Questions on DLink DSM-520 [Text View] - Page 4

jessenj

10-10-07, 11:23 AM

I have the latest Tversity running on my home PC and I'm sharing a folder with a bunch of divx and xvid movies that are standard files (divx 5.03 with 128k mp3 audio) and for some reason, when I try to play them with my 520 over HDMI via wired ethernet, the video plays fine, but the sound is pulsating. Kinda like when someone talks into a fan. I hear about a 1ms silence every other 1ms so although the sound is clear, its really annoying and choppy. I also notice that the sound is slowed down a bit.

I called D-Link and they told me that the behavior isn't normal and that I had a defective unit. So, back to BestBuy to exchange. Got the new unit home, and lo and behold - SAME DAMN THING!!!! I then upgraded the firmware to 1.04 just to be sure, and no difference.

PLEASE HELP!!!

I'm trying to play Elmo cartoons for my daughter who's driving me crazy chanting Elmo over and over and I am at my wits end.

Possible questions:

1. Could it have something to do with settings in Tversity? I get the same results using the Dlink Media Server
2. Could it have something to do with using HDMI as my connection for video and sound?
3. Does it sound like a network issue? I had an XBOX with XBMC previously in the place of the 520 before it burned out, and there was never a single issue.

Thanks in advance,

Jesse

daverdfw

10-15-07, 05:48 PM

ITS OUT! the automated firmware notification just popped up, i am upgrading now, will report back soon.

fccgrant

10-15-07, 06:02 PM

There isn't any new software to go with the new firmware 1.05. Nothing in the notes of what the change is to 1.05. Wonder if this is for the ActiveTV.

daverdfw

10-15-07, 06:15 PM

yes it adds a active-tv link on the main screen but you need to PC component,

daverdfw

10-15-07, 06:18 PM

here we go, i found this on their FTp

ftp://ftp.dlink.com/Medialounge/DSM520/Apps/dsm520_ActiveTV_setup.zip

fccgrant

10-15-07, 06:20 PM

Thanks, daverdfw. Just did the update as well. Software wasn't where I was expecting it.

fccgrant

10-15-07, 06:23 PM

and now the D-Link reflects the availability of ActiveTV software. Jeez...talk about cutting edge!

http://support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DSM%2D520

daverdfw

10-15-07, 06:41 PM

well i got it installed, everything seems to be working well, I am curious as to the other fixes in the firmware

fccgrant

10-15-07, 07:19 PM

Hmmm...the ActiveTV server software appears to be running but the DSM-520 isn't seeing it (or vice versa). Does an icon appear next to the clock like the older server software from D-Link did?

ptsenter

10-15-07, 08:12 PM

well i got it installed, everything seems to be working well, I am curious as to the other fixes in the firmware
Do you know if ActiveTV breaks other DirectShow software installed on your computer?
Thanks.

Aaron_LC

10-15-07, 08:19 PM

blueline

10-15-07, 08:32 PM

I have 104 FW installed and when I tell it to check for update, it says that I am running the latest FW. Any way to manually update the FW? I DL it from the ftp site.

Aaron_LC

10-15-07, 08:49 PM

If you have a thumb drive you could update it via the usb on the front by copying both the firmware file and the DSM520-VerInfo.txt to the root of the USB drive. Plug it in and it should tell you there is an update available.

-Aaron

blueline

10-15-07, 10:43 PM

Thanks Aaron_LC, you instructions worked flawlessly.

fccgrant

10-15-07, 10:50 PM

Grant, its a service running in the background you will not see any such icon. I would suggest going to Program Files > D-Link Active TV > Settings Manager. click the second tab and click the RESTART button the bottom right. If everything is working as normal it should have a GREEN box.

Not sure what is up. One of the first things I did was do what you suggested above. The DSM-520 will detect the old media server so I know the connection is good. Something strange here that I don't understand quite yet. All of the services required (upnp and the required dependencies) are all running.

Re-install and registry clean up didn't help.

skingery

10-16-07, 12:27 AM

So is ActiveTV something you run along side DLink Media Server 1.09 or does it replace it?

Downloading now...

daverdfw

10-16-07, 12:33 AM

So is ActiveTV something you run along side DLink Media Server 1.09 or does it replace it?

Downloading now...

no its just for the Active TV stuff, its a totally different app

blueline

10-16-07, 06:08 AM

I cant get active TV working either. 520 keeps saying no server found. Does windows media connect need to be running as well? Anyone know of some instructions on this?

fullwave2

10-16-07, 08:03 AM

Working fine for me on my 520. After doing the firmware upgrade I installed the application after downloading it from ftp://ftp.dlink.com/Medialounge/DSM5...veTV_setup.zip (ftp://ftp.dlink.com/Medialounge/DSM520/Apps/dsm520_ActiveTV_setup.zip). You have to have the Dlink server running first and then start the Active TV application. Took my 520 a minute to see the Active TV applicaiton running but once it did, it did a quick "log in" and validation and I was off and running. Slick application. It's a shame AOL Video doesn't work but that's an AOL thing according to the error. Took me a little time to get used to the interface. Initially you view videos in the small window as shown in the screen shots on the website but just pushing the pip button on the 520 remote takes you to full screen. And no, it didn't appear to break anything including my DirectShow codecs. So far, all is good. Sorry to say but I suspect it may be a bit of time before I use TVersity again. I think Dlink may have a winner here.
:)
FW2

demonstimpy

10-16-07, 08:06 AM

I cant get active TV working either. 520 keeps saying no server found. Does windows media connect need to be running as well? Anyone know of some instructions on this?

Me neither. My issue appears to be during the install that sharing to external devices will not work due to the install is on a domain. Oh boy. Bad bad.:mad:

fullwave2

10-16-07, 08:10 AM

aldamon

10-16-07, 08:17 AM

fullwave2

10-16-07, 08:21 AM

Yuck. :(
Doesn't mean you can't also run the TVersity server which I do as well. Just have to reselect the servers if you want to switch but as of this point the Active TV applicaiton only appears to run with the Dlink server running. I'm sure Ronen at some point will make the adjustment to TVersity to allow it to run with Dlink's flavor of Active TV.

fccgrant

10-16-07, 08:55 AM

You have to have the Dlink server running first and then start the Active TV application.
FW2

It would have been nice if it stated somewhere either in a readme file or on the support website. I think I spent 3 hours last night fiddling around trying to get it to work.

fullwave2

10-16-07, 09:03 AM

It would have been nice if it stated somewhere either in a readme file or on the support website. I think I spent 3 hours last night fiddling around trying to get it to work.

I guess so. I just stumbled upon this when troubleshooting why Active TV wouldn't work on it's own but glad it didn't take me 3 hours to figure it out. Particularly since I typically don't read readme files.
FW2

demonstimpy

10-16-07, 09:16 AM

So anyone else have their network set up as a domain and have this working?
I'll fiddle with it again when I get home from work. Just wondering though..........

10dulkar

10-16-07, 09:22 AM

hey guys

i use the windows media server with d-link. does anyone else do the same? is active tv running for u?

GregH

10-16-07, 11:22 AM

Also, there's a new feature in 1.05 that lets you resume playback on movie files. If you stop a file then go back to play it later it prompts you to resume (and will default to that if you don't select otherwise). For me that's a cool feature. Nothing else has jumped out at me yet.

I'm running my backend on a pretty slow computer maybe a P3-500 or something and it chokes pretty hard on ActiveTV. Sometime this weekend I'll probably bump it up to a beefier machine I have laying around.

For people that use Tversity they've had an updated version for the ActiveTV stuff for over a week, but I haven't tried it yet. It wasn't listed on their recent updates blog, but it was available under downloads.

JohninLA

10-16-07, 12:15 PM

i use the windows media server with d-link. does
anyone else do the same? is active tv running for u?

No, it looks like it will only appear when you have the D-Link server running.

k10ck3r

10-16-07, 12:28 PM

Aaron_LC

10-16-07, 01:16 PM

I found that you need to be running the Dlink Media Server first before starting up the Active TV application via the Dlink Active TV menu item. Once connected to the Dlink media service go to the Active TV menu item on your 520 screen. Initially it said no server found for me but after 5-10 seconds it appeared and allowed me to run Active TV on the 520.
Good luck.
FW2

This seems to be incorrect. I have installed Active TV on both my WinXP machine and my Vista machine neither of which had D-Link Media Server installed or running and both can stream to my DSM-520.

Can anyone ELSE confirm that the service began running once D-Link Media Server was running in the background? AFAIK the only requirements for this to work is WMP11 installed and .NET Framework 1.1 or higher.

-Aaron

domotang

10-16-07, 01:23 PM

I don't have D-Link Media Server installed on my system and Active-TV runs just fine.

I found that you need to be running the Dlink Media Server first before starting up the Active TV application via the Dlink Active TV menu item. Once connected to the Dlink media service go to the Active TV menu item on your 520 screen. Initially it said no server found for me but after 5-10 seconds it appeared and allowed me to run Active TV on the 520.
Good luck.
FW2

daverdfw

10-16-07, 01:28 PM

I dont have the Dlink server installed and Active-TV works fine, you do need Windows Media 11 tho, because it has to authorize the 520 to connect to Active TV. I use Twonky media on a Buffalo Linkstation Pro to stream my media and the resume feature works great as does the FF. Its also wired networking, before it was wireless and the FF didnt work so great.

domotang

10-16-07, 01:31 PM

V1.05 update has addressed the following (my findings so far);
1) FF/RW performs much better. Rewind no longer jumps forward.
2) Handles HD high bitrate content better.
3) Resume feature allowing a film to resume where it last stopped (GREAT ADDITION!!!)
4) Quicker navigation (I think).
5) Addition of Active-TV (I love it).

Has anyone seen release notes for the latest (1.05) firmware? The Active-TV feature is interesting, but I am still using firmware 1.02 due to the bugs with 1.03 and 1.04. Can anyone with 1.05 comment on whether or not some of the outstanding issues have been resolved with this latest firmware release? The main issues for me are:
1) Stuck album art
2) Single slow speed FF
3) Video restart on MPEG-2 following FF

Thanks.

10dulkar

10-16-07, 02:03 PM

so tell us more about active tv - do you like it? is it cool? can you watch youtube? what else can you watch?

thanks!

JohninLA

10-16-07, 02:10 PM

so tell us more about active tv - do you like it? is it cool? can you watch youtube? what else can you watch?

So far I've been able to search and find any You Tube I wanted. It plays fine, no problem. I have problems with the International video feeds. It seems to shut down, then tell me there's no media server. I've just started playing with it, so too early to tell, but You Tube worked perfectly. It looks like searches will only pull in a maximum of 100 results. Also, some of the videos I selected produced an error message that the user would only allow viewing from the web. If I wanted to view it, I would have to do so on my PC.

fullwave2

10-16-07, 03:08 PM

Pretty much the same experience for me. I suspect initially it'll be a novelty that'll probably wear off before long. It would be nice if the YouTube had features such as listing the "Most Viewed", etc such as TVersity does, or "Newly added" would be nice but maybe there's a way to do that and I havn't figured it out yet. Haven't seen the need yet for searching by "User". I guess you have to be pretty familiar with YouTube to be familiar with the Users and I'm not.
I found it a bit annoying that it would seem to want to go back to the default video which happened to be Reuters. Probably just a user error issue and once I get more familiar with the GUI it won't be an issue. I guess it's like anything new. Have to give it time.

aldamon

10-16-07, 03:58 PM

I just can't see myself watching YouTube videos on a 48" HDTV. Is there anything more compelling to watch?

fullwave2

10-16-07, 04:06 PM

I just can't see myself watching YouTube videos on a 48" HDTV. Is there anything more compelling to watch?

Actually yes. I found myself watching a George Carlin stand up act that I hadn't seen. The Comedy Channel has some pretty good things and they're "on demand". There's a pretty long list that covers a lot of interests. The list of "channels" can be seen here: http://www.dlink.com/activeTV/active-TV_listing.pdf
By the way.. I'm watching this on a 57" HDTV. ;)
Enjoy!

linuxdancer

10-16-07, 04:16 PM

Great, great, great! Being able to resume a video divx, wvm what have you just awesome. My music files are ogg vbr at 224kbs. They used to once in a while at the begging of the song maybe miss half a second of audio..... problem fixed. Not sure if I'll use Active TV...already have tivo which does a lot. But great job Dlink! Thank you!

blueline

10-16-07, 05:49 PM

fccgrant

10-16-07, 06:58 PM

Well I give up on this Active TV stuff. Im running XP SP2 with all updates, WMP11 is installed. The DLink Media server works perfect, but 520 still cant find server on ActiveTV.
Jim

Jim-

I'm having the same issue as well. Doesn't seem to matter (and I wouldn't expect that it would) whether the D-Link Media Server or Media Connect is running. I'll try a couple of things here to see if I can figure out what's going on. I suspect that you and I are having the same issue.

bill-m

10-16-07, 07:32 PM

Well I give up on this Active TV stuff. Im running XP SP2 with all updates, WMP11 is installed. The DLink Media server works perfect, but 520 still cant find server on ActiveTV. It has exception entries in windows firewall and the media lounge service is running and set to auto start. I dont have to have the actual ATV app running do I? I tried it with it running, and still no good. In the ATV settings manger, There is this small box that says click it to see status, and when I do, nothing happens. It looks grey to me, but I am slightly color blind. There has to be something I am missing. All help would be appreciated...I hate it when I cant figure something out.

I just installed Active TV. Here's a few things I've found out:

The actual PC program that serves up ActiveTV content is called MediaMallServer.exe. At installation. it's configured to run as a Windows service, starting automatically when Windows starts (even if noone logs in.)
The grey box means the ActiveTV (MediaMall) service isn't running. You can start it by clicking the restart button in the ActiveTV Settings manager or using the following from a command window: net start "MediaMall Server"
Make sure there are firewall exceptions for "MediaMall" and "MediaMall Server"
If it's still not working, use the ActiveTV Settings manager (advanced tab), select Enable Logging, and restart the service. Use the Open Log... button to examine the server.log file.

Bill

aldamon

10-16-07, 07:50 PM

Man, I have to eat some crow here. This Active-TV is pretty damn slick! It's a little laggy on wireless, but not bad at all for their first effort.

Now we need to get them to add a Netflix channel so we can stream our monthly download allotment through our MediaLounge.

djmoose

10-16-07, 08:01 PM

linuxdancer

10-16-07, 08:03 PM

Actually I take back what I said about maybe not using the active TV its actually quite cool. Running it on a P4 2.8ghz 512meg and it runs just fine. Also running it with Twonky.

Aaron_LC

10-16-07, 08:57 PM

Wow, I got an error message because my computer is a member of a domain...I wonder if this will be a problem.

Ohh, I can't even install it because my windows 2003 server doesn't have WMP 11 on it.

:-/

I do not believe the software can be installed as a domain currently. You would have to run as Local PC.

-Aaron

blueline

10-16-07, 09:07 PM

Bill-m,
all that u mentioned has been done, but no go. I just don't get it. Hell, I am an IT guy by day, so I know my way around PC's and networks...but this one has stomped me. :)

fccgrant

10-16-07, 10:11 PM

Bill-m,
all that u mentioned has been done, but no go. I just don't get it. Hell, I am an IT guy by day, so I know my way around PC's and networks...but this one has stomped me. :)

I wonder why some of us are having trouble getting this to work?

Setup
Windows XP Home Edition on 1.8 Ghz Intel / 512 Meg Ram
Connection is hardwired
Windows Media Player V11 re-installed
ActiveTV software re-installed
ZoneAlarm 7 (set to OFF)
Norton AV2005 (tried it disabled)

MediaMall Service is running
SSDP Discovery is running

Nothing in the logs that gives any indication why it is not working.

Able to share files with no problem with Windows Media Connect and D-Link Media Server 1.09.

No info is populated under HKLM -> Software -> Media Mall

Any experts want to share their registry info in this area?

fccgrant

10-16-07, 10:15 PM

One other thing...Step #5 does not the way it should at the link below.

http://support.dlink.com/faq/view.asp?prod_id=2884&question=DSM-520

ashwincr

10-16-07, 11:17 PM

has anyone installed this on a vista 64 machine? for me the installation errors out.

Kevin Gorski

10-16-07, 11:44 PM

has anyone installed this on a vista 64 machine? for me the installation errors out.
I just had the same error. Installation bombs out on both Vista 64 (Installation of Active-TV Server has failed. Setup will now exit.) and Windows Server 2003 32 bit SP2. Gah! And after I was finally to install WMP11 on 2003 as well. Instructions for Server 2003 WMP11 are here (http://www.msblog.org/index.php/2006/12/17/install-windows-media-player-11-on-windows-server-2003/) in case they can help someone.

Kevin Gorski

10-16-07, 11:53 PM

I just had the same error. Installation bombs out on both Vista 64 (Installation of Active-TV Server has failed. Setup will now exit.) and Windows Server 2003 32 bit SP2. Gah! And after I was finally to install WMP11 on 2003 as well. Instructions for Server 2003 WMP11 are here (http://www.msblog.org/index.php/2006/12/17/install-windows-media-player-11-on-windows-server-2003/) in case they can help someone.

Not looking good. These were in the event logs on the Vista and 2003 Server.

ashwincr

10-17-07, 12:17 AM

yes, that doesn't look good. so I guess there is not much we can do other than wait and hope d-link brings out a 64 bit version..

Aaron_LC

10-17-07, 12:29 AM

Yeah I believe the current software release was designed for winXP + vista 32bit. Baby steps.

-Aaron

k10ck3r

10-17-07, 12:57 AM

Has anyone seen release notes for the latest (1.05) firmware? The Active-TV feature is interesting, but I am still using firmware 1.02 due to the bugs with 1.03 and 1.04. Can anyone with 1.05 comment on whether or not some of the outstanding issues have been resolved with this latest firmware release? The main issues for me are:
1) Stuck album art
2) Single slow speed FF
3) Video restart on MPEG-2 following FF

Thanks.

Ok, I tried it out and this is what I've found.
1) With this firmware, I get no album art at all, let alone have it get stuck...
2) This firmware still has a single speed FF which is quite slow...
3) This one seems to be fixed!

So, thats 1 for 3 .... bummer....

daverdfw

10-17-07, 01:13 AM

I believe the Active-Tv software is written by AMD as I downloaded a copy from their site, the dlink is identical except it has the dlink graphics on it.

TwinTurboMike

10-17-07, 01:24 AM

I just downloaded Active_TV Setup and it gives me an error: "The installation of Active-TV Server has failed. Setup will now exit."

I am running Windows XP 64 Bit Edition on a dual processor (not dual core) Sun Ultra40 Workstation. Anyone else seeing this error or have successfully installed on a 64 bit machine?

Mike

tatanka01

10-17-07, 07:05 AM

I wonder why some of us are having trouble getting this to work?

Setup
Windows XP Home Edition on 1.8 Ghz Intel / 512 Meg Ram
Connection is hardwired
Windows Media Player V11 re-installed
ActiveTV software re-installed
ZoneAlarm 7 (set to OFF)
Norton AV2005 (tried it disabled)

MediaMall Service is running
SSDP Discovery is running

Nothing in the logs that gives any indication why it is not working.

Able to share files with no problem with Windows Media Connect and D-Link Media Server 1.09.

No info is populated under HKLM -> Software -> Media Mall

Any experts want to share their registry info in this area?

Have you guys tried it with the ActiveTV app actually running on the PC? I don't mean as a service, but on the screen and "in your face?" That seems to have done part of the trick here.

I run McAfee stuff, and I think the firewall asked for authorization 2-3 times bringing this up. It might be worth disabling any/all firewall stuff to start.

I've only had about 15 minutes to play here, but it all seems to work according to what others have posted here, right down to the broken album art.

fccgrant

10-17-07, 08:50 AM

I believe the Active-Tv software is written by AMD as I downloaded a copy from their site, the dlink is identical except it has the dlink graphics on it.

All I saw on AMD's website is the simulator. Do you know of a version that actually is a server by AMD?

fccgrant

10-17-07, 08:56 AM

Have you guys tried it with the ActiveTV app actually running on the PC? I don't mean as a service, but on the screen and "in your face?" That seems to have done part of the trick here.

I can play videos all day long on the PC using the D-Link Active TV app. The UPnP never comes up on the D-Link Active TV App. The server log file shows no error messages so I'm at a loss. The debug log file does not appear to be useful for the end user as it looks encrypted.

JohninLA

10-17-07, 12:10 PM

A side issue I have been having with my D-Link software. I hope someone can help me with it.

I added a new folder and music to my library. However, I cannot get the D-Link media server to recognize this folder and any of the music in it. I have over 20 mp3 files in this folder, yet the folder and files cannot be seen in the D-Link Media Server. It also cannot be seen on my PC MediaLounger software under Media Files. TVersity and WMP finds them without a problem.

My music directory is standard under my PC name, Documents/Music. I have over 70 folders with mp3 files in them. All of these can be seen, no problem. Yet, the newest folder, which I labeled Various Artists, with different mp3's of many different artists, taken from all different cd's I own, cannot be seen.

I've made sure the folder is shared, I've refreshed the folder many times, and even added this folder separately to my Shared Folder in D-Link's media server, nothing. This folder will not show up.

I just upgraded to the latest software and upgraded the firmware on my machine. No difference.

Any further suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks!

Aaron_LC

10-17-07, 12:49 PM

JohninLA

10-17-07, 01:49 PM

Vista or XP? if its vista make sure before you add your directories that your running as administrator. If it is not showing up under the Media Files tab then the database is not being written to the primary hard drive. Vista blocks this without running as admin but WinXP should not.

Thanks Aaron, I am running Vista Premium. I am still getting the hang of Vista, but if is Vista's blocking, why only this folder? All other folders in this file show, and TVersity and Windows Media Player find it and update it when I add new music. It's only D-Link's media server that can't see or update it.

Now that I look closer, my photo folder is not updating either. I have all my photos in a general PHOTO folder, similar to the MUSIC, and I add new photos by Month, as October 2007. I checked and none of the photos I've added recently show up in the D_Link server. They do show in TVersity.

It seems for some reason, the D_Link media server will not update the files. Any idea why they would show in one server but not the other?

Thanks.

ptsenter

10-17-07, 02:29 PM

One other thing...Step #5 does not the way it should at the link below.

http://support.dlink.com/faq/view.asp?prod_id=2884&question=DSM-520Rebooting DSM-520 after installing Active-TV solved my problem and step 5 went as described. Post your log file.

Aaron_LC

10-17-07, 04:50 PM

Thanks Aaron, I am running Vista Premium. I am still getting the hang of Vista, but if is Vista's blocking, why only this folder? All other folders in this file show, and TVersity and Windows Media Player find it and update it when I add new music. It's only D-Link's media server that can't see or update it.

Now that I look closer, my photo folder is not updating either. I have all my photos in a general PHOTO folder, similar to the MUSIC, and I add new photos by Month, as October 2007. I checked and none of the photos I've added recently show up in the D_Link server. They do show in TVersity.

It seems for some reason, the D_Link media server will not update the files. Any idea why they would show in one server but not the other?

Thanks.

The database is stored in your primary drives System folder. Vista is very picky about what it lets be written to the drive on those folders. And to make it clear I don't just mean running Vista on an administrator account but make sure you right click the D-link media server and choose run as administrator or right click and set it to always open as administrator. Vista just has so many new changes that can affect products like these but it is getting better. Also as a side note if you do end up running Active TV it also has a UPNP server hooked into it so if you got to the settings manager under program files you can share your files out that way as well and access them in the Active TV UI on your DSM-520.

-Aaron

JohninLA

10-17-07, 05:35 PM

And to make it clear I don't just mean running Vista on an administrator account but make sure you right click the D-link media server and choose run as administrator or right click and set it to always open as administrator.

Thank you Aaron, this seemed to have done the trick. The files are showing now. I appreciate your detailed help! I owe you one!

John

Kevin Gorski

10-17-07, 07:44 PM

md3law

10-17-07, 09:09 PM

The new firmware is wokring great.. i can now play all my media files from UPNP NAS HP Mediavault without any issues.. the new active-TV work on first try but i can oly see half of the imported screen on my 42" Plazma... not sure what the issue is.. if i hit setup on my remote it adjust for a second.. any advise/ideas..?

Thanks in advance

mike_in_nyc

10-17-07, 09:55 PM

Currently I'm running FW 1.02 on my DSM-520. I have a Lacie edmini NAS which serves my video and music to the Dlink. I had tried FW 1.04 but had many xvids with out of sync audio so I went back to FW 1.02. I don't use Dlinks server program because I'm using a Mac.

Just want to find out, will the new firmware work for me? I am particularly interested in being able to stop a video and restart from that point. Have the issues with out of sync audio on xvids been solved?

Thanks

BrianinColorado

10-17-07, 10:04 PM

mike_in_nyc

10-17-07, 10:24 PM

Mike in NY, I'm on a mac too. Using EyeConnect. What are you using?

Anyway, yes, 1.05 fixes sync after pause in xvid and dvix. HD divx files play great now, too.

I tried the Active TV on a spare PC I have laying around. It would not play full screen on my projector. Also, there wasn't really anything to watch. You have segments of shows, segments of news, pay to watch movies that are too blurry anyway, and a bunch of YouTube knock-off stuff. -brian

Hi Brian. I use the DSM-520 for videos and music. I have a Lacie EDmini 500GB gigabit NAS which has Twonky media integrated into the drive. I like this setup since I don't need to use my computer to serve media. My daughter uses the DSM-520 to watch her videos on most days so I really like not having my computer in-between. I'm using a MBP SR to rip videos and music from my collection. I used to use a PC as a server but I like this setup much better.

Its good to hear that the sync issue has been resolved for FW 1.05. I tried FW 1.04 and really liked the feature of incrementally stepping through the video by hitting 1 to 9 on the remote. I believe the FF/Rev function was better on 1.04. The syncing issue was a real problem for me since most of my daughters videos seemed to be out of sync.

Do you have any idea if the D-Link software on a PC is required to get the resume from stop feature that I've read about above? That sounds great.

Thanks
Mike

sebw7561

10-18-07, 08:56 AM

When I tried to install Active_TV Setup on my XP Home based machine, it gave me an error: "The installation of Active-TV Server has failed. Setup will now exit.".

I had to totally disable my firewall software (F-Secure) before it would install.

aagha

10-18-07, 10:19 AM

domotang, did you find this list somewhere, or put it together on your own?

V1.05 update has addressed the following (my findings so far);
1) FF/RW performs much better. Rewind no longer jumps forward.
2) Handles HD high bitrate content better.
3) Resume feature allowing a film to resume where it last stopped (GREAT ADDITION!!!)
4) Quicker navigation (I think).
5) Addition of Active-TV (I love it).

tonedeafdan

10-18-07, 11:25 AM

I want to thank whoever suggested using a flash drive to upgrade to new firmware. It worked perfectly. I didn't even have to power cycle the 520; when I plugged the flash drive in I immediately got a popup saying there was new firmware available. It asked me if I wanted to download it, which was a little confusing, but when I said yes it immediatley read it from the flash drive. Sure beats having to set up an FTP server.

aagha

10-18-07, 11:30 AM

Where are the server logs? I've been looking for where the logs for installation are (I get a failure when I try to install). Thx in advance.

I can play videos all day long on the PC using the D-Link Active TV app. The UPnP never comes up on the D-Link Active TV App. The server log file shows no error messages so I'm at a loss. The debug log file does not appear to be useful for the end user as it looks encrypted.

aagha

10-18-07, 11:38 AM

This is a feature of the new 1.05 firmware, not the D-Link PC software. If you download the new firmware (via the setup->version), you should have this feature after the restart. Good luck! :-)

Do you have any idea if the D-Link software on a PC is required to get the resume from stop feature that I've read about above? That sounds great.

JohninLA

10-18-07, 12:03 PM

Hello, it's me again. This time I am having a problem getting the new Active TV feature to work with my system.

I have installed all new firmware and desktop server software. I d/l'd and installed the Active TV software, and can run it on my desktop. When first installing it, I was able to run it on my 520, but after that first time, I can no longer access any features of Active TV. I get to the part where it logs into Active TV, which it appears to do fine, then gets to "Loading Information from Active TV pc...." and sits there, it won't go any further.

I have given D-link and Active TV all permissions in Vista, or I think I have. I even turned my firewall off, and nothing. I tried have the Active TV running on my desktop at the same time, which is annoying as you can't turn the video off, but it doesn't make a difference on my 520.

I have uninstalled, reinstalled, and still nothing. I have rebooted, restarted, powered everything down, nothing.

What do I need to do to get this running again? Other features, including serving music, photos, and internet radio all work like normal on the 520, just not the Active TV feature.

I'd appreciate any help.

John

cotdom

10-18-07, 12:57 PM

"the new active-TV work on first try but i can oly see half of the imported screen on my 42" Plazma... not sure what the issue is.. if i hit setup on my remote it adjust for a second.. any advise/ideas..? "

I have the same problem. HDMI cable, large screen. The screen is blown up, can see only about half the right side... Like its the wrong resolution or something...

Anyone who has an Idea, I would appreciate!

fccgrant

10-18-07, 01:03 PM

Where are the server logs? I've been looking for where the logs for installation are (I get a failure when I try to install). Thx in advance.

If a log file was generated it would be in Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/MediaMall. Note that Application Data is a hidden folder.

Daranman

10-18-07, 04:03 PM

In the previous versions, I noticed that mp3s started playing a split second late into the song, especially with my Iomega StorCenter served songs, but its better now, coming in just before the audio starts. I think D-link previously denied this, but its better now, so I'm happy. Most of my xvid videos are now sych'ned, where they weren't in 1.04.

I was able to install the Active-TV on my XP 32-bit machine, without the D-link media server. It's old (800mhz), but I wonder if the server would work better if it was on a faster machine, as I notice a lot of latency in loading. I'd rather not put it on my other, faster machine, 'just because'.

Aaron_LC

10-18-07, 05:57 PM

JohninLA

10-18-07, 06:13 PM

John,

There are only a couple things that could affect Active TV not being seen.

1. It does not support PC's on a domain. If you are on a domain the server will not work properly.

2. PC has not been rebooted after install.

It is quite odd that it worked at first and then stopped working even after reinstalls and reboot.

Is your status box green or grey? Have you tried opening the settings manager and clicking the restart option?

1. I'm not sure what it means that my pc is on a domain. Since I'm not sure what that means, I'm probably not.

2. I have rebooted several times. I've also looked for every possible place to give Active TV and MediaMall permissions on my pc.

It definitely worked initially as I was watching You Tube videos after it was first installed.

The status box in the settings manager is showing green. I've restarted it several times. One thing I did do, probably a mistake, was hit the reset button in the settings manager. I then reset all my folders, and nothing.

Now I am getting an error that the "Active TV PC has not authorized this machine, Go to your pc and authorize Active TV" or something to that effect. What that means I have no idea.

All other functions music, photos seem to be working.

Very frustrating!

Thanks

Aaron_LC

10-18-07, 06:29 PM

aagha

10-18-07, 06:30 PM

It seems like Active-TV Server just doesn't want to install on my XP Pro sp2. The process runs for a minute, and then I get:

D-Link Active TV Online
The installation of Active-TV Server has failed. Setup will now exit.

After it fails, I look at the log file (thanks fccgrant) at D:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MediaMall\install.log , and I see the following in it:

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSIF6F.tmp) 10/18/2007 18:23:54 *****
/prepinstall
10/18/2007 18:23:54.468: Stopping MediaMall Server...
10/18/2007 18:23:54.468: Error stopping MediaMall Server: Service MediaMall Server was not found on computer '.'.
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSIF73.tmp) 10/18/2007 18:24:07 *****
/install /wcs
10/18/2007 18:24:09.484: Running TsSetup.exe /install /nodemo
10/18/2007 18:24:17.687: Using DirectoryEntry from machine: SUNTZU-KSM
10/18/2007 18:24:20.453: Installation completed successfully.
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSIF7C.tmp) 10/18/2007 18:24:59 *****
/uninstall /wcs
10/18/2007 18:24:59.781: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall
10/18/2007 18:25:00.062: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall again...
10/18/2007 18:25:00.281: Deleting HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService: Group
10/18/2007 18:25:00.625: Unable to delete MediaMall directory: System.IO.IOException: The process cannot access the file "install.log" because it is being used by another process.
at System.IO.Directory.DeleteHelper(String fullPath, String userPath, Boolean recursive)
at System.IO.Directory.Delete(String fullPath, String userPath, Boolean recursive)
at c.a()
10/18/2007 18:25:00.625: Uninstall completed successfully.
Exiting with code 0

I made sure I:

1. Turned off the Windows fire-wall (no other fire-wall running)
2. Have Windows Media Player 11 (specricially 11.0.5721.5230)
3. Turned off Symantec AntiVirus
4. Have .NET installed (1.1, the 1.1 Hotfix and 2.0)

Any idea what's wrong and what may be wrong or what I can be done to fix this?

If a log file was generated it would be in Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/MediaMall. Note that Application Data is a hidden folder.

Aaron_LC

10-18-07, 06:35 PM

aagha,

Try the following steps.

1. Uninstall Active TV.
2. open services.msc from Start > run, and check to see if the Media Mall service is present. If its present make sure to right click on it and choose stop.
3. Open explorer and go to Program Files\MediaMall
4. Delete the folder and all its contents.
5. Run activetvsetup.exe again.
6. Once it has installed(make sure there are NO errors), Reboot your PC.
7. Open services.msc once again and verify that the MediaMall server is Started. If it is not right click and choose start.
8. If you made it this far you should be good to go but to verify, open Programs > D-Link Active TV, Settings Manager and verify the box is green showing that it is active.

*Edit* Also verify there are not two folders of MediaMall installed.

-Aaron

aagha

10-18-07, 07:01 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. See below:

1. Uninstall Active TV.

There's nothing to uninstall--I never seem to make it that far.

2. open services.msc from Start > run, and check to see if the Media Mall service is present. If its present make sure to right click on it and choose stop.

Checked services.msc, and there's no Media Mall service present

3. Open explorer and go to Program Files\MediaMall
4. Delete the folder and all its contents.
5. Run activetvsetup.exe again.
6. Once it has installed(make sure there are NO errors), Reboot your PC.
7. Open services.msc once again and verify that the MediaMall server is Started. If it is not right click and choose start.
8. If you made it this far you should be good to go but to verify, open Programs > D-Link Active TV, Settings Manager and verify the box is green showing that it is active.

I guess after the 2nd item, I can't do any of this.

*Edit* Also verify there are not two folders of MediaMall installed.

Verified. Thre's only one in "D:Documents and Settings" (I'm not clear on why its using this and not "C:Documents and Settings").

JohninLA

10-18-07, 07:25 PM

Actually thats a good error :). It is just lik WMP11 when authorizing to play protected content. In your bottom right hand corner of your taskbar, you should see a UPNP icon(looks like a computer monitor with a blueish screen). Click on the icon and it should authorize your DSM-520 to connect to Active TV.

*EDIT*,

P.S, check out Step #5 http://www.support.dlink.com/faq/view.asp?prod_id=2884&question=DSM-520

Has a screenshot of the icon in the corner.

Hmmm, getting closer, but I don't have that icon in my taskbar. I searched Vista, and can't seem to find a way to bring it up. I tried starting Active TV on my 520, then ran to see if the icon opened waiting for activation, but nothing. No way to activate it. I'll keep playing around, but I'm getting ready to give up! :confused:

Aaron_LC

10-18-07, 07:50 PM

keith_dyke@hotma

10-18-07, 08:04 PM

fccgrant

10-18-07, 10:02 PM

OK...I have discovered the following...

I installed ActiveTV on my laptop which is running Win XP Pro SP2. My issue with the software is that it is not running is on Win XP Home SP2. A service called Be Twin Terminal Services is running on the Pro system but not on the Home system. The question I have now is are others who are having an issue similar to mine also running Home Edition?

In a nutshell...ActiveTV will not run the UPnP will not run on the Windows XP Home Edition. Disabling firewalls and anti-virus will not resolve the issue. The box is always gray. A connection gives a green box, a disconnect is a red box.

linuxdancer

10-18-07, 11:55 PM

I have a 520 and with active TV etc. I have read throught the thread here and I see that some people say that they can play VOB files and that the general agreement is that IFO files are not supported. Can somebody please let me know how I can get VOB files on the 520 as my machine does not display them. I can see other encoded files but VOB and IFO are nowhere to be seen :-(

I am using a wired link to my Router which has attached HD and also my PC.

Thanks

Keith
keith_dyke:

You might try changing the vob ext to something that is recognized. my-movie.mpg should work I would think. There is also some programs out there that you can use to join the vob's if you look around.

Kevin Gorski

10-18-07, 11:55 PM

Are you using the Dlink Media Server? Make sure you are detecting them in the properties, and that you have the path in for where they are located under SHARED FOLDERS. See the screen shot for the VOB selection you need checked. VOB work great on mine. Most of them are > 4GB.

Borgstrand

10-19-07, 06:57 AM

I found a "simple" way to upgrade a EU version of the DSM-520 to the US version. No need to setup a FTP server or other complicated things....

You only need the remote control to the DSM-520 and a computer that can connect with Telnet to the DSM-520.

Here is how I "upgraded" my EU box with the US software:
1. Go to the Setup screen in the DSM-520.
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-5
4. Change from EU to US on "Model Number"
5. Save and the DSM-520 will restart
6. Go to the Setup screen again
7. Choose Version
8. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
9. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520
10. Save and restart the DSM-520.
11. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.05 software and install it.

(One or more times during the above process you have to reconfigure the IP settings in the DSM-520 because it will be automaticly changed)

The DSM-520 is now in "NTSC mode", change this to PAL by doing the following:
1. Go to the Setup screen again
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-2 (Starts the Telnet deamon in DSM520)
4. From a computer open a telnet session to the IP address on the DSM-520.
5. Give the following commands in Telnet:
# cfg -conf_change CONFIG_DMA_ENABLE_PAL 1
# cfg -conf_change NTSC_OR_PAL PAL
# cfg -save
6. Turn of the DSM-520 and the start it again.

You now have a DSM-520eu version with US software.

I have now been running this for a few days and have not seen any problems so far.

JulesHartley

10-19-07, 11:19 AM

Sorry if this has already been asked but I'm reasearching getting a NAS (looking at the linkstation live) to drive media.

Will the linkstation stream to the D-Link? I know you can hack it to drive a squeezebox but not sure about the D-link...

Thanks

JohninLA

10-19-07, 12:37 PM

John,

A quick way to bring it up again would probably be reset the DSM-520 to defaults. There is a 'activation key' stored on the DSM-520 after its authorized to keep that box from coming up every time. If you failed to authorize it the first time it came up perhaps it does not come up again even after reboots but I would have to check. Resetting the DSM-520 to defaults will wipe out the old key and give you a new key causing the activation prompt to come up again.

-Aaron

P.S. if you do end up resetting it and your using HDMi make sure you hit the video out key to switch back to HDMI after :).

Thanks again Aaron, but no go. I went to the 520, hit system reset, re-entered all my info and keys, and got the Congratulations and welcome to Medialounge. I hit Active TV, and get the message to authorize, but immediately, I get a message that I didn't authorize, and I should reinstall Active TV. No time to even get to my pc, and no icon like you mentioned ever shows on my system to authorize the device. I enabled logging, and here's what's showing in the upnp log:

***** MediaMallServer: Starting 10/19/2007 09:31:35.478 version 2.5.2838.39476 *****
10/19/2007 09:31:35.491 MediaMallServer: Could not find a part of the path 'C:\ProgramData\MediaMall\Media'.
10/19/2007 09:31:35.495 MediaMallServer: Creating named pipe
10/19/2007 09:31:35.522 MediaMallServer: Listening on PIPE...
10/19/2007 09:31:35.675 MediaMallServer: Username = SYSTEM (S-1-5-18)
10/19/2007 09:31:36.751 MediaMallDevice: Local IPEndPoint: 192.168.0.138:62398
10/19/2007 09:31:36.751 MediaMallDevice: Local IPEndPoint: 127.0.0.1:62398
10/19/2007 09:31:36.752 MediaMallServer: UPnP MediaMallServer running (JOHN-PC)
10/19/2007 09:31:36.845 DeviceManager: UPnP DeviceAdded: 2424016, My Media Player
10/19/2007 09:31:37.506 SharedMediaManager: Loaded media info database: 6768 [C:\ProgramData\MediaMall\mms.2.5.2838.39476.bin]
10/19/2007 09:31:37.512 SharedMediaManager: Adding directory: C:\Users\John\Music\
10/19/2007 09:31:37.513 SharedMediaManager: Adding directory: C:\Users\John\Pictures\
10/19/2007 09:31:40.665 MediaMallServer: <-> WTS: Session 0, = WTSDisconnected
10/19/2007 09:31:40.666 MediaMallServer: <-> WTS: Session 1, John = WTSActive
10/19/2007 09:31:40.667 MediaMallServer: <-> WTS: Session 65536, = WTSDown
10/19/2007 09:31:40.668 MediaMallServer: <-> WTS: Session 65537, = WTSListen

Does any of this give any further info on what the problem might be? Again, I completely opened my firewall and no difference.

Thanks again for all your help!

robjamell

10-19-07, 01:15 PM

Background: For years I have been using a hack that allows XPpro to have concurrent users logged in.

So I downloaded the firmware for active-tv. When trying to run active-tv it says it needs authorization. According to dlink tech support, there should be a balloon that pops up to click for authorization. It does not.

Out of desperation, I reinstalled active-tv and after I rebooted, it still did not authorize and now I am unable to have concurrent users. I uninstalled active-tv and that did not help. So I went back to a restore point before active-tv installation and it is now fine.

I went to another computer(my laptop) and installed active-tv and the dsm520 works fine with it. I got the balloon and it authorized.

The question is, how do I have active-tv installed on my main computer and not lose my concurrent users capability?

Thanks in advance.

aagha

10-19-07, 01:20 PM

...I installed ActiveTV on my laptop which is running Win XP Pro SP2. My issue with the software is that it is not running is on Win XP Home SP2. A service called Be Twin Terminal Services is running on the Pro system but not on the Home system. The question I have now is are others who are having an issue similar to mine also running Home Edition?

Do you mean its not running after its installed, or you can't even get it to install?

I have Win XP Pro (sp2), and can't even get Active-TV to install. Keep getting a failure.

aldamon

10-19-07, 01:20 PM

The question is, how do I have active-tv installed on my main computer and not lose my concurrent users capability?

Isn't the "authorization" process related to DRM? If so, I doubt a concurrent user hack would ever work with Active-TV.

Anyway, you guys aren't really missing much here. I thought it was cool for about 2 hours until I remembered I could just watch this content on my computer without the laggy interface. YMMV.

robjamell

10-19-07, 01:24 PM

Isn't the "authorization" process related to DRM? If so, I doubt a concurrent user hack would ever work with Active-TV.

Anyway, you guys aren't really missing much here. I thought it was cool for about 2 hours until I remembered I could just watch this content on my computer without the laggy interface. YMMV.
I am not very technical so I am unsure. I know that DRM stands for Digital Rights Manager, but that is about it.

I don't fully understand where the problem comes in. Before installing Active-tv, I could log-in 3+users at a time to XPpro. After installing Active-tv, even with the DSM-520 off and not manually openint active-tv window, concurrent users does not work.

Please stick with me and try to help as I hate to not be able to use active-tv and I have to have concurrent users as all I have throughout my house is thin clients that access my "server"

Thanks

aldamon

10-19-07, 01:27 PM

I am not very technical so I am unsure. I know that DRM stands for Digital Rights Manager, but that is about it.

I don't fully understand where the problem comes in. Before installing Active-tv, I could log-in 3+users at a time to XPpro. After installing Active-tv, even with the DSM-520 off and not manually openint active-tv window, concurrent users does not work.

Please stick with me and try to help as I hate to not be able to use active-tv and I have to have concurrent users as all I have throughout my house is thin clients that access my "server"

Thanks

DRM is Digital Rights Management, and it's how content providers control how customers watch/listen to their content. Allowing multiple people access to a single Windows install and therefore access to the DRMd content would be unacceptable.

Seriously though. Active-TV isn't all that great. Don't worry about it.

robjamell

10-19-07, 01:29 PM

DRM is Digital Rights Management, and it's how content providers control how customers watch/listen to their content. Allowing multiple people access to a single Windows install and therefore access to the DRMd content would be unacceptable.

Seriously though. Active-TV isn't all that great. Don't worry about it.
Wonder why it works fine without active-tv, meaning I can access live365 and other things. I actually like the active-tv mainly for my fantasy football and some european car shows.

aldamon

10-19-07, 01:33 PM

Wonder why it works fine without active-tv, meaning I can access live365 and other things. I actually like the active-tv mainly for my fantasy football and some european car shows.

If that's so, then I don't know. When the TVersity developer said Active-TV broke a lot things, I assumed it was kind of a sloppy program. A concurrent users hack might be something else it broke. Shoot an E-mail to the Active-TV developers and see what they say.

aagha

10-19-07, 01:34 PM

...
***** MediaMallServer: Starting 10/19/2007 09:31:35.478 version 2.5.2838.39476 *****...

Hi John -- I'm piggy-backing off your quote to help solve my problem (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11948467#post11948467). I hope you don't mind.

Per your posting, it seems the version of MediaMallServer you're running is 2.5.2838.39476. However, when I do my install, the version my MediaMallSetup.exe posts to the log file is 2.5.2838.545. I don't know what version of server I have because my installation always ends with a failure and nothing ever gets installed.

Q1. I'm wondering why we have different versions, or, since these are the installer and server, are they supposed to be seperate version numbers?

Q2. Is it because I have some other (newer?) version that the install isn't working on my XP Pro (sp2)?

I've checked that I'm running WMP 11, have the .NET Framework (tried to upgrade to v3 last night with no luck), and made sure all firewalls and virus protection are off for the install.

Could folks that have Active-TV working on XP Pro (sp2) let me know:

1. In the log file, which version of the installer do you have?
2. Is the installer version different from the server you have running (is it the same as John's: 2.5.2838.39476)?
3. Which version of .NET Framework are you running?

Anyone have any further suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

robjamell

10-19-07, 01:35 PM

Thanks a ton. Do you have an email for the developers?

aldamon

10-19-07, 01:41 PM

Thanks a ton. Do you have an email for the developers?

active.tv@amd.com

JohninLA

10-19-07, 01:53 PM

Hi John -- I'm piggy-backing off your quote to help solve my problem (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11948467#post11948467). I hope you don't mind.

Per your posting, it seems the version of MediaMallServer you're running is 2.5.2838.39476. However, when I do my install, the version my MediaMallSetup.exe posts to the log file is 2.5.2838.545. I don't know what version of server I have because my installation always ends with a failure and nothing ever gets installed.

Q1. I'm wondering why we have different versions, or, since these are the installer and server, are they supposed to be seperate version numbers?

No problem aagha, it looks like many of us have problems with this software.

Here's from the install log of my last attempt to install:

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\Windows\Installer\MSI5263.tmp) 10/19/2007 09:58:21 *****
/prepuninstall
10/19/2007 09:58:21.941: Stopping MediaMall Server
10/19/2007 09:58:21.947: Error stopping MediaMall Server: Cannot stop MediaMall Server service on computer '.'.
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\Windows\Installer\MSI6862.tmp) 10/19/2007 09:58:27 *****
/uninstall /wcs /partial
10/19/2007 09:58:27.458: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall
10/19/2007 09:58:28.400: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall again...
10/19/2007 09:58:28.909: Deleting HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService: Group
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\Windows\Installer\MSIDC20.tmp) 10/19/2007 09:58:57 *****
/postinstall
Exiting with code 0

The log I posted earlier was from the server.log. Above is posted from the install log. As you can see, it is using the same version .545, that you are using. I read here earlier that having the TVersity server running, it could cause problems, so I made sure I shut it down before starting Active TV, it didn't matter.

I wrote D-Link Tech Support 2 days ago about my problems, and haven't heard anything. Very frustrating.

chris98007

10-19-07, 01:53 PM

So i have had the 520 for a few days. Everything went well. I have one problem/question.

I have been doing everything in xvid/divx which to me is fine quality. However i have this in my bedroom and the wife likes her quiet sleep! This forces me to use subtitles/closed captions for viewing.

I do not want to go the route of perminent subs. I thought ISO was the way to go, but as far as i know 520 does not play ISO.

If i rip everything to 1 vob will that give me selectable subs? How can i get selectable subs??? Driving me crazy.

aldamon

10-19-07, 01:55 PM

If i rip everything to 1 vob will that give me selectable subs? How can i get selectable subs??? Driving me crazy.

Headphones? Otherwise I believe you're out of luck.

Or try this:

http://www.twonkyforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=12019&sid=ffd07f92546e4e12b2b3fdebaa625082

Don't know if it will help you, but I had problems with subtitles on my DSM-520. Got around the problem by saving the srt's as UTF-8 instead of ANSI. It works OK now. I should mention that I DON'T use Twonky... it's connected to the Dlink media server that comes with the product.

aagha

10-19-07, 02:08 PM

No problem aagha, it looks like many of us have problems with this software.
...
The log I posted earlier was from the server.log. Above is posted from the install log. As you can see, it is using the same version .545, that you are using. I read here earlier that having the TVersity server running, it could cause problems, so I made sure I shut it down before starting Active TV, it didn't matter.

I wrote D-Link Tech Support 2 days ago about my problems, and haven't heard anything. Very frustrating.

Thanks John. I don't even get a server.log (I guess that gets created after its up and running). So you've validated that the version of the installer is the same, and I suspect if I could get my Active-TV to run, it would be the same as yours.

Re writing D-Link Tech Support, I think that account may be going straight to /dev/null (trash). I've sent two questions there and never heard back.

I did just sit on the phone for the last 40 minutes and get to their "level 3" support and chat with a friendly chap who I sent an e-mail to about this thread and he now knows about this board and thread. He said he'd look into this problem. He says he'll call back early next week and let me know what he's learned. I told him if I didn't hear back by Wed. I'd post his e-mail to this board so everyone and their mother could inundate his e-mail for help. :-)

Tech issue asside, D-Link ought to give some thought to creating an on-line (bug) ticket system where people could submit issues they're having with their software. It would be good to know that my issue has a number and someone is looking at it!

aagha

10-19-07, 02:14 PM

I do not want to go the route of perminent subs. I thought ISO was the way to go, but as far as i know 520 does not play ISO.

Hi Chris, I believe the DSM-520 does support ISO. I watched Babel (.avi) last week and the subtitles came up on the 520 just fine! The folder did have a .iso file in it, and though I've not played the .avi on its own (with the .iso file removed), I'm nearly certain .iso is supported.

I'm ready to eat crow though, if necessary.

aldamon

10-19-07, 02:31 PM

I'm nearly certain .iso is supported.

I'm ready to eat crow though, if necessary.

If it does, it's something new. The 520 has never supported ISOs.

chris98007

10-19-07, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the response. For me, converting everything onto a hard drive is time consuming enough that doing srts for all of my movies will take way to long.

hmmm. maybe 520 is not going to work. I will check out the link.

chris98007

10-19-07, 02:58 PM

i did a iso rip last night and it did not show on my directory.

jjedwards

10-19-07, 02:58 PM

I am having the same issue with Active-TV that I've seen a couple others report: it works, but the user interface for the menu is in far too large of a resolution and is shifted to the right of my screen so I cannot see what I'm selecting to play. If I press setup the Active-TV menu looks fine for a moment before the setup screen appears. Once I press the PIP button the video content looks fine. I have logged a case with DLink about this but since this is a new capability they don't know the solution yet. Here is my setup:

Windows XP Pro SP2
DSM-520 1.05 FW
Wired Ethernet connection
Samsung 50" DLP display
HDMI to DVI connecting DSM with TV

Does anyone have the solution to this one?

aagha

10-19-07, 05:50 PM

If it does, it's something new. The 520 has never supported ISOs.

I'll take a look at this tonight and post.

ptsenter

10-19-07, 07:13 PM

In a nutshell...ActiveTV will not run the UPnP will not run on the Windows XP Home Edition. Disabling firewalls and anti-virus will not resolve the issue. The box is always gray. A connection gives a green box, a disconnect is a red box.I'm running Active-TV on XP Home - no problems.

aagha

10-19-07, 07:32 PM

I'll take a look at this tonight and post.

OK, I checked. I was wrong. Sorry. It recognizes .srt files not .iso. :(

Aaron_LC

10-19-07, 09:17 PM

wmorgan

10-19-07, 10:18 PM

After a few days with 1.05 I've downgraded to 1.02 again. While some of the problems with xvid playback in 1.04 were fixed, I found that a lot of my ripped movies have audio sync problems that do not happen in 1.02. I don't really see any compelling reason to upgrade to 1.05 honestly.

Oh I did notice one thing -- the path to the D-Link ftp server seems to be messed up in 1.05. It was trying to connect to some box in taiwan. Guess one of the developers accidentally left his home address in there. So, you'll have to change that manually if you ever want to upgrade again. Oops on their part!

aagha

10-20-07, 09:18 AM

To those receiving the "The installation of Active-TV Server has failed. Setup will now exit.". Message when attemping to install the software I have an update.

I found an old XP SP2 machine that I was receiving the error on. I ran windows update etc installed required updates but was still receiving the error. One thing I had not checked was my optional updates. After checking what was available I noticed two things in the list, Remote Desktop(Terminal services 6.0) and .NET framework 1.1-3.0. Although the installer is supposed to install .net framework if not detected I believe the error it was receiving was actually from terminal services not being installed on the pc causing the entire install to abort. Once I updated terminal services from the optional updates Active TV properly installed on my XP Sp2 Pc. Not sure if this will resolve the issue for anyone else but it certainly fixed mine.

-Aaron

Interesting Aaron, thanks!

I'm getting this error. As I type this, I'm re-running Active-TV w/o Terminal services (Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client 6.0) for Windows XP (KB925876)) installed and want to capture the log. I already have .NET Framework 1.1 (all the way up to v3) I'll then install Terminal Services, re-run the Active-TV installer and capture the log again and post shortly.

aagha

10-20-07, 09:39 AM

Interesting Aaron, thanks!

I'm getting this error. As I type this, I'm re-running Active-TV w/o Terminal services (Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client 6.0) for Windows XP (KB925876)) installed and want to capture the log. I already have .NET Framework 1.1 (all the way up to v3) I'll then install Terminal Services, re-run the Active-TV installer and capture the log again and post shortly.

Alright, here's what I have to report (unfortunately, not good news):

Per the quote/comment above, I went through the steps (restarted after the terminal services install) and got the exact same result! The log file is here before and after the install. The gap in between is the install of Terminal Services and restart:

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSI1F5.tmp) 10/20/2007 09:16:11 *****
/prepinstall
10/20/2007 09:16:14.718: Stopping MediaMall Server...
10/20/2007 09:16:14.843: Error stopping MediaMall Server: Service MediaMall Server was not found on computer '.'.
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSI1FA.tmp) 10/20/2007 09:16:28 *****
/install /wcs
10/20/2007 09:16:29.500: Running TsSetup.exe /install /nodemo
10/20/2007 09:16:32.312: Using DirectoryEntry from machine: SUNTZU-KSM
10/20/2007 09:16:33.593: Installation completed successfully.
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSI203.tmp) 10/20/2007 09:17:15 *****
/uninstall /wcs
10/20/2007 09:17:16.000: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall
10/20/2007 09:17:16.328: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall again...
10/20/2007 09:17:16.562: Deleting HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService: Group
10/20/2007 09:17:16.859: Unable to delete MediaMall directory: System.IO.IOException: The process cannot access the file "install.log" because it is being used by another process.
at System.IO.Directory.DeleteHelper(String fullPath, String userPath, Boolean recursive)
at System.IO.Directory.Delete(String fullPath, String userPath, Boolean recursive)
at c.a()
10/20/2007 09:17:16.859: Uninstall completed successfully.
Exiting with code 0

// installed terminal services and restarted PC here

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSI1E.tmp) 10/20/2007 09:33:06 *****
/prepinstall
10/20/2007 09:33:07.890: Stopping MediaMall Server...
10/20/2007 09:33:08.000: Error stopping MediaMall Server: Service MediaMall Server was not found on computer '.'.
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSI22.tmp) 10/20/2007 09:33:19 *****
/install /wcs
10/20/2007 09:33:20.562: Running TsSetup.exe /install /nodemo
10/20/2007 09:33:22.937: Using DirectoryEntry from machine: SUNTZU-KSM
10/20/2007 09:33:24.203: Installation completed successfully.
Exiting with code 0

***** MediaMallSetup.exe 2.5.2838.545 (C:\WINDOWS\Installer\MSI2F.tmp) 10/20/2007 09:34:02 *****
/uninstall /wcs
10/20/2007 09:34:02.218: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall
10/20/2007 09:34:02.484: Running TsSetup.exe /uninstall again...
10/20/2007 09:34:02.734: Deleting HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService: Group
10/20/2007 09:34:02.984: Unable to delete MediaMall directory: System.IO.IOException: The process cannot access the file "install.log" because it is being used by another process.
at System.IO.Directory.DeleteHelper(String fullPath, String userPath, Boolean recursive)
at System.IO.Directory.Delete(String fullPath, String userPath, Boolean recursive)
at c.a()
10/20/2007 09:34:02.984: Uninstall completed successfully.
Exiting with code 0

Still stuck in the same boat (w/o a paddle). Thanks for the try Aaron. I wonder what else you may have on your machine that's different that lets you install on XP Pro sp2 but not me.

Is it possible for you to post your entire install.log here?

Thx!

JohninLA

10-20-07, 02:17 PM

I am having a problem getting the new Active TV feature to work with my system.

I have installed all new firmware and desktop server software. I d/l'd and installed the Active TV software, and can run it on my desktop. When first installing it, I was able to run it on my 520, but after that first time, I can no longer access any features of Active TV. I get to the part where it logs into Active TV, which it appears to do fine, then gets to "Loading Information from Active TV pc...." and sits there, it won't go any further.

I have given D-link and Active TV all permissions in Vista, or I think I have. I even turned my firewall off, and nothing. I tried have the Active TV running on my desktop at the same time, which is annoying as you can't turn the video off, but it doesn't make a difference on my 520.

I have uninstalled, reinstalled, and still nothing. I have rebooted, restarted, powered everything down, nothing.

What do I need to do to get this running again? Other features, including serving music, photos, and internet radio all work like normal on the 520, just not the Active TV feature.

I have been playing with this for a few days now, and have given up. It has been frustrating as anything to try to get Active TV going again. It makes me mad that it ran at one time, then stopped. I don't recall doing anything that would have stopped it from running.

Since that time, I have uninstalled the D-Link Media server, D-link's Active TV software, removed all the MediaMall files from my system, and deleted the keys referencing Media Mall in my registry. I reset my DSM-520 to factory defaults and then reinstalled everything. Restarted, rebooted, given every known permission in Win Vista that I could find, and nothing will bring Active TV back. I can't get my pc to authorize the Active TV server. I don't recall having to do that the first time and it played fine.

I give up. :mad:

zbrett

10-20-07, 03:54 PM

robjamell

10-20-07, 05:04 PM

Sorry for the ignorance, but if I put a DVD into my desktop that has the d-link server on it can I play it from the dsm-520?

I tried and it is not listed under videos.

I selected D:\ as a shared folder in the dlink media server software setup.

Thanks
Rob

mike_in_nyc

10-21-07, 10:46 AM

After a few days with 1.05 I've downgraded to 1.02 again. While some of the problems with xvid playback in 1.04 were fixed, I found that a lot of my ripped movies have audio sync problems that do not happen in 1.02. I don't really see any compelling reason to upgrade to 1.05 honestly.

I was hesitant to upgrade to 1.05 but did it after reading that Xvid syncing was ok. Now I'm having problems on some of my videos.

Any idea why some video's have syncing problems? Could it be frame rate or type of audio track? Thanks

aldamon

10-21-07, 11:13 AM

Sorry for the ignorance, but if I put a DVD into my desktop that has the d-link server on it can I play it from the dsm-520?

No.

aagha

10-21-07, 01:08 PM

I was hesitant to upgrade to 1.05 but did it after reading that Xvid syncing was ok. Now I'm having problems on some of my videos.

Any idea why some video's have syncing problems? Could it be frame rate or type of audio track? Thanks

One big advantage I see of 1.05 is the fact that if you stop in the middle of a file, you have the opton to return to that point in the future. This is, IMO, a huge plus due to the fact that a) you couldn't do this with 1.04 and b) the fast forward is too slow.

Re syncing (audio and video), I'm finding that this problem crops up in .AVI files if during a show, I try to rewind. THAt causes the synch to go off, never to return.

Does anyone a) know how to fix this problem or b) convert .avi to .mpg (yes, I know avi is an mpg wrapper, but I want to go straight to mpg). I've been looking for software to go from .avi to .mpg, but can't find anything.

Thx in advance.

scottm18

10-21-07, 01:46 PM

I have yet to work with Active-TV yet (that should be interesting)...but here's what I've noticed about 1.05 in 5 minutes time. First and foremost (for me as a DJ)...they FINALLY fixed the audio chop of 1 second off all mp3s!!! The 320 would play it fine but the 520 from the very start chopped it (fw's 1.0-1.4). I compile huge m3u files and play them back via the Dlink and it used to bug the hell out of me when it did that. 1.05 plays perfectly.

Also...I haven't seen this mentioned: the volume (via remote) range is much more (almost doubled)--great for finer tuning like it never had before. Take a close look at the squares now...

The resume movie is very cool as well...for sure.

aldamon

10-21-07, 05:15 PM

First and foremost (for me as a DJ)...they FINALLY fixed the audio chop of 1 second off all mp3s!!!

Seriously? That's awesome and so overdue.

Kevin Gorski

10-21-07, 09:59 PM

One big advantage I see of 1.05 is the fact that if you stop in the middle of a file, you have the opton to return to that point in the future. This is, IMO, a huge plus due to the fact that a) you couldn't do this with 1.04 and b) the fast forward is too slow.

Re syncing (audio and video), I'm finding that this problem crops up in .AVI files if during a show, I try to rewind. THAt causes the synch to go off, never to return.

Does anyone a) know how to fix this problem or b) convert .avi to .mpg (yes, I know avi is an mpg wrapper, but I want to go straight to mpg). I've been looking for software to go from .avi to .mpg, but can't find anything.

Thx in advance.
For the ones I have had sync issues with, if I just jump to the same point of time in the avi, it will fix the sync back to normal. I have not had issues with many, so for me 1.05 is a step up from 1.04 in the sync department.

zbrett

10-22-07, 08:27 AM

Update - Received a PM informing me that Vista 64-bit is not yet supported.. :(

Has anyone been able to install Active-TV on Vista. I'm running Vista Ultimate 64-bit on one machine, and I'm getting the dreaded "The installation of Active-TV Server has failed. Setup will now exit." However, I was able to install Active-TV on my laptop running XP Pro 32-bit with no problem.

As far as my HDMI issue, I bit the bullet and switched over to component cables and haven't had any further signal problems.

aagha

10-22-07, 04:02 PM

Active-TV is now up and running for me using Windows XP pro sp2.

I had a pretty cool experience last night.

I got a private message on this board from MediaMall (guy named Jeff), the actual software developers for Active-TV (they apparently license to D-Link) to get on IM and try and resolve my issue (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11948467&postcount=897).

After trying a few different things, trying to get log files to generate (I now have both an install.log and a server.log in D:/\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\MediaMall\), Jeff pin-pointed the issue to a fact that one my services, SSDP Discovery Services, was not on. I changed it to "Manual", started it, and after that, got the install complete.

I restarted and got ActiveTV up and running on my DSM-520. Pretty cool software. For me, being a news junkie, just the BBC and Reuters services alone are with the price of admission.

Jeff pointed out that a lot of the people on this board are early adopters, and so they've been targeting five/six people a day to help resolve their issues. They are aware of the problems with their software and working to fix them as D-Link's ramp-up time to support such issues may be bit away.

It's very nice to have unexpected help and (I think) given MediaMall's licensing issues, they're trying to do as much as they can to help people the best they can.

aldamon

10-22-07, 04:06 PM

I restarted and got ActiveTV up and running on my DSM-520. Pretty cool software. For me, being a news junkie, just the BBC and Reuters services alone are with the price of admission.

I'll have to check those channels out.

JohninLA

10-22-07, 04:34 PM

I got a private message on this board from MediaMall (guy named Jeff), the actual software developers for Active-TV (they apparently license to D-Link) to get on IM and try and resolve
It's very nice to have unexpected help and (I think) given MediaMall's licensing issues, they're trying to do as much as they can to help people the best they can.

I'm one of those people that Jeff from MediaMall is trying to help. They've been great, and while my situation isn't completely resolved, there is a work around for now, in my situation. Apparently, Vista is blocking my DSM 520 from contacting the Active TV server software. If I disconnect the UAC feature of Vista, it all works as it should . But that's not a permanent solution, and they are still trying to get it to work permanently for me.

chris98007

10-22-07, 05:32 PM

hey all. I am new with the 520 and its good for the most part. I am still having issues with some dvds.

I notice you are all very interested in the active-tv. I got this working right away and i am not sure why you are all so interested in it. Most things you have to pay for, its not all free. Its alot like tivo and renting movies. Maybe i am missing something, but its not all that great.

fccgrant

10-22-07, 06:31 PM

I notice you are all very interested in the active-tv. I got this working right away and i am not sure why you are all so interested in it. Most things you have to pay for, its not all free. Its alot like tivo and renting movies. Maybe i am missing something, but its not all that great.

I thought it was pretty cool to see a YouTube video I did on my TV rather than on the computer. Apparently you can create your own webchannel if you'd like and play it as well. There is another message where an someone was able to run IE on the computer and have it displayed on their TV!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=926095

Sometimes it's not all about content but about the potential.

And congrats for getting yours to work. I have not been successful on my host computer although I was on the laptop.

chris98007

10-22-07, 06:54 PM

yes i guess you are right. There is potential there. I just wanted to make sure people knew that you had to pay for most of it.

aldamon

10-23-07, 08:35 AM

I'm one of those people that Jeff from MediaMall is trying to help.

Attention MediaMall lurkers. If there's going to be paid content in the channels, please add these to Active-TV:

Netflix Watch Instantly
MLB.TV

I have 17 hours of access to Netflix Watch Instantly every month and I never use it because I'd have to sit in front of the computer. Same idea with MLB.TV.

Thanks. :D

MediaMall

10-23-07, 10:12 AM

As luck would have it...we are talking to Netflix now about them building a TV friendly version of their service. Once built, it will of course be added, with no software update necessary for you to access it!

10dulkar

10-23-07, 10:21 AM

chris98007

10-23-07, 12:04 PM

aldamon

10-23-07, 01:01 PM

att1234

10-23-07, 02:00 PM

Hey all.

I have a simple question which as usual causing major headaches! I am trying to rip some of my DVDs to the HD with subtitle support and menu support. Here is what i have done so far:

Ripped to ts folder. I can play it but no menus and am able to get subtitles, though movie not alawys in 1 vob.

Ripped to 1 vob, no menu, no subs.

Finally vob2mpeg, this gave me a bunch of mpegs, no menu.

People say that the 520 can see the ifo file. I never see this. Is this a upgrage or patch? I am running 1.07 on the server. Finally can the 520 play menus?

Thanks

DSM520 1.05 does not support DVD filesystem yet (.iso). However, if you rip it as one VOB file. DSM520 can play it without the capability of subtitle or audio track support.

The subtitle and audio track support is in the roadmap which will be available in the next firmware drop. The schedule is not defined yet.

Currently, the only way is to extract the subttile into SRT file and put it in the same directory of the VOB file. The DSM520 will use it automatically if it is available. Please notice that this feature is available for D-link media sevrer only. Other media server will not export the SRT file.

att1234

10-23-07, 02:06 PM

One big advantage I see of 1.05 is the fact that if you stop in the middle of a file, you have the opton to return to that point in the future. This is, IMO, a huge plus due to the fact that a) you couldn't do this with 1.04 and b) the fast forward is too slow.

Re syncing (audio and video), I'm finding that this problem crops up in .AVI files if during a show, I try to rewind. THAt causes the synch to go off, never to return.

Does anyone a) know how to fix this problem or b) convert .avi to .mpg (yes, I know avi is an mpg wrapper, but I want to go straight to mpg). I've been looking for software to go from .avi to .mpg, but can't find anything.

Thx in advance.

We have solved all AV sync issue for files we have in 1.05. Usually, the problem divx is due to the interleave structure of the audio and video samples. Some AVI files has a lot of video before the first audio. The AVI file is not actually designed for streaming at all.

If anyone who has issue about media file support, please try to make file available for us to analysis if possible.

att1234

10-23-07, 02:16 PM

I just got a DSM-520 which is hooked up via HDMI to a Denon 3808ci. At times it works, but unfortunately I'm getting an intermittent "Unsupported Signal, check device output" on the 3808ci at start up. I've switched cables and tried different HDMI inputs on the Denon, but it keeps happening. Any ideas before I return the DSM-520?

Thanks

Can you explain it in more details? What do you mean "intermittent"? Do you mean that you can see UI sometimes, but the signal will be lost form randomly?

For HDMI, we will automatically negotiate the signal type with the AV receiver. We will not change the type until the cable is unplug.

gerdi

10-23-07, 02:43 PM

DLINK dsm-330

Did anyone here about this one?
It's open source!
How is it inside?
Can the Sigma EM8620L be exchanged by a compatible 8622?

chris98007

10-23-07, 06:06 PM

DSM520 1.05 does not support DVD filesystem yet (.iso). However, if you rip it as one VOB file. DSM520 can play it without the capability of subtitle or audio track support.

The subtitle and audio track support is in the roadmap which will be available in the next firmware drop. The schedule is not defined yet.

Currently, the only way is to extract the subttile into SRT file and put it in the same directory of the VOB file. The DSM520 will use it automatically if it is available. Please notice that this feature is available for D-link media sevrer only. Other media server will not export the SRT file.

Would it not be safe to say that iso support is media server driven? Does anyone know of another media server software that supports iso?

My other thought was using Daemon tools dvd emulater. Then i could share that drive so the server would think there was a dvd in there. They only thing i am trying to figure out is can i mount a directory of dvds???

ptsenter

10-23-07, 07:23 PM

Does anyone know of another media server software that supports iso?
wizd

Aaron_LC

10-23-07, 08:33 PM

Only issue with Wizd is that it is based on Syabas based media players which the DSM-520 is NOT based on. So ISO support would not work.

-Aaron

ablevy

10-23-07, 08:48 PM

att1234, from the tone of your messages you sound like you are connected to DLink. It's nice to see someone from DLink on this thread at last. It's also nice to be able to say that the latest version of the firmware is a significant improvement over previous versions. Hopefully in the future DLink will use the early adopters rather than ignore them.

So far I have not run into problems with AVI's made with AutoGK. Previous firmware versions had significant problems. I can now stream high bit rate VOB's without glitches (wired). The product is almost where I hoped it would be a couple of years ago when I bought it. The addition of Active TV is a significant bonus. If you add Netflix you will indeed have a compelling product.

That said, I think you need to add support for DVD menus. At the moment you can buy this box for around $200 in the US, and I think it may be the best buy in a streamer for now. Add DVD menu support and you have a killer product.

Alan

zbrett

10-23-07, 10:17 PM

att1234

10-23-07, 10:18 PM

Would it not be safe to say that iso support is media server driven? Does anyone know of another media server software that supports iso?

My other thought was using Daemon tools dvd emulater. Then i could share that drive so the server would think there was a dvd in there. They only thing i am trying to figure out is can i mount a directory of dvds???

There is two sides here. For the media server, it must read files inside the DVDfs and export it in UPnP protocol to the DSM520. For the DSM520, it need to select the subtitle and audio track. Both side need to be changed.

I have submit the patch to support DVD fs to mediatomb. However, it takes times for them to release the next version since they are focusing on transcoding now.

Unfortunely, this server works for UNIX only.

wa4qfy

10-23-07, 11:04 PM

First of all, thanks for the great forum!
I purchased a DSM-520 about 4 months ago and it was great, Now, WOW, I love the new features!

But (you know there is always one  ), I have some issues I would like to see
if any one has seen before, and might give me some suggestion on what might be a solution.

1) Minor issue with DSM-520: if I backup my DVD to the harddrive and do not remove other languages/audio tracks. Then generally the second stored VOB will be in another language, per say French. The third might be the director commentary. Note it is only on the DSM-520, if I look at the VOB on the PC’s viewer, it does not have the wrong language. This was not just one video, I check about 3 or 4 of them. Unfortunately, I was showing off the UNIT to my in-laws when it happen about three time. That’s when I told my In-Laws I was having technical difficulties, and I would just have to play the DVD on the DVD player… <egg on face> Sooooo, has anyone else seen this issue? I have a work around by “re-authoring” the DVD when I save it to my harddrive of removing all other audio, it works. Any one else?

2) Issue with MediaMall (possiblely wcsdmxp.exe (BeTwin)). It seem when I go to Google/YouTube now, I first get a blue screen, then a XP logging in logo, it goes away then another on pops up, then it claims the media server has died. It seems like after I ‘OKed’ an option of “Mature content” (I think) it does it every time. I will admit last night after trying it 3 or 4 times, then giving up and coming back later last night it worked. But of course when I tried it tonight it failed. Also tried tonight to update to the latest .NET, since I was seeing some google hits on this error relating to .NET.

I will post an example after I get past my "Anti-SPAM" no url restriction...

10/23/2007 21:07:39.640 DeviceManager: UPnP DeviceAdded: 2197792, DSM-520
10/23/2007 21:07:50.609 MediaMallDevice: --> MediaMallDeviceRegistrar_GetRegistrationStatus(): 192.168.123.196, 00-19-5b-ec-34-f8, "DSM-520" [UDN = uuid:AV00:19:5b:ec:34:f8]
10/23/2007 21:07:52.296 Registrar: Device WMF Validated = False
10/23/2007 21:07:52.312 MediaMallDevice: Existing registered device: MMT1
10/23/2007 21:07:52.312 MediaMallDevice: GetRegistrationStatus returning: MediaMallRegistered
10/23/2007 21:07:52.859 MediaMallDevice: MediaMallDeviceRegistrar_RegisterForWMDRM(00-19-5b-ec-34-f8)
10/23/2007 21:07:52.937 Registrar: Registering & validating device...
10/23/2007 21:07:53.234 Registrar: Validation finished, response length = 213
10/23/2007 21:07:53.234 MediaMallDevice: MediaMallDeviceRegistrar_RegisterForWMDRM sending response (213)
10/23/2007 21:07:57.859 MediaMallServer: <-> WTS: Session 1, = WTSListen
10/23/2007 21:08:02.859 MediaMallServer: <-> WTS: Session 1, = WTSConnected
10/23/2007 21:08:07.859 MediaMallServer: <-> WTS: Session 1, MMT1 = WTSActive
10/23/2007 21:08:13.859 AccountManager: Checking autostart applications for user MMT1...
10/23/2007 21:08:13.890 RegistryUtil: RegLoadKey returned 32 [C:\Documents and Settings\MMT1\NTUSER.DAT]
10/23/2007 21:08:15.015 AccountManager: Denying permission to MMRD Users for ctfmon.exe
10/23/2007 21:08:17.515 RegistryUtil: RegLoadKey returned 32 [C:\Documents and Settings\MDAME-XP\ASPNET\NTUSER.DAT]
10/23/2007 21:08:17.531 RegistryUtil: RegLoadKey returned 32 [C:\Documents and Settings\mdame\NTUSER.DAT]
10/23/2007 21:09:53.562 Registrar: Could not register: System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80004004): Operation aborted
at ContentTranscryptorLibLib.ContentTranscryptorClass.RegisterA ndValidateEx(Object pIMemBuffUnk, String bsLocalIpAddress, UInt32 dwPort, UInt32 dwExtraPorts, String bsId)
at a0.a()
10/23/2007 21:13:35.812 SharedMediaManager: Registry updated...
10/23/2007 21:13:35.828 SharedMediaManager: Registry updated...

3) The third item is one more of "I sure wish". When you are view photo, if the picture was taken in a portrait that it would automatically rotate the images. I know my Canon EOS stores this information, because if I use a simple tool like Picasa, it will automatically have the image rotated. Is issue is in both the original photo viewer and also in the new Active-TV view. I know not all cameras offer the feature, but it seem like a simple fix to the viewer software.

Sorry for the long posting,
Mike

chris98007

10-23-07, 11:37 PM

There is two sides here. For the media server, it must read files inside the DVDfs and export it in UPnP protocol to the DSM520. For the DSM520, it need to select the subtitle and audio track. Both side need to be changed.

I have submit the patch to support DVD fs to mediatomb. However, it takes times for them to release the next version since they are focusing on transcoding now.

Unfortunely, this server works for UNIX only.

ATT1234 you do seem connected!! Thanks for getting back to me. I think sometimes we all get to deep in this wired/wireless world. For me and i would say for most, the main goal is to watch all main formats of video on any tv. Right now the 520 works great with xvid/divx which wa a problem for so long.

I think if we can get dvds to play as if there was a dvd player playing we would be there. That is the final step

att1234

10-24-07, 06:19 AM

att1234

10-24-07, 06:29 AM

Sometimes the UI pops up just fine when the DSM-520 boots up. Other times the DSM-520 boots up, and all I get is a black screen with the "Unsupported Signal, check device output" message. One time I saw the UI briefly (the color was all messed up and distorted), and the receiver then went to the black screen with the error message. Another time it was working fine, and then the screen went black with the error message. Every time I've had the UI working, after I've rebooted the DSM-520 I've encountered the black screen with the error message. I'm no expert, but there is some sort of HDMI handshaking problem going on, and the issue occurred with both firmware versions 1.02 and 1.05. As far as I can tell, cutting power and disconnecting / reconnecting the HDMI cable made no difference. Once the signal is lost, the DSM-520 HDMI output never recovers.

I've had no issues since I've switched to component cables, but at the same time, I'm disappointed since one of the main reasons I purchased the unit was because of the HDMI output.

I appreciate the attention and let me know anything else you might like to know. Thanks.

This looks like the signal compatibility issue. Can you try to hook the cable into the TV directly to see if you can see correct UI in the TV directly? The AV receiver is a complex issue for HDMI mode negotiation. However, it is hard for us to dig into it withour your AV receiver. However, if you see the unsupported message which is shown by the AV receiver, it means that the signal sent by DSM520 is not acceptable for the AV receiver.

Under HDMI, the receiver must provide a list of availables for the DSM520 to select. Currently, the DSM520 will select one of 1080i/720p/480p. However, if the AV receiver the these modes and reject it latter. It will produce the issues you saw. This is the best guess I can give you so far. Unfortunely, this won;t solve your issue at all. My suggestion is to hook the calble to the TV directly or use component since the AV receiver will convert the signal for you as well.

att1234

10-24-07, 06:35 AM

aldamon

10-24-07, 07:47 AM

wa4qfy

10-24-07, 08:00 AM

(1) When the ISO support is implemented, you don't need to extract it into multiple VOBs and the issue you have will be gone. Users will be able to select the subtitle or audio track they want.

(3) This will be considered in the future firmware. Thanks for the suggestion.
That's good to know! ;)
Mike

att1234

10-24-07, 08:06 AM

att1234: I'm curious if DLink has done any experimenting with the GUI. It's been the same for a very long time.

For example, has anyone experimented with allowing smaller font sizes in the 520's GUI? Right now, it takes a very long time to scroll through my media collection because very few lines are allowed and if the file has the artist and album title first in the name, the song title is cut off on the screen.

This is argued internally for a while. What's the UI designed for? Traditional low resolution CRT TV or HDTV? Currently, the DSM520 UI is good even for traditional TV. However, it means that it is not perfect for the big screen. This is tradeoff. The DSM520 is designed 4 years ago when the big screen is still expensive. In the next generation product, such as DSM750, we will improve the resolution. We will consider if it is appropriate to make the font size as configurable options.

wa4qfy

10-24-07, 08:48 AM

2) Issue with MediaMall (possiblely wcsdmxp.exe (BeTwin)). It seem when I go to Google/YouTube now, I first get a blue screen, then a XP logging in logo, it goes away then another on pops up, then it claims the media server has died. It seems like after I ‘OKed’ an option of “Mature content” (I think) it does it every time. I will admit last night after trying it 3 or 4 times, then giving up and coming back later last night it worked. But of course when I tried it tonight it failed. Also tried tonight to update to the latest .NET, since I was seeing some google hits on this error relating to .NET.

I will post an example after I get past my "Anti-SPAM" no url restriction...

Here is the example of the MediaMall issue.
http://www.mikedame.net/dsm-520/dsm-520.wmv

aldamon

10-24-07, 11:18 AM

We will consider if it is appropriate to make the font size as configurable options.

I don't think it would hurt to have the option.

chris98007

10-24-07, 01:01 PM

ATT123,

I know its hard to tell when firmware is going to come out, however can you give any timeline on iso support?

soccersteve

10-24-07, 01:01 PM

there is something that i dont understand...half the channels i try on my dsm-520 (mtv, vh1 etc), it says that i dont have the required flash player)...where am i supposed to have the flash player? how are ppl working around this?

Hey 10dulkar, you're having the same problem as me. Have you managed to resolve this issue yet? It would be good to hear of a solution. Thanks.

fccgrant

10-24-07, 01:25 PM

Hey 10dulkar, you're having the same problem as me. Have you managed to resolve this issue yet? It would be good to hear of a solution. Thanks.

What version of Flashplayer is on your computer? Does it do the same thing when you play the content on the computer using MediaMall's app?

chris98007

10-24-07, 01:36 PM

Can everyone see .ifo files in there ts folder? I never see them. Maybe a setting in ripit4me?

linuxdancer

10-24-07, 03:42 PM

Just to note some issues I've come across. If I use Ogg Vorbis and I go to a page where the screen saver activates or to a Picture show the audio will skip. Under Mp3 and Ogg Vorbis if I hit the NEXT button quickly in succession the player will lock up or at least it appears that way. I waited and press the play button and it locked in pause. No other button would work except the power button. I may experiment with the last issue a little more. Just FYI stuff.

soccersteve

10-24-07, 05:26 PM

What version of Flashplayer is on your computer? Does it do the same thing when you play the content on the computer using MediaMall's app?

Thanks for the reply. Perfect on my PC/MediaMall app and using Flash Player Version 9,0,47,0

att1234

10-24-07, 08:19 PM

Here is the example of the MediaMall issue.
http://www.mikedame.net/dsm-520/dsm-520.wmv

This looks like that the ehshell is crashed for some reason and the BeTwin terminal server terminate the remote UI session.

att1234

10-24-07, 08:26 PM

I don't think it would hurt to have the option.

You may be right. However, I can not promise anything. Please remember that anything I say here is not the "FINAL DECISION". All changes need to be approved formally internally. However, your suggestion is always helpful.

att1234

10-24-07, 08:37 PM

ATT123,

I know its hard to tell when firmware is going to come out, however can you give any timeline on iso support?

Adding feature is one thing, releasing a new firmware is another. To release a pre-matured firmware is definitely hurt eveyrbody. Since firmware test is very costy, we usually won't release firmware with small steps only unless there is critical issues.

What I can say is that it won't be this year, even early the next year :-( It might be bad for you guys. However, we will do our best to feel that the firmware is worth the waiting.

ablevy

10-24-07, 08:38 PM

Just wanted to confirm that I also have the problem with VOB files. When I back up the DVD I end up with the French or Directors comments audio unless I delete them.

Alan

Aaron_LC

10-24-07, 09:00 PM

Just wanted to confirm that I also have the problem with VOB files. When I back up the DVD I end up with the French or Directors comments audio unless I delete them.

Alan

This has been an ongoing issue with the DSM-520. Due to the fact that the DSM-520 picks the first Audio track from the VOB if the French or Directors cut was first that is what would be played. Until there is an audio selection method via gui this will continue to be an issue.

skingery

10-24-07, 09:59 PM

I've been away for a while...what is the status of Active TV on Vista? I decided to try it out and have reason to believe it broke ffdshow and some other things (most notably Show Analyzer) on my machine. I can't be sure but I think Active TV was the last thing I installed.

aagha

10-24-07, 10:06 PM

We have solved all AV sync issue for files we have in 1.05. Usually, the problem divx is due to the interleave structure of the audio and video samples. Some AVI files has a lot of video before the first audio. The AVI file is not actually designed for streaming at all.

If anyone who has issue about media file support, please try to make file available for us to analysis if possible.

Is "we" and "us" MediaMall?

The problem I'm having with AVI becoming off-sync is in the following scenario: I'm watching an AVI and everything is in sync, I rewind a bit, and then everything goes out of sync. This happens some times. Next time it happens, I'll try to find a way to get you the file.

aagha

10-24-07, 10:10 PM

aagha

10-24-07, 10:12 PM

att1234

10-25-07, 03:21 AM

Is "we" and "us" MediaMall?

The problem I'm having with AVI becoming off-sync is in the following scenario: I'm watching an AVI and everything is in sync, I rewind a bit, and then everything goes out of sync. This happens some times. Next time it happens, I'll try to find a way to get you the file.

Does this happen inside the Active-TV or in the My Media?

att1234

10-25-07, 03:29 AM

Here here!

Please refer to the previous post. DSM520 use the font which is viewable even in old CRT TV.

Sanch

10-25-07, 04:55 AM

I have my DSM-520 setup with the latest firmware 1.09 and I enabled media sharing through WMP11 and two servers now appear to choose from

D-Link Media Server & WM Connect server

However I have installed Active TV which runs on my PC but does not appear on my DSM-520. I have tried everything and have reached a desperate stage.

Do you see an additional media server on the DSM-520 or is it hidden on online services? where would it appear once setup. Also I have not had a warning confirmation box appear during setup just a small DEP issue.

Help please.:confused:

ethauvin

10-25-07, 07:43 AM

aldamon

10-25-07, 07:53 AM

Please refer to the previous post. DSM520 use the font which is viewable even in old CRT TV.

So on a CRT, the song titles aren't cut off if they're too long? I think they probably are. There is more to font choice than just readability.

If you end up not allowing configurable fonts, at least implement some kind of scrolling/panning in the file name display.

att1234

10-25-07, 09:03 AM

att1234

10-25-07, 09:12 AM

Is anybody experiencing the following problem after upgrading to 1.05:

1. Can't view any photos.
2. The Photo home screen option shows my videos. The Video home screen option shows my pictures.

I know it's not my NAS (LaCie Ethernet Disk mini) media server acting up because it works like it always did from my DSM-320RD in the bedroom.

Thanks,

E.

Just a note. DSM320RD is not DLNA compatible. Works for DSM320RD does not means anything. Actually, if the media server try to mimic the behaviour required by DSM320RD, it may break the DLNA media player, such as DSM520 1.05.

Insteresting thing is that most media server try to workaround for devices with certain version of firmware. Upgrade firmware may break it. In the other side, most media player try to support as many media sevrers as possible and work around for certain version of them. Upgrade media server may break the media player as well. This is a very fragile structure. Sometimes, we need to workaround the workaround of the media sevrer and then maybe the workaround of the workaround of the workaround is required :-(

We hope these compatibility issue will be gone in the future. Currently, we need to live with it. In order to simplify our life, we internally decide not to put work aound any more. If it's the duty of the media sevrer, we won't work aorund it and insist to implement genric logic only.

So, if your media server is broken, please help us to capture the ethernet packets or use Intel Device Spy to capture the browse log. We will analysis it and fix it if it is our fault or notify the vendor of the media server if this is their issue. Of course, we will post the result here so that you can push the correct vendor to fix it.

ethauvin

10-25-07, 09:41 AM

I've downloaded the Intel UPnP AV Toolkit, and tried using the Device Spy without much to show for. Do you guys have any instructions on how to best capture logs/data for you to analyze?

Thanks,

E.

Just a note. DSM320RD is not DLNA compatible. Works for DSM320RD does not means anything. Actually, if the media server try to mimic the behaviour required by DSM320RD, it may break the DLNA media player, such as DSM520 1.05.

Insteresting thing is that most media server try to workaround for devices with certain version of firmware. Upgrade firmware may break it. In the other side, most media player try to support as many media sevrers as possible and work around for certain version of them. Upgrade media server may break the media player as well. This is a very fragile structure. Sometimes, we need to workaround the workaround of the media sevrer and then maybe the workaround of the workaround of the workaround is required :-(

We hope these compatibility issue will be gone in the future. Currently, we need to live with it. In order to simplify our life, we internally decide not to put work aound any more. If it's the duty of the media sevrer, we won't work aorund it and insist to implement genric logic only.

So, if your media server is broken, please help us to capture the ethernet packets or use Intel Device Spy to capture the browse log. We will analysis it and fix it if it is our fault or notify the vendor of the media server if this is their issue. Of course, we will post the result here so that you can push the correct vendor to fix it.