Standalone HTPC Setup Tips

mysticalrage · 2007-06-29, 03:51

I'm not sure exactly how everyone likes their HTPC set up, but I figured some people would like to know the way I did it. This info would've saved me some time searching the web!

Basically, I just wanted to hook up my computer to a tv. I didn't want to have to fiddle around with a mouse or mess with sa keyboard just to watch tv! The first thing I did was get mediaportal set up the way I wanted it. I installed all my plugins (including My Keys) and set up my remote control using HIP (Human Interface Programmer) from: http://byremote.com.au/downloads/default.asp?SCLASS=HIP. With HIP, you can also specify buttons on your remote to launch applications (such as Nero Recode, Firefox, etc.) and also to put your computer into standby mode or to shut down.

The next thing that I did was download a trial of TuneUp Utilities (http://www.tune-up.com/download/) and made myself a bootskin and a login screen for MediaPortal. There are some boot screens available in the downloads section here.

After that, I ran into a lot of problems with my sound and graphics drivers when I tried to use MediaPortal as my windows "shell." Instead of putting MP in the registry as my "shell," I used a program called RunModule (http://am-productions.biz/getprod.php?pcode=RunModule) as my "shell." Basically, all that RunModule does is batch execution of applications WITHOUT having to log in to Windows. I use this program to start my graphics drivers, sound drivers, AnyDVD, remote software, and MediaPortal. RunModule allows you to open as many applications as you want. You can even change the order and the delay between loading them!

Just so I had some way of seeing what was open, and controlling my network connection, I installed TrayModule (http://am-productions.biz/getprod.php?pcode=TrayModule) which is basically an alternative to your windows tray. Instructions are included to change the startup dimensions and position. This will disappear when mediaportal opens and reappear when you close it.

Next, just for the occasions where I want to load other applications, I added a program called Right Start Menu (http://www.mslm.com/free.htm) that is basically just a little pop up menu that is used as a tray icon. You can add whatever applications you'd like into it.

There are also more little applications like these at http://am-productions.biz/downloads.php that might help with your individual needs.

I hope this helps someone!

-Matt

scythelt · 2007-06-29, 04:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysticalrage

After that, I ran into a lot of problems with my sound and graphics drivers when I tried to use MediaPortal as my windows shell.

Interesting setup strategy Matt. Curious why you elected to run MP as the shell rather than Explorer itself? Sounds to me it would over-complicate things and cause more problems than just using explorer itself?

Thanks for the tips.

mysticalrage · 2007-06-29, 05:35

Well, windows explorer (not to mention the services and applications the interact with explorer) take up quite a bit of memory.. and time. The positive of this setup is that I've gotten my startup time from power button to being ready to use in about 24 seconds.

Not to mention the fact that I just don't want it to look like I've got a computer hooked up to my tv. I don't want to see a thousand things load before I can do anything. That, to me, makes things look more complicated. And, on top of that, would probably completely turn my wife off of the whole idea. :-)

revs · 2007-06-29, 10:05

Im sure I read on here a while back that using MP as the shell can cause issues?

Can anyone confirm?

I have also done similar to the OP, I have made my MP install as non-computer like as possible.

thematrixz · 2007-06-29, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysticalrage

Well, windows explorer (not to mention the services and applications the interact with explorer) take up quite a bit of memory.. and time. The positive of this setup is that I've gotten my startup time from power button to being ready to use in about 24 seconds.

Not to mention the fact that I just don't want it to look like I've got a computer hooked up to my tv. I don't want to see a thousand things load before I can do anything. That, to me, makes things look more complicated. And, on top of that, would probably completely turn my wife off of the whole idea. :-)

I agree that by not showing the Windows Explorer, the computer looks a lot more like a real Video/Audio controller device. If MP works well as Windows shell, this would be the ultimate way to do it, and the bonus is the shorter boot up time.

Thanks for the tips.

mysticalrage · 2007-06-29, 12:55

I don't know how clear I really made it, but just to point it out, I'm not using MP as my shell. MP is loaded at startup using a different program as the shell. I don't have any issue with stability with this setup. MP runs as solid as the svn I have running.

thematrixz · 2007-06-29, 13:52

I guess I'm confused since you said this in your 1st post:
"After that, I ran into a lot of problems with my sound and graphics drivers when I tried to use MediaPortal as my windows shell."

I take it that you use a boot skin then start MP from there so you'll never see the MS desktop?

Tan

mysticalrage · 2007-06-29, 23:33

Well, That's basically how it works, but instead of putting MP in the registry as my "shell," I used the RunModule program as my "shell." Basically, all that RunModule does is batch execution of applications WITHOUT having to log in to Windows. I use this program to start my graphics drivers, my sound drivers, AnyDVD, and MediaPortal.

Original post has been edited to explain things a little better. I Hope!

Mr Pipps · 2008-08-29, 11:53

This thread is incredibly useful - thank you!

montecristo · 2008-08-30, 13:17

does this also work for the latest version of Mp on vista ultimate?

2007-06-29, 03:51	#1 (permalink)
mysticalrage Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ypsilanti, MI Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	Standalone HTPC Setup Tips I'm not sure exactly how everyone likes their HTPC set up, but I figured some people would like to know the way I did it. This info would've saved me some time searching the web! Basically, I just wanted to hook up my computer to a tv. I didn't want to have to fiddle around with a mouse or mess with sa keyboard just to watch tv! The first thing I did was get mediaportal set up the way I wanted it. I installed all my plugins (including My Keys) and set up my remote control using HIP (Human Interface Programmer) from: http://byremote.com.au/downloads/default.asp?SCLASS=HIP. With HIP, you can also specify buttons on your remote to launch applications (such as Nero Recode, Firefox, etc.) and also to put your computer into standby mode or to shut down. The next thing that I did was download a trial of TuneUp Utilities (http://www.tune-up.com/download/) and made myself a bootskin and a login screen for MediaPortal. There are some boot screens available in the downloads section here. After that, I ran into a lot of problems with my sound and graphics drivers when I tried to use MediaPortal as my windows "shell." Instead of putting MP in the registry as my "shell," I used a program called RunModule (http://am-productions.biz/getprod.php?pcode=RunModule) as my "shell." Basically, all that RunModule does is batch execution of applications WITHOUT having to log in to Windows. I use this program to start my graphics drivers, sound drivers, AnyDVD, remote software, and MediaPortal. RunModule allows you to open as many applications as you want. You can even change the order and the delay between loading them! Just so I had some way of seeing what was open, and controlling my network connection, I installed TrayModule (http://am-productions.biz/getprod.php?pcode=TrayModule) which is basically an alternative to your windows tray. Instructions are included to change the startup dimensions and position. This will disappear when mediaportal opens and reappear when you close it. Next, just for the occasions where I want to load other applications, I added a program called Right Start Menu (http://www.mslm.com/free.htm) that is basically just a little pop up menu that is used as a tray icon. You can add whatever applications you'd like into it. There are also more little applications like these at http://am-productions.biz/downloads.php that might help with your individual needs. I hope this helps someone! -Matt Last edited by mysticalrage; 2007-06-29 at 23:37.

2007-06-29, 23:33	#8 (permalink)
mysticalrage Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ypsilanti, MI Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	Well, That's basically how it works, but instead of putting MP in the registry as my "shell," I used the RunModule program as my "shell." Basically, all that RunModule does is batch execution of applications WITHOUT having to log in to Windows. I use this program to start my graphics drivers, my sound drivers, AnyDVD, and MediaPortal. Original post has been edited to explain things a little better. I Hope! Last edited by mysticalrage; 2007-06-29 at 23:38.

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2007-06-29, 05:35	#3 (permalink)
mysticalrage Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ypsilanti, MI Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	Well, windows explorer (not to mention the services and applications the interact with explorer) take up quite a bit of memory.. and time. The positive of this setup is that I've gotten my startup time from power button to being ready to use in about 24 seconds. Not to mention the fact that I just don't want it to look like I've got a computer hooked up to my tv. I don't want to see a thousand things load before I can do anything. That, to me, makes things look more complicated. And, on top of that, would probably completely turn my wife off of the whole idea. :-)

2007-06-29, 10:05	#4 (permalink)
revs Portal Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: London Age: 25 Posts: 358 Thanks: 9 Thanked 11 Times in 9 Posts Country: My System	Im sure I read on here a while back that using MP as the shell can cause issues? Can anyone confirm? I have also done similar to the OP, I have made my MP install as non-computer like as possible.

2007-06-29, 12:55	#6 (permalink)
mysticalrage Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ypsilanti, MI Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country: My System	I don't know how clear I really made it, but just to point it out, I'm not using MP as my shell. MP is loaded at startup using a different program as the shell. I don't have any issue with stability with this setup. MP runs as solid as the svn I have running.

2007-06-29, 13:52	#7 (permalink)
thematrixz Portal Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Age: 43 Posts: 75 Thanks: 2 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Country:	I guess I'm confused since you said this in your 1st post: "After that, I ran into a lot of problems with my sound and graphics drivers when I tried to use MediaPortal as my windows shell." I take it that you use a boot skin then start MP from there so you'll never see the MS desktop? Tan

2008-08-29, 11:53	#9 (permalink)
Mr Pipps Portal Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	This thread is incredibly useful - thank you!

2008-08-30, 13:17	#10 (permalink)
montecristo Portal Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 22 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	does this also work for the latest version of Mp on vista ultimate?