TTS Voices do not mute the music when GPS speaks

[gguevara]

Hello everyone,

This is not my first post on this issue. Sorry for the long post, but I am sick of this issue.
I have an Eonon G2110F head unit - RK3188 / MCU: MTCB-KLD2-V2.67 / KitKat 4.4.4.
It is stock (with only simple "factory setting" root). This is the "universal model".

Everything functions correctly. But I have an issue only with part of the GPS function.
I have a confirmed "good" iGO Primo version from a reputable GPS forum (v2.4+). I have installed it with maps/pio, regular voices, and TTS voices on my phone and tables. It work 100% correct, the way it is supposed to (both when installed to internal memory and external memory). What I am specifically testing for is how my phone and table function when I am playing music at the same time that the GPS is running (on both the stock mp3 player or Poweramp player).

When I set iGO Primo to use its regular voices, the music mutes when the GPS announces directions, then the music un-mutes once the announcement finishes. This is 100% correct. When I set iGO Primo to use its TTS Pro voices (using the Android default TTS engine), the music mutes when the GPS announces directions (which now include street names), then the music un-mutes once the announcement finishes. This is 100% correct. So as you can see, my iGO Primo build is a good correct working version.

However, I can not say the same thing when I install the same iGO version on my head unit (on the GPS card slot). Overall the app works. Both the regular voices and the TTS voices work and announce directions correctly. But once I am playing music at the same time, that is when the issue starts (regardless if its the radio / stock mp3 player or Poweramp / iPod / CD - I have tested them all). When I set iGO Primo to use its regular voices, the music mutes when the GPS announces directions, then the music un-mutes once the announcement finishes. This is 100% correct....,

However, when I set iGO Primo to use TTS Pro voices (using the Android default TTS engine), the music does not mute when the GPS announces directions (which now include street names). Instead, both the music and the TTS voice are playing at the same time. The TTS voice is much lower in volume and is hard to hear over the music. This is not correct. I have tried several other iGO Primo versions that are know as good working builds. These all work on my phone and tablet. But they have the same issue on my head unit once TTS voices are used. I have even tried by installing the app to the internal memory or the external SD card slot of the head unit.

I feel there is some kind of disconnect between the app and the MCU audio stream once the TTS voices are used. Remember, when the regular voices are use, the app and the MCU audio stream both work in the correct way. But as soon as I switch to use TTS voices, then the MCU audio stream does not mute when the GPS announces directions.

Over the past year, I have read so much that my eyes are bleeding. I have tried almost everything. I have even worked with senior members at the GPS forums. I am sick of this. When iGO Primo is installed on my head unit it is laughing at me to my face. So now I am ready to go "Ninja Assassin" on it.

Is there any other solution out there to force the music to mute? Is there an Xposed module that can deal with this issue? Is there some kind of modification that need to be made (on either the app or the head unit). Otherwise, I will need a full professional developer to look at this and create a solution (for hire $$). I have seen several, several posts on the internet with similar issues - yet no solution. So I am ready to hire someone and pay to have a solution developed (for the good of the community).

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Again, sorry for the long post.

Thanks,
ggee

 

[themissionimpossible]

Tried using some TTS voices in other languages to see if the issue is related to the voice you're using?
Tried using another music player?

I have the same Eonon G2110F and use iGo Primo (one of the latest versions) with a dedicated Italian TTS voice and have no problem while listening to the radio (not tried iGo and music player together with active navigation).

 

[gguevara]

Tried using some TTS voices in other languages to see if the issue is related to the voice you're using?
Tried using another music player?

I have the same Eonon G2110F and use iGo Primo (one of the latest versions) with a dedicated Italian TTS voice and have no problem while listening to the radio (not tried iGo and music player together with active navigation).

Hello,

My issues happens with any music applications. It will happen with the stock MCU music apps (Radio / iPod / CD / Music ). And it will happen with third party music player (like Poweramp).

I have had people reply before who say they have no problems. But when I ask follow up questions and dig deeper, I discover they either don't use TTS voices, or don't play any music while driving (which is why they don't know of any problems). Or I find that they run the app from their phones/tables and bluetooth the audio/screen to the head unit. There is always something different about how they use it that explains why they do not have an issue. For example, they find out that they don't really have a legitimate iGO Primo version - instead it is some generic GPS app with an iGO skin and very limited features (yes, these do exist).

- Can you please let me know the specs of your head unit (firmware version / MCU version / Custom Rom if any)?
- Do you have any major software modifications on the head unit?
- Are you using the stock Android TTS Engine or a third party TTS Engine (like Vocalizer/Nuance)?
- Can you please let me know what version of iGO Primo you have and where you got it from (check the Settings/About screen in iGO for the exact version)?
- Can you share the TTS voice file, and the sys.txt file with me (this way I can test the setting on my head unit).
-If you can share your whole iGO Primo build with me that would be even better (minus your maps/pio/dem/buildings files)? You can PM if you prefer that way better.

I use a real iGO Primo version in a normal way, on a normal stock head unit. That is why I am asking the above questions. I personally feel there is an issues with the MCU.img that some how causes a disconnect to the android audio stream when using an "outside" TTS voice over the android TTS engine. By "outside" I mean that the GPS card slot is technically a separate memory area on these head units. Since iGO Primo is running from this "outside" memory area, it might be causing an issue, such that the MCU does not see a running TTS voice. Therefore, it does not know to mute the music (but when regular voice files are used, it somehow knows). This is what makes this so strange and freaking annoying.

Thanks again for any help,
ggee

 

[themissionimpossible]

I have the original Eonon MCU and ROM, rooted.
The iGo specific Italian TTS voice has been provided by an Italian iGo user forum, but I don't think the TTS voice matters for your issue.
Obviously no iGo version can be shared...

Anyway, I have never heard of similar problems, at least on the iGo Italian fora.

Maybe it's better to ask on some specific iGo forum, all those fora of course deal with Android head units...

 

[gguevara]

I have the original Eonon MCU and ROM, rooted.
The iGo specific Italian TTS voice has been provided by an Italian iGo user forum, but I don't think the TTS voice matters for your issue.
Obviously no iGo version can be shared...

Anyway, I have never heard of similar problems, at least on the iGo Italian fora.

Maybe it's better to ask on some specific iGo forum, all those fora of course deal with Android head units...

Hello,

Since you "can't" share anything
Can you at least tell me what MCU version you have on your head unit? In this way, I can see if I have the latest MCU version. If your version is newer, I can at least go back to the seller and ask them to send me the same or latest version (and flash my head unit).
For example, this is my version: MCU: MTCB-KLD2-V2.67
What version do you have?

There are many posts on the internet where people mention some type of volume issue with iGO Primo using TTS voices.

Also, can you at least tell me what forum you are referring to. If you have specific forum/post link information that would be better. As I mentioned in my original post, I have read and been to many other forums before. I have tried many things already. This is not me trying to be lazy. But if you have a specific forum, or a specific post - can let me know what it is? That would be of great help.

Thanks,
ggee

 

[themissionimpossible]

Since you "can't" share anything

It looks like that probably you're not completely aware that there are no "legitimate" versions of iGo for private users (maybe except in Israel), so of course I'm not going to share anything...
And for this reason too IMHO this kind of discussion shouldn't be carried on XDA and so I suggested you to better ask on other specialized fora.

That said, the last and final information I can give you on this subject are the current firmware version of my head unit, see the attached images.

 

[gguevara]

It looks like that probably you're not completely aware that there are no "legitimate" versions of iGo for private users (maybe except in Israel), so of course I'm not going to share anything...
And for this reason too IMHO this kind of discussion shouldn't be carried on XDA and so I suggested you to better ask on other specialized fora.

That said, the last and final information I can give you on this subject are the current firmware version of my head unit, see the attached images.

Hi "mission",

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the info about your MCU version. I have a lesser version, so I will ask the seller to send me the latest official MCU version (not BETA).

I will talk to you soon..., keep your eyes open

Thanks again,
ggee

 

[themissionimpossible]

You can find all the known MCU versions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3246386

 

[gguevara]

You can find all the known MCU versions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3246386

Hello,

Today I received the same mcu.img version that you have (for my exact KLD2 head unit). I noticed that my stock firmware is newer than yours, but your mcu version was newer than my.

Anyways, I updated the mcu to my head unit successfully. However, this has not resolved my TTS voice issue. It is acting in the same way. The music does not mute when the TTS voice on the GPS speaks. They both play at the same time. When listening to the radio, the TTS voice volume is much lower. When listing to MP3s on the stock MTC Music player, the TTS voice volume is about equal (the same thing when using PowerAmp, except the TTS voice volume is not as low as the radio scenario). Why Does Yours Work and My Does Not???

_____________________________________________________
Anyway,
This goes out to anyone else out there who is willing to actually help me with this (not just empty talk or drop their 2 cents). As I mentioned, I now believe this is an issue with the MTC side of the head unit. Something is affecting the MTC audio stream from acting properly when the TTS voice of the GPS speaks. I have tried everything I can get my hands on. This is so frustrating.

When I use Google Maps on the head unit, it acts 100% correct. Keep in mind that Google Maps exclusively uses the android TTS engine and TTS voices. Additionally, I have installed the same iGO on my phone, and it works 100% correct.

Can someone who is an expert on the MTC function of these head units please help me??? Or can someone point me to the right person(s)???

Do not hesitate to Private Message me if you want to "assist" me.
Anyone else...., Please!!!!!

Thanks,
ggee

 

[themissionimpossible]

There are more than one TTS engine available to try.
Try for ex. latest Vocalizer (Nuance).
Search on the net.

 

[10210ken]

Hi
I think the issue may be that the software for the TTS is run from head unit system and not from the Igo software. The standard voices use the Igo software and Igo mutes the radio or any music. The TTS is actioned by the head unit.

 

[gguevara]

Ok I'm back,

So just to quickly update you on my 2din issue. It is still an issue. Update finished.

Back to my install on my phone, though. As a reminder, I installed the same Igo Primo on my android phone just so that I could test to see if it would have the same TTS Pro voice issue as I am experiencing with my 2din (TTS does not mute music when speaking). I initially reported that my phone installation works 100% correctly when using TTS voices and playing music at the same time. The music mutes when the GPS speaks.

However, I noticed something the other day. When I initially tested with music on my phone, I initially used the default android music play on my Samsung Galaxy phone. This worked fine. But the default music player would also pick up the audio files from the Igo folders and list them within the music library. I do know there is a simple work around in order to stop the default music player from seeing the Igo folder (and not play the GPS audio files).

But instead I started playing music on my phone using the Power Amp player. Anyways, when I play music through Power Amp, the TTS Pro voices do the same thing as my 2din (which is that the music does not mute when the GPS speaks). Yet when I play music using the phone's default android player, this issue does not happen. So now, I have this question and issue to resolve. Maybe this will somehow explain why my 2din also does not mute the music when the GPS speaks (using TTS voices).

Does anyone have an idea on this.?I would think that the audio stream for music would be the same for both mp3 apps. So if I change the audio stream options on the Igo sys.txt file it should affect how it reacts with all apps. Not just one app and not the other. Is this a correct assumption? Does this mean that the default music player uses one audio stream (the same one used by Igo), and that Power Amp used another audio stream?

Any ideas?

Thanks,
ggee

 

[gguevara]

Hello,

I want to pass this along in case there is someone out there with the same issue on their 2din android car head unit. Someone on another forum shot me a private message to try something as a workaround and it seems to have worked for me (I can live with it).

My issue was that when using iGO Primo with TTS voices, the head unit would not mute or lower the volume of music when the navigation voice speaks. It did not matter if I used android's built in Google-TTS engine or another third party engine. However, I did not have this issue when using the normal non-TTS voices (in this case the head unit worked correctly with muting/lowering the music).

So they suggested that I switch back to using the built in Google-TTS engine and the correct language in the android settings of the head unit. Then go into the head units GPS settings and assign the Google-TTS engine as the default GSP application. Doing this will mean that the hard GSP button on the head unit will no longer launch iGO Primo. But that is ok because I can launch it through the iGO icon/shortcut on the screen. Then make sure to go into the iGO Primo sound/volume settings and select the correct TTS voice, with the correct language that matches the language on the Google-TTS engine setting. Then properly exit from the iGO Primo app and reboot the head unit. That's it.

This somehow causes the head unit to function correctly when iGO Primo uses TTS voices. This workaround only works when using iGO Primo with TTS voices. It will not work when using normal non-TTS voices.

If you are using any third party TTS engine (like Nuance or Ivona) and try this workaround, it will not work properly. It will work at first until you shut off iGO Primo or the head unit reboots. When this happens, the settings get lost and you will need to redo the settings each time. But the settings "stick" when using the built in Google-TTS engine.

So far I have not had any issues in over two weeks. I hope this helps anyone else with the same annoying issue I had (look at my first post on this thread for a full description of the issue).

Thanks,
ggee

 

[m00n61]

It looks like that probably you're not completely aware that there are no "legitimate" versions of iGo for private users
.

Not true anymore. IGo is available in the PlayStore.

 

[themissionimpossible]

Not true anymore. IGo is available in the PlayStore.

Finally!
Thanks for the news!

 

[roscored1000]

I am curious if you have gone to the GPS settings in the head unit under settings and modifie the volume setting fade in or out. I put mine to the highest seting and now the volume mute is good. hope this is what you meant and helps.

 

[dadmi]

I am curious if you have gone to the GPS settings in the head unit under settings and modifie the volume setting fade in or out. I put mine to the highest seting and now the volume mute is good. hope this is what you meant and helps.

Changing GPS settings didn't help me. Setting gps app to Google TTS only works.

 

[yves31]

Since the navigation hardware key does not work anymore when GPS app assigned to Google TTS, can the key be assigned to iGO app directly? From Factory Settings menu all keys can be mapped to different functions, but cannot be mapped to android apps. Is there a solution for assigning apps to keys?

 

[p_mike83]

Since the navigation hardware key does not work anymore when GPS app assigned to Google TTS, can the key be assigned to iGO app directly? From Factory Settings menu all keys can be mapped to different functions, but cannot be mapped to android apps. Is there a solution for assigning apps to keys?

Use mtc-keys xposed module

 

[Eagleman71]

I have the same problem with Sygic. TTS voices much lower than the system volume. And no way to higher them up. Sygic i think is only using the default google tts engine.... any idea??