Disklavier

Good evening, everyone

In a message dated 11/21/03 8:21:39 PM, Sheldon writes:


> 
> is there a foolproof labeling method for midi files to display properly on 
> an xg control unit
> 
Yes.

>  i find the display of the name is sometimes unpredictable
> 
Indeed, it is predictable.

Below is a dissertation on the subject that I wrote some time ago.

Regards,
PianoBench
*****************
As best I can determine, the Disklavier display can get the file name for a
SMF song from any of these four places:

(1) a name stored in a directory that the Disklavier creates on the disk when
you make a recording to the disk,

(2) a Yamaha proprietary meta event added to the SMF by the Disklavier,

(3) the so-called "sequence" name which is imbedded in the MIDI file--usually
by a sequencing program,

and

(4) the DOS file name.

Which name does the Disklavier use for display?

Well, it seems as though the Disklavier defaults to reading the name in the
directory file if one is present.

The display name registered in the directory file is put there when the
directory file is initially created. This directory file is created when a
recording is made. Subsequently, whenever a new piece is recorded or an old
one rerecorded, the directory file is updated with respect to the file being
recorded or otherwise altered.

If a directory file is not present, the Disklavier reads the name embedded in
the Yamaha meta event. This meta event is created by the Disklavier and is
embedded in the file when you use the front panel of the Disklavier to add a
title to a SMF. Adding a title is, technically, a recording procedure which
also updates the directory on the disk or creates a new one if one is not
present.

Keep in mind that a proprietary meta event will normally not be read by
another other piece of hardware or software except one that is made by the
manufacturer which is identified as the creator of the meta event. Therefore,
Yamaha title meta events may be read by the Clavinova CVP, but will not be
read by another manufacturer's keyboard or by your sequencer.

If a Yamaha meta event title is not embedded in the file and a directory file
is not present which contains info about the file in question, the Disklavier
displays the sequence name. This name is added in a sequencer, such as
Cakewalk, Vision, Performer, Metro, etc. For example, with Cakewalk Pro Audio
7, you can go to the File menu and select Info.... This brings up a dialog
which lets you add a title. With Performer, you open the Chunks window and
create the sequence name there.

When you resave the SMF from a sequencer, the Yamaha meta event--if any--is
usually lost. The sequencer adds the "public" meta event for the sequence
title. If you do not specify a title in your sequencer, your sequencer may
automatically add the public meta event for the sequence title. This default
title usually shows up on the Disklavier display with the name "Untitled."

Although this sequence name is actually a "public" meta event--for lack of a
better word--, it is one which is universally recognized.

Finally, if a directory file is not present, a Yamaha title meta event is not
present, and a SMF sequence title meta event is not present, the Disklavier
will use the DOS file name for display. You can create this last situation by
taking a SMF, opening it in a sequencer like Cakewalk, setting the sequence 
name to
nothing, and resaving the SMF file to a disk which has no directory already 
on
it.

How should you add your titles? If you work with a sequencer a lot, your best
bet is to add the sequence title when you have the SMF open for editing.
Otherwise, adding titles using the Disklavier's front panel is fine. The
advantage to adding titles with your   sequencer is that the title stays 
"glued" to
the file, regardless of whether the file is opened in a sequencer by someone
else or put on a disk to which the Disklavier later adds a directory file.

Keep in mind that the display name can be up to 32 characters long as far as
the Disklavier's display is concerned. The first 16 characters (including
spaces) go on the top line, the rest on the bottom line.