bigbw...

You're welcome :)

We can probably help with the studdering issue, but we need some more info from you to do it. Can you tell us ...
1. Which version of XBMC you are using?

June build of TC3H, just updated to this today and have not tried to play a movie with this build..

2. Are these files that are playing over a wired/wireless network or locally on the XBOX on the hard drive or disc?

wireless G MIMO, about 30 feet total distance, one wall..

3. What kind of files studder? Are they DivX files, H.264, MKV etc video files? Are they audio files? If they are video do you happen to know what resolution the files are?

iso rips of reg dvds.. playback set to 480p

4. Does the same file always studder at the same point every time you try to play it in XBMC, or is it unpredictable?

unpredictable

5. Do the files that studder play OK on your PC?

can't say, have not watched them on pc



That's a start. :) Let us know and we can give you some suggestions.
Julie

see above, and cache is set to 4096..

Thanks Scotty, I checked it out and I do not have any subdirectories under the E:\Dashboard. There is a default.xbe in the root of E:, and in the Dashboard folder. The one in the root has a 2007 date, and the one in the Dahsboard folder has a date from 2006. Is this normal. Can I I just copy over one of these files with the more current one? Or the one from the original 4-28 XBMC zip file? Also, is there anyway to boot to Unleash, and then XBMC just for now? Thanks-

the one in e:\dashboard is the probably the correct one. The best way to make XBMC boot is to use the shortcut approach outlined below...

http://www.xboxmediacenter.com/wiki/index.php?title=As_a_Dashboard

Option 3

Sean

see above, and cache is set to 4096..

This sounds like a wireless issue. Do you have any idea how your signal strength is at the xbox? I run a wired network to the xbox so I do not have much experience with it. I will say that I have read many a post at xbox-scence about wireless and streaming video problems.

Before you do anything though, lower your cache settings on your video. I have read that higher cache values give stuttering problems. (go figure, you would think it would be the other way around.) Cut your cache size in half and if you see improvement but still a few stutters, half it again.

Good luck.

This sounds like a wireless issue. Do you have any idea how your signal strength is at the xbox? I run a wired network to the xbox so I do not have much experience with it. I will say that I have read many a post at xbox-scence about wireless and streaming video problems.

Before you do anything though, lower your cache settings on your video. I have read that higher cache values give stuttering problems. (go figure, you would think it would be the other way around.) Cut your cache size in half and if you see improvement but still a few stutters, half it again.

Good luck.

Not sure how you check signal strength.. I have a long cat5 cable and am planning to hook it up and try a movie this weekend.. If that works, I may have to look into ethernet over powerline.. I will also try lowering the cache and see if that works.. thanks for the help..

bw

No problem...

I should have recommended exactly what you are going to do, hook up the cat5. That will definitely eliminate any wireless signal strength possibilities. Good thinking...

I would also try lowering your cache before you go out and purchase any cable (if you don't have it already), you never know... It just might do the trick!

bigbw,

Scotty beat me to the answer. :)

I do stream video wirelessly without issue using a MIMO router (with 125mbps high-speed mode) and matching bridge attached to the XBOX at around a 30-40 ft distance, so I know that streaming video wirelessly can be done, but your mileage will definitely vary depending on your equipment and the configuration of your home.

I tend to agree with Scotty on this one - your problems are probably wireless-related. If ethernet video plays smoothly, then definitely try adjusting the cache settings first. It's a lot cheaper than new equipment :). However, some of what I have read about ethernet over powerline sounds very promising (especially the new HomePlug AV products). If you do end up trying it, it would be great if you could let us know whether it solved your issue or not.

Julie

I just purchased an 880. Should I just choose "xbox" in the setup wizard or does someone have an xbox profile that will work nicely with the 880?


Both the Ms remotes are crap. you need the kit to get the IR Eye and then use what ever universal remote you have. I have owned a bunch of univseral remotes the last 10 years but the harmony blows them all away. So much I bought 6 of them in the last 4 months. The 880 is my current favorite. Although the 680 and the 720 both have some aspects I like. If the 680 had the tilt/motion sensor for the backlight I would prefer it to the 880. The LCD does nothing for me. The 720 has a much brighter LCD BTW but is a traditional shape versus peanut shape...

The nexus fan will make the xbox quiet. you will need to run it at 100% speed though to keep the box cool versus the stock setting of 20%.

Have Fun....

Anyone figured out how to use the ratings systeme and some of the new TV show database features yet?

Sean

I just purchased an 880. Should I just choose "xbox" in the setup wizard or does someone have an xbox profile that will work nicely with the 880?


Yes... you will still need to use the Xbox IR remote to program up the harmony. it doesn't seem to have all the correct codes. There is no way for someone to send you a profile for the harmony you just need to do some setup once you create the activity and learn the buttons it does not impliment correctly during setup and customize the activity button layout to your liking.

Sean

Anyone else having problems with imdb through xbmc??
The only information i can get is the cover art and the synopsis... all other fields like rating etc say "unavailable"

thanks.

Anyone else having problems with imdb through xbmc??
The only information i can get is the cover art and the synopsis... all other fields like rating etc say "unavailable"

thanks.

I was having the same problem and I upgraded to the June tc3h version.. solved it for me.. I now get everything, even cover are that was previously unavailable..

bw

Hi All,

I decided to join the XBMC club, and ordered an XBMC via Ebay, with 80G hard drive, it's already moded with HyperX mod, and I think the Bios on Xbox is 1.0 . Is the upgrade to a higher hard drive capacity pretty easy since it's already modded ?

I have been reading the XBMC forums , and it seems all I'd need is to put the new HD in and use the installer CD. But I read that I might have trouble since there is a 137G barrier and a bios update might be needed.

Thanks
Houman

Hi All,

I decided to join the XBMC club, and ordered an XBMC via Ebay, with 80G hard drive, it's already moded with HyperX mod, and I think the Bios on Xbox is 1.0 . Is the upgrade to a higher hard drive capacity pretty easy since it's already modded ?

I have been reading the XBMC forums , and it seems all I'd need is to put the new HD in and use the installer CD. But I read that I might have trouble since there is a 137G barrier and a bios update might be needed.

Thanks
Houman

Welcome to the club. The LBA/137G barrier was solved long ago. You'd have to have a very old hacked bios on that chip to have to worry about that.

Thought I would jump in and give an update...

Picked up a new(ish) xbox (actually, lots of facia wear, but.. meh whatever), xbox branded component cables, and the dvd kit. Already had a spare Nexus 80mm fan. Time to start documenting everything...

Still haven't decided if I should pick up the whole control panel front bezel or not. I'll read up and price it out this weekend. Always open to suggestion on both this and the chip.

EDIT:

Looks like the setup I may end up getting is...
Xecuter X3 CE @ 55$
X3 Control Panel @ 70$
X3 IR @ 25$
a 250g - 400g Hard Drive @ 80$ - 100$ (give or take)

So, roughly 250$ for the mod equipment. The xbox was 80$, the MS branded HD Cables were 25$ and the DVD playback kit was 15$.

So... 370$ to build a *cheap* xbmc ...

Take into account a 6TB UnRaid... at 400$ per 1tb totaling 2400$ in drives alone. If I add in the cost of shipping and other equipment for the actual server, I'm looking at roughly 3400$. Now, that sounds expensive, but when compared to the 20,000$ basic install cost of a Kaleidescape system.... hmm....

Whats the cheapest way to make the xbox wireless??
I've been looking at some expensive ethernet gaming routers packed with features... but all i need is basic wireless connectivity with my ADSL router.

Thanks for the info. Problem is I no longer have the original Xbox remote but I did retain the eye. I think I read here that it is possible to set the 880 to switch on and off the xbox too isnt it?



Yes... you will still need to use the Xbox IR remote to program up the harmony. it doesn't seem to have all the correct codes. There is no way for someone to send you a profile for the harmony you just need to do some setup once you create the activity and learn the buttons it does not impliment correctly during setup and customize the activity button layout to your liking.

Sean

Been out of the loop I guess but what happened to http://t3ch.xil.us? Is there a similarly easy place to DL the latest build?

Whats the cheapest way to make the xbox wireless??
I've been looking at some expensive ethernet gaming routers packed with features... but all i need is basic wireless connectivity with my ADSL router.

I have not received my XBMC yet, to test, but you can either buy the wireless kit or if the Xbox has a lan port, connect it to a wireless AP switch (those go as cheap as $30 these days)

-H

Thought I would jump in and give an update...

Picked up a new(ish) xbox (actually, lots of facia wear, but.. meh whatever), xbox branded component cables, and the dvd kit. Already had a spare Nexus 80mm fan. Time to start documenting everything...

Still haven't decided if I should pick up the whole control panel front bezel or not. I'll read up and price it out this weekend. Always open to suggestion on both this and the chip.

EDIT:

Looks like the setup I may end up getting is...
Xecuter X3 CE @ 55$
X3 Control Panel @ 70$
X3 IR @ 25$
a 250g - 400g Hard Drive @ 80$ - 100$ (give or take)

So, roughly 250$ for the mod equipment. The xbox was 80$, the MS branded HD Cables were 25$ and the DVD playback kit was 15$.

So... 370$ to build a *cheap* xbmc ...

Take into account a 6TB UnRaid... at 400$ per 1tb totaling 2400$ in drives alone. If I add in the cost of shipping and other equipment for the actual server, I'm looking at roughly 3400$. Now, that sounds expensive, but when compared to the 20,000$ basic install cost of a Kaleidescape system.... hmm....

This is my 2c... I picked the XBMC because it was cheap enough and I did not want to spend more money than necessary.

if you want to spend extra, doesn't make sense to get a media player like Mvix or Tvix ? Because the XBMC is still limited on growth and there is so much they could do (h264 & HD beyond 720p)...

unless you want to add a friendtech DreamX into your setup... though I have not found any of them online anymore.

Been out of the loop I guess but what happened to http://t3ch.xil.us? Is there a similarly easy place to DL the latest build?

He had to change hosting providers or somesuch...

Here is the new addy...

http://t3ch.yi.se

unless you want to add a friendtech DreamX into your setup... though I have not found any of them online anymore.

Won't work. I've looked at that option. It's a triple bottleneck. If you swap the CPU, you get nailed on the RAM. Add RAM, you get nailed on the video card. You just can't get 1080i mpeg2/ts and certainly not h264. The platform is maxed out. That said, the linux port is gearing up and I am one pumped guy. XBMC does everything I want the way I want it. Once they get around the hardware - I'm gold again! Until that point, I enjoy what I have. I can watch HD any time, I'll deal with 540p and under Xvid with 5.1 for media archiving. It will get me by for now.

Thought I would jump in and give an update...

Picked up a new(ish) xbox (actually, lots of facia wear, but.. meh whatever), xbox branded component cables, and the dvd kit. Already had a spare Nexus 80mm fan. Time to start documenting everything...

Still haven't decided if I should pick up the whole control panel front bezel or not. I'll read up and price it out this weekend. Always open to suggestion on both this and the chip.

EDIT:

Looks like the setup I may end up getting is...
Xecuter X3 CE @ 55$
X3 Control Panel @ 70$
X3 IR @ 25$
a 250g - 400g Hard Drive @ 80$ - 100$ (give or take)

So, roughly 250$ for the mod equipment. The xbox was 80$, the MS branded HD Cables were 25$ and the DVD playback kit was 15$.

So... 370$ to build a *cheap* xbmc ...

Take into account a 6TB UnRaid... at 400$ per 1tb totaling 2400$ in drives alone. If I add in the cost of shipping and other equipment for the actual server, I'm looking at roughly 3400$. Now, that sounds expensive, but when compared to the 20,000$ basic install cost of a Kaleidescape system.... hmm....

Just keep in mind - the whole trick is the bios. A modchip holds a bios, that's it. Don't let the marketing take you in, a flashed onboard bios will work just as well - as will a softmod or a cheapo modchip. No difference in XBMC functionality. Get an Xbox DVD remote with the IR plug ($15 used), and look at the Xir remote kit for on/off ($20 for easy kit I think).

You can go about this any way you want, but regardless of how much cash you have laying around none of that will provide much real functionality or effect your XBMC usage in any way. And if you intend on streaming everything, you don't even need a larger HD. My large HD sits mostly unused except if we travel and I take the box for my kid's movies. I was someone who bought everything but really you don't need any of it for a totally equivalent experience in every way (sometimes even a lot less hassle installing it).

Whats the cheapest way to make the xbox wireless??
I've been looking at some expensive ethernet gaming routers packed with features... but all i need is basic wireless connectivity with my ADSL router.

Wireless bridge. That's what you are looking for. A unit with ethernet ports (plug your Xbox in) which has the ability to negotiate with your wireless router/AP.

bigbw,

Scotty beat me to the answer. :)

I do stream video wirelessly without issue using a MIMO router (with 125mbps high-speed mode) and matching bridge attached to the XBOX at around a 30-40 ft distance, so I know that streaming video wirelessly can be done, but your mileage will definitely vary depending on your equipment and the configuration of your home.

I tend to agree with Scotty on this one - your problems are probably wireless-related. If ethernet video plays smoothly, then definitely try adjusting the cache settings first. It's a lot cheaper than new equipment :). However, some of what I have read about ethernet over powerline sounds very promising (especially the new HomePlug AV products). If you do end up trying it, it would be great if you could let us know whether it solved your issue or not.

Julie

I have adjusted the cache settings and still get the studder.. i did run a hardwire and that eliminated the problem, but I really would like to make the wireless work.. I have a bufflo G router with mimo and a matching ethernet converter. I have tried changing the channel and just about everyelse i can think of, still get the studder occasionaly.. I have a remote antenna for the routed and will see what happens when I put in in a direct line with the converter..

Won't work. I've looked at that option. It's a triple bottleneck. If you swap the CPU, you get nailed on the RAM. Add RAM, you get nailed on the video card. You just can't get 1080i mpeg2/ts and certainly not h264. The platform is maxed out. That said, the linux port is gearing up and I am one pumped guy. XBMC does everything I want the way I want it. Once they get around the hardware - I'm gold again! Until that point, I enjoy what I have. I can watch HD any time, I'll deal with 540p and under Xvid with 5.1 for media archiving. It will get me by for now.

For the 360 I believe the h264 decoding takes advantage of not only the CPU, but the GPU as well.

I had read in some forums that with the friendtech dreamx upgrade, people were able to watch 720p/1080i, are you saying those are vaporware ?

Most my HD stuff are 480p, though I have some 720p xvids files: 720p.Divx6.Ac3,
do u think they'll play on the XBMC ? (I yet have to received it to test the diff stuff)

Thx

-H

So there is a guy on here, maybe the post is back a month or so ago that did managed to get some 720p Xvid playing using the XBMC player (not the default MPlayer built in but I think the DVD type engine from what he said). It is well known however that XBMC/MPlayer won't do 720p Xvid or any other codec reliably. We've all seen several claims but no one ever, and I mean EVER, backs it up and generally it's the type of short quip post from a guy with 10 total posts that may be mistaking upscaling for native file playback. I mean the Devs can't get it to work and Frodo had a DreamX so while it does increase the probability of getting some 720p content to play, it does not get robust enough to play the large percentage of all 720p content (no less 1080i native content). Too many bottlenecks - I had conversations directly with the Dev's on Xbox-Scene about a year ago on this specific topic and this is what they told me. I was prepared to upgrade the RAM and processor (basically make a DreamX) but people who have gone that route have always hit another bottleneck. It's just not enough and no one is more sad than I. That said, when their Linux product comes around I'll be making a donation. They've EARNED my loyalty.

Yeah the port to Linux would be nice...

I have Ubuntu Feisty and I love it, it runs pretty nice on a 6 year old Laptop and 32 MB Nvidia GeForce 2, I think if they do it right, they might be able to push the limit a little bit more.

I ordered this mainly for a media player, not for a console... that's my wii is for ;)

thx for the reply.

-H

@ houman

I chose xbmc due to its scalability, i.e. room to grow. The solutions you posted are fixed units that are, for the most part locked into whatever functionality right out of the box.

@ ChrisFB

You're right. The cheapest build would be a softmod with an XIR and dvd playback kit. I have been reasonably convinced of late that I do not need the larger hdd in the xbox. I have a 360 and a Wii for games. Those two together provide MORE than enough software to keep me busy for quite some time... (damn 360 achievements are addicting) That said, I will not be investing in that route.

Which leads me to the next bit... if I don't intend to play games, why would I need to turn the mod off? Why would I need to monitor HDD access? I won't, so the control panel front bezel is not needed. So, recovery becomes my main concern. Should the machine belly up for whatever reason, I need to be able to have quick access to rebuild. In order to keep that easy, it seems the chip mod is the way to go. The soft mod looks like too many hoops to jump through for recovery.

So, at this point, it looks like all I need is a basic mod chip with built in ftp access and the XIR kit. Should xbmc fall foul, this seems the quickest manner to rectify the situation. That sound about right? If so, which chip would you recommend?

The only thing that I dislike about those boxes (tvix, mvix, others) is that they're constrained by the chips... so if the Sigma chipset becomes bottleneck, then you have no more option than to sell and get a different one with a better chipset. Also there is so much you could do with firmware upgrades, which I wish were open source...

That's why XBMC appeals to me more as well, it won't let me play h264 in 720p/1080p, but hey, I can always scale down, and really I got it mainly for a movie jukebox and ftp over the shows that I missed on TV.

I still think that if $ is not an objection, HTPC are the way to go, as they get slimmer, then there is more appeal factor. Those Media Players (Tvix, Mvix, etc) could become really nice in one to two years, as firmware are sorted out and they settle on using the chipsets... right now it seems they're pushing out new devices every 3-4 months and stop working on the older versions.

I personally can't wait to see the Linux port of XBMC.

my 2c.

-H

Do you know what Modchip you're gonna get ? the one I am getting has the HyperX which does not require soldering...

@ houman

I chose xbmc due to its scalability, i.e. room to grow. The solutions you posted are fixed units that are, for the most part locked into whatever functionality right out of the box.

@ ChrisFB

You're right. The cheapest build would be a softmod with an XIR and dvd playback kit. I have been reasonably convinced of late that I do not need the larger hdd in the xbox. I have a 360 and a Wii for games. Those two together provide MORE than enough software to keep me busy for quite some time... (damn 360 achievements are addicting) That said, I will not be investing in that route.

Which leads me to the next bit... if I don't intend to play games, why would I need to turn the mod off? Why would I need to monitor HDD access? I won't, so the control panel front bezel is not needed. So, recovery becomes my main concern. Should the machine belly up for whatever reason, I need to be able to have quick access to rebuild. In order to keep that easy, it seems the chip mod is the way to go. The soft mod looks like too many hoops to jump through for recovery.

So, at this point, it looks like all I need is a basic mod chip with built in ftp access and the XIR kit. Should xbmc fall foul, this seems the quickest manner to rectify the situation. That sound about right? If so, which chip would you recommend?

For recovery what you can do is create a basic boot disc. Use XBMC or Evox - have the network configured in advance and boom as long as the modchip or flashed bios directly on the motherboard (another option) is still there, you are right in there. Now here the only obstacle is if your DVD drive is broken (like mine which was perfect, sat unused for a year, and was dead the next time I used it). Then you are screwed but you can still hook up a PC drive with a molex splitter (just leave the regular Xbox drive connected). Or get a working Xbox drive off ebay.

Lots of ways out but that is an issue with a softmod I guess. Personally I just flash the bios on the motherboard as I have no need for Xbox Live. Theoretically you don't even need to lock the HD I guess.

Also, one thing to consider is the emulator scene for the original Xbox. It's quite a classic gaming setup and that alone may make it worth picking up a cheap drive on sale.

I still think that if $ is not an objection, HTPC are the way to go, as they get slimmer, then there is more appeal factor. Those Media Players (Tvix, Mvix, etc) could become really nice in one to two years, as firmware are sorted out and they settle on using the chipsets... right now it seems they're pushing out new devices every 3-4 months and stop working on the older versions.

HTPC can be a MEGA time sink getting everything set up and front end coordinated with programs behind the scenes. There's a reason many people steer clear.

As for the media player market...from those who have been watching this evolve over the past 4 years, don't hold your breath. This the by far the slowest tech market to evolve and I'm sure it has something to do with legality. If you have a content streamer - you must have content and who owns the content? There's a reason most major CE manufacturers haven't entered and flushed out this market entirely. There's a reason why a 7 year old hacked console on antiquated hardware is still on of the best implementations outside of HD video. Not saying it won't happen but if the past few years is any indication we won't be much better off.

what kind of time sink you're referring to ? because I used to connect my laptop to TV and watch any kind of shows w/o any problem... setting it up (with cables, etc) was a pain though. The only drawback of HTPC's is if you decide to use them as PVR then software can get iffy, but you can get away if you buy a nice software like BeyondTV.

I agree with the media player market being slow... I just saw that Apple TV released the 160gb modem, maybe they'll be the one doing it... though I hate going thru Itunes for anything...

But yeah, I'll give my feedback once I get my XBMC... I was thinking to get that XIR mod... seems pretty neat.

-H

I have adjusted the cache settings and still get the studder.. i did run a hardwire and that eliminated the problem, but I really would like to make the wireless work.. I have a bufflo G router with mimo and a matching ethernet converter. I have tried changing the channel and just about everyelse i can think of, still get the studder occasionaly.. I have a remote antenna for the routed and will see what happens when I put in in a direct line with the converter..

I have tried everything i can think of and no luck.. Tonight I will be able to align the router and wireless converter in a direct line with nothing beteen them.. If that does not work, I will have to try powerline.. Other the this my only problem was my videos in library mode.. for some reason about a third of them scanned as "sex lies, and videotape".. I deleted and refreshed and they all corrected.. Weird..

[... I also posted this to xboxmediacenter forums ...]

I got the Xbox from Ebay, and it came with 80G drive & HyperX modchip, I
think the Xbox is release 1.0, and I think it has some sorta Executer
bios on the modchip (not too sure).

I did upgrade the HD to 250gb yesterday, and I used the Deluxe Installer 4.01
DVD to format/install XBMC. I have upgraded my wifi router from 802.11b
to 802.11g (WRT54G), and I picked up also a WGA54G as well for the
XBMC (which works fine). But for the time being, I decided to connect
XBMC to the 100Mbps port of the router to test transfer rates.

My First indications are that, it works pretty nice, though it has
some quirks.

I was able to play most my video files, and even 720p files with latest
divx/AC3 (the encoding of the files was around 25fps, I forget the br at
this point), it played nicely, though there were dropped frames as
expected (is the player mainly using the CPU or is the GPU used as well
for computation/decoding ?)

The connection to PC shares via Wire or Wireless are fine, and I can
play all shared content from PC -> XBMC.

I'll have some problems right now, but they're mostly on the files and
not XBMC itself, though some of my files do not play well or not at all
(I have to check the codec with gspot for them and post them here
later), but is there a utility for transcoding or demuxing that you'd
suggest people try, or is there a check utility or something to make
sure the files would run ? for example some of wmv's would not fast
forward (while the 720 xvid would just fine).

Another problem, which is probably the Xbox or XBMC related... when the
Xbox is connected to the Switch port of the router @ 100mbps, and the
same for my laptop or pc (the NIC is set to 100Mbps FD), I noticed my
ftp to Xbox are capped at 6MB/s or 50Mbps, I do know I can xfer 10MB/s
between PC's over ftp ... is the XBMC/XBOX set to 100 HD by default ? is
there a way to change this ?

Thanks for any suggestions.
Houman

Houman,
I am not sure but I think 100Mbs network devices mean 50 upload and 50 download simultaneously not 100 MBS oneway. Can someone confirm this for full duplex.

Houman,
I am not sure but I think 100Mbs network devices mean 50 upload and 50 download simultaneously not 100 MBS oneway. Can someone confirm this for full duplex.


No its 100Mbps full duplex... Anyway 6 Megabytes/sec on medium to large files is not bad... xbox is 100 Mbps since your transfer rates are higher than the 10M ethernet. Different FTP servers are faster than others. EvoX is slow. XBMC is fast... also depends on other loads on the xbox.... nothing to be concerned about...

Sean

I did lot of tests...

I can do 6MB/s, and at some points the ftp client decides to send two files @ the same time (sometimes it doesn't) in those cases, each file goes @ 5MB/s for total of 10MB/s, my max has been 12MB/s.

I am not complaining... I love XBMC, every feature of it, is great... I wish it had the ability of playing HQ 720p files more or less, but I can live w/o it.

;)

I wanna make sure I am understanding this Linux port correctly.....we will be able to install the XBMC on a linus platform for playback, correct? So would this work on the PS3 then? (when you install Linux on it). That would be phenominal.

I did lot of tests...

I can do 6MB/s, and at some points the ftp client decides to send two files @ the same time (sometimes it doesn't) in those cases, each file goes @ 5MB/s for total of 10MB/s, my max has been 12MB/s.

I am not complaining... I love XBMC, every feature of it, is great... I wish it had the ability of playing HQ 720p files more or less, but I can live w/o it.

;)


Maybe we are having a problem with units = 5MB/s is 5 megabytes a second. 5 Mb/s is 5 megabits a second. 2x5 megabytes of second is close to the theoretical performance of Fast Ethernet.

Sean

I wanna make sure I am understanding this Linux port correctly.....we will be able to install the XBMC on a linus platform for playback, correct? So would this work on the PS3 then? (when you install Linux on it). That would be phenominal.


It needs to port to linux and it woudl need to built for different platforms. PC is intel x86 and PS3 is a power pc. Also there is no hack for the video protection on the PS3 so its prowess as a media center is very limited until that is fixed.. Xbox 360 is also a Power PC system. We'll all have to be patient and see how this unfolds...

Sean

what kind of time sink you're referring to ? because I used to connect my laptop to TV and watch any kind of shows w/o any problem... setting it up (with cables, etc) was a pain though. The only drawback of HTPC's is if you decide to use them as PVR then software can get iffy, but you can get away if you buy a nice software like BeyondTV.

I meant getting the video properly (easier now), a responsive and unflawed 10' interface that anyone can use, and good integration with network and programs from said interface. Getting all that down to the point and click smoothness and integration of XBMC is just not going to happen. Sure you can get some things good but not everything (hell you can even parse Rar archives or read comic book archives). It's just so well thought out and leveraged on a single platform. Unfortunately, the platform is underpowered but once they get it to linux and spec out a standard for equipment hopefully we'll get the best of all worlds without too much compromise.

Maybe we are having a problem with units = 5MB/s is 5 megabytes a second. 5 Mb/s is 5 megabits a second. 2x5 megabytes of second is close to the theoretical performance of Fast Ethernet.

Sean

No, I mean Megabytes per second... I have got up to 10 Megabytes per second and in some cases 12, but in general, it's about 5-6 which is not too bad.

Over wifi (g) I get about 1 Megabytes/s over WPA, if I turn off WPA I can get up to 1.5 or so (g network).

Also I noticed if I played those 720p files divx/ac3 (planet earth) with dvdplayer, they play just fine...

I meant getting the video properly (easier now), a responsive and unflawed 10' interface that anyone can use, and good integration with network and programs from said interface. Getting all that down to the point and click smoothness and integration of XBMC is just not going to happen. Sure you can get some things good but not everything (hell you can even parse Rar archives or read comic book archives). It's just so well thought out and leveraged on a single platform. Unfortunately, the platform is underpowered but once they get it to linux and spec out a standard for equipment hopefully we'll get the best of all worlds without too much compromise.

Oh yeah I agree... I was playing around with the scripts the other day, shoutcast, and other things it has to offer... I really hope their team moves on to XBOX360!

it's mind boggling what it does give you for a 5+ year old device.

Sadly I did try Soul Calibur 2 (it's like $10 @ Best Buy), the gfx are pretty nice on it, I'd have to say as nice as my wii. ;)

Has anyone downgraded back from the latest builds to 2.0.1?

I couldn't get the library scans to work correctly. Once, I had 330 copies of "Sex, Lies and Videotape." The next time, I had most of the movies, but all of the cover art was still "Sex, Lies and Videotape." I didn't have time to figure out what the problem was, but I did try setting the media type on different folders and scanning - still wouldn't work.

I'll probably try again with this 6/17 build, but . .

Has anyone downgraded back from the latest builds to 2.0.1?

I couldn't get the library scans to work correctly. Once, I had 330 copies of "Sex, Lies and Videotape." The next time, I had most of the movies, but all of the cover art was still "Sex, Lies and Videotape." I didn't have time to figure out what the problem was, but I did try setting the media type on different folders and scanning - still wouldn't work.

I'll probably try again with this 6/17 build, but . .

Please report this problem on xbxox-scene. I assume you have a multipath bookmark? I too have experienced this. They know about it, but the more reports, the higher priority they'll place on it.

Has anyone downgraded back from the latest builds to 2.0.1?

I couldn't get the library scans to work correctly. Once, I had 330 copies of "Sex, Lies and Videotape." The next time, I had most of the movies, but all of the cover art was still "Sex, Lies and Videotape." I didn't have time to figure out what the problem was, but I did try setting the media type on different folders and scanning - still wouldn't work.

I'll probably try again with this 6/17 build, but . .

As a rule, if one isn't a hobbyist and really in to tweaking their Xbox, they should stick with stable final builds. The only time I violate this is when it's been a damn long time and there are big feature upgrades I feel I have to have. At that point I start watching and looking for CVS type releases that are well received without many bugs. I then stick with that providing it meets my needs or continue the watching game looking for a good semi-permanent build option which I can put in place and leave alone.

As a rule, if one isn't a hobbyist and really in to tweaking their Xbox, they should stick with stable final builds. The only time I violate this is when it's been a damn long time and there are big feature upgrades I feel I have to have. At that point I start watching and looking for CVS type releases that are well received without many bugs. I then stick with that providing it meets my needs or continue the watching game looking for a good semi-permanent build option which I can put in place and leave alone.

I agree and I go with the saying, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Any of you have used the Auto Installer Deluxe DVD 4.01 ? I used that to install XBMC and it seems pretty easy setup. Though they just release 4.02 (the latest T3CH build I believe)

-H

As a rule, if one isn't a hobbyist and really in to tweaking their Xbox, they should stick with stable final builds. The only time I violate this is when it's been a damn long time and there are big feature upgrades I feel I have to have. At that point I start watching and looking for CVS type releases that are well received without many bugs. I then stick with that providing it meets my needs or continue the watching game looking for a good semi-permanent build option which I can put in place and leave alone.

True, but isn't VLC only at 0.8.6? They may never achieve a "stable final build." :)

Actually, I posted here for a quick response before posting the details to the Xboxmediacenter forums or Xbox-scene. I want to make sure that I do my research and attempt trying some options first. With the wife not working - I don't really have time to do this now.

Being in a quasi-tech support role, one of my pet peeves is users who can't correctly articulate a problem.

True, but isn't VLC only at 0.8.6? They may never achieve a "stable final build." :)

I was speaking specifically about XBMC (and before that XBMP). There are plenty of programs out there that never hit a real final build. Actually I think XBMC is still beta, they just take the time to really clean it up every once in a while and put out a point release.

Over the years official stable builds or their point releases which are considered the same have gotten few and far between with well over a year between 1.0 and 2.0 with tons of very good features. Still for most people in this forum who aren't into messing around and rolling the dice on CVS builds, it makes sense to install 2.0.1, test it all out and then upgrade or mess with other builds when something really appealing is out there applying the same "find a stable CVS and stick mentality". Most people here are about reliability and basic functionality rather than keeping up with every little tweak nuance the price for which is some major glitches and in-operability from time to time.

Chris,

Which version of XBMC do you have installed ?

bigbw,

Scotty beat me to the answer. :)

I do stream video wirelessly without issue using a MIMO router (with 125mbps high-speed mode) and matching bridge attached to the XBOX at around a 30-40 ft distance, so I know that streaming video wirelessly can be done, but your mileage will definitely vary depending on your equipment and the configuration of your home.

I tend to agree with Scotty on this one - your problems are probably wireless-related. If ethernet video plays smoothly, then definitely try adjusting the cache settings first. It's a lot cheaper than new equipment :). However, some of what I have read about ethernet over powerline sounds very promising (especially the new HomePlug AV products). If you do end up trying it, it would be great if you could let us know whether it solved your issue or not.

Julie


Tried powerline with panasonic equipment and total failure.. got less then 10mpbs.. suspect my next step is either run a hard wire, or invest in wireless N equipment.. Hard wire is out of the question for a while.. I am in southern AZ and good luck trying to find somebody to go into your attic this time of the year..

anyone hear any rumors about hows the linux port is coming, and if it will be for the appletv?

Tried powerline with panasonic equipment and total failure.. got less then 10mpbs.. suspect my next step is either run a hard wire, or invest in wireless N equipment.. Hard wire is out of the question for a while.. I am in southern AZ and good luck trying to find somebody to go into your attic this time of the year..

possible alternative to wireless.. anybody heard anything about this.. i do have coax cables already in place..

http://www.vpi.us/eth-coax.html

Tried powerline with panasonic equipment and total failure.. got less then 10mpbs.. suspect my next step is either run a hard wire, or invest in wireless N equipment.. Hard wire is out of the question for a while.. I am in southern AZ and good luck trying to find somebody to go into your attic this time of the year..

Strange. I used the new High speed Panasonic stuff and have had great success. I'm getting usually around 50 mbps.

Strange. I used the new High speed Panasonic stuff and have had great success. I'm getting usually around 50 mbps.

i guess it depends on your house a lot.. did not work for me..

Chris,

Which version of XBMC do you have installed ?

I actually have 2.0 because I'm too lazy and busy to to do 2.0.1 - and I haven't encountered any of the bugs it fixed. It is slotted for upgrade in the coming weeks though as I'm putting in the Nexus fan (borrowed dremel this weekend) and am replacing my iffy DVD drive with a new one. After that I'll get the emulators in order again which hasn't been done in a couple years. Before 2.0 though I was in CVS-land as there were too many new features since 1.0 - also IMDB got broken when they changed their site so that pushed me into looking.

Stable builds (2.0.1) and current/archived SVN/CVS builds can be obtained here: http://217.118.215.116/

Yeah I got the latest T3CH, though I am getting more lock ups with scripts, though the other areas seem to work fine.

Are you changing the gpu or cpu fan ? can you link the ones you bought ?

Houman

Still for most people in this forum who aren't into messing around and rolling the dice on CVS builds, it makes sense to install 2.0.1
Since imdb.com changed their website a couple months back, you lose the entire movie lookup function if you install 2.0.1.

Yeah I got the latest T3CH, though I am getting more lock ups with scripts, though the other areas seem to work fine.

Are you changing the gpu or cpu fan ? can you link the ones you bought ?

Houman

With the nexus fan at 100% it will still run on the hot side. Moving to one of the newer builds since Mar wih the power saving instructions makes a big difference. HIghly recommended with the nexus fan mod.

Sean

For the experts:

I've been using XBMC for several years now and love it. I've got a 1TB Raid with most of my dvd's ripped, but I'm running out of room. I'm exploring the option of adding a Sony DVD changer (200 disc) that connects to an MCE computer via Firewire. Apparently MCE sees this as an extra drive and utilizing a 3rd party software (My Movies @ www.mymovies.name) you can launch any of the loaded DVD's from a GUI that is integrated into MCE, with thumbnails and info ala XBMC. In fact, with a little work (transcode 360 and daemon tools) you can have the same functionality on an Xbox 360, including hidef rips of hd-dvd and br-dvd if transcoded to wmv-hd (few, that's too many acronyms).

The 360 works okay as an extender but I prefer the GUI, flexibility and picture quality of XBMC for regular DVDs. Is it possible the XBMC will be able to see the DVD changer as an additional networked drive? I've asked the same question of the folks working on the HTPC thread, but non of them were familiar with XBMC! One of the coders is looking into it but thought I'd run it by this group as well.

Thanks for any and all help on this quest.
JB

For the experts:

I've been using XBMC for several years now and love it. I've got a 1TB Raid with most of my dvd's ripped, but I'm running out of room. I'm exploring the option of adding a Sony DVD changer (200 disc) that connects to an MCE computer via Firewire. Apparently MCE sees this as an extra drive and utilizing a 3rd party software (My Movies @ www.mymovies.name) you can launch any of the loaded DVD's from a GUI that is integrated into MCE, with thumbnails and info ala XBMC. In fact, with a little work (transcode 360 and daemon tools) you can have the same functionality on an Xbox 360, including hidef rips of hd-dvd and br-dvd if transcoded to wmv-hd (few, that's too many acronyms).

The 360 works okay as an extender but I prefer the GUI, flexibility and picture quality of XBMC for regular DVDs. Is it possible the XBMC will be able to see the DVD changer as an additional networked drive? I've asked the same question of the folks working on the HTPC thread, but non of them were familiar with XBMC! One of the coders is looking into it but thought I'd run it by this group as well.

Thanks for any and all help on this quest.
JB

its certainly feasible but it would require custom software development... I have one of these sony mega changers collecting dust and have had thoughts like yours. Maybe one day....

Sean

Since imdb.com changed their website a couple months back, you lose the entire movie lookup function if you install 2.0.1.

Oh well. So much for that. I'm back in CVS releases again. Damn it.

It would be nice for them to do a tiny update to the point release when stuff like this happens so we can still preserve a rock solid build and adjust for the small change. I know they like to add features more than clean up code so that's probably a nice compromise.

That said, given I'm installing the Nexus fan I guess I need a new build with power management anyway. Maybe I'll just hold off on that for a while. I don't have the time to mess with CVS releases and worry about temps with the Nexus fan. I was under the impression it would run cool enough right out of the box and I was also hoping to disconnect the video fan on my 1.0.

The fan on 1.0 is really starting to annoy me. Is there a link on how to do this nexus fan mod ?

I installed today's XBMC build from T3CH, I did a fresh install and it works alright, I still got corruption in xml downloads for apple trailer movies, but the rest seems ok.

I installed today's XBMC build from T3CH, I did a fresh install and it works alright, I still got corruption in xml downloads for apple trailer movies, but the rest seems ok.

Did you try rescanning your movie database?

ChrisFB: I had a lot of luck upgrading frequently in the pre-2.0 days. It seemed as if the basic functionality was always improving - with few hiccups. And I'm a mainstream user - just Pictures, Movies and Music - no scripts, trainers anything else. That's why I'm confused why something that's always worked up to now isn't. I would think that IMDB lookups would be considered basic functionality.

My $.02

Did you try rescanning your movie database?

ChrisFB: I had a lot of luck upgrading frequently in the pre-2.0 days. It seemed as if the basic functionality was always improving - with few hiccups. And I'm a mainstream user - just Pictures, Movies and Music - no scripts, trainers anything else. That's why I'm confused why something that's always worked up to now isn't. I would think that IMDB lookups would be considered basic functionality.

My $.02


On fan upgrades....

http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Xbox%2080mm%20Fan%20Mod.htm

The nexus has a low CFM flow and is very quiet. my cpu temps were 140+ with this fan at 100%. With the power saving builds since march its at least 10F cooler... Other fans with higher airflow I have tried don't have this issue. They also make more noise... This mod does work reliably on 3 xboxes with the right SW. With old SW sometimes the box would overheat and shutfown. Again other fans like the zalman I tried first have higher CFM (more noise) but work with the older builds... I have done 5 so far but none on 1.0 box. All my detailed #'s were in the long original post on the subject...

Honestly the new SVN builds I find are very stable. IMDB is still in a state of flux though. hopefully. 2.1 will be out soon... who knows...


Sean

Thanks for the link.

and for AMT, I did a fresh install (I even got rid of my user data), everytime it tries to stream it fails (some xml corruption @ apple site), I'll try to download instead.

If I can make the Xbox more quiet, I'd be happy ;)

Another question... in the settings, there is a fan speed, which fan does it control ? the big cpu fan or the small gpu fan ?

Another question... in the settings, there is a fan speed, which fan does it control ? the big cpu fan or the small gpu fan ?


On the itunes movie script I have not tried it lately. It sometimes does change... When you say you deleted the user data. do you mean you deleted the XMBC directory and the stuff in e:\tdata and e:\udata locations

E:\UDATA\0face008

E:\TDATA\0face008


THe fan control controls the CPU fan. I don't beleive there is an adjustment for GPU Fan....

Sean

I did not delete the e & udata, just the "userdata" inside of XBMC.

I took the Xbox apart, and took the 80mm fan and the gpu fan out, going to tigerdirect to get replacements... I'll post my results if I get any good ones ;)

Note the fan in there is a 60mm fan. you want an 80mm fan. you can probably replace the GPU fan with a heatsink as all the over xbox versions just have a heat sink on the GPU. also make sure you have a dremel. Doing this mod with pliers is not recommended. been there and done that...

Sean

Sean,

I was going to buy a quiet 80mm fan, but for the gpu, I was going to just buy another chipset kinda fan and put it on the top of the current gpu heatsink.

I was looking here:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=99

Their warehouse is next door to where I live.

-H

I take it DVDProfiler2XBMC doesn't work with DVD Profiler 3.0. I tried to load an older version of DVD profiler, but it told me the data from the library download was incompatible.

Would anyone watching this thread be interested in buying my XBMC setup?

The XBOX is in perfect shape, we just don't really need two media centers in our new smaller apartment and my Mac is so close to the TV now that I just plugged it in with a DVI to HDMI cable. I can take photos of the hardware if anyone wants me to, or I can put it on ebay if a secure transaction is preferred (I have high feedback there).

Included would be the XBOX itself, the DVD remote control IR receiver, the DVD remote control, the breakout box that provides component video and digital audio output, and a standard XBOX controller (maybe two, gotta dig around and find those since I never play games).

The machine is currently set up to boot to EVOX from which you can choose to run XBMC or anything else you desire. I forget what version of XBMC I currently have installed but I can easily install the latest and greatest for you before shipment if you don't want to FTP it over yourself. The machine boots up to a state in which you can FTP into it, so it's really easy to add or delete programs. It's also easy to have multiple versions of XBMC on there in case you wanna experiment around with stuff.

I'd be looking for $100, which I think is reasonable given the time I've put into setting this thing up and the accessories I'm including. I'll also ship for free within the continental USA just because AVS folks are cool.

To keep from cluttering this thread, if you're interested please PM me.

ETA - SOLD, thanks! :)

Just a thought of my midnight - 4am handling of my mission to
silence my Xbox.

First of all I bought these from Tiger Direct which
is next to my place:

Enermax Marathon 80mm Magnetic Bearing Fan:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2503507&CatId=801

Cooler Master Blue ICE Chipset Cooler with LED Fan:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1445196&CatId=498

Thermal Paste:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1283739&CatId=503

I first removed the fan from the cooler's master and tried to
attach it in the top of the GPU's heatsink but that was a no go,
so I decided to take the CPU & GPU's heatsinks off and cleaned
the gooey old paste with isopropyl alcohol, and took the remainder
off. Then I applied a nice thin layer of thermal paste and re-attached the CPU heatsink. Then I chose to attach the cooler master fan/heatsink,
and applied it in the top of thermal paste on the GPU.

I noticed that the newly GPU heatsink/fan combo was very wobbly, it
was because of the thermal paste, and I am sure if I had attached
the heatsink/fan with it's adhesive & w/o the thermal paste, it would
have attached just fine, but I was uneasy to put it on the GPU w/o
any kind of thermal compound. So I decided to put the old GPU heatsink
(Xbox Factory) but w/o the (noisy) fan!

The 80mm fan mod was .... ;) and after 3 hour of sawing different pieces
(fan, hd case and small part from DVD cage) it fit fine. But the 80mm
does not look anything like 80mm anymore (butchered -- but the Nexus
fan mod did not quit work in my case)

The case is really quiet, I watched movies/games, for 2 hours and the temps
were about 110-120deg F for CPU and 115-125deg F for the GPU, I did
change the Fan Speed from 30-100 and I did not notice any extra noise.

I did try & attach the CPU Fan via the 4 pin adapter to my HD power cable,
but I did not see any difference in terms of temps so just used the 3 pin.

My HD is 7200rpm - WD 250G, if I could have I would have bought a 2.5"
drive or a 5400rpm, but I am happy with the outcome.

I am also running the latest T3CH load-line.

I might in future connect a different GPU heatsink/fan combo if I can
find a good one. But overall, it was a nice 4 hours spent.

/Cheers
Houman

I also noticed last night, I had an error 13/14 on the Xbox, I think it could have happened
cuz in one game I chose Xbox Live option or something like that. I could not
boot my Xbox at all... so I decided to just load a game and I put SC2 disk, and after
I rebooted the Xbox suddenly worked again with the modchip.

Does Microsoft monitor and can change your configuration if they find a modchip ?

I have two XBMC and they are running the same hardware and software. They both point to the same media servers. I want both of them to be configured the same ie databases,graphics etc.

What is the easiest way. I dont want to have to do the cleanup and everything on both machines. I have one machine setup exactly how I want and dont want to go through the setup again

Also the WAF will be better it both are identical

Can't you take the hard drive's content (XBMC , user data, other data folders) and ftp it to the other one ?

Can't you take the hard drive's content (XBMC , user data, other data folders) and ftp it to the other one ?
I dont know

What I really want to do is to sync the databases between the two

What I really want to do is to sync the databases between the two
Copy the userdata folder over. It should work.

I wish they would make it possible to store the database on a central server but it doesn't sound like any of the developers are interested in adding that feature in.

if you want to "sync" them, like whatever that is newer goes to the old one, then you probably need to write a script on a PC to do this job, by reading db files, dates, size and ftp them over to the older box. You might be able to do it with python or perl languages and you'd need a library that would give you ftp/ssh access (don't know if XBMC support ssh)

I found a way. For everyone's benefit here is the link

http://www.xbox-hq.com/html/xbox-tutorials-64.html

Tried powerline with panasonic equipment and total failure.. got less then 10mpbs.. suspect my next step is either run a hard wire, or invest in wireless N equipment.. Hard wire is out of the question for a while.. I am in southern AZ and good luck trying to find somebody to go into your attic this time of the year..

I was watching a movie last night and it played good for about 30 minutes and then studdered a couple of times.. Just for fun, I changed the audio to analog to see if that stopped it and it did.. the rest of the move played fine.. I am using the microsoft HD connecter package with a good quality toslink cable for the audio.. Are there any audio settings that could be causing this..

bw

I also found out recently that DVD Profiler has been upgraded and the xml export from it has changed and no longer works with my program, it seems an update is in order.

Hey Ja Phule - Any update on getting your prog to work with the new DVD Profiler? It would be greatly appreciated! :cool:

I was watching a movie last night and it played good for about 30 minutes and then studdered a couple of times.. Just for fun, I changed the audio to analog to see if that stopped it and it did.. the rest of the move played fine.. I am using the microsoft HD connecter package with a good quality toslink cable for the audio.. Are there any audio settings that could be causing this..

bw

I have kinda the same setup... component video/audio to TV, optical cable to my stereo.

I have turned on Digital Audio. But I was wondering, isn't component video cable just
give you HD signal up to 1080i but the audio is still analog, right ? or does the Microsoft cable give you different outputs ?

I am just wondering if it makes sense to use the toslink from TV and maybe all we need is the RCA out and use Analog on the Xbox as far as Audio is concerned.

Edit: I just checked that Microsoft's AV pack is, I don't have that, all I have got is component cables... I think I'll have to check that HD Pack from MS if I can find one online.

the ms hd pack has component and analog audio outputs and a toslink digital output.. You can use both audio outs.. I have heard there are problems with the ms units.. I just ordered the Monster cables on ebay.. in order to use toslink with the monster, you either need their cable or an adapter.. I got the cables and adapter for under $25.. If it works, great.. If not ??

bw

Can you link what monster cable you bought ?

I went to monster's website, and they have the the component video out with analog audio cable and the optical audio cable to be used with the MS HD Pack.

Can you link what monster cable you bought ?

I went to monster's website, and they have the the component video out with analog audio cable and the optical audio cable to be used with the MS HD Pack.

this is the cable.. there are two options for digital sound.. The lightwave 100x, or an apapter.. I'm not sure if the adapter is monster or not.. I got them both off EBay..

here is the link to the cables..

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=1528

I have that cable (mine is made by another company), but the audio is analog (2 RCA's) the video quality is nice though.

I'll check on the lightwave 100x...

I've had LOTS of problems with component cable.
One of them that has an external box (non-MS) has TOSLINK but the picture during component is horrible (like bad focus, making fonts unreadable).
Another of them has a good picture but only 2 x RCA audio.

Finding an inexpensive solution to do 720p and optical OR coax out has been problematic for me so far...

I need to get one of these box adapters... I see quite a bit of them on Ebay (most of them are not MS made)

I need to get one of these box adapters... I see quite a bit of them on Ebay (most of them are not MS made)

everything i read indicates to stay away from the non ms units.. performance is horrible..

everything i read indicates to stay away from the non ms units.. performance is horrible..

The only exception would be the Monster HD units and Lightwave optical cable - which are better than the original MSFT breakout box (even with upgraded cables) and equal to the newer all in one MSFT unit but not better. The 3rd party a la Madcatz and other less known ones floating around ebay are notorious for major issues obvious even to the non-videophile.

Used Monster and one-piece MSFT component kits can be had relatively cheaply used at stores or on ebay. If the idea of cheap is a $6 unbranded 3rd party knock off unit - there will likely be problems. You can't go super cheap on these and get something decent.

Well I was wrong.. Watching movie last night, I still got some studdering with audio set to analog.. I suspect the monster cables will still be a benefit though.. I will keep trying to find out the problem and if I can't solve it by fall, I will have a hard wire ran.. Can't do it before then as nobody will go into an attic this time of the year.. Can't say I blame them. If the outside temp is 108, the attic must be worse then Dante's inferno..

Over all I am still very happy with xbmc, even tried some different skins.. Really like the Clearity..

bw

Yeah you can't complain for the price... I was thinking I'd get XBMC and wait for the Tvix other brands to get better and move toward them, at this point, I don't think I even want to get a different device.

Unrelated: In latest Maximum PC, they had a review of HTPC's (all avg $5,500-6,000) and then they compared them to the Tivo S3, and the S3 won... that just tells you even HTPC's can't do it right (with DVR and such).

well, I killed my XBMC... I had noticed that playing games in Xbox from XBMC/Hard Drive crashed my Xbox, I noticed that after crash if I brought up XBMC by rebooting the CPU temperature was like 170ish, so I opened the box and I noticed that in XBMC while my fan was kicking @ 80-100% as soon as I ran a game, it'd go down to 10-20%, so I tried a Bios update which has a fan setting, and it froze half way and that's all she wrote.

Right now I can sorta make the Xbox boot, but I get the Error 6, I called some repair shops in the Chicago area, and they all say I need a new mod-chip. The one I had was a HyperX.

in the testings, I happened to give myself a jolt of 110v as well ;) not a happy sight...

*sigh*

-H

I might in future connect a different GPU heatsink/fan combo if I can
find a good one. But overall, it was a nice 4 hours spent.

/Cheers
Houman


Yes if you use a dremel tool it wil cut the time down to less than 45 minutes...

Sorry to here about your mod chip issue. Does you mod chip support multiple banks. If so try switching to another bank. Most of the mod chips can be flashed externally outside the xbox too... I would look for some advise on your mod chip vendors forums....

Sean

I found a way. For everyone's benefit here is the link

http://www.xbox-hq.com/html/xbox-tutorials-64.html


Transferring files between the xboxes is easy. I have never been able to get two xboxes to use a common DB and common thumbnails. I FTP all the info over and it says the library is empty. Did anyone actually get this to work?

Sean

I've had LOTS of problems with component cable.
One of them that has an external box (non-MS) has TOSLINK but the picture during component is horrible (like bad focus, making fonts unreadable).
Another of them has a good picture but only 2 x RCA audio.

Finding an inexpensive solution to do 720p and optical OR coax out has been problematic for me so far...

THats easy. Buy the MS or the monster pack. both work well as most 3rd party units dont. This issue has been beaten to death on about every xbox forum on the net.

Sean

well, I killed my XBMC... I had noticed that playing games in Xbox from XBMC/Hard Drive crashed my Xbox, I noticed that after crash if I brought up XBMC by rebooting the CPU temperature was like 170ish, so I opened the box and I noticed that in XBMC while my fan was kicking @ 80-100% as soon as I ran a game, it'd go down to 10-20%, so I tried a Bios update which has a fan setting, and it froze half way and that's all she wrote.

Right now I can sorta make the Xbox boot, but I get the Error 6, I called some repair shops in the Chicago area, and they all say I need a new mod-chip. The one I had was a HyperX.

in the testings, I happened to give myself a jolt of 110v as well ;) not a happy sight...

*sigh*

-H

So one thing - XBMC has fan control in there that can override other settings.

These are some links to get you started on Error 6. I don't know a whole lot about these. It seems like it has something to do with unlocking your drive. I guess this could be caused on boot if you have an unlocked drive (or improperly locked one) and your modchip is on the fritz or has come disconnected. With the cutting you did inside, maybe something shifted and jared it loose.

Here are some links. I searched < xbox mod "error 6" > you'll probably come across a lot more.
http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Repairs/6.htm
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/178899
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=610177

Yeah thank you I read them.

I think the best way for me is to get a diff modchip and install it.

Yes if you use a dremel tool it wil cut the time down to less than 45 minutes...

Sorry to here about your mod chip issue. Does you mod chip support multiple banks. If so try switching to another bank. Most of the mod chips can be flashed externally outside the xbox too... I would look for some advise on your mod chip vendors forums....

Sean

Unfortunately this was a cheaper version (HyperX) those that are Xecuter 3 type are better at what you described. Also they cost 3x. There is a reason for that ;)

started to watch a movie last night and just to see what would happen, I cranked the cache setting as high as they would go.. The entire movie played with only 1 little skip.. I still plan to get the setup hard wired, but maybe this will make things better for the next couple months until i get it done..

All,

I need some help with controllers. I have bought a number of wireless controllers for xbox and really like the logitech but they are not made anymore and getting near impossible to find. I wish I would have known and would have bought a bunch more.

Anyway can anyone recommend an alternative brand that makes a quality xbox controller and maybe where to source one. I have a Mad Catz controller and I really dont like that one...

BTW: Range is one of my key criteria. Like being able to move around the house and adjust music.

Sean

@ Gamestop, they told me to stay away from all wireless controllers but Logitech.

Maybe you should look into those on Ebay.

I have one of these for sale in the AVS Marketplace:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=870021

All,

I need some help with controllers. I have bought a number of wireless controllers for xbox and really like the logitech but they are not made anymore and getting near impossible to find. I wish I would have known and would have bought a bunch more.

Anyway can anyone recommend an alternative brand that makes a quality xbox controller and maybe where to source one. I have a Mad Catz controller and I really dont like that one...

BTW: Range is one of my key criteria. Like being able to move around the house and adjust music.

Sean

As said above, Logitech only the rest are garbage (the Madcatz you don't like is the best of the lot). You can find the Logitech's on ebay by the plenty.

started to watch a movie last night and just to see what would happen, I cranked the cache setting as high as they would go.. The entire movie played with only 1 little skip.. I still plan to get the setup hard wired, but maybe this will make things better for the next couple months until i get it done..
When I was futzing around with wifi, I found that I had huge variance in the number of skips. I live in a fairly densely populated area, so I think I was getting a lot of interference (not from other wifi, but from other things that work in the 2.4GHz range, such as telephones and microwave ovens).

The moral of the story: even if you only get 1 skip now, you may have just been lucky. If you happened to not get much interference, next time might be skipzilla.

When I was futzing around with wifi, I found that I had huge variance in the number of skips. I live in a fairly densely populated area, so I think I was getting a lot of interference (not from other wifi, but from other things that work in the 2.4GHz range, such as telephones and microwave ovens).

The moral of the story: even if you only get 1 skip now, you may have just been lucky. If you happened to not get much interference, next time might be skipzilla.


One thing worth trying is switching channels. My router picked a channel automatically but then my neighbor added wifi on the same channel but it did not move. I did a site survey using the intel provided utilities for the laptop and found some open spectrum and then re-configured the router to do that and that improved things tremendously but wifi is sensitive to so many factors... Hopefully the 802.11N standard will be much more robust....


Thanks,
Sean

Yeah those pesky neighbors ;)

One thing worth trying is switching channels. My router picked a channel automatically but then my neighbor added wifi on the same channel but it did not move. I did a site survey using the intel provided utilities for the laptop and found some open spectrum and then re-configured the router to do that and that improved things tremendously but wifi is sensitive to so many factors...
Yeah, that was the first thing I tried, but it didn't seem to much.

I think the biggest problem is that 2.4GHz is unregulated, so every consumer electronics device on the market produces radiation in that range.

When you're streaming DVD-quality MPEG-2, you're really pushing the limits of 802.11g, so I think any kind of temporary outage is a big problem. I wouldn't be surprised if I was having the same problems on my laptop, but just didn't notice.

Do you have Panasonic 2.4Ghz phones in the house ? I used to have some that used to give me hell.

Do you have Panasonic 2.4Ghz phones in the house ? I used to have some that used to give me hell.

Yep those will cause problems and bluetooth devices can be another source of interference. the 2.4G spectrum is very crowded...

Sean

Does anyone use the XBMC to access TV shows recorded onto a computer with Windows Media Center? Do you have a screenshot of the interface to those shows? Is it easy to use? Could my 5yr old use it? He currently uses MS Xbox Media Center Extender on an old Xbox.

Yep those will cause problems and bluetooth devices can be another source of interference. the 2.4G spectrum is very crowded...

Sean

The worst is microwaves! They blast radiation into the spectrum like a shotgun. If you move you channel move it at least 2 away from what it was previously, you MAY find some relief. You could also invest in something like a WiSpy to see where things are clearest, a shame they have rcently raised the price up :-( They actually have a graphic on their site showing what a microwave does to that spectrum - it's UGLY. :eek:

When I was futzing around with wifi, I found that I had huge variance in the number of skips. I live in a fairly densely populated area, so I think I was getting a lot of interference (not from other wifi, but from other things that work in the 2.4GHz range, such as telephones and microwave ovens).

The moral of the story: even if you only get 1 skip now, you may have just been lucky. If you happened to not get much interference, next time might be skipzilla.

After careful review of my options, it will be cheapest for me to build a small file server that I can put right next to the xbox.. I can get a MB/CPU/HTPC CASE for under $150.00.. I already have the other parts i need in my spare parts bin.. This also has the advantage of a very high WAF and I won't have to wait until the weather cools to do it.. Should be able to have it done by next weekend..

After careful review of my options, it will be cheapest for me to build a small file server that I can put right next to the xbox.. I can get a MB/CPU/HTPC CASE for under $150.00.. I already have the other parts i need in my spare parts bin.. This also has the advantage of a very high WAF and I won't have to wait until the weather cools to do it.. Should be able to have it done by next weekend..

When the weather cools, like December? :rolleyes:

A cheaper option might be a rackmount case. I was looking at this: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811182566 .

It's not an HTPC case, which may lower the WAF. However it can hold a lot of hard drives, which most HTPC cases can't.

When the weather cools, like December? :rolleyes:

A cheaper option might be a rackmount case. I was looking at this: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811182566 .

It's not an HTPC case, which may lower the WAF. However it can hold a lot of hard drives, which most HTPC cases can't.

that is a consideration.. The case I got will hold 4, and could be modified to hold 2 more.. 6 is about the max of most motherboards.. by the time i have enough to fill that many, I will be looking to go to something else anyway..

bw

ps: would have been cool enough by NOV.. was only 106 today..

You could also use Net Stumbler, it scans for wifi networks on different channels and it's free.

reaper,

I have MCE 2005 and sometimes like to stream shows I've recorded on my PC to the XBOX. I've tried Microsoft's Media Center Extender software for the XBOX, and frankly it's awful. Sure, the interface is nice, but the software constantly had to stop playback and cache. It was extremely slow to do anything. I admit I am doing this over wireless, but I have no problems whatsoever streaming video using XBMC. The kit includes the very nice remote though, which happens to work beautifully with XBMC.

I'd recommend you look into using a upnp server on your PC to serve up your recorded TV (DVR-MS files) to XBMC. Relatively recent builds for XBMC include a upnp client and I've found it works quite well - playback is smooth with no hiccups. You'll access the shows from within XBMC, so the interface will depend on which skin you choose. There are a few very nice looking ones now. I'm currently using xMC, which closely mimics the AppleTV interface and is quite slick.

As for upnp servers, I've used TVirsity and Windows Media Connect to serve up recorded TV. Both are free and seem to work fine.

Julie

Since my XBMC is broken (waiting for modchip to arrive), I have been using TVersity with Xbox 360 and pretty pleased with it...

that is a consideration.. The case I got will hold 4, and could be modified to hold 2 more.. 6 is about the max of most motherboards.. by the time i have enough to fill that many, I will be looking to go to something else anyway..

bw

ps: would have been cool enough by NOV.. was only 106 today..

You can add 8 more drives using Promise cards :-) I've got 12 in my file server and could add 4 more if I were willing to mix SATA and PATA. I run unRAID that in my cases can use 12 drives - 11 for data. There are versions to goto 14, that's a ton of spare drives put to use! I'm building a second one too - Coolermaster Stacker case with 4into3 adapters, there are apparently 5into3 also but I've not found a source and don't really need them.

You can add 8 more drives using Promise cards :-) I've got 12 in my file server and could add 4 more if I were willing to mix SATA and PATA. I run unRAID that in my cases can use 12 drives - 11 for data. There are versions to goto 14, that's a ton of spare drives put to use! I'm building a second one too - Coolermaster Stacker case with 4into3 adapters, there are apparently 5into3 also but I've not found a source and don't really need them.

You are absoultly correct and that might me an option some day, for now three drives will work just fine for me.. Just for fun I hooked up my laptop in the exact same configuration I plan to use with the new unit just to make sure it worked, and it appears to.. I did not watch a complete movie, but the direct connection to the xbox has always worked great before.. My parts will all be here by Wed, so I should have it up and running by Sat..

You can add 8 more drives using Promise cards :-) I've got 12 in my file server and could add 4 more if I were willing to mix SATA and PATA. I run unRAID that in my cases can use 12 drives - 11 for data. There are versions to goto 14, that's a ton of spare drives put to use! I'm building a second one too - Coolermaster Stacker case with 4into3 adapters, there are apparently 5into3 also but I've not found a source and don't really need them.

The Coolermaster Stacker and Thermaltake Armor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133021) are popular full-size ATX cases for people who want a lot of hard drives.

I had to do some cutting, but I have 2 5-in-3 iStar (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816215001) SATA backplanes in my Thermaltake Armor. I like the easy front drive access. These give me a theoretical total of 17 hard drives.

I've been using USB 2.0 external drives and they seem to be doing pretty well so far. I paid around $300 per 1 TB drive. Linux sees them as mass storage devices and as long as I don't shuffle things around too much, they mount to the same location all the time.

Is there any advantage using SMB vs. XBMSP when streaming wirelessly? Same performance for all methods?

I've been using USB 2.0 external drives and they seem to be doing pretty well so far. I paid around $300 per 1 TB drive. Linux sees them as mass storage devices and as long as I don't shuffle things around too much, they mount to the same location all the time.

how do you connect usb drives to Xbox1? i use usb externals with 360 for wmvhd. while xbox1 can do more file formats obviously, it can't do HD right? so its of no use to me for movies.

Is there any advantage using SMB vs. XBMSP when streaming wirelessly? Same performance for all methods?

I have read that xbmsp has lower overhead and should stream better, but i have used both and can't tell any difference..

how do you connect usb drives to Xbox1? i use usb externals with 360 for wmvhd. while xbox1 can do more file formats obviously, it can't do HD right? so its of no use to me for movies.


I think he is saying that his external hard drives are connected to his computer and streamed via his network to his xbox1...

And yes, if all of your movies are in an HD format then a modded xbox1 may not be for you as it sadly cannot handle HD...

I still pray every night for the day when XBMC runs on a 360... :rolleyes:

New T3CH SVN out. It seems this new release has a similar album art/video cover interface similar to the coverflow iphone interface.

New T3CH SVN out. It seems this new release has a similar album art/video cover interface similar to the coverflow iphone interface.

Thank you!

Still waiting for my modchip to arrive... broken XBMC :(

how do you connect usb drives to Xbox1? i use usb externals with 360 for wmvhd. while xbox1 can do more file formats obviously, it can't do HD right? so its of no use to me for movies.
As Scotty6595 mentioned, I connect the drives to my server, not my xbox.

The xbox controller ports are essentially just funny-looking USB ports, so they can be adapted to a USB-style outlet. However, I'm not sure if it supports mass storage devices.

As Scotty6595 mentioned, I connect the drives to my server, not my xbox.

The xbox controller ports are essentially just funny-looking USB ports, so they can be adapted to a USB-style outlet. However, I'm not sure if it supports mass storage devices.

They do but only 8 gig limit....

Sean

New T3CH SVN out. It seems this new release has a similar album art/video cover interface similar to the coverflow iphone interface.


Actually they have had all these extra views available for quite some time but only in the file view. I had wondered why they weren't available in the library view. The recent build seems to have finally added it to that view as well. Thanks for the news...

I have been sick and watching quite a few movies and am seeing this stuttering problem others reported 1-3 times per movie. I have actually been watching actual DVD's so nothing network related. What I see is that everything plays along nicely and then pauses. I hear HD on the Xbox spin up and thrash a little and then the disc resumes. I wonder if this has something to do with powering down the disc, etc... Anyone else noticed this issue as I am describing. Do you the rest of you guys have the HD spin down during video. I will experiment later but I feel this might be the culprit.

Other than that these recent builds seem stable. I wish they would go ahead and publish an official 2.1 release.

The linksbox's releases (web browser) that pimped has been doing have been working pretty well. Also a reminder for those trying these new releases that therer are a variety of skins that a pretty cool if PM3 is not your thing...

Thanks,
Sean

I just went wireless and boy oh boy am I having problems.
I got a WET11 V1 802.11b bridge and stuck it onto my garage box.
I am using a 22" LCD that supports 720p and have configured the box to use it.

I tried wirelessly streaming audio (mp3s) from my home server and perhaps one out of every 5 will play all the way through. The other songs play a little, then stop, then another song starts. Sometimes the xbox itself seems to kind of "lock" while it's hiccuping.
I've only messed with it for maybe an hour, so that probably isn't enough to really figure out the problem.

I also tried to file transfer the files wirelessly and it would only copy one file and then drop the connection.

Grrr.

I tried fiddling with the cache settings to no avail. Again, maybe not enough time fiddling. Are the cache settings interdependent? That is, will cache for Video DVDROM be used while I am only streaming audio?

I also tried turning off all the advanced screen effects to see if that was too much overhead and I'm not sure if it helped.

Any suggestions?
Any way of measuring my connection speed to see if that's the issue?

Also, my MP2 videos that I transcoded from NTSC to DVD and that look good on DVD look REALLY bad when playing them from the HD (the same file that I used to create the DVD) even with the high quality rendering

Suggestions?
Worst-case scenario would have me string 50 feet of ethernet to the detached garage...

probably your wireless setup... also if it's a "b", do you have WPA or WEP enabled ? those will make it even slower. It also depends on how your signal is on the bridge when it connects to the router (how far are they, etc)

I have a "g" network and I have transmission/reception problems every once in a while and I only use WEP64 (when I use WPA or WPA2 it gets worse)

Some peopel recommend to use MAC filtering and turn encryption off, but it's not recommended... hell even WEP is not recommended anymore.

-H

Yes, I'm using WEP64 because I used it with my HomePod (which the XBOX is supposed to replace) and I use it with my Tivo series2. But with the HomePod no longer determining my max speed/technology I can change to anything else.

Suggestions? Did I buy the wrong bridge?

No, nothing wrong with that bridge... but with b, WEP and signal quality, your mileage will vary.

I'd say try to hook XBMC up via ethernet/cable to see if you get the same problems, it could be something with XBMC.

Henway,

802.11b maxes out at 11mbps. You don't get 11mbps unless you're very close to your router. The further you are away and that number drops significantly. You should definitely consider a G (or better) router.

Your MPEG2 files may not be looking good b/c they are interlaced content and are not being properly deinterlaced by xbmc. Play around with the various XBMC deinterlacing settings and see if they look any better.

I finished my file server last night and connected it to the network. I also changed the video cables to the Monster version.. I had to delete the databases and rescan everything, but it all appears to work great.. No blips or skips during dvd playback.. It also eliminates the need to keep my main pc on when watching movies or lisening to music.. I am definitely one happy camper now.. I had a friend over to show him the setup and he said his kid had an old xbox in the closet that they weren't even using anymore.. Another convert !! :D :D :D

bigbw, what file server did you end up getting ? specs pls :)

2 nights later and there are no problems this time with the music streaming out to the garage.

I'm much happier now, too!

bigbw, what file server did you end up getting ? specs pls :)


Not a true NAS, more of a basic pc. I bought a micro atx mb with a celeron D 2.4ghz and a HTPC case. I had some spare memory at home and the MB had built in video and 10/100 networking. I just took the big storage drives out of my normal PC and used a small drive i had laying around for a root drive. I have about 750gb for storage right now with room for two more drives.. I can use both Sata and Pata.. I plugged both units (pc and xbox) into my ethernet adapter. The XBOX reads directly from the media pc and I rip dvds and music on my main pc and transfer them to the media pc.. The whole setup cost me under $150.

bw

Very nice! Have fun with it.

Very nice! Have fun with it.

forgot the most important part, the wife likes it !!

What happened to DVD profiler images (cover art)?
I can't get them anymore. :(

Hope someone can help with forced subtitles. For example when watching Star Wars the subtitles dont come up when a language other than english is spoken eg Jabba The Hut

I can go into the setup and turn subtitles on however then I get all the subtitles not just those when someone like Jabba speaks....

I tried to get Ja Phule's DvdProfiler2XBMC working last night and discovered that it doesn't work with the recently released DVDProfiler v3. I tried to install v2, but it didn't seem completely happy (it couldn't download data from the web).

Any chance that the DvdProfiler2XBMC app will be updated? If not, I need to go investigate other ways to get the data into XBMC cleanly...

Thanks!
-Jeff

I tried to get Ja Phule's DvdProfiler2XBMC working last night and discovered that it doesn't work with the recently released DVDProfiler v3. I tried to install v2, but it didn't seem completely happy (it couldn't download data from the web).

Any chance that the DvdProfiler2XBMC app will be updated? If not, I need to go investigate other ways to get the data into XBMC cleanly...

Thanks!
-Jeff

I looked into doing some work on it recently. I installed the new version of DVD Profiler but it seems very limited for non-paying users. I cannot create an xml export to work off of (requires registered version - payment). If someone can get me a working XML I think I can get it working again.

What happened to DVD profiler images (cover art)?
I can't get them anymore. :(

You need to update your version of XBMC to the latest version or at least one of the last 3 or 4 versions...

IMDB changed their site again and changes had to be made to the IMDB lookup in XBMC to accommodate for the change.

The latest version is very stable so you should notice any problems...

Where is the latest release offered now. I see that tsch site is no longer. Do we have to go back to the old cryptic ways of FTP'ing the thing from xbits?




You need to update your version of XBMC to the latest version or at least one of the last 3 or 4 versions...

IMDB changed their site again and changes had to be made to the IMDB lookup in XBMC to accommodate for the change.

The latest version is very stable so you should notice any problems...

Where is the latest release offered now. I see that tsch site is no longer. Do we have to go back to the old cryptic ways of FTP'ing the thing from xbits?
Site just changed URL's: http://t3ch.yi.se/

ooooooh....cool! Thanks!

k, got my modchip and I am back in business, I put the Evox m8 bios on it, and it is good to go, the hyperx modchip is pretty easy to install...

I learned my lesson and I won't be playing any games on it anymore ;) with the fan mod, it seems that games are no-go anymore for me and that's where the 360 comes in anyways ;)

Anyone looking for a ready to go XBMC setup? I'm selling mine as i just replaced it with a TViX.. pm if interested..

it seems I am having the worst luck with Xbox (not XBMC), I went thru a round of ordering a new modchip but I had lot of mishap that I'll save from this post + xbox internal hardware that will push me into abandoning the XBMC scene, fortunately I never had any problem setting up or using the XBMC, but the Xbox was a diff story.

Anyways, thanks all, and good luck

-H

it seems I am having the worst luck with Xbox (not XBMC), I went thru a round of ordering a new modchip but I had lot of mishap that I'll save from this post + xbox internal hardware that will push me into abandoning the XBMC scene, fortunately I never had any problem setting up or using the XBMC, but the Xbox was a diff story.

Anyways, thanks all, and good luck

-H

That really sucks. Sorry to hear that. Not sure what could have happened. I actually held off on the fan mod after you had that issue. I don't see how the fan and temps would hurt the modchip though. Maybe some cutting made it come unseated.

I will tell you. From a hardware side, things can get ugly with Xboxes. I've literally pulled off perfect solder mods and chip installs in under 15 minutes. I've snapped in pogo chips super fast. And then there are the nightmares where a trace gets broken or you are trying to troubleshoot 3 different possibilities at once and can't isolate any single one of them. I just refer people to an electronics tech I know. He can do and fix just about anything and I won't touch the damn things as they can turn into total time wasters. That's another reason why I'm hesitant to mod or cut anything - I don't want to mess something up that works, I put in an 18 hour day today and with a family just don't have the time to piss away on it. I view myself as a user at this stage, not a tinkerer.

Best of luck though. If you need help with anything else just post. I'm assuming you aren't going to stop watching films and television compeltely.

Chris,

Thanks for the nice reply.

The temp problem I think was due to the fact that when you play games the fan control is not what it is in XBMC, and it goes down to 10 or 20%. But I got an Xbox 360 now so that is not the case anymore.

My original HyperX modchip was fragged, because I put the wrong Xecuter bios or the pogo pins were not aligned properly and it froze at 50% and the chip was dead.

I can solder things (ECE major ;) ), but I decided to get another HyperX chip, because it was cheaper and easier to install (did not want the hassle to tell the truth), the chip arrived after 2 weeks from Canada, so I installed the Chip in like 10 minutes and connected the D0 link, and this time put the Evox m8 bios in it, and it went for about 1 day then stopped working.

So I take it apart and I find out the screw that holds the modchip was loose now (for whatever reason, the threading was gone inside the plastic holder), so I take the motherboard out, put some silicon caulk in the hole + some toothpicks and bought a bigger screw and put the modchip back on, but during the process, some of the pogo pins just got broke (I wish I had a baseball bat) :)

So yeah I spent lot of time in the Xbox itself, opening, closing the box takes time, taking out the mobo, etc... and spending time with the modchip, and not to mention I got electrocuted once 3 weeks ago, when I thought the box was not plugged but it was ... also I got to put a nice dent/scratch on my nice wood floor when I eletrocuted myself, as I was pulling my hand :)...

So I give my experience with XBMC a A+ while an F with the Xbox :) I guess if I had known about Xbox / XBMC 2 years ago, it would have been different story, but now there are too many other boxes coming out Tvix, Mvix, and I really don't have time to dink around the box like 4-5 hours a day. I just want something that works, so I might end up getting a Tvix 4000 or 4100sh, though I will really really miss the XBMC UI.

Maybe XBMC Linux will be the way to go, who knows...

;)

Houman

Quote: "I looked into doing some work on it recently. I installed the new version of DVD Profiler but it seems very limited for non-paying users. I cannot create an xml export to work off of (requires registered version - payment). If someone can get me a working XML I think I can get it working again. "

Ja Phule, read your PM.

Chris,

Thanks for the nice reply.

The temp problem I think was due to the fact that when you play games the fan control is not what it is in XBMC, and it goes down to 10 or 20%. But I got an Xbox 360 now so that is not the case anymore.

My original HyperX modchip was fragged, because I put the wrong Xecuter bios or the pogo pins were not aligned properly and it froze at 50% and the chip was dead.

I can solder things (ECE major ;) ), but I decided to get another HyperX chip, because it was cheaper and easier to install (did not want the hassle to tell the truth), the chip arrived after 2 weeks from Canada, so I installed the Chip in like 10 minutes and connected the D0 link, and this time put the Evox m8 bios in it, and it went for about 1 day then stopped working.

So I take it apart and I find out the screw that holds the modchip was loose now (for whatever reason, the threading was gone inside the plastic holder), so I take the motherboard out, put some silicon caulk in the hole + some toothpicks and bought a bigger screw and put the modchip back on, but during the process, some of the pogo pins just got broke (I wish I had a baseball bat) :)

So yeah I spent lot of time in the Xbox itself, opening, closing the box takes time, taking out the mobo, etc... and spending time with the modchip, and not to mention I got electrocuted once 3 weeks ago, when I thought the box was not plugged but it was ... also I got to put a nice dent/scratch on my nice wood floor when I eletrocuted myself, as I was pulling my hand :)...

So I give my experience with XBMC a A+ while an F with the Xbox :) I guess if I had known about Xbox / XBMC 2 years ago, it would have been different story, but now there are too many other boxes coming out Tvix, Mvix, and I really don't have time to dink around the box like 4-5 hours a day. I just want something that works, so I might end up getting a Tvix 4000 or 4100sh, though I will really really miss the XBMC UI.

Maybe XBMC Linux will be the way to go, who knows...

;)

Houman

Yeah - that's the type of snowball mess of low probability situations that can happen. I've been there a couple times now and I just refuse to do the work for myself or others anymore. I'd rather pay a guy I know and trust, get it back a few days later and be done with it. Sorry you went through that. One thing I've learned is that once I've set it up...I'm very reluctant to mess with it in any way, which to a large extent is why I still have the fan sitting here and a dremel yet haven't done the fan mod (that and a massive amount of work at the office).

Right now my son is just getting into gaming (3.5 years old) so I see my Xbox still getting a lot of use. As a media center it's pretty rock solid outside of native HD but for some basic gaming (especially emulation of which I'm a big fan) it's a great platform. I think I'll be keeping mine for a long time to come even if I replace the media center function with something else.

You can't go wrong with the Xbox for gaming, and the games are dirt cheap... once he gets a bit older, I am sure he'll enjoy the car racing games.

Also, I agree, XBMC is definitely a nice way to go.

a friend of mine who has a Tivo S3 (HD) told me that the tivo folks are working hard making the Tivo S3 work to play most formats, (I think via transcoding on the PC). I think the HTPC fever is getting everywhere.

Also, I agree, XBMC is definitely a nice way to go.

a friend of mine who has a Tivo S3 (HD) told me that the tivo folks are working hard making the Tivo S3 work to play most formats, (I think via transcoding on the PC). I think the HTPC fever is getting everywhere.


Sorry to hear about your problems... I've been there and done that more than a few times over the years. These days I have been heavily relying on soft mods for my xboxes. I now have 8 of these and 6 are soft mods. Stock HD softmod is pretty damn easy. XboxHDM for a larger HD's is a pain but still not too bad. Good luck with the tvix it appears to be a good choice.

On the Xbox fans its all about CFM. The nexus is a low CFM fan so it needs to run 100% to get good cooling. The zalman fan I used also will give good cooling at only 14% and yet still be pretty quiet compared to stock although not silent like the Nexus fan.

BTW: New Pimped release out...

release notes below. I also noticed a new skin called Amped that I am trying now...

Those who love the accuweather script that it continues to improve and works great with current releases. Only downside is that you need to pull it from subversion.


Description:
Added favorites menu. Updated skins.

SVN Changes Since Last Build:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
added/fixed: (dd-mm-yyyy) (please specify date in CET)

2007-07-21 9651 fixed: more sane guidialogselect
2007-07-21 9648 changed: Removed a bunch of unnecessary build profiles for the XBMC_PC solution.
2007-07-21 9647 modified: "Enabled Always" => "Always Enabled"
2007-07-21 9645 added: strings for VSync options.
2007-07-21 9644 merged: Some changes from linuxport branch for easier merging (mostly just case sensitivity and code ordering)
2007-07-21 9641 Fixed : PM3 weather screen was missing window transition animation
2007-07-21 9639 Changed : PM3 Position of browse button in SmartPlaylistRule.xml
2007-07-21 9638 Fixed : PM3 silly alignment error with last commit
2007-07-21 9637 Added : PM3 Page control (scrollbar) to DialogSelect.xml
2007-07-20 9635 Removed list item icons and replaced old legacy listcontrol with newer list style
2007-07-20 9634 added: you can now browse for genres, artists and albums in the smart playlist rule dialog
2007-07-20 9633 added: you can now edit party mode rules from the now playing context menu (while party mode is active)
2007-07-20 9632 added: backported wma codec from linux branch
2007-07-20 9631 fixed: Overzealous new'ing
2007-07-20 9630 Added : tween animations option to skin settings turn it on and watch the windows bounce in (off by default) thanks d4rk of the linux branch for original c++ code Added : string 21399 to strings.xml for the tween animation text Changed : redid the internals of custom2_SkinSettings.xml not noticeable from end user
2007-07-20 9629 Added : missing Tween.h file from linux branch
2007-07-20 9627 changed: Made XBMC_PC a little more alert, via less Sleep()
2007-07-20 9626 cosmetic: Unnecessary commented code
2007-07-20 9625 added: Tween effects from linuxport branch to trunk. changed: Moved acceleration of effects to the quadratic tweener.
2007-07-20 9624 Changed : Changed order of View types to make them more logical thanks to previous update
2007-07-20 9623 removed: Unnecessary logging.
2007-07-20 9622 changed: View containers (mediawindows, windowxml) are now cycled through in XML order, rather than in id order.
2007-07-19 9621 Added : PM3 new view type "3D List" to Music Files, Library and Now Playing
2007-07-19 9620 added: Edge antialiasing to rotated textures on xbox.
2007-07-19 9616 fixed: Container.OnNext/Previous weren't quite right when moving from top to bottom and vice-versa on lists/fixedlists and panels. fixed: Panel container navigation wasn't correct there was just one page.
2007-07-19 9614 fixed: Initial camera viewpoint was (0,0) instead of middle of screen on windows without camera set.
2007-07-18 9609 fixed: Multiimage fading for images with <colordiffuse> applied with a transparency didn't cross fade correctly against a black background.
2007-07-18 9608 Changed: updated: Swedish language file by blittan (based on english 9576)
2007-07-18 9607 fixed: playlist loading used broken function CUtil::GetPath to get basepath for playlists
2007-07-18 9605 fixed: wpl and b4s playlists wasn't parsed properly
2007-07-18 9604 fixed: movie info fetched from imdb would have additional genres like 'imdb action section'
2007-07-18 9603 added: asiandb scraper (thanks to blaize)
2007-07-18 9602 fixed: dvd drive didnt work as expected in file manager
2007-07-18 9601 fixed: scanning movies by directory names could fail to apply thumbs to the folder
2007-07-18 9600 fixed: browsing dirs with rars could crash
2007-07-18 9599 fixed: local rss feeds with no network (2nd attempt)
2007-07-18 9598 updated: Slovenian language (thanks to megane)
2007-07-18 9595 fixed: ListItem layouts could have overlapping left and right aligned labels in some cases.
2007-07-18 9594 added: <camera x="50" y="100" /> tag to controls and windows to allow setting of different camera positions for the 3D rotations. Also fixed rotatey to scale correctly as it rotates.
2007-07-17 9590 fixed: passthrough of ac3/dts in dvdplayer was broken since the changes for channel number switches
2007-07-17 9589 Fixed : Small scale glitch in FileBrowser.xml
2007-07-17 9588 Fixed : PM3 Problem with visible state in shutdown buttons also redid the whole code now 2/3rds less
2007-07-17 9587 fixed: Mouse hit detection wasn't correct for anything with offset coordinates (eg within a control group or dialog)
2007-07-16 9578 updated: Chinese (Simple) based on 9576 by pcman updated: Chinese (Traditional) based on 9576 by omenpica
2007-07-15 9577 fixed: accessing a tvshow through the year node could show no episodes
2007-07-15 9576 added: support for season thumbs. enable automatic grabbing in video settings (disabled by default)
2007-07-15 9575 updated: finnish language (thanks to mikko)
2007-07-15 9574 changed: allowed manually setting fan speed < 10% using advancedsettings.xml (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!)
2007-07-15 9573 added: support for multiple thumbs from scrapers - choose your preferred one using the get thumb dialog. TODO: some code cruft/cleanup (get rid of the CIMDbUrl class)
2007-07-15 9572 fixed: Bookmarks -> Shortcuts in skin settings (consistency).
2007-07-15 9571 fixed: Preset not translatable in visualisation presets dialog.
2007-07-15 9570 fixed: forgot to check if passthrough setting differed
2007-07-15 9569 cosmetic: weird indent
2007-07-15 9568 changed: allow dvdplayers's ac3 decoder to change channels mid stream
2007-07-15 9567 added: allow dvdplayer audio player to handle changes in channels and samplerates, during playback.
2007-07-13 9566 updated: German language file by sCAPe (Based on english strings version 9565)
2007-07-13 9565 fixed: T-Storm translation in weather wasn't available.
2007-07-13 9564 fixed: Non-localized string could be set from the code in Look And Feel->Skin Font.
2007-07-13 9563 fixed: Static list containers could crash if they received a reset or add item message.
2007-07-13 9562 changed: Optimized the setup of transform matrices for animations.
2007-07-12 9561 changed: Functional style cast to a c-style cast so that gcc won't complain.
2007-07-12 9560 fixed: Braindead reliance on 1900 as the beginning of all time for music tags.
2007-07-12 9559 fixed: Show "Add Source" item in filemanager just like elsewhere.
2007-07-12 9558 fixed: Crash on mouse action in filemanager.
2007-07-12 9556 fixed: WavPack tags should prioritise APEv2 tags always.
2007-07-12 9555 fixed: Rotations in non-square coordinate systems (eg PAL16x9) would not be aspect correct all the way around. Affected rotated text and images. Those skins relying on the old behaviour may have to do some slight alterations.
2007-07-12 9554 changed: make sure stack is aligned before calling mplayer_init. doubt it ever is needed, but it doesn't hurt. (should fix the warning wizboy11 got with his alternate mplayer.dll)
2007-07-12 9553 added: support for foo.[12x01* for tvshows
2007-07-12 9552 changed: some cleanups for the special episode support
2007-07-12 9550 Fixed : PM3 Master lock text in shut down menu was reversed Changed : Removed video and audio overlays from settings category because Master lock button in sytem settings went under them
2007-07-12 9544 removed: Unnecessary visibility check inside Render() functions for most controls.
2007-07-12 9543 changed: Font rendering now uses the same transform engine as images. changed: Rewrote the Render routine of controls to provide unified transform code. fixed: Scrolling text wasn't particularly smooth. fixed: Lockup on exiting a window with a grouplist where items offscreen that were previously visible have window close animations. changed: CRect uses x1,y1,x2,y2 rather than x,y,w,h as it's faster and means Intersect() should be numerically stable.
2007-07-11 9541 added: support for specials in video library. use season number 0.
2007-07-11 9540 fixed: errors with locked sources and context menu items
2007-07-11 9539 fixed: file manager local drive labels were hardcoded
2007-07-11 9538 fixed: Conditional animations that looped/pulsed didn't do so if they were applied at window load.
2007-07-10 9532 fixed: Clipped textures with borders outside the clip region could still have their border rendered as a single pixel line.
2007-07-10 9531 fixed: Changelog.exe stopped working due to using the old (depreciated) SF url.
2007-07-09 9530 updated: danish language (thanks to buchwaldsource)
2007-07-09 9529 fixed: local drives showed in the upnp server configuration windows
2007-07-09 9528 fixed: always add local drives to filemanager sources. they are excluded from saves
2007-07-09 9527 fixed: issues with video scanner folder exclude unassignment.
2007-07-09 9526 fixed: forgot to clear database caches on profile loads.
2007-07-09 9525 Changed : PM3 made Wide Icon focus image a little brighter
2007-07-09 9524 fixed: container.content() condition.
2007-07-09 9523 changed: "Bookmark" renamed to "Source" to avoid confusion between video bookmarks (time offsets in movies) and file sources (shares, local drives etc.)
2007-07-08 9522 fixed: Text truncation in 720p/1080i.


Sean

Sean, do you have a pointer to the Accuweather script? I have an old copy but it sounds like there were changes....

Thx,

Scotty

The URL for the source is:

http://xbmc-scripting.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/AccuWeather/

you will need a subversion client (like CVS or Clearcase) for what ever platform you use.

we use command line SVN for work on unix platforms and for home I use tortoise SVN which is a Windows Explorer plugin for SVN

http://tortoisesvn.net/downloads


Steps:

1. install the SW above on windows.
2. reboot as the insall requires this
3. create a directory somewhere to put the code in you will be downloading
4. from Windows explorer or your favorite file manager. Right click on the newly created directory. There will be a new Menu option: "Svn Checkout". Select this option.
5. In the Dialog that pops up place the URL for the source code into the field "URL of Repository". Click OK
6. it will download the code and say something like: at Revision/110
7. Double click on the build.bat contained in this directory you created.
8. it will build the script and place the results in the build sub directory
7. ftp the contents of the build directory to your XBMC Script.
8. browse to it and run it on your XBMC script menu.

Sean

BTW: I can't say I have tried this latest code on 2.01 only on the 2.1 pre-releases. I can try and post if it works.

EDIT: Doesn't work for me on T3CH 2.01. Works fine on several 2.1 builds as old as Jan.

Sean

Thanks Sean,

I use Tortoise for my svn skin downloads...

Thanks for the detailed instructions for those that will need them...

Have a great weekend!

Thanks Sean,

I use Tortoise for my svn skin downloads...

Thanks for the detailed instructions for those that will need them...

Have a great weekend!


BTW: The Sourceforge SVN server changed structure.

The new correct URL for Skins is:

https://xboxmediacenter.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/xboxmediacenter

BTW: I noticed this 2 weeks ago and finally googled this morning and found the announce on sourceforge. Took a few tries to get the new URL Correct.

and a special note for those who haven't tried pulling skins before. The procedure is exactly the same as described as above including running the 'build.bat'. With skins though they need to be placed in the skins directory and not the scripts directory via FTP.

Sean

Just thinking out loud here....

I installed the new PIMPED version today and decided to try the Set Sources option instead of using my own Sources.xml. Well, in my humble opinion the Set Sources is a pain in the ass... lol It is just so much easier to make a quick edit to sources.xml (if needed) and shoot it over to the xbox. I use multipaths for my 6 HD's worth of movies and setting the sources via the GUI was a royal pain and on top of that when I went in to Videos in File view I am shown each Share instead of the combination of all shares... I'm sure I have messed something up in setting it up as I can't imagine that the devs would want it to work this way. Anyways, I just replaced the xbox generated sources.xml with my own version and all is right in my little world again...

Not meant to be a rant... just an observation.

Just thinking out loud here....

snip

Not meant to be a rant... just an observation.

I do the same thing. I've never felt that I really understood their instructions on how to do it and after fumbling for a few minutes, I'd rather just edit the XML - know that it's right and be done with it.

Agreed another old school hacker of the XML....

Sean

I discovered where the glitching I was getting during movies was coming from. It is indeed caused by setting the "Immediate Hard Drive Spin Down" option to video only (music and video should cause the same problem).

The symptoms are multi-fold.

1. Video pauses several times during movie playback over the network or DVD drive.
2. Or video has been playing and you hit a button like the OSD or use the joystick volume control.

When the stutter happend I thought I could hear the HD spinning up and indeed that is the case. Evidently even without touching the controlls something wants the HD to spin up and this causes the glitch while the HD spins up.

Turning this option Off, The default setting totally eliminates the problem. DVD's are streaming glich free and I am getting not pauses when I use one of the controls.

Note: immediate is not immediate it seems to take several minutes before this happens. so it can be deceiving as to why there are no glitches with either activity during that time when you are trying to diagnose the issue.

So lesson learned here. Don't turn that option on.

I still have inactivity HD timer still set to 20 minutes.

I am glad to have that one fixed because it was getting annoying...

Thanks,
Sean

I wonder if that could be my problem.. I will check it out tonight..

Scotty and All,

Has anyone else noticed with the most recent build when you start playing music the hard drive starts thrashing. Is it doing some auto update of the library in the backgroud. There does not appear to be any on screen status of this but the something is going on. Even if I pause the music the HD continues to thrash...

Sean

I will check this out Sean and get back to you shortly...

ETA:

Sean, I just listened to 3 songs on my box and I hear no hard drive noises...

Could your drive be getting ready to go bad on you? (I hope not...) By the way, is that a stock drive that you have or a replacement you put in?

Mine is a replacement and is fairly new...

Thanks...

it finally stopped doing what it was doing. I think it was some kind of background scan. when I booted into a different version it went away when I went back to latest it would start again.... The HD is fine. kinda weird though. Never seen this before...

Sean

It started again. I blew away all my DB's and am starting again...

BTW: There is a new view in file mode. 3-d album view. There must be like 8 views in PM3 these days....

http://lh5.google.com/rufrothy/RqkuvI3vR0I/AAAAAAAAA8w/gVhAmnzKWSs/s800/3D%20Album%20View.jpg

Sean

Most of the other skins have incorporated this view or a variation of it into their latest SVN releases as well....

I can't help but wish that one day a hardware mfg. would build a streamer with all the needed horse power that was designed specifically to use XBMC as the front end...

Oh well, I have a Dell Pentium 3 that I may try out the XBMC Linux on when it is somewhat stable and I can find the time to do it.... BTW... Are there even any video cards available these days that have composite (red, green and blue) out available? My Mits HD TV doesn't have DVI or HDMI...

BTW... Are there even any video cards available these days that have composite (red, green and blue) out available? My Mits HD TV doesn't have DVI or HDMI...

I have a VGA:Component (https://www.digitalconnection.com/store/Product_List.asp?CID=3&CAT=VGA%20TO%20RCA) cable that I got from Digital Connection. It works if your video card supports it.

Deleting my databases and rebuilding them fixed the issue with disk thrashing. Something must have gotten corrupted. been playing with the TV show scrapers and they are pretty cool. No plans on replacing my HD Tivos anytime soon. Also I did download some Planet Earth 720P videos from a torrent site that play find with the DVD player. Some other 720P Video I downloaded certainly does not play with either player.

Sean

Most of the other skins have incorporated this view or a variation of it into their latest SVN releases as well....

I can't help but wish that one day a hardware mfg. would build a streamer with all the needed horse power that was designed specifically to use XBMC as the front end...

God forbid. You'd think through sheer randomness someone would have done this by mistake after the number of years it has been out.


Oh well, I have a Dell Pentium 3 that I may try out the XBMC Linux on when it is somewhat stable and I can find the time to do it.... BTW... Are there even any video cards available these days that have composite (red, green and blue) out available? My Mits HD TV doesn't have DVI or HDMI...

You mean component. Basically every card comes with or has an available "dongle" that allows you to do HD over component from the DVI port.

I think this must be the place to post. I have an HTPC with Vista Premium and watch movies on it through MyMovies. I recently purchased an XBox and had it hard modded to XBMC.

I finally figured out how to find all the movies on external hard drives on the XBMC but the IMDB search was incorrect at time and not at all other times. Since all the movies are already found on MyMovies and I understand now MyMovies will create dvdid.xml for use of MYDVD's in Vista, is there some way to simply use that information? I apologize since I'm pretty illiterate on XBMC process. Can I take the mymovies db and create something in a dvdprofiler format for input? Clarity of direction, if there is a solution, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike (Da Bears)

I don't know how to integrate the My Movies thing, but you can go back into any individual file which came out wrong and rescan yourself setting the choice correctly.

BTW: Another new build. mostly GUI/Skin fixes and enhancements. release notes below...

2007-07-29 9725 updated: thetvdb.com scraper (slightly less abuse of server)
2007-07-29 9724 fixed: exception in video info scanner
2007-07-29 9723 updated: tv.com scraper (thanks to korin)
2007-07-29 9722 updated: finnish language (thanks to mikko) updated: Chinese (Traditional) language (thanks to omenpica)
2007-07-27 9720 added: xbox autodetection is now XBMC_PC compatible fixed: autodetection Loops w/More than 2 systems on network fixed: [ 1758307 ] auto connect while transferring files xbox to xbox via ftp
2007-07-27 9718 Changed : PM3 - Replaced the XBOX logo in the home screen with a version of the official XBMC logo. XBMC is no longer just a "Xbox" Application and the default skin needs to reflect this. Also as Team branding so people know they are running XBMC. Trust me it grows on you
2007-07-27 9717 changed: Debuginfo display from Kb (Kilobit hehe) to KB (Kilobyte)
2007-07-27 9716 Changed : A little more font editing
2007-07-27 9715 Changed : Edited New TTF font a little to mono space the numbers to prevent jumping of debug info and better alignment of file sizes
2007-07-26 9713 fixed: match movie.movie[year]dvdrip-group type names, where the year part is not separated properly by anything.
2007-07-26 9711 fixed: CURL parser would rebuild musicsearch:// urls without urlencoding "hostname"
2007-07-26 9710 changed: single seasons shows now skips the season node in the video library
2007-07-25 9702 removed: XPR font support.
2007-07-25 9701 fixed: Some tween bugs when easing 'inout'.
2007-07-25 9700 fixed: ID3v1 spec genres inside MP4 files that were greater than 127 didn't work (eg Heavy Metal)
2007-07-25 9698 added: <itemseparator> tag to advancedsettings to specify the separator used for multiple artist and genres in various music tags.
2007-07-25 9697 fixed: Broken multiimage (again)
2007-07-25 9696 Fixed/Changed : Removed the old XPR default font. It was broken since the introduction of 3D skin stuff. Replaced it with a free for non profit use font FrancophilSans by Manfred Klein Due to similarities to old xpr default http://www.moorstation.org/typoasis/designers/klein/index.htm
2007-07-25 9695 fixed: Multiimage control didn't work with just a single image.
2007-07-25 9694 Added : A Modified version of 3D List Music view for better aspect ratio in 16x9 thanks to "watzen" from the XBMC forums (4x3 is unchanged)
2007-07-24 9692 changed: Made Pyro screensaver slightly more interesting.
2007-07-24 9690 fixed: subpaths of a tvshows content'd path wouldn't be set to contain a single tvshow folder in set content dialog
2007-07-24 9689 fixed: make sure we clear path hash if user selects scan for new content. avoid issues if a scan fails and hash is still updated
2007-07-24 9686 fixed: TTF rendering didn't modulate alpha correctly (meant faded out text rendered with no fading).
2007-07-24 9685 fixed: Make sure the world transform is set whenever we update the camera (eg after vis rendering).
2007-07-24 9684 changed: Depreciated <reverse> tag in spincontrols now defaults to yes (as it is always used in skins).
2007-07-24 9683 changed: Keyboard reading framerate decreased a bit for XBMC_PC.
2007-07-24 9682 fixed: System.Time(hh) wouldn't obey the regional format differences (24 hour vs 12 hour clocks)
2007-07-24 9681 changed: Move Up/Down now also applies to the first and last item in the favourites context menu.
2007-07-23 9676 added: <pauseatend> to multiimage control.
2007-07-23 9674 fixed: subtitle rendering broke rendering of freemem display. (texture stage setup changed)
2007-07-23 9673 updated: danish language (thanks to buchwaldsource)
2007-07-23 9672 Added : strings.xml <string id="9">xbox media center</string> Changed : PM3 Removed 26 hard coded versions of the words "xbox media center" in the skin
2007-07-23 9671 fixed: Mouse cursor didn't respect control animations when determining hover and click focus.
2007-07-23 9670 Fixed : PM3 skin settings window is now very mouse friendly
2007-07-23 9669 fixed: Skin.String(setting,compare) wasn't working.
2007-07-23 9668 fixed: Controlgroups that were hidden still allowed their child controls to become focused via the mouse.
2007-07-22 9666 fixed: Added error checking to Add/RemoveTransform and removed unnecessary clearing of the transform stack in SetScalingResolution
2007-07-22 9665 cleanup: Removed unnecessary code duplication
2007-07-22 9664 fixed: Mouse didn't work for screen calibration.
2007-07-22 9662 added: System.Time can use the (hh), (mm), (ss), (mm:ss) (hh:mm), (hh:mm:ss) stuff. Also added Player.FinishTime (which can also use this feature).
2007-07-22 9661 Fixed : PM3 Dialog Favourites didn't animate on open/close if you turned had tween animation turned off
2007-07-22 9660 fixed: pmBlobs (same as cpBlobs) screensaver
2007-07-22 9659 fixed: Only map F: and G: by default instead of higher. May fix xbox memory card mounting.
2007-07-22 9657 fixed: cpBlobs screensaver
2007-07-22 9656 added: Ability to specify the format (hh), (mm), (ss), (hh:mm), (mm:ss), (hh:mm:ss) for player.time/timeremaining/duration labels.
2007-07-22 9655 Fixed : PM3 A small graphical error in the top left hand corner of the home screen opening animation in 16x9
2007-07-22 9654 Fixed : PM3 16x9 full screen music info had 2 current playing times over lapped on each other -- Changed PM3 Alignment of Time and RSS in home screens so they keep position across the font types
2007-07-22 9653 Quick fix for shoutcast Content-Type parsing. Shoutcast changed the content-type returned to include a charset.
2007-07-21 9651 fixed: more sane guidialogselect

Sean

It started again. I blew away all my DB's and am starting again...

BTW: There is a new view in file mode. 3-d album view. There must be like 8 views in PM3 these days....

http://lh5.google.com/rufrothy/RqkuvI3vR0I/AAAAAAAAA8w/gVhAmnzKWSs/s800/3D%20Album%20View.jpg

Sean

Can you tell me how you got that view? I setup my xbox using the latest slayer disc and it has PM3 has the default skin but I don't have any kind of 3d view.

Can you tell me how you got that view? I setup my xbox using the latest slayer disc and it has PM3 has the default skin but I don't have any kind of 3d view.

I just checked slayer's website and the latest slayer disc on the site was from Oct 2006. I'm guessing your version does not have the latest version of XBMC. You can dl the latest T3CH release here: http://t3ch.yi.se/

Ok. Thought this view was a function of the skin not XBMC.

Can you tell me where the setting is to have XBMC cache the thumbnails for things like dvd coverart instead of pulling it from my NAS?

Have another question if you don't mind. I've been reading through various threads on xbox-scene but I'm getting a little information overload. I put a 300GB HD in a modded xbox and used Slayer's disc to set it up. The problem is there is only around 150GB available. Did I do something wrong? Is there a way to get that space back to store games on?

you need to auto installer deluxe which will format the extra space on G. Sounds like you only have C,E,F. AID is a much improved implimentation of what slayers does....

There is setting called look for thumnails on remote shares but I don't know what that does. The thumbnails are cached locally by default in

\userdata\thumbnails directory...

Sean

you need to auto installer deluxe which will format the extra space on G. Sounds like you only have C,E,F. AID is a much improved implimentation of what slayers does....

There is setting called look for thumnails on remote shares but I don't know what that does. The thumbnails are cached locally by default in

\userdata\thumbnails directory...

Sean

So AID does everything Slayer's does but more? I went to their site but it looks like you have to pay to download the newest installer.

Yes AID does everything. but the nice thing is if you boot from it it will ask you and can you auto partition large drives. When you run it. Just boot up and select the option "prepare g" and you will be in business.

its free. get off your favorite torrent repository like xbox sky

PM me if you can't find it.

Yes AID does everything. but the nice thing is if you boot from it it will ask you and can you auto partition large drives. When you run it. Just boot up and select the option "prepare g" and you will be in business.

its free. get off your favorite torrent repository like xbox sky

PM me if you can't find it.

A quick question about how the partitions work. From your reply it sounds like I would end up with F and E both being large partitions? Is this true? If so can you have a HHloader directory on both and run your games from both?

E: is small
The F is limited to 128GB

The Rest goes on G

I don't know what HHloader is but games ripped to the HD say from DVD2XBOX can be in

F:\games
and G:\games

In your XBMC sources.xml you can put both URL's in one bookmark and you will have a logical directory for games that spans multiple physical discs. You can use this with any of the XBMC features so that you can combine multiple physical directories into one virtual directory. The exact syntax has been posted here and you can find in the XBMC wiki.

Sean

E: is small
The F is limited to 128GB

The Rest goes on G

I don't know what HHloader is but games ripped to the HD say from DVD2XBOX can be in

F:\games
and G:\games

In your XBMC sources.xml you can put both URL's in one bookmark and you will have a logical directory for games that spans multiple physical discs. You can use this with any of the XBMC features so that you can combine multiple physical directories into one virtual directory. The exact syntax has been posted here and you can find in the XBMC wiki.

Sean

I intalled a 750GB HDD in my XBOX and configured to have a single F drive to hold all the space beyond 8GB. XBMC filemanager shows the F drive has ~700GB of space on it . I prefer a single big F drive rather than F and G. I use NDURE softmod to mod the Xbox.

Bandgap

I intalled a 750GB HDD in my XBOX and configured to have a single F drive to hold all the space beyond 8GB. XBMC filemanager shows the F drive has ~700GB of space on it . I prefer a single big F drive rather than F and G. I use NDURE softmod to mod the Xbox.

Bandgap


would love to know some more details of how you do this?

are you creating F in xboxhdm or doing this all the xbox...

Sean

Ok. Thought this view was a function of the skin not XBMC.

Its is a function of the skin but the PM3 on slayers is about a year old. Even if you downloaded the latest PM3 skin it does not work on the old code anyway. Many of the features in the modern skins have been enabled by underlying core programming improvements and lots of bug fixes...

Sean

would love to know some more details of how you do this?

are you creating F in xboxhdm or doing this all the xbox...

Sean

I used xboxhdm to clone the HDD. During the process xboxhdm created the F drive. I replaced the old Xbox HDD with the new big one, and had to softmod it again. During this second softmod, I was given two options regarding HDD > 8GB.

1) Put all the space beyond 8GB in F, or
2) Put all the space beyond 8GB and less than 127GB in F, and the rest in G.

If I picked option 1, then I got a F drive with ~700GB. If I selected option 2, then I got a F drive with 127GB. Once the softmod was completed, I used Auto Installer Deluxe CD to prepare G drive. After that I got a G drive with ~585GB of space.

In summary,

- Option 1 --> single F drive with ~700GB of space and is created during softmod :p
- Option 2 --> F drive with 127GB, G drive with ~585GB, two steps process

bandgap

Ok I got the most recent AID and did the one click install for modchip. I still have an F: drive thats around 130 GB but my drive is 300 GB. There isn't a G: drive. What am I doing wrong?

Ok I got the most recent AID and did the one click install for modchip. I still have an F: drive thats around 130 GB but my drive is 300 GB. There isn't a G: drive. What am I doing wrong?

I don't use modchip, so I'm not sure if my comments is applicable to your case.

bandgap

Ok I got the most recent AID and did the one click install for modchip. I still have an F: drive thats around 130 GB but my drive is 300 GB. There isn't a G: drive. What am I doing wrong?


Sounds like you didn't follow the instructions I outlined above. How bout preparing your G drive as I suggessted....

SEan

I used xboxhdm to clone the HDD. During the process xboxhdm created the F drive. I replaced the old Xbox HDD with the new big one, and had to softmod it again. During this second softmod, I was given two options regarding HDD > 8GB.

1) Put all the space beyond 8GB in F, or
2) Put all the space beyond 8GB and less than 127GB in F, and the rest in G.

If I picked option 1, then I got a F drive with ~700GB. If I selected option 2, then I got a F drive with 127GB. Once the softmod was completed, I used Auto Installer Deluxe CD to prepare G drive. After that I got a G drive with ~585GB of space.

In summary,

- Option 1 --> single F drive with ~700GB of space and is created during softmod :p
- Option 2 --> F drive with 127GB, G drive with ~585GB, two steps process

bandgap

Are these options with Krazies softmod or are you using some other soft mod. I have never seen such an option in the Krazy mod or SID 4.5

Thanks,
Sean

make sure any partition over 250gb has been formatted with 32k clusters to avoid corruption issues with your data...

Sounds like you didn't follow the instructions I outlined above. How bout preparing your G drive as I suggessted....

SEan

Would it be the same on a chip mod? I think I found my issue. The bios that's on my system is older Evox 7 and it doesn't support drives larger than 137GB.

Are these options with Krazies softmod or are you using some other soft mod. I have never seen such an option in the Krazy mod or SID 4.5

Thanks,
Sean

These options are with NDURE softmod. SID 4.5 will not have this option.

make sure any partition over 250gb has been formatted with 32k clusters to avoid corruption issues with your data...

How do you choose 32K clusters format? I use NDURE softmod and don't recall seeing any options regarding cluster size.

bandgap

Would it be the same on a chip mod? I think I found my issue. The bios that's on my system is older Evox 7 and it doesn't support drives larger than 137GB.

Yep this was my issue.

Does anyone know if there's a way to make the default action when you pick a song that it adds it to the queue instead of stopping the current song and playing immediately?

does anyone know why if i set my screen settings to 1080i 16x9 the apple movie trailers wont download, but they work fine on 720p 16x9 or lower? they wont even start to download at 1080

Yep this was my issue.

Does anyone know if there's a way to make the default action when you pick a song that it adds it to the queue instead of stopping the current song and playing immediately?


Using Xbox controller hitting A plays immediate and hitting Y will add to playlist. There is no default binding to the IR remote for add to playlist but this can be customized along with all other remote settings with the userdata\keymap.xml file...

Sean

BTW: another new SVN release. Nothing memorable. Laguage pack updates. GUI bugfixes to support all the new skins people are building.... More work on the new Video database and scapers stuff....

hopefully they will call this 2.1 soon. It seems very solid to me...

Sean

does anyone know why if i set my screen settings to 1080i 16x9 the apple movie trailers wont download, but they work fine on 720p 16x9 or lower? they wont even start to download at 1080

It is my understanding that the xbox runs out of memory when view AMT in 1080i... It is a known limitation.


Sean, Yes new SVN is out but I was reading some user comments x-scene and their seems to be some issues with mplayer in this last build. The dev. has made the fixes to mplayer but you will have to download the latest build of mplayer from SVN to get the fixes...

For those that can wait, I would recommend waiting for the next T3CH build that should be out next Sunday or maybe a PIMP build later in the week if one is released.

go back 2 builds and its very stable, the latest 2 changed some thngs and added a few small bugs

Nothing much to add expect another endorsement for XBMC as a DVD server. It works great in conjunction with my newly acquired Onkyo 875 (for 1080p upscaling)!!!

If you are looking for a DVD server with an excellent UI, look no further then the XBMC. If you don't care about HD, this one beats the hell out of a lot of media streaming devices...

Nothing much to add expect another endorsement for XBMC as a DVD server. It works great in conjunction with my newly acquired Onkyo 875 (for 1080p upscaling)!!!

If you are looking for a DVD server with an excellent UI, look no further then the XBMC. If you don't care about HD, this one beats the hell out of a lot of media streaming devices...

Care to comment on how the Reon upscaling is from XBMC source content .....please.

Care to comment on how the Reon upscaling is from XBMC source content .....please.
Haven't done any detailed tests yet (backing up DVDs takes time :)), but it looks very good from what I have seen so far. I did have to turn down the brightness by about 10 notches on the 60A2000.

BTW, the whole purpose of the 875 in this setup was its upscaling functionality, so it better be good :). Do check the posts in the receivers forum for more details...

Haven't done any detailed tests yet (backing up DVDs takes time :)), but it looks very good from what I have seen so far. I did have to turn down the brightness by about 10 notches on the 60A2000.

BTW, the whole purpose of the 875 in this setup was its upscaling functionality, so it better be good :). Do check the posts in the receivers forum for more details...

Yeah Im hearing you - same reason Im interested too. I have been following the specific thread for the 875 but no mention of how it goes with xbmc. Please post back your impressions after some 'play' time.

quick NOOB question.
I set up my wireless streaming on my home computer setup with no problem.
I now set up the same thing for my parents at their home and can't get the XBOX to see the computer to wirelessly stream pictures.
They have XP Home, I've set up workgroups to be the same MSHOME but can't get the XBOX to see the computer. I've set up their computer to share the folders, too.
The wireless setup is working because it can get weather and SCRIPTS that seek internet information work. I just can't see their computer.
Suggestion? XBMSP can't find and SMB won't find. I'm just trying to stream pics.

quick NOOB question.
I set up my wireless streaming on my home computer setup with no problem.
I now set up the same thing for my parents at their home and can't get the XBOX to see the computer to wirelessly stream pictures.
They have XP Home, I've set up workgroups to be the same MSHOME but can't get the XBOX to see the computer. I've set up their computer to share the folders, too.
The wireless setup is working because it can get weather and SCRIPTS that seek internet information work. I just can't see their computer.
Suggestion? XBMSP can't find and SMB won't find. I'm just trying to stream pics.


try turning off the firewall on the PC. Make sure guest access us enabled. Can you test it with a laptop or other PC to make sure the other PC can see this. 99% probability this is all in the PC setup. There is nothing in XBMC you need to configure for basic guest mode access....

Thanks,
Sean

I'll retry. A DUHH moment--thanks much! :)

quick NOOB question.
I set up my wireless streaming on my home computer setup with no problem.
I now set up the same thing for my parents at their home and can't get the XBOX to see the computer to wirelessly stream pictures.
They have XP Home, I've set up workgroups to be the same MSHOME but can't get the XBOX to see the computer. I've set up their computer to share the folders, too.
The wireless setup is working because it can get weather and SCRIPTS that seek internet information work. I just can't see their computer.
Suggestion? XBMSP can't find and SMB won't find. I'm just trying to stream pics.

does xphome even support networking ??

I finally got my XBMC set up and backed up a few of my DVDs as well.

Suffice it to say that it's starting to look like a region-free networked XA2 . This is precisely what I in mind when I bought the 875 and it's good to see it actually take shape.

Here's the configuration:

SMB share -> XBox -> 480i (component) -> 875 -> 1080p/HDMI -> Sony 60A2000

Note:

The 875 appears to add brightness to the output and you will likely need to tone it down on the display device. However, the colors are absolutely eye popping!!!

does xphome even support networking ??

Absolutely, works just fine.... you can't login into a domain but workgroup sharing works well....

Sean

New T3CH release. 8/19/2007

everything seems stable again. Lots of GUI and skin changes. Looks like a lot of work is going into improving the upnp client and server capabilities of XBMC.

Anyone out there use XBMC with upnp client or server?

Sean

I've tried to use it as a client to my Mac that runs EyeConnect (a upnp server by el gato) but have never been able to get it to work.

I finally got my XBMC set up and backed up a few of my DVDs as well.

Suffice it to say that it's starting to look like a region-free networked XA2 . This is precisely what I in mind when I bought the 875 and it's good to see it actually take shape.

Here's the configuration:

SMB share -> XBox -> 480i (component) -> 875 -> 1080p/HDMI -> Sony 60A2000

Note:

The 875 appears to add brightness to the output and you will likely need to tone it down on the display device. However, the colors are absolutely eye popping!!!

I'm curious if you see much of a difference when outputting 480i and 480p from the xbox, and then letting your 875 upconvert.

Last time I checked, xbmc's mplayer will deinterlace interlaced content (depending on what setting you have, but I don't believe there is a true 480i output) no matter what output setting you have it on. So with the xbox at 480i, it will deinterlace from 480i to 480p and then interlace it back to 480i, which is an unfortunate function of mplayer that i'm not sure is fixable. At least I don't think it's something that has changed about mplayer recently.

I'm curious if you see much of a difference when outputting 480i and 480p from the xbox, and then letting your 875 upconvert.

Last time I checked, xbmc's mplayer will deinterlace interlaced content (depending on what setting you have, but I don't believe there is a true 480i output) no matter what output setting you have it on. So with the xbox at 480i, it will deinterlace from 480i to 480p and then interlace it back to 480i, which is an unfortunate function of mplayer that i'm not sure is fixable. At least I don't think it's something that has changed about mplayer recently.

Ja Phule,

I can tell you from my experimentation that XBMC de-interlacing is pretty poor. 480I output to my TV looks far superior to the XBMC de-interlacing. Even my friends wife noticed the extra jaggies with XBMC's de-interlacing. Now I am talking about DVD's here which does not use mplayer. I don't know if I have any other interlaced content to test mplayer with....

Sean

I thought DVDs use the default mplayer? Are DVDs played differently when using the "Play with" option and choosing dvdplayer (something I'm never too sure about)? I remember earlier on when playing some of my badly flagged dvd movies in XBMC, I would see combing when outputting 480i with xbmc.

There are times, when outputting 480i, i must mess with the deinterlacing options to get my picture looking right, as default of "none" will show combing due to the nature of mplayer. If dvdplayer does not have this issue then should have nothing to worry about.

I thought DVDs use the default mplayer? Are DVDs played differently when using the "Play with" option and choosing dvdplayer (something I'm never too sure about)? I remember earlier on when playing some of my badly flagged dvd movies in XBMC, I would see combing when outputting 480i with xbmc.


Since I was streaming back from ISO files, XBMC must have been using the DVD-player -- right?

At least this article seems to suggest that:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC

Since I was streaming back from ISO files, XBMC must have been using the DVD-player -- right?

At least this article seems to suggest that:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC


as far as I know DVD in any form do not use mplayer. you can play individual vob files with the mplayer but it wont string them together. thats why dvd player was written.............

SEan

I just softmodded my Xbox and I have to say I am very impressed with what XBMC can do. I am using the PM3 skin and it looks great. I am ripping away at my DVD collection as we speak. I have gotten the Apple trailers script to work and I have IMDB linked to the DVDs. Is there a way to link the trailer (if available) to DVD Info?

Sorry if this has been asked before but I have been lookin and couldn't find anything on this.

I looked into doing some work on it recently. I installed the new version of DVD Profiler but it seems very limited for non-paying users. I cannot create an xml export to work off of (requires registered version - payment). If someone can get me a working XML I think I can get it working again.

FYI, I installed DVD profiler 3.0. I use it to look up the images (Cover Art) and then right click on the image (Copy) and paste it into DVD profiler 2.4. I then edit the movie file name, use one that is still out there with no image and then paste image into the 2.4 version. I then use Ja Phule's dvdxbmc program to write the .tbn files. I then need to rename the files to reflcet the cover art and then copy to video server HD. Lots of work but it keeps my cover art up to date and the Video server working properly.

I do not know if it has been fixed, I've not been lurking much. Just watching movies on the big screen. :)

FYI, I installed DVD profiler 3.0. I use it to look up the images (Cover Art) and then right click on the image (Copy) and paste it into DVD profiler 2.4. I then edit the movie file name, use one that is still out there with no image and then paste image into the 2.4 version. I then use Ja Phule's dvdxbmc program to write the .tbn files. I then need to rename the files to reflcet the cover art and then copy to video server HD. Lots of work but it keeps my cover art up to date and the Video server working properly.

I do not know if it has been fixed, I've not been lurking much. Just watching movies on the big screen. :)

I did update the program recently to work with 3.0. I don't have 3.0 registered yet to really test it thoroughly, so let me know if it works out for you.

http://japhule.collinsreport.com/DVDProfiler2XBMC/

I just softmodded my Xbox and I have to say I am very impressed with what XBMC can do. I am using the PM3 skin and it looks great. I am ripping away at my DVD collection as we speak. I have gotten the Apple trailers script to work and I have IMDB linked to the DVDs. Is there a way to link the trailer (if available) to DVD Info?

Sorry if this has been asked before but I have been lookin and couldn't find anything on this.

Never heard of such a feature...

Sean

How To Convert your Xbox into a Media Player with XBMC
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30131/82/1/2/

I have one softmod xbox and one chipped. With the softmod I live in fear that I'll mess up just one file and have a big hassle restoring it. Otherwise, what a great setup. Its a shame the other media center manufacturers seem so incompetent to learn from the xbmc features and user interface, all running on the xbox's old 733Mhz Pentium III.

Also: the xbox (with the HD cable) has 5.1 TOSLINK optical output. I just wanted to point out that in the Japan market they still sell speaker systems with decoders for $160. http://kakaku.com/item/20457010221/ The old Yamaha TSS-15. They also sell 5.1 wireless headphones with decoders reasonably. However, in USA and Europe, somehow anything with an optical input and a decoder seems to cost $400, for some lame plastic Creative or Logitech speakers to handle the optical output. http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=6267 Maybe there is another thread somewhere for this, but I'd be interested to hear if there exist any other speakers-with-decoder-and-amp that cost less than $300.

Also: the xbox (with the HD cable) has 5.1 TOSLINK optical output. I just wanted to point out that in the Japan market they still sell speaker systems with decoders for $160. http://kakaku.com/item/20457010221/ The old Yamaha TSS-15. They also sell 5.1 wireless headphones with decoders reasonably. However, in USA and Europe, somehow anything with an optical input and a decoder seems to cost $400, for some lame plastic Creative or Logitech speakers to handle the optical output. http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=6267 Maybe there is another thread somewhere for this, but I'd be interested to hear if there exist any other speakers-with-decoder-and-amp that cost less than $300.

I think what we see more common here are the HTiB systems (home theater in a box) that you can find cheap.

I think what we see more common here are the HTiB systems (home theater in a box) that you can find cheap.
How does a HTiB differ? I'll look through the forums for some examples or a definition.

With an old $150 xbox that will never do h.264 or 1080p and is only getting older, it just doesn't seem appropriate to buy a $500 sound system for it.

I'm just saying that not everything that accepts coax/optical inputs is $400 here. I guess it depends on what you want to look at. Sure, you can find a $500 HTiB or you can look at a $200 or less one. I just searched bestbuy and circuitcity websites and they have a few 5.1 HTiB sets for under $200 which have optical/coax inputs and DTS/DD 5.1 decoders.

I don't mean to have a truck with you, just with the manufacturers. I'm just disappointed that Europe and NA don't seem to have a $160 all-included solution (decoder, amp, 6 or 8 speakers). They're now forcing us to buy a $200 HTiB plus then another $200 worth of speakers. They should call it "home theatre in 2 separate expensive boxes" not HTiB.

How does a HTiB differ? I'll look through the forums for some examples or a definition.

With an old $150 xbox that will never do h.264 or 1080p and is only getting older, it just doesn't seem appropriate to buy a $500 sound system for it.

You get what you pay for. Even a $500 HTiB is going to be marginal at best from what I have seen. The xbox is only going to be as good as the weekest link in your system. If you hook it up to a 20" analog TV and a cheap HTiB then why bother with it at all?

I ran out of storage about two weeks ago in my file server pc I built.. I was looking for a good deal on a SATA drive, at least 500gb when I found WD 500GB my book external usb drives for $103.. I knew I would be able to return them if they didn't work right, so I bought two.. I ripped one dvd to it and hooked it to my file server and fired up xbmc.. To my delight, (moderate surprise too) it worked great.. This should solve my storage problems for quite a while.. XBMC is everything I wanted.. could not be happier..

How To Convert your Xbox into a Media Player with XBMC
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30131/82/1/2/

I have one softmod xbox and one chipped. With the softmod I live in fear that I'll mess up just one file and have a big hassle restoring it. Otherwise, what a great setup. Its a shame the other media center manufacturers seem so incompetent to learn from the xbmc features and user interface, all running on the xbox's old 733Mhz Pentium III.

Also: the xbox (with the HD cable) has 5.1 TOSLINK optical output. I just wanted to point out that in the Japan market they still sell speaker systems with decoders for $160. http://kakaku.com/item/20457010221/ The old Yamaha TSS-15. They also sell 5.1 wireless headphones with decoders reasonably. However, in USA and Europe, somehow anything with an optical input and a decoder seems to cost $400, for some lame plastic Creative or Logitech speakers to handle the optical output. http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=6267 Maybe there is another thread somewhere for this, but I'd be interested to hear if there exist any other speakers-with-decoder-and-amp that cost less than $300.


As long as you have the eeprom.bin file recovering everything is not hard...

There are tons of cheap HTIB options. Go to CC or Best Buy.... I bought a sony HTIB with 6 speakers and a receiver for $150 and a couple of API/Mirage HTIBs for around $250. There are lots of cheap choices but generally you do get what you pay for.

Also not sure what the age of xbox has to do with purchasing an HTIB. Any HTIB with work with about any source and toslink is not going away anytime soon....

and yes XBMC does play h.264 just not at high def resolutions... see the XBMC compatibility chart for more info.

Sean

With an old $150 xbox that will never do h.264 or 1080p and is only getting older, it just doesn't seem appropriate to buy a $500 sound system for it.

I have my Xbox (exclusively used for XBMC) hooked up to a Denon 3805 ($1300), Paradigm Speakers ($1500) and an SVS Subwoofer ($675). The $100 on a used Xbox is even cheaper than the remote I use to control it all.

My point is that the usability and featureset of the XBMC is so great, that I have no problems pairing it with my equipment. I would suspect that others in this forum do the same.

Or did I totally miss your point?

does anyone know what folder the apple movie trailer info you download is stored in, and what the imdb info is stored in? id like to back up just those 2 when i update and not the whole user data folder, and then i could transfer my imdb, amt to my 2nd xbox without having to re download it all

How does a HTiB differ? I'll look through the forums for some examples or a definition.

With an old $150 xbox that will never do h.264 or 1080p and is only getting older, it just doesn't seem appropriate to buy a $500 sound system for it.
Um, why not?
The DD/DTS stream coming out of the xbox is the same as the stream coming out of any other DVD player.

Um, 1080p doesn't affect the sound. Nor does H.264.
Buzzwords are great ways to get you to buy new products , but that's about it.

And, frankly, between XBMC and my TV, they get up to 1080p just fine and it looks fabulous. I could probably get a little better image with an Oppo, but it's more important for me to have all my movies at the press of a button than to have a little better image quality.

I did update the program recently to work with 3.0. I don't have 3.0 registered yet to really test it thoroughly, so let me know if it works out for you.

http://japhule.collinsreport.com/DVDProfiler2XBMC/

Thank you Ja Phule, I will be testing it and should know by this weekend. Thanks again.

I feel like I've stuck gold with this forum and thread. I've desired to connect my TV to all the files on my PC for years but have never read about a product that can playback all the current and various file formats and codecs successfully. I have a zillion MP3 ripped over the years, home movies in various formats, and of course DVD and TV ripped to my hard drive most using DIVX and XVID.

Based on what I've read this is the closest thing to my answer. Or am I dreaming?

I feel like I've stuck gold with this forum and thread. I've desired to connect my TV to all the files on my PC for years but have never read about a product that can playback all the current and various file formats and codecs successfully. I have a zillion MP3 ripped over the years, home movies in various formats, and of course DVD and TV ripped to my hard drive most using DIVX and XVID.

Based on what I've read this is the closest thing to my answer. Or am I dreaming?


Actually its even better than you think....

Sean

Based on what I've read this is the closest thing to my answer. Or am I dreaming?

Dreaming? Using XBMC is more like a waking wet dream.

I feel like I've stuck gold with this forum and thread. I've desired to connect my TV to all the files on my PC for years but have never read about a product that can playback all the current and various file formats and codecs successfully. I have a zillion MP3 ripped over the years, home movies in various formats, and of course DVD and TV ripped to my hard drive most using DIVX and XVID.

Based on what I've read this is the closest thing to my answer. Or am I dreaming?

Basically this is it. Outside of native HD files, this is the whole deal. All the codecs, great streaming, high quality output, DVD ISO images, it does more than you can imagine and the interface/functionality is 2nd to none (actually lightyears better).

Yes, the lack of viable HD support seems to be the primary defeciency. And it appears to lack the ability to control PVR/tuners on a remote PC like the default MS media center (or so I've read that it does) though I don't have that currently available anyway.

In my super dream world there'd be a cheap product available that'd do this and all that too. ;) But I'd be happy with what XBMC has to offer now considering the total cost of hardware and effort. I've never owned a console since the original Atari and Nintendo so it'd be an adventure all around.

I see a couple NC and Raleigh users here so looks like I'd have some local assistance available for fall back. :)