As followers of the MMD already know, I have been working with Richard
Stibbons to develop a simple, reliable and accurate optical piano roll
scanning system and the software to produce music files from the roll
images.  Richard developed the original process and software approach
and together we have been working out the many fine points to advance
our methods to the current state.

Richard has developed the software to a degree of accuracy and
reliability that allows the production of music files of which we are
truly proud.  I have been concentrating on the mechanics of roll
scanning and the details of capturing the details necessary to
reproduce Duo-Art music with authority on the Power Roll system and on
other electronically controlled pneumatic pianos.  This has not been as
simple a project as one might initially conceive.  It has taken years
but we are finally confident of the results and can offer music to the
public without hesitation.

My scanner is capable of scanning quickly and with virtually no chance
of damage to even the frailest of acid eaten old rolls.  I feel
confident that I can offer to scan (I am working on Duo-Art rolls only
at this time) worthy rolls at very reasonable cost.  I am also
interested in increasing my collection and will scan any excellent
rolls, that I do not own, at no cost to the owner of these rolls.
Since the scanner is built with a 300 mm.  contact image sensor it is
quite rugged and portable.  I have the components to build two more of
these should the need arise.  I intend to make the new ones closer to
briefcase sized as opposed to the first which is a little larger due to
its being a prototype.

I have prepared a library of over 100 Duo-Art classical rolls in MIDI
format that may be played with any MIDI player on a Power Roll equipped
piano.  This library includes many of the best rolls in my collection.
Every roll is worth owning, there are no duds.  The files will be
distributed on compact disk (CD) for $75 per disk.  Other options are
available for other media.  A disk of popular rolls will be made
available soon if there is sufficient interest.  Please respond for a
list of the titles in the library or for any other questions.

We feel that MIDI is the best standard currently available for
distributing this music.  Any computer based MIDI media player
including the Windows media player or programs that come bundled with
sound cards such as Music Rack or consumer versions of Cakewalk will
play the files and output them to the Power Roll.  Other formats are
neither widely accepted nor sufficiently documented to make a
commitment to then at this time.  If the details are worked out, it
will be possible to play these files with WindPlay in the near future.
Anyone who buys the MIDI files will receive updated files to play with
WindPlay if they are necessary.  Individuals who wish to play the files
without the use of a computer can use any MIDI player commercially
available.

Spencer Chase