I don't need any server-related features (1 Viewer)

[ABC]

Hi,
I installed MediaPortal mostly to watch tv with my hybrid tv-tuner card. Then I'm continuously asked to take decisions on server features that have been installed without asking if I want/need them, related passwords without any hint on where do I find them and why, permissions and attempts to connect to external servers with the screen freezing for tens of seconds without any feedback, etc etc.

Why all this hassle? Did I ask for server features? No. Do I need them? No, I just need to watch tv with my tv-tuner card and possibly playback some other media files from disk or CD -don't need any internet/Lan streaming features. Unsecure and even suspicious server-related apps that need permanent licensees to comunicate (without clicking "OK" continuously) with other servers on the internet, especially when they are completely useless to a user like me, should at the very least ask if the user wants/needs them during the installation.

Now the critical question: How do I get rid of them? Is there a way to disable them or even better NOT install them at all?

Are these "features" tied to the rest functionality of the MediaPortal? If this is the case, then thanks, but no thanks, MediaPortal then is not for me.

In sort, I was hopping to use an open source app like MediaPortal to watch tv and organize/playback media files, NOT open literaly and permanently a Portal from my PC to whatever internet servers-clients outthere!

 

[Troy]

TV-Server has nothing to do with a server on the internet. Maybe you should read this: TV-Server manual

 

[geov]

TV-Server does have some reliance on a home-network being present, but if you don’t have one there are alternatives (like the internal TV-functionality or loop-back implementation)....perhaps you should read before criticizing. In addition MediaPortal also requires an internet connection for some functions (like My-Weather), but once again you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.

 

[bazzz]

...some stuff...

You should demand a refund!

 

[ryan20021982]

You make it sound like mediaportal installed spyware and viruses on your pc

If you would read around first you would have had your answer.
As posted above read the manual on tv server. but you dont need it
to watch tv with a tuner card.

You should demand a refund!

I went ahead and refunded him

 

[tourettes]

Maybe you aswered yes to the HD support?

 

[ABC]

TV-Server has nothing to do with a server on the internet. Maybe you should read this: TV-Server manual

Unfortunately -as geov told you, it has, in many ways! You open many "doors" in your computer to the external world, making it highly insecure and accessible. You make it too easy to anyone, do anything -if he wants! This is especially true when you want to watch TV anytime you want, or leave it on while eg you work. It's like leaving all your doors in your house open, all day long whether you watch tv or not!

...some stuff...

You should demand a refund!

Well, in life, most bad things are for free, especially those you don't ask for!

Maybe you aswered yes to the HD support?

Yes, that was my huge mistake! What I was thinking?

TV-Server does have some reliance on a home-network being present, but if you don’t have one there are alternatives (like the internal TV-functionality or loop-back implementation)....perhaps you should read before criticizing. In addition MediaPortal also requires an internet connection for some functions (like My-Weather), but once again you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.

You make it sound like mediaportal installed spyware and viruses on your pc

If you would read around first you would have had your answer.
As posted above read the manual on tv server. but you dont need it
to watch tv with a tuner card.

By making your PC vulnerable, it is the same thing, or worse.

I tried the "Inbuilt TV-Plugin" version and it couldn't find my tv-tuner (hvr-900h) while even the simplest apps can.
So, there is no other option.

 

[joz]

There's no security risk whatsoever with databases, as long as you have your system behaving right and not having set a DMZ in your modem or router or whatever. The security issues are relevant but can always be subdued by configuring your system right. How do you think all these webhosters setup everything? You think these guys get attacked and hacked constantly too?
MySQL and MSSQL have the management ports blocked by default. I'm a webdev and worked with both these DB's (and some others) a lot.

I agree with you that it's a little bit too much running a whole DB for just TV functionality (and only having one MP system). But I think concerns about your system's performance are more relevant then any of the "security issues" you speak off.
You talk about the security like you know it but you don't give any valid reason why it's so hazardous.
Before I always used the standalone tv plugin and it worked fine for me (PVR-150)

 

[geov]

Hi ABC, I honestly think your concern about security is unfounded, being connected to a permanent Internet-connection is common place in the homes of most users of HTPC's. Even Microsoft's 'Media Center' application requires an Internet connection for full usability... Your statements about "security" makes me think you watch to many conspiracy movies about people wanting to take over your life using the internet... The movie "The Net" with Sandra Bullock comes to mind

I have had negative opinions about the TV-Server architecture in the past, but now I love the way MediaPortal is expandable to multiple rooms in my house. What I hate about MediaPortal is the steep learning curve required to get everything working...but that’s about the only negative thing I can think of. Even though the developers are working hard to get the setup as easy as possible, I still believe MP is one of the more advanced HTPC systems that give its users the ability to fully customize their environment...something you don’t get with any other product.

 

[Owlsroost]

ABC, I have to agree with GeoV - you're getting a bit paranoid about PC security.

If you use the MS Loopback adaptor (see https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/newcomers-forum-240/msloopback-device-singleseat-users-51028/) you don't need an active external network connection - so you can pull out the ethernet cable/turn off the WiFi if you want and MP+TV server will still work...

Tony