Simultaneous sounds, again

[Jan Willem Stumpel <jstumpel@planet.nl>]

Trying to get multiple simultaneous sound streams working
on my Sid system, I got as far as the following:

          mp/s      mp/a       xmms    youtube   skype

mp/s       OK       N/A         X        XX        X

mp/a       N/A       X          X        XX        X

xmms       X         X          X        OK        OK

youtube    X         X          OK       OK        OK

skype      X         X          OK       OK        N/A

Notes: - each row in the table begins with the sound using
         program which is started FIRST.
       - mp/s means: using mplayer to watch a local .avi file,
         with sdl audio output.
       - mp/a means: using mplayer to watch a local .avi file,
         with alsa audio output.
       - youtube means: watching a youtube (i.e. Flash) movie
         with iceape.
       - X means: the program which is started second produces
         no sound
       - XX means: the program which is started second produces
         no sound, and there are other problems (iceape freezing).
       - OK means OK.
       - N/A means: test cannot be done, or is meaningless.

So it seems that there is one group (xmms/Skype/youtube) the
members of which tolerate each other (all three can even make
noise together). There is another "group" (mplayer) which
allows multiple instances with simultaneous sound, but only if
sdl sound is selected. However, the two "groups" do not
tolerate each other. I cannot hear Skype ringing while playing
a local .avi file, for instance.

Does anyone get different/better results? Any tips?

I also think (but cannot prove this now) that a few months ago I
could hear skype while playing .avi movies, but that it became
impossible since (doubtless through some upgrade).

Sound hardware is AC 97 on motherboard.

Regards, Jan