Windows Media Center UI Alternative?

[Cuffz]

I'm looking for something that's designed for the large tv + couch + remote control scenario, it must support MKV and other video formats unlike Microsofts product.

it needs to work with Vista x64..

Thanks in advance..

[Funkstar]

MediaPortal

[SiM]

mediaportal

+1

[TheAnimus]

I'm looking for something that's designed for the large tv + couch + remote control scenario, it must support MKV and other video formats unlike Microsofts product.

But it does, all you need is the codec.

Looks better than mediaportal too imo.

But the API is bit needlessly complicated using XAML

[Agent]

MCE has played everything I can throw at it, provided the correct codec is installed and configured.

I had far less problems with MCE over MP all in all, but then again I've not touched MP for a couple of months now so it may have improved

[Cuffz]

I have all the codecs installed and everything is working fine in all other players .
Trying mediaportal

The MS product I tested is the Media Center UI that comes with Vista ulti x64..

[Cuffz]

mediaportal is great you can sidestep any video playback problems because it allows you to use an external player .

[Funkstar]

What videos were you having problems with?

RealMedia and Quicktime can be played using RealAlternative and QuickTimeAlternative. Letting you play them in any media player that uses the Windows DirectShow filters. This should allow Windows MediaCenter to play them, but also MediaPortal can then play them natively without having to configure an external player. I can't think of any other media, other than HD-DVD and BluRay (plugins are available to get round this for MediaPortal though) that can't be played internally.

[directhex]

Try the haali media splitter as a way to shoehorn support for other containers into WMP

[Cuffz]

I've been using haali for a long time.. Mkv files are the problem, maybe some others aswell.
I have the CCCP codec pack and CoreAVC, nothing else.

everything works fine with windows media player 11 etc, problems only occur in the MCE UI.

[Deadalus]

You could also try XBMC - just Google for it, as I can't post the URL. I haven't tried it myself, but I have heard good things about it.

There are also various skins available for it, such as "Aeon".

[Agent]

Codec Pack. Ugh.

Have you tried removing CCCP and installing FFShow and configuring it for your system?

[Dreaming]

I've been using haali for a long time.. Mkv files are the problem, maybe some others aswell.
I have the CCCP codec pack and CoreAVC, nothing else.

everything works fine with windows media player 11 etc, problems only occur in the MCE UI.

You might want to get the newest FFDshow codec. Problem with codec packs is they take a variety of codecs that are sometimes out of date.

It was the same on my friend's PC, she had vista codec pack installed but some videos she had wouldn't play - installed the latest version of FFDshow (it just installs over the top so very inobtrusive - just like a new driver) and everything works fine.

[dangel]

The Vista Codec Pack is about the best i've come across - and despite being a "pack" it's actually very well structured for us VMC users. I can playback MKV etc no problems.

See: http://shark007.net/

To quote him:

When dealing with codecs, more does not equal better.

Having the least amount on your system is the best configuration.

This is exactly what the Vista Codec Package does for you.

...and that's exactly the right mindset. It's well maintained with regular updates and good tips for solving problems.

The only downside is VMC doesn't allow FFWD or RWD - but you can use the skip back/forward buttons so it's not that bad.

[Agent]

In all seriousness - why do people even use codec packs? how long does downloading, installing and configuring FFDShow take?

Doesn't play what you want still? Go and grab a single codec for that package.

I suppose it might be an annoyance if you're want to watch something that you don't have the codec installed for, but how often is that going to happen?

[dangel]

In all seriousness - why do people even use codec packs? how long does downloading, installing and configuring FFDShow take?

Doesn't play what you want still? Go and grab a single codec for that package.

I suppose it might be an annoyance if you're want to watch something that you don't have the codec installed for, but how often is that going to happen?

Depends on your background - like many things it's easy when you know how

Ever tried/looked at the VCP? Don't dismiss is simply because it's a bundle of codecs - it's a world away from k-lite and other such tosh. Look, you can even make choices!



Now, most of that stuff - I need. What's there that grinds your gears?