriate custom property is defined.<script language=JavaScript>
<!--
if ( 'CUSTOMVAR:TRACKA' ) document.write('<a href="' + CUSTOMVAR:TRACKA + '"><img src="speaker.gif" alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> First Side</a>');
if ( 'CUSTOMVAR:TRACKB' ) document.write('<br><a href="' + CUSTOMVAR:TRACKB + '"><img src="speaker.gif" alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> Second Side</a>');
//-->
</script>

[Steven Barkess]

Hi Norman

Can you clarify where this go as I am unclear. Does it go in the product table (ActProduct_Line) where I want A and B to appear?

Steven

[NormanRouxel]

Yes. Into Act_ProductLine.html (you have to decide where). Then you need 2 custom properties TRACKA and TRACKB into which you put the MP3's filename (as Value) and check the File Name checkbox. Leave the Use File Content unchecked.

If you're after a really compact layout you could modify the speaker.gif image to add the Track A text to the image and make another one for Track B.

[Steven Barkess]

Hello

Thanks for that. I have added in to my product table (as per below), and created the customervar TRACKA and TRACKB. Included Price and Cart too so you can see where.

<td width="30" align="center">NETQUOTEVAR:PRODUCTPRICE</td>
<td width="30" align="center">
<script language=JavaScript>
<!--
if ( 'CUSTOMVAR:TRACKA' ) document.write('<a href="' + CUSTOMVAR:TRACKA + '"><img src="speaker.gif" alt="Listen" width=20 height=25

border="0" align="absmiddle"> First Side</a>');
if ( 'CUSTOMVAR:TRACKB' ) document.write('<br><a href="' + CUSTOMVAR:TRACKB + '"><img src="speaker.gif" alt="Listen" width=20 height=25

border="0" align="absmiddle"> Second Side</a>');
//-->
</script></td>
<td WIDTH="50" align="center"><Actinic:ACTIONS>

Nothing is appearing in the column though. I am using the full file name ie FDJ123.mp3 and defined as TRACKA.

Sorry, not the clearest question.

Steven

[NormanRouxel]

Probably a JavScript typo. Look at your pages using Firefox with Tools / JavaScript console turned on. Or post an URL so we can see.

I can't tell from your posting if anything is wrong as you've not enclosed it in [ c o d e ] and [ / c o d e ] tags (without the spaces) and the forum will be adding its own formatting. The two if ( ..... lines should be very long lines until the final ;

[Steven Barkess]

Hi

I am redesigning the site but keeping the oringal file there. I copy out ProductBody, ProductLine and Primary, edit, and then save in a seperate file, before reverting back to the current Site1 files. So, i cannot post a url I am afraid.

I have attached ProductLine.txt, I would be be grateful if you could take a look. The lines are continuous, I have checked in Dreamweaver and this is not suggesting any thing is wrong. I have changed slightly, removing the text and I have created 2 new images for the A and B sides so it takes up less space.

Many thanks

Steven

[NormanRouxel]

You've forgot to close the image tag. You need a > after each height=15

You'll probably want the border=0 back in otherwise your icon will have a box around it.

[Steven Barkess]

I may have to throw the towl in on this as I still cannot get it to work. I added in > and copied out the image part into another column to check it works, and the image does display.

It must be something else that I am doing wrong, when I test the page, the column where the customvar TRACKA and B should be is still empty. I have gone back to my only product where I have A and B selected and that looks fine.

Maybe I will have a bolt of lightening tomorrow.

Thanks for your efforts Norman.

Steven

[NormanRouxel]

Look with Firefox and the Tools / JavaScript console as I suggested above. That usually clears up things.

Also view the source of the generated page (post the relevant snippet here if you like - not the whole page though).

Finally make sure your Custom properties are defined and actually contain a value (view source will show that up). If using business make sure the Use as CUSTOMVAR is checked as you'll get nothing output if it isn't.

[Steven Barkess]

Morning

Copied out the first product, a little long but thats becasue of the desciption.

Thanks

Steven



</script><A NAME="sectiontop"><DIV ALIGN="CENTER"></DIV> </A> <INPUT TYPE=HIDDEN NAME="SID" VALUE="3">
<INPUT TYPE=HIDDEN NAME="PAGE" VALUE="PRODUCT">
<INPUT TYPE=HIDDEN NAME="PAGEFILENAME" VALUE="P_index.html"><TABLE BORDER="1" ALIGN="LEFT" CELLPADDING="3" CELLSPACING="2" COLS="10" id="productbodytable"><tr bgcolor="#bb0000"><td bgcolor="#bb0000"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Cat No.</font></b></td><td width="80"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Artist</font></b></td><td width="80"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Title</font></b></td><td width="80"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Label</font></b></td><td><b><div align="left"><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Description</font></div><b></td><td align="center" width="42"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Year</font></b></td><td align="center" width="30"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Format</font></b></td><td align="center" width="30"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Price</font></b></td><td align="center" width="30"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Info</font></b></td><td align="center" width="50"><b><font color="#ffffff" face="Verdana">Cart It</font></b></td></tr> <Actinic:SECTION BLOB="A0003.cat"/> <input type=hidden disabled name="PU_606"><tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffcc"><td width="70"> <a name="a606"><A HREF="javascript:ShowPopUp('P%5finfo%5f606%2ehtml',600,460);"><IMG SRC="../FDJS606.gif" ALT="JOHN B AND EXILE" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=68 WIDTH=70 ></A> FDJ606</a></td><td width="80">JOHN B AND EXILE</td><td width="80">BROKEN LANGUAGE (EXILE MIX) <noscript> PLANET MU </noscript></td><td width="80">PLANET MU</td><td>John B (beta/prototype/metalheadz) and collaborator Tim Exile (moving shadow/frequency/ram/beta) originally created broken language for John's 'In:Transit' album and the original is a popular floorfiller. But exile has taken the original files and mangled it planet mu style in to a hardcore twisted dark monster of a tune as rinsed on dub by Concord Dawn & Evol intent and more. The bassline and 2 step beat will mix in happily with other current d&b but as the tune progresses things get sicker - a distorted gabba beat kicks in - phased and mangled amens fly around the stereo field and ghastly voices make unspeakable utterances!. The flip is another masterpiece of experimental d&b from Exile; a solo track which keeps up the 4/4 pressure while adding the most futuristic fx and breaks with a dirty bass.<BR><BR><BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="FDJ606A.mp3"><img src=speaker.gif alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> First Side</a> <BR><BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="FDJ606B.mp3"><img src=speaker.gif alt="Listen" width=20 height=25 border="0" align="absmiddle"> Flip Side</a> </td><td width="42" align="center">Jan-05</td><td width="30" align="center">12"</td><td width="30" align="center"><Actinic:PRICES PROD_REF="606" RETAIL_PRICE_PROMPT="Price:"> &nbsp;&nbsp;£5.48</Actinic:PRICES></td><td> <script language=JavaScript>
<!--
if ( '../FDJ606A.mp3' ) document.write('<a href="' + ../FDJ606A.mp3 + '"><img src="speaker2A.gif" alt="Listen" width=25 height=15 border="0" align="absmiddle"></a>');
if ( '../FDJ606B.mp3' ) document.write('<br><a href="' + ../FDJ606B.mp3 + '"><img src="speaker2B.gif" alt="Listen" width=25 height=15 border="0" align="absmiddle"></a>');
//-->

</script></td><td WIDTH="50" align="center"><Actinic:ACTIONS> <P><INPUT TYPE="IMAGE" SRC="../addtocart.gif" NAME="606" WIDTH="19" HEIGHT="16" BORDER="0"></P><script language=JavaScript>
<!--
if ( '<P><INPUT TYPE="IMAGE" SRC="../addtocart.gif" NAME="606" WIDTH="19" HEIGHT="16" BORDER="0"></P>' == '' ) document.write('<font color="#000066"><strong>DUE IN</strong></font>');
// -->

[NormanRouxel]

Whoops. It was my mistake this time.<script language=JavaScript>
<!--
if ( 'CUSTOMVAR:TRACKA' ) document.write('<a href="CUSTOMVAR:TRACKA"><img src="speaker2A.gif" alt="Listen" width=25 height=15 border="0" align="absmiddle"></a>');
if ( 'CUSTOMVAR:TRACKB' ) document.write('<br><a href="CUSTOMVAR:TRACKB"><img src="speaker2B.gif" alt="Listen" width=25 height=15 border="0" align="absmiddle"></a>');
//-->
</script>Make sure you don't use the single or doublwe quote characters anywhere in TRACKA or TRACKB as this will break things.

[Steven Barkess]

Hi Norman

Many many thanks, got it working now. Looks pretty good (even if I say so my self!!!).

I have stripped out all the track samples that I had in each of the extended info sections now that I have your method working.

One more question though. Can I use the above method in the extended info pop ups too. Is it just a case of copying in the javascrpit that I have used in my main product table into the extended info table. I obviously do not want this to appear in the infotext as this appers in my main product table and i have tryed to reduce this as much as possible.

I have allowed customers to click on the small image in my product table to get to the extra info. From there (even though the infotext is the same), they do get a larger image, if I can also offer the track samples here too, then that would be a great user xp.

Thanks again

Steven

[Steven Barkess]

Tried adding in the javascipt to my extended info file this evening, and it works a treat.

Thanks again

Steven