PG Music Home Forums PG Music Wishlists Band-in-a-Box Wishlist "AI Podcast" of the Pinned User Interface Specific Suggestions

I uploaded the pinned suggestion threads into NotebookLM and asked it to generate a Podcast Overview for you listening pleasure. (Listen to attached) (free version limited to ~ 20 minutes)
I also ask it for the top 10 points off all the pinned suggestions.
Podcast Overview of UI Suggestions

I also asked it to summarize the top 10 points:
Based on the sources provided, here are 10 prominent suggestions and points of discussion regarding the Band-in-a-Box interface:

1. **Adoption of a panel-based interface with dockable and undockable panels** is a widely supported idea that would allow for more flexible window management and customization of the workspace [jpettit, Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music]. This would potentially replace the current modal and non-modal window system [jpettit, Rustyspoon].

2. There are numerous requests for **significant improvements to the Tracks View**. These include:
* Showing only populated tracks by default [jpettit].
* More complete track headers that include controls like pan and arm for recording [jpettit, Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].
* Easier track zoom functionality, including both dynamic (all tracks) and individual track expansion [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].
* Support for more context menus at the track type level [jpettit].
* The addition of a play marker to define the playback start point [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].
* The possibility of volume node editing (automation) within the Tracks View [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].

3. A **usable "Timeline" Navigator** that is consistent across most views is desired for easier song navigation and a better overall workflow [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].

4. The **Chord Sheet view** is targeted for enhancements such as:
* Displaying text to indicate verses and musical actions like Fills, Push/Hold, and Repeats [robertw].
* Organizing each measure into clearly defined subdividable beats to simplify microchords and eliminate the need for commas [Matt Finley].
* The potential addition of an "arranger track" to visualize the song's structure [jpettit].
* Allowing individual bars to have different time signatures without affecting subsequent bars [Rustyspoon#].

5. A **revamped Piano Roll editor** is requested, with suggestions including:
* Setting the default tool to a pen tool instead of a selection tool [Rustyspoon].
* Providing UI buttons for selecting drawing or selection tools [Rustyspoon].
* Implementing full-length horizontal and vertical overlay guides for more precise editing [Rustyspoon].
* Offering a choice for freehand drawing of note lengths [Rustyspoon].
* Adopting a freehand move tool for dragging notes anywhere [Rustyspoon].
* Displaying drum kit sound names associated with each key on the Pitch Selector keyboard [Jim Fogle].

6. The concept of **integrating different views (chords, tracks, lyrics, sections) into a single main screen** is proposed to offer a more unified and intuitive workflow, drawing inspiration from software like Song Master Pro [CerioExpert]. This would ideally allow for editing elements directly from this main screen [CerioExpert].

7. Users desire **more customizable toolbars and layouts**, including the ability to move the Transport bar and have fixed areas for common functions, allowing users to tailor the interface to their specific needs [jpettit].

8. There is a strong emphasis on **improving the user experience for new users** by simplifying the GUI, ensuring consistency in layout and functionality between Band-in-a-Box and RealBand, and adopting more standard DAW conventions [justanoldmuso, jpettit].

9. **Multi-monitor support** is a frequently mentioned request, indicating a desire for the program to better utilize multiple displays for arranging different views and tools [Vincente, robertw, Rustyspoon, jpettit].

10. Enhancements related to **UI aesthetics and accessibility** are discussed, including:
* The option for flatter, more neutral button styles, potentially with text-based alternatives [Rustyspoon, Gordon Scott].
* Support for OS-level text on buttons and translucent backgrounds for color themes [jpettit].
* Considerations for vision-impaired users, such as the ability to adjust or change color themes [MarioD, justanoldmuso].

I can hear it perfectly. Great job.

It interesting to hear the difference between the NotebookML chat summary point and the podcast.
They call out some the same but some different.

As mentioned elsewhere, it seems to cut short, part way through your conversation at 22:38. Is that intentional at this time?

Yes I can hear it too. No obvious signs of tarrifs or anything.

It's certainly impressive as an AI generated podcast. It seems to understand many things well and present them well. Buuut ... the overreliance on each speaker repeating ther other gets very wearing and there were times when I wondered what it/they were actually talking about ... "hold on; how does that relate to the specific topic here?" Initially I gave up due to the endless repetition, but went back and finished listening to see what AI was making of this. With a little more focus and a lot less repetition, it could have said the same in 10m.

Impressive, but I'm glad I don't actually have to listen to it.

In practice, the team at PGM will have to spend a lot of time discussion what these requests mean and how they can (or can't) make improvements happen.

Yes, as mentioned in the OP, it only gives your ~20 minutes for free.
Yes, on a side note the podcast thing is kind of a gimmick but for instance I set it up with the Studio One manual and it it's created a mind map of the manual and ability to pull information together a make something clear that is buried in bits and pieces across than manual is awesome.
Anyone can join NotebookML and try it out on something like the online version(?) of Band in the Box help manual. You can then use it for your own help with more flexibility than the PGM version.

The ah ha moment is when you realize NotebookML is essentially your own database of content from you to process with AI.

Jeff, that was fun! Thank you for compiling.

I assume that's a typo for NotebookLM, though please say if I'm mistaken.

I've just had an "Ah" moment of my own: One of the limitations of the human mind is that it struggles to manage too many ideas at the same time in short-term memory. Usually just 6 or 7 ideas, fewer for some people. If one tries to go beyond that, one starts to drop ideas out of the mind and it becomeslike trying to juggle with jello (jelly for we Brits) and one just starts going round in mental circles. I'm suspecting that AI probably doesn't have the same limit and may handle those situations better.

And yes, thanks for posting.

Yes typo.
The full URL is https://notebooklm.google.com
The podcast is interesting from the point of two AI voices holding a conversation.
The free account doesn't let you make any choices and is limited to ~ 20 minutes.
The paid version gives you 5 times as much time and I'm guessing a little more control by pointing it at just sections of a documents' rather than a general overview of all documents.
Just to be able to chat with the BB manual works well and in this case of 7 long threads in the forum where it looks at all the inputs and digs through the mud to see clearer points.