What does MediaPortal require dwm.exe/Aero for? (1 Viewer)

[doveman]

I have a bit of a problem in that I need to access my PC via RDP as user2, but Java apps and video playback (in MPC-HC but not youtube) hang if dwm.exe is running for either user2 or user1 (which is what auto logs in at boot and MediaPortal runs under).

So could someone clarify for me what won't work in Mediaportal if dwm.exe isn't running?

 

[doveman]

As a workaround, I've created desktop shortcuts for user2 to net stop/start uxsms, which kills/restarts dwm.exe so the user can disable it if necessary and then restart it before using MP. I might also set up a logoff script to start uxsms so that it will always be left running when they logoff. It'd be good if someone could clarify what Aero is needed for though as obviously if it can be left disabled that'd be simpler.

I have another issue with Aero, in that I have two mirror drivers installed (mirage for VNC and LogMeIn's one) and Windows informs me that Aero is not fully functional because of a mirror driver. dwm.exe is running though, so I'm not sure whether it just certain features like Aero Peek, Taskbar preview and Transparency (which I don't use and have manually disabled anyway) that are unnecessary for Mediaportal that aren't functioning or if something important to MP is also prevented from working. Perhaps someone can tell from the attached logs whether there's any problem with MP? I can't say I've noticed any problem with watching TV, other than glitches that are probably due to either poor signal or latency caused by some app or driver.

 

[doveman]

I found that the Logmein mirror driver causes problems, in that it disables Aero and doesn't re-enable it when the remote connection is disconnected, so I uninstalled it and now I don't see any error message under Personalisation about Aero not working due to a mirror driver. The TightVNC/mirage mirror driver does disable Aero when a connection is made, but properly restores it when it's disconnected.

I could have just left Logmein installed and disabled the mirror driver, but I'm not sure there's much point without it and I might as well use TeamViewer instead.

 

[doveman]

Never mind about my original question, I stumbled across some good information about this in the Wiki

EDIT: Having said that, I now see that Total Media Theatre has an option to disable Aero and this is recommended. Why does TMT work better with Aero disabled but MP requires it enabled to work?