[Original Thread] "My NetFlix" Plugin with Watch Now Support (3 Viewers)

[WileECoyote]

1) Reason I got this app was so that I could run Netflix on display #2 maximized. In the past, when I used a regular browser and dragged the window across, I would click "run full screen", and everything would work great until I opened anything on display #1. The full screen window on display #2 would just revert to its "half screen" state. Apps like Hulu actually pop out the browser so it allows you to run it maximized while allowing someone else to use display #1 and not mess up the full screen (ie. I work and the wife watches full screen TV). I was hoping your app + MediaPortal would solve this issue but its the same . Any ideas?

Hey WTBHelp,
I hate to dissapoint, but as of now the app uses Silverlight and either through my app or a regular browser, as soon as you do anything on monitor #1 it will revert to "half screen".

2) Cant get Media Portal to open maximized on display #2 by default when I launch the app. Keeps popping up on display #1.

You can accomplish this by going into the MP General Settings, the last option is to choose the Screen Selector. Simply check the box and it will allow you to select the screen you want MP to open on.

3) Shortcut keys hijack my keyboard when I drag MediaPortal across to display 2 (run it maximized but not full screen). I cant work on display #1. I'm sure I can disable them because I plan to get a MCE remote.

This is true, the scripts not run properly on monitor #2. You actually bring up a good point here, there currently is no option to disable the scripts. I should add that into the next release.

My ultimate goal would be to have MediaPortal start up every time my PC starts up, and open maximized on display #2 by default. If my wife wanted to watch her shows, all she should have to do is turn on the TV, grab the MCE remote, surf and pic a show running it in full screen while allowing me to work and not interrupt the viewing experience.

Again, I hate to dissapoint, but as of now NetFlix only offers the browser based Silverlight option and until that changes there is not an option for me to code around it

BUT, if you set MP to start on the #2 monitor, the NetFlix browser will still open on the #2 browser and you will be able to play and stop the show/movie, but you cant go fullscreen or use FF, RW, etc...

Wile E.

Looks like a great Netflix plugin! Just two questions:

1. Can you Fast Forward and Rewind using keyboard? using remote?
2. Is there any development work being done to list, queue, and play the Netflix movies inside the MP interface itself, or is that completely out of the question?

Thanks for all your hard work!

TSF

Hey SkinsFan,
1. Yes, check the first post on how to FF, RW, etc...
2. Im not sure I understand the List or Queue, but as far as playing movies as of now this is not possilble with the NetFlix API. You should be able to see your queue's and such now inside MP...

Wile E.

thank you! works flawlessly for me!

Thanks JonnySuede, I appreciate the feedback...

 

[WTBHelp]

Wile - thank for the tip on the default launch screen. Will fix that up right away! Real bummer about Silverlight. Netflix has always led the charge with streaming content, and now Hulu smashes them with their desktop app. Netflix seems light years behind, and with that tearing issue, arggghh. I still love the service however so REALLY hope they fix this issue soon.

On the keyboard hijacking - this could actually be a deal breaker for me. Is this just when using netflix, or does it affect the keyboard every time when using MediaPortal? Will test again tonight when I get home but do you know?

UPDATE: Maybe a work around but still buggy. If you use Chrome + Silverlight, you can hit F11 to maximize your screen. It removes the "half window" problem, but now it puts the Silverlight window in the top half of my TV screen, and not aligned in the center vertically. It looks retarded but at least allows me to work on my PC and the family to watch TV. I really hope I can figure out some way to fix this. Need to figure out a better browser F11 setup (maybe Firefox will work etc), or find an app to run Silverlight inside.

Side note: I'm sure you legends have suggested the "Hulu Desktop" model on the Netflix developer's blog, but just in case. I have no where near the technical expertise required to participate in such a discussion: Netflix API Forums

 

[WileECoyote]

My NetFlix - Test Version

Update...

I have attached a test version of My NetFlix. There is no install package, just the MyNetflix.dll file. Simply copy this file over the old version (Backing the old file up of course.) NOTE: Please delete your old NetFlix database before running the config with this new file.

This version includes the following changes...

- A checkbox on the Settings page to allow the AutoKey scripts to be disabled.
- An option on the Context Menu to allow you to see the Next Titles in your Recommended Queue.
- An option on the Context Menu to allow you to see the Next Titles when doing a Similar search.

being the number of results you set in the Settings Tab.

To back out this change, simply copy the old file over the new file.

Post feedback and let me know your thoughts...

Thanks!
Wile E.

I forgot to note, this version supports all skins exept Theatre...

 

[WTBHelp]

Will do so tonight man. You rock. Thanks!

 

[WileECoyote]

Okay Guys & Gals,
On the lighter side a little, I know sometimes the DVD/Blu-ray covers dont always match the Fanart, so share with us the funniest combination you have seen thus far... My favorite so far has been a cover of "No Escape" with Ray Liotta (a shoot-em-up movie) with the Fanart of the cartoon Madagasgar. For some reason that is hilarious to me...

 

[winterescape]

Okay Guys & Gals,
On the lighter side a little, I know sometimes the DVD/Blu-ray covers dont always match the Fanart, so share with us the funniest combination you have seen thus far... My favorite so far has been a cover of "No Escape" with Ray Liotta (a shoot-em-up movie) with the Fanart of the cartoon Madagasgar. For some reason that is hilarious to me...

I like that I get a fan art of a young Bill Gates in front of an old IBM pc for a PBS special on "Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance"

 

[WTBHelp]

Hey Wile,

My wife was watching movies last night so I couldnt ninja the screen for testing. Will try this out tonight and let you know the results. On a side note, I just saw something interesting on the Netflix page. Check out my post re: trailers: https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...egrated-into-movingpictures-72499/#post526694

My end goal is the get something like this integrated into MovingPictures. Netflix has high quality trailers! Do you have something like this in your app? Is it possible to pull those trailers off with a request to the server?

Anyway, just an idea. Lets fix the shortcut issue first cause I cant do anything without my keyboard! Chat to you tonight.

 

[WileECoyote]

I like that I get a fan art of a young Bill Gates in front of an old IBM pc for a PBS special on "Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance"

Nice! Now thats funny...

Hey Wile,

My wife was watching movies last night so I couldnt ninja the screen for testing. Will try this out tonight and let you know the results. On a side note, I just saw something interesting on the Netflix page. Check out my post re: trailers: https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...egrated-into-movingpictures-72499/#post526694

My end goal is the get something like this integrated into MovingPictures. Netflix has high quality trailers! Do you have something like this in your app? Is it possible to pull those trailers off with a request to the server?

Anyway, just an idea. Lets fix the shortcut issue first cause I cant do anything without my keyboard! Chat to you tonight.

Unfotunately you will never "legaly" see an integration of "Moving Pictures" & "My Netflix". Netflix is very peticular about how their API's are used, so an integration of the two would break that legal agreement. I have been fortunate enough recently to work with a NetFlix API Developer to get this plugin approved for the NetFlix App Gallery. It has been approved and should show up there in the next few days, I wouldn't want to do anything to break that approval.

As far as the trailers are concerned, Netflix is working that into their API, but I cannot say when it will be available. Netflix can be a little slow implimenting features... As in other additions like true Instant Movie searches are being developed, but have yet to make it into the public API's.

 

[winterescape]

... I have been fortunate enough recently to work with a NetFlix API Developer to get this plugin approved for the NetFlix App Gallery. It has been approved and should show up there in the next few days, ....

Wow ! Congratulations !! This is a great plugin, I hope it helps to drive more folks to take a look @ MP and make use of this plugin....

 

[WTBHelp]

Ummm guys, I just jizzed my pants. Have any of you seen this? Experience Smooth Streaming 1080p : The Official Microsoft IIS Site

1080p streaming via Silverlight, no lag, no buffering, 5000 kbps download. Is this for real? It worked perfectly on mine, no stuttering, I'm running a 3 year old vcard and a 24" 1920X1200 screen. Man this looks like an awesome technology.

Maybe this has been out for a while but I'm new to HTPC's and think this is very cool.

Wile - I had to reinstall my MediaPortal, having some issues, plus waiting for my new TV. Will let you know as soon as I have it up and running. Really want to help you test it and make suggestions. More to come. Thanks again.