MediaMVP Media Center Project - sub $100 true thin client? [Text View] - Page 3

honeycut

11-08-05, 03:07 PM

I think the MediaMVP work the opposite way. It first tries to use the normal dhcp port (67). If it doen't get a good response it then tries the private dhcp port.

With my app, you can disable either the dhcp, tftp, or rdate servers, and you can also specify the port for those services. So, theoritically you can set the app to listen for dhcp messages on port 16X67 (can't rememer the exact port).

Yea, it should boot but then the mvpmc linux configuration won't complete correctly.
Here's the issue.
The mediamvp bootloader functions as follows:
-MVP PowerON. Bootloader starts
-Send DHCP request to standard port (67).
If no response is received or if the DCHP response does not have the boot_file
option set then send DHCP request to non-reserved port 16867.
Port 16867 is what the Hauppauge dhcp server listens to.
Note: The reason the Hauppauge server code lives so nicely with HW/router DCHP
servers & IP conn sharing is is because they send a DHCP response without
the boot_file option and the MediaMVP bootloader ignores it.

-If a VALID (boot_file option) DHCP response is received for the port 67 DCHP request then tftp the load from the standard TFTP port (69).
ELSE
If the vaild DHCP response was received from the Hauppauge DHCP port (16867)
then tftp the load from the Hauppauge tftp server port (16869).

ALL the above will work fine.
Here's where things will breakdown:
After the mvpmc linux kernel boots it will send another DHCP request
to get networking information not passed in from the bootloader. This
request will go to port 67.
If the yellow's windows loader is set up to DHCP on port 16867 then there
will not be anybody listening to port 67. (Well maybe a firewall router that
will give incorrect info to the MVP).
Assume we could get past this point then the next problem is that when
we attempt to tftp the config script it will use the standard tftp port (69) instead
of the hauppauge tftp port (16869).

So thats the bad news.
The good news is all the above is fixable.
I need to update the mvpmc load's DHCP client to play the same
port switching game the bootloader plays.
Also need to implement a mechanism for the DHCP client to notify the TFTP client
to use the hauppauge TFTP port instead of the standard port.
I'll try to get it done in the next couple weeks.
John...

aeblank

11-08-05, 03:49 PM

If the yellow's windows loader is set up to DHCP on port 16867 then there
will not be anybody listening to port 67. (Well maybe a firewall router that
will give incorrect info to the MVP).

Why is the info from a different DHCP server invalid?

Granted, my setup is probably odd, but I could key-in my dhcp server to serve the same address as the windows loader (it needs a name!). Even without that, I don't understand why the second DHCP request returns incorrect info.

Once you're done though, the mvp won't use any standard ports (except the one time where it doesn't get the tftp server), thus making it play well with any old dhcp setup (even a server using standard ports on the same machine). Right?

I'll post back with anything I learn once I get the stuff and play with it some.

Thanks,
Andy

Wrecks

11-08-05, 05:22 PM

Program name:

TWPTAYTBACMediamvpOS

The Windows Program That Allows You To Boot A Custom Mediamvp Operating System.

honeycut

11-08-05, 07:07 PM

Why is the info from a different DHCP server invalid?
Granted, my setup is probably odd, but I could key-in my dhcp server to serve the same address as the windows loader (it needs a name!). Even without that, I don't understand why the second DHCP request returns incorrect info.

Sorry I should have said "potentially" invalid.
IMHO, the whole reason to use custom DHCP/TFTP ports is to avoid conflicts with
whatever lan setup a user has so having to redundently configure a another
DHCP server kinda defeats the purpose.

Once you're done though, the mvp won't use any standard ports (except the one time where it doesn't get the tftp server), thus making it play well with any old dhcp setup (even a server using standard ports on the same machine). Right?

YES! With Yellow's server and some changes to the mvpmc load we should
be able to eliminate most of the networking setup headaches.

aeblank

11-08-05, 11:55 PM

How long does it take for the dongle file to load (the "contacting MediaMVP BootServer..." part)?
I assume more than a minute or two is bad. =(

Ok, that time around (above) my mvpmc client list didn't seem to "stick".

Went back and added the client again, and saved.
It says to stop and restart the server, but when I click on stop server, it says it is unable to stop the server. I've rebooted, etc. to no end.

Also, on the very minor side; a change to the dhcp settings (gateway, lease time, etc) doen't make the "save configuration" button active. Should the lease time, rebinding time, and renewal time all be the same? They're in seconds, I assume.

I like the app though! Very simple and cleanly layed out. Only problem is that I broke it. =) Should we start a Winmvpmc thread?

Stupid dog kept me awake late, now she's sleeping and I'm not...

oldyellow

11-09-05, 12:54 PM

How long does it take for the dongle file to load (the "contacting MediaMVP BootServer..." part)?
I assume more than a minute or two is bad.
If your MVP say's contacting MediaMVP Bootserver.. , it has already failed to boot using port 67. That is why it is taking so long. Failure is most probably due to the server not running or your MVP's hardware address not being recognized. Either of these conditions are likely due to your following comments.
Ok, that time around (above) my mvpmc client list didn't seem to "stick".

Went back and added the client again, and saved.
It says to stop and restart the server, but when I click on stop server, it says it is unable to stop the server. I've rebooted, etc. to no end.
Are you running it as a service? If so, go to the services application through the control panel and check to status of the service. You can alway start and stop it from there. Most likely your configuration file is out of sync with the actual state of things. I need to tighten up the GUI with more validation to prevent this from happening. To reset things, do the following.

1. Delete the Winmvpmc.xml file
2. Bring up a dos window and go the the installation directory
3. Type wrapper-r wrapper.conf at the command line. This will both stop and uninstall the service.

unfortunely doing this will remove any configuration you have saved.

If you are running it as a console app, via the batch file (which I don't recommend for now), you cannot control the start/stop via the GUI. You must cntrl-C the console window in which the server is running.
Also, on the very minor side; a change to the dhcp settings (gateway, lease time, etc) doen't make the "save configuration" button active. Should the lease time, rebinding time, and renewal time all be the same? They're in seconds, I assume.
This is a bug I found last night, will be fixed shortly. Just leave the lease, rebinding, and renewal time to 0, which is infinity. To be honest, I am not sure what the units are, but my guess is in days. I decided to include them for people who may have more complicated network setups.
I like the app though! Very simple and cleanly layed out. Only problem is that I broke it. =) Should we start a Winmvpmc thread?

We probably should start a Winmvpmc thread, because this one is getting a little long.

All of the bugs you found will be address shortly

famewolf

11-09-05, 07:40 PM

oldyellow,

Are you still distributing your software? I sent a pm requesting it and have not received a reply or the software?

oldyellow

11-10-05, 09:47 AM

oldyellow,

Are you still distributing your software? I sent a pm requesting it and have not received a reply or the software?

I thought that I put you on my mvpmc distribution list. A couple of the emails bounced, but I don't remember yours being one of them. I'll check when I get home and get a chance to check my email. They have our network on lock-down and I can no longer access my yahoo email from work.

famewolf

11-10-05, 10:57 AM

I got an email about the software but didn't see any links TO the software. ;)

aeblank

11-11-05, 08:52 AM

if it is ok with OY (I assume it would be, but I want to be sure), I can forward it on to you.

A couple of hints:
mac address with colons, small letters
don't forget a .config file in with the dongle.bin (yes, I was that much of a moron).
hit save before enabling it as a service or starting the server.
Enjoy.

beyond accepting the mac address in any format (on the label, it is just a list of numbers/letters - might confuse some people) and maybe a mention in the dhcp stuff that 0 is never timing out, the program is perfect. You will like it.

oldyellow

11-11-05, 10:45 AM

A couple of hints:
mac address with colons, small letters...
The version I sent out last night fixed (0.0.3) this. The mac address can be upper or lower case and have any punctuation between the six hex numbers.

don't forget a .config file in with the dongle.bin (yes, I was that much of a moron).
In future version, I would like to eliminate the usage of a .config file. You would use the gui set you configuration settings (e.g. CIFS shares, theme), and the program would either generate the config file or respond to the tftp request from memory rather than a file.

hit save before enabling it as a service or starting the server.
Enabling as a service now actually saves your configuration. If try to enable it as a service and you have unsaved changes, you will be warned that your unsaved changes will be saved, and given a chance to cancel the action.

beyond accepting the mac address in any format (on the label, it is just a list of numbers/letters - might confuse some people)
When you say any format, are you talking about upper/lower case and delimiters (see changes mentioned above)? Or, do you mean other conceivable formats like:

0.13.254.0.11.47 = 00:0d:fe:00:0b:2f
000DFE000B2F = 00:0d:fe:00:0b:2f
00 0D FE 00 0B 2F = 00:0d:fe:00:0b:2f
00000000-00001101-11111110-00000000-00001011-00101111 = 00:0d:fe:00:0b:2f

(ok, maybe that last one was a little silly). I've always seen a mac address represented as a series of two position hex values (00 to FF) seperated by some punctuation (or maybe spaces). The purpose of this application is to make it easy for windows users, so I am open to suggestion as to what other windows users find easy (rather that what I find easy).

and maybe a mention in the dhcp stuff that 0 is never timing out
How about putting a help button on each screen and popping up a brief explanation of each parameter? Can't promise it anytime soon, but does this sound like a good idea?

aeblank

11-11-05, 02:19 PM

I didn't get last night's email. =( (even went through my spam filter)
Though, the version I have works fine.

Eliminating a config file sounds interesting. Seems like it might be hard to include all the possibilities (to be silly, what if I wanted 100 network shares), but I'm certainly not opposed to it. For complete customization, could it use memory for built-in features and have a .config file for additional or abnormal things? <thinking "out loud"> Or maybe just a .confg file generator. Again, just thoughts.

mac address: Maybe "any" format was a bit of a reach. I (and probably anyone doing this type of thing) can handle 00:ff: etc. On the label, it is 00ff etc. (so, your second example) Very minor point.

A 'help' button would do the trick. For most of it, it seems like overkill IMHO, but it is your baby. Below the MAC address putting "Example: 00:0d:fe:00:0b:2f".
putting the units and a range after the DHCP timeout stuff.
Little stuff like that seems like it would be enough.
A very simple readme.txt would do it too, really.

Oh! One thing that would help is the auto-creation (if possible) of the shortcut to run the configger. I made a typo in mine (no \ between program files and winmvpmc) that caused it to make a tftp folder in the wrong place.

Again, thanks. I like this program alot.
Pretty awesome set of tools for ReplayTV lately.
this/MVP/MVPMC, IVSm, DVA, WiRNS

Would be cool to have the MVP look _identical_ to the replay (and use the same remote), but that's just getting greedy.....

oldyellow

11-11-05, 05:09 PM

Eliminating a config file sounds interesting. Seems like it might be hard to include all the possibilities (to be silly, what if I wanted 100 network shares), but I'm certainly not opposed to it. For complete customization, could it use memory for built-in features and have a .config file for additional or abnormal things? <thinking "out loud"> Or maybe just a .confg file generator. Again, just thoughts.
I would think most configurations could be handled with a few simple GUI components (dropdown's, textboxes, etc). The components to create/edit file shares would work in a similar fashion to the components to create/edit mvpmc clients. Text boxes for editing the indivual fields of an entry, a list box that contains the list of your entries, and add/remove/update buttons to add entries ot the list box. For "advanced configuration options" I would just provide a text area to type in any command line options the same as you would do in the config file. I think it could be done pretty easily, but I still don't know if I have to time to put into it.

cdurys

11-11-05, 05:18 PM

oldyellow

11-12-05, 05:35 PM

ok i,ve been trying for 2 days now to get something to work with winmvpmc

i have win 2000 if that's a problem ???

nothing that i run even gives me a screen with a gui i tried to follow the instructions but nothing?

am i missing something? or just not so bright?

To start the gui application, a parameter containing the directory of your installation is required. The way to run java programs is this:

java -jar jarfile [parameters]

Since this application accepts one parameter (the directory) a general form of the command would like like this

java -jar Winmvpmc.jar directory

where" directory" is the directory that contains the installation files. However you should expand all of the items to their fully qualified file and path names. For example:

java directory = j2sdk1.4.0_02
Winmvpmc directory = C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc

actual command

j2sdk1.4.0_02\bin\java -jar "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"

Quotes are necessary in this example because of the spaces in "Program Files". To make it easy, put your version of the above command in a windows shortcut. In addition make the startup directory the directory of your Winmvpmc installation also.

If this doen't help PM or email the exact method you are trying to use to run the application.

krkaufman

11-12-05, 10:35 PM

Winmvpmc is failing to start on either of my XP PCs: XP Professional or XP Home. It looks like it fails during startup of the DHCP server process.

See http://home.comcast.net/~krkweb/mvpmc_booter/failure_to_start_service.jpg

Also, even though startup reportedly fails, the Windows Services dialog displays the service as running*, but Winmvpmc acts as though it wasn't started (i.e. the "Start Server" button is still enabled). *The process is running, since I can't access the log file and 'wrapper.exe' is still showing under Processes in the Task Manager. Fortunately, the process does respond and stops when stopped via the Services control panel or removed as a service via Winmvpmc.

Any insight will be much appreciated.

Regs,
Karl

-----------

OS: Windows XP Professional, Version 2002, Service Pack 1,
Windows XP Home, Version 2002, Service Pack 1
Java: j2re1.4.2_04,
jre1.5.0_03

from wrapper.log:
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:08 | Winmvpmc Service installed.
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:13 | Starting the Winmvpmc Service service...
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:13 | --> Wrapper Started as Service
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:13 | Launching a JVM...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | Wrapper (Version 3.1.2) http : / / wrapper.tanukisoftware.org
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 |
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | arg = [C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc]
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | user.home = [C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc]
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | loading configuration from C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.xml
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | classpath[0]= Winmvpmc.jar
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | Loading logging properties from Winmvpmc.jar
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | ADDING FILE HANDLER
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) Initializing WinMvpmc...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) Log Level = FINEST
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) Home directory = C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) Starting Winmvpmc...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (CONFIG) using default date port
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (CONFIG) using default tftp root directory
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (CONFIG) root dir = C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\tftp_root
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (CONFIG) using default tftp port
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) TIME: Starting time server...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (CONFIG) using default dhcp port
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) TFTP: Starting tftp server...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | Exception in thread "Thread-0" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 6
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | at mvpmc.WinmvpmcServer.startDhcp(WinmvpmcServer.java:227)
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | at mvpmc.WinmvpmcServer.startServices(WinmvpmcServer.java:277)
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | at mvpmc.WinmvpmcServer.run(WinmvpmcServer.java:294)
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:16 | Winmvpmc Service started.
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:17 | 2005.11.12 22:18:17 (FINER) Timed out while waiting to receive
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:20 | 2005.11.12 22:18:20 (FINER) Timed out while waiting to receive
...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:32 | 2005.11.12 22:18:32 (FINER) Timed out while waiting to receive
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:35 | 2005.11.12 22:18:35 (FINER) Timed out while waiting to receive
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:36 | Service is running. Stopping it...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:37 | SHUTDOWN HOOK INVOKED
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:37 | SERVER STOPPED
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:37 | <-- Wrapper Stopped
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:39 | Winmvpmc Service stopped.
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:39 | Winmvpmc Service removed.

from Winmvpmc.log:

2005.11.12 22:11:12 (INFO) Initializing WinMvpmc...
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (INFO) Log Level = FINEST
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (INFO) Home directory = C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (INFO) Starting Winmvpmc...
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (CONFIG) using default date port
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (CONFIG) using default tftp root directory
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (CONFIG) root dir = C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\tftp_root
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (CONFIG) using default tftp port
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (INFO) TIME: Starting time server...
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (INFO) TFTP: Starting tftp server...
2005.11.12 22:11:12 (CONFIG) using default dhcp port
2005.11.12 22:11:15 (FINER) Timed out while waiting to receive
2005.11.12 22:11:18 (FINER) Timed out while waiting to receive
2005.11.12 22:11:21 (FINER) Timed out while waiting to receive
...

EDIT: Problem solved, here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6528392&&#post6528392).

.

krkaufman

11-13-05, 08:45 AM

FYI... I'm not sure if this is a Windows or Java issue (I'm guessing Windows), but including a trailing slash in the WINMVPMC_HOME argument of the Winmvpmc startup command causes problems -- due to the backslash being interpreted as the escape character, resulting in a literal double-quote being appended to the directory name.

Here's what you'll see if you DO add a trailing slash.....

> "C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_04\bin\java" -jar "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\"

arg = [C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"]
user.home = [C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"]
loading configuration from Winmvpmc.jar archive
classpath[0]= C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.jar
loading mvpmc/WinmvpmcDefault.xml from C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.jar
java.io.FileNotFoundException: C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"\Winmvpmc.xml (The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect)
at java.io.FileOutputStream.open(Native Method)
at java.io.FileOutputStream.<init>(Unknown Source)
at java.io.FileOutputStream.<init>(Unknown Source)
...
at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpEvents(Unknown Source)
at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.run(Unknown Source)
execucting: "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"\wrapper" -i "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"\wrapper.conf" "set.WINMVPMC_HOME=C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"" wrapper.ntservice.starttype=AUTO_START
IOException exception while installing serviceCreateProcess: "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"\wrapper" -i "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"\wrapper.conf" "set.WINMVPMC_HOME=C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"" wrapper.ntservice.starttype=AUTO_START error=5

So don't do it

Good: java -jar "C:\DIR\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\DIR"
BAD: java -jar "C:\DIR\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\DIR\"
.

cdurys

11-13-05, 08:52 AM

arg = [C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"]
user.home = [C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"]
loading configuration from Winmvpmc.jar archive
classpath[0]= C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\winmvpmc.jar
SEVERE ERROR: Could not find default configuration file
java.io.IOException: Could not find default configuration file in classpath
at mvpmc.WinmvpmcConfiguration.getDefaultConfigTemplateStream(W inmvpmcCo
nfiguration.java:429)
at mvpmc.WinmvpmcConfiguration.loadConfiguration(WinmvpmcConfig uration.j
ava:324)

cdurys

11-13-05, 08:53 AM

krkaufman

11-13-05, 09:07 AM

arg = [C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"]
...
this is where i fail.
That double-quote is your problem, I suspect.

Check your startup command/shortcut for Winmvpmc, and make sure that there is NOT a trailing slash in the last argument.
Good: java -jar "C:\DIR\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\DIR"
BAD: java -jar "C:\DIR\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\DIR\"

krkaufman

11-13-05, 09:20 AM

classpath[0]= C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\winmvpmc.jar
SEVERE ERROR: Could not find default configuration file
java.io.IOException: Could not find default configuration file in classpath
You will likely find that fixing the double-quote issue doesn't solve all your problems. The above error message is different than what I was seeing with the double-quote problem, and so suggests an additional config error. Specifically, it looks like the Winmvpmc.jar file cannot locate itself.

What is the exact syntax you're using to start Winmvpmc? (please include your entire command-line [i.e. shortcut target] in reply)

Also, what's your OS version, and what version of Winmvpmc are you running?

.

cdurys

11-13-05, 09:57 AM

my command line is:

"C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_08\bin\java.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"

win 2000 sp4

cdurys

11-13-05, 10:20 AM

my winmvpmc version 0.0.3

the only difference i can see is that mine says java.exe not java
can't get the .exe to go away

cdurys

11-13-05, 10:35 AM

was i supposed to make some sort of a config file?

iommi

11-13-05, 03:21 PM

Seems like all the radio shacks and CC in chicago are out. Anybody know where to get these cheap? the lowest I found is $88 from buy.com.

icecow

11-13-05, 03:36 PM

about a month ago, yucaipa, CA had one. I wouldn't be surprised it was still there (Ratshack).

you could try calling that store and ask the manager if he would be willing to ship it cross-district to your local store if you went to your local store and paid for it in advance. The yucaipa store will not get a commision, but maybe if you are simply friendly and simply ask him he'll say yes.

If you succeed let us all know

Remember to ask the yucaipa store to check their computer for all mediaMVPs in the district.

I recommend web surfing during the process and using a speakerphone.

Picture the most technologically/econonomically oppressed area you can think of and call a ratshack there. Tech clearence moves slowest in 'dumb' areas. The more rural the better.

krkaufman

11-14-05, 03:50 AM

was i supposed to make some sort of a config file?Interestingly, no, that's what Winmvpmc is supposed to create for you; however, if you'd *had* a config file in your install dir you wouldn't have experienced this last problem.

my command line is:

"C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_08\bin\java.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"First, just curious... There isn't a backslash at the end of the final argument in your example. Was there ever (i.e. like at (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6523938&&#post6523938))? (i.e. let us know when a suggestion has helped, so we know not to keep researching -- and for the benefit of future readers. Thanks!)

On to the problem...
classpath[0]= C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\winmvpmc.jar
SEVERE ERROR: Could not find default configuration file
java.io.IOException: Could not find default configuration file in classpath
As for your errors, above, I finally figured it out. I suspected from the beginning that it might have to do with your command-line using lowercase throughout for 'winmvpmc', but couldn't replicate the problem on my system. And then it dawned on me that my install wasn't having the problem because I had already successfully run Winmvpmc and so *HAD* a Winmvpmc.xml config file sitting in my install dir. I removed my config file, and voila! presto!... problem replicato!

The problem only occurs if you don't get the case perfect for the jar filename in the command-line. Windows isn't case-sensitive, but Java appears to be. (???)

So... All you need to do to fix the problem is... change 'winmvpmc.jar' in your command-line to 'Winmvpmc.jar'. The other lowercase 'winmvpmc' occurrences are moot. (Just tested it.)

Bad:
"C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_08\bin\java.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"

OK:
"C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_08\bin\java.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"

Better:
"C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.2_08\bin\java.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc"

("Better" assumes your actual install dir is "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc")

.

krkaufman

11-14-05, 04:49 AM

I figured out what was causing my "ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException" errors when starting the Winmvpmc server....
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) Initializing WinMvpmc...
...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | 2005.11.12 22:18:14 (INFO) TFTP: Starting tftp server...
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | Exception in thread "Thread-0" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 6
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | at mvpmc.WinmvpmcServer.startDhcp(WinmvpmcServer.java:227)
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | at mvpmc.WinmvpmcServer.startServices(WinmvpmcServer.java:277)
jvm 1 | 2005/11/12 22:18:14 | at mvpmc.WinmvpmcServer.run(WinmvpmcServer.java:294)
wrapper | 2005/11/12 22:18:16 | Winmvpmc Service started.
...

When configuring Winmvpmc, I had pulled-up DHCP Turbo to get a listing of the MAC addresses that I wanted to configure....http://home.comcast.net/~krkweb/mvpmc_booter/DHCP_Turbo_MAC_listing.jpg
... and entered them, as displayed above. Eventually it dawned on me that MAC addresses are only six hex-pairs long, and the addresses listed in DHCP Turbo were all 7 pairs... with a bonus "01" prepended. I removed the extra "01:" from my clients' MAC address field and all was better.

Interestingly, Winmvpmc currently allows entry of any length MAC address....
http://home.comcast.net/~krkweb/mvpmc_booter/loooong_mac_addresses_allowed.jpg

A few add'l issues related to entry of MACs...
* Winmvpmc complains when entering a MAC address sans delimiters. (It always complains when entering a MAC w/o delimiters; however, the behavior is different if Adding or Updating a client entry: Add fails, Update appears to succeed though the config file doesn't seem to get the update.)
http://home.comcast.net/~krkweb/mvpmc_booter/invalid_mac.jpg

* Winmvpmc displays and stores MAC addresses exactly as entered, rather than translating them to the preferred entry/display format. (i.e. with either "-" or ":" as the hex-pair delimiter)
http://home.comcast.net/~krkweb/mvpmc_booter/client_listing-trunc.jpg

* Also, as can be seen in the above image (http://home.comcast.net/~krkweb/mvpmc_booter/client_listing-trunc.jpg), Winmvpmc currently allows the entry of conflicting data across mvpmc client entries.

* Updating the MAC address of a client will appear to update the MAC in the display; however, a new entry will be created in the config file when Saved -- and both entries will appear the next time the Config app is run.

krkaufman

11-14-05, 07:40 AM

Just wanted to throw a reminder out.... that the mvpmc {DONGLE}.config file should be saved as a UNIX-mode text file, and NOT a PC (CR/LF) text file. I'd been having problems w/ starting mvpmc and had forgetten this critical bit of info.

See the mvpmc Windows How-To (http://mvpmc.sourceforge.net/windows/mvpmc_windoze_howto.html#s3) for several text editing apps for the PC that allow UNIX-mode saves.

krkaufman

11-14-05, 08:52 AM

Ok, finally... I'm now booting 2 mvpmc units from Winmvpmc.

When booting a single mvpmc instance, power-up to mvpmc menu takes about 25 seconds +/- 5 seconds; or in just over 2 minutes if running Winmvpmc server at Finer or Finest log level. Also, when booting both units simultaneously, at Fine or lower logging level, one still boots in the 25-second range; however, the other always takes an additional minute -- and appears to experience a number of tftp resends.

HOWEVER, when running Winmvpmc at Finer or Finest log level and simultaneously booting both MVPs.... NEITHER ever gets beyond "Loading Application." Tons of "resent data packet" errors occur, and then each load appears to timeout... and start all over. Interestingly, even after powering-off one of the desperately-seeking-dongle MVPs, the other still was never able to boot -- again, running the server at Finer or Finest. When this problem occurs, I have to power-off one of the MVPs and power-cycle the other to get the first booted, and *then* can boot the second.

oldyellow

11-16-05, 04:09 PM

Sorry. I've been very busy the last week and haven't had much time to read or respond to messages or monitor this thread. Here is my response to the bugs/issues reported.

Eventually it dawned on me that MAC addresses are only six hex-pairs long, and the addresses listed in DHCP Turbo were all 7 pairs... with a bonus "01" prepended. I removed the extra "01:" from my clients' MAC address field and all was better.
...Interestingly, Winmvpmc currently allows entry of any length MAC address....
For the next version, I added validation for the length of a MAC address. This validation would have caught this error.

Winmvpmc complains when entering a MAC address sans delimiters. (It always complains when entering a MAC w/o delimiters; however, the behavior is different if Adding or Updating a client entry: Add fails, Update appears to succeed though the config file doesn't seem to get the update.)
The cause of the difference in behavior between add and update has been identified and will be fixed in the next version.

Winmvpmc displays and stores MAC addresses exactly as entered, rather than translating them to the preferred entry/display format. (i.e. with either "-" or ":" as the hex-pair delimiter)
In the next version, MAC address will be "standardized" into the following format: "xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx", where "xx represents a valid 2 digit hex number. Lower case will be used. The application will still accept any punctuation, and upper/lower case for entry.

Also, as can be seen in the above image, Winmvpmc currently allows the entry of conflicting data across mvpmc client entries.
Will add validation to make sure mac address, ip address, and host name are unique in next version.

Updating the MAC address of a client will appear to update the MAC in the display; however, a new entry will be created in the config file when Saved -- and both entries will appear the next time the Config app is run.
Could not duplicate this behavior. Maybe it was a symptom of the bugs listed above.

was i supposed to make some sort of a config file?
The gui application should generate the config file whenever you hit the save button. It will be stored in the directory given in the command line. The first time you use the application a default that is stored in the jar file will be used.

As far as the whole backslash in the parameter issue is concerned. I added code to trim any trailing quotes or backslashes from the parameter. This is definitely a windows thing.

It is also true that while windows file names are not case sensitive, Java is case sensitive. Using the proper case in your command line will save a lot of headaches.

aeblank

11-16-05, 04:16 PM

Just curious........

Any advance on having MVPMC use ALL non-standard ports (and therefore winmvpmc)?
I ask because I cannot run my DHCP server software AND boot an MVP.

I can't get my cifs shares to work either, but I'll post on that when I have the configs that I've tried.

cdurys

11-16-05, 05:13 PM

ok got the whole case sensitive problem handled

winmvpmc now starts and serves the mvp but now I've been tring to get it to discover replaytv's and i get nothing

oldyellow

11-17-05, 07:45 AM

ok got the whole case sensitive problem handled

winmvpmc now starts and serves the mvp but now I've been tring to get it to discover replaytv's and i get nothing

If your mvp is started, than Winmvpmc has done it's job. Other than the time being off, I don't know what Winmvpmc can do to affect discovery of replays. And, I think the time only affects accessing the replay, not discovery. I don't have any good ideas about why your mvp cannot discover your replays, but try changing your dongle.bin.config file to specifiy the IP address of your replays, rather than discover. It that doesn't work, than the problem must be that the mvp cannot see the replays on your network. I would try to ping the mvp and the replays from your computer, and then try to ping the replays and your computer from the mvp. To do the latter you will need to telnet into it. See the mvmpc-windows-howto for help on this if you need it.

krkaufman

11-17-05, 08:04 AM

winmvpmc now starts and serves the mvp but now I've been tring to get it to discover replaytv's and i get nothingWhat's your mvpmc command-line in your DONGLE.config file?

Wrecks

11-17-05, 03:01 PM

Running MVPMC from the Telnet console and watching the output might also give you some hints as to why discovery isn't working.

cdurys

11-17-05, 04:12 PM

ok figured it out there was a zero instead of a one for gateway #1 in winmpcmc

replays and dvarchive work now.

RobPlay

11-21-05, 05:10 AM

Someone should make this thread sticky maybe?

famewolf

11-21-05, 07:28 AM

Wrecks

11-21-05, 04:55 PM

There is a "is show in use" command that is sent as a check before attempting the
delete.
Not sure what will happen if someone starts playing the show the instant between the "is show in use" command and delete command.

I found another problem. Yesterday I tried to delete a DVArchive served show after I finished watching it. The MPV appeared to be caught in an infinate wait loop (or the timeout was longer than I was willing to wait).

It turns out that the show was in a category that I had instructed DVArchive to thwart remote deletes on. I do this so that other people in the house can't delete my archived shows.

Did I get an infinate loop or was I just too impatient? Pressing the green "power" button to turn the MVP off and then pressing it again to turn it on got it going.

honeycut

11-21-05, 07:01 PM

I found another problem. Yesterday I tried to delete a DVArchive served show after I finished watching it. The MPV appeared to be caught in an infinate wait loop (or the timeout was longer than I was willing to wait).

It turns out that the show was in a category that I had instructed DVArchive to thwart remote deletes on. I do this so that other people in the house can't delete my archived shows.

Did I get an infinate loop or was I just too impatient? Pressing the green "power" button to turn the MVP off and then pressing it again to turn it on got it going.
Most likely didn't wait long enough.
The code will wait for up to 50 seconds for the show to be deleted.
Yea I know , kinda extreme huh.
I should test out what you did to see how it behaves.
Thanks.

aeblank

11-23-05, 08:04 PM

I'm trying to get the CIFS share working to no avail.

Sorry for the text wrapping (edit, no wrapping), but these are the two entries in the config I've tried.
Both of them can be entered manually with no errors.
I have a folder shared called "file_share"
file_share has a folder in it (to see if I could see it) and a bunch of .mov, .avi, etc. files.
I used win32pad to edit the sample config I got off the howto page.

mkdir /cifs_share;
mount.cifs //192.168.1.3/file_share /cifs_share/ -o user=MVP,password=MVP,rsize=3400;

mkdir muerte_files;
mount.cifs \\muerte/file_share /muerte_files -o user=MVP,password=MVP,domain=WONDERLAND,rsize=3400,ip=192.16 8.1.3;

Both yield this (ignore the leading #s, I put this in the config so I didn't lose it):

#Welcome to MediaMVP!
#
#MVP login: root
#
#
#BusyBox v1.00 (2005.10.25-02:11+0000) Built-in shell (ash)
#Enter 'help' for a list of built-in commands.
#
## ls
#bin etc lost+found sbin var
#cifs_share lib mnt tmp
#dev linuxrc proc usr
## cd cifs_share
## ls
##

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Andy

Clay Schneider

11-24-05, 07:31 AM

if the share is from an xp-home machine, first, make sure you have shared the folder itself [file_share] by that name [file_share], then try:

mount.cifs //192.168.2.3/file_share /cifs_share/ -o password=guest,rsize=34000;

aeblank

11-24-05, 12:40 PM

I don't have XP, I have 2K.
the guest account doesn't exist.

other than the user=MVP (according to what I read, required for 2K), my line looks the same as yours.

I'll try it though.

krkaufman

11-25-05, 12:40 PM

other than the user=MVP (according to what I read, required for 2K), my line looks the same as yours.
Another difference is the rsize value.

yours = 3400
suggested = 34000

aeblank

11-25-05, 03:42 PM

A typo for sure. I fixed it, still no dice.
My registry key had the correct value.

Is there some way I can verify my cifs share? A program on another machine or something? It sure is seeming like that is the only thing left as a possibility....

mvallevand

12-04-05, 01:20 PM

I've been coding the mvpmc for a couple of weeks now and the cifs share works fine for me on the released dongles. My mount line is a little different, try this

mount.cifs //192.168.2.3/file_share /cifs_share -o username=MVP,password=MVP;

If this doesn't work telnet to the MediaMVP and enter the mount command directly at the terminal prompt to see what error comes up.

aeblank

12-06-05, 10:04 AM

The above worked.

However, something was hosed up with my MVP user on the server. I eventually had to delete it and recreate it. Once I reset the permissions, I was all set. I suspect that even my mount commands would work now. It was too late to mess with that though.

I'm off to figure out what kinds of files mvpmc will play...

Thanks for the help.

madSkeelz

12-06-05, 10:18 AM

honeycut

12-06-05, 11:33 AM

Just a quick question that I couldn't seem to find an answer for at the SourceForge forums. Is it possible to tweak the ethernet settings of the MediaMVP? My home LAN is all wireless, so I don't really get the bandwidth I need for mvpmc. I was wondering if I could hand-tune the ethernet settings somehow. [Though, this may be more of a function of the RTV than the MediaMVP, I guess.]
Right now I've hardcoded the tuning for replaytv.
Had to do this to get it to stream well for a wired network.
I could add an option to not do this.
Then it would be up to the user to muck with the tcp window size
in their dongle.bin.config.
Still no gurantee it will perform properly over wireless.
All try to add an option by the next release.

zimdba

12-08-05, 09:32 AM

My hardwired network looks like this:

MVP
|
Linksys WRT54G (DD-WRT)
|
Linksys Switch --------------------- Media Server
|
Actiontec
|
Internet

The Actiontec provides DHCP for the network. The media server (Win XP) would run all of the MVP software.

Is there a way to configure the Linksys to ensure that the MVP gets it's boot information from the Media Server? Static Routing perhaps?

I'm trying to avoid this scenario: Disable DHCP on Actiontec, boot MVP, enable DHCP on Actiontec.

Thanks - I'm a little late to the ballgame and trying to catch up.

Wrecks

12-09-05, 12:48 PM

When you run the MVP in ReplayTV mode, it discovers the ReplayTV compatible devices and gathers a list of available shows. When you exit the ReplayTV section of the program it broadcasts on the network that this ReplayTV compatable device is going offline. Works great.

But if the MVP is in ReplayTV mode and you turn it off with the green power button it immediately shuts down without announcing that it's going offline. If other computers in the network are running DVArchive, those instances of DVArchive keep trying to find the missing MVP device, resulting in lots of errors taking up memory in the log file.

Clay Schneider

12-09-05, 01:01 PM

Thanks -- I was wondering what the exact circumstances were that caused this error -- at least now, I can try to remember to exit replay mode before shutdown.

honeycut

12-09-05, 05:18 PM

cmac12

12-11-05, 09:46 PM

Does anyone know why my show/nav command is not working? I've got a 5504 refurbished unit purchased directly. In my "messages" area, it says that show/nav has been downloaded. However when I'm watching a recorded show and I press the right and left arrows on my remote...nothing. Do I need to connect to the network and download new software or something? What should I do? Thanks for the help... Wanting to enjoy this feature...

madSkeelz

12-28-05, 08:56 PM

So, I just moved the dhcpd and tftpd duties off of my Windows box and onto my Mac. I'm using dnsmasq and it works great.

Then I noticed that open-wrt has optional packages for both dnsmasq and a tftp daemon. I'm thinking it really might be possible to turn a router into a MVPMC boot appliance. I guess the only catch is that you'd really need a router with 4MB of accessible memory.

Actually, I guess you'd need a router with 8MB of flash. OpenWRT has a handy list. Time to shop!
http://wiki.openwrt.org/TableOfHardware

firmtech

01-03-06, 08:37 PM

Wow this thing is Awesome! Thanks honeycut for all your efforts! :D
I do get some playback issues on 54g wireless network, but its worth doing a hard wire for this! Keep up the good work!

pyranha

01-06-06, 08:04 AM

I am developing a mvpmc launcher the eliminates the need to install the various software packages used to boot the mvpmc from windows. It basically provides the dhcp, tftp, and rdate services need for the mvpmc. It works fine on my machine, and I am looking for a couple of alpha testers to test on their machines. If anyone is interested, please send me a PM and I will email you the application.

Requirements: WinXP, Java 1.4

Is this software still available? I am very interested in moving this onto my Windows 2003 server.

icecow

02-09-06, 04:21 AM

Does anyone know how to use oldyellows software? It doesn't have the 'general usage' part filled out. I can run the program but don't know how to use it.

He hasn't attached the program to a post in this thread, but sent some people a copy. I have a copy. Am I to keep my copy to myself? I doubt it, but I don't know.

I mysteriously failed to get mvpmc installed several times in december. I don't know that I did anything wrong, it just didn't work.

I tried to laugh it off.

I let a week go by, then my Laptop got some nasty virus from hell that gave me another round of hell for about 10 days. I don't know that I've ever failed to get a virus off my computer before. If so this virus was the first. I had to reinstall everything on my laptop in the end.

There was no point to mentioning it here.

I tried to laugh it off.

Then within a few days, joy, the music server that I made from older computer parts fried for no apparent reason.

There was no point to mentioning it here.

I tried to laugh it off.

Then, joy, joy, I moved to a different city.

If anyone wondered why at the end of last year I got so quiet in this thread so quick after being so happy .. now you know.

Tonight I tried running oldyellows program. Not much to the directions. Followed them and got the thing running. But what now? I have no idea what to do. The README only got up to the point of how to run the program. The 'general usage' area and beyond is blank. I could once again drag my eyes through older mvpmc text that are scattered around the net--which never worked--looking for clues. If something did work, it would click with me! but nothing has ever worked, so I've failed to retain anything I've ever read.

It's fricken torture.

I want to get slimserver going.

Originally I planed to make a nice noob friendly screencapture tutorial after figuring things out. That's the furthest thing from my mind now. I just want to clamp down and get this thing working.

If anyone knows how to use oldyellows software could ya write it up?
If I could just get it to work I'll build another computer.

mad,
cow

stahlgrau

03-13-06, 07:50 AM

Finally moved into my new house and had a chance to fire up my mediamvp again. I kept booting the mvp with a crossover cable from my laptop but DHCP would not work. After about 1/2 hour I noticed I had WinXP's firewall on. Turned that off and everything started working again. The image looks great on my Vizio 50" (well, as good as an analog cable signal recorded in medium quality can look).

icecow - I would try the old method again. It does work, eventually.

cdurys

03-13-06, 05:14 PM

cow,

I finally got it to work when I changed the DHCP options to what my router had listed

Somehow I got it to work I was completely clueless

plyons10

03-22-06, 11:20 AM

zimdba

03-22-06, 01:25 PM

I had fun playing with my MediaMVp for a month or so... but I never really enjoyed watching shows on it and it certainly wasn't acceptable for my wife.

So I just deceided to ebay the thing... I'm probably going to make $50 or more versus what I paid for it! At that price I'm one third of the way there to a new lifetime activated Replay!

Exactly. Fun to play around with but ultimately, my XBMC and HTPC suit my needs better.

I plan on ebaying as well - except I paid full price for mine. Eh, you win some you lose some.

Clay Schneider

03-22-06, 02:14 PM

I had fun playing with my MediaMVp for a month or so... but I never really enjoyed watching shows on it and it certainly wasn't acceptable for my wife.

So I just deceided to ebay the thing... I'm probably going to make $50 or more versus what I paid for it! At that price I'm one third of the way there to a new lifetime activated Replay!

??? I find it much easier as well as faster to move around in content streamed from dvarchive than using one of my replays to do the same [not to mention, a whole lot easier and cheaper than buying a replay for every TV]. I'm just curious what 'wasn't acceptable'?

f2000Keith

04-17-06, 01:31 PM

A few weeks ago my house got hit by lightning and it blew out the data port on my Replay and MediaMVP which was working . I got a replacement MediaMVP and it's the newer model that has a different remote. I set it up the same as the old one (changing the MAC address of course) and now when it boots, it's a different interface with progress blocks going across the bottom of the screen instead of the process information such as dhcp status, etc.. It will briefly blip to a black screen and then go to a Hauppage Setup screen and says that it can't find a streaming server. I get a reponse when I ping the reserved DHCP address I have for it, but when I try to telnet to it, I get an error stating that port 23 isn't open. Is the firmware on the newer models different in any way?

plyons10

04-17-06, 02:08 PM

??? I find it much easier as well as faster to move around in content streamed from dvarchive than using one of my replays to do the same [not to mention, a whole lot easier and cheaper than buying a replay for every TV]. I'm just curious what 'wasn't acceptable'?

The whole thing ran slower than my Replays do, didn't skip commercials, required a different remote (or device codes on my universals), and needed server-side software to reboot.

These things made it another complex (to my wife) layer that I would rather not add.

Since I do have enough money, I consider the $300 I paid to activate my last replay more of a poor investment than an expense. I'll probably be able to get the money back (but not any more) when I decide to go hi-def.

skywaystudio

04-17-06, 03:22 PM

Is the firmware on the newer models different in any way?

I have both D3 and E1 firmware MediaMVP and don't have any problem loading the dongle.bin using the steps in this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=653250.

Dan L.

honeycut

04-17-06, 07:45 PM

f2000Keith

04-17-06, 11:58 PM

wildcardd

04-18-06, 11:11 AM

Soooo....looks like I am jumping on the Media MVP bandwagon a little late. Any good deals out there for the mmvp? I can only find it for around $99. :(

honeycut

04-18-06, 11:23 AM

Aha!! Thanks John! I have an H2 model. I was going crazy checking my dhcp config over and over again thinking I had misconfigured something. I'm a little confused by that post though as to what I needed to do with some posts regarding Windows and some Linux. I am running a dedicated Windows 2000 server which is on all the time. Could you elaborate more on what I need to do differently than the original setup?
I don't have a new mvp so can't help here. Sorry.
From the thread it looks like folks have booted mvpmc but have not yet figured out
a reliable recipe that works everytime.

It appears that I would need to install the Hauppague software that came with the MediaMVP and rename the mvpmc dongle.bin to replace the default one. Can I get rid of the old DHCP/TFTP setup if I do this? Do I still need the time server? I'm not sure if these questions have been answered yet so I'll be patient. Any advice on what to do and I'd be grateful. :)
It's not yet clear whether the final solution will involve using the Hauppauge
server to boot the mvp or whether a custom app will be needed.
In the end I think the old dhcp/tftp software will no longer be required.
Jon has added NTP support to mvpmc so you should be able to sync to an internet
server instead of using rdate.

Clay Schneider

04-18-06, 02:24 PM

I'd be amazed if you can't find an out-of-the-way radio shack store that doesn't still have one fallen down behind a shelf [at $29 or less if I remember the price of the last one I bought].

krkaufman

04-28-06, 04:52 AM

Does anyone know how to use oldyellows software? It doesn't have the 'general usage' part filled out. I can run the program but don't know how to use it.
I'm still using it, but mostly because I haven't messed w/ my mvpmc's in a few months. (Bought an add'l Replay when they were free post-rebate.) At the time, I'd modularized a .config file to reference an .init file -- making configuration of multiple mvpmcs a bit easier, but with the hopes of integrating the .init creation w/ a config GUI.

Is this software still available? I am very interested in moving this onto my Windows 2003 server.

As others have said, oldyellow's software was never "generally available" -- and its development seems to have dropped-off. Not sure if there are any plans for further dev or source code release. :(

North

05-22-06, 01:06 PM

I'm bumping this thread because I noticed that Hauppauge has finally released its wireless version of the mvp: http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_mediamvp-w.html. I don't own one of the wired ones, but I've been following this product closely in the hope that it would be useful (via mvpmc) for RTVs.

I know there has been a lot of traffic lately regarding new system software in the MVP and the resulting difficulty (impossibility?) in booting mvpmc. Can anyone summarize the current state of affairs? Is there a reliable method for booting mvpmc (including the Replay client) on MVPs with the new software builds (H1? H2?). I imagine that the MVP-w will be using the latest software and it's obviously important to RTV users (or at least this one) to confirm that mvpmc works before taking the plunge.

atlr

08-02-06, 08:41 PM

Has anyone figured out this particular puzzle? I would be satisfied to just have a dd-wrt DHCP on a WRT54GS hand out the "next server" and "boot file" parameters to the mediamvp and run tftpd on a windows box.

I am not sure how to translate the parameters outlined in http://mvpmc.sourceforge.net/windows/mvpmc_windoze_howto.html#s8 to the proper syntax for dhcpd or dnsmasq in dd-wrt.

I am also note sure if one places the parameters in DNS Masq "Additional DNS Options" or DHCP Server "Additional DHCPd Options"

Pointers or help appreciated.

DD-WRT includes DNSMasq, which I believe supports bootp. It also includes tftpd. I believe it will work. My only question is as to whether the dongle will fit on the R/W JFFS-formatted extra flash space on a WRT54G (I believe a G has 4MB total flash, which leaves only 1-2MB free depending on whether you use dd-wrt std or mini). I know it will fit on a WRT54GS. .

JM2005

08-03-06, 10:16 AM

I finally gave up on my MVP and bought used Xbox and havent looked back yet! I know many have mentioned the Xbox in the past and i too thought no way would i buy that! But after looking at a friend of mine that has one setup working with his Replay Tv, i just had to give it a try and i am glad i did. I now have 3 of them located all over my house, running XBMC. This software is great! I now have it tied to my 2.5 TB Unraid Server and also pulling my TV shows from DVArchive & Replay TV as well.

atlr

08-03-06, 03:04 PM

I am not familiar with using an xbox with replaytv. Can you recommend URLs that could bring me up to speed?

atlr

08-03-06, 03:09 PM

atlr

08-03-06, 03:14 PM

I have successfully configured udhcpd on dd-wrt v23sp1 to pass the bootp server ip and bootfile to a MediaMVP.

I learned syntax by telneting in and realizing that the config file is udhcpd.conf and reading the udhcpd.conf man page
http://manpages.debian.net/cgi-bin/display_man.cgi?id=f5c8309752a1598504d73505f9a19311&format=html

DNS Masq disabled (not sure if this is necessary. it's just my current config)

DHCP Server Additional DHCPd Options:
boot_file dongle.bin.mvpmc-0.3.0
siaddr 192.168.1.101

192.168.1.101 is a XP box running TFTP Desktop from Weird Solutions.
http://www.weird-solutions.com/weirdSolutions/pages/02products/download/step04.php?id=276.24.45

Marcus

08-08-06, 03:21 PM

I am not familiar with using an xbox with replaytv. Can you recommend URLs that could bring me up to speed?
Using Xbox Media center:
http://www.xboxmediacenter.com

I have used xbmc for replay recordings but the MVP with MVPMC wins out for me on the simple "quiet" factor and the simple ability for the remote to turn on the thin client.

I use both!

Marcus

08-08-06, 03:43 PM

Is it accurate to say that the MediaMVP cannot smoothly play "high" quality ReplayTV recordings?

Playback on my MediaMVP gets choppy above about 4 Mbps.

MediaMVP throughput tests run between 25-50 Mbps over a Buffalo WBR2-G54S Ver.2.30 running 11g.
The choppy video may be the fault of your serving replay. Is it turned on while you try this? I seem to remember having trouble streaming HQ from one replay to another while the serving replay is on. I don't think I ever tried HQ streaming from a replay to my mvp units.

I never had problems with med recordings or standard.

honeycut

08-08-06, 05:00 PM

The choppy video may be the fault of your serving replay. Is it turned on while you try this? I seem to remember having trouble streaming HQ from one replay to another while the serving replay is on. I don't think I ever tried HQ streaming from a replay to my mvp units.
I never had problems with med recordings or standard.

I had several people mention trouble streaming high res.
Excluding networking problems it does seem to be related to the serving RTV.
I added a (undocumented) chunksz option that seems to help.

Checkout the following thread on sourceforge:
http://sourceforge.net/forum/forum.php?thread_id=1369475&forum_id=501876

Try: mvpmc -R "ip=discover chunksz=4" to see if it helps.

icecow

08-08-06, 06:22 PM

Great, one more undocumented gem is about to sink to the bottom of this haystack of a thread.

ReplayMirsky

10-28-06, 08:35 AM

Wow, long, very informative thread... but barring reading every single post from the last 3 years+, I have what I think is an easy question for everyone...

OK, I just bought the Happauge MediaMVP, it's now in my hands, I've installed and configured the WINMVPMC application that one of the forum members was kind enough to send me, I've (for the sake of simplicity) turned off my routers DHCP client and configured my 3 PCs to static IPs... the ReplayTV was always a static IP... I've created the shortcut and edited the .config file file for WINMVPMC...

Since you cannot run this as a SERVICE in Windows 98, it needs to be run in CONSOLE MODE. Is anyone able to help me with that procedure / syntax. I believe it's the only piece left, I just don't know how to accomplish it. How do I run this WINMVPMC app in CONSOLE MODE? Thanks!

atlr

10-28-06, 10:20 AM

jastori ,

Would you mind updating your initial post on this excellent thread about mvpmc with the new URL for mvpmc. I am not affiliated with the project but I just pointed a friend to this thread to learn how to get started.

http://www.mvpmc.org/

your mvpmc thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4508961&&#post4508961)

atlr

10-28-06, 11:58 AM

Try: mvpmc -R "ip=discover chunksz=4" to see if it helps.

Somehow I missed this reply from a couple months ago. I am running 0.3.1 now. I just tried adding chunksz=4 and did not notice a difference.

jastori

10-28-06, 03:08 PM

Would you mind updating your initial post on this excellent thread about mvpmc with the new URL for mvpmc. I am not affiliated with the project but I just pointed a friend to this thread to learn how to get started.

Thanks for the link - I updated the initial post.

ReplayMirsky

11-08-06, 06:09 PM

OK, I am looking for some guidance. I am going to make this as explanatory as possible, for the sake of being thorough. I do apologize for it's length, but it's a great challenge for anyone who knows WINMVPMC, MediaMVP and Replay / DVArchive. Any questions, reply back and I’ll answer as quickly as possible.

I bought a Happaugh MediaMVP to talk to my fully subscribed ReplayTV and a computer with DVArchive and a 300 GB hard drive acting as a movie repository. I am employing WINMVPMC as my DHCP, TFTP and TIME server – I am NOT using the software that came with the MediaMVP unit. I also don’t wish right now to talk to Windows shares… just Replay and DVArchive.

The short version of the actual problem first. After starting WINMVPMC and turning on logging, then powering up the MediaMVP, it scans the network, seems to find the DHCP server in WINMVPMC, asks for an IP, gets an offer, accepts and acknowledgement occurs. Once done, you can PING the IP issued and get a response, turn the unit off, ping again and lose the response… so, it seems DHCP is working. But the last thing I’ve ever seen on the television screen, from the MediaMVP, is “No streaming server found”

Later, I’ll post links to screenshots of each tab and all settings on WINMVPMC, my CONFIG file settings and I’ll do my best at photos of the boot process on the MediaMVP. For now, let me describe the network itself to get that out of the way.
ReplayTV unit – 192.168.0.156
DVArchive software, already talking to ReplayTV perfectly. – 192.168.0.159
NOTE: This is a Windows ’98 computer. Since WINMVPMC cannot run as a service under ’98 and I couldn’t get it to run in console mode, the WINMVPMC software and boot config files are installed and running on a Windows XP Home edition computer. The MediaMVP only needs to see it for booting anyway, and since I hardly ever lose power, it’s a viable solution.
Windows XP machine / WINMVPMC software – 192.168.0.158
MediaMVP – issuing it an IP of 192.168.0.37 (have tried others)

All machines are (currently, until this all works) connected to a 16-port switch on a single network. That hub is connected to a 4-port (wireless / wired) Dlink router (DI-624). The 4-port router also connects to a Comcast cable modem. DHCP is OFF (for now) and the MAC address table wiped clean. In other words, the router has no record of ever assigning an IP address. All PCs, the ReplayTV, etc. have static addresses and all are working flawlessly, can ping each other and have internet connectivity. Also, all tests explained below have been done with identical results with the router and cable modem off the loop, so the MediaMVP, the ReplayTV and 2 PCs (XP and 98) all on the same 16-port switch, period. In other words, it is not believed that the router is, in any way, interfering here. Just in case, all needed ports have been opened from LAN to LAN for my full IP class range, both UDP and TCP… so the router is not blocking anything and not issuing Ips whatsoever.

The Windows XP machine has WINMVPMC installed to it in the following location:
C:\Program Files\winmvpmc
The config files are in:
C:\Program Files\winmvpmc\tftp_root
The two files in there are dongle.bin.mvpmc-0.3.0 and dongle.bin.mvpmc-0.3.0.config
Config file contents are as follows… excluding all commented (#) out lines for simplicity.
TZ=EST+5EDT,M4.1.0/2,M10.5.0/2; export TZ;
echo "TZ=EST+5EDT,M4.1.0/2,M10.5.0/2; export TZ" > /etc/shell.config;
rdate -s 192.168.0.158;
mvpmc -R "ip=discover" -t /usr/share/mvpmc/replaytv.xml -c 192.168.0.158&

I have also tried this:
mvpmc -R "ip=192.168.0.158/192.168.0.159/192.168.0.156" -t /usr/share/mvpmc/replaytv.xml &
and a few other variations of these.
And yes, I am opening and editing these in TextPad 4 and saving them as UNIX file types.

Next… my icon for WINMVPMC is set as follows:
"C:\Program Files\Java\j2re1.4.1_02\bin\java.exe" -jar "C:\Program Files\Winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.jar" "C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"

START IN is set to:
"C:\Program Files\winmvpmc"

When double-clicked, it launches CMD window and the WIN app... In CMD window appears:
arg = [c:\Program Files\winmvpmc]
user.home = [c:\Program Files\winmvpmc]
loading configuration from C:\Program FIles\winmvpmc\Winmvpmc.xml
gui: creating new log thread
gui: starting log thread

When I turn on the MediaMVP device, I get the following:
configuring network device... checking network status... some fast screen about not finding previous settings... and finally,
“No streaming server found”

In the WINMVPMC window downstairs, I see the following INFO LEVEL LOG:
Received DHCP discovery
Sent DHCP offer
Received DHCP request
Sent DHCP ACK
I can then PING that IP (192.168.0.37)

What does the MediaMVP do next? What does WINMVPMC do next? Is this a DVArchive server setting issue? Is a port not opened properly? I assume if it’s getting a good DHCP address then PORT 67 is fine and not blocked, and assuming that, is it a stretch to assume Port 69 is ok too? Is TFTP the issue? Anyone have any ideas?

I will screenshot all tabs in WINMVPMC shortly, but I did want to get this posted so some of you smart people could start reading it. Please help!

mvallevand

11-08-06, 10:01 PM

skywaystudio

11-09-06, 07:49 PM

The whole process of configure the router, DHCP, TFTP and Time Server are complicated and not neccessary at all. All you really need is to serve the mvpmc dongle to the MVP and sync up the time with the replayTV.

For serving the mvpmc dongle as dongle.bin to MVP you can use the Hauppage MVP software or GBPVR to do this.

Next is to telnet to the MVP ip address (about screen), login as root and issue the command for timezone and sync time manually

TZ=EST+5EDT,M4.1.0/2,M10.5.0/2; export TZ;
date MMDDHHMMSSYYYY

As long as you can get the time within 40 seconds of ReplayTV, this should get the MVP to talk with the ReplayTV.

If you power cycle your MVP, then you need to repeat the whole process.

Dan L.

mvallevand

11-09-06, 08:40 PM

ReplayMirsky

11-09-06, 09:36 PM

Just to be clear, because I wasn't up until now, what I'd like to see happen is for my MediaMVP to see my movie collection which is stored and managed by DVArchive which happens to be on a Windows '98 machine. I couldn't care less if it is done via WINMVPMC or another piece of software. My goal was cheap. I have seen other DHCP, TFTP and TIME servers that are cheap for 15 days, then not as cheap... and I do realize the MediaMVP came with software but it's pretty clear about needing to remain running and it doesn't seem (out of the box) to "just work" with ReplayTVs / DVArchives. My impression all along was that WINMVPMC was a solution written to solve both of these problems, but it doesn't seem to work with the new units??

That said, what is the easiest way (any method whatsoever) that's also cheap as far as software goes, to make the MediaMVP (which now that I know there are different versions of, this one is a model 1000, bought NEW within the past 4 weeks) see DVArchive on a Win '98 pc. I can use an XP box for booting, but the XP box cannot remain on 24/7, so it'll be strictly for booting. Oh, for what it's worth, though I doubt this makes things any easier, I also couldn't care less if the MediaMVP can see the other ReplayTV. I dump all movies, specials, kids stuff to the Win '98 / DVArchive server nightly (unless it's something I plan on only watching while lying in bed anyway) so the MediaMVP only NEEDS to see the DVArchive / Win '98 box for stuff to play back.

skywaystudio

11-09-06, 10:03 PM

ReplayMirsky,

You can try install the hauppage MVP software on the XP machine, then drop the mvpmc dongle in the dongle directory of the hauppage software. Unplug MVP power to load the dongle.

Once the dongle is loaded onto the MVP, you then sync the time with the Win98 machine and hopefully the MVP will able to see the DVArchive on Win98.

You can shutdown the XP once the dongle loaded to MVP.

Dan L.

mvallevand

11-09-06, 10:39 PM

That said, what is the easiest way (any method whatsoever) that's also cheap as far as software goes, to make the MediaMVP ....

Actually you may already very well have a zero cost solution, if you to use XP to load the dongle since you don't need any special service on the Win 98 box if (a) you can get the IP address from a dhcp source such as router and (b) set time from an internet based time server using either telnet or the integrated web server.

It might even be possible for WINMVPMC to act as a DHCP server and even deliver the dongle.config file if it runs the bootp and tftp according to spec, so long as you let Hauppauge (or GBPVR) deliver the dongle.

Martin

Clay Schneider

11-10-06, 08:12 AM

The instructions at http://www.mvpmc.org/windows/mvpmc_windoze_howto.html -- while not trivial -- are well written and involve only freeware -- not nagware or 15 day trialware.

mvallevand

11-10-06, 09:28 AM

The instructions at http://www.mvpmc.org/windows/mvpmc_windoze_howto.html -- while not trivial -- are well written and involve only freeware -- not nagware or 15 day trialware.
Unfortunately this will cause the same problem as with WINMVPMC since the dongle loading steps described on that page no longer work with the latest hardware revisions of the MediaMVP. Instead the methods on the wiki need to be followed.

Note you might be able to load the dongle.config via those methods, but the instructions are complicated enough which is why I suggest running the Hauppauge software simply replacing the dongle.bin with the mvpmc dongle and then setting the time manually after booting. Hauppauge can be turned off at that point.

Martin

ReplayMirsky

11-11-06, 04:49 PM

OK, due to the replies of a few, I am tossing the concept of using solely WINMVPMC to boot the MediaMVP. This afternoon, I installed the software that came with the unit. Once installed, I booted the MediaMVP device and set the firewall to ACCEPT for each of the warnings that popped up. (FWIW, it's Kerio Personal Firewall)

The great news is that, for the first time, my MediaMVP actually did something. I got to the GO menu with all 5 buttons (including 'settings') and I was able to naviagte to my music and photos with ease. So, we're off to a good start. And for the record, a consistent one. If I lock the firewall or reboot the PC, the MediaMVP goes into "Contacting Servers" mode but returns immediately when the PC is back 'online' and if I simulate a power loss, it springs right back once power is restored. But, since my goal was MOVIES from DVArchive on the other (Win'98) computer and not photos or music... well, still a ways to go yet.

Anyway, here are my next few questions:
1) Why is it working even though I cannot locate a new IP on my network?
I used the 'net stat' command plus 2 3rd party network monitor apps...
The only IP addresses showing on my network are the XP & '98 boxes.
Not even my ReplayTV shows as being on the network with an IP...
(UPDATE - That's not true - I do see the IP for the ReplavTV - only the MediaMVP is missing when I do a network view of live IPs)
2) That said, how do I telnet into it w/out an IP address?
3) Once I am in (jumping ahead a bit) what EXACTLY will I need to do.
I'm guessing it goes something like this.
TELNET <IP ADDRESS>
root
<null pw>
Then what? Maybe I simply type, char for char, each line of the original WINMVPMC ".config" file, starting with the time commands, ending with the "ReplayTV" entries?

Lastly, a couple people mentioned to install the Happaugh sw, then replace the dongle file and have it serve MINE from WINMVPMC. I tried and it never fully booted. Again, what EXACTLY should I be replacing? What I did was take the .CONFIG file (mine was 3kb) and rename it... but I never did find a .config file installed in the Happaugh directory. I did find a dongle.bin and a dongle.bin.ver... but not a .config to replace mine with.

mvallevand

11-11-06, 05:34 PM

ReplayMirsky

11-11-06, 05:38 PM

UPDATE - I do see the IP for the ReplavTV - only the MediaMVP is missing when I do a network view of live IPs - the ReplayTV, the XP machine and the DVArchive / Win '98 pcs are all there on the network with known IPs - I just don't know the IP of the MediaMVP.

Martin - I'll take a look at the Wiki tomorrow or Tuesday... today is getting away from me on other issues... mostly, my kid won't take a friggin' nap yet today. Aarrrrgggghhhhh!!!

skywaystudio

11-12-06, 10:22 AM

Once the mvpmc dongle loaded, you can see the MVP ip address from the "About" screen from the menu selection.

Dan L.

ReplayMirsky

11-12-06, 01:18 PM

Well, I couldn't find an ABOUT screen, but I did figure out which IP the device was on. I also realized that the old WINMVPMC software had a DHCP service still running (as AUTOMATIC ON WINDOWS STARTUP) so that's off and now my router is assigning a DHCP address to the MediaMVP. I can PING it once it's fully booted and it shows up in my network now.

What I cannot do is telnet into it. If I try simply telnet 192.168.0.141 it says it can't open telnet on port 23... if I specifiy the ports that I thought it used, it says simply "connection failed" - I also tried by specifying the user name in the command path... no dice.

NOTE: I have no yet tried again on getting the Hauppauge software to deliver the dongle using the newest method / reply... will do that tomorrow or Tuesday. Wanted to try the telnet method first, mainly to learn and see closer what's happening behind the scenes.

mvallevand

11-12-06, 02:06 PM

I have no yet tried again on getting the Hauppauge software to deliver the dongle using the newest method / reply... will do that tomorrow or Tuesday. Wanted to try the telnet method first, mainly to learn and see closer what's happening behind the scenes.
You cannot telnet to the Hauppauge dongle and even if you could you wouldn't be able to open any magic hidden replay tv support. You have to load mvpmc.

Martin

ReplayMirsky

11-12-06, 09:21 PM

GREAT NEWS!! IT WORKS!!

Martin - Thank you for your information. I'm sorry I didn't follow it to the letter a few days ago, but it did help, so thank you.

I am going to well document all my findings, as well as a simplified version of "HOW TO MAKE IT WORK IN AN ENVIRONMENT LIKE MINE" - I'll be sure to post that when it's done and triple-checked, just in case it could help anyone else... and I'm certainly going to stay subscribed to the forums so that I too can be of assistance with my new-found knowledge.

Anyway, here's what the last 24 hours taught me, should anyone care. First, if you had previously told WINMVPMC to AUTOSTART SERVICES, they are still running, even if you're not using WINMVPMC anymore. XP just keeps assuming you are. (DUH!) So, once I turned that off, and turned the router DHCP back on, I easily knew what IP address I was grabbing. Next was probably where most of my problems came from. I had assumed that the CONFIG file was the important one. I figured, since the DONGLE.BIN from WINMVPMC was just about the same file size as the one from Hauppauge, that it was basically the OS, and the .CONFIG file was the set of instructions... well, I didn't understand that they are VERY different. Once I replaced the dongle.bin (I don't even think I need the dongle.bin.config) it booted up and instead of seeing the shares on the XP box as it had earlier, it asked if I wanted to discover MythTV, Replay, etc. Once I chose ReplayTV it ran discovery and found both boxes. Granted, the actual RTV is off by more than 40 secs, but for now, my goal was seeing DVA and that works beautifully.

I still have to put all my cables back on the 100MB 4-port router, leaving a couple machines on the 10MB hub, reboot everything and make sure it all still works... but it will!!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED AND GAVE IDEAS!!

mvallevand

11-13-06, 12:09 AM

ReplayMirsky

11-13-06, 06:08 AM

I confused things a bit thinking that Win 98 was a must. If you want to document the process I strongly suggest you create a ReplayTV user page on the mvpmc wiki. That way you only have to double check it and it can be enhanced over time.
Martin

Martin - I'm definitely emailing Honey... but good call there!
From the start, I made Windows '98 the focus, because with my limited understanding of how these steps all worked together. Windows '98 is WHERE my DVARCHIVE and MOVIES are. There are several reasons, but I doubt I'm alone. I learned of WINMVPMC by searching this forum for REPLAYTV options for cheap playback on multiple TVs, and then MediaMVP came into play. But all I knew was that. The rest was trial and error for a while and I had a GIANT amount of help from ANDY on the side. Way to go Andy!

The main thing we did not know is that the NEW MediaMVPs don't work like the old ones and WINMVPMC just isn't a viable option anymore. It seems you now HAVE TO use the Hauppauge software for delivery of dongle.bin (I thought it the important delivery was dongle.bin.CONFIG until last night) so we lost much time there. Also, I had changed many DHCP and firewall port settings for WINMVPMC which simply made things more confusing when you came along.

Anyway, here's the very short, undocumented, unexplained summary (for now) for anyone who has at least one ReplayTV but FREQUENTLY dumps it's content to a DVARCHIVE instance / server on a Windows '98 machine but wants to use the inexpensive Hauppauge MediaMVP devices to play back on stand-alone televisions. As long as the machines are on the same internal network, all you really need to do is install the Hauppauge software on a compatible machine (XP, 2000, NT?), stop the running service, move the dongle.bin and dongle.bin.ver to another folder on the PC, copy in the new dongle files to the same 'Hardware' directory, restart the service and power up the MediaMVP. Then, you're done!
The even better news is, if I wanted to spool my ITunes collection or my photo library, which are all on the XP box, all I need to do is move the two dongle files elsewhere, copy back the first ones and reboot... and of course leave the XP box on, which is different than how I handle '98.

mvallevand

11-13-06, 10:33 AM

The even better news is, if I wanted to spool my ITunes collection or my photo library, which are all on the XP box, all I need to do is move the two dongle files elsewhere, copy back the first ones and reboot... and of course leave the XP box on, which is different than how I handle '98.

You actually don't need to reboot you can do that right from the mvpmc dongle. It can read directly from a Windows or NFS share, streams direct internet radio, has an emulation mode that talks to the Hauppauge server (you'd want my alpha dongle for that) and can connect to slimserver.

Although you struggled a bit I think you will be quite happy with your purchase when you learn more about mvpmc.

Martin

atlr

11-21-06, 11:06 AM

If you have a MediaMVP s-video output displayed on 720p-native-resolution flat panel television, please comment about your satisfaction with this combination.

I have asked the question in a slightly different form in this
discussion about flat panels that do a good job displaying 480i/NTSC/SDTV (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=753706)

atlr

01-24-07, 08:23 PM

Version 0.3.3 of mvpmc has been released
http://www.mvpmc.org/

icecow

01-24-07, 11:44 PM

cool. I got to pull one (of my three, maha) out and hook it up again.

...if I only watched TV..

peterwu69

02-05-07, 09:37 AM

my friend told me this site :###.crown-sat.### .and i want to buy a mediamvp.anyone bought mediamvp here? are thire mediamvps good?

icecow

02-05-07, 09:58 AM

it has a foreign phone number (england or austrailia maybe). Perhaps they are local to you.

If not, just know that many credit cards are starting to charge 3% for the prevledge of making a purchase outside of the country, or from another country. Foreign shipping might kill it too.

I didn't see the price listed on that site.

I don't know anything abou that site.

ReplayMirsky

02-25-07, 08:34 PM

Peter - I bought one of the MediaMVPs from Hauppauge a while back. Using the software dongle created by somebody on this board, it's fantastic. What are your goals; maybe I, or others here, could help you out more. It would just help to know more about what you are trying to accomplish. Also, I'm assuming you already have a ReplayTV or more than one or you wouldn't be in this thread, but other hardware would help to know about as well.

ReplayMirsky

02-25-07, 08:43 PM

Brief questions (with follow-up immediately after)
How do you or can you set an RTV 5040 to a specific time manually? Or can you make it time-synch to a specific server/address/ip/etc.

The details. I have one RTV (5040), a Win XP server running DVArchive and 500GB of storage, and one MediaMVP by Hauppauge. The XP box downloads new stuff every night at 1:PM if I've flagged it to be archived to the server... otherwise it gets watched locally and deleted. Any shows flagged for download are then deleted from the RTV unit of course. The MediaMVP (which I LOVE and will be getting 2 more of for the other tvs) simply streams content from the server to the 2nd TV where this isn't a ReplayTV.

The MediaMVP synchs to the servers time, so it and DVArchive always agree. But RTV units are notoriously picky about time stamps. DVArchive "offsets" itself so it can talk freely with RTV, and I never have issues there, but I also want MediaMVPs to be able to stream from the RTV. It "sees" it, but cannot talk because they're off more than 40 seconds. How does one fix that?

mvallevand

02-26-07, 06:01 PM

The MediaMVP synchs to the servers time, so it and DVArchive always agree. But RTV units are notoriously picky about time stamps. DVArchive "offsets" itself so it can talk freely with RTV, and I never have issues there, but I also want MediaMVPs to be able to stream from the RTV. It "sees" it, but cannot talk because they're off more than 40 seconds. How does one fix that?

This reminds me. Many North American users of mvpmc will have to modify their dongle.bin.mvpmc.config or dongle.bin.config files to use the new string for DST.

ie for CST it changes from

TZ=CST+6CDT,M4.1.0/2,M10.5.0/2; export TZ

to

TZ=CST+6CDT,M3.2.0/2,M11.1.0/2; export TZ

The important things are after the M.

Martin

Clay Schneider

02-26-07, 07:43 PM

Kevin1050

02-26-07, 08:46 PM

mvallevand

02-26-07, 09:45 PM

I use DVarchive on a 98SE machine and the clock would drift by so much that it wouldn't work. I installed the following program to sync the clock:
http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/

This assumes that the clock that is off is your PC but I think it has on offset feature so you can try to match the MediaMVP offset from the real time.
If your mvpmc time drifts you should enable ntpclient via the dongle.bin.config file which keeps time constantly up-to-date rather then just the rdate on bootup.

eg.

/bin/ntpclient -s -h time.nist.gov

Martin

icecow

02-27-07, 01:38 AM

I have my mediamvp/mvpmc hooked up again. I can watch DVArchive shows, but get a time error when I try to play shows on a replaytv.

any shot in heck someone will give me the needed dongle.bin.conf file I need and explain the syntax?

CR_TurboGuy

02-27-07, 07:06 PM

icecow

02-27-07, 07:41 PM

newbie to newbie..

It does take a noticable amount of time to load up the guide (at least if you have a stuffed 160gig HD), but it loads up. I've also seen it hang there once, but it reboots so quick, so that is nice.

Maybe it hung on you once and after that you backed out without waiting long enough.
Maybe it hangs when we push buttons when it's trying to load the guide.

Try loading the guide and just waiting a long time the first time.

I'll be fooling with it more myself.

mvallevand

02-27-07, 10:12 PM

Any ideas here? I've got a newer MediaMVP, running the 0.3.3 release. When I connect to my Replay, it never displays any information. It's just blank, sitting there. I have to power the MediaMVP off/on to get out of the Replay. I know at one point I was able to see the programs on the Replay, but I think it was quite a while ago, with a pretty old nightly version. I can see stuff just fine from DVArchive, so I know that part works. Any suggestions/ideas?There have been some networking changes in the newer dongles because Hauppauge changed their hardware which needs a new linux kernel. I haven't seen any comments about replaytv on the mvpmc mailing lists so you might want to post there.

One thing I suggest trying if you can is to telnet to your mvpmc and then issuing the following commands

killall mvpmc
mvpmc -t /usr/share/mvpmc/replaytv.xml -R discover --rt-win 4096

If that works let me know. Depending on your telnet client this is not a permanent solution and you'd need a dongle.bin.config to make it permanent.

Martin

ReplayMirsky

03-07-07, 03:42 PM

This reminds me. Many North American users of mvpmc will have to modify their dongle.bin.mvpmc.config or dongle.bin.config files to use the new string for DST.

ie for CST it changes from

TZ=CST+6CDT,M4.1.0/2,M10.5.0/2; export TZ

to

TZ=CST+6CDT,M3.2.0/2,M11.1.0/2; export TZ

The important things are after the M.

Martin

Martin (or anyone else who might be able to offer a suggestion or three)
I'll try to update on what I've done so far really fast, and I'm also going to post my live entries from my dongle.bin (config) file as well as my DVArchive log. The short version is this. I have DVArchive offset to -3 seconds every time it loads, and it talks to my Replay unit flawlessly. Also, the fact that it's ALWAYS the same offset, I see no drifting whatsoever. I also have the MediaMVP device which WAS synching to a wrong internal IP address (a different machine) so I changed that, a few times, to:
1) Same IP address as my DVArchive / XP machine
2) Same IP address as time.nist.gov in the original dongle.bin
3) IP address of my ReplayTV unit
In each case, I stopp the 2 Happauge services in XP, replace the line in the config file, save the file, restart both services and reboot the MVP. In all cases, I still get an error when it does "discovery" - it finds both my "SERVER" (DVArchive) and the ReplayTV in the bedroom, but when I merely select the RTV line item, it blows the error about time must be within 40 seconds. The wird thing is, you'll see in the 2nd log below, it is offsetting my MVP device (192.168.0.141) to o seconds, so why the problem? Anyway, here's what I have in the config file...

====================================
(this is ONLY what is not commented out to save space)
(also note: I've already followed Martin's advice for the DST fix)
====================================
TZ=EST+5EDT,M3.2.0/2,M11.1.0/2; export TZ;
echo "TZ=EST+5EDT,M3.2.0/2,M11.1.0/2; export TZ" > /etc/shell.config;
rdate -s 192.168.0.156;
# I also tried: rdate -s 192.43.244.18
username=MVP,password=MVP;
user=MVP,password=MVP,rsize=34000;
user=MVP,password=MVP,rsize=34000;
mvpmc -R "ip=192.168.0.158/192.168.0.159/192.168.0.156" -t /usr/share/mvpmc/replaytv.xml &

====================================
And here is what is in my DVArchive log an hour after starting DVA
====================================
03/07 15:12:41 Notice: DVArchive V3.1 starting
03/07 15:12:43 Notice: Scheduler Now Running
03/07 15:12:43 STORAGE:: Mounted storage path E:\ReplayTV\Import for Import
03/07 15:12:43 STORAGE:: Mounted storage path F:\ReplayTV\Import for Import
03/07 15:12:43 STORAGE:: Mounted storage path C:\ReplayTV\Import for Import
03/07 15:12:43 STORAGE:: Mounted storage path E:\ReplayTV\Local Guide for PATHS
03/07 15:12:43 STORAGE:: Mounted storage path F:\ReplayTV\Local Guide for PATHS
03/07 15:12:43 STORAGE:: Mounted storage path C:\ReplayTV\Local Guide for PATHS
03/07 15:12:44 Notice: DVArchive Server Started
03/07 15:12:44 UPNP:: DVArchive has started listening to the network associated with 192.168.0.142
03/07 15:12:44 Notice: UPNP:: Received UPnP packet from previously unknown DVR @ 192.168.0.156 -- looking up DVR info
03/07 15:12:46 Notice: UPNP:: DVArchive has recognized new DVR ReplayTV named Bed Room at 192.168.0.156:80 (Serial RTV5040I2CA0101085)
03/07 15:12:46 DVR Bed Room Photo space usage update: Total Capacity 953.62MB, Remaining 919.81MB
03/07 15:12:53 Notice: Timestamp offset for Bed Room set to -3 seconds.
03/07 15:13:13 DVR Bed Room space usage update: Total Capacity 36.87GB, Remaining 14.96GB
03/07 15:15:00 Notice: UPNP:: Received UPnP packet from previously unknown DVR @ 192.168.0.141 -- looking up DVR info
03/07 15:15:00 REPLAY_DEVICE:: Fixed bad ReplayTV name [192.168.0.141], now using [192_168_0_141]
03/07 15:15:00 Warn: ReplayTV Device at 192.168.0.141 Reported name of 192.168.0.141 which is known bad. DVA Fixed this to 192_168_0_141
03/07 15:15:00 Notice: UPNP:: DVArchive has recognized new DVR ReplayTV named 192_168_0_141 at 192.168.0.141:80 (Serial RTV5040J3TR0209999)
03/07 15:15:00 DVR 192_168_0_141 Photo space usage update: Total Capacity 953.62MB, Remaining 953.06MB
03/07 15:15:04 Notice: Timestamp offset for 192_168_0_141 set to 0 seconds.
03/07 15:15:04 DVR 192_168_0_141 space usage update: Total Capacity 953.62MB, Remaining 953.06MB
03/07 15:21:20 ERROR: DVREXPLORER:: Unexpected event dispatching ReplayChannelSelected event -- null
03/07 16:12:44 Alert: DVArchive has not heard from 192_168_0_141 (192.168.0.141:80) in the last 30 minutes -- assuming it is gone/dead and removing it from internal DVR list

mvallevand

03-07-07, 06:45 PM

Martin (or anyone else who might be able to offer a suggestion or three)
====================================
(this is ONLY what is not commented out to save space)
(also note: I've already followed Martin's advice for the DST fix)
====================================
TZ=EST+5EDT,M3.2.0/2,M11.1.0/2; export TZ;
echo "TZ=EST+5EDT,M3.2.0/2,M11.1.0/2; export TZ" > /etc/shell.config;
rdate -s 192.168.0.156;
# I also tried: rdate -s 192.43.244.18
username=MVP,password=MVP;
user=MVP,password=MVP,rsize=34000;
user=MVP,password=MVP,rsize=34000;
mvpmc -R "ip=192.168.0.158/192.168.0.159/192.168.0.156" -t /usr/share/mvpmc/replaytv.xml &

====================================

Sorry I can't really help on the ReplayTV/DVArchive issue. Maybe someone here can help, if not you will have to try mvpmc support via the mailing list or the next-to-useless forum. I'll try and give some help on your config file,

First of all, I don't see the purpose of those username, user=, those are part of the command used for mounting a share, and are incomplete as they are now.

General tips:

1. Have you confirmed that your mvp does indeed have the correct time. You can do this by entering the mvp's ip into your browser, the status windows should have the time.

2. Telnet to your mvp and issue the following (root is the username asked for)

ls -lt /etc/dongle.config

If it isn't there it didn't load.

3. If you use the browser config to set the date and time do not use 0.3.3 use the nightlies or eventually 0.3.4 or higher.

4. If you have access to the Internet, change your server name to an Internet ntp server like time.nist.gov.

5. Don't save your config file with wordpad or notepad, I've been told some users have problems with the extra line feed characters that windows puts into files. If you must then I would avoid the semi-colons. If this fixes things let me know and I can update mvpmc.

Martin

ReplayMirsky

03-08-07, 06:54 AM

First of all, I don't see the purpose of those username, user=, those are part of the command used for mounting a share, and are incomplete as they are now.

General tips:

1. Have you confirmed that your mvp does indeed have the correct time. You can do this by entering the mvp's ip into your browser, the status windows should have the time.

2. Telnet to your mvp and issue the following (root is the username asked for)

ls -lt /etc/dongle.config

If it isn't there it didn't load.

3. If you use the browser config to set the date and time do not use 0.3.3 use the nightlies or eventually 0.3.4 or higher.

4. If you have access to the Internet, change your server name to an Internet ntp server like time.nist.gov.

5. Don't save your config file with wordpad or notepad, I've been told some users have problems with the extra line feed characters that windows puts into files. If you must then I would avoid the semi-colons. If this fixes things let me know and I can update mvpmc.

Martin

Martin - Thanks for the tips. And you may be on to something.
After making absolutely sure I was looking at the correct IP address (it's 192.168.0.141 and I confirmed by looking at both my routers MAC addressing log and DVA's Messages log) I tried what you said. When I open a browser on any PC on my home network and try to surf to 192.168.0.141 or http://192.168.0.141 I get a Page Cannot Be Displayed or it tries for a while then times out. I also tried to telnet in (#2 on your list) and I do get:

Welcome to MediaMVP!
192.168.0.141 login:

I log in as root and it prompts:
BusyBox v1.1.3 (2006.10.22-15:48+0000) Built-in shell (ash)

Of course when I type ls -lt /etc/dongle.config , it returns:
ls: /etc/dongle.config: No such file or directory

So, your thoughts?
I can also tell you that overnight, the Messages log on DVA occasionally logs things like 'lost connection to 192.168.0.141 assuming it's gone dead' or 'found new device 192.168.0.141' and '... with known bad name of 192.168.0.141 changing it to 192_168_0_141' I can also tell you that whenever I try to stream something from the DVA / SERVER box to the MVP it works FLAWLESSLY, so I know DVA is keeping good tabs on MVP at least... but it does appear that the config file is not mine, but rather maybe a "default" ??? What should I try next my friend?

mvallevand

03-08-07, 09:41 AM

Martin - Thanks for the tips.
I get a Page Cannot Be Displayed
...
Of course when I type ls -lt /etc/dongle.config , it returns:
ls: /etc/dongle.config: No such file or directory
...
What should I try next my friend?

Hi ReplayMirsky.

I forget to mention that mvpmc has to turn off its default configuration web server while you run ReplayTV since part of the RTV protocol has its own web service. To do this you will need to exit the ReplayTV option to the mvpmc main menu.

Once there you should be able to change mvpmc's time setting using your browser. The default is North American Central Time. You should get the nightly build too because of time setting problems in 0.3.3

Assuming this all works and your access to DVArchives improves I can help you out loadind the dongle.bin.config on the other thread on Loading mvpmc Part II.

Unfortuntely I can't help you with problems on ReplayTV or DVArchive disconnecting, I don't use them.

Martin

ReplayMirsky

03-08-07, 08:58 PM

Hi ReplayMirsky.

I forget to mention that mvpmc has to turn off its default configuration web server while you run ReplayTV since part of the RTV protocol has its own web service. To do this you will need to exit the ReplayTV option to the mvpmc main menu.

Once there you should be able to change mvpmc's time setting using your browser. The default is North American Central Time. You should get the nightly build too because of time setting problems in 0.3.3

Assuming this all works and your access to DVArchives improves I can help you out loadind the dongle.bin.config on the other thread on Loading mvpmc Part II.

Unfortuntely I can't help you with problems on ReplayTV or DVArchive disconnecting, I don't use them.

Martin

*********************************
UPDATE BELOW - see asterisks like these
*********************************

OK, I did learn a few things tonight, and want to recap so we're on the same page all the way through. This may get a bit long, just trying to be thorough.

For starters, I still had Hauppauge's software and services running on my other XP box, so they are now 100% removed, services are gone, and that pc has been rebooted to make sure they're not running from there. I also set the DVArchive server to a static IP, as well as confirmed the static on my RTV unit, and I've updated the last line in my dongle.bin file to discover the correct IPs. So, a recap... my DVARCHIVE / REPLAYSERVER is 192.168.0.101, RTV 5040 is 192.168.0.121... here's where it gets a bit weird. I also tried to use the STATIC DHCP to map the MAC ADDRESS of the MediaMVP so it also gets the same IP, and turned OFF standard DHCP on my router... the MediaMVP never got past the initial blue hardware check screen. So, I have my router 192.168.0.1 set to issue DHCP with a range of 2 addresses (one for my wife's work laptop and one for the MediaMVP - now 192.168.0.141)
The CONFIG file is set to "discover" 0.121 (RTV) and 0.101 (DVA / SERVER)
I stopped the 2 MediaMVP services, rebooted the server, checked that both services were running, and plugged the MVP back in. It now grabs it's 0.141 IP address from the router, and *appears* to proceed as planned. It finds both BED ROOM (RTV 5040 with the correct IP) and REPLAYSERVER (also the right IP on the MVP menu screen when selected) but I GET THE SAME TIME CAN'T BE OFF MORE THAN 40 SECONDS message when I select BED ROOM.

****************
UPDATE
****************
WAIT A MINUTE: I just saw your newest post / email... didn't even notice that before. OK, now we're getting even farther along. Granted, I did have to kill off the old services on the other PC, but I just backed out of the Replay menu on MVP, then loaded the Media Center config IP into my browser:
System Time Wed Dec 31 18:09:32 1969

So, that'll do it... but how do I fix it on a more permanent basis, and WITHOUT having to log in every time I lose power, reboot, etc? Why isn't it reading my CONFIG file? What do you need to know, what should I try next, etc.?

ReplayMirsky

03-08-07, 09:14 PM

mvallevand

03-08-07, 09:21 PM

WAIT A MINUTE: I just saw your newest post / email... didn't even notice that before. OK, now we're getting even farther along. Granted, I did have to kill off the old services on the other PC, but I just backed out of the Replay menu on MVP, then loaded the Media Center config IP into my browser:
System Time Wed Dec 31 18:09:32 1969

So, that'll do it... but how do I fix it on a more permanent basis, and WITHOUT having to log in every time I lose power, reboot, etc? Why isn't it reading my CONFIG file? What do you need to know, what should I try next, etc.?

Sounds like you are close. Please review this thread for more information on the permanent solution and follow up with comments there, I'm trying to keep everything on loading the config file together.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=773490

Martin

mvallevand

03-08-07, 09:30 PM

1) When I do go to the MVP config from a browser, it of course does not have the proper line in the TIME ZONE field... so I replaced it, also added the time server IP address for time.nist.gov and hit the SET TIME button. It removes the plus sign from EST+5EDT and of course my time is set to five hours ahead of now. If I put a MINUS sign, it does ADD time to the clock, so instead of setting it for MAR 9 (tomorrow) 3:07:41 2007, it sets it for 8:07:41 2007, assuming I enter
EST-5EDT,M3.2.0/2,M11.1.0/2
into the top line. So, it won't actually let me set it for 10:PM because it won't take the +5, it keeps dropping the +

The + being removed is the bug I mentioned and is the reason you should use the nightly build. The -5 is actually relative to GMT and doesn't help you much.

2) How do I prove it's not even trying to use my dongle.bin CONFIG file, and once I prove that, how do I make it use that.

The ls -lt /etc/dongle.config you did yesterday is the proof that your dongle.bin.config isn't loading.

3) What syntax goes into that line to set the "Startup Item" as ReplayTV - did not know that was even an option and would save a step whenever the thing reboots.

See
http://www.mvpmc.org/replaytv/replaytv.html

Martin