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Thread: Looking for htpc media software

  1. #1
    I am Domo-Kun, hear me Roooaaaarrrrrrr!!! uchiha_itachi's Avatar
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    Looking for htpc media software

    Ok, so I want to get some sort of media software for my pc. I have had a look at windows mce, but I have got my current windows OS how I like it, and don't really want to reinstall. I have seen media portal. I like the fact that its free, and just a piece of software I can install on my current OS.

    Does anybody have any other suggestions? Mainly looking to use it for watching DVD's/divx,xvid and listening to music. Anything after that would be a bonus. Not interested in a TV reception service.

  2. #2
    Does he need a reason? Funkstar's Avatar
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    I use MediaPortal, although i'm the complete opposite of you, i only use it for TV and recording, no music or divx and very little DVDs (never get round to watching them).

    You might want to look at some media front ends for WinAmp and Windows Media Player etc. if you don't need TV functionality

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    Comfortably Numb directhex's Avatar
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    for windows, honestly, good choices are limited - partially because the number of apps which make proper use of DVB (which isn't available in yankland) are limited

    windows MCE really is the best bet. if you're absolutely dead set against it, mediaportal is... system hungry and unstable in my experience.

    biased as i am, i think MythTV is the best of the bunch, but that's for linux only

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    I am Domo-Kun, hear me Roooaaaarrrrrrr!!! uchiha_itachi's Avatar
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    Well, I tried Mediaportal. And it seems ok, I just cannot get it to play any .avi movie files! Which is very frustrating as that was my main aim. Could anyone shed some light on how I go about doing this.

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    Comfortably Numb directhex's Avatar
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    ".avi movie files" doesn't really mean much

    which codecs are the files encoded with? do they play in another directshow player like windows media player?

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    I am Domo-Kun, hear me Roooaaaarrrrrrr!!! uchiha_itachi's Avatar
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    Codecs are all setup fine. They play in windows media player, although I have media player classic as my default video player. The files are of divx/xvid encodes.

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    Comfortably Numb directhex's Avatar
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    media player classic, by default, uses its own codecs compiled into the .exe file (rather than windows directshow filters)

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    I am Domo-Kun, hear me Roooaaaarrrrrrr!!! uchiha_itachi's Avatar
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    Yes, but I have a pack of codecs installed.

    This one here: http://www.cccp-project.net/

    I just use media player classic as my default video player due to its easy to use interface, and low resource. Oh, and I should make clear, mediaportal doesnt even list the movies on the screen. I have the movie folder set appropriately in the settings, but it doesnt even list them. I understand it works using playlists which I have also created, but still no luck.

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    Does he need a reason? Funkstar's Avatar
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    gah! avoid codec packs. they can cause horrible horrible problems. Use of them with MediaPortal is not supported because of this.

    FFdshow is all you should need. That combined with QTAlternative and RealAlternative should allow you to watch just about any video in both MediaPortal and Windows Media Player (and indeed anything that uses DirectShow filters to play video).

    http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm
    http://www.free-codecs.com/download/...lternative.htm
    http://www.free-codecs.com/download/...lternative.htm

  10. #10
    I am Domo-Kun, hear me Roooaaaarrrrrrr!!! uchiha_itachi's Avatar
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    The above link I gave just contains FFdshow along with the codec needed to play .mkv files, (starting to be used for anime subs) and also installs a copy of mpc for conevenience. I am fairly aware of the terrible codec packs available, this one is very good, not bloated with useless stuff and has never given me any problems with playback. I think this case with mediaportal is that I am just overlooking an option or something.

  11. #11
    Does he need a reason? Funkstar's Avatar
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    ok, fair enough. Sorry about that

    The general rule of thumb is if it plays in Media Player it plays in MediaPortal. I've seen this stated a couple of times on their boards. Although you can set it up to use external players with that use command line arguments.

    If the interface works for you etc. it might be worth having a look over there and asking a few questions.

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    Hello,

    The 'Advanced Vista Codec Pack' is extremely good.

    Read more, here.

    laze.
    You're invited to follow me on Twitter

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    I am Domo-Kun, hear me Roooaaaarrrrrrr!!! uchiha_itachi's Avatar
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    No need for apologies Funkstar, I appreciate the help you're giving. I think its a case of the movie settings I am not setting up properly as opposed to codecs. As you have mediaportal setup, would you be able to check if playing movie files is as simple as pointing the software to the movie folder location within the settings?

  14. #14
    Does he need a reason? Funkstar's Avatar
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    works fine here with yesterdays nightly build and no other changes to MPs setup.

    It was an XviD i produced myself, but i doubt that makes a difference.

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    I am Domo-Kun, hear me Roooaaaarrrrrrr!!! uchiha_itachi's Avatar
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    Did you have to create a playlist for the movie file?

    [Edit] Finally got it working. I overlooked an option in the settings.
    Last edited by uchiha_itachi; 17-12-2006 at 03:51 AM.

  16. #16
    Does he need a reason? Funkstar's Avatar
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    no, just opened entered My Movies and it was sitting there, then played it.

    what was the option you missed?

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