Tools and other software Command & Information Center (1 Viewer)

[Stéphane Lenclud]

For downloads and up to date information about CIC please visit the CIC home page.

Initially designed to manage internal VFD display hardware on your HTPC, Command & Information Centre (CIC) is now much more than that.
In fact it provides a host of HTPC related features from HDMI CEC to Logitech Harmony Hub control:

• Integration with MP1 MiniDisplay.
• Integration with Auto3D plug-in.
  
• Integration with Open Hardware Monitor.
• Integration with MP1 TV Server.
  
• Internal display features:
  • Client customizable layout.
    
  • Text fields.
  • Bitmap fields.
    
  • Audio Visualizer fields.
  • VFD segments on MDM166 hardware.
• Execute actions in response to various events including client defined ones.
  
• Supported events includes:
  • Monitor Power Off - Typically allows you to turn off your TV and amplifier using any combinations of Harmony and/or CEC actions that works for you.
    
  • Monitor Power On - Typically allows you to turn off your TV and amplifier using any combinations of Harmony and/or CEC actions that works for you.
    
  • Keyboard and IR remote key of your choosing - Allows you to launch applications or eject optical media.
  • Kinect voice command.
  • User application events.
• Supported actions includes:
  • Various HDMI CEC commands.
  • Eject optical drive of your choosing.
  • Send any Logitech Harmony Hub command to a device of your choosing.
  • Display message on your internal display.
  • Launch applications.
  • Adjust monitor brightness and contrast.
• Supported hardware:
  • Logitech Harmony Hub.
  • Pulse Height HDMI CEC USB adapter.
  • DDC monitors to support brightness and other monitor settings adjustments.
  • Following displays:
    • Futaba GP1212A01A (AKA GP1212A01)
    • Futaba GP1212A02A (AKA GP1212A02)
      
    • Futaba MDM166AA (AKA MDM166A or MDM166)
    • Noritake GU256x64x-39xx (USB over Arduino Micro)

Spoiler: Release notes

v2.2.4
Add support for Kinect voice commands.
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v2.1.2
Noritake GU256x64x-39xx VFD now supported through Teensy 3.2.
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v2.1.0
Adding support for Noritake GU256x64x-39xx VFDs and optimised render time.
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v2.0.4
Adding support for monitor brightness and contrast actions.
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v2.0.0
New installer using Squirrel instead of ClickOnce.
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v1.4.5.0
Improved Audio Visualizer.
Removed installer dependency checks.
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v1.4.2.0
Audio Visualizer support.
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v1.0.4.0
Logitech Harmony connection now reconnects.
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v1.0.0.0
Logitech Harmony connection now kept alive.
Improved logs.
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v0.12.2.0
Adding support for Logitech Harmony.
Improved support for HDMI CEC.
New Event Action Router feature.
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v0.8.9.0
Included missing dependencies on VS runtimes.
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v0.8.8.0
Screen saver does not kick in until Windows powers off the monitor.
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v0.8.7.0
Idle screen saver client not showing in Open Task view any more.
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v0.8.6.0
Basic screen saver functionalities.
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v0.8.5.0
Current display client is now determined based on priorities.
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v0.8.1.0
REC icon on MDM166A display now working.


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v0.8.0.0
New architecture base on SharpLibDisplay.
Supports recording notification area icon.
Breaking changes do not upgrade unless you upgrade MP1 too using the installer provided on MP1-4702.
After upgrading MP1 you will need to reconfigure MiniDisplay plug-in to use SharpLibDisplay.
SharpLibDisplay for MP1 now supports single line layout providing better readability for MDM166AA displays.
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v0.6.1.0
Basic CEC by Pulse-Eight.
TV goes on standby and wakes up as any computer monitor would.
USB - CEC Adapter hardware needed.
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v0.5.4.0
Closing optical drive tray now working too.
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v0.5.3.0
One can now select the optical drive to eject.
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v0.5.2.0
Adding support to eject media in E drive using Eject or Ext2 (HP remotes).
You better make sure your E drive is an optical drive or face the side effect of dismounting an actual hard drive. Future version should allow to select which drive to eject.
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Sharp Display Manager is a server implementation using WCF.
The MiniDisplay driver is then implemented as a WCF client.

Here is a preview of a Futaba GP1212A01 working using a prototype implementation of MediaPortal MiniDisplay driver for Sharp Display Manager.



What's interesting with those Futaba GP1212 is that they should fit just nicely in a 5.25' bay.
They also offer a resolution of 256x64 and should thus maximize readability from the comfort of your coach.

Sharp Display Manager lets you pick and choose any font typeface, style and size available on your system.
Here are some application's screenshots:



Recommanded settings:

• Font: DejaVu Sans Mono Bold (size 22)

 

[FreakyJ]

Maybe a good alternative to the crappy Imon display^^ I really hate this company, never saw such a crap hardware of sooo low quality

 

[Stéphane Lenclud]

This one I have ain't that bad:
http://www.origenae.com/en/accessory_vf310.htm
The rest is mostly crap and the software mostly sucks

 

[Stéphane Lenclud]

Sharp Display Manager beta version is now available for download.

 

[Stéphane Lenclud]

It's getting to a stage where this is now quite usable.

The application can be optionally started automatically on Windows startup.
I removed some debug feature so that the screen is now blank when no client is connected.

ClickOnce update are not performed on stratup anymore. Instead it should check for updates once a week. There is also an update button for the user to trigger update check.

 

[Stéphane Lenclud]

Just published a new version with basic support for Futaba MDM166AA.

 

[grzesiek811]

Thanks for support Fuaba MDM166A. Unfortunately MDM166A is too small and isn't good readability. I think the problem is windows font in Sharp Display Manager.
Is there possibility to use font like MDM166A in linux lcdproc?

GP1212A01A and GP1212A02A ist very expensive and difficult to obtain. I have to think about this. Perhaps I will buy it.

 

[Stéphane Lenclud]

You have to select a font that works for you, some fonts render nicely even on half size/two lines.

I'm planning to add an option in MP to use a single line of text instead of two.

Are the volume indicators working for you?

 

[Stéphane Lenclud]

Before you spend some hard cash you can read the following to make an informed decision:
http://slion.net/view/Dev/FutabaVfd

I actually recommend the GP1212A01. It's also easier to connect. Still you will need to do some crimping.

If a few people want to get one I could possibly order a batch for cheaper and provide the cables too.

 

[grzesiek811]

Single line would be a great option. I prefer player time instead of movie name like mini display mdm166A driver.
Volume indicator works great with mdm166a. But i prefer to control with A/V Receiver.

Connecting GP1212A01 via usb is easy like mdm166a? GP1212A01 has any usb cable or port?

PS. Which case of Lian Li do you use?