A slim version of MediaPortal to replace Windows Explorer ? (1 Viewer)

[bernaci]

I have been using my HTPC daily for the past 4 years for all media types TV, Pictures, Diaporamas,WITHOUT using an HTPC frontend like MediaPortal etc. Instead I have completely emptied my desktop, put on a nice wallpaper, and I use RK-Launcher which emulates a Mac GUI. All this looks nice and minimalistic, it works perfectly, and I do not want to replace that.

But ....

... to watch a video from my 1000+ video collection, organised in some 30 folders, I am using today the stone age Windows Explorer. I double-click on the desired video file (mostly MPG or TS) and VLC opens. Works perfectly, except that the Explorer pops up at the end of a film and is blindingly bright on the beamer and hurts your eyes.

There must be a better and more comfortable solution. I have looked at the GUI of MediaPortal and thought the "My Video" function is exactly what I would need. BUT, I do not want to install the whole Portal SW and all the other tabs in in MediaPortal like "My TV", "My Music" etc., I also would like to keep VLC as my media player software .

Is it possible to use MediaPortal in a "slim version" just to replace the Explorer ?

Many tks for any advice, or maybe you know another database SW / GUI for this purpose.

Bernd

 

[Hammermensch]

hmm, u compare two different things... but you can deactivate all unneeded plugins in the media-portal configuration. U can also install only the mediaportal software without the tv-server. so then, its damn small with only videofunction. but u have still start the program.

perhaps u should look at some plugins for extend your installation. e.g. explorer plugin.

 

[edterbak]

isnt it easy to alter the looks of the standard explorer sctreen? Give it a nice gray or black background color or what ever picture to your liking and you wont be blinded. I thought its possible to create a html based windows for any window.

 

[Anff]

isnt it easy to alter the looks of the standard explorer sctreen? Give it a nice gray or black background color or what ever picture to your liking and you wont be blinded. I thought its possible to create a html based windows for any window.

It is REALLY easy to change the window colour.

I'm guessing your on about the white background within the Explorer Window (and every other background with most windows apps)
I don't know which Windows your using so I'll assume your on XP, the others should be along the same lines though

Open your Display Properties, click on the Appearence tab, then the Advanced button. You'll need to select Window from the dropdown box, then change Colour1. You'll be able to change to any colour you like

See, told you it was easy

 

[buddman]

One option is to replace the windows shell from explorer.exe to MP. This would require a reg hack, but it isn't difficult to do. I know this works for Meedio quite well, but haven't tested it for MP yet.