For years I struggled to squeeze multimedia performance out of Java. Unfortunately, no matter how hard I tried, the initial Java Development Kits (or JDKs) were so primitive that serious multimedia development was impossible. In fact, until Sun released the Java Multimedia Framework (or JMF), I thought that multimedia development under Java was hopeless!
It is no exaggeration to say that JMF is the most exciting addition to the Java programming family since the release of the initial JDK. Not only does it spice up your programs with digital video and audio, but you can extend JMF to support intriguing new multimedia technologies such as DVD. Since JMF is destined to alter the Java programming landscape, it is critical that every Java programmer be proficient in its usage.
Alas, JMF's potential is locked up inside Sun's documentation. While Sun has done a thorough job of documenting JMFs APIs, they don't provide you with the crucial insights necessary to create optimized applications. Therefore, I decided to write Core JMF.
Core JMF is not a warmed over version of Sun's programming guidelines. Rather, it focuses on filling in the missing pieces in the JMF documentation so you can create cool programs. When it is appropriate, I praise Sun for excellent design decisions. Similarly, I don't hesitate to point out problems in JMF that you should avoid. You'll also find unique optimization techniques, bug reports and undocumented JMF programming guidelines.
All of these programming insights would be wasted if Core JMF provided trivial sample source code. Consequently, I've created realistic source code examples of how to use JMF in your programs. You'll see samples of how to meld Java beans with multimedia, synchronize CD Audio with closed caption text, monitor live Internet audio streams, and use your Java multimedia objects inside C or C++.
This book assumes that you are familiar with basic features of the Java language. However, you do not have to be a multimedia guru to use it. Core JMF provides all the background material necessary to understand fundamental multimedia concepts and begin multimedia programming. If you are already adept at multimedia programming in QuickTime, DirectShow or MCI, Core JMF is the tool you need to transfer your expertise to the Java platform.
Questions or Comments on this page? Contact Linden deCarmo
Last Modified: December 26, 1999