Starting all over, help me get it all right (1 Viewer)

[hulkhaugen]

Windows Version: XP Pro SP3
CPU Type: Intel C2D E8400 3GHz
Memory: Corsair TWIN2X PC8500 4GB
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD3650 512MB
1. TV Card: TerraTec Cinergy S2 PCI HD
MPEG2 Video Codec: Cyberlink Video/SP Decoder (PDVD8)
MPEG2 Audio Codec: MPA Decoder Filter
h.264 Video Codec: CoreAVC Video Decoder
Satelite/CableTV Provider: Thor 3/5 0,8°W & Sirius 4 4,8°E
HTPC Case: 3R System Mstation HT-1000 with iMON IR Reciever and Display
Remote: Logitech Harmony 885
TV: Toshiba REGZA 52Z3030D

Hello folks!

I've been experimenting lately with MediaPortal and discovered some of it's nice features. I have to admit that my setup is a complete unstable mess right now, but that's ok cuz i've been experimenting with different things and i want to get it right this time. (Actually i wont start until the middle/end of january since i'm at work in denmark atm.) Here's a few things i could have some help with.


1. ATI display driver
I've heard somewhere that CCC8.4 or something is recommended in XP for some reason. If anyone could confirm or give me some info about this, that would be nice.

2. Codecs and configuration
Well, i've already experienced Cyberlink as the best codec for MPEG-2 playback. Is there any configuration there i should know about which could improve anything? upscaling sounds like interesting (and complicated...). Haali Media Splitter, enough said. But for H.264 playback, CoreAVC, CyberLink or something else? And DXVA and ATI's Avivo, don't know anything about it.

3. Alternative movie plugin.
Nothing wrong with the default one, but i'm planning on using that one for karaoke, just install the karaoke codec so it will support mp3+cdg files. And then i'll just rename the name in the language.xml file to karaoke so it will appear right. So the question is; which plugin should i use? I want a descent player which can download covers, info and rating from imdb, and has good support for skins.

4. Remote control
Well, this is a pain in the a.., this configuration i'm working with. But i will get it to work somehow, without putting a ugly big receiver on my tv table for receiving remote signals. I've fooled around a bit with IR Server Suite, without much success. Got the communication going, but a lot of buttons didn't work, and those who actually worked, were repeated 6-7 times when i only pressed them.

So, help me out as much as you can please.

BTW: ""Removed"" nothing which should be discussed on this forum!!

 

[Lotsofjazz]

First of all, why not start to use Windows Vista, it will be a lot better in using your Dual core CPU capabilities. Also it will enable you to use the latest ATI GFX CCC version and drivers. Also it will enable you to start using EVR in stead of VMR9. I was anxious too to go over to Vista, but after I did, a world of opportunities and improvements opened and things improved dramatically.. It runs a lot more stable with Mediaportal is my experience. You see, your hardware is more or less engineered towards Vista, it works with XP as well, but that leaves a lot of the capabilities and enhancements unused.

Like you, I also got nothing but trouble with the Imon IR receiver. It is advertised it should work with MCE remote as is, but it doesnt, beside that the Imon reacts on other remotes erraticly so when pressing my marantz remote to adjust the volume of my home cinema set, the Imon display gets garbled and the IR stops working or even hangs my system completely... So I got rid of that by pulling the plug out of the Imon and got a seperate Microsoft USB eHome IR receiver. since I use that one, all IR related problems are gone, so I strongly advise you to stop using the Imon, it has brought me nothing but trouble.

As for the MPA/MPV codecs, I advise you to Unregister them (uninstalling) with Radlight (use google to find this program) completely.. They tend to be used anyways, no matter what you select in Mediaportal configurator. For audio codec you can use the cyberlink or install AC3Filter. If you have a Home cinema set with digital input (SPDIF or COAX), I advise you to connect your HTPC with SPDIF (optical digital out) to your home cinema set and send all audio as is over the spdif, so that the decoding of DD or DTS is done in your home cinema set, and not the PC sound card. Of course this is only possible if your soundcard/PC has a SPDIF or COAX digital audio out.

CoreAVC for HD video is OK I think, I use the Cyberlink which can be used in Hardware accelerated mode as well. If your graphics card is capable to use hardware acceleration, I would give this a try.. not allways the better option, but it could improve things a bit.

But first thing you should do is getting a Vista copy somewhere.

Success,

Lots

 

[Spragleknas]

1. I think Cat 8.12 is worth a try (see dedicated thread). Perhaps 9.1 will be even better?
2. I think the SAF + the Cyberlink .ax might be worth a shot. Personally I install Cybelink + AVIVO + FFDShow tryouts + Haali + Falsh-splitter (for youtube)
3. I use MovingPictures for movies, and MyVideos for rest.

 

[hulkhaugen]

Thanks for good replies. Well, i just might buy a Vista license then (Already got a XP license, but hey...), i like Vista better. What's the benefits of EVR?

About the AVIVO, is it a codec, or a software function to be enabled in CCC? I never really found out... Same question about DXVA.

And about the amplifier, i currently use a 5.1 receiver, both amp and htpc has optical connections, but as i only use two front-speakers atm., i just use a regular phono --> minijack connector...

 

[Lotsofjazz]

Avivo is when you use Hardware acceleration, then the decoding of the video is done by the hardware on the graphic card. In CCC you can then set all kind of things in Avivo, like color saturation and such... At least that is what I have understand of it, I just left everything on default in Avivo, as it seems ok with me. I never bothered about DXVA and also do not know what that is about. EVR means Enhanced Video Rendering, it improves efficient playback of video and works best with Vista. It also can work with XP, but then you need to install .Net3 Framework. VMR9 is just an older type of video renderer and seems to be preferred for people that run XP.. Some even said that EVR doesbt work with XP, but it does, as I have had it running with XP for quite some time. I suspect (but not sure) it helped me to get rid of some tearing and blocking artifact when playing HD material.

You really should get a toslink cable (to connect the two optical in and out, only a few bucks) and use the digital output of your card, you will see..uhh, HEAR the difference! and start to save some money on a good 5.1 speaker set. I am not an audiophile but a good surround sound system enhances the enjoyment of a movie ten times more then a bigger and better screen.. My experience is that movies look bigger with 5.1 sound on.. psycology I think.. if it sounds big it also looks big! Like you'r in a movie theatre!

Lots

 

[Spragleknas]

You can select "ATI video codec" in config if you DL and install them --> Drivers & Tools | GAME.AMD.COM

EVR @ XP works, but you do not get DXVA

 

[hulkhaugen]

OK, so i'll buy Vista (Home Premium?) SP1 when i get home, and a optical cable from htpc to amp. btw, when will Vista SP2 be released?

Should i use the AC3Filter even if i only use a stereo setup? I agree with you on the 5.1 system, and i'm planning on buying a KEF KHT3005 SE, but atm it's not going to happen (Moving home to my mom temporary 'till my hose is finnished, lol)...

EDIT: Should i go for the 64-bit Vista?

 

[Spragleknas]

I think you should read a couple "XP vs VISTA" threads before buying Vista (to see if it is worth it)

Like:
https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...t-53/xp-vista-known-issues-mediaportal-36529/
https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/...vista-vs-xp-please-post-your-pros-cons-31883/

 

[Lotsofjazz]

I would go for the 32 bit version, as not all software is 64bit compliant, Vista Home premium is fine.

I think Vista SP2 will not be issued soon, and may be it never will be when Windows 7 is released

You can also use the Cyberlink Audio decoder, as you already have that one.


Lots

 

[hulkhaugen]

Well, after reading those threads Spragleknas, i can't see why i should stick to XP. Besides, Vista HP SP1 only costs like 1000 NOK atm, so it's no biggie...

Does Cyberlink Audio decoder use software decoding or leave it to the receiver?