Several questions have been posed regarding the "WindPlay" software
which I designed and wrote.  I thought a description would be helpful.

"WindPlay" provides a window on a "play list" on which one can "drag
and drop" roll image files.  As each file is dropped onto the list, the
roll title, type, tempo, composer and pianist are added and displayed
as columns on the list.  The list can be sorted in ascending or
descending order on any column.

Multi-column sorts can also be accommodated -- for example, order by
roll type and title by sorting the least significant column first.
Once rolls are in the list, they can be played in sequence, randomly or
individually.  Also, multiple individual rolls can be selected and
played as a set.

Play lists are named and saved on your hard disk.  You can create as
many play lists as disk space permits.  The "drag and drop" of the roll
image files can be from the Windows Explorer, the Windows Desktop or
another open play list.  Play lists can be printed on any Windows
supported printer and are printed "landscape" style only.  A sufficient
margin is left at the top of the page so they can be punched and stored
in a 2 or 3 ring binder.  Printed pages are numbered and dated.

When a roll is played, a scrolling image of the roll (along with lyrics
if encoded in the roll file) are shown in synchronization with the
music passing over the appropriate tracker bar for the roll type.
Playing tempo can be adjusted up or down and will be saved with the
play list if changed from the original roll tempo.  The roll can be
paused or playing can be canceled.

The scrolling roll is a low priority visual effect and may "jump" or
"skip" if your system is unable to keep up with the music.  The high
priority is the MIDI output.  However, this can also be affected if you
have other Windows applications running.  The minimum system I've
tested on was a 133 MHz 32 meg machine running Windows/95 OSR2.

The scrolling roll is highly graphics intensive and can require
substantial system resource.  On the above system, 80% of the system
CPU was required to play a tempo 70 roll.  This value can be greatly
affected by the quality of the graphics card in  the system.  Higher
performance graphics card will reduce the system resource impact.

The software was originally designed and written to drive Larry
Broadmoore's PowerRoll from Wayne Stahnke's roll image CD's.  The
software will also accept Custom Music Rolls (Tonnesen) perforator
and "Wind" roll files.

I decided to include other features to make the software more useful
to a wider audience.  Specifically, in addition to the PowerRoll output
capability, I included all my reproducing piano simulators (88-note,
Duo-Art, Ampico A/B, Welte, and Recordo A/B/C) which interpret the roll
image and generate standard MIDI messages to drive any MIDI sound
module or Windows supported sound card.

These simulators have been developed and enhanced since 1991 and were
used in the Macintosh version of the "Wind" roll editor and player as
well as the current Windows version of the same software.  The editing
software is used by several MMD'ers to create new materials for
commercial distribution.

"WindPlay" can operate in two modes.  The first simply takes the
roll image and drives the PowerRoll.  There is no conversion of the
information.  The second uses the roll image as input to a non-real-
time piano specific simulator to generate MIDI note on/off messages
containing velocity codes to emulate the dynamics of the music encoded
on the roll as it would sound if played on the original piano.

There is pneumatic/mechanical model in each simulator for the specific
piano type.  The simulation does not run in "real time" but takes place
before the roll is played.  The simulators were originally designed and
used in the "Wind" roll editor to help editors hear the encoded results
without punching a physical roll.  The intent is to reduce the time and
cost to create new material.

Are the simulators "perfect" in the sense that they simulate every
possible facet of the underlying piano? -- No.  Will they ever be?
-- Probably not.

I already have a day job as a professional software designer and
programmer and I doubt if this software is the key to my early
retirement future.  The simulators have been developed out of my
enjoyment of my work and my fascination with reproducing pianos.
I'm constantly awed by what their creators were able to accomplish
without any high technology.

Many have heard the simulator's results and agree that they generate
pleasing music representative of the original roll.  However, I do not
claim they are "perfect", and in some cases may not even be considered
accurate.  The underlying simulators range in complexity from a few
model points (88-note) to over 100 (Duo-Art).  As my understanding
improves, so do the models.

The first version of "WindPlay" is complete except for a standard
Windows-style installation program, and has been distributed to a few
willing individuals.  At present, installation involves unZIPping the
distribution file into any conveniently named directory on your hard
disk and double clicking on the "WindPlay.exe" icon.  Documentation
is provided as on-line Windows help and may be printed.

I'm not in the retail software distribution business but the few who
have purchased "WindPlay" have simply sent me a check in exchange for
an electronic distribution.  I provide direct support and updates via
e-mail to those individuals and I'm always interested in hearing
comments, suggestions and (shudder :-) bug reports.

"WindPlay" is presently bundled with Larry Broadmoore's PowerRoll
and in the very near future, Larry will be a retail sales point for
"WindPlay" by itself.

If there are any questions or comments, please feel free to contact
me via e-mail.

Richard Brandle