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Windows 7 Media Center : Setup Guide, Knowledge Base & Support - Page 12

post #331 of 4573
6/2/10 at 3:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alterity17 View Post

So I decided to give up on 1.2 of the guide since I couldn't figure it out.

Initially when I tried 1.1(MPC-HC) I ran into some problems so thats why I never went back. Well I just tried it again and everything is working perfectly, even my DTS-HD, so that makes me happy.

Am I losing any advantage from running MPC-HC and not the internal player?

Again thanks for all the help and awesome guide

I definitely recommend using MPC HC as I find getting consistent bitstreaming with the internal player is unreliable. The nice thing about MPC HC is that it is very easy to have launched for other front ends such as XBMC if you decide to change things up (I just tested out launching MPC HC from XBMC and it works much smoother then from Media Browser)
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post #332 of 4573
6/2/10 at 4:55am
About the Blu Ray ripping GUIDE

So Clown BD looks to be the best for just ripping out the Movie/Audio/Subtitles. It's been awhile since I used anything besides AnyDVD for ripping BDs (I have a good 150 I need to go back and rip out just the Movie/Audio/Subtitles) should be able free up one of my 1.5TB HDD after I do that. Does it tell you what audio track is the commentary track some movies I wish to keep that in.

If we were to have another HTPC in room that cant bitstream the HD audio does the audio downmix(not sure if that's the correct word), would it downmix to DTS or AC3 or do we need to have to select both those audio track to keep in the file.

I was using AnyDVD then using tsMuxeR when I was doing them.

Is anyone else having trouble with AnyDVD ripping out the trailers I clicked the button in setting but everytime I rip the whole disc there always there still. There are a few movies I like to keep the whole disc on a HDD but with out the trailers.

After running it through MakeMKV we should have chapter support then correct. If I remember chapters don't work on a m2ts file.


Going to run through your guide and set everything up since I got time to do it all today.
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post #333 of 4573
6/2/10 at 5:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BDestroyer8418 View Post

About the Blu Ray ripping GUIDE

So Clown BD looks to be the best for just ripping out the Movie/Audio/Subtitles. It's been awhile since I used anything besides AnyDVD for ripping BDs (I have a good 150 I need to go back and rip out just the Movie/Audio/Subtitles) should be able free up one of my 1.5TB HDD after I do that. Does it tell you what audio track is the commentary track some movies I wish to keep that in.

If we were to have another HTPC in room that cant bitstream the HD audio does the audio downmix(not sure if that's the correct word), would it downmix to DTS or AC3 or do we need to have to select both those audio track to keep in the file.

I was using AnyDVD then using tsMuxeR when I was doing them.

Is anyone else having trouble with AnyDVD ripping out the trailers I clicked the button in setting but everytime I rip the whole disc there always there still. There are a few movies I like to keep the whole disc on a HDD but with out the trailers.

After running it through MakeMKV we should have chapter support then correct. If I remember chapters don't work on a m2ts file.


Going to run through your guide and set everything up since I got time to do it all today.

Clown_BD does not tell you what the directors commentary track is, so it is trial and error.

You can select just the HD Audio track, your HTPC will downmix it without issue using FFDShow (I have no issues playing my movies on my desktop PC through PC speakers)

I never rip with AnyDVD, I just use it to decrypt the disc and use other tools, so cannot comment on that issue.

Throwing into an mkv (using MakeMKV, Another EAC3To Gui, etc...) will give you full chapter support. You do not get chapter support via standalone m2ts/ts
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post #334 of 4573
6/2/10 at 5:36am
@dbone1026

I figured it would be trial and error for the commentary track atleast it's only a handful of movies and not all of them. Should be able to Demux a audio track to test if it's the commentary track and then just remember which one it is or even mux it back into the main file not sure I'll find out later when I try out Clown BD.

Thanks for clearing all that up. Will be putting it all to the test later today.
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post #335 of 4573
6/2/10 at 5:59am
Thread Starter 
The commentary tracks are usually low bitrate 2.0 AC3 tracks.
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post #336 of 4573
6/2/10 at 9:02am
I need help with box sets of movies in Media Browser. I have Enable Nested Folders checked. My structure is HD/the Bourne Trilogy/the Bourne Trilogy.jpg
HD/the Bourne Trilogy/Bourne Identity (fully populated with metadata)
HD/the Bourne Trilogy/Bourne Supremacy (fully populated with metadata)
HD/the Bourne Trilogy/Bourne Ultimatum (fully populated with metadata)
I have no picture image appears in Media Browser along with all the single movies. However, all of the individual Bourne movies appear with the proper images when I click on the Bourne Trilogy icon. Though I have been doing HTPCs for more than 15 years, I am a noob when it comes to W7MC and Media Browser.
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post #337 of 4573
6/2/10 at 9:06am
Thread Starter 
Rename the the Bourne Trilogy.jpg to "folder.jpg"

Guide update : Maintenance day . I`m rearranging the guide and adding some info in the media browser section, customization section, playback for i3/i5 integrated graphics and a new Useful programs/tips and tricks part. So if you refresh the page and see things changed from 1 minute to another, don`t worry.
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post #338 of 4573
6/2/10 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by carefreepastor View Post

I need help with box sets of movies in Media Browser. I have Enable Nested Folders checked. My structure is HD/the Bourne Trilogy/the Bourne Trilogy.jpg
HD/the Bourne Trilogy/Bourne Identity (fully populated with metadata)
HD/the Bourne Trilogy/Bourne Supremacy (fully populated with metadata)
HD/the Bourne Trilogy/Bourne Ultimatum (fully populated with metadata)
I have no picture image appears in Media Browser along with all the single movies. However, all of the individual Bourne movies appear with the proper images when I click on the Bourne Trilogy icon. Though I have been doing HTPCs for more than 15 years, I am a noob when it comes to W7MC and Media Browser.

At the root folder it should be folder.jpg and not the bourne trilogy.jpg. You should then have a separate folder.jpg in each movie folder
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post #339 of 4573
6/2/10 at 9:21am
What they said.

I still need to get images for the very first set of icons. I guess I'm suppose to find or make my own. And I still need to setup those other things in the theme, too.
LL
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post #340 of 4573
6/2/10 at 9:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackal55 View Post

What they said.

I still need to get images for the very first set of icons. I guess I'm suppose to find or make my own. And I still need to setup those other things in the theme, too.

Are those virtual folders? If so you can assign the image in the media browser configuration utility
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post #341 of 4573
6/2/10 at 9:47am
Thread Starter 
Right in the media collection tab, there is the "change icon" for each media collection that dbone was talking about.
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post #342 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:07am
Yes I saw that. But do I need to find my own images via the config or are there some provided in the MB folder?

I was just looking at the Clown_BD link in the guide to the wiki site. Looks pretty cool. I normally use DVDFab to rip the BR movies. Maybe I'll test Clown_BD too. I've been ripping to folder and then running the stream through MPC-HC via MB.

I have had a couple of odd icon instances. Two of the Harry Potter folder images won't appear with the DVD frame around them. Legion appears with a green "Xvid" frame even though it's a DVD rip. I'm going to remove the libraries, reboot, start MB and then closed it and add the libraries back and see if it corrects the problem. Still need to get on those OTA TV shows too. I only keep OTA recorded shows until the new Fall season or I buy it on disc.

Then I need to decide on an external storage type (DIY server, pre-made server, NAS w/eSATA, etc) and if I want to rip EVERYTHING to it. Everything being TV and Anime series.
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post #343 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:17am
Thread Starter 
Don`t remove the libraries, just clear the Cache. There should be a Clear Cache tab in Media Browser, in the configuration utility, clear the image cache. If you added the Harry Potter folder before you installed CovertArt, they will not appear because MB already has a cover image stored in the cache folder. Clearing the cache will result in MB rebuilding it and covert art putting the covers/frames on all the movies that are rebuilt.
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post #344 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackal55 View Post

Yes I saw that. But do I need to find my own images via the config or are there some provided in the MB folder?

I was just looking at the Clown_BD link in the guide to the wiki site. Looks pretty cool. I normally use DVDFab to rip the BR movies. Maybe I'll test Clown_BD too. I've been ripping to folder and then running the stream through MPC-HC via MB.

I have had a couple of odd icon instances. Two of the Harry Potter folder images won't appear with the DVD frame around them. Legion appears with a green "Xvid" frame even though it's a DVD rip. I'm going to remove the libraries, reboot, start MB and then closed it and add the libraries back and see if it corrects the problem. Still need to get on those OTA TV shows too. I only keep OTA recorded shows until the new Fall season or I buy it on disc.

Then I need to decide on an external storage type (DIY server, pre-made server, NAS w/eSATA, etc) and if I want to rip EVERYTHING to it. Everything being TV and Anime series.

You provide your own. I presently use image from the 3D Box Set collectin from the Medai Browser website fan art section.
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post #345 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:21am
Thanks. I'll head over there now.
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post #346 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenEyez View Post

Don`t remove the libraries, just clear the Cache. There should be a Clear Cache tab in Media Browser, in the configuration utility, clear the image cache. If you added the Harry Potter folder before you installed CovertArt, they will not appear because MB already has a cover image stored in the cache folder. Clearing the cache will result in MB rebuilding it and covert art putting the covers/frames on all the movies that are rebuilt.

I'll do that. Thanks.
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post #347 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:29am
Thread Starter 
Also, clearing the cache (images + metadata) is recommended from time to time (once every 2 weeks) if you move a lot of movies in your libraries, since the cache folder get`s bloated and Mb will get slower.
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post #348 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:32am
GreenEyez,
Thanks for putting this thread/guide together. It is very informative.
Keep up the good work!

I am not a newbie to HTPCs....I have used them for years now.
I have a few comments/suggestions/questions.


1. Is there a thread which relates to MPC picture quality vs WMP12 ?
I ask becasue I never realized the the internal WMC player is not good.

2. You mention at the top that this is for a total newbie.
Then you say that all this software and configuration is required to create a working and stable HTPC. I beg to differ. You really dont. Lot of stuff you mention is not really needed for a working, stable HTPC setup.

It would be nice if you mention this at the top. We dont really want newbies looking at this guide and balking at all the steps needed "to create a working, stable HTPC", right?


3. Blu-ray ripping
IMHO: There is no need to really rip a blu-ray disk. Just make an ISO....faster....and way simple setup.

You may prefer it the other way but I suggest you mention this at the top.

4. No mention of PowerDVD?
Any particular reason why you omit PDVD for blu-ray playback?

5. IMHO....maybe you can say that this guide is for advanced HTPC setups....not for newbies....that will do too.

Again, thanks a ton for this writeup....I just wanna help the newbies decide.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenEyez View Post

Because MPC-HC has better PQ then the standard WMP12 (in WMP the picture seems too "soft"), and was the only player that had DXVA and subs at the same time that i knew of (i`m going to get back on that below..)

The guide is for newbies, but i also want t get the best PQ possible.
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post #349 of 4573
6/2/10 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 
1) From my experience, MPC-HC has a sharper image (which i preffer), while WMP12 is softer. It all depends on user prefference, that`s why the guide has 2 possible setups, one using MPC-HC as an external player, the other using the internal 7MC player.
At first, it only had the MPC-HC part, but after discussion with some other forum members (you just quoted one of my replies from that discussion), we concluded to split the playback guide into 2 parts, and let the user decide.

2) Ofc not everything is necessary, but the one of the goals of the thread is to maximize your HTPC`s capabilites. Using plugins to extend it`s capabilities (outlook/email/rss cheack, latest trailers/movies playing right now iin the cinema), custom themes and icons, automatic metadata and poster retrieval, mkv/m2ts playback with HD audio bitstreaming from those containers etc., BR folder playback.
The reader has to choose what`s not important to him or what he doesn`t need, not me.

3) Making a 1:1 copy takes up more space on the HDD than just ripping the main movie, and for people like me who don`t need the extra languages/subs and extra bonus features, it`s important. Also, mounting an ISO takes more time than playing back the movie from a BR folder structure.

4) It`s not posible to playback BR folder structures with PDVD (one of the goals of the guide), that`s why i haven`t mentioned it. But i`ll mention it tonight, i`m reorganizing the guide and haven`t got to the playback part yet, i`m working on adding more info about media browser and customization for the moment (and watching a movie, lol)

5) The guide takes a step by step approach for each setting that needs to be set up, so even if you are new to the HTPC realm and don`t know what a particular setting does, playback will still work.
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post #350 of 4573
6/2/10 at 11:30am
You've been extraordinarily helpful already so I can't help but ask more questions (I hope I'm not bothering you ).

I like to group movies of a trilogy, for example The Evil Dead trilogy. Now, a couple problems arise when I do this.

One, is that there is no logo for "the Evil Dead Trilogy", I can make one no problem, but I'm wondering if it's possible to implement custom backgrounds as well, as I think this is an awesome thing to have.

Two, is that say in this trilogy for example, the movies are not in alphabetical order, is it possible to somehow rearrange them into order (ie. The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, Army of Darkness), while retaining the logos and the backgrounds?

Edit: Also for a movie like 3:10 to Yuma, what could you do with that to avoid the character restrictions. Just add your own custom?
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post #351 of 4573
6/2/10 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenEyez View Post

1) From my experience, MPC-HC has a sharper image (which i preffer), while WMP12 is softer. It all depends on user prefference, that`s why the guide has 2 possible setups, one using MPC-HC as an external player, the other using the internal 7MC player.
At first, it only had the MPC-HC part, but after discussion with some other forum members (you just quoted one of my replies from that discussion), we concluded to split the playback guide into 2 parts, and let the user decide.

2) Ofc not everything is necessary, but the one of the goals of the thread is to maximize your HTPC`s capabilites. Using plugins to extend it`s capabilities (outlook/email/rss cheack, latest trailers/movies playing right now iin the cinema), custom themes and icons, automatic metadata and poster retrieval, mkv/m2ts playback with HD audio bitstreaming from those containers etc., BR folder playback.
The reader has to choose what`s not important to him or what he doesn`t need, not me.

3) Making a 1:1 copy takes up more space on the HDD than just ripping the main movie, and for people like me who don`t need the extra languages/subs and extra bonus features, it`s important. Also, mounting an ISO takes more time than playing back the movie from a BR folder structure.

4) It`s not posible to playback BR folder structures with PDVD (one of the goals of the guide), that`s why i haven`t mentioned it. But i`ll mention it tonight, i`m reorganizing the guide and haven`t got to the playback part yet, i`m working on adding more info about media browser and customization for the moment (and watching a movie, lol)

5) The guide takes a step by step approach for each setting that needs to be set up, so even if you are new to the HTPC realm and don`t know what a particular setting does, playback will still work.

Agreed with your responses. Also, regarding point # 3 keep in mind that to play back an ISO you need pay for software with WMC (I think Greeneyez proved that MPC HC cannot be used for Blu Ray folders that have seamless branch, and even to get MPC HC to work you need to move the main movie out of the stream folder which may cause problems with other players). Ripping to alternatives (such as mkvs) greatly simplifies the process. By simply ripping the main movie you can easily save 10-20GB worth of space, which can add up quickly if you have a large movie collection.
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post #352 of 4573
6/2/10 at 11:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cackus Jack View Post

You've been extraordinarily helpful already so I can't help but ask more questions (I hope I'm not bothering you ).

I like to group movies of a trilogy, for example The Evil Dead trilogy. Now, a couple problems arise when I do this.

One, is that there is no logo for "the Evil Dead Trilogy", I can make one no problem, but I'm wondering if it's possible to implement custom backgrounds as well, as I think this is an awesome thing to have.

Two, is that say in this trilogy for example, the movies are not in alphabetical order, is it possible to somehow rearrange them into order (ie. The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, Army of Darkness), while retaining the logos and the backgrounds?

I think saving backdrop.jpg in the main trilogy folder should give you the backdrop.

Also, for the sorting, your best bet is to use a metadata manager such as metabrowser or other. For instance, I know for the James Bond movies metabrowser will give each movie a custom name (i.e James Bond 01, James Bond 02, etc...) which gets used to sort/group them together properly.
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post #353 of 4573
6/2/10 at 12:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

I think saving backdrop.jpg in the main trilogy folder should give you the backdrop.

Also, for the sorting, your best bet is to use a metadata manager such as metabrowser or other. For instance, I know for the James Bond movies metabrowser will give each movie a custom name (i.e James Bond 01, James Bond 02, etc...) which gets used to sort/group them together properly.

Excellent information. backdrop.jpg definitely works. Do you know of a metadata manager that doesn't cost money?
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post #354 of 4573
6/2/10 at 12:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cackus Jack View Post

Excellent information. backdrop.jpg definitely works. Do you know of a metadata manager that doesn't cost money?

Use the 1.0 version of metabrowser which is free:

http://themetabrowser.com/download/
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post #355 of 4573
6/2/10 at 12:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

Use the 1.0 version of metabrowser which is free:

http://themetabrowser.com/download/

hm, i only see the latest version there, and it doesn't seem to exist on google. i wonder if there is any other way to accomplish the task of putting movies in order. it's too bad that media browsers own filtration sorts movies from newest to oldest. kind of dumb.
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post #356 of 4573
6/2/10 at 12:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cackus Jack View Post

hm, i only see the latest version there, and it doesn't seem to exist on google. i wonder if there is any other way to accomplish the task of putting movies in order. it's too bad that media browsers own filtration sorts movies from newest to oldest. kind of dumb.

Keep looking on that page:

"Looking for v1.0? Download BETA 09.02.09 Here (2.33 MB) - 62040 Downloads"
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post #357 of 4573
6/2/10 at 12:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bryansj View Post

Keep looking on that page:

"Looking for v1.0? Download BETA 09.02.09 Here (2.33 MB) - 62040 Downloads"

Wow, pardon my stupidity. I didn't want to be one of those people, but I'm just having so much fun with this program it made me act hastily.

Edit: I got it all working. Thanks a lot for your assistance, you've made my afternoon.
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post #358 of 4573
6/2/10 at 12:59pm
When you say ...one has to pay for software to play ISOs....what do you mean.... you see....

Both Daemon Tools Lite and VirtualCloneDrive can be used to mount ISOs.....both are free.

PDVD and TMT both have to be paid for anyway

To circumvent encryption.....which you dont really need if you have a HDCP capable card and display [pretty much everyone does]........you may need AnyDVD.

I am wondering which software are you talking about [which has to be paid for]

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

Agreed with your responses. Also, regarding point # 3 keep in mind that to play back an ISO you need pay for software with WMC (I think Greeneyez proved that MPC HC cannot be used for Blu Ray folders that have seamless branch, and even to get MPC HC to work you need to move the main movie out of the stream folder which may cause problems with other players). Ripping to alternatives (such as mkvs) greatly simplifies the process. By simply ripping the main movie you can easily save 10-20GB worth of space, which can add up quickly if you have a large movie collection.
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post #359 of 4573
6/2/10 at 1:02pm
Can you please elaborate the paragraph #1?

Is there a seperate thread I can possibily look at....maybe where this "MPC is sharper in PQ than native playback" is being discussed...........other than MPC being free.

This is news to me....so I am just trying to get more info.



As for the rest....well, I understand your viewpoint.


Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenEyez View Post

1) From my experience, MPC-HC has a sharper image (which i preffer), while WMP12 is softer. It all depends on user prefference, that`s why the guide has 2 possible setups, one using MPC-HC as an external player, the other using the internal 7MC player.
At first, it only had the MPC-HC part, but after discussion with some other forum members (you just quoted one of my replies from that discussion), we concluded to split the playback guide into 2 parts, and let the user decide.

2) Ofc not everything is necessary, but the one of the goals of the thread is to maximize your HTPC`s capabilites. Using plugins to extend it`s capabilities (outlook/email/rss cheack, latest trailers/movies playing right now iin the cinema), custom themes and icons, automatic metadata and poster retrieval, mkv/m2ts playback with HD audio bitstreaming from those containers etc., BR folder playback.
The reader has to choose what`s not important to him or what he doesn`t need, not me.

3) Making a 1:1 copy takes up more space on the HDD than just ripping the main movie, and for people like me who don`t need the extra languages/subs and extra bonus features, it`s important. Also, mounting an ISO takes more time than playing back the movie from a BR folder structure.

4) It`s not posible to playback BR folder structures with PDVD (one of the goals of the guide), that`s why i haven`t mentioned it. But i`ll mention it tonight, i`m reorganizing the guide and haven`t got to the playback part yet, i`m working on adding more info about media browser and customization for the moment (and watching a movie, lol)

5) The guide takes a step by step approach for each setting that needs to be set up, so even if you are new to the HTPC realm and don`t know what a particular setting does, playback will still work.
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post #360 of 4573
6/2/10 at 1:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rajdude View Post

Both Daemon Tools Lite and VirtualCloneDrive can be used to mount ISOs.....both are free.

PDVD and TMT both have to be paid for anyway

I'm pretty sure you can't use PDVD or TMT directly if playing from encrypted ISO. You need to break the encryption in order to play from (Blu-ray) ISO.
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