mapping a keystroke to execute external process?

[charli181]

TV-Server Version: tvEngin 03 16429
MediaPortal Version: 2.3.0 rc3 svn 3-11-07
MediaPortal Skin: XFace 1.2
Windows Version: WIN XP SP2 (Client)/Win 2003 Server (TVServer)
CPU Type: AMD 64 +4800 (Client)/Intel DualCore 2150(Server)
HDD:
Memory: IGB DDR2 800(Client)/1GB DDR2 667 (Server)
Motherboard: Asus M2A VM-HDMI(Client)/GigaByte GA-VM900M (Server)
Motherboard Chipset: AMD 690G
Motherboard Bios:
Video Card: Integrated ATI Radeon X1250-based graphics
Video Card Driver: Catalyst 7.2
Sound Card: ALC883 High Definition Audio 6-channel
Sound Card AC3: Coax out
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card: Twinhann DVB-T
1. TV Card Type: DVB-T
1. TV Card Driver:
2. TV Card: Leadtek DTV-1000T
2. TV Card Type: DVB-T
2. TV Card Driver:
3. TV Card:
3. TV Card Type:
3. TV Card Driver:
4. TV Card:
4. TV Card Type:
4. TV Card Driver:
MPEG2 Video Codec: FFDShow
MPEG2 Audio Codec: AC3Filter
Satelite/CableTV Provider:
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote:
TV: Sony 40" LCD
TV - HTPC Connection: Sub-d & HDMI

I am trying to setup a keystroke "Z" for example to run an external app. I would like to use this keystroke from any window in MP. I do not have a remote control at all in my system and everything is navigated through the keyboard. The external app is basically a URL to a cgi script which turns my lights on/off via a home made parallel port interface kit located on another machine.

Is there anyway to do this? I have looked at the key & sounds within configuration but can't work it out

[and-81]

I don't know of any plugin for MediaPortal currently available that does that.

It wouldn't be hard to make one, but you could to it with existing third party apps... Things like HIP, Girder, EventGhost and IR Server Suite would all let you do that, even though they are made for remote controls they all have keyboard input abilities.

If you think there is a demand for this sort of plugin I'm sure I could modify the MyKeys plugin to do it... But see if one of the programs I mentioned above does what you want first.

Cheers,

[charli181]

I have been looking at your IR Server, but can't seem to find how I link the keyboard key to the macro.

[and-81]

If you enable the Keyboard Input plugin in the Input Service Configuration you can then see keypresses as Remote control input ... so in Translator or MP Control Plugin you create a new mapping for the keyboard button press...

EDIT: I should mention that the Keyboard Input Plugin is only available in 1.04.2 (Preview 3).

It's probably a bit complicated just for the simple thing you're trying to do, so I'll whip up a small plugin for you.

Cheers,

[charli181]

I will be using your Server to also control my amp so I think it is the best to see if I can setup within IR Server. I got it to work with the MYBlaster plugin page within MP, but would prefer not to do all the extra navigating.