To Make MediaPortal Multi-threaded?!

[jgf]

Maybe a silly idea but what about virtual machines like VMWare.

You can run multiple virtual machines on one PC. Each virtual machine runs its own windowsXP/MediaPortal.

The most heavy challenge maybe speed. especially for games

[Hyperborean]

The basic idea you have is good. But getting it done is extremely complex, timeconsuming and you will run into many problems/limitations

=> and believe me I have!!!

In fact I've been able to achieve all this with several different mediacenter applications, which run simultaneously and independantly of each other with no problems.
My sytem is a 'mid-range' HTPC setup, like MySystem but only with different graphic cards+another sound card, and the AMD Dual Core runs flawlesly on less than 50% usage and 40 degrees Celsius using 4 different multimedia applications. This all is still happening under 1gb RAM (PC6400/800mhz that is).
HDTV is simply a matter of a HDTV-card, however for 4 room distribution this would be a problem, but not for now and certainly not in Holland since HDTV is virtualy non-existant over here.

Furthermore, I still have some focus issues with the remotes but that can be solved using Girder software, haven't had time enough to perosnalize each remote.
And last but not the least, I'm still awaiting my .NET Framwork solution to solve the, oh so time-consuming, multi-zone audio issues and for that I know it works because I've seen it in action! (for this solution I had to consult a software company and let them make a special application which I simply have to buy.)

All with all, the money issue is not gonna be a problem since you have multi-zone distribution from one system and after all it's a complete system. I still live under the assumption that using several pc's is a unpractical problem, for me that is.

So i am not sure if any developer will have the time to look into that

I certainly do HOPE that someone will!!!
I'm willing to invest in such a project because the business opportunities with the HTPC's suddenly become much more interessting...

[infinityloop]

Originally Posted by Hyperborean

In fact I've been able to achieve all this with several different mediacenter applications, which run simultaneously and independantly of each other with no problems.

You were able to get HW/acceleration on all 4 screens?

[Hyperborean]

In this case it's just a matter of placing each application onto the displays using two Matrox G550 PCIe Dual Head Video cards.
This does NOT apply for games for you'll only be able to play that on one primary screen, which is in the livingroom. (and with these Matrox's I don't play any). This is because most of the games are not written that way...
But that I don't experience as a problem, since I'm more concerned with independant
a/v distribution.

[Hyperborean]

Maybe a silly idea but what about virtual machines like VMWare

=> interessting...

You can run multiple virtual machines on one PC. Each virtual machine runs its own windowsXP/MediaPortal.

Do you have experience with this ?! Does it work independantly of each other without interferrence?

because on Wikipedia they say the following about VMWare:

Many people erroneously believe that virtualization products like VMware or Virtual PC replace offending instructions or simply run kernel code in user mode. Neither of these approaches can work on x86. Replacing instructions means that if the code reads itself it may fail to find the expected content; one cannot protect code against reading and at the same time allow normal execution; replacing in-place becomes complicated. Running the code unmodified in user-mode will also fail, as most instructions which just read the machine-state do not cause an exception and will betray the real state of the program, and certain instructions silently change behavior in user-mode. One must always rewrite; performing a simulation of the current program counter in the original location when necessary and (notably) remapping hardware code breakpoints.

I certainly will investigate this. Thx for the input.

[James]

Sorry I think you are confusing what "multi-threaded" means.

MP is multi-thread in that it makes use of more then one thread for processing tasks.

[jgf]

I have experience with VMWare as a software developer.

VMWare runs very well and stable. But the performance may be a problem.
VMware simulates all hardware. even the display. But i'am not sure if the simulated display is directX9 compatible.

In terms of VMWare you have one host PC and one or more clients. The host is the real PC wich runs linux or windows, has onough memory to for its own and for all the clients. For a HTPC you will need enough video adapters for all clients.
Every client will have its own OS and mediaPortal installed. All clients can be totally seperated from each other, or use a shared network location on the host or another server.

VMWare is extremely powerfull but you need to exeriment to see if it is usefull in this situation.

[tourettes]

Originally Posted by infinityloop

You were able to get HW/acceleration on all 4 screens?

I would guess that the orher programs weren't using DX exclusive mode... and thats not something we want

[brainbone]

Originally Posted by Hyperborean

All with all, the money issue is not gonna be a problem since you have multi-zone distribution from one system and after all it's a complete system. I still live under the assumption that using several pc's is a unpractical problem, for me that is.

The problem(s) I see:

If money is a big concern: You need to take into account the cost of quality video extenders. DVI/HDMI extenders, or quality VGA/video baluns are not that cheap. The cost of a low-end client PC per display, vs. the cost of a single mid to high end system for multiple displays also needs to be weighed.

If complexity is an issue: The average user is going to have more difficulty configuring a single system to feed multiple displays, than a server/client setup -- even if software is pre-installed for them in both cases. With the single system, you need to worry about video distribution. With client/server, 802.11G will probably suffice.

For me, the best solution is a client/server solution with diskless clients. Unfortunately, running windows diskless is a pain... you could install windows on flash -- keeping the client PCs small and quiet, but in this scenario, you're probably better off with linux. Not only is it relatively easy to set up diskless clients that boot off the network, applications like MythTV have lower hardware requirements (cheap and small client PCs) than MediaPortal. Unfortunately, you run into hardware compatibility issues like there not being drivers available for your TV tuner, and all the other issues that make Linux what it is.

[brainbone]

Originally Posted by jgf

VMWare runs very well and stable. But the performance may be a problem.
VMware simulates all hardware. even the display. But i'am not sure if the simulated display is directX9 compatible.

VMware does have experimental Direct-3D acceleration, but only Direct-X 8.

See:
http://www.vmware.com/support/ws55/d...html#wp1047170


On VMware replacing "offending instructions or simply run kernel code in user mode", the new VM acceleration instructions provided by Intel (vanderpool) and AMD (Pacifica) in their newest CPUs solves this problem.

I don't know if the video acceleration in vmware would work with MP or not.