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Assassin's Simple/Beginner HTPC Buying Guide - Page 413

post #12361 of 15479
4/1/12 at 9:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilky13 View Post


Does TMT5 play in WMC, or does it minimize WMC and play in it's own window? Does WMC pop back up after you stop the disc?

You hit play, and a screen shows up showing your drives, then the video starts. When you hit stop, you are back in WMC. Very seem less. Remember, I use TMT 5 for all of my playback. If I insert a disc into my HTPC, it just plays. If I choose from a ripped disc in MB, again, TMT 5 starts up and plays the movie. That's one of the reasons I went with TMT is that it works very well in side of WMC as well as MB. I know that many do not want to pay for playback software but for me, this was the best solution.
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post #12362 of 15479
4/1/12 at 9:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wilky13 View Post

i want to query everyone's input. I rip 99% of my bluray's to mkv and watch them in media browser.

But....

For that 1% of the time i want to throw the bluray in the optical drive and just watch it from there, what is the best plugin that integrates seamlessly into wmc? Tmt5? Mymovies? Any others?

tmt5
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post #12363 of 15479
4/1/12 at 9:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilky13 View Post


Does TMT5 play in WMC, or does it minimize WMC and play in it's own window? Does WMC pop back up after you stop the disc?

Sort of and yes you come back to WMC
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post #12364 of 15479
4/1/12 at 10:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lathamb View Post

I just finished my first pc build basically using the recommended hardware in the first post:
Intel i3 2100t
ASRock H67M-ITX
Corsair 4GB Ram
Crucial 64gb SSD
Win 7 Home Premium 32bit
MI-008 Case
It went together really well, took only about 1.5 hours to assemble and worked the first time i turned it on, no issues so far. Thanks for putting this all together and the paid setup guides will save me hours of time.

I do have one question so far, feel free to flame, but a quick search didn't reveal any info.

I have a 20 inch monitor with a native resolution of 1600X1200, my Samsung DLP's native resolution is 1920x1080. I would like to run both, the 20 inch via DVI and Samsung via HDMI, however when i try to set this up as a dual "clone" desktop in the graphics properties utility, i cannot select the max resolutions for either display. It works fine in single display or extended desktop modes. Any ideas? Thanks.
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post #12365 of 15479
4/2/12 at 10:27am
Ok. so how do I completely turn off the metadata collecting ability of mediabrowser if I wanted to?

I used an assassin paid guide and the plugins he suggested are enabled. I cant recall since im at work but they may have been media Info Provider and High Quality thumbnails (and another one)

So whats the point of media center master? when the guide is telling mediabrowser to fetch meta data?? is there redundancy here or synergy?

why is mediacenter master preferred ? why not mymovies or metabrowser?

thanks
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post #12366 of 15479
4/2/12 at 10:50am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by amcdoc View Post

Ok. so how do I completely turn off the metadata collecting ability of mediabrowser if I wanted to?

I used an assassin paid guide and the plugins he suggested are enabled. I cant recall since im at work but they may have been media Info Provider and High Quality thumbnails (and another one)

So whats the point of media center master? when the guide is telling mediabrowser to fetch meta data?? is there redundancy here or synergy?

why is mediacenter master preferred ? why not mymovies or metabrowser?

thanks

1. I show you how to disable media browser's scraper in the guides. In my experience the MB scraper is subpar and clunky.
2. MCM is a much better metadata and imaging scraper. With MB you can utilize multiple backgrounds which MCM will collect automatically.
3. Because I have tried them all and its the one I like the best.

I have done this testing for you already and this is what I think works best. But feel free to try the others if you like.
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post #12367 of 15479
4/2/12 at 2:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lathamb View Post

I have a 20 inch monitor with a native resolution of 1600X1200, my Samsung DLP's native resolution is 1920x1080. I would like to run both, the 20 inch via DVI and Samsung via HDMI, however when i try to set this up as a dual "clone" desktop in the graphics properties utility, i cannot select the max resolutions for either display. It works fine in single display or extended desktop modes. Any ideas? Thanks.

Coming from nVidia drivers ... I'm pretty sure when cloning you're going to have to pick the same resolution for both -- so find a common setting.
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post #12368 of 15479
4/2/12 at 7:29pm
Thread Starter 
Good deal on a good Lite-On Bluray drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106374

$49 after code EMCYTZT1392

Expires 4/02
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post #12369 of 15479
4/3/12 at 4:32am
I've noticed the volume on mkv files is quite low compared to live TV, avi and other file types when playing through WMC. I'm using the Shark007 codecs as per Assassin Guide #61. I uninstalled all existing codecs before installing the Shark codec.I've tried using the normailse setting in the ddfshow audio decoder configuration, but it boosts the live TV volume too much.
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post #12370 of 15479
4/3/12 at 4:43am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kesawi View Post

I've noticed the volume on mkv files is quite low compared to live TV, avi and other file types when playing through WMC. I'm using the Shark007 codecs as per Assassin Guide #61. I uninstalled all existing codecs before installing the Shark codec.I've tried using the normailse setting in the ddfshow audio decoder configuration, but it boosts the live TV volume too much.

Are you using an av receiver? If not use the volume adjustments I show you in my faq.
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post #12371 of 15479
4/3/12 at 6:17am
Did anyone ever post a solution to:

When leaving MC on and shutting down the TV (no avr), upon restarting the TV the screen size/resolution changes and Media Center is a reduced screen size?

I recall someone else posting this problem, several people weighing in, but I don't recall a solution (other than restarting MC - which is what I do now, low WAF as MC takes 30 seconds to start and tune live TV).
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post #12372 of 15479
4/3/12 at 8:00am
You could try setting your TV to a different HDMI input during shutdown, even if it's unused. Switch to the HTPC input after the TV is up and running during startup. Should be able to program this into a macro with most Universal Remotes.
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post #12373 of 15479
4/3/12 at 8:08am
^^ I think the other (yet more $) solution is to install a Geffen HDMI Detective between the HDMI connections -- this should maintain the HDMI-handshake which is most likely causing the resolution change.
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post #12374 of 15479
4/3/12 at 10:39am
Thread Starter 
What happens when you hit the Windows and "P" keys together? Can you get it to revert?
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post #12375 of 15479
4/3/12 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kesawi View Post

I've noticed the volume on mkv files is quite low compared to live TV, avi and other file types when playing through WMC. I'm using the Shark007 codecs as per Assassin Guide #61. I uninstalled all existing codecs before installing the Shark codec.I've tried using the normailse setting in the ddfshow audio decoder configuration, but it boosts the live TV volume too much.

I am assuming you have an AVR since you used Guide 61 to bitstream everything?

Is it ALL mkv's or only ones with stereo sound tracks, only ones with Dolby Digital sound tracks, or only ones with HD sound tracks?
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post #12376 of 15479
4/3/12 at 12:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

What happens when you hit the Windows and "P" keys together? Can you get it to revert?

Yes. Thanks, took twice, both times screen went black for a few seconds, first time same size, second time resized.
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post #12377 of 15479
4/3/12 at 12:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattiedread View Post

Yes. Thanks, took twice, both times screen went black for a few seconds, first time same size, second time resized.

So did that work for you?

It sounds like a handshake issue. Not much else you can do about it unless you want to buy something like the HDMI detective to "force" and continuous handshake.
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post #12378 of 15479
4/3/12 at 1:37pm
Just finished replacing the guts of my old Pentium IV system with a G530 and H67 motherboard. Had everything set up and running nicely in my office, but when I hooked it up to my A/V reciever (and then onto my projector) via HDMI, I get a blank screen/no video.
I'm guessing it's probably because I had it hooked up via VGA at 1080p to my monitor, and my projector is an older 720p DLP (which I'm pretty sure cannot accept 1080p input). I never adjusted my video settings before I moved it. Will troubleshoot tonight, but thought I'd see if anyone has other suggestions for things to check out/try.
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post #12379 of 15479
4/3/12 at 3:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Are you using an av receiver? If not use the volume adjustments I show you in my faq.

I assume that's the steps towards the end of your guide #1?
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post #12380 of 15479
4/3/12 at 3:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilky13 View Post

I am assuming you have an AVR since you used Guide 61 to bitstream everything?

Is it ALL mkv's or only ones with stereo sound tracks, only ones with Dolby Digital sound tracks, or only ones with HD sound tracks?

I'm connected straight to my TV, and have tried both enabled bitstreaming of DD and sending stereo only in the Shark007 codec pack to the TV. I have the same issue with both options.

The MKVs I have at the moment only have DD sound tracks.

I'll give the volume adjustments assassin referred to a go when I get home tonight and see what happens.
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post #12381 of 15479
4/3/12 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlniec View Post

Just finished replacing the guts of my old Pentium IV system with a G530 and H67 motherboard. Had everything set up and running nicely in my office, but when I hooked it up to my A/V receiver (and then onto my projector) via HDMI, I get a blank screen/no video.
I'm guessing it's probably because I had it hooked up via VGA at 1080p to my monitor, and my projector is an older 720p DLP (which I'm pretty sure cannot accept 1080p input). I never adjusted my video settings before I moved it. Will troubleshoot tonight, but thought I'd see if anyone has other suggestions for things to check out/try.

Quite likely it is your resolution. Are you able to run a VGA to HDMI cable to your receiver? This would give you the minute or two to re-adjust the resolution.
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post #12382 of 15479
4/4/12 at 6:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Are you using an av receiver? If not use the volume adjustments I show you in my faq.

That appears to have fixed it. Next time I'll make sure to go back and recheck the steps when I move from a temporary monitor to the permanent HDTV
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post #12383 of 15479
4/4/12 at 6:20am
both the Samsung and Asus drives listed on the first page are out of stock.

what is the current drive of choice for ripping blu-ray discs?

thanks
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post #12384 of 15479
4/4/12 at 7:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by smokarz View Post

both the Samsung and Asus drives listed on the first page are out of stock.

what is the current drive of choice for ripping blu-ray discs?

thanks

Optical drives change literally every month. There are hundreds of models. So its nearly impossible for me to review them all or even keep an up to date list.
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post #12385 of 15479
4/4/12 at 7:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by smokarz View Post

both the Samsung and Asus drives listed on the first page are out of stock.

what is the current drive of choice for ripping blu-ray discs?

thanks

What Assassin said, plus go on newegg.com or amazon.com
Read the reviews. Decide what's within your budget, 3D playback and if you want one that comes with Blu-ray software or not.

This one comes with BR software, plays 3D and currently comes with a 25Pk DVD-R for $109
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106348

Here's one with NO BR software for $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136241

GL shopping!
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post #12386 of 15479
4/4/12 at 9:03am
Assassin, I just got my HTPC from you not too long ago. It didn't come with the HD audio build of XBMC so I downloaded and installed Eden 11 with the HD audio patch. I enabled all of the HD audio options and selected Wasapi-my AV receiver model as the audio output device and got HD audio bitstreaming without issue. I was having issues with pixelation watching some of my Bluray ISO and MKV rips like Bridesmaids and Star Wars. This was with hardware acceleration enabled as well as sync playback to display, and match display refresh rate options selected.

I turned off hardware acceleration and tried playing some stuff and still had issues. Currently, I have turned off both hardware acceleration as well as sync playback to display and my movies now play without pixelation. The only issue is that there are intermittent dropped frames which I can confirm by clicking O on my keyboard to view the file info during playback. My TV is a Toshiba 1080p DLP and I corrected my initial screwup and set the display settings to 1920 x 1080 60hzp instead of 1920 x 1080 60hzi that I had before which was causing my TV to report a 1080i signal.

Any idea what could be causing this? The dropped frames aren't too bad and it's much better than the huge green pixels that would pop up before but I'd prefer to not have any dropped frames at all and utilize the hardware acceleration function as well as sync playback to my display. Please let me know if you need any additional info. Thanks.
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post #12387 of 15479
4/4/12 at 9:17am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe 6 Pack View Post

Assassin, I just got my HTPC from you not too long ago. It didn't come with the HD audio build of XBMC so I downloaded and installed Eden 11 with the HD audio patch. I enabled all of the HD audio options and selected Wasapi-my AV receiver model as the audio output device and got HD audio bitstreaming without issue. I was having issues with pixelation watching some of my Bluray ISO and MKV rips like Bridesmaids and Star Wars. This was with hardware acceleration enabled as well as sync playback to display, and match display refresh rate options selected.

I turned off hardware acceleration and tried playing some stuff and still had issues. Currently, I have turned off both hardware acceleration as well as sync playback to display and my movies now play without pixelation. The only issue is that there are intermittent dropped frames which I can confirm by clicking O on my keyboard to view the file info during playback. My TV is a Toshiba 1080p DLP and I corrected my initial screwup and set the display settings to 1920 x 1080 60hzp instead of 1920 x 1080 60hzi that I had before which was causing my TV to report a 1080i signal.

Any idea what could be causing this? The dropped frames aren't too bad and it's much better than the huge green pixels that would pop up before but I'd prefer to not have any dropped frames at all and utilize the hardware acceleration function as well as sync playback to my display. Please let me know if you need any additional info. Thanks.

We have just started offering XBMC on our builds and I have had to talk and educate our builders on the appropriate settings.

For Intel builds you don't want or need DXVA enabled. So this should have been disabled by default.

Do you notice the dropped frames? Most likely you do not. FYI all the manufacturers have some degree of dropped frames and Intel now gets it as close as anyone else. LINK

You can try your HTPC with and without the sync playback option enabled to see which you prefer.

The build of XBMC should now be corrected as I have re-educated our builders on what I prefer for XBMC and why.
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post #12388 of 15479
4/4/12 at 10:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomandbeth View Post

Quite likely it is your resolution. Are you able to run a VGA to HDMI cable to your receiver? This would give you the minute or two to re-adjust the resolution.

Thanks for the reply! I don't have a VGA-HDMI adapter or cable; however, I did get things working. I ended up basically having to get the AVR set to the correct input, then reboot the HTPC... this caused it to start Windows with a "safe" 800x600 resolution. From there, I was able to change it to 1280x720. It wasn't QUITE that simple, as changing the resolution caused me to get a blank screen... the first couple of times this occurred, I rebooted... and had the same thing happen. Then I got smart and toggled the input on my AVR after the screen went blank; that allowed things to re-sync and display again. I've been running at the proper resolution since with no troubles (knock on wood)...
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post #12389 of 15479
4/4/12 at 11:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Good deal on a good Lite-On Bluray drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106374

$49 after code EMCYTZT1392

Expires 4/02



ahh just missed it...
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post #12390 of 15479
4/4/12 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Optical drives change literally every month. There are hundreds of models. So its nearly impossible for me to review them all or even keep an up to date list.


got ya..picked up an LG blu-ray drive on amazon for $60.
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