Audio with CRON works - not AT?

[Philip Rhoades]

Rick,


On 2010-04-07 02:50, Rick Stevens wrote:
> On 04/06/2010 07:52 AM, Philip Rhoades wrote:
>> People,
>>
>> When I put:
>>
>> 40 21 * * * root /usr/bin/mplayer -ao alsa
>> /home/phil/audio/vincent_van_gogh.mp3
>>
>> in /etc/crontab - it works but if use "at" for any time and enter:
>>
>> /usr/bin/mplayer -ao alsa /home/phil/audio/vincent_van_gogh.mp3
>>
>> - at the designated time I hear a click as though something happens but
>> no audio clip.
>>
>> Anyone know why "at" doesn't behave?
>
> I'm sure it does. When you use /etc/crontab, you're saying "use root's
> environment when running this command". You weren't clear, but if
> you're using "at" as any user other than root, then it'll execute with
> _that_ user's environment, not root's. This might cause access issues
> to the audio hardware, pulseaudio may not be running if you're not
> logged into the system via the GUI, etc., etc. There's lots of stuff
> going on there.


Thanks for your reply!  I did try running the "at" command as root as 
well but it didn't make any difference.  I always have PA uninstalled 
and just use ALSA.

Thanks,

Phil.
-- 
Philip Rhoades

GPO Box 3411
Sydney NSW	2001
Australia
E-mail:  phil at pricom.com.au