Using MediaPortal Without a DirectX Video Adaptor (1 Viewer)

[HoopyFrood]

MediaPortal Version: 0.2.2
Windows Version: XP Pro
CPU Type: Dual Pentium IV
Memory: 512MB
Motherboard: ASUS CUR-DLS
Video Card: Onboard
Video Card Driver: ATI Rage

I recently found and installed Media Portal as I wanted to check out the EPG TV Listings component.


Now, my system currently doesn't have a DirectX graphics card and that will come in the future. I was able to use Google Earth with DirectX graphics and it worked reasonably well. However, Media Portal just opens the display window as a transparent window and never fills it with anything. Indeed, it seems to be hung entirely.

Is there a way to run just the EPG component to see how the TV Listings app works?

Also, without a DirectX card, MediaPortal should still work, albeit somewhat slower? Should I be reporting a bug?

I am interested in turning my system into a media center and, assuming I like MediaPortal, I can endeavour to start adding the hardware to take of advantage of what it has to offer. Problem is, I can't get it to load to any point of usefulness.

Any thoughts and suggestions as to the above?

 

[NickName]

Hi,

MP uses DirectX to display the 'pretty graphics' and AFAIK will not work without a DirectX 9 compatible 3D graphics card. A bottom of the range 3D card can be had for about $50 (Australian) so I recommend you get one and try MP. FYI. I have tried several mediacentre softwares and MP is the best by far.

Cheers,

Nick Name.

 

[HoopyFrood]

I realize this already. This is not the point of this thread though.

My question/issue is given the fact that one does not have the appropriate video adaptor.

Media Center software is not always about the video, one may want to use it for managing their music for example. In my case, I want to initially use it to be able to see the EPG to view my TV listings.

As the software won't even start (ie. the window comes up with an image of whatever was behind it on my screen). I then have no options to do anything.

So my question (to reiterate):

a) Should it still work at all without a video adaptor?

b) Is there a way to execute the EPG part of it without going through the front-end display?

 

[Spragleknas]

a) Should it still work at all without a video adaptor?
Not without a videoadapter I believe, but I read people using it w/DX8-cards (ie r9200-series)

b) Is there a way to execute the EPG part of it without going through the front-end display?
- You can configure WebEPGconfig and thereby use XMLTV - but all you get is a XML-file.

(Did I even answer you questions? If not: Sorry )

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

My question/issue is given the fact that one does not have the appropriate video adaptor

Sorry, MP will not work in any way without a half decent video adapter, this is not now a days a hi specification, any FX5200 or ATI equivalent will do the job for MP, just think of it as a game that will not run without it.

 

[HoopyFrood]

Ok, thanks. I will stop trying to use it.