http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/ Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:55:48 +0000 MyBB http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-How-to-tweak-the-database Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:12:37 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-How-to-tweak-the-database
Using W7 WMC for TV after several years with MyTheatre, which I loved.

I live in a area (Wimborne) that gets many duplicated channels (ie BBC from IOW and WEST)

Depending on the weather, half the duplicates break up and I simply want to delete them. GLOBALLY! Not go through every channel and work out which is the bad one.

I would also like to backup the database, and get inside it to tweak things.

I cant even find it and open it using standard JET tools.

Any guidance? I also have supplementary questions ]]>
Using W7 WMC for TV after several years with MyTheatre, which I loved.

I live in a area (Wimborne) that gets many duplicated channels (ie BBC from IOW and WEST)

Depending on the weather, half the duplicates break up and I simply want to delete them. GLOBALLY! Not go through every channel and work out which is the bad one.

I would also like to backup the database, and get inside it to tweak things.

I cant even find it and open it using standard JET tools.

Any guidance? I also have supplementary questions ]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Budget-I-R-Reciever Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:46:56 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Budget-I-R-Reciever
I'm worried that if i buy another Media center receiver then the harmony will control them both at once, i'm looking at some cheap options on ebay, is this worth it, or is there a better way of doing this?]]>
I'm worried that if i buy another Media center receiver then the harmony will control them both at once, i'm looking at some cheap options on ebay, is this worth it, or is there a better way of doing this?]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Sound-Sound-and-Sound Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:46:34 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Sound-Sound-and-Sound
This however appears to crop up a few annoying sound issues that I just can't seem to fathom / workaround.

The Mobo outputs to my Onkyo amp which has Zone 2 which I use to serve sound into the kitchen - Zone 1 does 5.1 for the cinema.

Now I have 2 connection combinations, each with their own drawbacks;

a) Connect the Mobo optically to the Onkyo - 5.1 sounds great when watching DVD's / Blu-Rays and when watching TV, this also sounds great coming from all speakers.

But;

If you connect to the amp optically, this doesn't pass sound through to Zone 2 so the kitchen is sound-less. Rubbish.

or

b) Connect the Mobo to the Onkyo by 5.1 RCA's. Now, Movies sound great still and I now get Zone 2 shoving sound into the kitchen :)

But;

When watching TV, as opposed to Movies, sound only comes from the front. No 5.1 of any sort.


So, is there an option C that I've missed? Can I introduce something else between the Mobo and Amp?

Cheers

Cliff]]>
This however appears to crop up a few annoying sound issues that I just can't seem to fathom / workaround.

The Mobo outputs to my Onkyo amp which has Zone 2 which I use to serve sound into the kitchen - Zone 1 does 5.1 for the cinema.

Now I have 2 connection combinations, each with their own drawbacks;

a) Connect the Mobo optically to the Onkyo - 5.1 sounds great when watching DVD's / Blu-Rays and when watching TV, this also sounds great coming from all speakers.

But;

If you connect to the amp optically, this doesn't pass sound through to Zone 2 so the kitchen is sound-less. Rubbish.

or

b) Connect the Mobo to the Onkyo by 5.1 RCA's. Now, Movies sound great still and I now get Zone 2 shoving sound into the kitchen :)

But;

When watching TV, as opposed to Movies, sound only comes from the front. No 5.1 of any sort.


So, is there an option C that I've missed? Can I introduce something else between the Mobo and Amp?

Cheers

Cliff]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Hauppauge-HDPVR-MCE-Drivers-released Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:59:37 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Hauppauge-HDPVR-MCE-Drivers-released
Well, The HD PVR is now recognised as a cable tuner and using its component pass through capabilities you can view and record Sky+HD and Virgin HD via Media Center!

The drivers are available here:

http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/su...hdpvr.html

Enjoy!

Duncs]]>
Well, The HD PVR is now recognised as a cable tuner and using its component pass through capabilities you can view and record Sky+HD and Virgin HD via Media Center!

The drivers are available here:

http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/su...hdpvr.html

Enjoy!

Duncs]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-avi-files-and-cover-art Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:54:10 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-avi-files-and-cover-art cheers]]> cheers]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-TotalMedia-Theatre-Platinum-3-TMT3 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:51:01 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-TotalMedia-Theatre-Platinum-3-TMT3 TMT3 and PowerDVD has been removed from all my Media Centers.

This coupon code even worked giving me 20% off: ARC404P20

A much better player for all films, although I'm not sure I like their SimHD feature to 'upscale' DVDs. It's a bit harsh looking with it sharpness, but set to value 1, gives a much smoother result.

I would post screen grabs but it disables the 'print screen' keyboard button for HDCP protocol I guess.]]> TMT3 and PowerDVD has been removed from all my Media Centers.

This coupon code even worked giving me 20% off: ARC404P20

A much better player for all films, although I'm not sure I like their SimHD feature to 'upscale' DVDs. It's a bit harsh looking with it sharpness, but set to value 1, gives a much smoother result.

I would post screen grabs but it disables the 'print screen' keyboard button for HDCP protocol I guess.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-iTunes-to-Windows-Media-Center Thu, 20 May 2010 22:11:52 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-iTunes-to-Windows-Media-Center mcetunes which allowed me to play about 95% of my iTunes library in MCE with cover art and all info without problem.

However the remaining 5%, which by sods law are my most recent purchases, are causing me no end of problems to play in MCE. "Lungs" by Florance and the Machine burnt to CD by iTunes and ripped to MCE no problems. But other albums are refusing to do the same and I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong? I've burnt "Only Revolution" by Biffy Clyro but it refuses to play or rip in MCE? I burnt it to 3 different CD Rs but have had the same problem each time. Same problem with a few other albums.

Any ideas what's going wrong?]]> mcetunes which allowed me to play about 95% of my iTunes library in MCE with cover art and all info without problem.

However the remaining 5%, which by sods law are my most recent purchases, are causing me no end of problems to play in MCE. "Lungs" by Florance and the Machine burnt to CD by iTunes and ripped to MCE no problems. But other albums are refusing to do the same and I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong? I've burnt "Only Revolution" by Biffy Clyro but it refuses to play or rip in MCE? I burnt it to 3 different CD Rs but have had the same problem each time. Same problem with a few other albums.

Any ideas what's going wrong?]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-MSN-Video-Player Thu, 20 May 2010 12:07:37 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-MSN-Video-Player
The last screengrab of the actual shows is cropped by mistake so I'll have to update that one later.

You can see what shows are available by looking here as well.]]>
The last screengrab of the actual shows is cropped by mistake so I'll have to update that one later.

You can see what shows are available by looking here as well.]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Can-I-set-my-PC-to-turn-on-off-at-2-shceudled-times-a-day Sun, 16 May 2010 18:30:23 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Can-I-set-my-PC-to-turn-on-off-at-2-shceudled-times-a-day
I want to set my windows 7 64 bit pc to turn off overnight, on at 7 am for an hour then off all day until 6 at night

I have seen various products to set up numerous shutdowns but the only way I can see to start up is with the bios which only offers one time option out of a 24 hour period , any ideas?]]>
I want to set my windows 7 64 bit pc to turn off overnight, on at 7 am for an hour then off all day until 6 at night

I have seen various products to set up numerous shutdowns but the only way I can see to start up is with the bios which only offers one time option out of a 24 hour period , any ideas?]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-No-TV-guide-with-no-internet Tue, 04 May 2010 08:25:10 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-No-TV-guide-with-no-internet
I now can't see what's on in the future, as i have no way of downloading the next days guides etc, can i do this manually, and put on a memory stick or something?

I find it hard to believe, that i now cannot watch TV as i have no internet connection? ]]>
I now can't see what's on in the future, as i have no way of downloading the next days guides etc, can i do this manually, and put on a memory stick or something?

I find it hard to believe, that i now cannot watch TV as i have no internet connection? ]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Enabling-ITV-HD Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:21:25 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Enabling-ITV-HD NOTE: The software linked to below is written by a complete stranger. You run it at your own risk! I've run it and I'm still alive though.

If you have DVB-S reception on your Media Center but do not currently receive ITV HD in the guide, you can use the GimmeITVHD tool from here. (source)

This is a hack of the DVB-S database stored on your PC at C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\eHome

It's the database file at around 150 to 250Mb in size. Please back it up before running the GimmeITVHD hack.

I've gotten fed-up waiting for Microsoft to sort themselves out supporting OTA HD channels so ran the hack and it works! It adds channel 119 which is blank in the guide by default, but by then editing the channel to show ITV London programs (which is what it runs anyway), you can record anything that comes on in HD. It's worked on both my lounge and kitchen Media Centers that have DVB-S cards]]> NOTE: The software linked to below is written by a complete stranger. You run it at your own risk! I've run it and I'm still alive though.

If you have DVB-S reception on your Media Center but do not currently receive ITV HD in the guide, you can use the GimmeITVHD tool from here. (source)

This is a hack of the DVB-S database stored on your PC at C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\eHome

It's the database file at around 150 to 250Mb in size. Please back it up before running the GimmeITVHD hack.

I've gotten fed-up waiting for Microsoft to sort themselves out supporting OTA HD channels so ran the hack and it works! It adds channel 119 which is blank in the guide by default, but by then editing the channel to show ITV London programs (which is what it runs anyway), you can record anything that comes on in HD. It's worked on both my lounge and kitchen Media Centers that have DVB-S cards]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Media-Center-audio-output Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:24:50 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Media-Center-audio-output
i'm new in this forum where i hope i can find solutions to optimize my MC HOUSE! :)

At this moment i have a htpc with XP MCE that is connected through DVI to my LCD 32" and through S-video to a marmitek av sender that streams the MC to the others analog old TVs.

My project is to upgrade to Win7 and his amazing MC but with tis OS i cannot stream audio through digital and analog output contemporanely (possible in XP MCE).

How can i solve that?

Thank you!]]>
i'm new in this forum where i hope i can find solutions to optimize my MC HOUSE! :)

At this moment i have a htpc with XP MCE that is connected through DVI to my LCD 32" and through S-video to a marmitek av sender that streams the MC to the others analog old TVs.

My project is to upgrade to Win7 and his amazing MC but with tis OS i cannot stream audio through digital and analog output contemporanely (possible in XP MCE).

How can i solve that?

Thank you!]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-reuse-recycle-reduce Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:05:27 +0100 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-reuse-recycle-reduce
I have to say that when i found you guys i was inspired to complete my own project sadly funds are a real issue and I am having to do some extreme saving to do it. As part of this I am thinking of turning an old desktop PC into a HTPC. Looks and noise are not an issue as I am thinking of locating it in the garage and passing the cables through the wall into the living room and hiding it all behind a fake chimney, but i am getting ahead of myself here

My first question is simply do you think that this would work.

Old system

Mobo ECS 915P-M3
CPU Intel P4 640 3.2 GHz
RAM 1GB DDR2 (2x512MB)
HDD 1x250 GB 1x500GB
TV Card WIN TV-HVR-110
Graphics Card ATI Radeon x550 256MB
OS Windows XP

Suggested modified system
Modo no change
RAM no change
HDD no change
TV card no change
Graphics Card Sapphire HD4650 1GB DDR2 HDMI
OS Windows 7
Blu Ray Drive LG CH08LS10

So what are your thoughts on the system?

thanks

Fordy]]>
I have to say that when i found you guys i was inspired to complete my own project sadly funds are a real issue and I am having to do some extreme saving to do it. As part of this I am thinking of turning an old desktop PC into a HTPC. Looks and noise are not an issue as I am thinking of locating it in the garage and passing the cables through the wall into the living room and hiding it all behind a fake chimney, but i am getting ahead of myself here

My first question is simply do you think that this would work.

Old system

Mobo ECS 915P-M3
CPU Intel P4 640 3.2 GHz
RAM 1GB DDR2 (2x512MB)
HDD 1x250 GB 1x500GB
TV Card WIN TV-HVR-110
Graphics Card ATI Radeon x550 256MB
OS Windows XP

Suggested modified system
Modo no change
RAM no change
HDD no change
TV card no change
Graphics Card Sapphire HD4650 1GB DDR2 HDMI
OS Windows 7
Blu Ray Drive LG CH08LS10

So what are your thoughts on the system?

thanks

Fordy]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Heelppp Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:26:54 +0000 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Heelppp
Looking for some advice...again

Progressing my WIP but software issues just now prevent me from attempting the next phase.

Currently experiencing problems in many departments (no lurid comments please) - I'll be a bit more specific, given this is an WMC thread.

I am struggling with the install of PowerDVD9 Ultra. Purchased for its main purpose of playing bluerays, either from the BD-rom on the media pc or from rips on the server.

Having installed the upgrade from version 7.x (preloaded on the pc when it was built) to version 9 it no longer works. It thinks about it and then stops, still have full control, just a blank screen. Task manager reveals that PowerDVD9.exe isn't running. Happens on all interfaces, Win 7 environment, media centre and cinema mode.

Reinstalled all versions countless amount of times, installed all patches, removed start up programs (for conflicts), switched off Kaspersky. Even downloaded again (from a link given to me by Cybersoft) Still nothing works.

Cybersoft are still trying to help but so far haven't exactly been full of ideas other than the above.
Can't get over the fact that version 7.x works fine but 9Ultra doesn't.
Needed 9 for the WMC integration.

Anyone have any advice on what to do next (without doing a full win7 reinstall)]]>
Looking for some advice...again

Progressing my WIP but software issues just now prevent me from attempting the next phase.

Currently experiencing problems in many departments (no lurid comments please) - I'll be a bit more specific, given this is an WMC thread.

I am struggling with the install of PowerDVD9 Ultra. Purchased for its main purpose of playing bluerays, either from the BD-rom on the media pc or from rips on the server.

Having installed the upgrade from version 7.x (preloaded on the pc when it was built) to version 9 it no longer works. It thinks about it and then stops, still have full control, just a blank screen. Task manager reveals that PowerDVD9.exe isn't running. Happens on all interfaces, Win 7 environment, media centre and cinema mode.

Reinstalled all versions countless amount of times, installed all patches, removed start up programs (for conflicts), switched off Kaspersky. Even downloaded again (from a link given to me by Cybersoft) Still nothing works.

Cybersoft are still trying to help but so far haven't exactly been full of ideas other than the above.
Can't get over the fact that version 7.x works fine but 9Ultra doesn't.
Needed 9 for the WMC integration.

Anyone have any advice on what to do next (without doing a full win7 reinstall)]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Teething-problems Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:14:32 +0000 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Teething-problems
when i go to watch my recorded TV, MC crashes and restarts itself, i have tried telling it another drive to record onto but it still does the same, it's driving me round the bend!

Any ideas anyone? ]]>
when i go to watch my recorded TV, MC crashes and restarts itself, i have tried telling it another drive to record onto but it still does the same, it's driving me round the bend!

Any ideas anyone? ]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Cover-Art-In-Media-Browser Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:58:50 +0000 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Cover-Art-In-Media-Browser I was wondering if you could help me ive just started to rip my dvds to hard drive and using media browser most of my films gat the cover art while a few dont seem too , they will play ok but no cover art or description, is there a way i can manually add the cover art so it shows up in media browser many thanks .]]> I was wondering if you could help me ive just started to rip my dvds to hard drive and using media browser most of my films gat the cover art while a few dont seem too , they will play ok but no cover art or description, is there a way i can manually add the cover art so it shows up in media browser many thanks .]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Dynamic-TV-Guide Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:10:01 +0000 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Dynamic-TV-Guide ]]> ]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Is-anyone-useing-a-touch-screen-with-MCE Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:50:06 +0000 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Is-anyone-useing-a-touch-screen-with-MCE
I am really tempted with using a small touch screen in clone mode as a cool remote control for the main screen - has anyone tried this?]]>
I am really tempted with using a small touch screen in clone mode as a cool remote control for the main screen - has anyone tried this?]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Newbie-2-easy-quick-questions Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:46:51 +0000 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-Newbie-2-easy-quick-questions
I have plans to run Cat 6 and set up a home network. 2 quick questons if I may?

If I install gigabit switches ...could I run 1080P from PS3 via HDMI from ps3 into balluns into ethernet x2 into a switch and then distribute?

I have VM and would like to start using media centre can I use media centre with VM.......can I then distribute recoreded content from virgin via ethernet to other display sources.....possibly purchasing an XBOX as an extender before the the display?

I have just bought a decent spec PC with Windows 7 - I can use this for storing media without need for NAS? and a seperate media PC?

Many thanks and apologies if I am asking what some may consider daft questions :-)

Cheers
Ross]]>
I have plans to run Cat 6 and set up a home network. 2 quick questons if I may?

If I install gigabit switches ...could I run 1080P from PS3 via HDMI from ps3 into balluns into ethernet x2 into a switch and then distribute?

I have VM and would like to start using media centre can I use media centre with VM.......can I then distribute recoreded content from virgin via ethernet to other display sources.....possibly purchasing an XBOX as an extender before the the display?

I have just bought a decent spec PC with Windows 7 - I can use this for storing media without need for NAS? and a seperate media PC?

Many thanks and apologies if I am asking what some may consider daft questions :-)

Cheers
Ross]]> http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-HD-Streaming-Using-Ripped-DVD-using-MakeMKV Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:16:08 +0000 http://www.mediacenterhouse.com/forum/Thread-HD-Streaming-Using-Ripped-DVD-using-MakeMKV
I am having a few issues that I am after some advice before I head to far down this ripping route for my DVD collection.

I have ripped a standard DVD using MakeMKV and copyied that file to my Buffalo Linkstation Live hard drive (plugged directly into router using Cat5).

My PC is then connect to this router using devolo dLAN® 200 AVeasy which claims a 200 Mbps speed.

What I find is the video just stutters and wont play however I can play other MKV files using the same equipment and it plays fine.

Is it bit rates? What does MakeMKV do to the video codec?
Is the bottle neck the Buffalo?
Is 100mb interface good enough?

Is this the best way for my DVD collection to be ripped?

Thanks

Oh and what is the throuhput recommended for HD streaming?]]>
I am having a few issues that I am after some advice before I head to far down this ripping route for my DVD collection.

I have ripped a standard DVD using MakeMKV and copyied that file to my Buffalo Linkstation Live hard drive (plugged directly into router using Cat5).

My PC is then connect to this router using devolo dLAN® 200 AVeasy which claims a 200 Mbps speed.

What I find is the video just stutters and wont play however I can play other MKV files using the same equipment and it plays fine.

Is it bit rates? What does MakeMKV do to the video codec?
Is the bottle neck the Buffalo?
Is 100mb interface good enough?

Is this the best way for my DVD collection to be ripped?

Thanks

Oh and what is the throuhput recommended for HD streaming?]]>