Don't like Configuration inside MP2!!

[ol263]

That can work, but many config changes affect video, which you can't see using remote connection.
Things like:
- Enabling EVR, trying it out, doesn't work/looks back, go back to VMR9
- Trying out a new skin
- Setting up the TV signal for example, scanning for channels (Yes, even with the seperation from TVserver) would be nice to do inside MP.
- Selecting different codecs and trying them.
- Setting up the screen (Overscan/position/pixel ratio).

[James]

A goal for me would be to have a web interface for all external configuration. This can then be done locally 127.0.0.1 or remotely

However, we are lacking web developers on the team.

[THDBASED]

That would indeed be the best solution for everyone...What kind of a webdeveloper do you need?

[LightGlitch]

Originally Posted by James

A goal for me would be to have a web interface for all external configuration. This can then be done locally 127.0.0.1 or remotely

However, we are lacking web developers on the team.

How about making a plugin that contains a http server (minihttpd has a nice lib) and use silverlight for the page.
You can use 1.1/2.0 version where you can program in any CLR language.

[jonywee]

I Agree when ppl say a remote isn't the best tool to configure your stuff. They are plain right. But it gets *worse* with a keyboard and mouse. At least in my situation:
I have a dedicated HTPC in the livingroom. If I want to change something, I start my laptop, wait, wait some more, start an RDP connection to the HTPC and logon as another user (because RDP cant handle Direct3D from the MP instance), start the configuration tool, let the configuration tool timeout on stopping MP, and then finally maken the change. Oh and I had to install a WinXP hack to enable concurrent sessions.

Onboard configuration gets rid of this. Some clarity has to be sacrificed because the GUI clutters. Although the nifty submenu's handle this pretty well. Inline config: Good concept, keep it up! Im very happy with this. No more clumsiness!

[THDBASED]

Indeed configuration should be well thought about, it should be possible to configure MP from another PC, not by remote desktop or anything like that, that is why a web config could be a nice solution. You shouldn't have to connect a mouse and/or keyboard to your HTPC to configure anything that is just to much of a hassle..

[sleepycol]

Originally Posted by ol263

Indeed you missed something

I, and I assume many, have a dedicated HTPC in the living room which never exits MP.
The directories and files are added to the HTPC from the main PC through a network share, -OR-MP accesses a share on the main PC, either way, no need to exit MP in order move around/copy files, all is done on/from the main PC.

The only time I exit MP is for driver/codec stuff OR for the MP configuration.

Everything is done with a remote. The mouse/keyboard are there only for "emergencies", and require me to open up the caibnet, take them out, bring a chair, bring a mousepad, perform the change outside MP, then put everything back.
My goal (and my girlfriends especially) is a PC in the living room, without a PC in the living room, if that makes any sense.

So anything that can be pushed into MP itself to be configured with the remote is much appreciated!

So if you are adding photos on another PC, you are sat at the other PC. Lets say you've connected a camera or inserted a camera card into a card reader at that PC. I find it hard to beleve that after all that, you are complaining about closing MP and using a keyboard

Same goes for adding a DIVX movie or something to the share directory. Or ripping/downloading MP3s on the main PC.

I just thinks its a shame that a lot of time and effort is going to be spent on developing a configuration tool inside MP and creating skins/layouts and cluttering up the GUI.

I seem to be in the minority though, so I certainly bow to the masses on this one Its just dead easy to have a wireless mouse and keyboard in my coffee table drawer.....

[SpudR]

Actually, I'd like to add my support to SleepyCol.
I don't like to config MP from inside the app, but I can see why some people would!
I think the best option (as somebody said earlier) would be to have a 'secret' combo for the admin, just like the NTL/Virgin box I have for cable.
I also like the idea of the web admin panel - BUT for those of us who store their media in a remote location, it would have to have a 'live' detection of new settings and media additions/deletions.
Something like a 'Commit changes' button to push MP into the new settings?

My MP box is simply the dedicated hardware to play the media - the keyb/mouse and the media itself are stored elsewhere. If I want to 'play' with the setup (I usually use the latest SVN versions), then I wait until the PC is not used and VNC into the desktop from the main house PC.
This solution means I have a silent PC, and nothing cluttering up the living room!
GFs/Wives are such demanding creatures

[Paranoid Delusion]

GFs/Wives are such demanding creatures

Auto detect new shares would be a favourite of mine, but as we all know, sitting on the remote can make unwanted changes, how do you get around that.

Do not think there is a totally foolproof config tool, where there is a will, there is a way.

[SpudR]

Be strong PD - stand up to the other half!!!!
Just say "I AM in control!"
(keep chanting the mantra for additional self belief)


More seriously - a secret combo would be unlikely with a simple sitting incident
something like, on the settings page press 0-0-7??