This information was compiled and written by MR user Quasi.
Q: What is the difference between the regular Rockbox builds and the H300 optimized build?
A: The optimized build is an unofficial Rockbox build that adds certain features to Rockbox to improve its functionality on the H300 series. Most of these improvements fall into one of three categories:
- Changes to core Rockbox functionality
- H300-specific plugins
- H300 WPS updates
Features are constantly being added, so for up-to-date information you should see the
Optimized Build announcement thread. Here is a list of some of features the optimized build adds to Rockbox:
- Improved 24-bit WPS handling (transparency support)
- Color Changer for menus and the WPS
- Support for LCD and non-LCD H300 remotes
- H300 keymapping chart
- Support for various WPS customizations:
-Clock, crossfade, and ReplayGain tag support
-Progress bar customization
- NAVI button acts like iRiver firmware when backlight is off
The optimized build also contains several useful plugins, listed in the next FAQ entry.
Q: What plugins are included in the Optimized Build?
A: For a complete, up-to-date listing, please see the
announcement thread.
Here is a list of some plugins that come with the optimized build:
- All PlugBox plugins. These include RockPaint, RockWord, RoClock, RockCalendar, Tetrox, and Xobox (BrickMania is included in the standard Rockbox builds)
- SNC viewer, for viewing synchronized lyrics files
- Bubbles game
- Dice rolling plugin
Q: Where can I find out about Rockbox in general?
A: This FAQ covers question relating specifically to the H300 optimized build. For general Rockbox questions, see the
sources for Rockbox info.
Q: How do I install the optimized build?
A: If you already have Rockbox installed, simply download the latest ZIP file from the first post in the
announcement thread and extract it to the root of your iRiver. Otherwise, you will need to flash your H300 to a patched version of the official iRiver firmware before copying the files. More information about how to do this is available in the
Rockbox manual.
There is also an
updater tool available, which can automatically download and extract the latest version of the optimized build.
Q: Who is responsible for this project?
A:
Needleboy created the H300 optimized build and keeps it updated. The plugins and WPSes are by a variety of contributors.
Q: Why aren't these improvements incorporated into the standard builds?
A: Rockbox is designed to be compatible with many audio players with various capabilities. In order to mainain compatibility with all targets (especially those with small, monochrome displays), certain features cannot be added to the standard builds. There are other requirements that must be met before a feature can be added to Rockbox: it must be free of major bugs, usable in other languages, and conform to the Rockbox coding standards. Many of the features in the H300 build, though useful, do not meet the standards of the Rockbox project.
Q: Where are all the color WPSes everyone is talking about?
A: The
WPS forum is a good place to start. A ZIP archive of all 24-bit WPSes is available
here.
Q: Why do I have to download 24-bit WPSes separately?
A: As the filesizes of WPS graphics tend to be quite large, the optimized build was becoming a very large download. In order to save bandwidth and improve download times, WPSes are no longer included in the build. When a WPS is updated, however, it will be included in the next optimized build.
Q: Why isn't my WPS appearing properly in color?
A: With support for 24-bit bitmaps in WPSes, the old method for adding color has been deprecated. Your WPS probably relies on the old color WPS patch, which is no longer included in the optimized build. You will need to update it (or ask the author to update it) to use 24-bit bitmaps.
Q: How do I add my new WPS/patch/plugin to the Optimized Build?
A: If you have created a WPS for the H300, please post it in the appropriate thread in the
WPS forum.
If you have created a patch, please add it to the Rockbox patch tracker.
If you would like your creation included in the Optimized Build, you can send an email to
h300.rockbox@gmail.c om.