			   QuickPlay Version 1.00
			   (c) Chris Nurse 1994

Product Updates
---------------

Version 1.10

Product released to the general public. This version did not allow the user to 
specify the hardware port for his CDROM interface card. A major shortcoming 
which was fixed in the next release.

				     -=-

Version 1.20

This version now allows the user to specify which hardware port to
use for communicating with the CDROM interface card. It was previously fixed
at 300 hex. To specify the port use the following options on loading:

CDTSR -p300

This enables QuickPlay to communicate with the CDROM via port 300 hex. See you
Mitsumi manual for other port settings. An incorrect value will prevent
QuickPlay from functioning correctly and may cause a system crash when you
attempt to play a CD.



A small dedication
------------------

This program is dedicated to all IBM PC programmers who work late through the
night with no one for company except there faithfull silicon buddy.


Hardware Requirements
---------------------

Mitsumi CD-Rom with Interface card at address 300 Hex
80286 or higher
Under 6k of memory required for loading TSR


Introduction
------------

When I ordered my new Mitsumi CD-ROM I did so for a few simple reasons. It was
cheap, reliable, easy to install and it played music CD's perfectly.

However, as a developer of leading edge PC software I could not afford the
memory overhead of loading Mitsumi's CD interface driver (MTMCDE...) and the
Microsoft CD extensions (MSCDEX). This was because my system was just crammed
with device drivers, debuggers and large applications programs.

I therefore embarked upon a crazy journey to discover how the CD Play utility
which was delivered with my drive actually triggered the ROM drive to play
audio CD's.

Using 386 hardware breakpoints I was able to discover what commands were
actually sent to the drive via its hardware port at address 300. It then took
some weeks for the penny to drop until I discovered the format of the data.

Now I have developed an ultra compact TSR with under 6k memory overhead which
allows me to start the audio CD at any minute and second then play the disk to
completion.

A few ideas for future are allowing the TSR to read a track list from an ASCII
file created by the user which lists all the track start times and titles.
This way you will be able to skip tracks. Currently I just read this info from
the CD sleeve and set the time up accordingly using this TSR.


Instructions for use
--------------------

To load the program simply type:

CDTSR -pPORT and press enter.

Where PORT = the base address of your card. eg:-

CDTSR -P300

Installs QuickPlay and tells it to interface with the CDROM card at base
address 300. See your Mitsumi manual for other possibilities for port number.

The TSR will display a title page and return to the DOS prompt. At this point
you are ready to use the TSR to play audio CD's.

When the TSR is loaded press ALT-M to activate it. A line appears at the top
of the monitor showing the minutes:seconds format which is the point at which
replay will begin. Whilst the TSR is active at the top of the screen the
following keys are available:

U causes immediate deinstallation of the TSR
X Increases the minutes and Z decreases the minutes
V Increases the seconds and C decreases the seconds
SPACE starts the disk playing at the specified piont
ESC exits the TSR without any action

To unload the program from memory activate QuickPlay by pressing ALT-M and
then press U for unload. If QuickPlay is able to unload, if no TSR's or
programs were loaded after it, then it will be removed thus freeing all the
memory it used.

Unfortunately I have been unable to prevent multiple copies of the TSR loading
due to a bug in my code. The library which I have used to make QuickPlay a TSR
allows me to prevent against multiple loading of the TSR but I am doing
something wrong. The next version will fix this bug!


And finally....
---------------

I'm not sure how many of you guys have Mitsumi drives and then how many of
those actually play audio. I do it all the time!

You may distribute this program in any way you like but I ask that each time
you do you or the person receiving the program sends TEN US DOLLARS as a
donation for my time.

The program is shareware so can be distributed by all interested parties. A
donation is requested simply if you can afford it and you are pleased with the
software.

Please send 10 US DOLLARS in Cheques (or 10 UK Pounds if possible) to:

Chris Nurse
CD Software
8 Harrogate Avenue
Otley Road
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD3 0LH
ENGLAND

In return I will send the C source for a program which will play CD's and you
can change it 'til your hearts content. It won't be the source for the TSR
because that uses a 3rd party library for TSR programs.

Thank you in advance.

Compuserve: 100321,2522





