There’s a problem with the version of “silan” (Soundfile Silence Analyzer) that’s packaged with Ubuntu 14.04 which causes many (or most) files to appear half as long in Airtime as they should, resulting in songs ending when they’re only halfway done playing. This guide explains how to replace the faulty copy of silan with a fixed/working version.
1. Check which version of silan you’re running
If you’re experiencing the problem mentioned above, you’re probably running Version 0.3.2-1build1 but type the following command to make sure:
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dpkg -s silan | grep Version |
2. Add the sourcefabric.org repository to your APT (Advanced Packaging Tool) source list.
Edit the sources.list file using a text editor (nano, vi, etc.):
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sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list |
At the bottom of the file, add the following line (if it’s already there, you can skip this step):
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deb http://apt.sourcefabric.org/ trusty main |
Save and exit (if you’re using nano, press Ctrl-O and hit Enter to save, then press Ctrl-X to exit.)
3. Run the apt-get update command
Type the following to update your repository package lists:
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sudo apt-get update |
4. Install the sourcefabric.org keyring (used to authenticate packages for security purposes)
Type the following:
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sudo apt-get install sourcefabric-keyring |
Press Y at the prompts.
5. Replace the faulty version of silan
Here’s where we replace the bad version of silan with the the updated/working version. Type the following:
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sudo apt-get install --reinstall silan=0.3.2~trusty~sfo-1 |
Hit Y at the prompts.
Ignore the warning: dpkg: warning: downgrading silan from 0.3.2-1build1 to 0.3.2~trusty~sfo-1
6. Confirm that you’re now running the proper version
As in step 1, type the following to check with version of Silan you now have installed:
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dpkg -s silan | grep Version |
This should now be Version 0.3.2~trusty~sfo-1
7. Prevent Silan from automatically “upgrading” back to the fucked up version
This step is important. Even though Silan should now be working fine, the system will revert back to the original broken version the next time you update unless you type the following:
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sudo apt-mark hold silan |
You should see the message silan set on hold. This prevents the package from being automatically installed, upgraded or removed (see apt-mark manual for more info.)
That should solve the problem!
For additional information on this problem:
- Airtime sometimes cuts tracks in half (forum.sourcefabric.org)
- Please fix ASAP! silan cuein – cueout (forum.sourcefabric.org)
- Song timing issues (forum.sourcefabric.org)
- HELP! Airtime cuts the end of the song 🙁 (forum.sourcefabric.org)
- Bugfix Silan packages for Ubuntu 14.04 LTS ‘Trusty’ now availance (forum.sourcefabric.org)