This is the changelog for Jackson 1.x.

Jackson 1.34
29 April 2007
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.34b1]

  • No issues were discovered with the parent beta, but we took advantage of this new release to slip in complete support for our new controller (based on the Silicon Labs 8051F340). We are currently field-testing this very nice device.
  • We also added some more error recovery code to the application.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.34b1 to 1.34.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.34b1
24 March 2007
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.33]

  • DirectSound devices are now the default.
  • Moreover, DirectSound devices now keep audio focus (Jackson keeps on playing) when you switch to another application (for example, to read your e-mail).
  • The detection of the capacity to play WMA files is more accurate now.
  • The 3 changes above make Jackson run just as smooth on Vista as on Windows XP. Note that Vista needs a lot of memory. We recommend at least 1 G.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.33 to 1.34b1.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.33
29 October 2006
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.33b1]

  • We have removed to key-entry component from the 'about' panel.
  • We have also removed the somewhat redundant 'Van Aeken Software' button from the 'about' panel.
  • Again in the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.33b1 to 1.33.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.33b1
1 October 2006
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.32]

  • We have upgraded the Intel Performance Primitives Library, which is used internally by the application, to version 5.1.
  • At startup the application now saves a key to the Windows Registry that unlocks Jackson and prevents it to go in demo mode. Note that this key will also automatically unlock all other versions of Jackson 1.x installed by the user.
  • We have removed references to the key in the EULA.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.32 to 1.33b1.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.32
23 September 2006
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.32b3]

  • We have updated the address of our company in the EULA.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.32b3 to 1.32.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.32b3
13 August 2006
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.32b2]

  • The previous beta relied on a library that is not present on all installations of Windows XP. We have fixed this problem by shipping this library with our latest installer.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.32b2 to 1.32b3.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.32b2
12 July 2006
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.32b]

  • The previous beta crashed when recording was initiated. We have fixed this.
  • The new version will install not only on Windows XP but also on later versions of the Microsoft operating system.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.32b to 1.32b2.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.32b
22 June 2006
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.31]

  • This is the first version of Jackson built with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.
  • Also, we now use version 9 rather than version 8 of the DirectX libraries.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.31 to 1.32b.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.31
30 January 2006
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.31b]

  • When saving a recorded set, the playlist is now saved not only as a .TXT file, but also as a .CSV file. CSV files can be read with Microsoft's Excel, which should make some of Jackson's users very happy (you know who you are).
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.31b to 1.31.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.31b
1 November 2005
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.30]

  • On the 'move' panel, one now finds the buttons 'one song', 'one deck' and 'all decks'. Depending on which one is down, the 'move' tool will move one song, all songs on one deck or all songs on all decks.
  • We have added (automatic) player functionality to Jackson. The player can be started, stopped and configured in the 'player' panel. Consult the manual for more details.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.30 to 1.31b.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.30
27 September 2005
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.29]

  • In the 'drop' panel, the 'force' button is now independent of the 'x2' and '/2' buttons. Their functionality can now be combined.
  • The 'cue' buttons in the 'decks' panel are no longer automatically activated when dropping a song. It's up to the DJ now to press or depress them.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.29 to 1.30.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.29
15 August 2005
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.28]

  • We have detected a bug in version 1.28 that could crash the application when changing audio devices or drivers in the 'settings' panel. We have fixed this bug in this release.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.28 to 1.29.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.28
22 May 2005
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.28b1]

  • A bug has creeped in the new functionality of beta 1.28b1. This bug could crash the application when a DirectSound driver is used. It could also affect the quality of playback on the monitor channel. We have fixed this bug in 1.28 while inheriting all of the new functionality of 1.28b1.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.28b1 to 1.28.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.28b1
3 May 2005
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.27]

  • We have upgraded the Intel Performance Primitives library, which we use internally in our application, from version 4.0 to version 4.1.
  • We have added traditional cueing (monitoring) to Jackson. This mixer-oriented cue functionality is less flexible than our 'listen' tool, but it is appreciated by many DJs and easy to use.
  • When audio 2 is active and set to the same device as audio 1 (using the same type of driver), audio 2 is muted. After all, there is no point in having the monitor signal superimposed on the main signal.
  • When a new track is loaded in the BeatMapper, the tempo is automatically estimated. It is no longer necessary to press the 'guess' button. One click saved!
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.27 to 1.28b1.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.27
20 February 2005
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.27b1]

  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.27b1 to 1.27.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.27b1
6 February 2005
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.26]

  • On a number of systems, recent versions of Jackson would not start up because of a missing DLL. We have fixed the bug at the basis of this behavior. Alternatively, people can install the missing DLL by running wmf95dist.exe.
  • Users can now specify the label and the key of a track in the BeatMapper.
  • We have cleaned up some of our Browser code, making it smaller without sacrificing functionality.
  • We have added support for XP Styles in the parts of Jackson that use the standard Windows user interface elements (e.g. progress bars).
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.26 to 1.27b1.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.26
19 December 2004
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.26b1]

  • In exceptional circumstances Jackson has trouble bit-blitting to the screen. Previous versions of Jackson report this to the log file every time it happens. Now the program reports this only once per session.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.26b1 to 1.26.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.26b1
27 November 2004
CHANGES [from Jackson 1.25]

  • We have added support for Microsoft's proprietary audio file format WMA. To enable WMA support a specific Microsoft library must be installed. Executing the file wmfdist95.exe installs this library. This file can be downloaded directly from our site or through a dialog box available in Jackson (launched by pressing the button 'WMA' in 'settings' / 'various').
  • Effects and timestretching (key lock) are now switched on and off in the 'decks' panel. Much handier.
  • The 'edit' button in the browser now launches the BeatMapper.
  • The 'delete' button in the browser did not delete external metadata (JCK and PNG files). We have fixed this.
  • We have added small 'load' buttons to the browser so that double-clicking is no longer necessary to load a file from the browser.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.25 to 1.26b1.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
  • When updating JBD files, Jackson does not detect changes in external metadata files (JCK and PNG files).
Jackson 1.25
29 October 2004
CHANGES

  • We have fixed a potential performance problem with the effects introduced in the previous version.
  • We have added code to prevent a crash when Windows returns weird values for the number of MIDI devices installed. This sometimes happens.
  • Jackson now comes with an installer. This new approach will allow us to ship specific libraries with Jackson, something we need, for example, to add WMA support in the future.
  • We have made Jackson Windows XP only. This way we can focus our testing on the XP platform and add functionality that is not supported by Windows 2000.
  • There have been some changes in our color scheme. For example, the logo color of Jackson is brighter now. This is reflected in Jackson's graphics.
  • We have changed the code generation settings of our compiler to prepare for WMA support in the future.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.24 to 1.25.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
Jackson 1.24
18 October 2004
CHANGES

  • We have added preliminary support for control surfaces based on the Silicon Labs C8051F320 controller.
  • We have fixed a bug in the browser that would crash Jackson whenever a user attempted to edit the ID information of a file while another file was playing in the browser.
  • A memory leak in the browser has been fixed.
  • When the delay effect is selected, the 'effect' slider in the 'decks' panel now behaves as an effect send slider.
  • We have added a flanger and a reverb effect. Enjoy!.
  • All our code is now compiled and built using Microsoft Development Environment 2003, version 7.1.3088.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.23 to 1.24.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
Jackson 1.23
24 August 2004
CHANGES

  • We have added several new functions to the browser. For starters, users can now set and select up to 4 different roots. The roots are retained between different sessions of Jackson. There is no more 'default root' option in the 'settings' panel.
  • Jackson's current actual tempo is now displayed in the browser. Pressing the 'tempo' button sorts the root according to tempo and centers the browser on files having a similar tempo. Can you say 'handy'?
  • Pressing the new 'delete' button will delete the file currently selected in the browser.
  • By typing in a text string when in the browser, only the files that contain the string in their description (track, artist, comments, filename) will be shown. This makes it very easy to find specific files. The 'clear' button clears the filter.
  • In Jackson itself, we have added a 'delete' tool. The 'all after' option in the 'delete' tool replaces the now removed 'all' option in the 'skip' panel.
  • We have also introduced a 'fade' tool that allows for automated fades. Several controls are available to tailor its function.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.22 to 1.23.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
Jackson 1.22
24 July 2004
CHANGES

  • A harmless bug in previous versions of Jackson could add error messages to the log file. We have fixed this. Because of the bug, the log file, located at C:\THC.log, might have grown several kilobytes in size. Feel free to delete this file in case it exists. Note that the file can only be deleted if Jackson is not running.
  • Entries in the log file now mention the version of Jackson that produced the entry.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.21 to 1.22.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
Jackson 1.21
16 July 2004
CHANGES

  • We have added a previewer tool to the browser that lets you look at and listen to a song with the help of a second sound card. Basically, the Previewer is a simpler, read-only version of the BeatMapper.
  • The layout of the Browser has slightly changed. We have also slightly changed error messaging in the Browser.
  • Incorrect ID3v2 tags could make Jackson crash. We have fixed this vulnerability.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.20 to 1.21.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
Jackson 1.20
1 July 2004
CHANGES

  • We have added a 'listen' tool that lets you pre-listen to your mix on a second sound card.
  • The BeatMapper now interprets not only ID3v1, but also ID3v2 (version 3.0 and 4.0) tags.
  • When interpreting ID3 tags, the BeatMapper now trims leading and trailing spaces in fields.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.19 to 1.20.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
Jackson 1.19
10 June 2004
CHANGES

  • Jackson's graphics system no longer uses DirectX. This should solve a range of problems that some people were experiencing. DirectX is still used for the DirectSound audio interface.
  • The main timer, used for updating the display, is now trigger later in the program's construction.
  • When a weird MP3 condition is encountered, Jackson no longer produces a message box, but just tries the remedy the anomality.
  • Users can now apply tools, e.g. the repeat tool, to a song in the past and not just in the future. The cursor is now shown in the future and in the past.
  • We have added code that implements WDM kernel streaming (KS). We have not decided yet whether Jackson 1.x should support KS besides the Multimedia and the DirectSound interfaces. The stuff is powerful, but dangerous.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.18 to 1.19.

KNOWN BUGS

  • Support for the PMD-1208LS does not work properly on some systems.
Jackson 1.18
17 May 2004
CHANGES

  • We have added a zoom function that can be controlled by two buttons in Jackson's window or by using the scroll-wheel on the mouse.
  • The positions of individual beats are no longer visualized in the deck bars. Depending on the zoom factor, the positions of individual measures are indicated or not. As in previous versions, groups of four measures are always visualized.
  • We have made the layout of the filter section more intuitive and have added visual clues that indicate the frequencies that pass the filter.
  • The filters can now operate in two modes: band-pass (as before) and notch.
  • We have added a 'move' tool that allows the user to move songs by dragging them.
  • We have found out that under certain circumstances the mp3 decoder can malfunction. We have added code that detects this condition and that tries to remedy it.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.17 to 1.18.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.17
4 May 2004
CHANGES

  • We have extended the graphical metadata format, so that the graphical representation of songs is crispier and color-coded according to the deck it is dropped on. We have added a tool to the BeatMapper to convert files from the old format to the new format.
  • Time is now kept in larger variables so that Jackson no longer malfunctions after 8 or more hours of operation.
  • A 6 hour limit is now enforced on recordings to prevent certain resource problems.
  • Another potential resource problem involving the number of beats being processed has been fixed.
  • The graphics code has been slightly changed, also to prevent resource problems.
  • We have put certain constraints on client-server synchronization, again to prevent resource problems.
  • We have fixed a newly discovered bug in the 'merge' code for .MP3 files.
  • We have optimized the 'merge' code for files that are not beat-mapped.
  • We have fixed a newly discovered bug in the 'split' code for .WAV files.
  • The last remnants of the BeatTracker code have been removed.
  • The last references to the BeatTracker in user messages have been removed.
  • In the BeatMapper, we have renamed the 'scale' and 'offset' sliders 'zoom' and 'scroll'.
  • After the successful loading of a file in the BeatMapper, the 'scroll' slider is reset.
  • We have added an 'edit' button in the BeatMapper. When the button is up, clicking in the beat-map only starts playback and does not add nor remove markers.
  • When saving a file in the BeatMapper, the browser is automatically updated. We have fixed a couple of bugs in the update code.
  • The 'decks' panel now shows the title and the number of remaining beats of the songs currently playing.
  • The 'force' button is now sticky.
  • The color of the cursor has been slightly changed.
  • We have made a slight change to the layout of the deck bars.
  • After a crash under XP, the generated error report contains not only a mini-dump, but also the THC.log file (if it exists).
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.16 to 1.17.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.16
18 Apr. 2004
CHANGES

  • Under Windows XP, a fatal exception now triggers Jackson to write a mini-dump to C:/THC.dmp and to offer the user to e-mail this file to support@vanaeken.com.
  • We have revised the possible interactions between Jackson, the Browser and the BeatMapper. This has solved a long standing issue with dropping files while they are being changed.
  • When a root is specified in the Browser, the program now constructs the database and then writes it to a file in the root. This allows the Browser to build the database much faster the next time this root is chosen. This mechanism is activated only on NTFS volumes.
  • We have fixed an issue with loading very small files in the BeatMapper.
  • We have fixed a memory leak that could occur when loading invalid .MP3 files.
  • Jackson's graphics system now uses the Windows ANSI character set rather than 7 bit ASCII.
  • Jackson or the BeatMapper no longer accept audio files longer than 20 minutes. Longer files were accepted in previous version, but could have led to resource problems.
  • Jackson's title bar now shows the songs being played.
  • When launching the BeatMapper, the program now asks for confirmation whether it is OK to interrupt playback.
  • When recording a set, Jackson now compiles and saves the playlist of the songs that are dropped while recording.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.15 to 1.16.

KNOWN BUGS

  • After 8 or more hours of continuous operation Jackson can crash or malfunction.
Jackson 1.15
12 Apr. 2004
CHANGES

  • When searching for a potentially connected PMD-1208LS, Jackson could log an error message if a USB HID device (e.g. a USB mouse) was connected. We have fixed this minor issue.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.14 to 1.15.

KNOWN BUGS

  • It is possible to load a file in Jackson that is being edited in the BeatMapper or the Browser. This (unlikely) scenario can lead to unpredictable behavior.
  • After 8 or more hours of continuous operation Jackson can crash or malfunction.
Jackson 1.14
9 Apr. 2004
CHANGES

  • We have added support for Measurement Computing's PMD-1208LS. We can now easily build physical control surfaces adapted to Jackson. Mounting 7 potentiometers on a panel and connecting them to the PMD is all one has to do. Still, in the future we will certainly support devices that are faster and cheaper and that offer more channels than the general purpose PMD.
  • We have changed the range of the 'gain' sliders from [1, 5] to the more reasonable [1, 3].
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.13 to 1.14.

KNOWN BUGS

  • It is possible to load a file in Jackson that is being edited in the BeatMapper or the Browser. This (unlikely) scenario can lead to unpredictable behavior.
  • After 8 or more hours of continuous operation Jackson can crash or malfunction.
Jackson 1.13
29 Mar. 2004
CHANGES

  • We have thrown out the BeatTracker. The BeatMapper is so much more powerful that further support for the BeatTracker seems pointless.
  • We have added an overlay on the deck bars that shows the numbers of the underlying decks. The overlay should help to associate bars with corresponding decks. The overlay can be turned off in the 'settings' panel.
  • For the balad lovers among you, we have lowered the minimum tempo from 60 to 40 BPM.
  • The 'cycle' button now goes through 1/2 tempos too. This expands the range of automatic tempo estimation from [90, 180] to [45, 180] BPM.
  • When one tries to drop a song without metadata in Jackson, the program now offers to launch the BeatMapper to analyze the song.
  • For higher visibility, we have made the black tempo line thicker.
  • We have fixed a bug in our .MP3 code that could produce noise in the beginning of a song. This noise could also show up in the strip. To correct an affected strip, load it in the BeatMapper and then save it without doing anything.
  • We have fixed a newly discovered bug in the graphics code.
  • We have found out that the midi settings in the 'settings' panel were not correctly changed when reverting to factory settings. We have fixed this newly discovered bug.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.12 to 1.13.

KNOWN BUGS

  • It is possible to load a file in Jackson that is being edited in the BeatMapper or the Browser. This (unlikely) scenario can lead to unpredictable behavior.
  • After 8 or more hours of continuous operation Jackson can crash or malfunction.
Jackson 1.12
13 Mar. 2004
CHANGES

  • Jackson now supports physical midi controllers that can be mapped on the sliders in the main application.
  • When quickly opening up the high-pass filter, the bass no longer explodes. We had to fix this problem so that our users can go mental when working those physical sliders.
  • The automatic tempo estimation in the BeatMapper is almost perfect now. Its precision has been improved to 0.001 BPM. Wow.
  • We have added a 'cycle' button in the BeatMapper that lets the user cycle through different estimates if the first estimate is not correct.
  • In the BeatMapper, users can now see the attacks rather than the actual energy in a song. A slider allows for a smooth transition between the two views.
  • Also in the BeatMapper, the automatic tempo estimation did not take into account the signature set by the user. We have fixed this newly discovered bug.
  • Two other newly discovered bugs have been fixed in the BeatTracker and BeatMapper. These bugs could manifest themselves after a 'load' was aborted.
  • We have optimized a bit more the 'save' function in the BeatTracker and BeatMapper.
  • There a more diagnostics in the code now, facilitating remote troubleshooting.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.11 to 1.12.

KNOWN BUGS

  • It is possible to load a file in Jackson that is being edited in the BeatMapper, the BeatTracker or the Browser. This (unlikely) scenario can lead to unpredictable behavior.
  • After 8 or more hours of continuous operation Jackson can crash or malfunction.
Jackson 1.11
4 Mar. 2004
CHANGES

  • Apart from the BeatTracker, Jackson now includes the BeatMapper to add metadata to a song. The BeatMapper is much easier to use than the BeatTracker and works well with songs having a variable tempo. The graphical representation used in the BeatMapper is inspired by work done by Werner Van Belle.
  • In the BeatTracker, Jackson now prompts a warning if the user tries to close a file that has been changed but not saved.
  • Songs can now be dropped at double or half their natural tempo without time-scaling.
  • After a forced tempo drop, the 'force' button is automatically de-pressed.
  • When the user tries to open a sub-application that is already open, Jackson no longer prompts a warning, but pops up the window of the application.
  • A bug causing a potential buffer overflow in the recorder has been fixed.
  • The SIMD libraries that we use have been updated to the latest version.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.10 to 1.11.

KNOWN BUGS

  • It is possible to load a file in Jackson that is being edited in the BeatMapper, the BeatTracker or the Browser. This (unlikely) scenario can lead to unpredictable behavior.
  • After 8 or more hours of continuous operation Jackson can crash or malfunction.
Jackson 1.10
30 Jan. 2004
CHANGES

  • It is now possible to pre-listen to tracks in the browser. A second audio device, dedicated to pre-listening, can be selected in the 'settings' panel.
  • Jackson can now generate a midi clock signal. The midi device that sends out the signal can be selected in the 'settings' panel.
  • This version supports networking. Jackson running as a client on one computer can sync to Jackson running as a server on another computer. The tempo of the client follows the tempo of the server and the client's beats are aligned to the server's. Networking can be configured in the 'network' panel.
  • We have optimized some of the graphics code.
  • The handling of audio devices has been improved.
  • The base panels have been rearranged to accommodate the controls for the new functionality like networking.
  • We recently found out that the 'reverse' tool did not reverse the durations of the beats. We have fixed this.
  • In the 'about' panel, we have changed the version from 1.9 to 1.10.

KNOWN BUGS

  • It is possible to load a file in Jackson that is being edited in the BeatTracker or in the Browser. This (unlikely) scenario can lead to unpredictable behavior.
Jackson 1.9
16 Dec. 2003
CHANGES

  • Editing an audio file, in the BeatTracker or in the Browser, while it is playing in Jackson, could lead to unpredictable behavior. We have added code that protects the user from editing a file that is already playing.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.8 to 1.9.

KNOWN BUGS

  • It is possible to load a file in Jackson that is being edited in the BeatTracker or in the Browser. This (unlikely) scenario can lead to unpredictable behavior.
Jackson 1.8
8 Dec. 2003
CHANGES

  • We recently learned that some people were experiencing graphics problems under Windows XP Home. In particular, graphics were reported as slow. To speed up graphics in those configurations, we have changed the way Jackson accesses the frame buffer.
  • We have exchanged the positions of the 'Browser' and the 'Play' buttons to make accidental silence -the horror- less likely.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.7 to 1.8.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.7
24 Nov. 2003
CHANGES

  • We have fixed a newly discovered bug that caused old meta-data to accumulate in MP3 files in certain cases.
  • When meta-data is simultanuously present in an audio file and in external JCK and PNG files, the external files have now priority.
  • We made our MP3 code even more robust than it was. It is better to be safe than sorry.
  • The ID information for WAV files in the BeatTracker turned out to be uninitialized if none is present. We have fixed this.
  • More information is now available when trying to load a non beat-tracked file in Jackson.
  • We now show progress bars -with abort- during long operations. This is good.
  • Upon request by two charming designsters, it is now possible to save three extra PNG files in the BeatTracker. These files make it much easier to customize the visual representation of a track.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.6 to 1.7.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.6
15 Nov. 2003
CHANGES

  • Changing the structure of a beat tracked audio file, for example in an audio editor, will typically invalidate its meta-data. In previous versions of Jackson even editing or adding the ID3v2 tag in a MP3 file could invalidate the meta-data. We improved our code so that Jackson is less sensible to changes in a beat tracked MP3 file. Specifically, changes in the ID3v2 tag will not affect the meta-data. Still, we recommend to edit the tag before beat tracking the file.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.5 to 1.6.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.5
5 Nov. 2003
CHANGES

  • We have added a browser to Jackson. To support the browser, we have extended the meta-data format with fields for track name, etc. This information can be edited in the browser and in the BeatTracker.
  • Meta-data can now be embedded in .MP3 files. As a consequence, files keep their original extension when meta-data is embedded in them.
  • We fixed a newly discovered bug in the 'merge' function in the BeatTracker. The function now operates correctly on sub-directories.
  • When reseting the recorder or closing the main Jackson window, the system asks for a confirmation. It is better to be safe than sorry.
  • The default % change in the 'tempo' tool is now 100%.
  • The behavior of the 'scope', 'BeatTracker' and 'browser' buttons in Jackson's main window has changed. It is no longer possible to close the sub-applications by pressing these buttons.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.4 to 1.5.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.4
13 Oct. 2003
CHANGES

  • We changed the way meta-data is embedded in .wav files containing compressed audio. Most players play these now correctly, although they might not be able to extract the ID tag information. All this is due to the fact that these players do not parse .wav files correctly.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.3 to 1.4.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.3
11 Oct. 2003
CHANGES

  • We discovered a bug in the EULA code of version 1.2 and fixed it. To prevent future code from being released too soon, we are setting up stricter testing guidelines.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.2 to 1.3.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.2
9 Oct. 2003
CHANGES

  • The Jackson icons are slightly improved.
  • The default crossfader profile is now 75% rather than 50%.
  • Added End User License Agreement (EULA) functionality.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.1 to 1.2.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.1
6 Oct. 2003
CHANGES

  • 8 bit Jackson icons are added for correct display at lower color depths.
  • In the about panel, clicking the Jackson button will open jacksondj.com rather than vanaeken.com.
  • In the about panel, the version has changed from 1.0 to 1.1.

KNOWN BUGS

  • No known bugs.
Jackson 1.0
1 Oct. 2003
CHANGES

  • This is the very first public release.

KNOWN BUGS

  • The Jackson icons do not display correctly at 16 bit color depth.