Thanks to Sam Sarasin <SarasinS_at_mail.dec.com>
Apparently there was patch that wasn't installed when we got the computer.
The vendor we bought it from was supposed to install and check every thing, but
apparently didn't (yes the computer is new enough that they could have done this).
The solution sent by Sam follows:
SYMPTOM STATEMENT:
Alpha Station AS255's running Unix MME with UNIX MSB driver
may produce a distorted audio output. Some systems may work
normally, while others will not.
SOLUTION:
Obtain a new Unix audio driver by using anonymous ftp, or Web
browser.
Outside of Digital:
ftp://ftp.digital.com/private/MME/MME_as255_patch.tar
The patch is provided in the form of a Bourne shell (/bin/sh)
script and two kernel objects, one for Digital UNIX V3.x, and one for
Digital UNIX V4.x. The script replaces the appropriate kernel
objects, depending upon which version of Digital UNIX is installed,
and upon which version of Multimedia Services is installed, or if
Multimedia Services is not installed.
To apply the patch, su to root, create a directory, untar the
patch kit into that directory, and cd to that directory. Insure that
your path includes "/bin", and "/usr/sbin".
As the last step of installing the patch, the kernel must be
rebuilt, and the system rebooted.
VERIFICATION:
Play the file cows.wav [/usr/bin/mme/audioplay -fi /usr/examples/
mme/sample_data/wave/cows.wav] or other audio file.
You may adjust the volume with /usr/bin/mme/audiocontrol.
You should now have a normal audio output.
PROBLEM STATEMENT:
On the UNIX platform, running any version of Multimedia
Services (or other audio software, such as AudioFile), the audio
output is distorted (sounding like white noise). The cause of
this problem was a register definition change after an audio chip
die shrink. This change was not accompanied by a notification
from the vendor, so Digital did not know that a driver change was
needed.
The newer audio driver is compatible with both revisions of
the audio chip. After installing the new audio driver, the system
output will be normal.
READ ME FILE:
Multimedia Services V2.2 patch P01 readme file
February 17, 1997
This patch provides a fix for an audio problem on the
Alphastation 255 (IPMT Case HPXL10JTU). The nature of the problem
is that the audio output is completely unusuable, sounding like
white noise. All AS255 systems contain an AD1845 chip on the
mother board module. Those systems which contain revisions of this
chip greater than 0.6, will experience the problem. The revision
number of the chip is found at the end of the last printed line on
the chip, preceded by a dash.
The patch is provided in the form of a Bourne shell (/bin/sh)
script and two kernel objects, one for Digital UNIX V3.x, and one
for Digital UNIX V4.x. The script replaces the appropriate kernel
objects, depending upon which version of Digital UNIX is installed,
and upon which version of Multimedia Services is installed, or if
Multimedia Services is not installed.
To apply the patch, su to root, create a directory, untar the
patch kit into that directory, and cd to that directory. Insure
that your path includes "/bin", and "/usr/sbin".
As the last step of installing the patch, the kernel must be
rebuilt, and the system rebooted.
Configurations Supported by This Patch:
AlphaStation 255 (although the patched driver will run on all
AlphaStations with Microsoft Sound Board compatible hardware).
Digital UNIX V3.2D-2 and above.
On Digital UNIX V3.x, Multimedia Services V1.6 through V2.2.
Digital UNIX V3.x installations may be patched even if Multimedia
Services is not installed (if desired).
On Digital UNIX V4.x, Multimedia Services V2.0A through V2.2.
Received on Thu Jun 05 1997 - 20:37:33 NZST