Unofficial VGP-XL1B2 Thread

If you are running MCE 2005 with Rollup2 it will have support for the 200 disc changer without any extra software needed.

The sony software is just added junk to rip music to hdd, and some other things.

What I'd like to see is the My movies plugin for MCE have direct support for this disc changer, it would be a nice feature to my existing HTPC.

- Josh

I guess I havn't really looked into it, as $400 is still too steep for my budget. if I can get my hands on the disc changer for cheaper than I might start actively looking. In the past I was just currous to see what it could possibly do.

check out his site: www.mymovies.name

- Josh

Just received my changer from Amazon and same problem ... no software CD or User Manual! This does not seem to be an isolated problem. Their whole shipment must have been like this. I just applied online for an exchange although I am really wondering if the new one will just have the same problem.

I pulled the plug back in May to get the $100 rebate off the $799 price but after waiting a month with no charge or tracking number canceled that order and reordered for $499 and the new rebate. They must have finally gotten more in as I was promptly charged and received a tracking number. I was hoping this was an isolated case of missing items in the box but this many would indicate a problem.

You can download the manual. I wonder if they're having problems with the software? I find it amusing that Sony, which is also in the content business and which has been heavy on DRM (remember the infamous Sony rootkit?) now sells a device that they advertise as being able to rip your entire CD collection to a PC, and to automatically record entire television series onto DVD. I do wish the price would come down some more--adding $2 to the cost of each pre-recorded DVD seems a little steep.

I wonder if these changers are OEM and thats why they aren't comming with manuals and software.

- Josh

The box doesn't say anything about OEM. It says on the box about the software CD included. There is also a sticker on the lid of the box telling you to read the users manual before use. HA! I had the firewire cable but only an empty plastic bag taped to the changer. I could see missing one box when packing these things but three not having the CD and manual seems unusual.

I guess I am aggravated because the whole reason I chose XP MCE 2005 as the OS for my PVR was to use this as a 200 disc DVD recorder. I wanted to use BeyondTV to record my shows all season, automatically delete commercials and compress to MPEG4. I could then fill the changer with blank dual layer DVDs and let the "included" Sony software divide my shows among the multiple DVDs and archive them for me. I don't mind downloading the manual if that were the only problem but I also need the software.

Amazon emailed me back and suggested I contact Sony directly about the missing items. Having already read the thread I thought "Oh Boy". Sure enough, Sony support looked up the part numbers for the missing software CD, User Manual and I also realized I was missing the power cord after downloading the manual from their website. I was assured that I would have the missing items tomorrow.

The tech mentioned he had read an email concerning this, so obviously, this is a packing problem, it is their problem and they are being more than helpful to resolve this issue. Unfortunately, many more people will probably be receiving their changer from Amazon missing items. I would suggest anyone receiving their changer with missing items call Sony at 1-800--352-7669 and press 4 for technical support.

I got mine yesterday and have to say I am a little disapointed in it. The sony software doesn't do a good job in labeling my movies. I have a lot of box sets and it doesn't differentiate between disk 1,2,3 etc.. I could have just gotten the 400 disk sony changer for less money if I knew I had to manually input most of my disk titles.

You can't remote it to an Extender.

Not to ping myself, but read the two links below for some insight

More on Streaming DVD's To Extenders

Streaming From DVD Changers 2 Media Center Extenders?

How does the changer show up in windows explorer? Can the discs be accessed through explorer like a regular external drive?

Thanks.

Thanks.

Wow! Luckily Sony support did take care of me. I received a package containing the missing software and power cord 2 days later. They did not send the user manual but I downloaded that off of the Net. When I had problems logging in to apply for my rebate, I contacted Amazon and they applied for me and expedited the rebate for all of my troubles. I am now trying to finalize my design so I can start building my PVR PC. Sorry, I don't have the means to copy the software. They did say that when applying for an exchange a replacement would be sent out (I guess if they have one in stock) and then the original one could be sent back.

I did see on another thread here someone posted a link to some software that would control the Sony changer from Windows Explorer. It seems similar to the software that comes with the Powerfile changers but developed by a third party. Check it out here:

http://www.mammothi.com/index.php?show_aux_page=12

I am actually hoping to use this software and avoid the MCE frontend altogether. XLobby seems to have plugins for all of my desired hardware/software as well as give me more configurability than MCE.

Check out MediaMonkey. I think it might be what you are looking for.

No problem. Post back and let us know what you think of whatever you decide to use. I have been looking at MediaMonkey for a while but I am putting off organizing my Mp3 collection until I can afford to build my HTPC.

As from what I know, the Sony CD ripping software follows the same senario as Media Center, where the ripping settings in Media Player is used.

So, I would think that if you changed the format from WMA til MP3 in ripping settings in WMP, then the Sony CD ripping software will rip to MP3.

Regards,

Brian Binnerup