Official Ceton Echo Extender Info Thread - Page 208

That is correct.

xnappo

Most certainly, Microsoft limited WMC and the way it works with an Extender to a high degree. I am sure there are legal and business issues involved. I do really hope the Ceton Echo with Android can get around some of these limitations using Extender software for T.V.-DVR and Android for full featured media playback and streaming services. Just how long it will take to get there with high reliability is a big question.

Ah I see. So, even though the Xbox can handle dts bitstream natively (pop a disk in) when used via the WMX interface it must be decoded elsewhere? Is this the same if you avoid WMC/WMX and just use the computer streaming option?

Interesting question. I don't have an Xbox, so I don't know the answer. I didn't even know Xbox had a local streaming option separate from WMC. My guess, though, is that that is even more limited.

FYI, there are dozens of other products using the same SoC family as the Echo already running Android for many months. All the work porting Android was already done by Freescale and a reference implementation is available on their website. Ceton needs to improve the default Android touch interface so that it can be used with a remote and integrate whatever WMC extender functionality they intend to support.

If you would like a preview of what the Echo may be able to do once Android firmware is available, google for reviews of other Freescale i.mx6 devices. Examples: Ampe A10, Sanei N10, GK802, HI-802, Wandboard, etc. These other products still have plenty of bugs/limitations so Android is not the solution for all the issues discussed in this thread.

Well XBMC can be used as a launcher - but it seems Ceton wants to do their own thing. That is fine really - with the MB team not really doing much for the CableCard issue , it seems that this combination of the Echo and My Media Center app is a way forward.

xnappo

To assist those using my software for Extender playback, DO NOT install AC3Filter (or any Divx software). All required software is included. For Extender use, only one setting is required, enable the Divx MF splitter on the MKV TAB. Other functionality required by the Extender is tied to this one checkbox. My software is released in a Windows 7 version and a Windows 8 version. When Extenders are your playback focus, you must use the version that matches your operating system.

For those that need to know, I am working on supporting playback of FLV, MKV etc directly using DLNA (Play To...) - The xbox supports DLNA. At this time, testing is favorable and this functionality will be in my next release. (It is not included in today's release) This functionality will be enabled/disabled using the Windows Filetype Associations button on the Help TAB. The SUGGESTED settings will also enable this functionality.

Here's to hoping the Echo will support DLNA functionality also.

DLNA FACTS: Windows 7 restricts DLNA to Media Foundation components
Windows 8 allows DirectShow filters during DLNA playback meaning the LAV filters get used.
DLNA does not support subtitles.
Edited by Shark007 - 2/24/13 at 5:05pm

Except in my experience, using the Divx splitter breaks playback on the local HTPC.

Sorry for the off topic from the main post, though.

CORRECTION, using the Divx software installer breaks playback on the local HTPC.
The fact that I give you a checkbox to enable/disable the splitter overcomes the issue.

Not really/entirely. For those who use just a remote for their HTPC this is highly inconvenient or just all together not a viable option. Plus, it wouldn't even begin to pass the WAF test.

I don't think you have to check it and uncheck it with each use. You set it and forget it.

Those are all quad core whereas the echo is a dual core.

No "Chiding", I think Sammy2 knows it's just kidding around. We have had lots of conversation in this thread over hte past year. And had some good dialog through the beta. If you were around this thread over the past six months you would know this.

EDIT: just to be clear, thr I told you so comment was completely toung and cheeck and ment to make Sammy2 laugh, as wel as others. Definetly not dig of any sort.
Edited by skybolt - 2/25/13 at 6:12am

My biggest reason for returning the Echo. My experience witht the echo was so poor that I blame it on bad hardware. I agree with others, that if things change, I am going to revisit the Echo.

That would certianly be a welcomed addition, as that would be the best way to get around the WMC issues with playback.

SoCa, skiing, Nice!

Installing shark's pack broke protected content playback on the PC, is that the issue you're describing? Copy-once channels, in other words.

Haven't had this problem using it.

The old version of Shark007 defaults to disable Media Foundation when using suggested settings. This will cause copy-protected channels not working. Somehow this setting change does not always work (never worked on my 64-bit Win7) so it works for some but doesn't work for others. Latest version, from what I read, changed this behavior.

While I did have a problem with broken LiveTV in 2011 using an antenna and Hauppauge 2250 dual tuner card, I haven't had this problem with Shark007 for a very long time, at least since June 2012 when I started using the HDHR Prime with my HTPC. I'm on the 4.x version now and still have no problems.

The behavoir only changed on the latest version according to Shark007. But like I mentioned above, this disabling MF feature never worked on my PC. It appears never worked on yours either. But it seems to work on someone else's PC. Disabling Media Foundation is guaranteed to break DRM on WMC.

Agreed - this never seemed to do anything on my machine.

xnappo

The "Disable DivX MF Splitter" checkbox is not checked on my settings on the MKV tab meaning that it is enabled. I can playback mkv's that are of lesser demand on the echo (less than 10~12 Mbps).

Yeah, last week. This week it will melt. If you don't go within a few days of the storm, forget about it. It was in the mid 40's on the mountain as it was.

I think you are %100 correct, but DTS Pass-through should be a no brainer in most cases. Implementing pass-through should be no harder then graph pinnig is in directx playback. This becomes an issue when you need to "touch" the audio to split it off. In some cases, I suspect that would violate or create the need to be licensed. but to just keep it bitstreamed should be easy and I see no reason they did not support this.

That's not the check box that causes DRM issue (it is in another tab). But like you mentioned, that checkbox doesn't matter much to me either way.

Can you point me to the checkbox in question? I was sure this was what Shark007 was talking about.

I'll help to clarify . . .
In the past, use of the [x] SUGGESTED settings used to auto disable Media Foundation.
In current releases, you are asked if you use LiveTV or the Play To function when checking that box.
If you answer yes to the question, then Media Foundation is NOT disabled automatically.

Then I am understanding this correctly.

What changes are there in 4.0.3 vs 4.0.1?

Very true, I forget the setting, but Assisans quick start guide will fix this.