SageMC quick questions

[ehfortin]

Hi,

Lately I saw a signature from tchapin that was saying he was using SageMC STV 6.4.7a-fix with JAR 6.3.7a. Is that a mistake or it really exist somewhere? I'm using 6.3.7-fix with 6.3.7a right now and didn't find anything newer for my SageTV 6.4.8 system. Is there a newer version of SageMC/STV? If so, where can I find it? If not, is there one coming soon?

Second question is something I'm sure I did a few months ago and just can't seems to find how anymore. At some point, I was in the music section and I changed the layout to have more row/colums. I've reinstalled the whole system a few weeks ago and I just can't seems to find how I did this. Did I dreamed this? If not, how can I change this settings (key sequences to open that menu would be useful).

Last one. I would like to try to add an external player for either DVD or video. I also did that a few months ago and, if I remember well, I had to create a cmd file. I've found some post about command line to put in this famous cmd file but... I just can't put my finger on the name of the cmd file that need to be created. That's a really basic question and I'm surprised I was unable to find that information back. I guess I'm not using the proper terminology while doing search in the forums and on google.

That's it for now. Probably a 30 sec response but that would help me.

Thank you.


ehfortin

[HelenWeathers]

Originally Posted by ehfortin

Second question is something I'm sure I did a few months ago and just can't seems to find how anymore. At some point, I was in the music section and I changed the layout to have more row/colums. I've reinstalled the whole system a few weeks ago and I just can't seems to find how I did this. Did I dreamed this? If not, how can I change this settings (key sequences to open that menu would be useful).

Use the options command to select your rows/columns when in the music browser - It's in the Sage manual under Music Browser Options. Someone else may help with Q1 & Q3.

[petereader]

Originally Posted by ehfortin

Hi,

Lately I saw a signature from tchapin that was saying he was using SageMC STV 6.4.7a-fix with JAR 6.3.7a. Is that a mistake or it really exist somewhere? I'm using 6.3.7-fix with 6.3.7a right now and didn't find anything newer for my SageTV 6.4.8 system. Is there a newer version of SageMC/STV? If so, where can I find it? If not, is there one coming soon?

ehfortin

I believe that was just a typo. The latest version I am aware of is 6.3.7a. Mike (MeInMaui) has said that a new version is coming out soon, but has not given a concrete date. I know there have been some personal issues that the developers have had to attend to, and that is at least partly why the release of the new version has been delayed.

[ehfortin]

Thanks.

I was missing the "escape" key while in the left menu. That's why I was unable to see the option to change the layout in the music folder. It's now fixed.

As for SageMC, I'll continue to wait for a new version

Now, the only question left is the one with the cmd file for external player. What is the name of the file I have to edit/create? Is there anything else outside of telling Sage that I want to use external player?

Have a nice day.

Ehfortin

[ehfortin]

Hi,

I just found a post that identify the files as dvd_player.cmd and media_player.cmd. I've edited both to put zoom player as a first test. The command line is:

C:\Program Files\Zoom Player\zplayer.exe" /F /Q /PLAY /CLOSE %1

This play from the prompt but not in SageTV. The screen flash (as external player is enable in sagemc) and come back to main menu.

Are those files still in use today with these exact name (dvd_player.cmd and media_player.cmd)? If not, how do we do this now?

I've done a search on the forums for dvd_player.cmd and I only get 3 results which is very low. That's why I'm thinking it may have changed or it is inaccurate information.

Thank you.

ehfortin

[petereader]

No, those are the correct files and they are still very much in use. Two things that I can think of here:

1. If you copied the above line verbatim from your cmd file then you're missing an open quote.

2. Make sure zoom player is not accidentally opening up behind Sage.

[ehfortin]

I should not say it but.. it was my error. I didn't put the files in the proper directory. They exist in the sagemc directory and that's where they need to be. I was creating them in the sagetv directory... Sorry.

While I'm at it, I would like to put a good media player (same for DVD player except for the "al files format" ) that would work with just about all files format (or at least the most important one) and that would be manageable with the MCE remote. Ideally, one that would use the capabilities of my ATI Radeon 2400 for H.264/MPEG to unload my main processor (MCE and WMP are able to do it so I guess they are not the only ones). Any suggestions?

BTW, what is the trick to have SageTV to come back as the main focus once we exit the external player? Is it related to the external player used or there is something simple to do about this?

Thank you.


ehfortin

[petereader]

Glad you figured out your hiccup. When I was setting up the external player for the first time, I recall making all kinds of silly mistakes. SO the fact that you just had one doesn't sound too bad.

As far as a universal media player, perhaps someone else could help you out there. I've been quite satisfied with Sage's built in player (which I believe is just a slightly modified MPC). It plays everything I've got, and with the right decoders, it looks great to me.

I'll try and get back to you with regards to the focus issue since I'm not at home now and I'll need to take a look at my setup. I'm using LM Remote, and I believe that it is handling the focus issue for me. But to be honest, I set that all up a while ago and haven't really had to bother with it since, so I can't remember off the top of my head. I'll let you know if I find anything enlightening.

[tchapin]

That's the JAR that I see on my Sage screen that displays my settings. It's also the file name of the JAR file. I don't recall exactly how I got it or why, but it was definitely from this forum.

[petereader]

Originally Posted by tchapin

That's the JAR that I see on my Sage screen that displays my settings.

Interesting. When you look at the system info screen in SageMC, does it also say you have SageMC version 6.4.7? Or is it just the JAR file. If so, then I want this JAR file you speak of. Any chance you can point me to it. I'll try and hunt it down.

ehfortin,
It appears as though I have LM Remote handling refocus on Sage when I close my external player (hitting exit on my remote with PowerDVD in focus, brings Sage back into focus). Although, the only reason I have it handling that is because I'm doing something rather odd with that cmd file. Maybe someone else can verify this, but regularly, Sage should simply regain focus after you close your external player and it comes back out of sleep. You may want to play with Sage's sleep settings and see if that helps (i.e. play with the minimize on sleep, screen saver on sleep options).

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[ehfortin]

Originally Posted by petereader

It appears as though I have LM Remote handling refocus on Sage when I close my external player (hitting exit on my remote with PowerDVD in focus, brings Sage back into focus). Although, the only reason I have it handling that is because I'm doing something rather odd with that cmd file. Maybe someone else can verify this, but regularly, Sage should simply regain focus after you close your external player and it comes back out of sleep. You may want to play with Sage's sleep settings and see if that helps (i.e. play with the minimize on sleep, screen saver on sleep options).

It's actually helpful. I was looking at customizing my MCE remote for external player and LM Remote is actually a tool that seems to do just that and will work contextually to the application that has the focus (that's my understanding). If so, that would fix the SageTV issue as well as help me getting working remote for the external player choosen. To try external player, it's ok with a keyboard but... it's not the way an HTPC should work. A remote is expected.

Now, if I can just get more time to work on this...