[PATCH] LaunchPlayer - External Video Player Launcher (to launch third-party players)

[konfoo]

This thread is for external player support on Windows, i.e. ability to play your video content using an external player of your choice.

Current patch to SVN xbmc head is in Trac #5300.

ExternalPlayer implements a 'stub' player which fires off your favorite external media player when you select a video clip inside XBMC. This makes it handy if you want to play DRM content with Windows Media Player (please don't), use MPC with FFDShow (luma sharpen, etc), or something like TheaterTek. You can set ExternalPlayer to be the default player, or play content via context menu.

This is totally unofficial so don't expect any support (and don't ask the XBMC devs for any).

* If you can build from SVN (applause) you can get patchfiles here:
http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5300

Create a advancedsettings.xml file in your userdata directory (in \Documents and Settings\[user]\AppData\XBMC on WinXp or \Users\[user]\AppData\Roaming\XBMC on Vista) with the following:


<advancedsettings>
<video>
<defaultplayer>externalplayer</defaultplayer>
</video>
<externalplayer>
<filename>c:\applications\mplayer\mplayer.exe</filename>
<args>-fs</args>
<forceontop>false</forceontop>
<hideconsole>false</hideconsole>
<hidecursor>false</hidecursor>
</externalplayer>
</advancedsettings>


Legend:
video/defaultplayer - use this to force the default video player to externalplayer
filename - absolute location of the executable to launch (MPC, Media Player, MPlayer, Zoom Player etc.)
args - arguments to pass to the player

Tweaks:
forceontop - (suggested setting: false) set to true to attempt to force problematic players to be on top. Note that this doesn't work for some players. If you are having problems with XBMC staying 'in front' of your application (you are using zoomplayer or you get a frozen XBMC window), set this to false.
hideconsole - (suggested setting: true) set to true to hide a launched console (useful for MPlayer for windows which opens a console window before starting playback)
hidecursor - (suggested setting: true) set to true to position the cursor offscreen (useful for MPC for example)

Note you can also set extplayer as the default audio player:


<advancedsettings>
<audio>
<defaultplayer>externalplayer</defaultplayer>
</audio>


If you don't need these and want to use the default players (dvdplayer/paplayer/mplayer), don't include the defaultplayer and audio/video tags!

ExternalPlayer will not function on XBOX. Win/Lin/OSX only.

When browsing video content, bring up the context menu and select ExternalPlayer to play the content using your external player. If you set defaultplayer you won't have to.

Use eventghost to map your remote control to your new media player. Note that the player needs to *QUIT* on end of file in order for XBMC to resume.

If your player doesn't launch, you need to enable debug mode and check the XBMC log for all CEXTPlayer notices.

(Thanks to amoller @ ext_player_patch and dummy player sources) ;)

Problems/Resolutions:
- XBMC freezes : check your log to see if advancedsettings was parsed without error
- Nothing plays : did you set your advancedsettings parameters correctly and place the file in the right location
- I hear audio but see no video: set your player to 'ontop' via prefs, or map a remote button to alt-tab (bring the player to the front)
- Extplayer should 'do more stuff': your player should 'do more stuff' -- extplayer is a launcher for video playback, nothing more or less
- But I want it to do X before my video launches: make a wrapper batch file or application that does what you need and then launches the player you want

[PantsOnFire]

Hmm, so presumably since this triggers an external player and uses ffdshow, it could also be used to employ use of CoreAVC decoder?

If i understand correct, does this then mean a full-screen external app is launched to play the video? Im just trying to understand, how seemless it is in motion (between xbmc, and this ext app). does it revert back to xbmc gui once finished/stopped? Presumably you can have remote control mappings for this particular app which is launched.

[konfoo]

Hmm, so presumably since this triggers an external player and uses ffdshow, it could also be used to employ use of CoreAVC decoder?

If i understand correct, does this then mean a full-screen external app is launched to play the video? Im just trying to understand, how seemless it is in motion (between xbmc, and this ext app). does it revert back to xbmc gui once finished/stopped? Presumably you can have remote control mappings for this particular app which is launched.

Exactly. The way the external app behaves depends on how you launch it ofcourse. mplayer (in the example) when run with -fs runs fullscreen. Or you could use MPC. XBMC will sit and wait until the app completes.

If I get annoyed enough with MPC I may just write a slimmed down player that uses directshow and can parse XBMC data fed on the commandline.

[midgetspy]

Is there any chance you could upload a compiled win32 XBMC binary with the patches applied to rapidshare or something? This sounds great, I'd love to give this a try.

[konfoo]

I'll try throw a build up later tonight.

[midgetspy]

Awesome, thanks. Does this require a skin mod to add the item to the context menu? Does it work in Library mode?

[konfoo]

Awesome, thanks. Does this require a skin mod to add the item to the context menu? Does it work in Library mode?

No and yes.

[marlboroman1]

thanks for the effort will check it out cheers mate

[rernst]

Stupid question: If I launch Media Player - does this mean I can finally watch DRM content?

[konfoo]

Stupid question: If I launch Media Player - does this mean I can finally watch DRM content?
Stupid answer: yes.

[room312]

in for compiled build. :grin:

[konfoo]

Compiled build available (see first post).

[konfoo]

After reading all the whining/bitching on the windows forum for external player support (and actually wanting to use an external player myself (bluray content from HD, etc.)), I stepped up and created a stub player that launches external video players - http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40136. I've included all the patches and source files in an archive.

So, how can I get this into SVN? Perhaps I can expand it to support OSX and Linux unless someone objects. I'd be happy to help out with some other dev work as well.

[jmarshall]

The best bet is to post a ticket on trac with all the stuff required - this makes it easy to track and comment etc. We can review from there and come to a decision as to whether or not we want it included. You are welcome to expand it to the *nix platforms as required.

As for other dev work, feel free to jump in and start cracking on whatever takes your fancy. Pop along to #xbmc and get in touch with a dev if you'd like to discuss anything prior to taking something on, or are looking for ideas etc. :)

Cheers,
Jonathan

[konfoo]

Thanks - http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5300

[room312]

Well, it works as advertised. Using it with Media Player Classic.

I might have to play around with some (MPC?) settings, but MPC doesn't always "take over" the screen and when it does, it's not in fullscreen -- just maximized. I made sure to put the /fullscreen in the args.

Also, I haven't noticed it before trying this out (never had any reason to), but XBMC running in the background is actually slowing down MPC playback. It's not directly related to LaunchPlayer because if I start a video outside of XBMC, the same thing happens.

Anyone have a reason as to why this might happen?

[kizza42]

Well, it works as advertised. Using it with Media Player Classic.

I might have to play around with some (MPC?) settings, but MPC doesn't always "take over" the screen and when it does, it's not in fullscreen -- just maximized. I made sure to put the /fullscreen in the args.

Also, I haven't noticed it before trying this out (never had any reason to), but XBMC running in the background is actually slowing down MPC playback. It's not directly related to LaunchPlayer because if I start a video outside of XBMC, the same thing happens.

Anyone have a reason as to why this might happen?

Same for me, Works as advertised however for some reason MPC wont launch in Fullscreen mode, The other command line switches (/play /close) seem to work. Something weird there...

Slow MPC playback is probably because of the way XBMC renders/Uses CPU. There is an option in MPC to use higher cpu priority, try that

[midgetspy]

Has anybody got this working with Windows Media Player? It worked with MPC but with WMP it just launches WMP as though I launched it with no arguments (the file doesn't open/play). I tried launching it manually from the command line with a file as an argument and it worked (WMP played it immediately), so I'm not sure what's different when launching it from this. Here's the relevant log section:

01:43:49 T:3556 M:1350205440 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Filename: C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe
01:43:49 T:3556 M:1350205440 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Args:
01:43:49 T:3556 M:1350205440 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Process: Start
01:43:49 T:3556 M:1350205440 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteApp: C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe "M:\TV\30 Rock\30.Rock.S01E11.The.Head.and.the.Hair.avi"
01:43:56 T:3556 M:1351028736 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:WAIT_OBJECT_0
01:43:56 T:3556 M:1351127040 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer: Stop

[room312]

Same for me, Works as advertised however for some reason MPC wont launch in Fullscreen mode, The other command line switches (/play /close) seem to work. Something weird there...

Slow MPC playback is probably because of the way XBMC renders/Uses CPU. There is an option in MPC to use higher cpu priority, try that

Freeing up as much RAM as I could, etc., I got better results. Running XBMC on Low and MPC on AboveNormal to RealTime, I get 99% flawless playback. I didn't know XBMC could do this when just sitting idle. FWIW, I'm running a stock E4500 with 2GB RAM (dual channel).

Still not sure what's going on with fullscreen though, but that's a minor issue.

[WiSo]

I didn't know XBMC could do this when just sitting idle.

And it shouldn't do that since once minimized XBMC stops rendering (can be tested with task manager open)

[ashlar]

And it shouldn't do that since once minimized XBMC stops rendering (can be tested with task manager open)And does this patch correctly minimize XBMC when the external player is launched?

In any case, hats off to the original poster. This, if working correctly, provides, for the time being, the best of both worlds (even though... I'm curious to see what happens with the "autoswitch to 60Hz" problem I'm having. When I exit XBMC the refresh rate goes back automatically to what it was at the desktop level, I wonder if this will happen for the external player too, while XBMC is sitting in background).

I'll experiment tonight. For now, thanks for the effort!

[WiSo]

And does this patch correctly minimize XBMC when the external player is launched?


This isn't a patch just an internal function of XBMC. I'm minimize the window handle of XBMC which should be the same as choosing minimize from the window menu.

[ashlar]

This isn't a patch just an internal function of XBMC. I'm minimize the window handle of XBMC which should be the same as choosing minimize from the window menu. I don't get what you mean, I think there's a spelling mistake somewhere, but I can't get your meaning. :)

[konfoo]

And does this patch correctly minimize XBMC when the external player is launched?

I'm not exactly sure what is 'correct' about minimizing XBMC. The effect of minimizing XBMC, seeing the windows desktop, then watching a player launch is very non-seamless and completely defeats the purpose. If you want this functionality you can get it by using events in something like eventghost (minimize xbmc on external player start, maximize on quit, etc).

[room312]

Minimizing XBMC gives similar results (can't tell if it's any better). I actually had to minimize through the Task Manager. Can anyone confirm this, or am I the only one?

[costa]

Hi..

I need your help to get this launcher works.. here is the steps I did:

1- Downloaded : XBMCSetup-Rev16149.exe and installed it.
2- created a file named advancedsettings.xml and put it in this directory:
\Users\[user]\AppData\Roaming\XBMC on Vista .
Contains : <advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>true</defaultplayer>
<filename>C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe</filename>
<args>-fs</args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>

The problem: When I right click on files I can't see launchplayer as the default! Dvdplayer is the default!!
when I click play using launcher.. nothing work.
I used the debug no messages at all ..only memory usage text above..

any help ?? please.

can you give me the exact steps like 1- 2- etc.


What is SVN ? ? ?
Thanks all

[obstler]

This isn't a patch just an internal function of XBMC. I'm minimize the window handle of XBMC which should be the same as choosing minimize from the window menu.

i just tried that with mpc, and while mpc launches just fine, xbmc stays in fullscreen in the background, causing playback stutter. are there any extra options that need to be set for xbmc to auto minimize?

this is with the full setup from the first post. thanks for this btw, i really need directshow filters but just want to use the xbmc gui, so this is the perfect combination for me.

edit/update: just manually minimized xbmc with taskman and even minimized it uses about 6% cpu, which would not matter all that much; but it still causes playback stutter and dropped frames in mpc.

[ashlar]

I'm not exactly sure what is 'correct' about minimizing XBMC. The effect of minimizing XBMC, seeing the windows desktop, then watching a player launch is very non-seamless and completely defeats the purpose. If you want this functionality you can get it by using events in something like eventghost (minimize xbmc on external player start, maximize on quit, etc).??? I was referring to the fact that if XBMC stays maximized behind the external player we incur in a severe performance penalty. At least this is what I understand from what's been written so far.

[WiSo]

i just tried that with mpc, and while mpc launches just fine, xbmc stays in fullscreen in the background, causing playback stutter. are there any extra options that need to be set for xbmc to auto minimize?


Nope. When calling an external program XBMC is minimized with
ShowWindow(g_hWnd,SW_MINIMIZE);

which works fine for me whenever I test it.
Do you have any other programs running which could disturb XBMC in doing so (even though I don't know what this could be ???)
Do you use another program to launch XBMC which maybe has an option to let XBMC stay maximized on top?

[midgetspy]

Hi..

I need your help to get this launcher works.. here is the steps I did:

1- Downloaded : XBMCSetup-Rev16149.exe and installed it.
2- created a file named advancedsettings.xml and put it in this directory:
\Users\[user]\AppData\Roaming\XBMC on Vista .
Contains : <advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>true</defaultplayer>
<filename>C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe</filename>
<args>-fs</args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>

The problem: When I right click on files I can't see launchplayer as the default! Dvdplayer is the default!!
when I click play using launcher.. nothing work.
I used the debug no messages at all ..only memory usage text above..

any help ?? please.

can you give me the exact steps like 1- 2- etc.


What is SVN ? ? ?
Thanks all

It should be in your UserData folder.

[ashlar]

Ok, I tried it.

First, the autoswitch to 60Hz is still happening and when Zoom Player gets called the refresh stays at 60Hz. It's only when XBMC exits that I go back to my desktop refresh.

Second, this works fine for local content but network shares give me an error: Unable to play [//ASHLAR/My Videos/HD Content/Whatever.mkv]
This may be due to a corrupt file, missing filters, filter conflicts, or hardware related issues.

This happens only for networked stuff. Local content does not have problems (the Windows taskbar stays visible for a fraction of a second, but no big deal).

I'm now gonna try with MPC-HC to see if the problem with networked material remains.

Edit: yup, MPC-HC reports "Failed to render the file" with networked material. And I confirm that it refuses to start in fullscreen, both with the /fullscreen option and the same setting in the internal options of the player.
Regarding the networked stuff, I feel the problem is maybe related to how the path is presented to Windows? Because if I try to open the same file from inside the external player, everything works correctly.

[konfoo]

I'm now gonna try with MPC-HC to see if the problem with networked material remains.


Map the network share to a local drive.

[PantsOnFire]

I liked this at first, but its just sounding more and more hastle than its worth.

I just think devs should really let us pick our codecs of choice. Makes sense to me.

[konfoo]

I liked this at first, but its just sounding more and more hastle than its worth.

I just think devs should really let us pick our codecs of choice. Makes sense to me.

I'm sorry if it is a 'hassle' for you to muster up the effort to configure a line in a text file. Now go sit in a corner and think about your use of the word 'should'.

[room312]

Ok, I tried it.

First, the autoswitch to 60Hz is still happening and when Zoom Player gets called the refresh stays at 60Hz. It's only when XBMC exits that I go back to my desktop refresh.

Second, this works fine for local content but network shares give me an error: Unable to play [//ASHLAR/My Videos/HD Content/Whatever.mkv]
This may be due to a corrupt file, missing filters, filter conflicts, or hardware related issues.

This happens only for networked stuff. Local content does not have problems (the Windows taskbar stays visible for a fraction of a second, but no big deal).

I'm now gonna try with MPC-HC to see if the problem with networked material remains.

Edit: yup, MPC-HC reports "Failed to render the file" with networked material. And I confirm that it refuses to start in fullscreen, both with the /fullscreen option and the same setting in the internal options of the player.
Regarding the networked stuff, I feel the problem is maybe related to how the path is presented to Windows? Because if I try to open the same file from inside the external player, everything works correctly.

Are you getting flawless playback in whatever external media player you're using? What are your PC specs? What codecs and media player are you using?

[midgetspy]

Ok, I tried it.

First, the autoswitch to 60Hz is still happening and when Zoom Player gets called the refresh stays at 60Hz. It's only when XBMC exits that I go back to my desktop refresh.

Second, this works fine for local content but network shares give me an error: Unable to play [//ASHLAR/My Videos/HD Content/Whatever.mkv]
This may be due to a corrupt file, missing filters, filter conflicts, or hardware related issues.

This happens only for networked stuff. Local content does not have problems (the Windows taskbar stays visible for a fraction of a second, but no big deal).

I'm now gonna try with MPC-HC to see if the problem with networked material remains.

Edit: yup, MPC-HC reports "Failed to render the file" with networked material. And I confirm that it refuses to start in fullscreen, both with the /fullscreen option and the same setting in the internal options of the player.
Regarding the networked stuff, I feel the problem is maybe related to how the path is presented to Windows? Because if I try to open the same file from inside the external player, everything works correctly.

As was suggested, networked stuff works fine if you map a drive letter to it.

[ashlar]

As was suggested, networked stuff works fine if you map a drive letter to it.:blush: I've never done it, never had the need for it. I'll look it up. :)

@room312: I'm using Zoom Player 6, with AC3filter for sound, ffdshow/CoreAVC for video. Sound renderer: Reclock. Video Renderer: VMR9 windowless.

I tried a couple of Planet Earth files and yes, playback was fine/flawless.

Specs are (we should do something similar to MediaPortal for the user profiles on the forum): E2160 o/c to 3.0GHz, 2GB RAM, Nvidia 8800GT, X-Fi, XP SP3.

[obstler]

Nope. When calling an external program XBMC is minimized with
ShowWindow(g_hWnd,SW_MINIMIZE);

which works fine for me whenever I test it.
Do you have any other programs running which could disturb XBMC in doing so (even though I don't know what this could be ???)
Do you use another program to launch XBMC which maybe has an option to let XBMC stay maximized on top?

No launched xbmc directly from the desktop using the installed icon. however I noticed that it seems to always launch in fullscreen, even if I start it without the -fs option. could this be a skin setting? I'm using Aeon (latest release).

And I guess even minimizing it with taskman doesn't seem to be a proper minimize, as it uses just as much cpu when sitting fullscreen in the movie selection screen or when minimized forcibly through task manager.

[PantsOnFire]

I'm sorry if it is a 'hassle' for you to muster up the effort to configure a line in a text file. Now go sit in a corner and think about your use of the word 'should'.

Now now, no need to be patronising.

[WiSo]

No launched xbmc directly from the desktop using the installed icon. however I noticed that it seems to always launch in fullscreen, even if I start it without the -fs option. could this be a skin setting? I'm using Aeon (latest release).


It could be due to the resolution. You could try a res < DESKTOP which works for me windowed. Also the CPU usage drops from 10-20% in gui down to 1% when minimized in window mode. Have to check what the task manager prints out when minimized during script launch.

[ashlar]

As was suggested, networked stuff works fine if you map a drive letter to it.Ok, as I said before I'll look into it but it's less than intuitive, considering that from inside XBMC you look for shares, find them and configure them without the need for them to be mapped to a drive letter.
Is this something that could be "fixed" (if fix is the right word, that is)?

[WiSo]

Is this something that could be "fixed" (if fix is the right word, that is)?

Everything is fixable if you have enough resources, time and knowledge. Since we lacking at least two of it we have to live with workarounds.
If you look at trac you'll find a ticket which says "Use native Windows SMB functionality instead of smbclient" -> http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/4848

[ashlar]

Everything is fixable if you have enough resources, time and knowledge. Since we lacking at least two of it we have to live with workarounds.
If you look at trac you'll find a ticket which says "Use native Windows SMB functionality instead of smbclient" -> http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/4848Ok, I am sorry about being unable to contribute in an active way, I really am. What I don't get is why it works flawlessly from within XBMC and it doesn't using this function. This is why I asked, I thought of it being a problem of not passing the correct "syntax", if you get what I mean.

[konfoo]

Ok, I am sorry about being unable to contribute in an active way, I really am. What I don't get is why it works flawlessly from within XBMC and it doesn't using this function. This is why I asked, I thought of it being a problem of not passing the correct "syntax", if you get what I mean.

If you want additions to this patch post your request under the Trac ticket for it - http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5300

[WiSo]

What I don't get is why it works flawlessly from within XBMC and it doesn't using this function. This is why I asked, I thought of it being a problem of not passing the correct "syntax", if you get what I mean.

Of course XBMC uses an internal protocol to access the shares which an external program doesn't have. How should an external player access a share if it doesn't have an internal smb client (not mentioning the syntax).
Mapping the shares to local letters is the only choice here.

If the external player call will ever be implemented is not yet clear. I heard different opinions from the team and finally the team decides about the architecture.

[ashlar]

Of course XBMC uses an internal protocol to access the shares which an external program doesn't have. How should an external player access a share if it doesn't have an internal smb client (not mentioning the syntax).
Mapping the shares to local letters is the only choice here.

If the external player call will ever be implemented is not yet clear. I heard different opinions from the team and finally the team decides about the architecture.Ok, unfortunately this is a little bit too "technical" for my skills and understanding. I thought that XBMC could pass to the external player the correct networked path, but this is an uneducated thought, I admit.
In any case I posted on the Trac system.

To be honest, I think this is just a stopgap solution (albeit a really good one). People clamoring for external codecs, etc. are IMO missing the point about what made XBMC great in the first place.
XBMC has to handle all files internally, with the right performace, the right feature set, etc. This is what it's always been all about. And I'm confident it'll get there.

[konfoo]

If the external player call will ever be implemented is not yet clear. I heard different opinions from the team and finally the team decides about the architecture.

When the latest ffmpeg libs with postproc support are available in XBMC there will be no need for an external player -- except if you are using DRM-encrypted content or want to launch a player that supports some sort of online service which has no decoder available (i.e. a strm file launching a player that can decode hulu with authorization, or netflix watchnow (which is DRM'd)). Everything else can be transcoded or converted to a format that is watchable, and there is more than enough variety of codecs out there to service any compression need (H264, etc.).

[WiSo]

Agreed and I'm also not a friend of the external player solution but I'm willing to make compromises if we don't have another solution for a certain problem.

[CrazyIvan]

Great work konfoo! Just wanted to let you know that your efforts are greatly appreciated and you should be commended for stepping up vs. just whining to those that are putting in the effort. I can't imagine how frustrating that must be to the developers and just wanted to reinforce that the vast majority of us really are appreciative and respect all of the effort contributors like yourself are putting in.

[costa]

It should be in your UserData folder.

Thanks.. working like it should be :)

:grin:

[Alius]

I can't seem to get this to work.
I checked out svn revision 16149, took the patch information from readme.txt
and made 3 patches of it , applied them to project/VS2008Express/XBMC.vcproj,
xbmc/Settings.h, xbmc/Settings.cpp, xbmc/cores/PlayerCoreFactory.cpp
and xbmc/cores/PlayerCoreFactory.h.
All patches were successfull.
Then i put LaunchPlayer.cpp and LaunchPlayer.h in xbmc/cores/launchplayer/.
Then i did ./configure and make, but make fails with the message:
xbmc/cores/PlayerCoreFactory.o: In function `CPlayerCoreFactory::CreatePlayer(EPLAYERCORES, IPlayerCallback&)':
/home/alius/src/xbmcpatch/XBMC/xbmc/cores/PlayerCoreFactory.cpp:72: undefined reference to `CLAUPlayer::CLAUPlayer(IPlayerCallback&)'
collect2: ld returned 1 exit status
make: *** [xbmc.bin] Error 1

Did i do something wrong somewhere?

[konfoo]

xbmc/cores/PlayerCoreFactory.o: In function `CPlayerCoreFactory::CreatePlayer(EPLAYERCORES, IPlayerCallback&)':
/home/alius/src/xbmcpatch/XBMC/xbmc/cores/PlayerCoreFactory.cpp:72: undefined reference to `CLAUPlayer::CLAUPlayer(IPlayerCallback&)'
collect2: ld returned 1 exit status
make: *** [xbmc.bin] Error 1

Did i do something wrong somewhere?

It looks like you're compiling under *nix? I haven't yet added support for Linux and OSX, so the makefiles to build the project under *nix don't have references to launchplayer. That is next on the list after I get the remaining issues under Windows straightened out.

If you want to provide patchfiles to get it compiled under *nix please do so. :laugh:

[costa]

How can I add other skins without uninstalling the launcher version?

* I changed the drive letter to make it work !!

[obstler]

btw: a nice addition would be to make it configurable for which file types to use the external player. like with the apple movie trailers i'd prefer internal playback, for mkv/avi/ts external etc.

[midgetspy]

Could you please post a compiled Atlantis 8.10 build with your patch in it? I'd be really grateful, thanks!

[konfoo]

Could you please post a compiled Atlantis 8.10 build with your patch in it? I'd be really grateful, thanks!

Will do, working on some other features as well.

[szenfner]

Will this feature be part of the next official release as well?

Maybe with some changeable setting within the xbmc itself? Like the cache size change? Which is implemented as a built in option?


When will you release a windows binary with the official release?

[konfoo]

New build up.

I have no idea if this will be part of the official release. As far as I am concerned it should not be fully integrated and should remain in advancedsettings because it encourages users to not use the default player.

[alienagenda]

can someone please clarify if this approach in short allows XBMC to act as a front end to your media. ie. launching an external player removes the overhead of the cpu for video decoding and puts it back on the GPU?

that cant be the case or the developers would have done this ages ago just like its available in MeediOS etc.

XBMC as a front end...now that sounds nice....

i still cant get decent playback on my PC install, but i aint alone.

thanks

[konfoo]

can someone please clarify if this approach in short allows XBMC to act as a front end to your media. ie. launching an external player removes the overhead of the cpu for video decoding and puts it back on the GPU?

Yes, provided your external player is capable of offloading decoding to the GPU, ofcourse.

[alienagenda]

Yes, provided your external player is capable of offloading decoding to the GPU, ofcourse.


excuse my ignorance. i just assumed vlc, mpc etc. did push the decoding off to the GPU.... i guess i need to look into that a bit further.

[stiggy]

Would it be possible to specify in the configuration a specific file extension that 'triggers' the external player?

I am suggesting that the internal player would still be called unless a match was found on the extension of the media file that was selected to play. For example, send all "VOB" extension files to an external player; otherwise use the internal player.

thanks!

[nugentgl]

Would it be possible to specify in the configuration a specific file extension that 'triggers' the external player?

I am suggesting that the internal player would still be called unless a match was found on the extension of the media file that was selected to play. For example, send all "VOB" extension files to an external player; otherwise use the internal player.

thanks!

That is an excellent idea.

[konfoo]

Yes this (extensions) is on the to-do list, along with per-extension applications. If you have any feature requests *please* add them to the trac ticket - http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5300

[larsson2]

This is a great feature, only I dont get it to work correctly.

First off, when I try to use it with wmp nothing happens. XBMC hangs for a couple of seconds, then nothing.
"Bind" it to VLC instead. The movie plays, but XBMC is on top and I cant watch the movie, only hear it. Only thing I can do is to alt+tab to VLC and alt+f4 to close it (although I never actually see the VLC-gui or the movie). After that i can control XBMC again.

Anyone have any idea?

[konfoo]

This is a great feature, only I dont get it to work correctly.

First off, when I try to use it with wmp nothing happens. XBMC hangs for a couple of seconds, then nothing.
"Bind" it to VLC instead. The movie plays, but XBMC is on top and I cant watch the movie, only hear it. Only thing I can do is to alt+tab to VLC and alt+f4 to close it (although I never actually see the VLC-gui or the movie). After that i can control XBMC again.

Anyone have any idea?

You need to run the launched player in it's equivalent 'fullscreen' mode. MPC (/d3dfs or /fullscreen) and Mplayer (-fs) both work in this way. Reason for doing this - the controls are hidden in the window creation so that you don't see any UI pop over the XBMC screen right before the player starts playing. I'm aiming for a seamless switchover experience.

I have not tested VLC or WMP as of yet.

[nitio]

I have no idea why, but I got it working only after I gone to the Play with DVD (which was not the default). And after that, all files play in my preferred player (MPC)


Hooray for a very-welcome patch!

[enkil]

Sounds promising. Any chance to get a linux version of your patch any time soon?

[larsson2]

You need to run the launched player in it's equivalent 'fullscreen' mode. MPC (/d3dfs or /fullscreen) and Mplayer (-fs) both work in this way. Reason for doing this - the controls are hidden in the window creation so that you don't see any UI pop over the XBMC screen right before the player starts playing. I'm aiming for a seamless switchover experience.

I have not tested VLC or WMP as of yet.

I'm using the fullscreen-mode; --fullscreen for VLC. Maybe should try with MPC?


EDIT:
Just tested MPC with /fullscreen -switch, same results

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>true</defaultplayer>
<filename>c:\Program Files\MPC\mplayerc.exe</filename>
<args>/fullscreen</args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>

Looks correct?

[konfoo]

Looks correct?

I use /d3dfs. If that still doesn't work make sure XBMC is not running in fullscreen mode (you can't have two applications running fullscreen). You should run it maximized but not fullscreen.

[konfoo]

Sounds promising. Any chance to get a linux version of your patch any time soon?

I plan to merge in the extplayer patch with some modifications.

[PantsOnFire]

Trying to set this up LaunchPlayer solution.

Following the steps on the original post, I have edited the XBMC.vcproj file to contain the lines regarding "xbmc\cores\launchplayer\..." etc.

done (I think) correctly.

Next, I refer to the readme in the Patch files zip.
It says "- Apply the following patches to XBMC"

and then it lists a few .cpp files with lots of lines of code following them.
(so does this mean we have to edit those particular files? (the cpp files))
-and if so, where abouts do you add these lines within those files?

???
Or do I understand it wrongly, and where it says "apply the following patches.." it just means, to build using the BAT file. ?



If this fails then Im obviously doing something wrong. I noticed one or two posts in this thread mention the patch having been applied and a new setup file available for download with the patches added to it. -Is this download in the original post? Because I tried the exe from here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=48b806dbd32564e1ab1eab3e9fa335caff6cd6c6 d1e3c59c


And I couldn't get it to work. Perhaps I need to uninstall my last build (8.10 Atlantis) first? But seeing as there seems to be no uninstall, will deleting the program from program files work the same?


Thanks for patience reading, really want to get this going. Just need a little help

:;):

Damn, I just tried with the BUILD.bat, I should have realised I need VisualStudio installed. Is there a free version anywhere?

Without VisualStudio installed, I downloaded the patched exe from the above link, if I right click a video in xbmc, hit 'play using' then hit LaunchPlayer, my xbmc freezes outright. If I bring up task manager, I also see that explorer has crashed too. Damn :(

[konfoo]

done (I think) correctly.


If it's correct it will appear in your solution in VC++ when you load it under the players area.


and then it lists a few .cpp files with lots of lines of code following them.
(so does this mean we have to edit those particular files? (the cpp files))
-and if so, where abouts do you add these lines within those files?


If you don't know how to apply patches please search the forums or google. + means add, - subtract. @ indicates the line numbers.

The cpp files and h files in the archive are not patches (else they would be suffixed with .patch or .diff). This is the actual launchplayer source.


If this fails then Im obviously doing something wrong. I noticed one or two posts in this thread mention the patch having been applied and a new setup file available for download with the patches added to it. -Is this download in the original post? Because I tried the exe from here: And I couldn't get it to work. Perhaps I need to uninstall my last build (8.10 Atlantis) first? But seeing as there seems to be no uninstall, will deleting the program from program files work the same?


If it didn't work you misconfigured it or you're launching the wrong xbmc.exe.


Damn, I just tried with the BUILD.bat, I should have realised I need VisualStudio installed. Is there a free version anywhere?


VSC++ Express.


Without VisualStudio installed, I downloaded the patched exe from the above link, if I right click a video in xbmc, hit 'play using' then hit LaunchPlayer, my xbmc freezes outright. If I bring up task manager, I also see that explorer has crashed too. Damn :(


Sorry can't help you there. Seems that you have a lot of other problems to fix first.

[larsson2]

I use /d3dfs. If that still doesn't work make sure XBMC is not running in fullscreen mode (you can't have two applications running fullscreen). You should run it maximized but not fullscreen.

When I use the /d3dfs -switch MPC says that its not a valid switch, but comes up with a list with available switches. For example it mention /fullscreen.

When you say I should'nt run XBMC in fullscreen-mode, do you mean I should start it in windowed-mode? Did try that to, same result.

[konfoo]

When I use the /d3dfs -switch MPC says that its not a valid switch, but comes up with a list with available switches. For example it mention /fullscreen.

d3dfs is only available in the homecinema edition of MPC, IIRC

[Alius]

I made a patch to make it work on linux and hopefully mac too.
It's no masterpiece but it should work.
I have posted the patch and more info on your trac.

[konfoo]

I made a patch to make it work on linux and hopefully mac too.
It's no masterpiece but it should work.
I have posted the patch and more info on your trac.

Great job :)

[enkil]

I applied the linux patch by Alius that I found at the trac ticket. I have a slight problem with it however. The player doesn't get the focus, I still see xbmc's screen instead of the player window. If I change xbmc from fullscreen to windowed mode, it is fine.
Is there a call to xbmc that I can insert into the launchplayer-code to switch xbmc from fullscreen to windowed mode before the player is starting and set it back to fullscreen after the player has exited?

[larsson2]

Problem solved!

Not one of the switches I have used have worked. Except /start /stop. Now I have set up everything directly in MPC. Start in fullscreen mode, close program when finished etc. All the settings are available in the program.
The thing I wrote about that MPC ran in the background and XBMC was on top; solved it by telling MPC to always be on top while playing.

Thanks for all the support!

[bnaert]

Everytime i try this everything freezes until i end the MPC process.

Also how do you set xbmc to not be in full screen, i know this sounds like a stupid question but i can't seem to figure it out, I've taken the -fs off of the shortcut and set the resolution to something not full screen and it stays in full screen still.

[slippy]

I was wondering with this external player plug in, is it possible to still see your movies cover art on the wall in the library. But then when clicking on the movie it launches an external media player all from within xbmc. Then I take it that it would be possible to use a media player that supports AAC 5.1 to Dolby Digital AC3 5.1 real time encoding? Is this possible?

Many thanks in advance

[larsson2]

Everytime i try this everything freezes until i end the MPC process.

Also how do you set xbmc to not be in full screen, i know this sounds like a stupid question but i can't seem to figure it out, I've taken the -fs off of the shortcut and set the resolution to something not full screen and it stays in full screen still.

Look at my previous posts. We've had the exact same problem.

To NOT be in fullscreen? Run windowed and select resolution "auto". That works for me.

[ashlar]

To NOT be in fullscreen? Run windowed and select resolution "auto". That works for me.Does this give you the standard Windows dressing? Borders, title bar, etc.?

[larsson2]

Yes, it does

[orto]

I can´t get the launch player to work proper with zoomplayer as the default player. My problem is that xbmc still has focus and is always the top most window. If I launch xbmc in windowed mode I can see that zoomplayer gets launched fullscreen in the background and the movie starts because I can hear the movie audio. How can I get this working so that zoomplayer gets the focus. The cpu usage for xbmc is also quite high while the video is playing in zoomplayer, seems like the video is also being processed in xbmc.

I´m running vista ultimate 32 bit on this machine and the version of xbmc and launchplayer that I´m running is the one posted in the first post in this thread.

Please help as I really need this plugin working for gpu offloading in zoomplayer (using the filters from MPCHC for mkv files).

[konfoo]

The cpu usage for xbmc is also quite high while the video is playing in zoomplayer, seems like the video is also being processed in xbmc.

Not possible, it is suspended. Might help if you turn on debugging and post the results.

[midgetspy]

Any ETA on when you'll release an Atlantis or newer svn build with the patch in it?

[sumofatguy]

Is there any way to set it to open the external player on certain file types and use xbmc for other file types?

[konfoo]

Any ETA on when you'll release an Atlantis or newer svn build with the patch in it?

The current build is a few revs post atlantis release.

Another build this weekend which should have the final patchset ready for inclusion into the SVN tree and release for 9.x.

[konfoo]

Is there any way to set it to open the external player on certain file types and use xbmc for other file types?

Please post this in the trac ticket (#5300).

[iLLNESS]

Hey man just want to say thanks for working on something like this.

I have a feature request (hopefully a small one) some guys might be able to use. Basically, I've got an HTPC on the go and I LOVE XBMC. i I don't want to have to use anything else really but unfortunately BluRay menu support does not exist in XBMC. I've been searching for a solution and hoped XBMC might get this feature, but it looks like you already have it half there.

So, you've got launchplayer in XBMC which works great for regular files, but i was hoping you'd be able to add the ability to specify a file in the arguments for certain apps. In my case the app is AxCmd for alcohol 120.
Here's the arguements for AxCmd itself:

Syntax:
AxCmd.exe [drive:] [/M:path] [/U] [/L] [/?] [@cmd]


drive: Specifies virtual drive letter or number.
Possible values are A to Z or 0 to 30.
/M:path Mount an image file on a virtual drive.
Example: AxCmd.exe V: /M:c:\images\cd1.mds
This example will mount image file cd1.mds (located in images folder on drive C:) in Alcohol virtual drive that is using V: drive letter.
Note that if the full file/path name contains space character, then the file/path name need to be quoted for example: AxCmd.exe 0: /M:"C:\Documents and Settings\someone\My Documents\Alcohol 120\test 101.iso"
Returns drive letter when success or 1 when failure occurs.
/U Umount an image from a virtual drive.
Example: AxCmd.exe V: /U
Returns drive letter when success or 1 when failure occurs.

/L Get the number of active Alcohol virtual drives.
Example: AxCmd.exe /L
Returns 0 if there are no active virtual drives.
/? Display help.
@cmd This parameter should be used together with /M parameter to execute a specified command after mounting an image file on a virtual drive.
Example: AxCmd.exe 0: /M:c:\images\cd1.mds @0:play.exe
This example will mount image file cd1.mds (located in images folder on drive C:) in first Alcohol virtual drive and then automatically run play.exe from this virtual drive.


If something like this could be added, then once the ISO is mounted a player like total home theatre could load for the menu support.

As it stands, i dont think launchplayer is even passing the arguements right for some reason.. typing a command in dos that works doesnt in launchplayer args...

Thanks!

[ashlar]

Illness, not to be annoying or anything but the plugin author, right in the post above yours, clearly stated: "Please post this in the trac ticket (#5300)." referring to a very similar feature request. ;)

[iLLNESS]

Illness, not to be annoying or anything but the plugin author, right in the post above yours, clearly stated: "Please post this in the trac ticket (#5300)." referring to a very similar feature request. ;)

yeah i checked out the site and couldnt see nothing to post in the trac ticket.
aside from that, his request is something different all together. im asking if he can make it to pass better arguements basically.. that guys asking for it to play one file but not another automatically even though you can already select it to play launch player.. my feature is not in there at all really

EDIT: well after a little probing, i found out that this launchplayer IS basically setup for AxCmd already... theres just one small issue on how its handled. heres a C&P of the code executed when clicking on an iso and hitting launchplayer:

F:\Program Files\Alcohol Soft\Alcohol 120\AxCmd.exe E: /M: "g:\Folder Name\dvdr.img"


For AxCmd to handle it properly, it needs to be:

F:\Program Files\Alcohol Soft\Alcohol 120\AxCmd.exe E: /M:"g:\Folder Name\dvdr.img"

[ashlar]

He repeatedly asked to post feature requests in the trac system. Having said this, do as you prefer. I'm not a moderator or anything.

[iLLNESS]

He repeatedly asked to post feature requests in the trac system. Having said this, do as you prefer. I'm not a moderator or anything.

if there was a way to register to trac, or post to it, i would have

[ashlar]

if there was a way to register to trac, or post to it, i would haveSame username and password as the forum you are writing on. :)

[iLLNESS]

good news thanks!

anyone here happen to know specifically in what file and where in the source, launchplayer passes the arguments? If i could find this information i could just change the code myself and compile it but i checked the source of the launchplayer and cant see specifically where the arguements/exe location is ran from.

where exactly do you send feature requests for launch player? do you create a new ticket of just reply to the launchplayer ticket?

[ashlar]

do you create a new ticket of just reply to the launchplayer ticket?you reply to the launchplayer ticket.

[iLLNESS]

well i managed to get a work around using a batch file and a batch compiler (convert to exe)

my batch looks like this:
AxCmd.exe E: /M:%4
this mounts the file selected in XBMC to the virtual E: drive.

the advanced settings looks like this:

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>false</defaultplayer>
<filename>F:\Program Files\Alcohol Soft\Alcohol 120\arg.exe</filename>
<args></args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>

the batch exe is arg.exe and i had to put it in the same folder as AxCmd.

I used a program called ExeScript 3.0 which requires a liscence to run fine with xbmc (free version requires you to hit enter in the command prompt.. which locks up XBMC)

So once the image was mounted, i had total home theatre auto load upon that drive getting a video disc. in total home theatre i set it to always on top as xbmc seems to unlock as soon as that batch exe completes.

i suppose this is a good work around for people with BR images and XBMC.

anyone wanting to check it out can grab a precompiled exe here:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?wuflr2j3ygt
the exe is NOT a virus.. if you don't trust me scan it :P
was made with this program:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Programming/Coding-languages-Compilers/ExeScript.shtml
again, put the arg.exe in the same folder as your alcohol120, and link the arg.exe in your advancedsettings.xml

the only downside as it stands is xbmc is running full resource in the background, and your app needs to be able to always be on top for it to show video.

[ashlar]

Maybe this could be added to the Wiki?

[iLLNESS]

wouldnt say its quite worthy of the wiki :o
but i suppose people out there might be looking for something like it

[Quickstrike]

Thank you, Konfoo!

I absolutely love XBMC - been using it since the first release on the Xbox. It is a shame that the current codecs available are limiting the HD XBMC experience, as this definitely is the best front-end around. Just look at other HTPC software available right now -- the most popular skins are XBMC clones, and even then it still won't look or feel as good as the original XBMC version.

To me this is the best of both worlds, until the XBMC HD codecs mature more.

I think that it would be a good idea to implement this feature into the official build. I agree that it shouldn't be enabled by default - more of a hidden feature that can be unlocked by power-users until newer internal codecs are released.

Thanks again to the XBMC team and Konfoo. I still use XBMC on my xbox daily. Every time it loads, I am amazed at the capabilities, ease of use, aesthetics, performance, constant improvements.. it really is one of the finest open-source products available anywhere http://xbmc.org/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[JoyMonkey]

Thank you, Konfoo!

I absolutely love XBMC - been using it since the first release on the Xbox. It is a shame that the current codecs available are limiting the HD XBMC experience, as this definitely is the best front-end around. Just look at other HTPC software available right now -- the most popular skins are XBMC clones, and even then it still won't look or feel as good as the original XBMC version.

To me this is the best of both worlds, until the XBMC HD codecs mature more.

I think that it would be a good idea to implement this feature into the official build. I agree that it shouldn't be enabled by default - more of a hidden feature that can be unlocked by power-users until newer internal codecs are released.

Thanks again to the XBMC team and Konfoo. I still use XBMC on my xbox daily. Every time it loads, I am amazed at the capabilities, ease of use, aesthetics, performance, constant improvements.. it really is one of the finest open-source products available anywhere http://xbmc.org/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

What he said!
I think a lot of people are in this same boat: we love XBMC and can appreciate the work that's gone into MPlayer, but need a solution for the more system intensive video files that are out there at the moment. I think huge hi-def video files have become something of a standard for some people now and with the huge differences in users wants/needs and different hardware setups, a selection of different media players rather than restricting users to MPlayer really seems to be the way forward.

I was about to move over to MediaPortal until I came across LaunchPlayer; so thanks for taking the incentive Konfoo!

[nitio]

I can´t get the launch player to work proper with zoomplayer as the default player. My problem is that xbmc still has focus and is always the top most window. If I launch xbmc in windowed mode I can see that zoomplayer gets launched fullscreen in the background and the movie starts because I can hear the movie audio. How can I get this working so that zoomplayer gets the focus. The cpu usage for xbmc is also quite high while the video is playing in zoomplayer, seems like the video is also being processed in xbmc.

Quick answer: Alt-Tab and it will go to the player window.

This happens with me too using MPC. Though this only happens the first time I play a video externally. So I just mapped a key in my remote to do a Alt-Tab and all is well. After that, the videos will play fine in that XBMC session.

[PantsOnFire]

Hi guys.

I run MplayerC from a downloaded codec pack which I use on my system (CCCP). Ive followed the instructions on the first page, but everytime I hit "play using... launchplayer" XBMC just freezes :(


This is using a clean install of the build listed in the original post. (note, it has kept all my previous settings, ie sources, thumbs, paths etc.) -- i was hoping DELETING the folder XBMC from program files would delete this info too, but it hasnt. I tried un-installing using add/remove but xbmc was not listed strangely.


Any help appreciated.

Just checked the XBMC.log file for CAULC notices, and found these lines..




02:55:10 T:3012 M:447504384 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:OpenFile: K:\VIDEO\FILM\Alien Vs Predator Requiem.avi
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447496192 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Filename:
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447492096 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Args:
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447492096 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Process: Start
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447475712 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteApp: "K:\VIDEO\FILM\Alien Vs Predator Requiem.avi"
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447475712 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteAppFailure: 0



Im not too sure what I can be derived from this? All I can see is that it tries to load the video, and fails on the last line. :(
Where can I go from here?

[Smirnov]

Definitely need a way to launch this only for some extensions (better yet put a regex expression on the full file path!) -- I only need to use this to play HD MKV files myself (since I'm using CoreAVC there) and everything else plays fine by the built-in XBMC player.

It's already been requested on the ticket, so I can safely not post there.

[sumofatguy]

Definitely need a way to launch this only for some extensions (better yet put a regex expression on the full file path!) -- I only need to use this to play HD MKV files myself (since I'm using CoreAVC there) and everything else plays fine by the built-in XBMC player.

It's already been requested on the ticket, so I can safely not post there.

Yes that is what I posted in the tickets. I also asked for the ability to recognize tags in the filename if possible, since many mkv's may have bluray in the filename. I didn't know which one would be easier... As well, a tag in the filename would allow you to tag only certain mkv's for mpc playback, and lower bitrate 720p ones to play in xbmc

[Smirnov]

Recognizing just by file name should be trivial, hopefully that's added first (and then maybe tags)?

[greenteagod]

I'm having the same issue as PantsOnFire

I even tried downloading MPC from a source other than CCCP to see if that was causing any issue. It's still not setting the launchplayer to default even though the indicated instructions make it appear that would be the case, and when run by right clicking XBMC freezes entirely.

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>true</defaultplayer>
<filename>C:\apps\mpc\mplayerc.exe</filename>
<args>/fullscreen</args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>

[konfoo]

02:55:10 T:3012 M:447504384 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:OpenFile: K:\VIDEO\FILM\Alien Vs Predator Requiem.avi
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447496192 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Filename:
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447492096 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Args:
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447492096 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Process: Start
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447475712 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteApp: "K:\VIDEO\FILM\Alien Vs Predator Requiem.avi"
02:55:10 T:3184 M:447475712 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteAppFailure: 0


Note where it says filename: and args: with no parameters -- your application.xml is probably in the wrong place on the filesystem (under vista it needs to be in your roaming section -- see the wiki) or the parameters are incorrect.

[konfoo]

Definitely need a way to launch this only for some extensions (better yet put a regex expression on the full file path!) -- I only need to use this to play HD MKV files myself (since I'm using CoreAVC there) and everything else plays fine by the built-in XBMC player.

It's already been requested on the ticket, so I can safely not post there.

Here's the problem with supporting regex and file extensions and multiple players for each of these -- you open a pandoras box of feature creep which ultimately leads to a cluster fuck of 'features' where most don't work well and maybe one or two people actually use them. The code becomes bloated an noone cleans it up because they have no idea as to the active userbase relying on the features.

Launchplayer is a stub to launch an external player. Nothing more nothing less. If you want to do regex and file extension parsing then that is best done in the same manner as done by illness with the compiled batch file that fires off whatever he needs. That way you still have one generic solution which serves everyone's purposes, and file- and application-specific features can be nicely compartmentalized in these helper apps without always having to add it to the mainline code.

So in terms of functionality if there are features that pertain to generic application launching, yes they should go in the launchplayer code. Anything else can be posted to the threads here (helper apps etc.).

Just my 2c.

[obstler]

Launchplayer is a stub to launch an external player. Nothing more nothing less. If you want to do regex and file extension parsing then that is best done in the same manner as done by illness with the compiled batch file that fires off whatever he needs. That way you still have one generic solution which serves everyone's purposes, and file- and application-specific features can be nicely compartmentalized in these helper apps without always having to add it to the mainline code.


I almost completely agree with you ;) However, external player selection does not work for all cases. IE I'd like to keep apple movie trailer streaming internal as that works better -- an external batch cannot do that.

[konfoo]

I almost completely agree with you ;) However, external player selection does not work for all cases. IE I'd like to keep apple movie trailer streaming internal as that works better -- an external batch cannot do that.

Right and neither can launchplayer. When it is fired by the system as a stub player you are already downstream from the core - see:

void CPlayerCoreFactory::GetPlayers( const CFileItem& item, VECPLAYERCORES &vecCores)

The only way to parse out various filetypes and decide to launch launchplayer (or not) is to modify upstream code prior to it even launching.

[Smirnov]

Without having looked at the code yet, I can't imagine what the problem would be. You are already parsing advancedsettings.xml to see whether or not LaunchPlayer should be used, so just parse an extra XML element that knows which file extensions to use.

Then when you're deciding whether or not to use LaunchPlayer maybe check the CFileItem::m_strPath to see if it matches against the file extension or not? Wouldn't something like that work?

Unfortunately myself and probably many others are hesitant at using this patch given the status quo because I would only want to play MKV (for the CoreAVC) and RMVB (because ffdshow doesn't play it) in an external player.

[ashlar]

Hi konfoo, do you think you could have a build with the patch mentioned by CapnBry here: http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5307?
For me it's perfect, but the fact that it autoswitches to 60Hz kills all the joy of being able to use Reclock and CoreAVC. :)

[ashlar]

Actually, after http://xbmc.org/trac/changeset/16434 just an updated build would do great!:nod:

[greenteagod]

Does this give you the standard Windows dressing? Borders, title bar, etc.?

Yes, it does

It seems like that pretty much defeats the purpose of even running XBMC. Otherwise loading everything into the WMP library would suffice.

Now if only they'd write XBMC with proper codecs ;-)

[spiff]

IF you are to add such a thing as per extension player support it will be just that, per extension player support. not something inside launchplayer

greanteagod, fuck off.

[ashlar]

AHAHAHHA!!!! I was thinking something along those lines, spiff.

ffmpeg codecs are great, the fact that they are not as fast (yet) as CoreAVC on h.264 content doesn't make them instantly "un-proper".

To be honest, with the right processor, they are perfectly fine for all content. It was different when multithreading wasn't used.

Now my only remaining concern rests with lack of Reclock-like capabilities. But codecs, greanteagod, are fine, really.

[alienagenda]

The current build is a few revs post atlantis release.

Another build this weekend which should have the final patchset ready for inclusion into the SVN tree and release for 9.x.

is there an SVN build number we can find this in yet?

[konfoo]

is there an SVN build number we can find this in yet?

Not yet.. working on it..

[SlaveUnit]

It seems like that pretty much defeats the purpose of even running XBMC. Otherwise loading everything into the WMP library would suffice.

Now if only they'd write XBMC with proper codecs ;-)

Why dont you:
a) Write a new front end yourself with any codec you want

or

b) Shut the fuk up and be grateful we have this free piece of software in the first place. Realize that this is a port from an xbox and it has come a long way to work with other systems. Be grateful that people are working on this software daily for only a voluntary donation. Insulting the devs only does the opposite of what you are looking for. Yes, even with your little gay ;-) wink face, it doesn't help.

or

c) Use Media Portal.


Pretty simple eh?

[Crewone]

Why dont you:
a) Write a new front end yourself with any codec you want

or

b) Shut the fuk up and be grateful we have this free piece of software in the first place. Realize that this is a port from an xbox and it has come a long way to work with other systems. Be grateful that people are working on this software daily for only a voluntary donation. Insulting the devs only does the opposite of what you are looking for. Yes, even with your little gay ;-) wink face, it doesn't help.

or

c) Use Media Portal.


Pretty simple eh?

Well, no. It is actually quite frustrating!!!

Mediaportal is slow shite. TVSeries sort of works but their movie-management sucks. It really isn't that good except it can use stuff like ffdshow and coreavc or call zoomplayer, which is pretty essential on windows. Even on a 3Ghz C2D.

Now enter XBMC. OMG. This is a HTPC's users wet dream come true!!!! Gorgeous responsive skins, scraping, movies, tv-series, active community, what else do we need eh!? Except.... it can't properly play media. GUN!

Do you realize how utterly frustrating that is!? To have a crap front end that CAN play media and a good front end that CAN'T? I tell you, MediaPortal and XBMC need to get a room and make babies.

So, yes, I *do* realize XBMC has come a long way and that Windows probably isn't their primary concern. But as long as it's just a pretty front end that can't make use of time-tested stuff like CoreAVC, EVR, ReClock and other countless windows codecs/video features, a lot of us will have to stick with MediaPortal or another windows solution. A shame really, because xbmc is so very, very, very promising and good looking....

PS. Sorry for the OT rant. But you asked for it.

[konfoo]

PS. Sorry for the OT rant. But you asked for it.

Please stay on topic. If you're not going to, please make a separate topic for the whining. If you're going to take the cheap potshots and feel left out because XBMC doesn't clean your laundry and put food in your mouth, and don't want to step up and contribute anything of worth except mindless whining, then just shut the hell up.

[ashlar]

So, yes, I *do* realize XBMC has come a long way and that Windows probably isn't their primary concern. But as long as it's just a pretty front end that can't make use of time-tested stuff like CoreAVC, EVR, ReClock and other countless windows codecs/video features, a lot of us will have to stick with MediaPortal or another windows solution. A shame really, because xbmc is so very, very, very promising and good looking....

PS. Sorry for the OT rant. But you asked for it.Crewone, and sorry for OT to konfoo, doesn't it seem a little bit silly to write all this (rant) exactly in the one thread dedicated to the solution you seek? A solution that's working great right now?
I'm still using MediaPortal, but I have *always* used it to launch ZoomPlayer, as MediaPortal still does not support adjusting subtitles delay in real time (which is far, far less acceptable in my humble opinion, considering the time it's been lacking as a feature).
With konfoo's patch XBMC offers exactly the same solution, *plus* all the goodness that you yourself were so apt to recognize.

So, why the rant, really? This will soon be part of standard releases, you'll be able to use it with MPC which is free and has hardware acceleration, the ability to use Reclock and whatever Dshow trick you might wish for. Perfect, no?
In due time XBMC will do better than this, I am sure, I'd bet good money on it. But for now, that has to be enough. Be good. :)

[Jester]

konfoo, can I apply your patch to the latest SVN without problem ? (patch file is linked to Rev16207.....)

[Jester]

ok, i answered my own question in the mean time, the patch doesnt work for the current SVN build (16458) i'm doing the patch manually to fit with the current SVN, if I get this to work i'll upload the new patch to the ticket....

IF being the operative word here ;)

[alienagenda]

I really hate to ask this so far into this thread, but what is it that people dislike so much with the mplayer in XBMC?

[ashlar]

I really hate to ask this so far into this thread, but what is it that people dislike so much with the mplayer in XBMC?Lack of support for hardware acceleration, lack of performance in h.264 decoding, lack of Reclock-like capabilities.
I think these are the main complaints.

[Crewone]

I really hate to ask this so far into this thread, but what is it that people dislike so much with the mplayer in XBMC?

It tears and stutters for 1080p or 720p H264 content. I'm not sure what XBMC does wrong, all I know is that (for example) Zoomplayer + CoreAVC + EVR plays the same content very smooth. It is not a CPU power issue, because we're talking about a 3Ghz+ C2D here. It's a video timing/rendering/vsync issue.

[WiSo]

guys mplayer isn't used for all ports beside xbox. Linux, Mac and Win32 uses an own developed solution based on ffmpeg.
elupus and CapnBry are working hard to get the jittery and all other visual things done whereas the ffmpeg update done by AreaScout might go in the main svn branch soon.

[SlaveUnit]

If you have a larger screen and do look closely you will see that ffmpeg does have a less compressed image over CoreAVC (8.5 I believe). I noticed this in a clouds scene on the first Planet Earth episode. OF course I was standign with my head 2 feet from the TV but it was still more compress around the edges of objects.

[ashlar]

If you have a larger screen and do look closely you will see that ffmpeg does have a less compressed image over CoreAVC (8.5 I believe). I noticed this in a clouds scene on the first Planet Earth episode. OF course I was standign with my head 2 feet from the TV but it was still more compress around the edges of objects.Are you sure that your CoreAVC is not set to skip deblocking?

[Jester]

Ok, i've updated the patch to work with the latest SVN (16458)
if somebody (dev's) can test my patch ? that would be nice
http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5300

P.S.
I'm doing a test build in a minute for people to try, i'll post it here when done:
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35452&page=27

[ashlar]

I'll try it for sure tonight.
Thanks!!!

[Jester]

I've updated the patch to work with the latest SVN (16458) and added it to the ticket

[nekrosoft13]

I really hate to ask this so far into this thread, but what is it that people dislike so much with the mplayer in XBMC?

what ashalar said

Lack of support for hardware acceleration, lack of performance in h.264 decoding, lack of Reclock-like capabilities.

plus it won't even play some media properly, some SD WMV files cause artifacts, HD WMV files cause huge frame drops and about 20-40 seconds audio sync.

Another thing what I tried explain in my other thread, had to upgrade to quad core to get higher bitrate H264 files to play properly.

Dual Core was able to play them in WMP11 with FFDshow, but XMBC had CPU at almost 100% with frame skips, audio sync issues and motion blur.

[GregKeys]

Jester, I grabbed your test build.
XBMC just locks up when I try to use the launcher. I get this in the log:

13:51:46 T:1192 M:881258496 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:OpenFile: V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg
13:51:46 T:3516 M:881229824 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Filename: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"
13:51:46 T:3516 M:881225728 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Args:
13:51:46 T:3516 M:881225728 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Process: Start
13:51:46 T:3516 M:881221632 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteApp: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" "V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg"
13:51:46 T:3516 M:881225728 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteAppFailure: 0

If I copy the command line and paste it to a cmd prompt, it fires up just fine.
I have tried this with XBMC in a window and in full screen, with arguements and without. In all cases I do not see mplayerc running in the task manager (process explorer) and XMBC just locks up.

Greg Keys

[Jester]

uhmm, strange, is the log from the normal log or the debug log ?

[GregKeys]

Did not have debug on.....
Just noticed, the executeapp line has the app listed twice???
My advancedsettings file looks like:

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>false</defaultplayer>
<filename>"C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"</filename>
<args>/d3dfs</args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>


15:26:24 T:4064 M:856895488 INFO: Loading skin file: DialogContextMenu.xml
15:26:24 T:4064 M:856891392 DEBUG: Load DialogContextMenu.xml: 1.58ms
15:26:24 T:4064 M:856768512 DEBUG: Alloc resources: 10.43ms (0.00 ms skin load, 0.25 ms preload)
15:26:26 T:4064 M:856616960 DEBUG: CPlayerCoreFactor::GetPlayers(V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg)
15:26:26 T:4064 M:856616960 INFO: Loading skin file: DialogContextMenu.xml
15:26:26 T:4064 M:856612864 DEBUG: Load DialogContextMenu.xml: 1.70ms
15:26:26 T:4064 M:856743936 DEBUG: Alloc resources: 2.09ms (0.00 ms skin load, 0.17 ms preload)
15:26:27 T:4064 M:856678400 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:OpenFile: V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg
15:26:27 T:2796 M:856645632 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
15:26:27 T:2796 M:856641536 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Filename: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"
15:26:27 T:2796 M:856641536 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Args: /d3dfs
15:26:27 T:2796 M:856641536 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Process: Start
15:26:27 T:2796 M:856641536 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteApp: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" /d3dfs "V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg"
15:26:27 T:2796 M:856641536 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteAppFailure: 0

[Jester]

We need konfoo to have a look at this, if somebody else wants to try and post the log too, that might help to diagnose this...

[GregKeys]

I went back and edited my reply, and I think I was editing when you replied :)
Look back up at it. Note the double entry of the app name on the Execute App line.

Greg

[Jester]

I went back and edited my reply, and I think I was editing when you replied :)
Look back up at it. Note the double entry of the app name on the Execute App line.

Greg

maybe an issue in parsing the args section, can you try running it without the arg section filled in ?

[GregKeys]

Still there....
(and still locking up XBMC)

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>false</defaultplayer>
<filename>"C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"</filename>
<args></args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>

15:54:24 T:904 M:814981120 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
15:54:24 T:904 M:814977024 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Filename: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"
15:54:24 T:904 M:814977024 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Args:
15:54:24 T:904 M:814977024 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Process: Start
15:54:24 T:904 M:814977024 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteApp: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" "V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg"
15:54:24 T:904 M:814977024 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteAppFailure: 0

[Jester]

no clue i'm afraid, its up to konfoo and the other dev's to have a look
i assume that if you use another external player you get the same problem...

[GregKeys]

Took out the args section completely. Still doubled up.....

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>false</defaultplayer>
<filename>"C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"</filename>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>
16:03:10 T:4448 M:808058880 INFO: Loading skin file: DialogContextMenu.xml
16:03:10 T:4448 M:808054784 DEBUG: Load DialogContextMenu.xml: 1.37ms
16:03:10 T:4448 M:807964672 DEBUG: Alloc resources: 20.12ms (0.00 ms skin load, 0.38 ms preload)
16:03:12 T:4448 M:808353792 DEBUG: CPlayerCoreFactor::GetPlayers(V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg)
16:03:12 T:4448 M:808353792 INFO: Loading skin file: DialogContextMenu.xml
16:03:12 T:4448 M:808349696 DEBUG: Load DialogContextMenu.xml: 1.49ms
16:03:12 T:4448 M:808300544 DEBUG: Alloc resources: 2.19ms (0.00 ms skin load, 0.17 ms preload)
16:03:14 T:4448 M:808517632 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:OpenFile: V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg
16:03:14 T:912 M:808579072 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
16:03:14 T:912 M:808574976 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Filename: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"
16:03:14 T:912 M:808574976 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Args:
16:03:14 T:912 M:808574976 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:Process: Start
16:03:14 T:912 M:808574976 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteApp: "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" "C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe" "V:\Downloads\MPlayer Samples\abs.mpg"
16:03:14 T:912 M:808574976 NOTICE: CLAUPlayer:ExecuteAppFailure: 0
16:03:26 T:5512 M:806285312 DEBUG: CThread::staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
16:03:26 T:5512 M:806285312 DEBUG: Thread 5512 terminating

[GregKeys]

Fixed it!
XBMC does not seem to like launching with the long space embedded filename for the player. Moved the player, and it now works:

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>false</defaultplayer>
<filename>C:\MPC\mplayerc.exe</filename>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>

[Jester]

nice :)

[ashlar]

Hi Jester... it was too good to be true :(

With the following advancedsettings.xml:<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>true</defaultplayer>
<filename>C:\Program Files\Zoom Player\zplayer.exe</filename>
<args>/Q /FS /PLAY /MOUSEOFF</args>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>
I get XBMC using DVDPlayer for default just the same. And if I select "Play using... Launchplayer" Zoomplayer starts in the background and there's no way of alt-tabbing there. I'm about to cry... :sad:

Log for when I just launch a video (and it uses DVDplayer even if the default should be Launchplayer): http://pastebin.com/m5719f30f

Log for when I launch a video using Launchplayer and Zoomplayer starts in the background: http://pastebin.com/m288b71c1

[ashlar]

Fixed it!
XBMC does not seem to like launching with the long space embedded filename for the player. Moved the player, and it now works:

<advancedsettings>
<launchplayer>
<defaultplayer>false</defaultplayer>
<filename>C:\MPC\mplayerc.exe</filename>
</launchplayer>
</advancedsettings>It's not the long space embedded filename, it's the fact that you don't need the " to embed the spaces. I tried putting " at the beginning and end of the filename and it locked up XBMC for me too. ;)

[Jester]

ashlar, read above (page 14) and see if you can do the same,
so move zoomplayer to something like c:\player\zplayer.exe

[ashlar]

ashlar, read above (page 14) and see if you can do the same,
so move zoomplayer to something like c:\player\zplayer.exeI'll try, but as I wrote I believe his problem was born from using the " when they were not needed (and they indeed freeze XBMC).

[konfoo]

<filename>"C:\Program Files\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe"</filename>


As someone else pointed out - don't use quotes when specifying the filename. I'll look into the space in filename issue -- but if you have these kinds of issues please place this in the trac ticket since it is easier to keep track of there.

[konfoo]

Ok, i've updated the patch to work with the latest SVN (16458)
if somebody (dev's) can test my patch ? that would be nice
http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5300

P.S.
I'm doing a test build in a minute for people to try, i'll post it here when done:
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35452&page=27

Thanks Jester :). There are some modifications still pending (the player needs to be renamed to External Player, and the extplayer patch needs to be merged in and tested amongst other things).

[Jester]

Thanks Jester :). There are some modifications still pending (the player needs to be renamed to External Player, and the extplayer patch needs to be merged in and tested amongst other things).

patch needs to be re-done anyway, wiso just checked-in a boatload of updates to the SVN

Just wanted to help push this to get it merged into the SVN...

[ashlar]

:( :( :( Nothing, nothing, nothing. Why, ye gods, why?!?!?

Zoomplayer stays in the background, MPC-HC won't launch in fullscreen. Defaultplayer is not working (DVD Player remains default).
Back with the first version of this patch everything was working perfectly with ZoomPlayer, but back then there was XBMC autoswitching to 60Hz. Now that that is gone, the patch is not working correctly.

The XBMC gods hate me, I understand now. With the same arguments ZoomPlayer starts on top from MediaPortal. XBMC stays on top even if I launch it in windowed mode (with resolution set to auto, meaning I get the standard Windows dressing).

[konfoo]

The XBMC gods hate me, I understand now. With the same arguments ZoomPlayer starts on top from MediaPortal. XBMC stays on top even if I launch it in windowed mode (with resolution set to auto, meaning I get the standard Windows dressing).

Interesting because MPC works for me - I run it full screen resolution bot not fullscreen, and I don't have any window dressing. I suggest the following:

1. Save all your prefs using MPC's gui (make sure it's not saving to a .ini file but using the registry as per default)
2. Map a key on your remote to alt-tab incase MPC starts playing behind XBMC (usually you only have to flip it to the front once -- I am trying to track this issue down).

I am using eventghost with XBMC/MPC to handle the remote input.

[greenteagod]

Why dont you:
a) Write a new front end yourself with any codec you want

or

b) Shut the fuk up and be grateful we have this free piece of software in the first place. Realize that this is a port from an xbox and it has come a long way to work with other systems. Be grateful that people are working on this software daily for only a voluntary donation. Insulting the devs only does the opposite of what you are looking for. Yes, even with your little gay ;-) wink face, it doesn't help.

or

c) Use Media Portal.


Pretty simple eh?

:angry:

[gkarkala]

:( :( :( Nothing, nothing, nothing. Why, ye gods, why?!?!?

Zoomplayer stays in the background, MPC-HC won't launch in fullscreen. Defaultplayer is not working (DVD Player remains default).
Back with the first version of this patch everything was working perfectly with ZoomPlayer, but back then there was XBMC autoswitching to 60Hz. Now that that is gone, the patch is not working correctly.

The XBMC gods hate me, I understand now. With the same arguments ZoomPlayer starts on top from MediaPortal. XBMC stays on top even if I launch it in windowed mode (with resolution set to auto, meaning I get the standard Windows dressing).

I am having exactly the same issue as ashlar. I am using Vista Ultimate and running XBMC in windowed mode. I tried mapping of eventghost as suggested, but XBMC just hangs while MPC is running.

[ashlar]

Interesting because MPC works for me - I run it full screen resolution bot not fullscreen, and I don't have any window dressing. I suggest the following:

1. Save all your prefs using MPC's gui (make sure it's not saving to a .ini file but using the registry as per default)
2. Map a key on your remote to alt-tab incase MPC starts playing behind XBMC (usually you only have to flip it to the front once -- I am trying to track this issue down).

I am using eventghost with XBMC/MPC to handle the remote input.I use HIP to handle remote input. But as I mentioned ALT-TAB is not a solution. For ZoomPlayer it does nothing. And with MPC is not that the software doesn't stay on top, it does. But it does in maximized mode, not fullscreen. Even if I run XBMC in windowed mode (and currently there's no way, for me, to run it fullscreen windowed at native resolution. I have to set it to Auto resolution handling and launch windowed, in that case I have the window dressing).

To sum it up, and just for clarification... I don't have the strength to "complain" as I understand all of you are doing this out of passion and free time.

1) ZoomPlayer, with the same arguments launches perfectly from MediaPortal run in fullscreen.
2) MPC does the same.
3) In XBMC ZoomPlayer stays in the background no matter what, there's no alt-tabbing. Even if running XBMC in windowed mode, at a resolution lower than desktop, XBMC stays on top and ZoomPlayer on the bottom.
4) MPC stays on top but there's no way of running it fullscreen, it runs maximized no matter what internal options and command line arguments I use.
5) This could have something to do with the fact that I run at 1366x768@48Hz set as a custom resolution to get pixel perfect mapping of my plasma display. This means that the resolution is indicated as 1366x768 48Hz (fullscreen).
Before I had a 1366x768 and a 1366x768 (fullscreen), but the refresh rate wasn't handled correctly and XBMC autoswitched to 60Hz no matter what.

I'm here if more info is needed. I actually plan to file a bug report for #5 because it makes it impossible to use the automatic refresh rate adjustment function (even if I have custom resolutions for 24, 48, 50 and 60Hz, XBMC "sees" only the one active at the moment it's launched).

[WiSo]

@konfoo: not sure if you already do it but you should unlock the LockSetForegroundWindow.
XBMC tries to stay in foreground therefore this behavior needs to be stopped during launch player.
You might want to have a look at CWIN32Util::XBMCShellExecute

[Jester]

updated the patch to work with the latest SVN

http://xbmc.org/trac/attachment/ticket/5300/

Edit: made another build with this patch if people want to test again the latest SVN (SMB enabled etc.)

it's in the Test folder

[staticx]

can't get it to lunch the player...

[ashlar]

can't get it to lunch the player...You should provide some more info. How does your advancedsettings.xml look, for instance? Which external player are you using?

[ashlar]

@konfoo: not sure if you already do it but you should unlock the LockSetForegroundWindow.
XBMC tries to stay in foreground therefore this behavior needs to be stopped during launch player.
You might want to have a look at CWIN32Util::XBMCShellExecuteBy the sound of it, this sounds promising for the "players remain in background" problem.
On the other hand, konfoo, why is it that the "default player" setting is ignored?
Is there anyone that is managing to activate Launchplayer as the default player, using the advancedsettings.xml setting?

[Jester]

Thanks Jester :). There are some modifications still pending (the player needs to be renamed to External Player, and the extplayer patch needs to be merged in and tested amongst other things).

I can have a stab at it, where can I find the extplayer patch?

[ashlar]

I can have a stab at it, where can I find the extplayer patch?Ahahah!!! Jester you are falling in a spiral, you know? Pretty soon you'll end up a Team XBMC developer if you go on like this! :D
(Thank you!)

[Jester]

I've renamed the patch to external player, as per request to get it into the SVN
I'm testing the patch now on the latest SVN

will do a test build later, and attach the new patch to the ticket.

remains the merge with this extplayer patch (where is it?)

[ashlar]

Jester, have you managed to look at the LockSetForegroundWindow thing Wiso mentioned?

[Jester]

Jester, have you managed to look at the LockSetForegroundWindow thing Wiso mentioned?

No, i'm waiting on some input on that extplayer patch, konfoo will have to look at the rest....for now

[konfoo]

No, i'm waiting on some input on that extplayer patch, konfoo will have to look at the rest....for now

Going to tackle that tonight as well as the other stuff. The ifdef linux needs the extplayer patch since it seems more reliable than just shelling out a process. OSX will have to do as is for the time being until I get svn setup on my OSX testbox.

[Jester]

Going to tackle that tonight as well as the other stuff. The ifdef linux needs the extplayer patch since it seems more reliable than just shelling out a process. OSX will have to do as is for the time being until I get svn setup on my OSX testbox.

Nice one, btw i've added the renamed patch to the ticket, so maybe when your done with this, you might want to update the first post as the names in the advancedsettings part have changed.

[Jester]

Patch updated for SVN 16477, added to the ticket

[PantsOnFire]

A few posts back Ashlar asked if anyone is actually having success setting LaunchPlayer as the default. I want to just say, that I am. Its working.

However, here's my problem:

MPC loads, but not in fullscreen, despite my /fullscreen arg in the xml.
(I have also go into MPC's options and put a tick in "launch player in fullscreen", which dosen't remedy the problem).

My final issue is frustrating also, in MPC i've selected "after playback... close". But MPC just completely fails to remember I've ticked this, and always reverts to "after playback... do nothing".

I just want MPC to open in fullscreen, and close itself after playback.

My MPC is version 6.4.9.0 (came with Combined Community Codec Pack CCCP)).

I also have these exact same problems using the very latest version of MPC HC.


I've no idea what's going wrong.
Any ideas?

[ashlar]

A few posts back Ashlar asked if anyone is actually having success setting LaunchPlayer as the default. I want to just say, that I am. Its working.Holy crap! This is unexpected... it's a simple setting, either it works or it doesn't... :(
For me, instead, even when I select "Play using..." I see:

DVDPlayer (default)
Launchplayer

[PantsOnFire]

Ashlar, looking at the numbers, how many thousands of views this thread gets, I would think I'm not the only one who has it working by default.

My biggest frustration is just MPC now being a sod and not remembering its own damn settings. Neither MPC or MPC-HC are remembering to exit after playback. I've asked over at CCCP forums but ppl just suggest saving the settings to INI. Which I've done, and to no success. --(there is nowhere in the INI that makes reference to 'exit after playback' or anything similar).


So I have noooo idea what's going on.

If I wanted to just set these things in advancedsettings.xml would it just be like this?:

/play /fullscreen /close


(MPC says you need to use "/play" in order for "/close" to work).


thanks.

[konfoo]

My final issue is frustrating also, in MPC i've selected "after playback... close". But MPC just completely fails to remember I've ticked this, and always reverts to "after playback... do nothing".

I've no idea what's going wrong.
Any ideas?

You should configure MPC to *not* save it's settings to a .ini file. The problem here is that when it is launched it is launched in the XBMC context and it will look for it's ini file in the wrong location, hence it fires off with the defaults and never with the settings you saved.

[Jester]

@konfoo

any luck with the patch?

[ashlar]

You should configure MPC to *not* save it's settings to a .ini file. The problem here is that when it is launched it is launched in the XBMC context and it will look for it's ini file in the wrong location, hence it fires off with the defaults and never with the settings you saved.But what about Zoomplayer starting in the background no matter what? Did WiSo indication help in any way?

[konfoo]

@konfoo

any luck with the patch?

Working on it as we type.

[konfoo]

But what about Zoomplayer starting in the background no matter what? Did WiSo indication help in any way?

Hopefully (will test in a few).

[konfoo]

Patch updated and available on trac. Please also see the first post.

[Jester]

Patch updated and available on trac. Please also see the first post.

Good one, thanks, i'll do a test build with this included

[Jester]

Upped Rev16481 with externalplayer and krickers installer patch
its in the Test folder

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE FIRST POST DUE TO THE CHANGES IN NAMES IN ADVANCED SETTINGS etc.

[konfoo]

Good job :)

[PantsOnFire]

I followed your advice konfoo, and unticked the 'save to ini' option.

But still the player dosen't launch on fullscreen. In addition, keypresses that normally work in MPC, dont work. Which suggests xbmc has stolen the focus back from MPC. :(

[konfoo]

I followed your advice konfoo, and unticked the 'save to ini' option.

But still the player dosen't launch on fullscreen. In addition, keypresses that normally work in MPC, dont work. Which suggests xbmc has stolen the focus back from MPC. :(

Using the latest patch build? All questions for old builds will not be answered since the lockforegroundwindow mechanism has been changed.

[alanwww1]

I am testing svn 16481 for me all works fine with MPC HC except there is alittlw probem. I know it is not a major one, but i thought i share it if something could be done to solve it.

I am from Hungary and when i select a file with some Hungarian characters in it (eg. ő,ö,í,ú) MPC HC does not start playing them. All these files working ok with the internal player i think XBMC passes the filename in a wrong character coding.

Just a notice. Maybe it is also the case with French, German or other special characters.

[Jester]

@konfoo

maybe when you get back, can you rename the thread topic name to externalplayer, just so we have all the renaming done.
Might help to convince the team to include this into the SVN ;)

[Jester]

I think this is now mature enough to be added to the SVN
check it out:
http://xbmc.org/trac/ticket/5300

[ashlar]

Fixed the defaultplayer, now it works as it should.

Nothing changed on the stay on top front.

ZoomPlayer 6, with Stay on top and fullscreen correctly set, starts in the background and stays in the background. There's no ALT-TABing to it.

And sorry to reiterate but there's nothing wrong with ZoomPlayer, that having been using for the same exact task for more than a year under Media Portal (:()

I'll try to add a new log to the ticket.

Edit:
Log http://pastebin.com/f552213a4

[dpassent]

i can confirm - ZP 6, MPC-HC both acting the same - stays in the background. I can hear audio but XBMC stays on top

DP

[ashlar]

i can confirm - ZP 6, MPC-HC both acting the same - stays in the background. I can hear audio but XBMC stays on topXBMC stays on top even when run in windowed mode, not fullscreen. I can see the "borders" of the movie in the background and no amount of ALT-TABing changes a thing.
ALT-TABing makes XBMC lose focus, but it remains on top just the same.

Edit
IMPORTANT (maybe) FOR KONFOO
If you check my message here: http://xbmc.org/forum/showpost.php?p=242860&postcount=28 I was not having this problem with ZoomPlayer in the past. Since then I have not changed graphic drivers, I have not changed nor updated ZoomPlayer and I am launching the same exact file I had on my desktop then (as I'm waiting to configure network shares).
With the first version everything was working great in ZP.

[ashlar]

Here's a picture of what happens. The black border on the outside of XBMC is instead the video playing in the background, you can see from the right click menu on the left that "Stay on top" is selected, to no avail.

I post the url, since it's a 1366x768 picture: http://i35.tinypic.com/28ilvth.jpg

I was afraid that the problem was the "Full Screen" stuff, but the picture above has been taken with XBMC running at 1280x720 in windowed mode. And from what you see above, alt-tabbing only switches the focus to Zoom, but XBMC remains on top (although the fact that the external player starts without focus is a problem in itself).

[konfoo]

Fixed zoom player issue, it works for me now: externalplayer-16492.patch on Trac #5300.
See first post for new configuration settings.

[Jester]

Fixed zoom player issue, it works for me now: externalplayer-16492.patch on Trac #5300.
See first post for new configuration settings.

Doing a new build as we speak....


Edit:
Build upped into the Test folder

[ashlar]

Just tried Jester's latest build. The problem remains.

It's not ZoomPlayer not staying on top, is XBMC staying on top of the top I don't know what else to think. I use ZoomPlayer with VMR7 if that could help.

If I launch XBMC in Windowed mode, XBMC stays on top. It's frozen (if I enable debug all the data on the top part of XBMC freezes) but remains on top. Having the standard Windows dressing I can minimize it and then, only then, ZoomPlayer comes on top, playing in fullscreen.

Tell me if you wish another log, I'm really clueless at this point.

Edit: here's the log http://pastebin.com/f1095ecaf

Edit 2: I feel almost guilty in having this unsolvable problem, sorry... :(

[konfoo]

Just tried Jester's latest build. The problem remains.

It's not ZoomPlayer not staying on top, is XBMC staying on top of the top I don't know what else to think. I use ZoomPlayer with VMR7 if that could help.

If I launch XBMC in Windowed mode, XBMC stays on top. It's frozen (if I enable debug all the data on the top part of XBMC freezes) but remains on top. Having the standard Windows dressing I can minimize it and then, only then, ZoomPlayer comes on top, playing in fullscreen.

Tell me if you wish another log, I'm really clueless at this point.

It's supposed to be frozen. Rendering is halted so as not to consume memory while the external player runs.

Did you set


<forceontop>false</forceontop>


This tweak was added specifically because I experienced the same problem with zoom player. Adding workaround code (i.e. this tweak) resolves the issue for me and zp plays in the foreground.

I installed the latest zoomplayer and ran it with the same settings as per your debug log. I did no additional configuration to zp.

Since your problem can't be reproduced I have to chalk it down to your configuration, and there is no way to fix a bug that I cannot reproduce locally.

*EDIT* you have forceontop set to true, which forces xbmc to the top. Set it to false.

[ashlar]

GREAT!!!!!!!
That was it. Now it works perfectly, with ZoomPlayer having the focus correctly. I can't thank you enough.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!

Two things:

1) Forceontop "false" is counterintuitive when you consider that it's a configuration for externalplayer. I immediately thought I had to set it to true because I wanted the externalplayer on top.
2) In the first post you say that defaultplayer has to be set to true but instead your example has <defaultplayer>externalplayer</defaultplayer> which is working correctly. Maybe it's an old description?

But really, you have gone above and beyond in helping me (and hopefully others) so, once more, thank you. :nod:

[konfoo]

1) Forceontop "false" is counterintuitive when you consider that it's a configuration for externalplayer. I immediately thought I had to set it to true because I wanted the externalplayer on top.
2) In the first post you say that defaultplayer has to be set to true but instead your example has <defaultplayer>externalplayer</defaultplayer> which is working correctly. Maybe it's an old description?



No problem.

1. Forceontop is actually for the externalplayer (corrected the first place). It backfires on some apps and grabs XBMC's window handle instead, however (zp).
2. Fixed.

[cruonline]

How about launching SwarmPlayer to support playback of .tstream files. some info (http://eztv.it/tstream/tstreamhowto.html))
Is it possible to define more than one external player?

[konfoo]

How about launching SwarmPlayer to support playback of .tstream files. some info (http://eztv.it/tstream/tstreamhowto.html))
Is it possible to define more than one external player?

Read the first post.

[cruonline]

Read the first post.

I've read it.

It hasn't give me a definitive answer but my guess it's hardcoded to support only one external player. However it can't be difficult to modify code to allow defining multiple external players. Either by hardcoding fixed set of players (externalplayer1, externalplayer2...) or by allow configuring any number of players strictly in xml.

[ashlar]

I've read it.

It hasn't give me a definitive answer but my guess it's hardcoded to support only one external player. However it can't be difficult to modify code to allow defining multiple external players. Either by hardcoding fixed set of players (externalplayer1, externalplayer2...) or by allow configuring any number of players strictly in xml.I think konfoo referred to:- Extplayer should 'do more stuff': your player should 'do more stuff' -- extplayer is a launcher for video playback, nothing more or less
- But I want it to do X before my video launches: make a wrapper batch file or application that does what you need and then launches the player you want
;)

And yes, it's hardcoded to support one player for video and one player for audio. Understand that this, for the developers (and personally I agree), is just a stopgap measure for features not yet directly supported by internal player(s).
XBMC has a legacy of a "all built-in" application to live up to. :D

[cruonline]

So, it leaves me (and other bittorent streaming fans) to use SwarmPlayer (as externalplayer) to support bstream and buitin dvdplayer for everything else.
I can live with that but was hoping for more :)

thanks anyway, this mod is great idea.

[ashlar]

I understand where you're coming from but:

a) if you browse this thread there is a user that did a bit of clever batch creating to enable a solution for specific file types (or so I remember, have a look).

b) the objective is for you to need no external players at all. In the meantime we have the opportunity to use one. :)

[sleepnd]

hi, i'm new to this forum. nice to meet you:laugh:

i downloaded the svn built 16496 and created advancedsettings.xml together, but no luck, the external player doesn't come out...attached setting and log, is there anything wrong on it?

my settings.
[advancedsettings.xml]
<advancedsettings>
<video>
<defaultplayer>externalplayer</defaultplayer>
</video>
<externalplayer>
<filename>c:\mplayer\mplayer.exe</filename>
<args></args>
<forceontop>false</forceontop>
<hideconsole>false</hideconsole>
<hidecursor>false</hidecursor>
</externalplayer>
</advancedsettings>

[xbmc.log]
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305595904 NOTICE: Mapping drive Z to C:\Documents and Settings\sleepnd\Application Data\XBMC\cache
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305554944 NOTICE: Mapping drive T to C:\Documents and Settings\sleepnd\Application Data\XBMC\userdata
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305554944 NOTICE: Mapping drive Q to C:\Program Files\XBMC
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305554944 NOTICE: Mapping drive U to C:\Program Files\XBMC
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305444352 NOTICE: -----------------------------------------------------------------------
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305427968 NOTICE: Starting XBMC, Platform: Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 build 2600. Built on Dec 8 2008 (compiler 1500)
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305427968 NOTICE: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6420 @ 2.13GHz
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305423872 NOTICE: Desktop Resolution: 1360x768 32Bit at 60Hz
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305423872 NOTICE: Q is mapped to: C:\Program Files\XBMC
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305423872 NOTICE: The executable running is: C:\Program Files\XBMC\XBMC.exe
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305423872 NOTICE: Log File is located: C:\Documents and Settings\sleepnd\Application Data\XBMC\xbmc.log
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305423872 NOTICE: -----------------------------------------------------------------------
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1305403392 NOTICE: Setup SDL
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1304363008 NOTICE: load settings...
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1304346624 NOTICE: Mapping drive P to C:\Documents and Settings\sleepnd\Application Data\XBMC\userdata
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1304342528 NOTICE: loading C:\Documents and Settings\sleepnd\Application Data\XBMC\userdata\guisettings.xml
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1304018944 NOTICE: Getting hardware information now...
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1304018944 NOTICE: Checking resolution 10
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1304018944 NOTICE: Setting autoresolution mode 1
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1303965696 NOTICE: Loaded advancedsettings.xml from C:\Documents and Settings\sleepnd\Application Data\XBMC\userdata\advancedsettings.xml
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1303949312 NOTICE: Getting hardware information now...
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1303945216 NOTICE: Checking resolution 10
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1303941120 NOTICE: Setting autoresolution mode 1
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1304002560 NOTICE: C:\Documents and Settings\sleepnd\Application Data\XBMC\userdata\sources.xml
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1289629696 NOTICE: start dvd mediatype detection
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1289617408 NOTICE: initializing playlistplayer
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1289605120 NOTICE: DONE initializing playlistplayer
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1289539584 NOTICE: load default skin:[PM3.HD]
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1285353472 NOTICE: initialize done
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1285398528 NOTICE: Running the application...
02:30:05 T:3308 M:1284988928 NOTICE: ES: Starting event server
02:30:05 T:3868 M:1284157440 NOTICE: ES: Starting UDP Event server on 127.0.0.1:9777
02:30:05 T:3868 M:1284153344 NOTICE: UDP: Listening on port 9777
02:30:11 T:3308 M:1283162112 NOTICE: DVDPlayer: Opening: E:\HD-Movie\ANESSA_CM.avi
02:30:11 T:3308 M:1283158016 WARNING: CDVDMessageQueue::Put MSGQ_NOT_INITIALIZED
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1283129344 NOTICE: Creating InputStream
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1283104768 NOTICE: Creating Demuxer
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1274204160 NOTICE: Opening video stream: 1 source: 256
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1274204160 NOTICE: Creating video codec with codec id: 2
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1274486784 NOTICE: Creating video thread
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1274474496 NOTICE: Opening audio stream: 0 source: 256
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1274474496 NOTICE: Finding audio codec for: 86017
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1274195968 NOTICE: Creating audio thread
02:30:11 T:532 M:1274179584 NOTICE: running thread: CDVDPlayerAudio::Process()
02:30:11 T:236 M:1273847808 NOTICE: running thread: video_thread
02:30:11 T:2624 M:1273532416 WARNING: CDVDPlayer::CheckContinuity - stream wrapback detected (2)
02:30:11 T:532 M:1269764096 NOTICE: Creating audio device with codec id: 86017, channels: 2, sample rate: 48000, no pass-through
02:30:11 T:532 M:1269538816 WARNING: CWin32DirectSound::AddPackets - buffer underrun
02:30:12 T:236 M:1263890432 NOTICE: fps: 29.970030, pwidth: 1440, pheight: 1088, dwidth: 1920, dheight: 1080
02:30:12 T:236 M:1263874048 NOTICE: Display resolution AUTO : 720p 16:9 (1)
02:30:12 T:236 M:1263874048 WARNING: Upscale: selected algorithm 1
02:30:12 T:3308 M:1259229184 NOTICE: GL: Selecting YUV 2 RGB Progressive Shader
02:30:12 T:3308 M:1257443328 NOTICE: GL: NPOT texture support detected
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1253339136 NOTICE: CDVDPlayer::CloseFile()
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1253302272 NOTICE: DVDPlayer: waiting for threads to exit
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253302272 NOTICE: CDVDPlayer::OnExit()
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253302272 NOTICE: DVDPlayer: closing audio stream
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253302272 NOTICE: Closing audio stream
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253302272 NOTICE: waiting for audio thread to exit
02:30:16 T:532 M:1253302272 ERROR: CDVDAudio::AddPackets - failed to add leftover bytes to render
02:30:16 T:532 M:1253302272 NOTICE: Closing audio device
02:30:16 T:532 M:1253498880 NOTICE: thread end: CDVDPlayerAudio::OnExit()
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253560320 NOTICE: Deleting audio codec
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253560320 NOTICE: DVDPlayer: closing video stream
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253560320 NOTICE: Closing video stream
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1253560320 NOTICE: waiting for video thread to exit
02:30:16 T:236 M:1253548032 NOTICE: thread end: video_thread
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1255890944 NOTICE: deleting video codec
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1262956544 NOTICE: CDVDPlayer::OnExit() deleting demuxer
02:30:16 T:2624 M:1262956544 NOTICE: CDVDPlayer::OnExit() deleting input stream
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1262985216 NOTICE: DVDPlayer: finished waiting
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1262686208 NOTICE: CDVDPlayer::CloseFile()
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1262686208 WARNING: CDVDMessageQueue::Put MSGQ_NOT_INITIALIZED
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1262686208 NOTICE: DVDPlayer: waiting for threads to exit
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1262686208 NOTICE: DVDPlayer: finished waiting
02:30:16 T:3308 M:1262686208 NOTICE: CDVDPlayerVideo::~CDVDPlayerVideo - uninitting video device

[ashlar]

<forceontop>false</forceontop>
Have you tried setting forceontop as true? From what (little) I understand this setting depends on the player you use.

[Jester]

the reason why it doesnt work is because the launchplayer patch is done on Rev16492 and you have to download it from the Test folder

if it doesnt say externalplayer in the filename, the patch is not done.

[Jester]

Made a new build, no longer using the Test Folder as I think the patch is stable enough
Upped Rev16496

XBMCSetup-Rev16496-kricker-externalplayer.exe

[harryzimm]

Anyone tried this patch in linux? I tried applying it but i got this error

(T: XBMCLiveCD)root@XBMCLive:/home/xbmc/XBMC/guilib# patch -p0 < externalplayer-16492.patch
(Stripping trailing CRs from patch.)
can't find file to patch at input line 5
Perhaps you used the wrong -p or --strip option?
The text leading up to this was:
--------------------------
|Index: Makefile.in
|================================================= ==================
|--- Makefile.in (revision 16492)
|+++ Makefile.in (working copy)
--------------------------
File to patch:


Any ideas? Is it only for windows?

cheers

[Jester]

Anyone tried this patch in linux? I tried applying it but i got this error

(T: XBMCLiveCD)root@XBMCLive:/home/xbmc/XBMC/guilib# patch -p0 < externalplayer-16492.patch
(Stripping trailing CRs from patch.)
can't find file to patch at input line 5
Perhaps you used the wrong -p or --strip option?
The text leading up to this was:
--------------------------
|Index: Makefile.in
|================================================= ==================
|--- Makefile.in (revision 16492)
|+++ Makefile.in (working copy)
--------------------------
File to patch:


Any ideas? Is it only for windows?

cheers

you are patching from the wrong dir

/home/xbmc/XBMC/guilib#

you need to patch from the root where you downloaded the SVN

[JoyMonkey]

Made a new build, no longer using the Test Folder as I think the patch is stable enough
Upped Rev16496

XBMCSetup-Rev16496-kricker-externalplayer.exe


I can't find the URL to download your build. I thought you posted it back around page 19 of this thread, but it doesn't seem to be there anymore.
:confused2:

Edit: Nevermind, found it...
http://ocs.nl/xbmc/

[sleepnd]

the reason why it doesnt work is because the launchplayer patch is done on Rev16492 and you have to download it from the Test folder

if it doesnt say externalplayer in the filename, the patch is not done.

my god:shocked: it is my stupid problem, let me try again on tonight and get back you.

[PantsOnFire]

I just don't understand this at all. MPC launches, but it's always behind xbmc, so you hear sound, but see no video. If I tick 'always on top, while playing' or just 'always on top, always' in MPC, xbmc launches MPC but not in fullscreen.

Despite me having added the -fullscreen parameter in the xml file.

What can I do?

[konfoo]

I just don't understand this at all. MPC launches, but it's always behind xbmc, so you hear sound, but see no video. If I tick 'always on top, while playing' or just 'always on top, always' in MPC, xbmc launches MPC but not in fullscreen.

Despite me having added the -fullscreen parameter in the xml file.

What can I do?

Please post your log / OS platform / SVN version

[gkarkala]

Please post your log / OS platform / SVN version


I am also having similar issues even with new build. I am using vista ultimate/SP1. Here is my log for zoom player. Also for MPC with /fullscreen parameter, it is exactly the same issue.

17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348837376 NOTICE: Mapping drive Z to C:\Users\Ganesh\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\cache
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348816896 NOTICE: Mapping drive T to C:\Users\Ganesh\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\userdata
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348816896 NOTICE: Mapping drive Q to C:\Program Files\XBMC
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348816896 NOTICE: Mapping drive U to C:\Program Files\XBMC
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348718592 NOTICE: -----------------------------------------------------------------------
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348714496 NOTICE: Starting XBMC, Platform: Windows Vista, 32-bit Service Pack 1 build 6001. Built on Dec 8 2008 (compiler 1500)
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348714496 NOTICE: Genuine Intel(R) CPU T2600 @ 2.16GHz
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348714496 NOTICE: Desktop Resolution: 1440x900 32Bit at 60Hz
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348714496 NOTICE: Q is mapped to: C:\Program Files\XBMC
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348714496 NOTICE: The executable running is: C:\Program Files\XBMC\XBMC.exe
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348714496 NOTICE: Log File is located: C:\Users\Ganesh\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\xbmc.log
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348714496 NOTICE: -----------------------------------------------------------------------
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1348698112 NOTICE: Setup SDL
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346998272 NOTICE: load settings...
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346990080 NOTICE: Mapping drive P to C:\Users\Ganesh\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\userdata
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346981888 NOTICE: loading C:\Users\Ganesh\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\userdata\guis ettings.xml
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346592768 NOTICE: Getting hardware information now...
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346592768 NOTICE: Checking resolution 35
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346568192 NOTICE: Loaded advancedsettings.xml from C:\Users\Ganesh\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\userdata\adva ncedsettings.xml
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346564096 NOTICE: ExternalPlayer Filename: C:\Program Files\Combined Community Codec Pack\Zoom Player\zplayer.exe
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346560000 NOTICE: ExternalPlayer Tweaks: Forceontop (false), Hideconsole (false), Hidecursor (false)
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346519040 NOTICE: Getting hardware information now...
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346506752 NOTICE: Checking resolution 35
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346494464 NOTICE: Default Video Player: externalplayer
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346494464 NOTICE: Default Audio Player: paplayer
17:41:36 T:4032 M:1346490368 NOTICE: C:\Users\Ganesh\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\userdata\sour ces.xml
17:41:37 T:4032 M:1322205184 NOTICE: start dvd mediatype detection
17:41:37 T:4032 M:1322192896 NOTICE: initializing playlistplayer
17:41:37 T:4032 M:1322184704 NOTICE: DONE initializing playlistplayer
17:41:37 T:4032 M:1322172416 NOTICE: load default skin:[PM3.HD]
17:41:37 T:4032 M:1318789120 NOTICE: initialize done
17:41:37 T:4032 M:1318789120 NOTICE: Running the application...
17:41:37 T:4032 M:1318326272 NOTICE: ES: Starting event server
17:41:37 T:440 M:1318252544 NOTICE: ES: Starting UDP Event server on 127.0.0.1:9777
17:41:37 T:440 M:1318240256 NOTICE: UDP: Listening on port 9777
17:41:50 T:4032 M:1311133696 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:OpenFile: L:\Movies\Aamir.avi
17:41:50 T:432 M:1311125504 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Filename: C:\Program Files\Combined Community Codec Pack\Zoom Player\zplayer.exe
17:41:50 T:432 M:1311121408 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Args: -fs
17:41:50 T:432 M:1311121408 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Default Player: externalplayer
17:41:50 T:432 M:1311121408 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Process: Start
17:41:50 T:432 M:1311121408 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:ExecuteApp: C:\Program Files\Combined Community Codec Pack\Zoom Player\zplayer.exe C:\Program Files\Combined Community Codec Pack\Zoom Player\zplayer.exe -fs "L:\Movies\Aamir.avi"

[Wheelman56]

I LOVE this! I've got alot of custom settings through my ffdshow and MPC and I'm really glad something like this came along.

Thanks, keep it up!

[Jester]

signatures have been disabled:
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41523

link to my SVN builds:

Here (http://ocs.nl/xbmc)

[obstler]

just wanted to add that the newer builds work perfectly for me. I run xbmc in 1920x1080 fullscreen and mpc launches just fine in the foreground in fullscreen.

[azido]

just wanted to add that the newer builds work perfectly for me. I run xbmc in 1920x1080 fullscreen and mpc launches just fine in the foreground in fullscreen.

sounds like a solution for all of us whining about openGl video playing ;)

[sleepnd]

i tested svn built 16496. it work fine but not non-english filename, seems externalplayer patch cannot handle on it, anyone have this problem?

i'm a chinese and default using BIG5.

[punking]

Is anybody using KMPlayer? I'm trying and XBMC launches it but KMPlayer then throws up an error. KMPlayer on its own works fine.

Error num: FFFFFFFF
Filename: The
Data:
File Does Not Exist!

XBMC is running on a desktop and the files are located on the same PC (different had drive) but no networking. I've tried different files but I'm not sure if this is a KMPlayer problem or XBMC. Here's my advanced settings and the snippet of log relevant to the external player

<advancedsettings>
<externalplayer>
<filename>C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe</filename>
<args>-fs</args>
<forceontop>false</forceontop>
<hideconsole>true</hideconsole>
<hidecursor>false</hidecursor>
</externalplayer>>
</advancedsettings>

10:08:42 T:10540 M:1188016128 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:OpenFile: J:\Video\HD\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar Ep1.avi
10:08:42 T:12072 M:1188102144 DEBUG: thread start, auto delete: 0
10:08:42 T:12072 M:1188098048 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Filename: C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe
10:08:42 T:12072 M:1188098048 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Args: -fs
10:08:42 T:12072 M:1188098048 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer: Default Player: dvdplayer
10:08:42 T:12072 M:1188098048 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Process: Start
10:08:42 T:12072 M:1188081664 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:ExecuteApp: C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe -fs "J:\Video\HD\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar Ep1.avi"
10:08:56 T:12276 M:1172992000 DEBUG: CThread::staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
10:08:56 T:12276 M:1172992000 DEBUG: Thread 12276 terminating
10:09:43 T:12072 M:1190391808 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:WAIT_OBJECT_0
10:09:43 T:12072 M:1194037248 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Stop
10:09:43 T:12072 M:1194037248 DEBUG: Playback has finished
10:09:43 T:12072 M:1194037248 DEBUG: CThread::staticThread, deleting thread graphic context
10:09:43 T:12072 M:1194037248 DEBUG: Thread 12072 terminating
10:09:43 T:10540 M:1193967616 DEBUG: CVideoDatabase::GetMovieId (J:\Video\HD\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar Ep1.avi), query = select idMovie from movie where idFile=107
10:09:43 T:10540 M:1193951232 DEBUG: CVideoDatabase::GetEpisodeId (J:\Video\HD\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar Ep1.avi), query = select idEpisode from episode where idFile=107
10:09:43 T:10540 M:1193934848 DEBUG: CVideoDatabase::GetMusicVideoId (J:\Video\HD\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar Ep1.avi), query = select idMVideo from musicvideo where idFile=107

Thank you.

[konfoo]

17:41:50 T:432 M:1311125504 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Filename: C:\Program Files\Combined Community Codec Pack\Zoom Player\zplayer.exe
17:41:50 T:432 M:1311121408 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Args: -fs


That doesn't look like the correct commandline argument for zoomplayer's fullscreen mode. /F or /LOCKFS (rtfm?)

[dpassent]

Is anybody using KMPlayer? I'm trying and XBMC launches it but KMPlayer then throws up an error. KMPlayer on its own works fine.


try to install KMPlayer to some dir like c:\kmplayer and change the path in xml to it. On the 1st look it seems that there is some sort of problem with parsing the external player exe name. Maybe there is problem with "The KMPlayer" directory name...

DP

[konfoo]

Is anybody using KMPlayer? I'm trying and XBMC launches it but KMPlayer then throws up an error. KMPlayer on its own works fine.

Error num: FFFFFFFF
Filename: The
Data:
File Does Not Exist!

10:08:42 T:12072 M:1188081664 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:ExecuteApp: C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe C:\Program Files\The KMPlayer\KMPlayer.exe -fs "J:\Video\HD\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar\[HD] Lost Land of the Jaguar Ep1.avi"


Because it's trying to open a file called '-fs'. Use the correct command line switches (rtfm?). I also notice kmplayer is slightly retarded in that it reads the commandline switches after the filename, not before, i.e. kmplayer.exe file.ext /fullscreen. So it won't work right now unless you disable the commandline switch completely (<args></args>) and set the parameters inside the kmplayer's prefs directly.

[konfoo]

i tested svn built 16496. it work fine but not non-english filename, seems externalplayer patch cannot handle on it, anyone have this problem?

i'm a chinese and default using BIG5.

Please post a log on pastebin.

[ashlar]

That doesn't look like the correct commandline argument for zoomplayer's fullscreen mode. /F or /LOCKFS (rtfm?)Lol at (rftm) :D

Yes, you have to use /F and, if you want, you can then add /LOCKFS to stop the player from responding to, for instance, the ESC key that would switch from fullscreen to windowed.

[punking]

Thanks for your help. This is just an update for anybody else with the same problem and does a search for KMPlayer.

I disabled the <args> and set full screen in the KMPlayer options. It still threw up the same error. So I tried dpassent's suggestion of reinstalling KMPlayer in C:\KMPlayer and changed the xml advancedsettings to match, and it now works.

Thanks.

[us1111]

I cannot find this in the thread, but... Is it also possible to automate to only start the external player with certain filetypes and use the internal for the rest?

Like *.avi, internal and *.mkv external?

[ashlar]

I cannot find this in the thread, but... Is it also possible to automate to only start the external player with certain filetypes and use the internal for the rest?

Like *.avi, internal and *.mkv external?No, it's not possible.

[JoyMonkey]

just wanted to add that the newer builds work perfectly for me. I run xbmc in 1920x1080 fullscreen and mpc launches just fine in the foreground in fullscreen.

Obstler, can you share your settings?

I've been trying to get the latest Media Player Classic Home Cinema to work, but it's not launching correctly. It appears to launch, but I'm stuck looking at XBMC. The mouse pointer changes to the MPC pointer and the movie plays (I can hear the audio fine), but the players video and overlays don't show. Pressing Alt-Tab appears to change applications, but I'm still stuck looking at XBMC (ie, even if I Alt-Tab and Windows Explorer is selected, I still only see XBMC).
I tried it with <forceontop> set to true and false but it doesn't make a difference.

My MPC HS (x86) settings:
DirectShow Output set to EVR (required for DXVA support AFAIK)
On Top set to Always
Open Options -> "Launch files in fullscreen" selected

BTW, I'm running on Vista 64-bit and the latest Ati Catalyst.

[UFGrayMatter]

I cannot find this in the thread, but... Is it also possible to automate to only start the external player with certain filetypes and use the internal for the rest?

Like *.avi, internal and *.mkv external?

No, it's not possible.is this planning to be added?

I specifically need filename filters - i.e. i keep my BD/HDDVD stuff in a "HiDef" fodler, so any file that is played needs to be sent to TMT.

All my stuff is ISO so filename exclusions wouldn't work.

[konfoo]

is this planning to be added?

I specifically need filename filters - i.e. i keep my BD/HDDVD stuff in a "HiDef" fodler, so any file that is played needs to be sent to TMT.

All my stuff is ISO so filename exclusions wouldn't work.

No. If you read through this thread you should find some solutions.

[smtdd]

HELP~!

===========My English is very poor, GOOGLE translation,sorry~===============


I come from China

I use the Chinese system WINDOWS.

and, use this SVN :
http://ocs.nl/xbmc/XBMCSetup-Rev16501-kricker-externalplayer.exe

There have been some problems :

Chinese directory and Chinese file names can not support .

But,English directory and file names can support.

http://bbs.htpc1.com/attachments/forumid_171/20081210_6678217c2030b1712f0bw7ymSfa4y8RD.jpg


Thanks all!

[konfoo]

Chinese directory and Chinese file names can not support .


Please turn on debugmode in XBMC, open a file to play with external player, and post your xbmc.log on e.g. pastebin.com. (Hopefully this reverse translates correctly) ;)

[obstler]

Obstler, can you share your settings?


my setup is rather conservative as I tend not to mess with my htpc too much once it works.

win xp pro, sp2
XBMCSetup-Rev16487-kricker-externalplayer (haven't tried the newer builds since that one just worked)
mpc "classic" (the latest official non -hc build)

settings:
mpc: dx9 renderless, d3d surfaces
<filename>c:\mpc\mplayerc.exe</filename>
<args>/fullscreen</args>

I currently don't use /close for checking stuff within mpc, so I close it manually.

hope that helps...

[digital21cn]

yes. Just like what smtdd said, it seems that the plugin does not support Chinese characters.

[konfoo]

yes. Just like what smtdd said, it seems that the plugin does not support Chinese characters.

Well that's fantastic but unless someone posts their log this problem will never be solved.

[spiff]

log wont really show you anything.

the issue is this (not confirmed but i'm quite sure); we use utf-8 to represent everything internally in xbmc, those apps want msft ansi formatted strings. unicode in windows is really quite the pita. looking at the commits that (tried to) fix the international-char-in-username stuff might be an idea

[stiggy]

I updated the development ticket as konfoo originally asked me to with my request, but it didn't seem like it was appreciated so i will bring the discussion back here.

Since I made my original request, it seems like the inclusion of file extensions has gone from a "planned feature" to a not-gonna-happen.

The response that i got in the ticket was that "There is no reason why you can't have a batch file do the job you want --
look at the extension and then fire the player you want."

As my original request stated, i would like "the internal player [to] still be called unless a match was found on the extension of the media file that was selected to play. For example, send all "VOB" extension files to an external player; otherwise use the internal player." Most extensions play wonderfully inside of XBMC and i have no need or desire to bypass the internal decoder.

Is it possible externally to call back into XBMC and have the internal XBMC player render a file?

Unless i am missing something, without extension support in the code calling the external player, the external player/batch file/processor will ALWAYS be called. Am I wrong in this?

If I am not wrong, then i think there is a reason to consider supporting an extension list from a functionality perspective. I can't speak for others here but i am not looking for involved functionality, just the ability to whitelist extensions to be sent to the external player/batch file/processor. From there, i totally agree the external program can have whatever logic is needed.

[WiSo]

@konfoo: To support UNICODE you have to convert XBMC filenames from utf8toW and use the UNICODE windows functions like CreateFileW.
The strings returned need to be converted back (WtoUtf8).

[bnaert]

I've finally got everything working, the only problem i have left is when MPC closes, XBMC just launches it again, and never stops launching it until i kill the process.

It doesn't do this if the movie ends on it's own and the player closes. Only when i force MPC to close.

Edit - Nevermind it seems to have stopped, i have no idea what i did though.

[smtdd]

D:\中文.mov ,D:\中文(chinese).mov , can not support

But. D:\(chinese).mov ,can support



==============.log file======================


08:05:11 T:1616 M:107069440 NOTICE: Mapping drive Z to C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\XBMC\cache
08:05:11 T:1616 M:107044864 NOTICE: Mapping drive T to C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\XBMC\userdata
08:05:11 T:1616 M:107044864 NOTICE: Mapping drive Q to C:\Program Files\XBMC
08:05:11 T:1616 M:107044864 NOTICE: Mapping drive U to C:\Program Files\XBMC
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106954752 NOTICE: -----------------------------------------------------------------------
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106942464 NOTICE: Starting XBMC, Platform: Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 build 2600. Built on Dec 8 2008 (compiler 1500)
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106942464 NOTICE: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106942464 NOTICE: Desktop Resolution: 1024x768 32Bit at 75Hz
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106942464 NOTICE: Q is mapped to: C:\Program Files\XBMC
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106942464 NOTICE: The executable running is: C:\Program Files\XBMC\XBMC.exe
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106942464 NOTICE: Log File is located: C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\XBMC\xbmc.log
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106942464 NOTICE: -----------------------------------------------------------------------
08:05:11 T:1616 M:106926080 NOTICE: Setup SDL
08:05:11 T:1616 M:105414656 NOTICE: load settings...
08:05:11 T:1616 M:105406464 NOTICE: Mapping drive P to C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\XBMC\userdata
08:05:11 T:1616 M:105402368 NOTICE: loading C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\XBMC\userdata\guisettings.xml
08:05:11 T:1616 M:105005056 NOTICE: Getting hardware information now...
08:05:11 T:1616 M:105005056 NOTICE: Checking resolution 10
08:05:11 T:1616 M:105005056 NOTICE: Setting autoresolution mode 12
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104968192 NOTICE: Loaded advancedsettings.xml from C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\XBMC\userdata\advancedsettings.xml
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104964096 NOTICE: ExternalPlayer Filename: C:\Program Files\Final Codecs\myplayer.exe
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104964096 NOTICE: ExternalPlayer Tweaks: Forceontop (false), Hideconsole (true), Hidecursor (false)
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104951808 NOTICE: Getting hardware information now...
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104951808 NOTICE: Checking resolution 10
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104951808 NOTICE: Setting autoresolution mode 12
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104951808 NOTICE: Default Video Player: externalplayer
08:05:11 T:1616 M:104951808 NOTICE: Default Audio Player: paplayer
08:05:11 T:1616 M:105082880 NOTICE: C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\XBMC\userdata\sources.xml
08:05:11 T:1616 M: 98811904 NOTICE: start dvd mediatype detection
08:05:11 T:1616 M: 98791424 NOTICE: initializing playlistplayer
08:05:11 T:1616 M: 98787328 NOTICE: DONE initializing playlistplayer
08:05:11 T:1616 M: 98779136 NOTICE: load default skin:[PM3.HD]
08:05:12 T:1616 M: 93925376 NOTICE: initialize done
08:05:12 T:1616 M: 93925376 NOTICE: Running the application...
08:05:12 T:1616 M: 93478912 NOTICE: ES: Starting event server
08:05:12 T:2704 M: 92680192 NOTICE: ES: Starting UDP Event server on 127.0.0.1:9777
08:05:12 T:2704 M: 92676096 NOTICE: UDP: Listening on port 9777
08:05:22 T:1616 M: 64643072 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:OpenFile: D:\中文(chinese).mov
08:05:22 T:2884 M: 64724992 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Filename: C:\Program Files\Final Codecs\myplayer.exe
08:05:22 T:2884 M: 64720896 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Args: /fullscreen
08:05:22 T:2884 M: 64720896 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Default Player: externalplayer
08:05:22 T:2884 M: 64720896 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Process: Start
08:05:22 T:2884 M: 64720896 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:ExecuteApp: C:\Program Files\Final Codecs\myplayer.exe C:\Program Files\Final Codecs\myplayer.exe /fullscreen "D:\中文(chinese).mov"
08:05:23 T:2884 M: 64167936 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:WAIT_OBJECT_0
08:05:23 T:2884 M: 64184320 NOTICE: CEXTPlayer:Stop
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45789184 NOTICE: Storing total System Uptime
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45789184 NOTICE: Saving settings
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45723648 NOTICE: stop all
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45723648 NOTICE: ES: Stopping event server
08:05:47 T:2704 M: 45793280 NOTICE: ES: UDP Event server stopped
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45821952 NOTICE: stop dvd detect media
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45850624 NOTICE: stop sap announcement listener
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45846528 NOTICE: clean cached files!
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 45846528 NOTICE: unload skin
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 70656000 NOTICE: stop python
08:05:47 T:1616 M: 70656000 NOTICE: stopped

[smtdd]

Please turn on debugmode in XBMC, open a file to play with external player, and post your xbmc.log on e.g. pastebin.com. (Hopefully this reverse translates correctly) ;)


POST TO pastebin.com.


http://pastebin.com/m2f31940c

Can you see it?

:blush:

[nugentgl]

I've finally got everything working, the only problem i have left is when MPC closes, XBMC just launches it again, and never stops launching it until i kill the process.

It doesn't do this if the movie ends on it's own and the player closes. Only when i force MPC to close.

Edit - Nevermind it seems to have stopped, i have no idea what i did though.

Mine is doing the same thing except XBMC will never stop re-opening the movie until I manually stop the movie then exit. An easy workaround is programming one button to stop MPC playback and then exit MPC.

[digital21cn]

log wont really show you anything.

the issue is this (not confirmed but i'm quite sure); we use utf-8 to represent everything internally in xbmc, those apps want msft ansi formatted strings. unicode in windows is really quite the pita. looking at the commits that (tried to) fix the international-char-in-username stuff might be an idea

Agree. I guess xbmc was developed using unicode, because it supports Chinese very well. But as for this plugin, it may not the case.

[spiff]

yeah, utf-8 "==" unicode (the equality in quotes as there are several unicode standards..)

[konfoo]

log wont really show you anything.

the issue is this (not confirmed but i'm quite sure); we use utf-8 to represent everything internally in xbmc, those apps want msft ansi formatted strings. unicode in windows is really quite the pita. looking at the commits that (tried to) fix the international-char-in-username stuff might be an idea

Yes I am aware of unicode issues - but given the amount of posts in this thread along the lines of 'launchplayer is broken for reason X' that turn out to be reason Y, it never hurts to get one regardless...

[konfoo]

I've finally got everything working, the only problem i have left is when MPC closes, XBMC just launches it again, and never stops launching it until i kill the process.

It doesn't do this if the movie ends on it's own and the player closes. Only when i force MPC to close.

Edit - Nevermind it seems to have stopped, i have no idea what i did though.

Your remote control handler may also be sending multiple keypresses for a button hit. But regardless you should just map stop or close to alt-x or whatever the graceful exit is, vs simply alt-f4'ing it.