KubuntuMultimediaSimplification

Revision 10 as of 2006-11-06 21:00:35

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Summary

Kubuntu should avoid duplicating functionalities in multimedia applications, and improve default settings

Rationale

There are lots of multimedia apps shipped by default with Kubuntu (kaudiocreator, kscd, kaffeine, kmplayer, amarok, k3b etc...), and lots of them are duplicating the functionalities provided by the others. Examples :

  • Ripping an audio CD is currently possible with kaffeine, konqueror, kaudiocreator and k3b.
  • Reading an audio CD is possible with kaffeine, amarok and kscd

This is useless and goes against simplicity, and also complicates the work of the documentation team.

Use Case

  1. Paul wonders how to read an audio CD in Kubuntu. By looking at the menu, he finds right away what program fits his need and doesn't get confused with 3 apps in the multimedia section.
  2. Kate want to read a video file, finds the video player and doesn't get confused by a bunch of audio functionalities while she already has an audio player.
  3. Joe uses Kubuntu for a while and isn't confused because he has saw the same functionality in 4 apps. He doesn't have to test widely to make his choice.

Scope

... XXX empty? -- smurf

Implementation

Please split "done" and "todo" into two headings

Kubuntu should focus on keeping the only the best apps and centralize the functionalities.

  • Amarok is the reference audio application, and allows cd reading -> kscd can be removed.

  • kaffeine is the main video application -> should be patched to remove the audio features if not better than amarok.

  • Kaudiocreator is slower than k3b and more complicated to use and configure than konqueror -> no need to ship it.

The list of things to be done still to be defined and needs to be discussed and debatted (probably during Mountain View UDS)

default CD ripping and DVD ripping too for k3b (done for cd ripping, dvd in the work)

ktorrent remove dodgy sites (to be done)

don't merge file view mode buttons in konqueror (done)

merge stop and refresh buttons in konqueror (done)

add servicemenu and bash scripts to amarok for media action box integration (done)

patch kaffeine to remove audio features from UI, foccusing on video stuff (in the work)

change the compressed files mimetype association, using ark_part in the first place to find a good compromise between standalone app and ioslaves (done)

BoF agenda and discussion

Comments

We should keep an eye on just works, not only use most powerful app. If one selects in the media action selection dialog, e.g., play, the started app should start and play (or at least show a 'Play' button), instead of 'hiding' the play action in a menu. -- allee

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