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Windows 7 Media Center : Setup Guide, Knowledge Base & Support - Page 137

post #4081 of 4573
12/19/11 at 9:59am
Hoping you guys can help me, and forgive me in advance for the long post. I just want to make sure I give you all the details you need to help me, if you can.

I currently have the ATI Radeon 4800 (with the DVI / HDMI connector). I run one DVI output to my normal PC monitor. I then run the HDMI connection (which carries audio) to my AVR. When I want to watch a movie, I just put my AVR on the correct input, and the video flips over to my main TV.

The issue I'm having is that when I make this switch, Windows 7 previously switched the audio over automatically. Now, I have to go into the sound options before Windows detects the HDMI audio connection. It then switches it on without me having to select it, and identifies it as the default playback device.

I just can't figure out why it's not automatically detecting the HDMI audio connection, and requires me simply to open the sound options menu before it does finally identify it.

Any suggestions at all would be appreciated. I'm currently only using the ATI HDMI Audio driver and CCC. I don't use Realtek drivers.
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post #4082 of 4573
12/19/11 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdwright77 View Post

Hoping you guys can help me, and forgive me in advance for the long post. I just want to make sure I give you all the details you need to help me, if you can.

I currently have the ATI Radeon 4800 (with the DVI / HDMI connector). I run one DVI output to my normal PC monitor. I then run the HDMI connection (which carries audio) to my AVR. When I want to watch a movie, I just put my AVR on the correct input, and the video flips over to my main TV.

The issue I'm having is that when I make this switch, Windows 7 previously switched the audio over automatically. Now, I have to go into the sound options before Windows detects the HDMI audio connection. It then switches it on without me having to select it, and identifies it as the default playback device.

I just can't figure out why it's not automatically detecting the HDMI audio connection, and requires me simply to open the sound options menu before it does finally identify it.

Any suggestions at all would be appreciated. I'm currently only using the ATI HDMI Audio driver and CCC. I don't use Realtek drivers.

Don't have an answer but I have been seeing audio anomalies as well including but not limited to a high pitched screech that may have cost me a speaker. Same type of simple corrective action needed, open up the sound options and set a different sound device as default and then set it back to the original sound device and everything is fine. Current with both CCC and Shark's...
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post #4083 of 4573
12/19/11 at 12:30pm
Yeah, I'm thinking it may have something to do with the most recent CCC drivers.
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post #4084 of 4573
12/19/11 at 7:49pm
Gents, quick question. Whenever I try to set my HTPC resolution to 1080p 24hz, the pic is laggy and jerky. 1080p 60hz works fine however, which is what is stays at. In any event, I mostly watch movies using WMC with the HTPC. When I switch to a dedicated BD player, the PJ changes to 1080p 24.

What would cause this video issue with 1080p 24 from the HTPC? The video card (ATI 5600HD series I believe)? The CPU?

Should I even be concerned? Movies look fine, I just figured film based material should be played back using 24hz. Thx.
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post #4085 of 4573
12/20/11 at 1:17am
It is needed for playing mkv files. If you do a direct BR rip then no, you don't need it. If you convert it to mkv then you'll need a splitter. The default MS codecs more than likely can play the audio and video inside the mkv, but it has no way to pull out the a/v without a third party splitter.

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post #4086 of 4573
12/22/11 at 10:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by legierk View Post

Gents, quick question. Whenever I try to set my HTPC resolution to 1080p 24hz, the pic is laggy and jerky. 1080p 60hz works fine however, which is what is stays at. In any event, I mostly watch movies using WMC with the HTPC. When I switch to a dedicated BD player, the PJ changes to 1080p 24.

What would cause this video issue with 1080p 24 from the HTPC? The video card (ATI 5600HD series I believe)? The CPU?

Should I even be concerned? Movies look fine, I just figured film based material should be played back using 24hz. Thx.

I`ve also had the same issue with my Zacate HTPC and MPC-HCs auto-refresh rate frequency on my secondary HTPC. Basically when i first start a movie it starts laggy and jerky when switching to 24p from 60hz. If i stop it and start it again, works fine. Seems to be a driver issue that only appears with certains TV/AVR combos, because on my main HTPC (same Zacate mobo) connected to my 2310 and Pioneer plasma works fine. Somebody told me that AutoFrequency fixed this issue for him, but i haven`t had a chance to test it out since i got the holiday vacation only yesterday. I`ll let you know how it works out for me.
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post #4087 of 4573
12/25/11 at 1:35pm
Hi all, i tried to find info about this issue, but i didn't find any solution yet...

I have installed all, as described at the beginning of this thread and finally my Audio HD MA work inside Mediacenter.

Now i was trying to find a tool to easy switch Audio tracks inside an MKV file.
I found Media Control Plugin, but it doesn't work... (it say to flag the box "Allow output format Changes during playback" but i can't find it on my FFDShow version (4130 8 dic))

So i was wondering if there is an alternative solution, changing some Shark007 settings or ffdshow, to change audio by my remote controller during playback on my 7MC.

Any idea ?

If anyone already got it, please let the community knows.... :-)
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post #4088 of 4573
12/25/11 at 3:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdwright77 View Post

Hoping you guys can help me, and forgive me in advance for the long post. I just want to make sure I give you all the details you need to help me, if you can.

I currently have the ATI Radeon 4800 (with the DVI / HDMI connector). I run one DVI output to my normal PC monitor. I then run the HDMI connection (which carries audio) to my AVR. When I want to watch a movie, I just put my AVR on the correct input, and the video flips over to my main TV.

The issue I'm having is that when I make this switch, Windows 7 previously switched the audio over automatically. Now, I have to go into the sound options before Windows detects the HDMI audio connection. It then switches it on without me having to select it, and identifies it as the default playback device.

I just can't figure out why it's not automatically detecting the HDMI audio connection, and requires me simply to open the sound options menu before it does finally identify it.

Any suggestions at all would be appreciated. I'm currently only using the ATI HDMI Audio driver and CCC. I don't use Realtek drivers.

Hi, i had the same problem and i solved installing old ATi catalyst or the new version 11.12 i guess... Let me know. For me now audio switch automatically, don't forget to set as default when correctly selected.
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post #4089 of 4573
12/25/11 at 3:48pm
Does anyone know if the Xbox 360 can play MP4 (H.264 / AAC 5.1) files through Windows Media Center Extender. The Media Center PC is running Windows 7. I have a file encoded this way that is playing but, I don't have a receiver and I don't klnow what my TV is actually receiving from my Xbox 360 (HDMI).

Thanks - ftlee
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post #4090 of 4573
12/26/11 at 7:55am
I have a question about guide listings.

My set up pulls in clear qam stations (mostly the locals, which is fine for me). I live in CT, but I actually pull in five or six stations from New York. My guide listings are set up for my area code/provider, so I only get guide listings for the CT channels, and no guide listings for the NY ones. Is there any possible way that I can get the NY listings in there as well?
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post #4091 of 4573
12/27/11 at 9:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by erosoft View Post

Hi, i had the same problem and i solved installing old ATi catalyst or the new version 11.12 i guess... Let me know. For me now audio switch automatically, don't forget to set as default when correctly selected.

I just installed the newest version the other day, but haven't had a chance to try it. If it doesn't correct the issue, I'll be switching back to an older version. Thanks for the tip.
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post #4092 of 4573
12/27/11 at 9:20am
Thread Starter 
As a side note, I think 11.6 also works fine, that`s what i use on my HTPCs. 11.8-11.10 have a bug where when you wake up your machine from sleep and the AVR is set on another input than the HTPC, the audio will revert to 2 channels or something like that.
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post #4093 of 4573
12/27/11 at 11:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdwright77 View Post

I just installed the newest version the other day, but haven't had a chance to try it. If it doesn't correct the issue, I'll be switching back to an older version. Thanks for the tip.

I had the newest Catalyst driver & the problem was there for me, so I rolled back one version & now I can switch to various HDMI inputs & HDMI remains as the selected output device on my 7MC computer.
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post #4094 of 4573
12/27/11 at 12:21pm
I have used Media Center to record and play back TV for 5 yrs or so. First Vista and now W7 MC. In August problems started and have not gone away. Reinstalling CCC works about half the time..for 3-4 days and then shudder starts up on playback.

ASUS M3A78-EM
Phenom II X2 555
4G ram
Radon 3650 HDMI conection
W7 home P

I have had Fddshow and Hallie Media splitter installed for 3-4yrs with the defalt settings. I have lost track of just why/how I used them.
I installed W7 over Vista so all settings were carried over.

So now all is broken and I must learn this setup again.

I removed FFDshow and Hallie Media splitter as they must at least need updating; or replacing.

Any ideas where the shudder come from?
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post #4095 of 4573
12/27/11 at 9:20pm
Is MakeMKV now considered as trusted as a combination of eac3to & mkvmerge?
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post #4096 of 4573
12/27/11 at 11:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rlhowell View Post

I have used Media Center to record and play back TV for 5 yrs or so. First Vista and now W7 MC. In August problems started and have not gone away. Reinstalling CCC works about half the time..for 3-4 days and then shudder starts up on playback.

ASUS M3A78-EM
Phenom II X2 555
4G ram
Radon 3650 HDMI conection
W7 home P

I have had Fddshow and Hallie Media splitter installed for 3-4yrs with the defalt settings. I have lost track of just why/how I used them.
I installed W7 over Vista so all settings were carried over.

So now all is broken and I must learn this setup again.

I removed FFDshow and Hallie Media splitter as they must at least need updating; or replacing.

Any ideas where the shudder come from?

Just try the LAV Splitters or the Shark Pack configured like in my guide, with the LAV filters for MKV.
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post #4097 of 4573
12/27/11 at 11:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by riverhawk79 View Post

Is MakeMKV now considered as trusted as a combination of eac3to & mkvmerge?

Yup, and easier to use imho.
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post #4098 of 4573
12/28/11 at 4:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by riverhawk79 View Post

Is MakeMKV now considered as trusted as a combination of eac3to & mkvmerge?

I don't believe so. Some people still have a/v issues with MakeMKV depending on the hardware they use. Also, not sure if MakeMKV still does not set forced subtitles as forced or just simply as default
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post #4099 of 4573
12/28/11 at 8:09am
Last night I watched a TV show from Turnner Peachtree TV recorded last summer and had smooth operation. This was after removing FFDSHOW and Hallie Splitter. I don't know how all this works but realize I should mention I am not using Blue Ray but sending HDMI audio to a 7.2 AVR. I don't expect to need 7.1or Blue Ray anytime soon and 5.1 audio is working fine. I want this simple so my wife and adult daughters can use it any time.

I am going to install the LAV splitters with your setup.

Thanks for the tip.

Bob
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post #4100 of 4573
12/28/11 at 7:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenEyez View Post

I`ve also had the same issue with my Zacate HTPC and MPC-HCs auto-refresh rate frequency on my secondary HTPC. Basically when i first start a movie it starts laggy and jerky when switching to 24p from 60hz. If i stop it and start it again, works fine. Seems to be a driver issue that only appears with certains TV/AVR combos, because on my main HTPC (same Zacate mobo) connected to my 2310 and Pioneer plasma works fine. Somebody told me that AutoFrequency fixed this issue for him, but i haven`t had a chance to test it out since i got the holiday vacation only yesterday. I`ll let you know how it works out for me.

Did you ever find a resolution to the laggy 24hz issue? What is AutoFrequency? Something in Catalyst Control Center (CCC)?
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post #4101 of 4573
12/29/11 at 6:56am
GreenEyez, you mentioned LAV splitter + LAV audio + ffdshowDXVA is the most popular solution. So do you think you could include using ffdshow in MPC in your guide? It works for me (I simply added ffdshow video and ffdshow DXVA video to external filters), but Im sure Im not using the whole potential of ffdshow. Thanks.
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post #4102 of 4573
12/29/11 at 9:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

I don't believe so. Some people still have a/v issues with MakeMKV depending on the hardware they use. Also, not sure if MakeMKV still does not set forced subtitles as forced or just simply as default

I actually just did a couple tests with MakeMKV and I saw it handle forced subs using each of the two methods you described. I'm not sure what made it pick one way once and then the other the next time.

What is your current ripping method? For the past year and a half I've been using AnotherEac3ToGui, which I learned about from your blog posting. But now with mkvmerge 5.2.0 it's not working anymore. For the moment I'm using a portable copy of 5.1.0 so that I can stay up and running, but obviously that's not the best idea going forward.

MkvMerge has been adding lots of features lately, especially with the mt2s support. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a complete solution eventually, but I think that's still several versions away.
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post #4103 of 4573
12/29/11 at 9:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by riverhawk79 View Post

I actually just did a couple tests with MakeMKV and I saw it handle forced subs using each of the two methods you described. I'm not sure what made it pick one way once and then the other the next time.

What is your current ripping method? For the past year and a half I've been using AnotherEac3ToGui, which I learned about from your blog posting. But now with mkvmerge 5.2.0 it's not working anymore. For the moment I'm using a portable copy of 5.1.0 so that I can stay up and running, but obviously that's not the best idea going forward.

MkvMerge has been adding lots of features lately, especially with the mt2s support. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a complete solution eventually, but I think that's still several versions away.

For the most part now I just rip to Blu ray folder structures using Clown_BD. For mkvs my preferred methods (although a little more manual) is still Clown_BD (really just an eac3to UI) + mkvmerge.

That is strange with MakeMKV and forced subs, do wonder what the logic there would be. I see the problem if it only marks them as default is that you are forced to keep subtitles turned on
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post #4104 of 4573
12/30/11 at 9:55am
I would need some support regarding a several issues I have with 7MC (+ Media Browser) running on my HTPC.

1) .ISO DVD playback. I have set up MB to use virtual clone drive to mount .iso images and I would like to use TMT5 as the DVD player, which is also set as the default autorun event for DVD video. Although, when I choose to "play" and .ISO movie in Media Browser, a menu pops out, where I have to choose either 7MC internal dvd player or TMT5 plugin. I have to click to TMT5 everytime I want to want an .ISO movie. Is there a way to sort this out? To set TMT5 as preffered DVD player withing 7MC?

2) LAV splitter. Im using MPC as an external player with LAV splitter. But there is a problem with more audio tracks than one (for example ordinar one and director's commentary), the splitter doesnt allow me to choose which one to play, but simply plays both. I have disabled the internal audio switcher option in MPC, as I assume its splitter's work manage audio track. Am I wrong and does the internal audio switcher have to be allowed?

Thanks a lot in advance.
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post #4105 of 4573
1/1/12 at 7:22am
Probably a random question - I got a HDHomerun Prime (which is great btw).. but whenever i try to record multiple things (2 recordings) while watching WMC, the pixelization is incredible. Makes the shows unwatchable. Is this a limitation of my wireless network? My network is 20mbps down (wired) and I'm sure it's less when it's wireless.. should this be enough bandwidth or am I going to need to go wireless? (even though all the recordings are on the same PC)

thanks.
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post #4106 of 4573
1/1/12 at 7:59am
You should post this in the HDprime forum or check the ceton forum on AVS, But If your htpc is wireless and
Your trying to run two streams to it, one live and one recording, then yes that's most likely the issue. Powerline or MoCA would be better options over wireless if you can't run copper, but these may have issues as well depending on your wiring. I'm using the ceton card and from what I've read in the forums wireless is not an option when viewing any hd, your luck will vary.
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post #4107 of 4573
1/1/12 at 3:59pm
I've been using W7MC as a dual tuner DVR for awhile and one thing that bugs me about recording from the guide is that (particularly during football season) the networks will shift program start times dynamically due to live events that run long.

My simple solution is to schedule the program I want and the one after it to record when this looks like a possiblity, but, it seems to me that since the program name is in the broadcast content, it would be simple enough for W7MC to monitor this and either not start recording until it sees a match for what you selected from the schedule, and/or to continue recording until the current broadcast name no longer matches what was scheduled to record.

Is there a plug-in or other adaptation available to accomplish this?
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post #4108 of 4573
1/3/12 at 5:13pm
Okay, so I have Windows Media center 7 installed on two computers here at the house. I am using an antennea to pick up the local HD stations here in Seattle. It's been working great on both computers for about a year.

Recently, on one of the computers, I have lost one of the channels (KOMO4.1).

It still shows up as 100 percent signal strength but the screen is black...the other computer still works fine.

I tried deleting all the channels and re-scanning, and have also tried editing the channel manually. When I look at the channel settings for it, they look the same as they do on the computer tha still gets the channel.

Any ideas on how to get it back? (short of a clean install of windows 7)
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post #4109 of 4573
1/3/12 at 7:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by torque911 View Post

Okay, so I have Windows Media center 7 installed on two computers here at the house. I am using an antennea to pick up the local HD stations here in Seattle. It's been working great on both computers for about a year.

Recently, on one of the computers, I have lost one of the channels (KOMO4.1).

It still shows up as 100 percent signal strength but the screen is black...the other computer still works fine.

I tried deleting all the channels and re-scanning, and have also tried editing the channel manually. When I look at the channel settings for it, they look the same as they do on the computer tha still gets the channel.

Any ideas on how to get it back? (short of a clean install of windows 7)

Kinda off off topic but I live kn the area and I'm curious, How many channels do you get that are good to excelent in Seattle and what kind of antenna do you use?
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post #4110 of 4573
1/3/12 at 7:36pm
I have an antennae installed in my attic, I think its a Winegard HD8200U or something like it. I used http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/location/ to select my antennae.

I get the following channels in perfect HD:

4.1 KOMO (I used to anyway, now it is gone on one computer and works on the other)
5.1 KING
7.1 KIRO
9.1 PBS
11.1 KSTW
13.1 KCPQ
6/16.1 KONG

I also get a few other channels like JOE TV and 4.2, 5.2, etc not in HD. And of course I get about 325 religious and spanish channels for some reason.

Check www.tvfool.com to see what channels you will get with at you address. It's very accurate.
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