HTPC software beginning to end

it may install a number of things I don't need, but who cares, they just take up room on my hard drive
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It's more than that, as decoders can take up priority and mess up the system. Strange how when I installed K Lite Mega Pack it started to become unresponsive and unstable. Please explain why you'd want all this crap installed.

• Player:
- Media Player Classic [version 6.4.9.1 rev. 72]
• ffdshow:
- ffdshow [revision 2055 ]
- ffdshow VFW interface
- extra plugins
• DirectShow video decoding filters:
- XviD [version 1.2.0-dev build 2008-01-10]
- DivX [version 6.8.3]
- On2 VP6 [version 6.4.2.0]
- On2 VP7 [version 7.0.10.0]
- MPEG-2 (Cyberlink) [version 8.1.0.1608]
- MPEG-2 (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.4]
- MPEG-1 (MainConcept) [version 1.0.0.78]
• DirectShow audio decoding filters:
- AC3/DTS/LPCM (AC3Filter) [version 1.51a]
- Vorbis (CoreVorbis) [version 1.1.0.79]
- AAC (MONOGRAM) [version 0.9.5.0]
• DirectShow audio parsers:
- MusePack (MONOGRAM) [version 0.9.1.2 | 0.3.1.2]
- WavPack (CoreWavPack) [version 1.1.1]
- FLAC (madFLAC) [version 1.8]
- Monkey's Audio (DCoder) [version 1.0]
- OptimFROG (RadLight) [version 1.0.0.1]
- DC-Bass Source [version 1.1.1]
- AC3/DTS Source (AC3File) [version 0.5b]
- AMR (MONOGRAM) [version 1.0.1.0]
• DirectShow source filters:
- AVI splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.9]
- AVI splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- MP4 splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- MP4 splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.4]
- Matroska splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- Matroska splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.3.0]
- Ogg splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- Ogg splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.1]
- MPEG PS/TS splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.4]
- MPEG PS/TS splitter (Haali Media Splitter) [version 1.8.122.18]
- FLV splitter (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.4]
- CDXA Reader (Gabest) [version 1.0.0.2]
• DirectShow subtitle filter:
- DirectVobSub (a.k.a. VSFilter) [version 2.39]
- DirectVobSub (a.k.a. VSFilter) [version 2.33]
• Other filters:
- Haali Video Renderer [version 1.8.122.18]
• VFW video codecs:
- XviD [version 1.2.0-dev build 2008-01-10]
- DivX [version 6.8.3]
- x264 [revision 913]
- On2 VP6 [version 6.4.2.0]
- On2 VP7 [version 7.0.10.0]
- Intel Indeo 4 [version 4.51.16.2]
- Intel Indeo 5 [version 5.2562.15.54]
- Intel I.263 [version 2.55.1.16]
- huffyuv [version 2.1.1 CCE Patch 0.2.5]
- YV12 (Helix) [version 1.2]
• ACM audio codecs:
- MP3 (Fraunhofer) [version 3.4.0.0]
- MP3 (LAME) [version 3.98]
- AC3ACM [version 1.4]
- Vorbis [version 0.0.3.6]
- DivX ;) Audio [version 4.2.0.0]
• Real Alternative:
- RealMedia codecs [version 6.0.14.806]
- RealMedia plugin for Internet Explorer
- RealMedia plugin for Firefox/Mozilla/Netscape/Opera
- RealMedia DirectShow splitter [version 1.0.1.2]
• Tools:
- Codec Tweak Tool [version 2.2.7]
- GSpot Codec Information Appliance [version 2.70a]
- MediaInfo Lite [version 0.7.7.4]
- VobSubStrip [version 0.11]
- GraphEdit [build 061102]
- Haali Muxer
- FourCC Changer
- Bitrate Calculator

Installing a complete mega pack may be one of doing it, but it's wrong, it's sloppy and messy way of doing it.

Daft that two IT "professonals" advocate these packs :-/

and am currently designing a £12 million solution for a large company.
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Is that 12m on crash testing?
 
Quote

"Strange how when I installed K Lite Mega Pack it started to become unresponsive and unstable."

So you installed it and it caused problems for you, and after that you complain about what it installs? So you didn't think it was a problem prior to you having issues?

Well for me, after I installed it a number of files that I was unable to play before all played. I have had no problems with my system being unresponsive or unstable since I installed the codec pack, I also make sure I have a daily incremental back up run before I install software to make sure I have a roll-back point should any program I install cause an issue.

While you may feel it's daft and sloppy I feel it is fine to use.

If we used your example, after installing Windows XP or Vista, we would spend hours upon hours removing all of the unused Dll's, drivers, codecs, help files, txt files, etc etc etc trying to make it slim, but most of us don't. Do you?

Each to their own. In the end it solved my problems and I'm happy with it, you have an opinion, I have mine, the OP, can decide which path to follow.

Cheers

Taff
 
So you didn't think it was a problem prior to you having issues?
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Nope, after a fresh install, just installing ffdshow and other codecs as required results in a stable, responsive system. Strange how just after k-crap it wasen't. If you go down that list you'll find multiple codecs for the same container types.

If we used your example, after installing Windows XP or Vista, we would spend hours upon hours removing all of the unused Dll's, drivers, codecs, help files, txt files, etc etc etc trying to make it slim, but most of us don't. Do you?
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That is totally different. I have an example of installing two anti-virus progs, they both do the same thing, and will conflict with each other. Exactly like multiple codecs.

Don't have a go at me, with your own lack of knowledge why you shouldn't install k-crap.

Why is it people take offense when someone comes along with more knowledge? :-/ Is your ego so big you cannot take any critisim, even when you're wrong? Do you ever admit when you're at fault, or lay the "yeah that's your opinion" line?
 
As I said, as far as I'm concerned K-Lite, has caused no problems for me and I am happily using it now.

If you don't like it you have every right to voice your views, and if you'd started your initial post with some decency towards the other poster and some constructive view then that would have been fine. But your attitude to call someone you don't know an idiot just sucks of total egotism.

As for my ego, everyday I take loads of advice from professionals with vastly more knowledge than mine, who do an excellent job in building best in class industry systems. I take that on board while doing my job. I fully admit when I make a balls up and take it on the chin. In this case I think my views still stand up for the use I make of this product, even though they don't agree with yours.

Taff
 
I find FFD-show, matroska splitter, power dvd and ac3 filter are all you will ever need, rename all .mkv files to .mpg and windows media player and the MCE player play them and everything else you have bar HD/BR. All formats supported by only 2 players, one being the default integrated meaning less instances of using external players, only 4 programs to support all video and audio formats and lastly no need for that gastly WMP classic

Just noticed youd prolly need quicktime alternative or the quicktime itself depending on your preferance.
 
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Thanks Supertaff, good to know I am not the only intelligent 'Idiot' on here! :D

My Movies is an excellent addon for MCE, but I believe that it is for XP MCE and Vista, not MediaPortal etc but I could be wrong.

I wanted to stop talking about the Codec pack but just to add one more thing. The installer give you a few options, such as Default, Default w/o player, Playback only, Playback w/o player, playback essentials, playback essentials w/o player, Lots of stuff, Lots w/o player, custom selection.

You don't have to install everything and it is perfectly alterable. I choose the playback only option which doesn't install the most of the extra stuff. All I have on as a result on my work machine here, in the config options is AC3Filter, CoreAVC, DirectVobSub, DivX Decoder, ffdshow Audio decoder, ffdshow VFW interface, ffdshow video decoder, Halli Media Splitter, Real alternative and Xvid encoder. Hardly bloated to hell now is it. All the codec pack does is put everything together in 1 simple installer and you can choose whatever you want from there. What an extremely idiotic option eh :rolleyes:.
 
sswats said:
I want to build a dedicated HTPC that will play DVD's and ripped DVD's as well as all types of files, mainly Video tho but will rarely be used for music.
No TV card.

Hardware is pretty much decided. But what software do i need.
BTW I have Windows XP.

I have a MCE remote and want to control everything from that, i don't want to connect a keyboard or mouse. For configuration/maintenance etc I'll VNC it from my main PC .

So what I think I need is-
A media center interface and playback software.
Codecs to play pretty much everything.
Good fast DVD playback software or codec.
Audio stream switching software
Subtitle software

Any recommendations? Anything I've forgotten? free is a bonus, although if its really good I am willing to pay.
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In my media centre PC I use Media Portal as my front-end on Windows XP. The latest release is very stable although I've not tried HD playback yet, mostly just DVDs, mp3s and video files.

Codecs for pretty much everything, then you could go for K-Lite Codec Pack as I've done and had no problems with files playing or affecting system stability. It's a lot easier than having to find all the different codecs like DivX, xvid, AC3 Filter, Real/QuickTime Alternatives, etc then find you're missing a codec just as you want to play a new movie.

Media Portal supports PowerDVD codec for DVD playback (as well as others if you don't want to use it) so you could try DVD playback without PowerDVD if you want. FFdShow is supported throughout Media Portal.

You might want to also think about AnyDVD for making your system region-free if you have any imported DVDs. I also find Nero handy for making backups of media files though something like CDBurnerXPPro is a free alternative.

I'm using the Microsoft Remote Control and MCE wireless keyboard.
 
afraser2k said:
I'm using the Microsoft Remote Control and MCE wireless keyboard.
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How do you find you get on with the MS official MCE keyboard? I got one when I built my first every media centre years ago and got one for the boss when I built one for him. We tried our best to get on with them but found the mouse 'nipple' really was a chore to use. The Keysonic wireless job that I linked to earlier was a complete godsend in comparison. Not a criticism at all, I am simply curious as I couldn't get anyone to be a fan of it at home or at work.
 
It can be a bit annoying to use but as I don't use it too often it wasn't an issue. The main issue I had is that you have to install a patch from MCE Media Center onto WinXP or else the keyboard doesn't work.

"Update Rollup 2 for eHome Infrared Receiver for Windows XP Media Center"

Probably the main bonus is the extra media keys.
 
I've tried media portal and its ok, but takes a lot of configuring, and was always a bit sketchy when trying to play iso and mkv files.

XBMC for Windows is far the best HTPC software I've used if you, like me, have video in lots of different formats. Plays everything including iso/img files and of course MKV and all the others and connects to IMDB to bring through cover art/movie synopsis etc.

Only downside is if you're also using the HTPC to record TV, as it doens't handle that.

You can also use all of the XMBC skins, including the AppleTV one, which looks pretty good.

You can use media remotes with it, but I ended buying the diNivo keyboard - just gives more flexibility from the couch for browsing the net and stuff.

www.xbmc.org
 
I have been meaning to get around to trying a pc port of XBMC. I was going to use the Linux one a while back but couldn't be bothered to compile it or whatever they said I had to do during testing. I will have another look at the windows addon.

We still have 3 heavily modified Xbox's in the house. The housemate uses one upstairs for films/tv shows, we have one in the living room which again we use for SD stuff as it draws a lot less power than the main media centre and I have one in the garage where I watch stuff while on the running machine :). I have 2 at the folks running off their server too.

XBMC is one of the most awesome bits of software ever made.
 
Yeah, I had a modded xbox for years, only switching to a HTPC for HD stuff recently. I was really struggling to find something that was as good as XBMC, especially soemthign the wife and kids could use. In the end I found that only XBMC for windows was as good!

You can get a pre built version with a simple installer from the forums here:

http://www.xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35541
 
z0mbi3 said:
Does this mean xbmc is now out of black and into the forum rule grey area on account of the pc ports?
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The PC ports don't use any of the 'iffy' bits that the Xbox port did, all legit code :). No idea about a rule that states we can't discuss this version so we may well be doing something wrong.
 
This is just a windows app like any other. Its not hacking and xbox and not running any illegal code (hence why you can download this version as a binary installer directly from the XBMC website)
 
Going to give a go tonight. I miss the feel of the XBMC interface and if it mimics the Xbox version well it will be very nice indeed. Glad to see that they have really made good progress in the last few months since I last looked :).
 
I'll throw my software 2p worth in.

Here's my setup, using the official MCE remote and IR receiver:

Haali Media splitter along with CoreAVC for .MKV support
FFdshow for all up-scaling and non-AVC decoding
Theatertek DVD player, with custom graphs to enable playback of .MKV and .mp4 files. Theatertek allows you to select FFDshow as a post processor for any file type(s) you choose.
Arcsoft Total Media Theatre for HD-DVD and Blu-ray playback.

I have Theatertek auto run at start-up, as it's very easy to browse and choose files with the remote, and it plays everything I need but HD-DVD and Blu-ray. If i need to browse the web or do other things, I have a Keysonic laptop style cordless keyboard with touch pad. I had the MS infra red keyboard before it, which is no where near as good.

In the past, I've messed with media portal, and more recently (a few months ago) XBMC for PC. Neither were particularly stable in my experience, so they didn't stay and I went back to Threatertek.
 
Sagalout, I have downloaded that latest build of the windows port and I am very impressed, it is looking like being a very faithful port. The other half saw it onh my main pc and thought I had turned it in to a Xbox. I will give it a proper go tonight but both of us always preferred the XBMC interface to xp/Vista MCE/MediaPortal so fingers crossed :). I need to go have a read up of the changelogs/what players/codecs it uses as I am curious now.

Cheers,

Nick :).
 
Oh my GOD! I had no idea XBMC for Windows had come on so much. This is so absolutely perfect, all my prayers answered. Thanks for bringing this to my attention Sagalout!
 
Hmm, quick findings. Although I use XBMC on the xbox's around the house, having it back in the bedroom is like having a good friend back :).

Good points:

It looks XBMC original and smells like XBMC original, brilliant port on the visual side of things.
Having the TV show scraper back absolutely rocks as I am sure anyone else savvy with XBMC will agree :D

Bad points so far:

Is it just me or is the MCE remote support a tad patchy? play, stop etc wouldn't work on the MCE remote or the Harmony One. I will have to go and play with the keymap file at some point methinks :)

H.264 playback was noticeably stuttery in comparison to via Media Player Classic/Media centre normal. I haven't played with the vsync/acceleration options yet but not sure if they will make a difference at this point.

It loads up the cpu nicely. Just on the GUI, the Q6600 is reading 25% cpu usage in Task Manager. Let me know how you guys are finding it and I will do the same as and when I tinker more.
 
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