MP is Open Source but the Plugins, skins...

[cul8er]

One of the great things about MP is that it is Open Source. Anyone can contribute to the code as everything (the source) is in the SVN repository.

But what about all the plugins, skins and so on.

I have seen so many plugins, skins die due to the fact that the original coder doesen't have time anymore, their code is lost due to harddisk crashes and so on.

Is it possible to have a rule that before a plugin is added to the MP site the source should be added to the SVN repository? This way other could contribute and all MP related stuff would be open source not just the core.

Or if above is a bad idea, could the plugin section of MP have a field informing the users of what plugins are in SVN and what are not. In this case at least the end user could choose not to building their HTPC solution around a plugin where the source code is not open source (available).

As MP developement is moving so fast now it is a lot of work for plugin developers to keep up with the pace. Making the source available could make other developers interrested in helping out.

It is so sad to see all these great plugins die.

Does anyone know how other media center solutions handle this (like MeediOS)?

[rtv]

Originally Posted by cul8er

One of the great things about MP is that it is Open Source. Anyone can contribute to the code as everything (the source) is in the SVN repository.

But what about all the plugins, skins and so on.

There's is another project on sourceforge which has been setup for this:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/mp-plugins/

Originally Posted by cul8er

Is it possible to have a rule that before a plugin is added to the MP site the source should be added to the SVN repository? This way other could contribute and all MP related stuff would be open source not just the core.

Usually only plugins which include sources are accepted for download.

Originally Posted by cul8er

Does anyone know how other media center solutions handle this (like MeediOS)?

GPL aware users watch contributions and yell if something isn't included MeediOS is dead.

[Cassius]

MeediOS is dead.

what makes you say that? Daily updates to themes, plugins, constant flow of NEW plugins...seems about as alive as it gets. Sure, the NEW version is moving slowly due to a low number of coders, but to call the project dead does nothing but show your lack of knowledge about the community that supports it.

BTW, for those that are curious (and this is NOT to start a war, just an indicator of not only life, but LOTS of it):
MediaPortal total Plugins: 159
MeediOS total plugins: 361
- w/ 48 updated in the last 30 days

If you're curious about how plugins are organized, check here (the "stats and tools" button is nice):
http://www.meedios.com/OpenMAID/

MeediOS is quite alive! Come visit the forums and see for yourself:

www.meedios.com

[Spragleknas]

"The picture on my puzzle is nicer than yours, since my puzzle has four time as many bricks"
and
"My IKEA couch is more comfortable than your couch, since contains over 1150 parts"
and finally

The package includes:

"IR Server"
- Connects to the IR device. IR devices are supported through a plugin architecture which allows for additional IR devices to be supported as time goes by. IR Server can also operate in "Relay mode" which can pass on IR remote key presses from another PC with another IR device (can be a completely different device).

"MP Control Plugin"
- Is almost identical to MCE Replacement Plugin. It has some things removed and some added.

"MP Blast Zone Plugin"
- This is a GUI plugin version of MCE Replacement Plugin / MP Control Plugin. You create a custom menu that the plugin displays which allows the user to control equipment from inside MediaPortal completely independent of any remote control. It lets you create a menu of buttons that can do anything that the MP Control Plugin can do. So not only IR blasting, but macros, external applicatoins, windows messages, jump to MediaPortal screens, etc... And I'll be adding more abilities over time.

"TV3 STB Blaster Plugin"
- It's like MCE Replacement Plugin for TV3 (Well, if you've used my test TV3MceBlaster plugin, it's like that)
--->
* Set complex IR blasting commands and macros to any button on the MCE remote.

* You can re-map buttons that until now have had a fixed function, like the arrows, the PC Power and others. (requires replacement driver)

* Control your set top box to tune external channels. And if your set top box is on the list you can set it up automatically without teaching the plugin any of your set top box's IR codes.

* Minimize MediaPortal and still control it, handy for listening to music.

* "Different Remote" lets you configure a different (compatible) remote to function as an MCE remote. This means you can configure a programmable universal remote (or even just some spare buttons on another compatible remote) to act as if it was the MCE remote.

* Map a button on your remote to launch an external program.

* Use external programs to change channels on your set top box. Like the MPExTuneCmd plugin, but with more flexibility.

* "Message Mode" lets you use HIP or Girder to send commands to MediaPortal, the plugin will make MediaPortal think it was receiving the actual remote button presses itself. This means you can get the same level of control over MediaPortal as you would if you were using the native MCE remote support while still being able to use HIP or Girder for all your other remote control needs.

* "Mouse Mode" lets you press a button on your MCE Remote and have it take control of the on screen mouse. While in Mouse Mode you can control the mouse not only in MediaPortal but across your whole PC.

* "Multi-Mapping" lets you cycle through multiple sets of button mappings, effectively giving you an unlimited number of buttons.

* "Event Mapper" can assign an IR code or macro to a MediaPortal event. For example, you could have have it turn on your tv when it starts or resumes from standby and turn it off again when it shuts down or goes into standby.

* "MCE Replacement Tray" is now included with the plugin. This is an MPTray like program, but for use with the replacement driver (also compatible with the original Microsoft driver).

"Tray Launcher"
- Like MP Tray

"Translator"
- It's like HIP (sort of like Girder). It lets you control your whole PC with this system. If you need more than just "Tray Launcher" capabilities this is where you go.

"Virtual Remote"
- Let's you simulate remote button presses. Either on the same PC or over a LAN.

"Virtual Remote Skin Editor"
- Let's you create skins for the Virtual Remote, to have it simulate different remotes or just to make it look nice.

"Debug Client"
- This is more of a testing tool. It lets you watch the messages flying around and to control the IR Server.


The IR Server currently has plugins with it for these IR Devices:
Microsoft MCE (Works like MyBlaster/ServerBlaster plugins)
MCE Replacement (For the Replacement Driver, but will work with Microsoft driver)
USB-UIRT
XBCDRC (Xbox DVD remote receiver)
IRMan
IgorPlug USB
DViCO FusionREMOTE
IRTrans (experimental)
X10 (experimental)
Windows Messages (for simulated remote control input)

You can probably do this with MeediOS also - if you install 76 plugins (and make them work seamlessly toghether).

Point: Number of plugins means nada (and there are two reasons to update them; to improve them or fix them).

(Not trying to start a war either )

[Cassius]

I wasn't really trying to draw a comparison, as I have very little experience with MP, but you do understand that Meedio/MeediOS was designed to be bloat-free? While having all those things enabled by default is nice for some, Meedio/OS allows you to selectively install only what you need. For many many users around the world, this architecture is the ONLY solution for their needs (myself included).
There's nothing wrong with either design, both work great. Variety is a spice of life.

As for number of plugins, you're right - it doesn't matter; but what it does say is that there is an incredibly active community.

Anyway, my point was, with so much activity, what makes rtv make a statement like "MeediOS is dead" ? I posted plugin info as "proof of life".

[cul8er]

Thanks for your reply rtv.