TheGreenButton - Windows Media Center Forums

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: What to replace DVBLink with for Sat-IP and IPTV sources? :: Reply by boxcar32

2024-04-02T13:12:26+00:00

Hi all, give this a try, https://kevinchalet.com/2023/07/05/conn ... o-dvblink/. I just did this with the help of Kévin. I now have WMC working with my cable channels and some Pluto TV channels.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: What to replace DVBLink with for Sat-IP and IPTV sources? :: Reply by prsa01

2024-04-02T16:18:40+00:00

boxcar32 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 02, 2024 1:12 pm Hi all, give this a try, https://kevinchalet.com/2023/07/05/conn ... o-dvblink/. I just did this with the help of Kévin. I now have WMC working with my cable channels and some Pluto TV channels.

Have you tried recording /watching/timeshifting the pluto stuff yet? Pretty much everything I've tried and read (with possible exception of channels dvr) has had mixed to disappointing results with pluto depending on channel and even show within channel.

To be clear, this has nothing to do with Kevin's iptv/WMC solution. This is using multiple different dvr solutions with pluto.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: What to replace DVBLink with for Sat-IP and IPTV sources? :: Reply by boxcar32

2024-04-05T16:39:36+00:00

I only have a few pluto channels that I watch through WMC. Some play fine but others don't play at all. I am using tvheadend where I have to pipe some of the channels to get them to stream. I will test recoding a series and let you know.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: What to replace DVBLink with for Sat-IP and IPTV sources? :: Reply by prsa01

2024-04-06T09:52:04+00:00

boxcar32 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 05, 2024 4:39 pm I only have a few pluto channels that I watch through WMC. Some play fine but others don't play at all. I am using tvheadend where I have to pipe some of the channels to get them to stream. I will test recoding a series and let you know.

Streamlink seems to help, but not solve, some of these issues. There are discussions both in n NextPVR and Channels dvr forums about the many things people have tried to get pluto to play nicely with other apps. In Npvr/kodi I can watch live (mostly) fine and record some shows/channels after transcoding ok. Other shows pretty much are a mess after recording. One of the knowledgeable people said the time indexes need to be rebuilt but Npvr stopped putting effort into it awhile ago. It's possible Channels dvr solved it. I haven't tried their solution but don't see current problems discussed. That could be because they gave up on it too, though.

Anyway, if you find something that works, please share it.

Windows 7 Media Center :: WMC Back after 6 years > searching for old album art script :: Author Bookwood

2024-04-09T19:58:30+00:00

Hello friends of Windows Media Center.
After 6 years without WMC, I decided to return.
I sold my beloved Asus EeeTop ET 602 music PC 6 years ago and have been trying ever since
to get along with Alexa and music via Bluetooth.
But I was always missing something. It was never really great. I missed the great look of the MCE.
Now I have bought a new “old” music PC: the Asus EeeTop ET 2002T.
What can I say...It's just beautiful.

Unfortunately I have a small problem. I have already completely deleted my old MC software and I am missing a small tool/script file that I once had.
Unfortunately, even after days of searching, I can't find it, and my not-so-good English skills aren't particularly helpful either.
Can you help me?

The script/batch file did the following:
After importing my music collection into Windows Media Player,
I executed a script/batch file.
This script then linked all of my MP3 music pieces that are in the WMP library with the folder file of the respective album and stored them in high quality in the WMC Art Cache.
As a result, the WMC had the album image in high quality when played. Not only in the first picture also every other one and also in the title jump, the picture was there immediately.

Can you help find this script?
I still remember that there were two very small files. A Dos shell has opened and a copy process has started. and I received information about the numbers of cover files created.
The script or batch file was probably quite old, around 2012?(?) I think.

Thank you for your help
Kind regards Christian

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: WMC Back after 6 years > searching for old album art script :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-09T21:15:37+00:00

I don’t remember the script, but you may not need it. If you have high quality album art embedded in your MP3 files then Media Center should just use that. Embedding the album art gives the most robust solution across multiple media players.

As an extra step, can use a registry setting to set the size that Media Player/Center uses for their art cache. The default is just 200, but to increase this to 800:

Use REGEDIT to create a DWORD with the name “LargeAlbumArtSize” and give it a value of 320 (hexadecimal) in the following branch:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\Preferences

This setting is more important if you use M4A/AAC format files and needs to be set before adding your music.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: WMC Back after 6 years > searching for old album art script :: Reply by Bookwood

2024-04-14T05:11:22+00:00

Hello IT Troll, thank you for your quick answer
The community is still great!
It's the weekend and now I've found the time to continue working on my hobby.
To get straight to the point: it didn't work properly, Media Center is stuck at some point and I've been trying to isolate the error for 48 hours now >> Coffee helps
I'll just briefly describe what's happening here.
Regarding your registry tip: Back then, embedded folder files were never the solution, so I first embedded the Folder.Jpg file in the respective files. That wasn't a problem.
I then changed the registry according to your instructions, no problem either.
Cache is empty (Media Center and Ehome).
Media Center starts, it starts scanning the library (which is quite slow because of the old EeePC) and then at some point it just stops.
At this point the media player still shows that it is currently working. After a restart there are always around 7500 unknown files in the library. The media player cache is around 4.17GB in size at this point and contains around 12,100 files.
This error has happened 4 times now, always pretty much the same.
I'm currently looking for different solutions and am trying out a lot of things here.
It would be great if Media Center would convert the 7,500 unknown songs into something familiar at some point or just continue working.
As far as I can see, the missing 7500 files are still tagged correctly.
I'll keep trying around here, but I probably won't find a solution this weekend. Unfortunately, everything takes far too long with the old PC.
I will definitely keep you updated about any further errors and solutions.
LG Christian

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: WMC Back after 6 years > searching for old album art script :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-14T17:34:56+00:00

Could it be that some of the files are encoded in way that Media Center doesn't like? If it is the same files every time, perhaps try to re-encode a problem album to see if that helps.

Is your music library stored locally on the machine or on a network share? If it is on a network share and Media Center encounters a problem when reading the file (e.g. slow/interrupted transfer) it can scan the incomplete file leaving the metadata missing.

I just checked my cache and I have 17,251 files totalling 2.38 GB.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: WMC Back after 6 years > searching for old album art script :: Reply by jachin99

2024-04-15T15:21:06+00:00

Does it make a difference to open WMP and let that build the thumbnail cache, etc?

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: difficulty w/ win7MC after removing an cloning OS drive :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-15T18:04:38+00:00

Take a look in that thread.

viewtopic.php?t=14623

In short, PlayReady takes a hardware signature of your build if too many changes (i.e. motherboard or CPU) it requests a new key from Microsoft. That server doesn't seem to be up anymore. Thus you can't activate PlayReady on any new machines.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: How to Change WTV mpeg2 Decoder WMC7 :: Reply by jdtayloruk

2024-04-20T15:11:19+00:00

I know it’s very old but: http://www.hack7mc.com/2009/04/media-ce ... ows-7.html website is gone.

Its annoying I can’t get that utility.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: How to Change WTV mpeg2 Decoder WMC7 :: Reply by renojim

2024-04-20T21:16:24+00:00

Did you try the Wayback Machine?

https://web.archive.org/web/20130601092 ... laces-vmcd

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: How to Change WTV mpeg2 Decoder WMC7 :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-21T12:11:22+00:00

Here it is. Also uploaded to the Wiki. I'm not sure how well it works or useful it is now. Let us now.

Edit: Just seen that you also posted in another forum and holidayboy already provided it.

Attachments

Media Center Decoder Utility.zip (14.53 KiB)

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Starting WMC :: Reply by thomasperez

2024-04-21T17:05:20+00:00

eclas wrote: ↑Mon Feb 12, 2024 1:53 pm I just uninstalled WMC and re-installed to correct some things. Prior to that I could be on the desktop and press the WMC button, live tv or recorded tv it would start WMC. Now that will not work. All other functions seem fine.
Any ideas?

I am having the same issue. Did you find the solution?

Windows 7 Media Center :: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Author Joram

2024-04-08T07:00:04+00:00

I have a secondary 7MC computer in the office. It's modestly equipped by today's standards, but it's been working well for years. Dell Inspiron 560 with 4GB RAM.

In the last week, suddenly the computer has become unable to run Media Center. As soon as I launch 7MC, physical memory usage is shooting up from 40-50% to 93-98% and the computer slows down to the point of being unusable.

I've run all sorts of hardware diagnostics and virus scans on the machine. Device Manager doesn't show anything as being out of order. The hard drives pass surface scan tests with flying colors. Cleaned up debris with CCleaner and Windows's own Disk Cleanup. Running sfc /scannow showed no problems with the operating system.

I tried increasing the page file from managed by Windows (4094GB) to manually managed at 4094GB min - 8188GB max, and it didn't help. I even inserted a Compact Flash card to use for ReadyBoost, and the situation didn't improve then, either.

The only change I've made to the system in the last few days was to install EPG123 version 1.8.2.10 over 1.8.2.9, but I hardly see how this could make such a great difference in RAM usage.

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by stuartm

2024-04-08T07:30:17+00:00

Have you run Resopurce Monitor to see which process is using lots of memory? Has your WMC database file gotten really large? Have you been running the database cleanup task? (epg123 should launch that for you)

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by StinkyImp

2024-04-08T16:25:56+00:00

In my case (Win 7 Pro x64) I found that WMC wasn't releasing "ehvid.exe" and found about 30 of them running simultaneously. Each one was eating up RAM and the cumulative effect was debilitating.

Now I go into process explorer every few days and kill whatever has accumulated. Since instituting this procedure I've enjoyed 11 months of uptime with no issues. YMMV.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-08T16:40:27+00:00

The WMC database is a little less than 1GB in size. Unfortunately, I don't know if that's normal or how it compares to what it was before. But with 4GB of RAM, using 1GB should in theory add only about 25 percent to the memory usage. And this is before even trying to watch live TV.

When launching WMC with Resource Monitor in view, ehshell.exe first appeared on the list and then the memory usage grew to about 150MB as "physical memory" usage rose to 98%. This happened within a minute of opening WMC. The only other process with comparable apparent usage is svchost.exe. If I add up the reported figures for all the processes listed in Resource Monitor, they add up to about 2.5GB, which should be about 60 percent usage.

The database cleanup seems to be working OK, if I'm reading the log file right.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-08T16:48:11+00:00

StinkyImp wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 4:25 pm In my case (Win 7 Pro x64) I found that WMC wasn't releasing "ehvid.exe" and found about 30 of them running simultaneously. Each one was eating up RAM and the cumulative effect was debilitating.

Now I go into process explorer every few days and kill whatever has accumulated. Since instituting this procedure I've enjoyed 11 months of uptime with no issues. YMMV.

Thanks, I saw your reply after responding to @stuartm. How did you discover that WMC wasn't releasing ehvid.exe?

The computer has slowed to a crawl again after launching WMC to monitor the memory use. I'll power-cycle it and put Process Explorer on it, thanks for the tip!

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by StinkyImp

2024-04-08T17:22:02+00:00

Joram wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 4:48 pmHow did you discover that WMC wasn't releasing ehvid.exe?

After years of pulling my hair out I did a deep dive into my running processes. Since it's a WMC process I just didn't look at it very closely since it was just using a few MB of RAM and < 1 or 2% processor cycles. It wasn't until I found 30+ running that I decided to kill them. Made a huge difference on my system.

Joram wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 4:48 pmThe computer has slowed to a crawl again after launching WMC to monitor the memory use. I'll power-cycle it and put Process Explorer on it, thanks for the tip!

Your process explorer is found by right clicking on the task bar and selecting "Start Task Manager" (alternatively you can use Ctrl-Alt-Del to start the task manager).

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-08T20:11:27+00:00

StinkyImp wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 5:22 pm
Joram wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 4:48 pmHow did you discover that WMC wasn't releasing ehvid.exe?
After years of pulling my hair out I did a deep dive into my running processes. Since it's a WMC process I just didn't look at it very closely since it was just using a few MB of RAM and < 1 or 2% processor cycles. It wasn't until I found 30+ running that I decided to kill them. Made a huge difference on my system.

These ehvid.exe processes, did you see them only when WMC was open or were they running all the time until you killed them? Without WMC running, I don't see any ehvid.exe processes listed in either the Performance tab of Task Manager or in Resource Monitor. ...Actually, I don't see them there after launching WMC either (but while still on the initial screen, no live TV or recordings playing).

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by StinkyImp

2024-04-08T21:00:58+00:00

Joram wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 8:11 pmThese ehvid.exe processes, did you see them only when WMC was open or were they running all the time until you killed them?

It doesn't matter if WMC is open or not.

It's my understanding that "ehvid.exe" performs post processing on WMC recorded programs. After a recording "ehvid.exe" runs for a bit and then shuts down on its own. If it doesn't shut down on its own it creates orphaned processes that stay around forever until I terminate/delete/kill them.

I actually use Process Explorer by SysInternals -> https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysin ... s-explorer

or Process Hacker by Rare Ideas LLC -> https://portableapps.com/apps/utilities ... r-portable

I sort the processes by name and the orphaned ehvid.exe instances show up between dwm.exe (Desktop Window Manager) and epgTray.exe (EPG123 Notification Tray). The only thing I don't touch is ehrecvr.exe (WMC Receiver Service).

If you don't see any, then this isn't what's causing your issues...

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-08T21:42:03+00:00

StinkyImp wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 9:00 pm If you don't see any, then this isn't what's causing your issues...

No, there aren't any.

I just rebooted the machine and opened SysInternals' Process Explorer, then launched WMC. It's very frustrating. The percentages for "Physical Memory" and "Commit Charge" grow to well over 90%, and yet no single process is consuming more than ~150MB of memory. Worse, there's no way to make the individual amounts listed add up to the astronomical totals being reported. Maybe it shows up in some column that's not displayed by default?

And as I was typing this (on a different PC), Process Explorer crashed and closed. I even got one of those "XXX has stopped working" dialogs.

Whatever the problem is, it's definitely related to WMC somehow.

Out of curiosity, do you (or anybody else reading this) know if we can install an earlier version of EPG123 over a later version? It's the only change I've made to the system in the last week, so as implausible as it may seem, installing the previous version might be worth a try for troubleshooting purposes... assuming that the install doesn't make a mess of things.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-08T22:27:22+00:00

You can downgrade epg123 without issue. Just to let you know, epg123 is only running when you are updating the guide. There is nothing, other than the tray notification tool, running in the background and it does not interact with WMC.

It could be a database corruption, but that typically only shows when you enter the guide, not when you open WMC.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-09T00:39:08+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 10:27 pm You can downgrade epg123 without issue. Just to let you know, epg123 is only running when you are updating the guide. There is nothing, other than the tray notification tool, running in the background and it does not interact with WMC.

Thanks, Gary. I don't think the problem is EPG123, but I'm grasping at straws here. Can't imagine what could have set this off in the last week all of a sudden.

I'll install the previous version back over the newer one and see what happens.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by StinkyImp

2024-04-09T17:20:53+00:00

Joram wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 9:42 pmI just rebooted the machine and opened SysInternals' Process Explorer, then launched WMC. It's very frustrating. The percentages for "Physical Memory" and "Commit Charge" grow to well over 90%, and yet no single process is consuming more than ~150MB of memory. Worse, there's no way to make the individual amounts listed add up to the astronomical totals being reported. Maybe it shows up in some column that's not displayed by default?

When I get to the "hair pulling" phase when looking at Process Explorer (or its equivalent), then I go to Windows "Resource Monitor". It's a native Windows (including 7) system analysis tool that give very granular insight into the files, DLLs, disk IO, network throughput, etc. in very, VERY fine detail.

If you open the Task Manager in Windows you should see a link to the "Resource Monitor" on that screen.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-09T18:11:35+00:00

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that. But I'm not hopeful that I'll be able to pinpoint the problem, since the reported RAM usage figures don't come anywhere near the high amounts of memory taken up.

This morning, in case it was the antivirus software somehow causing the problem, I disabled it and launched WMC. RAM usage grew just as fast as before.

DELETE: [So the next step was to install EPG123 1.8.2.9 over 1.8.2.10, but when I clicked on the install file, my AV blocked and deleted it! Shouldn't have re-enabled it so soon. And now I can't find the earlier version on the EPG123 site, only the newest 1.8.2.11 is listed. How to download previous versions?] NVM, I found a copy of that version on another PC. The Department of Redundancy Department to the rescue!

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by StinkyImp

2024-04-09T21:10:11+00:00

Joram wrote: ↑Tue Apr 09, 2024 6:11 pmThanks, I'll keep an eye on that. But I'm not hopeful that I'll be able to pinpoint the problem, since the reported RAM usage figures don't come anywhere near the high amounts of memory taken up.

I should probably say... Task Manager/Process Monitor is a baby buggy compared to Resource Monitor. If you want to know what's happening in your system, it will let you know in minute, granular clarity.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-09T22:14:34+00:00

UPDATE: Installing EPG123 v.1.8.2.9 over 1.2.8.10 did not improve things, so we can rule it out (thankfully).

I found a suggestion here https://superuser.com/questions/782469/ ... ers-others that disabling the Windows Media Player Network Sharing service might work. Sadly, that didn't help, either.

Most of the time RAM usage shoots up so fast I can't keep up with it, but once in a while it goes up more slowly, though still eventually to levels where the PC becomes unusable.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-09T23:01:22+00:00

It is odd that Process Explorer isn’t showing what is consuming the memory. I’m not sure how it is possible for a process to use memory without it being monitored.

If the issue only occurs when Media Center is launched and it does it immediately, even when just sat on the main menu, then I can only think it is the WMC database. In which case you may have to go nuclear and reset/rebuild the database.

Media Center Extensions can be very prone to memory leaks and duplicate processes, but this normally only happens after you launch an extension and in that case the process(es) can be clearly seen.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-10T05:48:36+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Tue Apr 09, 2024 11:01 pm It is odd that Process Explorer isn’t showing what is consuming the memory. I’m not sure how it is possible for a process to use memory without it being monitored.

If the issue only occurs when Media Center is launched and it does it immediately, even when just sat on the main menu, then I can only think it is the WMC database. In which case you may have to go nuclear and reset/rebuild the database.

Media Center Extensions can be very prone to memory leaks and duplicate processes, but this normally only happens after you launch an extension and in that case the process(es) can be clearly seen.

I found this discussion https://superuser.com/questions/727356/ ... igher-than that may shed some light (while throwing quite a bit of heat) on the question of why reported RAM usage doesn't match the sum of the individual amounts. Maybe someone more technically oriented than me can give the gist of it in plain(er) English. In particular, I don't know what they mean by "backing store," had never come across that term before.

I may go ahead and rebuild the WMC database, I don't see what else one could do at this point. Thanks for the idea.

Right now the PC has 4GB of RAM, 6GB of ReadyBoost, and 8GB of page file. And since last week it's been shooting up to over 90 percent of all that capacity within seconds of opening WMC.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-10T19:57:09+00:00

Joram wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2024 5:48 am In particular, I don't know what they mean by "backing store," had never come across that term before.

Backing store is basically a less common term for the paging file element of virtual memory.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T01:13:25+00:00

WMC does do an integrity check on the database as soon as you open it. If the database is corrupt, that may explain the memory leakage, but I'm surprised that WMC wouldn't have performed a recovery task and started a new database if that was the case.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-11T05:12:59+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2024 7:57 pm
Joram wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2024 5:48 am In particular, I don't know what they mean by "backing store," had never come across that term before.
Backing store is basically a less common term for the paging file element of virtual memory.

Thanks very much, I learned something new today!

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-11T05:18:22+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 1:13 am WMC does do an integrity check on the database as soon as you open it. If the database is corrupt, that may explain the memory leakage, but I'm surprised that WMC wouldn't have performed a recovery task and started a new database if that was the case.

OK, I tried to rebuild the WMC database and I got an error I'd never seen before: "Failed to delete the database file," and suggesting I try doing it in Safe Mode. So I tried it in Safe Mode, and got the exact same error!

Should I try to do it manually, and if so then how?

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-11T08:58:40+00:00

That sounds like some process is locking the file. Which would also explain why Media Center is having problems or cannot repair. Something like Anti-Virus could be the cause. I doubt you will be to manually delete without releasing the lock. Once again, the wonderful Process Explorer from Sysinternals can be used to find out which process is locking the file or folder.

Another possibility could be if the file permissions have somehow got corrupted. But a file lock is probably more likely.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T13:56:50+00:00

The files that typically get locked when trying to delete the old database are the *.mem files in the c:\programdata\microsoft\ehome\mcepgX-Y folder. EPG123 will try and force close any process attached to those files in order to delete them, but sometimes it takes 2 tries. The log file will show what files were unsuccessful.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-11T15:06:03+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 8:58 am That sounds like some process is locking the file. Which would also explain why Media Center is having problems or cannot repair. Something like Anti-Virus could be the cause. I doubt you will be to manually delete without releasing the lock. Once again, the wonderful Process Explorer from Sysinternals can be used to find out which process is locking the file or folder.

Another possibility could be if the file permissions have somehow got corrupted. But a file lock is probably more likely.

Fortunately, Windows allowed me to delete the three .MEM files and to start the process of rebuilding the WMC database without the "failed to delete" error message popping up. (In case it makes a difference, I have the anti-virus disabled though not uninstalled.)

Now, though, I'm being asked to "Select a MXF file," with a dialog pointing to ProgramData --> GaRyan2 --> epg123 --> output, but there are no MXF files listed there to choose from. Not sure how to proceed from here?

For what it's worth, navigating to that folder via Windows Explorer shows two 2-day-old files in it, named epg123.msf.gz and epg123.mxf.zz. But I guess the dialog wouldn't be finding those since it's looking for an MXF file with no further filename extensions.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T15:11:03+00:00

You have changed something in your epg123 configuration so it deleted the mxf file. You can close that dialog and just run an epg update to create a new mxf file and it will import it into WMC. The mxf file contains all your guide listings.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-11T17:13:05+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 3:11 pm You have changed something in your epg123 configuration so it deleted the mxf file. You can close that dialog and just run an epg update to create a new mxf file and it will import it into WMC. The mxf file contains all your guide listings.

Thank you. I closed the dialog, did a manual update, and launched WMC. This time, memory usage grew slowly but steadily a few hundredths of a percent at a time, then once it got to about 63 percent it shot up by 5 percent and then 25 percent, to 93%, at which point the mouse pointer disappeared. Usage dropped back down to 87% and the pointer came back as an arrow with tips at both ends, sometimes as a spinning circle. RAM usage now is bouncing between 86 and 98 percent. Computer is slow to respond.

What can I try next?

UPDATE: I tried opening the recorded files in WMC. Nothing seemed to happen for a while, when a dialog box popped up saying,

Code: Select all

Application has generated an exception that could not be handled.
Process ID=0x15c8 (5576), Thread ID=0xbd8 (3032).
Click OK to terminate the application.
Click CANCEL to debug the application.

The dialog's title bar reads, "ehshell.exe - Application Error"

The Process ID number was for ehshell.exe, but I wouldn't know how to look for the Thread ID to see what it's related to.

Clicking on CANCEL in that dialog led to a new dialog saying something about a JIT debugger not being specified.

Along with WMC, also open are Task Manager and Process Explorer. Right-clicking on ehshell.exe in either of those applications yields a context menu where one of the options is to create a dump or mini-dump file. If it could help, I can create that file. Not sure if it might contain private information, though, so maybe posting it publicly isn't the best idea.

WMC is still open but RAM usage has dropped back to around 66 percent, and now that I looked at it again, to 52 percent. I'll leave everything open and "as is" in order to make the troubleshooting easier.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by StinkyImp

2024-04-11T17:25:39+00:00

Joram wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 5:13 pmWhat can I try next?

I'm curious about what you learned from "Resource Monitor"?

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-11T17:45:32+00:00

StinkyImp wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 5:25 pm
Joram wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 5:13 pmWhat can I try next?
I'm curious about what you learned from "Resource Monitor"?

The only thing I managed to learn is that the total reported memory usage doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the sum of the reported individual processes memory usage.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-12T00:01:34+00:00

Wow, that's kinda crazy. Do you have any other WMC related programs that could be activated when you open WMC?

At this point, I would recommend removing WMC, reboot, and add WMC back.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-12T05:02:25+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 12, 2024 12:01 am Wow, that's kinda crazy. Do you have any other WMC related programs that could be activated when you open WMC?

At this point, I would recommend removing WMC, reboot, and add WMC back.

Thanks for the suggestion. You're right, there may be no better (or even any other) way.

Just to make sure: doing this would require going through the TV Setup process again including the PlayReady and Digital Cable Advisor stuff, basically starting from scratch, is that right?

ADDITION: I forgot to answer your first question. No, the only things on that PC that are related to watching TV are the Ceton tuner, Ceton driver, and Ceton Diagnostics Utility. There are no WMC extensions, if that's what you mean.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-12T13:26:46+00:00

Not sure about CableCARD. For my OTA, I can uninstall/reinstall WMC without having to do anything extra other than re-Tweaking my guide layout. Your WMC database, DRM keys, and registry entries pretty much stay in place on the uninstall, so when WMC is reinstalled, you're ready to go.

Given the reality that it is now impossible to get PlayReady initialized, it is highly recommended to make a backup of your system whether you plan on uninstalling WMC or not.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-12T14:00:03+00:00

I will add, I'm assuming you are on Win7. If Win10/11 with something other than 8.9.x, you would definitely lose everything and won't be able to get PlayReady working.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-12T17:16:45+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 12, 2024 2:00 pm I will add, I'm assuming you are on Win7. If Win10/11 with something other than 8.9.x, you would definitely lose everything and won't be able to get PlayReady working.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Yes, it's a Win7 system. Thanks for the tip, this is good to know.

I hope to get a chance to do the uninstall/reinstall this weekend, but will make sure to run a backup beforehand.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-16T23:12:18+00:00

UPDATE: After imaging the system, I tried one more thing before uninstalling WMC. While looking up this issue on the Web, I came across a feature I wasn't familiar with: WMC Optimization. It's reached by selecting Tasks --> General --> Optimization. Some observers claim that it improves WMC functioning, so I tried it. Whatever improvements it made, they didn't help with the memory usage issue, so I had little choice but to chance uninstalling WMC to then reinstall it.

Just did that this afternoon. Uninstalled WMC in Programs and Features, rebooted, then reinstalled WMC and rebooted again for good measure. Launched WMC. Now memory usage is rising to 89-93 percent and holding steadily there, not going past that level. PC remains responsive and usable.

And thankfully, nothing was lost in the process: all the recordings are still there and I can watch every channel that I could watch before. Phew!

One odd thing, though: I seem to have lost a bunch of buttons on the WMC UI, including "skip back" and "skip forward."

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Lately, RAM usage shooting up when launching WMC :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-23T06:01:17+00:00

NEW UPDATE: Reinstalling WMC did help, but the problem didn't go away completely until I put more RAM in the PC. Following an evening recording (the WMC GUI was not in use), one morning last week I turned the PC on to see that Windows had reverted to the basic theme instead of Aero Glass, no doubt to save on resources. (This happened several times the previous week before uninstalling/reinstalling WMC.) The computer had four 1GB sticks; I found two compatible 2GB sticks from other computers lying around and replaced two of the 1GB modules, for a new total of 6GB.

The computer is now running consistently without hiccups. As I write this, a recorded baseball game is playing on WMC and RAM usage is at 4.3 - 4.5GB.

Windows 7 Media Center :: XBox Live down again? :: Author jriker1

2024-04-23T18:44:26+00:00

Turned on the XBox 360 today only to find a long lag spinner on the screen and then oddly says I'm logged into XBox Live but says when it gets to the main screen I'm not logged in. Confused? I think go into MCE and it's giving the usual need to download the codec or whatever to watch anything. Is XBox Live down again as although this seems a little different how presenting, same outcome.

JR

Windows 7 Media Center :: 7MC loses some on-screen controls :: Author Joram

2024-04-25T22:57:36+00:00

After uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Media Center (see viewtopic.php?t=14630), several controls on the WMC GUI were lost, among them the Skip Forward and Skip Backward buttons.

The skip functions do work when controlling WMC via a remote, but they don't show up on the WMC screen and so I can't use the mouse to skip when sitting at the computer. Anybody know a way to get these GUI buttons back?

Thanks.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: 7MC loses some on-screen controls :: Reply by Joram

2024-04-25T23:52:48+00:00

Mods: Please delete three of the four instances of this thread.

I did not know that any of these got posted: when I hit Submit, nothing would happen for a while and then I'd get a 2006 "General Error" saying "MySQL server has gone away".

Windows 7 Media Center :: Win 7 Update Playready :: Author packetloss

2024-04-04T21:18:56+00:00

I have WMC PC with an infinitv 6 PCIe that is fortunately working fine. I have however had a PC go on me after a recent power outage, so I started looking into building a backup WMC PC.

I did a fresh install on another PC, moved the infinitv over to the new machine and went through the setup process. All went well till I went through the tuner setup. After it finishes with the cablecard activation screens it wants to update PlayReady which fails and says there is no internet connection. Is there any way to bypass this check? It seems to be some server-side check where the server is no longer active.

As a test, I cloned my working systems drive, booted up that system with the cloned drive, confirmed everything was working and then tried to go through a tuner setup and it encountered the same issue. So playready clearly doesn't need to be updated and everything would work if there was a way to get passed the update check.

Does anyone know of a way to get this working?

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-06T19:10:22+00:00

I'm afraid we are truly out of luck. I pretty much did exactly the same thing you did, restoring (i.e. "cloning" an image of my working production WMC machine (which has an InfinitTV6 like yours) to a newly acquired machine that I wanted to kind of use as a laboratory machine, as well as perhaps a backup should I need it.

Same exact symptoms as you describe, where it appears the TV Signal setup detected this was a "new machine" (i.e. different CPU and motherboard serial numbers, etc.) and attempted to "phone home" to what I am sure used to be the MS PlayReady "authorization / enabling" server in the sky. I agree it is not because an actual "update to the PlayReady software was needed". I agree it clearly is something else that WMC/Ceton/DRM/PlayReady must have needed done in order to allow DRM content to be decrypted... as if this were truly a brand new machine (which it actually is, of course). Has nothing to do with the actual software in my opinion. It's "licensing of PlayReady on this new machine" that is required.

And so now that MS no longer operates that server in the sky, I'm convinced WMC with Ceton / cablecard / DRM will never again be possible for copy-protected content on a new machine. If you happen to be serviced by a cable company that doesn't copy-protect its content (e.g. I have a friend in a Frontier / FIOS area which doesn't doesn't copy-protect content and also doesn't use a tuning adapter for SDV channels like my own Spectrum service uses), then you still can build a WMC although you may occasionally encounter the "PlayReady update needed" situation for no obvious reason other than an errative head-end feed. But in a situation like my Spectrum situation where every channel's content is officially copy-protected (and shows those words "copy protected" at the bottom of the WMC description for each program), I'm afraid WMC is truly end-of-life. Black screen. No picture.

Protect what we currently have working with your life. Thankfully I really do have two WMC machines (one primary "production" and a second "backup"), both of which have Ceton Infinitv6 tuners (as well as Hauppauge Quad-HD tuners for OTA/ATSC 1.0). Both have still operational Motorola cablecards and Motorola tuning adapters, and both still work perfectly... at least for as long as Spectrum continues to allow me to use cablecards and tuning adapters. Note that they NO LONGER PROVIDE NEW CABLECARDS OR TUNING ADAPTERS, if I wanted to get them. But they still do at least let me keep what I have, grandfathered in.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-06T21:11:48+00:00

This is what I do to install PlayReady on a fresh Win7 Install (with updates).

1. Open WMC and do the express setup.
2. Goto settings/General/Windows Media Center Setup and verify there is a button for 'Install PlayReady'. [DO NOT CLICK]
3. Close WMC.
4. For CableCARD users: Download and install Digital Cable Advisor (https://garyan2.github.io/downloads/DRM ... up_x64.msi)
5. Download and install PlayReady (https://garyan2.github.io/downloads/DRM ... PC_x64.msi)
6. Open WMC.
7. Goto settings/General/Windows Media Center Setup and click the 'Install PlayReady' button
8. For CableCARD users: Perform DCA from WMC home Extras
9. Perform TV Setup. It should not ask to update PlayReady

Note, since I don't actually use anything that needs PlayReady (I'm OTA), I don't know if WMC will want to update PlayReady for CableCARD users. I just know doing the above will successfully install PlayReady initially.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-08T12:23:40+00:00

Looks like we are dead in the water. The WMC dialog is misleading. It's not that it's trying to update PlayReady, it's that it's trying to get a key.

Not that we can do much about this, but I do have an issue with them no longer providing licensing. There is a difference between no longer supporting a product (i.e. providing security or feature updates etc) and intentionally crippling a product. If you design a product to require communication with a server, you still need to keep that server up even if you no longer support the product.

I came across this in another thread:
I opened a ticket with Microsoft Premier Support and the issue bounced around a little among their normal, level 1 folks mainly because all three major components involved here (Windows 7, Media Center and PlayReady 1.3) were all out of support. My only saving grace was Windows 8.1 still has extended support until 1/2023. I eventually got someone on their Windows Media/Home team and was able to explain the problem to them. It turns out the server(s) that handle "Silverlight PlayReady individualization" had an expired certificate. By coincidence, it happened to be within a few days after Windows 7 support ended. Since Silverlight support ends in October 2021 (see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hel ... of-support), they renewed the cert and Silverlight activations started working again. PlayReady uses the same servers to activate as well which indirectly solved that issue. When PlayReady and Silverlight "individualize" they contact Microsoft's servers to get their key but if the SSL cert on the server (Microsoft's end) is not valid, the client does not trust the server and the process fails. It turns out the Microsoft person helping me with this issue has a colleague that was fielding a call with a customer with Silverlight individualization issues. It probably would have been fixed without my intervention and PlayReady would have magically started working for us anyway. From what I gather, the only reason they fixed this for us was nothing to do with Windows 7, Media Center or PlayReady but because of Silverlight is still supported until October 2021. PlayReady 1.3 just so happens to use the same infrastructure as Silverlight.

It's a safe bet that this specific issue for PlayReady should not happen again until Silverlight goes out of support. Even then, it may continue to run for another two years from around this date (3/2022) since that's how long the cert is good for, but that is not guaranteed. Microsoft may bring down those servers before the cert expires. For those of you who want to continue to run WMC beyond Octoober 2021, you might want to successfully activate a few machines or VMs to keep as a backup. Remember, a hardware change (even swapping out a defective motherboard for the same model) is enough to flag PlayReady to re-individualize. Just changing the amount of memory on my working VM also caused it to want to re-individualize. If you keep your hardware spec the same, PlayReady won't attempt to contact Microsoft and theoretically, could operate for years after the Silverlight infrastructure is taken offline.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-08T14:02:56+00:00

packetloss wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 12:23 pm Looks like we are dead in the water. The WMC dialog is misleading. It's not that it's trying to update PlayReady, it's that it's trying to get a key.

I concur. My interpretation as well.

Not that we can do much about this, but I do have an issue with them no longer providing licensing. There is a difference between no longer supporting a product (i.e. providing security or feature updates etc) and intentionally crippling a product. If you design a product to require communication with a server, you still need to keep that server up even if you no longer support the product.

What do these big guys care? They don't feel the same way.

Adobe is no different. I spent lots of money for a number of licenses for Photoshop CS3 and then upgrades to CS6, back when you could actually "purchase" licensed software and use it "for life", before they all went to the (a) monthly rental or (b) annual renewal "eternal revenue" pricing model for licensed software. Turns out when you install Adobe products they "phone home" to verify/validate license keys and activate the product. The install won't complete unless the license is legit. Well, in the past few years Adobe took down the license key activation servers (much as MS did with the activation servers for obtaining WMC PlayReady keys and enabling DRM functionality). So now there is no longer an Adobe activation server for your re-install to contact.

And that means your Photoshop CS3/CS6 reinstalls (should you need to do one) can no longer complete. So even though you paid lots of money for licenses that were theoretically for "lifetime use", the notion no longer exists. You will never again be able to newly install these "purchased license" products.

Again... protect your current machines that have this type of software already installed and which continue to run normally. You will never be able to again install it.

I came across this in another thread:...

This explanation you provide, and which came from someone else's other thread somewhere, sounds perfectly correct. Again, just confirming that we are dead in the water as far as trying to get WMC and PlayReady to ever activate successfully again. It's not the software that needs "updating", its the activation of the DRM decrypting key for your particular machine configuration that will never again be possible.

I'm going to confirm this today. I just installed a brand new "laboratory Win7" to one of my two existing Skylake machines that have Ceton InfiniTV6 tuners inside, each one with "paired" and validated cablecards and tuning adapters (for SDV channels), both 100% usable on my Spectrum cable system where they copy-protect and encrypt everything. My "backup" machine was built back in 2017, and my "production" machine was built in 2019. Both have been operating properly ever since originally created, and Win7/WMC was never reinstalled on either one so that I still continue to have access through WMC on each machine to all un-viewed encrypted content on each machine, going back to day 1 on each machine.

Anyway, although i am 99.999% sure that I will not be successful in trying to follow Gary's recipe (which has no connection to true cable-provided DRM/encrypted content and Ceton cablecard-enabled tuners, and the need for PlayReady to actually "work") I decided just to give it a try. I had failed in this project a few weeks back trying to use a third machine (purchased just for this research) and trying to use an external Ceton ETH tuner. Unfortunately that project failed because I could never get the external Ceton ETH and cablecard and tuning adapter to initialized properly, as the internal Ceton PCIe does inside of both of my other machines. But I thought I'd give it one more shots this week, using my "backup" machine for the lab work since I have no problem using the internal Ceton PCIe card with Spectrum.

So later today I will move past "day 1" (which is just installing Win7 and getting a basic system ready for use with WMC), and on into "day 2" which is setting up the TV signal and seeing if I can view anything from Spectrum. A few weeks ago my other lab project failed with "black screen" because I never could get PlayReady to be happy (even though all of the related steps enumerated in Gary's recipe were performed). I suspect I will similarly fail again today, even though I have a working Ceton PCIe tuner and cablecard and tuning adapter.

==> Protect what you have today, with your life. If/when Spectrum pulls the plug totally on customer-leased cablecards and tuning adapters that will truly be the end for us. But until then just protect what you have today.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-08T15:21:02+00:00

Most DRM systems will require validation/activation step against a trusted source, otherwise they could be easily spoofed.

In the case of Media Center it is only being used to prevent recordings from being transferred/shared and so perhaps only needs a one-time client key rather than a per content licence check. I think the KMS method (also used to activate Windows) is used:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/playr ... y-ids-kids

PlayReady is still a widely used technology. But it wouldn't surprise me if Microsoft have stopped issuing keys for Media Center. They have been trying to kill it for years!

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-08T15:30:35+00:00

Appreciate your updates on this.

I wish I had known or thought of this 4 years ago. I would have put together 2 or 3 spare machines like you did. Unfortunately, I did exactly what you just attempted and it failed in a fresh Win7 setup as well as with a clone of my working installation. Gary's recipe unfortunately didn't work. I did once get past the playready loop by stopping and starting the service, but it would not play protected channels. It makes sense now that I realize it needs a key that it just can't get regardless of what hoops you run through to get past the dialogs.

I've been pretty lucky with my current setup (it's been running for over 10 years) having replaced my drives about 6 or 7 years ago. I have backups and suspect I can survive any HD issues, but from my understanding if either my CPU or motherboard get replaced it would trigger a PlayReady key request. I do blow the dust out once a year, will try to do it twice a year and maybe replace the fans as well.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-08T15:43:19+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 3:21 pm Most DRM systems will require validation/activation step against a trusted source, otherwise they could be easily spoofed.

In the case of Media Center it is only being used to prevent recordings from being transferred/shared and so perhaps only needs a one-time client key rather than a per content licence check. I think the KMS method (also used to activate Windows) is used:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/playr ... y-ids-kids

PlayReady is still a widely used technology. But it wouldn't surprise me if Microsoft have stopped issuing keys for Media Center. They have been trying to kill it for years!

It's definitely a one-time key as existing installs continue to work and as you pointed it it's just to prevent you from transferring/sharing content. Their code seems to refer to this process as individualizing. I suspect it's even hackable if someone could spoof a server to return a key based on the hardware signature. Unfortunately, that is beyond my skills. It might use the KMS method, but if it does, why would it fail now? I was able to activate a Win 7 install on a new build with a new key, so the fundamental infrastructure for Win 7 authentication is still up and running. For whatever reason, they used a different server infrastructure for PlayReady DRM keys.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-08T16:41:51+00:00

packetloss wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 3:43 pm It might use the KMS method, but if it does, why would it fail now? I was able to activate a Win 7 install on a new build with a new key, so the fundamental infrastructure for Win 7 authentication is still up and running. For whatever reason, they used a different server infrastructure for PlayReady DRM keys.

KMS and PlayReady are both massive and extensively used technologies. It is very conceivable that they have just turned off (or failed to renew) the service point specifically for Media Center. It is over a year since Windows 8 went end-of-life, so as you found in that post, highly likely that a certificate in the activation chain has expired.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-09T02:17:14+00:00

I can confirm that Gary's recipe doesn't actually "work" in getting PlayReady to activate/validate a new WMC installation for DRM as required.

At first I thought the prescribed sequence of steps had actually succeeded:

But after getting everything fully configured and tweaked and installed with WMC and EPG123, when I actually went to tune to a Spectrum cable channel from the Guide:

it didn't actually work. Screen went all-blue (or all-black), and then eventually produced the dreaded PlayReady update required message:

And of course if you let it try to do the update:

it simply fails:

That's it. I can of course continue to use WMC without problem with my Hauppauge Quad-HD 4-tuner OTA/ATSC 1.0 tuner card. But not for the Ceton card and Spectrum cablecard.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by gobo

2024-04-09T15:27:35+00:00

Hey guys.

This couldn't be happening at a worse time for me. My ATX power supply went in my WMC7 PC. When I installed a new one it literally blew out all 6 hard drives in the machine with one catching fire. I a chain reaction now all of my drives are dead. I had my back up hard drive images across the drives in there thinking I couldn't possibly loose all six at once. So no current external image of my system drive other than one from over a year ago. I did back up all of my media though thankfully. It blew out my motherboard too. Luckily, so I thought, I did keep a backup copy of the exact motherboard model (Asus P5Q-SEin) in case something like this ever happened. I put in the "new/old" backup motherboard with new memory, power supply and new hard drives. I matched up the drives letters to where all of the dead hard drives mapped. I use the old PCI/PCEi cards because they were OK. I then used the year old (full drive) backup image and restored the system to C:, thinking I'd just have to update scheduled recordings and loose a few of the newer showed we recorded. No dice. Had my hopes up at first because it booted perfectly and worked exactly as before until I hit a protected channel.

Over the last few weeks I have done everything possible. I've also tried everything I read online to get Playready to work. I re-imaged the new hard drive and tried a completely clean windows 7 installation all to no avail. In a last ditch attempt I just bought a sealed old pre SP1 Windows 7 DVD on ebay hoping when it gets here that the old (hopefully dumber) version of Windows its stupid enough to let the it work. After ready all of these post I'm thinking that's not going to happen. I'm not sure they'll even let me activate Windows 7 itself! heck I even sent the PCB from one of the dead hard drives holding a current backup image out to be replaced. They switched over the BIOS chip from the dead board to the new exact copy. That drive now spins up at least but doesn't work. I'm sure everything is still on the platters but its not worth the money to go that route.

So is this simply it!? We will never be able to reactivate WMC on any new installation and use an HDHomerun Prime/cablecard for protected channel? Why the heck would MS do that? It's not like it's hurting them in any way and it certainly doesn't encourage people to use their products in the future. I know we can still use it for unprotected stuff but my cable company has protected some of the most basic channels. Luckily we have also have a Hauppauge colossus card in the machine but one tuner isn't going to cut it. I'd hate to go back to the multiple HDPVR route alone. WMC is perfect for live TV. The interface is beautiful and fast. When people see what we use and they still think its cool and ask how to get it. What a shame.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-09T22:58:36+00:00

gobo wrote: ↑Tue Apr 09, 2024 3:27 pmSo is this simply it!? We will never be able to reactivate WMC on any new installation and use an HDHomerun Prime/cablecard for protected channel? Why the heck would MS do that? It's not like it's hurting them in any way and it certainly doesn't encourage people to use their products in the future. I know we can still use it for unprotected stuff but my cable company has protected some of the most basic channels. Luckily we have also have a Hauppauge colossus card in the machine but one tuner isn't going to cut it. I'd hate to go back to the multiple HDPVR route alone. WMC is perfect for live TV. The interface is beautiful and fast. When people see what we use and they still think its cool and ask how to get it. What a shame.

Yes, I'm afraid it's true. Win7 is now 4 years past EOL. Win8.1 is now 1 year past EOL. So the official "host OS's" for WMC are long-gone. It does almost seem sensible that MS would eventually get around to shutting down their end of anything related to all this WMC software. As I mentioned above, even Adobe has a while back completely shut down their own licensing/activation serevrs that were a required mandatory part of the built-in software installation process for their previously sold "lifetime licensed" Photoshop CS3 and CS6 products. And this has made it now 100% impossible to [re-]install the Photoshop software you paid lots of money to acquire, if you had to, or even to contact Adobe to get "permission" for deactivating/re-activating.

So WMC and DRM/PlayReady which also requires a handshake to activate/enable PlayReady on a new Win7/WMC install (or hardware upgrade using a previously existing install Win7/WMC "image") do truly appear to be 100% no longer functional in any new "from-scratch" situation.

NOTE: if you are looking to use WMC for a non-DRM situation such as OTA/ATSC, I highly recommend the Hauppauge Quad-HD 4-tuner PCIe card. That is what I use in both of my own TWO still-working Win7/WMC machines (that also both have fully operational Ceton 6-tuner PCIe card and fully enabled PlayReady in them, along with Spectrum cablecard and tuning adapter for Spectrum's 100% DRM copy-protected content). As I mentioned previously these two WIn7/WMC/PlayReady/Ceton/Hauppauge machines were built in 2019 and also 2017, thankfully when MS and WMC and PlayReady were still installable on new machines. And thankfully both machines are still 100% functional and 100% usable, and have not required any critical hardware replacement.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-11T14:35:28+00:00

DSperber wrote: ↑Tue Apr 09, 2024 10:58 pm So WMC and DRM/PlayReady which also requires a handshake to activate/enable PlayReady on a new Win7/WMC install (or hardware upgrade using a previously existing install Win7/WMC "image") do truly appear to be 100% no longer functional in any new "from-scratch" situation.

I'm surprised this never fully came up before. I came across all this only after attempting to do some new builds. ALL the previous playReady bypass threads (except the one that contained the info I posted above) are complete bunk. The issue isn't that PlayReady needs to update and thus simply getting past that screen means absolutely nothing. Likewise, it doesn't matter which version of Windows you use. I used a fresh install of Windows 7, as well as a cloned copy of my working Windows 7 setup and IF you need to go through setup again, PlayReady needs to "individualize" your system. Essentially, it takes a signature of your hardware and requests a key from their PlayReady activation server. This is what's no longer working.

Fortunately for me, my existing system is still working, but I would suggest to anyone truly dead in the water to call Microsoft and ask for PlayReady support.

Yes it's a grey area, they can argue this is WMC support, but I'd argue, no this is PlayReady support since it's PlayReady requesting "individualization". All they need to do is renew the certificate and it will work. The server is still up. I ran wireshark on it and saw the IP of the server it was connecting to.

The other alternative, which would be the best solution, is if someone could spoof the authorization server/key generation process such that it can generate the keys needed by PlayReady. Not an easy task, and depending on how those keys are generated, it might not even be realistic. There might even be a way to patch PlayReady such that it always uses the same system signature, perhaps of a working system where we have a working key.

I know the chances are close to 0 but not 0. Afterall the chances that a cow steals your shoes are not 0 either. https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments ... _slim_but/
Just because a product is no longer supported, doesn't mean they render it unusable. Without the PlayReady server, they rendered WMC unusable, not unsupported. Thus if you happened to buy WMC with PlayReady the day before support ended, you would expect to be able to at least use it the day after?

Probably worth a shot if someone wants to call and ask for "PlayReady" support.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-11T14:49:06+00:00

DSperber wrote: ↑Tue Apr 09, 2024 10:58 pm NOTE: if you are looking to use WMC for a non-DRM situation such as OTA/ATSC, I highly recommend the Hauppauge Quad-HD 4-tuner PCIe card.

Does this work for Digital Cable if none of the channels are copy once flagged? I suspect it won't. I think it requires PlayReady individualization even to display CableCard decrypted signals that aren't DRM protected/flagged.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by gobo

2024-04-12T00:29:34+00:00

This whole thing is wrong. Literally a middle finger from MS.

I'm going to try one last ditch attempt. When I put the identical replacement motherboard and new hard drives in I also changed the memory and a network card. I'm going to put the original ones back in from before the old motherboard was fried and restore my old 2022 image again to see if it slips by the Playready checks. I'll let you guys know how it goes but either way WMC looks like a dead end for protected content now. I suppose I could go back analog with cables boxes and HDPVR's. Not sure I want to do that because those HDPVRs were so buggy.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-12T15:43:01+00:00

When my WMC dies I will probably ditch cable and go with channels and playon. They are a step down for me.

As far as PlayReady and individualization, I think if you change 1 element you might have been ok (perhaps just the MB, but kept the CPU). But changing both MB and CPU (did you use a new CPU?) will look like a new machine. I don't think it checks the drive signature, but in your case with so many pieces going at once, I don't think you can get it to work without activation. Either way good luck and hopefully you can get it working. Just tossing this out there, if you still have your old MB, maybe you can salvage the chip that has the SN in it. It would take some heavy soldering skills but that would probably work.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-13T23:14:02+00:00

I've had two WMC machines (one "primary production" and the other "secondary backup") for many many years, probably going back to 2012 or so. Both have always had internal Ceton PCIe tuner cards for cable as well as Hauppauge OTA/ATSC cards for roof antenna local broadcast TV.

Over the years as both machines died (or simply aged, motivating me to upgrade them) I have replaced them. I moved the internal TV tuner cards from the retiring/dead machine into the new replacement machines, but also kept the old (if still working) machines around and still usable to feed my extenders if desired, so that any the still unwatched DRM recordings made on that machine could be still viewed indefinitely, long after the machine had been pulled out of active service to make any new recordings.

And in fact I still do have one of those no-longer-in-use old "shell play-only" WMC machines around with its library of [naturally] still un-watched DRM recordings that I never actually got around to "viewing down". So it is still functional and usable if I ever power it up, in order to watch something from it {sure... that will happen!).

Back in 2017 I wanted to simply add 2x8GB=16GB of memory to my then-current "primary" 2x4G=8GB homebuilt Win7 machine, for a total of 24GB. I had read that others did memory upgrades (while retaining all other key hardware, like CPU, motherboard, graphics card, etc.) without triggering a violation of the PlayReady rules (such that a new key would be required, which would invalidate decrypting of all previously existing unwatched DRM recorded content). In other words these stories suggested that memory was a non-critical and user-upgradeable system resource just like storage drives that you wanted to enlarge, which were considered non-machine-unique resources that you could upgrade as required and not cause the need for a new key.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason that theory didn't work for me. Perhaps it was the combination of different memory stick sizes? But when I added the additional 2x8GB=16GB sticks I lost the ability to play my old DRM recordings. Everything else in the machine was unchanged, including my Ceton InfiniTV PCIe card and inserted cablecard and tuning adapter (from what was then Time Warner Cable service provider). As soon as I removed the just-added memory sticks, sure enough I was instantly once again able to play those old DRM recordings. So in fact I was apparently "stuck" with that physical machine memory size configuration, and would not be able to upgrade the memory in that machine.

And that was what actually caused me to BUILD A SECOND BRAND NEW "more modern Skylake hardware" WMC MACHINE in 2017 (homebuilt, based on an ASUS Z170-deluxe Skylake motherboard), this time with 2x16GB=32GB. When it was complete I cut over from my old 8GB machine, making the 32GB machine my new "primary production"machine, and relegating the original "primary production" 8GB machine to now be my "secondary backup" machine. I still had the old 8GB machine online and connected to separate extenders (I had two extenders at each TV) so that I if I wanted to I could gradually "view-down" my large unwatched collection of DRM recordings using that machine which was technically now my "secondary backup machine".

Then one day in 2019 I had a total hardware disaster in what at the time was that 8GB "secondary backup" machine. Destroyed by a failing power supply. in the process of eventually losing the machine I fried the CPU and motherboard. So in the end I had to totally replace the complete machine and decided I didn't want to build another one myself. So instead I located a "closeout" retail Lenovo 16GB M910t Skylake machine from an online retailer at a terrific price. This 16GB machine was actually an upgrade from the now-dead 8GB machine it was to replace, so I bought it and never added additional memory. I transferred the two TV tuner cards (which thankfully had not gotten fried) from the fried machine into the new M910t, and built this into a brand new WMC machine (starting with zero recordings again). And I still do have this M910t machine from 2019 online and working to this very day, as well as the Z170 machine from 2017. And each one is connected to its own set of four extenders, at each of the four TVs around my home.

Because of what turned out to be "3rd-party software caused" problems in the Z170 (rather than what I'd thought were "suspected failing hardware" causes), a few years ago I swapped "primary" from the Z170 to the M910t, and made the Z170 now be "backup". As it turns out the Z170 hardware wasn't failing after all, but nevertheless that's how it still is today, with both machines still fully operational and 100% for new WMC recordings of DRM content from Spectrum via Ceton (as well as OTA/ATSC recordings of broadcast TV from roof antenna via Hauppauge), with each connected to its own set of four extenders to feed my four TVs. And each machine still has its own collection of unwatched DRM content which I will maybe someday get around to watching.

And apparently, based on what is now apparent, I don't think it is going to be possible to ever again build a new working DRM-enabled PlayReady-enabled WMC machine. So thankfully I have my two working "primary" and "backup" machines, each capable of making and playing new DRM recordings.

And I also have that old "fully retired play-only" third machine (not actually normally plugged in and powered on, but just off disconnected in the corner on a shelf in the "graveyard"), with no TV tuner cards in it to make new recordings but fully able to at least still play any previously made DRM recordings from back when this machine was my "production" WMC.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-13T23:21:54+00:00

packetloss wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 2:49 pm
DSperber wrote: ↑Tue Apr 09, 2024 10:58 pm NOTE: if you are looking to use WMC for a non-DRM situation such as OTA/ATSC, I highly recommend the Hauppauge Quad-HD 4-tuner PCIe card.
Does this work for Digital Cable if none of the channels are copy once flagged? I suspect it won't. I think it requires PlayReady individualization even to display CableCard decrypted signals that aren't DRM protected/flagged.

The Hauppauge Quad-HD 4-tuner card does support ClearQAM from cable coax as well as 8VSB broadcast from roof antenna, if your cable company delivers content unencrypted that way so that no cablecard is required. I don't know of any that do. So theoretically it can be used for that, as well as for its primary OTA/ATSC 1.0 "roof antenna" intent. That's what I meant when I talked about this TV tuner card being fully usable with WMC if your need does not involve cable, but only involves OTA/ATSC roof antenna free broadcast 8VSB TV.

But otherwise, only the Ceton tuners with their inserted cablecards (for decryption) are capable of handling cable content. As long as the copy-once flag is NOT present, this content can be handled by WMC without requiring that PlayReady be properly enabled. As soon as the cable content has its copy-once flag set on, well now it cannot be displayed at all unless you have an older WMC machine that's had PlayReady correctly enabled from back yesteryear when MS supported Win7 and WMC and PlayReady. The Hauppauge Quad-HD card is no "solution" for this.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-15T15:47:50+00:00

DSperber wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 11:21 pm
The Hauppauge Quad-HD 4-tuner card does support ClearQAM from cable coax as well as 8VSB broadcast from roof antenna, if your cable company delivers content unencrypted that way so that no cablecard is required. I don't know of any that do.

All my channels require a Cablecard.
I'll have to do some more testing to see what happens if I bypass the PlayReady and try to tune non-DRM protected channels.

Do you recall when you changed the memory and it didn't allow you to watch existing shows, did it request a new PlayReady key? The reason I ask is, that not being able to watch previously recorded DRM-protected shows is not a big issue for me. I don't keep those around long and even if I lost one it's not a big deal. Being able to record new stuff, however, is the biggest concern.

Also, based on your previous reply, why do you keep 2 machines running? I think at this point, you would be better off only running one and keeping your other 2 shut down and unplugged. This way if/when your 1 running machine dies, you will have a backup that hasn't been running 24/7 for years.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-16T06:02:35+00:00

packetloss wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 3:47 pm Do you recall when you changed the memory and it didn't allow you to watch existing shows, did it request a new PlayReady key? The reason I ask is, that not being able to watch previously recorded DRM-protected shows is not a big issue for me. I don't keep those around long and even if I lost one it's not a big deal. Being able to record new stuff, however, is the biggest concern.

To be honest, it was back in 2017 that I tried to increase the memory in my primary WMC machine at the time, and when that failed which then prompted me to build that second new machine (Z170) with the larger memory. I can't remember if it ever prompted me to deal with any PlayReady issue, because I don't believe I ever kept the additional memory in that machine long enough to even try recording a new program and playing it back. As soon as I saw that all the thumbnails for my existing recordings had become "black" I knew I was in trouble and would have to remove that extra memory, hoping I hadn't permanently damaged something in WMC that would permanently lose the ability to play those recordings once I was back to my initial memory configuration. And sure enough, right after removing the additional memory all the thumbnails returned. WHEW!!!

I don't remember if I ever even just tried live-viewing (not record/playback) any program before removing the extra memory, which potentially might triggered dealing with PlayReady. Of course that might have all been automatic and behind-the-scenes, rather than producing any on-screen messages. After all, the MS PlayReady server was alive and functioning back then, so it could have simply obtained a new key quietly and automatically, to deal with new live-view and recorded/playback programs, so I never would have known this or had to do anything myself.

Long time ago. I can't remember what happened, other than losing playability for my existing recordings.

Also, based on your previous reply, why do you keep 2 machines running? I think at this point, you would be better off only running one and keeping your other 2 shut down and unplugged. This way if/when your 1 running machine dies, you will have a backup that hasn't been running 24/7 for years.

Both machines are actually my "real machines", one in my bedroom and one in my office. I actually use them "for real", having nothing to with WMC... which just happens to also be available on both of these machines. So one of these (M910t in my bedroom) is functioning as my production WMC DVR machine in the background 24/7, while also serving in the foreground for my ongoing normal everyday personal and professional needs when I'm working in my bedroom. Same with the other machine (Z170) in my office, which at the moment simply has the potential to be used as a real WMC machine if I need it, while also again serving in the foreground when I'm working in my office.

So these are really just two "big boy desktop machines" allowing me to do stuff in either of two locations in my house. And simultaneously, both have the ability to do WMC stuff as well. I would have both of these desktop machines under any circumstances (although they would certainly then be Win10/11 machines), even if I had some other non-WMC solution for my TV DVR needs. Note that I also have two laptops in two other rooms, just to allow access to "my personal and professional world if I happen to be in those other rooms at the time.

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by gobo

2024-04-24T21:07:11+00:00

Whoohoo! I put the old memory back in and the old network card, restored my old 2022 drive image and it all works!! Can play DRM channels on the HDHomerun Prime again. Not sure if it was too much of a change all at once doing the copy Motherboard, RAM, HDD's and LAN card together. I wonder if its cumulative, as in if it passes now with the only changes being the motherboard and the drives - is that the new baseline and it can handle more changes in the future? Afraid to even touch it now! LOL. I wonder if there's a way we can pass around working drive image with some common easy to find copy of it's hardware to keep WMC going indefinitely. As long as we have a legal Windows license it should be OK I'd guess! I would hate to loose the simplicity of WMC (that is once it's setup and working).

Anyway, back in business!

Attachments

wmc.jpg (146.99 KiB)

(Click on the image to see it full size.)

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by Space

2024-04-25T01:27:34+00:00

I doubt that gradually changing things in any way would allow it to continue working, as that would be a simple way to circumvent the copy protection mechanism which is it's entire purpose and had to be certified by a very strict cable-run authority (CableLabs).

CableLabs is the reason that Silicon Dust is still, after decades, not able to enable recording of DRM channels on their DVR (OK, maybe not decades, but it feel like decades).

Windows 7 Media Center :: Re: Win 7 Update Playready :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-26T15:59:01+00:00

gobo wrote: ↑Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:07 pm Whoohoo! I put the old memory back in and the old network card, restored my old 2022 drive image and it all works!! Can play DRM channels on the HDHomerun Prime again. Not sure if it was too much of a change all at once doing the copy Motherboard, RAM, HDD's and LAN card together. I wonder if its cumulative, as in if it passes now with the only changes being the motherboard and the drives - is that the new baseline and it can handle more changes in the future? Afraid to even touch it now! LOL. I wonder if there's a way we can pass around working drive image with some common easy to find copy of it's hardware to keep WMC going indefinitely. As long as we have a legal Windows license it should be OK I'd guess! I would hate to loose the simplicity of WMC (that is once it's setup and working).

Anyway, back in business!

I think the only way that would work is if we find a motherboard and memory where it's easy to spoof it's serial number. I don't think it will be easy to do though.

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: DVRMSToolbox logging an error - Get Video Information... :: Reply by yo_vinay

2024-04-06T13:07:18+00:00

Gave up on solving this issue and found a workaround.

I imaged up my old WMC7 box, restored to a VM and now have running as a VM and scanning over the network.

Scans a 1 hr show for commercials in about 8 minutes.

Windows 10 Media Center :: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Author DrBri99

2024-04-06T23:53:07+00:00

Is it possible to reset WMC while keeping the recording schedule, channel mapping, etc.?

Everything is working fine except if I want to update an existing series, it hangs the computer for about 5 minutes. It eventually completes the task.

Other simple things, like browsing the guide seem slow and lagging.

Thanks!

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by Space

2024-04-07T01:04:11+00:00

Not sure what you mean by resetting WMC, but you can rebuild the WMC database (epg123 has a button for it), which may or may not resolve the issues you are experiencing. It should retain all the things you mentioned. It will erase your per-Series episode recording history, so if you have the Series set to "new & rerun" it may re-record some episodes it has already recorded in the past.

I'm pretty sure epg123 does a backup of all the things needed before rebuilding the WMC DB (so that it can restore all the things you mentioned), but may want to wait for Gary to reply about that...

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-07T01:44:01+00:00

I don't believe you are using EPG123 for guide imports into WMC, so you are probably not running the database garbage collection.

Open a command prompt and run "START /WAIT c:\windows\ehome\mcupdate.exe -b -dbgc -updateTrigger" without the quotes. It will probably take a long time, but your database will be cleaned up and it may improve your situation.

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by DrBri99

2024-04-08T14:39:51+00:00

Thank you!

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by DrBri99

2024-04-10T15:50:11+00:00

I was able to run this today.
There was one other issue I just noticed, and after running the database reset it's still there.
I am using Zap2It>EPG Centre to load the guide.
I'm missing some guide data that was there before and a new channel I just added to my favorites, and I confrimed in the zap2it.xml file that it's downloading the info properly.
I'm thinking I need to do a wider reset without some of the limiters?
Can you explain what each one does (ie -b and -dbgc)?
I'd like to keep the existing recording for series, but reset the quide mapping.

edit - I still have the "Starting Client Maintenance" icon in the tray, does that mean it's still working on the database?
Thanks!

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by DrBri99

2024-04-10T16:51:03+00:00

I moved on to mediacenterrecoverytask

Now it says it can't find tuners - rebooting. I'll update later.

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-10T18:19:39+00:00

DrBri99 wrote:I was able to run this today.
There was one other issue I just noticed, and after running the database reset it's still there.
I am using Zap2It>EPG Centre to load the guide.
I'm missing some guide data that was there before and a new channel I just added to my favorites, and I confrimed in the zap2it.xml file that it's downloading the info properly.
I'm thinking I need to do a wider reset without some of the limiters?
Can you explain what each one does (ie -b and -dbgc)?
I'd like to keep the existing recording for series, but reset the quide mapping.

edit - I still have the "Starting Client Maintenance" icon in the tray, does that mean it's still working on the database?
Thanks!

-b is to force WMC to create a backup of your tuner configurations, guide mappings, recording requests, and favorite lineups.

-dbgc is to perform a database garbage collection

-updateTrigger is a simple way to prevent mcupdate from trying to download/update packages from Microsoft servers that don't exist anymore.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by DrBri99

2024-04-11T00:58:26+00:00

Thanks, where would I find the backup?

I rebooted, and it found the tuners. I've only remapped the stations I record from, but thought it would be easier if I could restore from backup for the rest of the channels

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T01:02:43+00:00

The backups are from WMC for WMC and located at C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\ehome\mcepgX-Y\backup\. The X will be 2 for Win7, 3 for Win8+. The Y is the database iteration starting at 0. You will probably have a few folders, but the number prior to you performing mediacenterrecoverytask will probably be the "latest".

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: Reset WMC while keeping recording schedule :: Reply by DrBri99

2024-04-11T01:05:39+00:00

Thanks!

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: latest Windows update. Killed WMC once again :: Reply by prsa01

2024-04-16T14:34:19+00:00

Anyone updated thru April without issues? Sorry to waste the bandwidth on this.

Thanks much

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: latest Windows update. Killed WMC once again :: Reply by prsa01

2024-04-17T16:20:15+00:00

hmmm, didn't seem to want me to edit my previous post.

For anyone following this, I did install March and April updates on system running 8.9.1 plus mini mods. All seems fine with WMC in initial testing.

Windows 10 Media Center :: WMC Works on RX7000 systems, kinda... :: Author amelia

2024-04-26T14:03:46+00:00

Hey all, so I'm gonna start by mentioning that I have no interest in video or TV content in WMC, just music and playing CDs. Is there a better app? Maybe, but I like WMC.

I used garyan2's MSI installer, which would install and open, but then crawl along with my GPU louder than a fighter jet.

Adding Kevin Chalet's WMC mini-mods makes the interface work mostly fine, but sometimes it would start crawling again after changing windows. Hitting Alt-R to bring up the AMD Adrenaline UI, then closing it again "fixes" this.

The last things I have done so far is boost the GPU VRAM clock when in WMC, this helps with the latency, and enabling Radeon Anti-Lag helps even more so. This may not be required on the even more expensive GPUs, I have an RX7600.

I hope this helps anyone who stumbles upon this post while trying to use a modern system with WMC, and if anyone has any tips to maybe reduce my fan noise a little quieter while listening to my CDs that would be appreciated

---
System specs:
AMD Radeon RX7600
Intel Core i7-10700
SATA SSD
Windows 10 21H2 (IoT Enterprise LTSC with Store added)

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: WMC Works on RX7000 systems, kinda... :: Reply by Kevin Chalet

2024-04-26T14:25:18+00:00

Hey!

Thanks for sharing your story: things are a bit obscure regarding the latest Intel/AMD GPUs so it's great to see users reporting whether things work correctly or not with their setup

amelia wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:03 pm Adding Kevin Chalet's WMC mini-mods makes the interface work mostly fine, but sometimes it would start crawling again after changing windows. Hitting Alt-R to bring up the AMD Adrenaline UI, then closing it again "fixes" this.

Interesting. I guess you used the DisableFullscreenOptimizations mini-mod? How does WMC behave if you don't set it to 1 in full screen? And in windowed mode? Does it "crawl" in both modes?

amelia wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:03 pm Windows 10 21H2 (IoT Enterprise LTSC with Store added)

Haha, great choice! (for headless WMC recording machines/VMs, Windows Server 2022 is also a great option as it has a similar 10-year support policy)

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: WMC Works on RX7000 systems, kinda... :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-26T14:31:44+00:00

There must be some driver bug causing this. WMC is not taxing on the GPU. Most dedicated HTPC will use a relatively old or low-end graphics card, ideally with a passive cooler.

A would expect a modern, gaming-oriented GPU to be mostly idle when running WMC. When playing music, the load should be so low that the fans don't even need to spin.

Windows 10 Media Center :: Re: WMC Works on RX7000 systems, kinda... :: Reply by amelia

2024-04-26T17:26:17+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:31 pm There must be some driver bug causing this. WMC is not taxing on the GPU. Most dedicated HTPC will use a relatively old or low-end graphics card, ideally with a passive cooler.

A would expect a modern, gaming-oriented GPU to be mostly idle when running WMC. When playing music, the load should be so low that the fans don't even need to spin.

I've noticed GPU load to be rather high in DirectX 9 titles in general on this GPU, I don't think its inherently anything wrong with Windows Media Center bar its age.

Kevin Chalet wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:25 pm Interesting. I guess you used the DisableFullscreenOptimizations mini-mod? How does WMC behave if you don't set it to 1 in full screen? And in windowed mode? Does it "crawl" in both modes?

Yes, the DisableFullscreenOptimizations mod was the one that improved performance significantly. Windowed mode performs a little better, but this is likely due to the AMD drivers attempting to use Radeon Super Resolution.

This GPU is super quirky under Windows to be honest, I wish AMD would give me a stable GPU driver without all the extra features like is in the Linux kernel

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by prsa01

2024-04-03T14:11:42+00:00

I'm sure this SHOULD be readily apparent but just want to make sure my testing plan is based on correct assumptions. I am probably making this more complicated than it is by not fully understanding the process.

If I want to
create all of the reg keys as disabled (or just a few enabled)
turn off/on individual keys for testing
run tests
repeat

I copy one of the all inclusive reg files, edit as necessary, execute
then do I need to restart services and/or reboot to test?
Can I continue to edit that same reg file tweaking on/off and re-execute or is that a bad idea?

This seems, to me, more straightforward than tweaking individual settings in powershell since the reg file will reflect current settings and can be changed/executed. I suppose, now that all the associated reg keys centralized under minimods, it may be just as simple to review/manage them there once they have been created.

Thanks much

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-03T21:47:38+00:00

If we are just talking about the registry settings associated with minimods, then there is no need to restart services or reboot. Probably best to close Media Center though whilst making changes.

Personally, I would just use regedit to make the entries and for tweaking during the initial testing stage. Once all is as desired, then use the export function to take the backup of your preferences for a quick restore in future.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by prsa01

2024-04-06T09:40:49+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:47 pm If we are just talking about the registry settings associated with minimods, then there is no need to restart services or reboot. Probably best to close Media Center though whilst making changes.

Personally, I would just use regedit to make the entries and for tweaking during the initial testing stage. Once all is as desired, then use the export function to take the backup of your preferences for a quick restore in future.

Thanks ITT,

I was making it more complicated than necessary. It all works great. Disabling "full screen optimization" did resolve my black screen on tv on issue.

Thanks much, Kevin for this!

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by Kevin Chalet

2024-04-06T19:21:57+00:00

prsa01 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 06, 2024 9:40 am I was making it more complicated than necessary. It all works great. Disabling "full screen optimization" did resolve my black screen on tv on issue.

Thanks much, Kevin for this!

Glad to hear it's working for you too!

IT Troll wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:47 pm If we are just talking about the registry settings associated with minimods, then there is no need to restart services or reboot. Probably best to close Media Center though whilst making changes.

Personally, I would just use regedit to make the entries and for tweaking during the initial testing stage. Once all is as desired, then use the export function to take the backup of your preferences for a quick restore in future.

Yeah, it's the simplest option (or you can use Powershell if you're a scripting guy, it works very well too).

You can definitely add/update the mini-mods registry keys while ehshell.exe is still running, but many of the mods will require restarting WMC to be effective (there are exceptions, e.g DisableVideoOverscan only requires stopping/restarting the TV stream, e.g by switching to a different channel).

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by prsa01

2024-04-07T10:23:31+00:00

Kevin, is it possible to allow minimizing while DisableWindowedMode is on? I'm guessing not but figured I'd confirm. Confuses the better half.

Not a big deal. She'll figure out alt-tab eventually.

Thanks again for some great WMC usability improvements!

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by Kevin Chalet

2024-04-07T15:20:14+00:00

prsa01 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 10:23 am Kevin, is it possible to allow minimizing while DisableWindowedMode is on? I'm guessing not but figured I'd confirm. Confuses the better half.

Sadly no. I personally only use DisableWindowedMode on my WMC-dedicated machines (they are only used with MCE remotes, so not having a windowed mode is not a concern at all). For my "hybrid" machines, I don't use it: when booting these machines, WMC doesn't go fullscreen automatically, but since I rarely restart them (I'm an hibernation guy ), it's not really a big deal either.

prsa01 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 10:23 am Thanks again for some great WMC usability improvements!

My pleasure!

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by packetloss

2024-04-08T01:39:46+00:00

I've been stuck in the PlayReady update loop and have been trying to find a solution and eventually came across this thread.
From what I've seen in threads, you don't use a CableCard since that is only a US thing. What happens when trying to set up the tuners for use with a CableCard is:
1 - you need to run Digital Advisor. This still works fine.
2 - you need PlayReady (there are 2 versions 1.3.0 and 1.3.10) that are available to install, issue happens with either version. My original W7 WMC is running fine with 1.3.0.
3 - When you go through the tuner setup it eventually comes to a screen where it wants to update PlayReady but can't and complains that you don't have an internet connection and do you want to try again. This apparently fails as the MS server for this update is no longer active.

I am hoping a simple override to this check will allow the tuner setup to complete and that PlayReady will get configured and work. There were some guides suggesting deleting the DRM files from ehome, etc. etc., but none of those really work.

I don't know enough about how WMC libraries work, but it seems like perhaps patching this routine to always return true might work. Ideally, I would want whatever routine that wants to check for an update, to just return success. Just not sure if this is the right place as this doesn't seem to be checking to see if a new version is available. I will have to put a W10 1511 build back together to test this (I trashed it after I couldn't get past the PlayReady update loop), but before I do, I figured I'd see if you had any thoughts as to whether this seems like the right place to patch it or if you might be able to point me to the spot that looks like it's checking to see if a newer version is available and doing the update.

namespace Microsoft.MediaCenter
{
protected override bool IsOfficiallyInstalled
{
get
{
Version v = new Version("1.3.0");
Version version = new Version("0.0");
int num = 50;
StringBuilder stringBuilder = new StringBuilder(50);
uint num2 = 0U;
while (PlayReadyInstaller.MsiEnumClientsW("{63EBD4FD-72C1-49A6-86F1-CCD300FB9532}", num2++, stringBuilder, ref num) == 0U)
{
num = 50;
string text = stringBuilder.ToString();
if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(text))
{
int num3 = 50;
StringBuilder stringBuilder2 = new StringBuilder(50);
if (PlayReadyInstaller.MsiGetProductInfoW(text, "VersionString", stringBuilder2, ref num3) == 0U)
{
string text2 = stringBuilder2.ToString();
if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(text2))
{
Version version2;
if (text2.IndexOf('.') == -1)
{
version2 = new Version(Convert.ToInt32(text2, CultureInfo.InvariantCulture), 0);
}
else
{
version2 = new Version(text2);
}
if (version2 > version)
{
version = version2;
}
}
}
}
}
return version >= v;
}
}
}

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Introducing WMC mini-mods :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-08T04:05:07+00:00

packetloss wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2024 1:39 am I will have to put a W10 1511 build back together to test this (I trashed it after I couldn't get past the PlayReady update loop), but before I do, I figured I'd see if you had any thoughts as to whether this seems like the right place to patch it or if you might be able to point me to the spot that looks like it's checking to see if a newer version is available and doing the update.

If you're going to build a new Win10 1511 WMC, try this method to see if that works. viewtopic.php?p=153329#p153329

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: EPG Not Updating WMC Guide Daily :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-09T17:36:40+00:00

BranButton wrote: ↑Wed Feb 07, 2024 9:12 pm Problem was with WMC, edited scheduled recording and saved them. Now have listing past 2/15/2024.

Well that is strange. The errors indicate that the the WMC database was perhaps locked by another process. Editing the scheduled recordings may have cleared that lock. But then a simple reboot would have also done that. There may be some latent corruption in the database, but this should get fixed next time garbage collection is run.

Windows 11 Media Center :: WMC stopped working after Repair Reinstall of Win11. :: Author Mugsy

2024-04-11T00:28:37+00:00

I had to Reinstall Windows 11 to get Windows Update to work again. But as a result, WMC stopped working (natch).

I tried to reinstall but it tells me it's already installed.

Is there a simple fix, or must I uninstall/reinstall again? (I have v8.8.5. Is there a newer version?)

TIA

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: WMC stopped working after Repair Reinstall of Win11. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-11T15:42:14+00:00

Follow-up. With no replies, I ended up just uninstalling WMC 8.8.5, rebooting, and installing WMC 8,(nine),1.

WMC installed, but now EPG123 doesn't detect it:

I tried reinstalling EPG123 (v1.8.2.11) but it didn't help.

Suggestions?

TIA

PS: Why can't I use the number nine in my posts???

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: WMC stopped working after Repair Reinstall of Win11. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-11T20:52:52+00:00

Follow-up 2...

I ended up going back to WMC 8.8.5.

Doing so, "EPG123" (v1.8.2.11) re-detected WMC again (it failed to detect WMC 8.(nine).1.)

I did get an error ("Unable to read MXF file") to rebuild client DB, but I was able to rebuilt it from an earlier archive from EPG's history archive.

WMC 8.(nine).1 also incorrectly identified my tuner(s), saying my Hauppauge QuadHD card had "two Digital Antenna" tuners and "two Cable ClearQAM" tuners (it's actually 3 & 1.)

Everything is working now as long as I stick with 8.8.5.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: WMC stopped working after Repair Reinstall of Win11. :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T23:53:33+00:00

It may have failed to "detect" WMC due to an incomplete uninstall of 8.8.5... specifically from the GAC. The client will look at mcepg.dll, mcstore.dll, and BDATunePIA.dll to try and determine which version of WMC is installed. If it does not find those files in the GAC, or can't determine what version they are, it will generate that message. The log file should have had some entries to that effect. The client only needs 1 of those files to determine what version WMC is installed and will proceed with the execution.

I have sometimes run the uninstall for 8.8.5, reboot, run the uninstall for 8.8.5 again, reboot, and then install 8.9.1. I haven't gone through the process in quite a while but 8.9.1 is very sensitive to any residual files leftover from previous WMC installs from the 8.8.x family.

Note the main benefit, in my opinion, to using 8.9.1 is that if you have a major breaking update to Win10/11, or a reinstall of Win10/11, then WMC will automatically be reinstalled and you don't lose your database. You will however need to perform WMC TV Setup again due to the tuners getting new IDs; otherwise, everything will look fine but you won't be able to tune anything.

Windows 11 Media Center :: How do I get eHome Tranceiver drivers for Windows 11 :: Author PaulMartinMCE

2024-04-16T14:03:45+00:00

I have tried scouring the net and got .sys files without valid signatures and ehome cab files which won't install.

There must be somewhere where I can download the original Microsoft eHome Tranceiver software ???

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: How do I get eHome Tranceiver drivers for Windows 11 :: Reply by holidayboy

2024-04-17T19:02:51+00:00

Hi.

Assuming you've plugged the device in, how does it appear in device manager?

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: How do I get eHome Tranceiver drivers for Windows 11 :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-18T09:55:58+00:00

Is your receiver using the RC6 protocol? It should carry the logo if it is. The drivers for Microsoft (Philips) RC-6 IR have been built into Windows for many years.

There are other standards which were used in Media Center remotes/receivers by some third parties; a common one was SMK Quatro Pulse IR. These may not be plug-and-play.

More on this in the hardware forum: viewtopic.php?p=152511

Windows 11 Media Center :: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Author Mugsy

2024-04-19T14:51:39+00:00

I had to reinstall WMC 8.8.5 after updating Win11, and now the Date/Time on all of my WTV recordings is the ORIGINAL BROADCAST time/date, not when I recorded it.

This is annoying when I sort in Explorer looking for my most recently recorded episodes showing dates from 30+ years ago.

I use EPG123 and couldn't find a "WMC Tweak Setting" to cause/fix this.

Anyone know where to find/fix this (annoying) setting? Is this a WMC issue or is it a result of my updating Win11?

TIA

wtv rec date.jpg

Attachments

wtv rec date.jpg (83.97 KiB)

(Click on the image to see it full size.)

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-19T17:55:13+00:00

If you right-click on the column heading you should be able to change what is displayed, Date Created and/or Date Modified will hopefully give you what you want.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-19T21:02:43+00:00

Thx for the reply.

Yeah, I know. Problem is, changing the displayed columns in Explorer affects ALL folders, not just my Recording folder.

I'd much prefer my files be dated when *I* recorded them, not when the TV network did.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-20T01:55:11+00:00

This is not an EPG123 thing, nor a WMC thing. This is a Win11 thing, and I just noticed mine does the same. I have no idea where a setting for that might be but it appears Win11 uses the original broadcast date for the file date/time.

EDIT: Scratch that. Not just Win11; it does it on my Win7 VM as well. I never noticed before since I pretty much only record new shows.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-20T11:30:54+00:00

Ah. GTK. Thx.

A "bug" prevented me from updating Windows going back to "Windows 10". And even after "upgrading" to Win11, the "Feature Update" never worked. I was still running the old original "21H1" release for two years before a tech helped me resolve the issue last week.

Before the fix, I don't recall my WMC recordings being timestamped with the original "air date", but who knows?

Thx for the confirmation though that this appears to be an old WMC "bug".

PS: I checked some old WMC recordings from a few years ago and they too are stamped with the original "air date" instead of the date they were recorded. But that "may" mean there's a bug in Windows reading the wrong field in WTV files for the "date".

As an experiment, I tried recording an old TV show using a different program ("WinTV", which saves recordings in ".ts" format) and checked the "Date" field in Explorer. It correctly shows the date I recorded it, not the broadcast date. So it's a problem Windows has with WTV files exclusively.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-20T19:14:48+00:00

Mugsy wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19, 2024 9:02 pm Problem is, changing the displayed columns in Explorer affects ALL folders, not just my Recording folder.

I believe it is possible to customise based on the content type of folder. This is how Music and Photos folders have different columns.
https://www.enterprisetimes.co.uk/2019/ ... plorer-10/

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-20T21:39:42+00:00

Seems to work (changes to column headings not affecting other paths.)

More testing needed. Will let you know.

BTW: I looked at that "community-made update of Recorded TV HD v2.1.1" and it says you need "the last official MJT release of Recorded TV HD" but provides no link.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-20T22:00:08+00:00

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-21T08:08:25+00:00

Mugsy wrote: ↑Sat Apr 20, 2024 10:00 pm BTW: I looked at that "community-made update of Recorded TV HD v2.1.1" and it says you need "the last official MJT release of Recorded TV HD" but provides no link.

Step 1 of the installation instructions includes a link to the installer and an install key.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-21T12:38:35+00:00

The entire top section of the "ReadMe":

Recorded TV HD v2.1.1

INSTALLATION
1. This is a community-made update patch, you must have the last official MJT release of Recorded TV HD (v2.0.3) installed before applying the patch.
2. As a precautionary measure, take a backup of your existing Recorded TV HD database using the Backup function within the Recorded TV HD Settings utility.
3. Simply run the setup executable and click through the screens.
4. The installer will stop the background service, install the new files and restart the service. Supports both 32-bit and 64-bit installations.

No link. I searched the entire document (which isn't that long.) Only other file is the .exe itself.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-21T16:23:33+00:00

It’s in the original forum posting.

IT Troll wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2020 7:03 am Installation

This is a community-made update patch, you must have the last official MJT release of Recorded TV HD (v2.0.3) installed before applying the patch.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-22T11:32:28+00:00

Thx for the link. The readme was pure text.

UPDATE: Key doesn't work. (Copied key directly from link. Screenshot shows an attempt to use "zero" at the end instead of "O" but still doesn't work.)

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-22T19:55:25+00:00

Mugsy wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 11:32 am Copied key directly from link.

Key works fine. I guess you didn’t use copy/paste. Last part is HNKO.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-22T20:28:12+00:00

First, I tried copying the entire key and pasting it to the first box. But it only filled the first box, so I copied & pasted the remaining quads individually and got the "invalid" message.

I then tried changing the last character to "zero" to see if that was the problem, but it wasn't.

I closed the program, reopened it, and tried entering the key by hand, which worked.

I believe trying to paste the entire key into box-1 somehow "confused" the keycheck (even though it only displayed the first 4 characters.)

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-23T20:34:54+00:00

In your screenshot you have HKN0 rather than HNKO. So you have somehow got three characters wrong in the process.

Windows 11 Media Center :: Re: Date of recorded TV is broadcast date, not recorded time/date. :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-24T02:04:39+00:00

If you read my post, I explained I tried both and took the screenshot after trying "(zero)".

I even highlighted the note in bold.

But yes, It appears I did somehow swap two of the chars. Oops.

I've had the app working for several days now. No need to continue.

EPG123 :: Re: Question for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-04T22:15:48+00:00

Well, I've now got "all the answers, " which is placed IN THIS OTHER THREAD located in the more appropriate "Ceton My Media Center" forum, to all of my questions posted here in this thread.

So please look there for all the details and pictures.

In summary, here is the bottom line:

(1) There were actually TWO separate versions of the MMC Companion app: (a) "Google Play Store" version that is no longer available for download and for which the original valid Google license no longer exists, and (b) "Amazon Appstore" version that is still available for purchase ($4.99) and download from Amazon.

(2) The Google version no longer has a valid license from the Play Store. Any currently installed instance of this version of the app (on any phone, and under any Android version) "always phones home to the Google Play Store" when the app gets launched, in order to check for a valid Google license. Finding no valid Google license any longer, the app will immediately terminate with an error message about "no valid Google license". There is NO WAY TO PREVENT THIS. In other words the Google version of the app IS NOW DEAD and will no longer be talked about.

(3) The Amazon version also "phones home to the Amazon Appstore" when the app gets launched, in order to check for "user has paid for content" so that licensed use of the validly purchased Amazon app on this phone is allowed. Currently installed Amazon app instances on phones which might have been Android 13 and older when the app was first installed, but for which upgraded Android 14 is now running, will still work mostly normally... except perhaps for the "pictures are missing" symptom now complained about by many. NOTE: if you currently have the Google version of the app installed (and which no longer starts because of the "no valid Google license" issue, you can replace it with a newly purchased still-working Amazon version of the app but only after first UNINSTALL'ing the currently installed "dead" Google version of the app.

(4) The Amazon version can only be installed "automatically" (i.e. resulting automatically from the $4.99 purchase from Amazon) onto phones running Android 13 or older, for which the underlying SDK 18 used to produce the APK is still acceptable. For phones running Android 14 or newer, for which the underlying minimally acceptable SDK is now 23, the MMC APK is theoretically no longer acceptable and attempts to install it using "automatic" methods will fail, producing a "the app is incompatible with your phone" error message. Similarly, attempting to "manually install" the purchased and downloaded Amazon APK using the theoretically appropriate Amazon Appstore app will also fail for the same reason, if used on an Android 14 phone

(5) The Amazon version CAN BE INSTALLED MANUALLY (i.e. "side-loaded") onto an Android 14 phone (but only Galaxy S23 or older) using the command-line "ADB INSTALL" version of the ADBLINK2 (GUI) program, along with an overriding command-line operand specifying --BYPASS-LOW-TARGET-SDK-BLOCK to force the ignoring of the otherwise fatal back-level-API problem.

(6) The Amazon version CANNOT PHYSICALLY BE "SIDE-LOADED" INSTALLED AT ALL ON GALAXY S24 AND NEWER PHONES (which are also at Android 14), because of the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU hardware and machine architecture inside these newest phones. Apparently the newest hardware is simply now physically incompatible with the physical machine instructions and/or machine architecture implied by the old software libraries used to compile and package the Ceton MMC APK back in 2014. Attempts to "side-load" the APK onto an S24 phone will result in a fatal "INSTALL_FAILED_NO_MATCHING_ABIS" error message, and the "side-load" ADB install attempt will immediately terminate.

(7) The "pictures are missing" symptom WILL OCCUR when the app is installed on any phone running Android 14. This is the result of a change in design of the \ANDROID\DATA folder structure and security measures now in place with Android 14 which prevent the storage/retrieval of graphics and images. When installed onto older phones running Android 13 and older, "pictures are still present" and the app still performs properly to present channel logos and TV/movie program thumbnails. NOTE: if there was a "pictures are missing" symptom several years ago, involving older phones running older versions of Android than 14, the cause of that older "pictures are missing" issue is unresearched.

EPG123 :: Sky Italy - Lineup :: Author fpierpaoli

2024-04-04T18:49:20+00:00

How can i find lineup for Sky Italy?
I tested several Zip Code with no luck
Is there a list of Lineups?

EPG123 :: Re: Sky Italy - Lineup :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-05T00:43:20+00:00

It looks like the response from Schedules Direct is completely empty for Italy. Could be either Schedules Direct or Gracenote. Submit a ticket with Schedules Direct to look into it.

EPG123 :: No Channel Logos :: Author Zumaone

2024-04-06T03:03:02+00:00

Let me start by saying I tried several of the things discussed in previous posts where users lost channel logos. So far no luck.

Previously I had setup WMC with MyStationLogos, and really hadn't changed it once I switched over to EPG123. My guide would show channel #, station name and channel logo. Long story short I ended up resetting WMC using the client setup button in EPG123. Now I have a very basic looking guide showing only the channel # and name. I have looked through all the setting and at past posts, but so far no luck. How can I get back the guide look with logos I had before?

I am running the newest EPG123 v1.8.2.9 and looking on the status webpage, is shows logo requests: 0.

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-06T03:27:13+00:00

Are you using EPG123 with Schedules Direct for guide listings? The links to logos will be included in the imported MXF file for WMC.

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-06T03:29:32+00:00

Yes, EPG123 with SD. Do I need to regenerate the MXF file?

Well I went into the client configuration, cleared cache and did the save & execute... same thing, no logos. Channel # and name.

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-06T03:57:40+00:00

So don't know exactly what you have going on. It sounds like you had used MCL to change your guide layout to include showing Channel number, Channel name, and Station Logo. I would suspect that is the current root of the problem. Open the client and click the [Tweak WMC] button, and then the [Default] button to "reset" the guide layout to WMC default. The logos should then be shown.

Check the log file and make sure when the client runs to import the mxf file, the parameter "NoLogo" is set to "False".

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-06T04:01:36+00:00

Yes, I had used MCL to change the guide layout. I already went into the client and used the teak WMC button and then default, logos still didn't show up. I found that suggestion in another message thread. The MXF import also appears correct.

[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] =====================================================================================
[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning MXF file import. version 1.8.2.9
[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] =====================================================================================
[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] *** Windows 7 Professional, 64-bit [Version: 6.1.7601.24546] ***
[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] *** .NET Framework 4.8.03761 is installed. ***
[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.1.7600.16385] is installed. ***
[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] [ INFO] Import: True , Match: True , NoLogo: False , Force: False , ShowProgress: True , NoGC: True , NoVerify: True , Verbose: False
[4/5/2024 11:34:33 PM] [ INFO] There is a recording in progress or the next scheduled recording is within 10 minutes. Delaying garbage collection and/or import.
[4/5/2024 11:37:04 PM] Entering ImportMxfFile() for file "C:\epg123\output\epg123.mxf".
[4/5/2024 11:37:06 PM] [ INFO] MXF file was created on 4/5/2024 11:31:15 PM -04:00
[4/5/2024 11:38:37 PM] [ INFO] Successfully imported .mxf file into Media Center database. Exit code: 0
[4/5/2024 11:38:37 PM] Exiting ImportMxfFile(). SUCCESS.
[4/5/2024 11:38:39 PM] [ INFO] Completed the automatic mapping of lineup stations to tuner channels.
[4/5/2024 11:38:39 PM] [ INFO] Completed lineup refresh.
[4/5/2024 11:38:39 PM] Entering ReindexDatabase()
[4/5/2024 11:38:39 PM] [ INFO] SUCCESS: WMC database indexing has started.
[4/5/2024 11:38:39 PM] Exiting ReindexDatabase(). SUCCESS.
[4/5/2024 11:38:40 PM] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 client execution.
[4/5/2024 11:38:41 PM] [ INFO] EPG123 client execution time was 00:04:07.9424547.

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-06T04:55:28+00:00

What is your logo setting in the configuration GUI?

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-06T05:22:20+00:00

logo settings.PNG

Attachments

logo settings.PNG (9.87 KiB)

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-06T05:45:37+00:00

You need to enable 'Include station logos in .\logos folder' for EPG123 to include logos in the mxf file.

EPG123 :: Re: No Channel Logos :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-06T16:49:22+00:00

Thanks Gary!

That worked and the logos look great. I have never had so many channels actually populated with color logos before. I mistakenly didn't have the .\logos folder enabled, because it has always been off before, and I was thinking it meant to load images from the \logo folder in the EPG123 folder. But I realized that was because it was using the old logos from MCL that were in there for ages. They look really good and updated! I also like some of the other WMC tweaks that it allows. Thank you.

I only have one question, is there any way to get it to display the CHANNEL #, CALL SIGN (HBOHD, HBO2HD, etc) and LOGO like MCL did? I know I liked that format and my 79 year old mother does too. My thought is, that's the only thing keeping this from being beyond perfect! Wasn't sure if there was a setting to do that?

EPG123 :: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Author tirebiter

2024-03-31T20:27:58+00:00

Before I start, I want to declare that epg123 is one of the best software packages I know of.

Story so far. My hdhomerun Prime died and I got a replacement. The (OT) unexpected good news is the cablecard in the old Prime supported only two tuners, but in the new Prime it's supporting THREE!

I have been bashing my head against rocks to get the program guide working. I have gone from 100% "No data available" to some (most) of my manually added (through the worst interface imaginable) still mocking me with that message.

I have tried everything that seems reasonable (and some that are unreasonable and downright scary) in epg123 Client and Configurator to get guide data for the added channels. Most or all the channels are listed in SchedulesDirect.

Any ideas for the best approach for epg123 and WMC to agree on the guide data for these channels?

TIA
Dan

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-03-31T20:45:13+00:00

Open the client and click the Match by: [# Number] button.

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-03-31T20:47:52+00:00

Actually not clear on what you have successfully imported into WMC. Are you saying that the guide listings are mapped but have no data?

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by tirebiter

2024-04-01T00:18:00+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2024 8:47 pm Actually not clear on what you have successfully imported into WMC. Are you saying that the guide listings are mapped but have no data?

First, sorry for all the duplicate posts. I kept getting errors on the submit.

I have added a few dozen OTA channels inside WMC. They are valid because they appear in the guide and when I click on the channel I see that it is broadcasting. I get the info for adding them from hdhomerun's Setup app, based on it's scan of available channels.

A few of them get guide data, but not all.
I clicked on [# Number] and it unchecks the channels I want, even if they appear in the righthand pane. So I recheck them on the left.

What do I do next? I've tried the buttons on top "Client Setup" (never again) or "Rebuild WMC Database" but nothing happens.

I've tried "Save & Execute" in the Configurator. It seemed to make changes, but the manually added channels still say "No data available".

What am I doing wrong? What should I do after clicking on [# Number]?

Thanks

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by tirebiter

2024-04-01T00:32:05+00:00

Well, looking again, the channels I want aren't in the "Lineups & Services" list.

So maybe SchedulesDirect doesn't have them? Can I send them a request to add them to the line up?

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by tirebiter

2024-04-01T00:36:06+00:00

But I just viewed the SchedulesDirect lineup and they have many (not all) of the channels that are missing from the "Lineups & Services" list. What can I do?

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-01T02:49:27+00:00

So you have both OTA and CableCARD. Are both the lineups enabled for download in the configuration GUI? Do both lineups show on the right side of the EPG123 Client? If so, you will have to click the Match by: [# Number] for each lineup on the right side. Do you have both the OTA and Cable channels on the left side of the client?

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by tirebiter

2024-04-01T13:34:18+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 01, 2024 2:49 am So you have both OTA and CableCARD. Are both the lineups enabled for download in the configuration GUI? Do both lineups show on the right side of the EPG123 Client? If so, you will have to click the Match by: [# Number] for each lineup on the right side. Do you have both the OTA and Cable channels on the left side of the client?

OK, I had written a detailed description of the settings in config GUI when I finally noticed that the Local Listings lineup in the dropdown had the wrong zip code. It was set to another location that I use, which is about 70 miles away. I thought you were using the (correct) lineup I have set in SchedulesDirect. I (amazingly) figured out how to switch lineups in the Configurator, then Save & Execute. When I refreshed the Config app most of the missing channels were there. HDhomerun still lists some channels that SD doesn't. A lot of these channels appear twice because of my manual adds in WMC. It will be a pleasure to remove them.

So you were right (as always), clicking Match by: [# Number] was all I had to do, assuming I had the proper settings. Pure pilot error on my part, but I don't know why I would have ever entered the wrong zip code for Local Listings.

Thanks once again.

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-01T18:00:07+00:00

The lineups and channels you configure on the SD website is for their xml SD-DD server. EPG123 uses their json SD-JSON server which is different. All configuration for the SD-JSON server is handled by client software like EPG123.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-01T22:31:54+00:00

tirebiter wrote: ↑Mon Apr 01, 2024 12:18 am First, sorry for all the duplicate posts. I kept getting errors on the submit.

The server can often appear to timeout, but the posts do still come through.
I’ve reported them for moderation to hopefully get them cleaned up.

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by tirebiter

2024-04-08T14:15:50+00:00

garyan2 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 01, 2024 6:00 pm The lineups and channels you configure on the SD website is for their xml SD-DD server. EPG123 uses their json SD-JSON server which is different. All configuration for the SD-JSON server is handled by client software like EPG123.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

It's pretty close now, especially with my manually entered channels. Only a couple don't have guide data, and I really don't need it for them.

I still don't know how I could have setup epg123 with the wrong zip code.

Thanks!

EPG123 :: Re: Need easy way to get guide data for added channels :: Reply by tirebiter

2024-04-08T14:19:21+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Mon Apr 01, 2024 10:31 pm
tirebiter wrote: ↑Mon Apr 01, 2024 12:18 am First, sorry for all the duplicate posts. I kept getting errors on the submit.
The server can often appear to timeout, but the posts do still come through.
I’ve reported them for moderation to hopefully get them cleaned up.

I apologize again for the mess. The error wasn't a timeout, it was a MySQL error, indicating that the server was down. So I figured the posts weren't going through, especially since it told me to try again later. Thanks for cleaning it up.

EPG123 :: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Author Zumaone

2024-04-07T04:15:59+00:00

I am no longer using MCL (MyChannelLogos) to import logos and tweak the channel guide, since it's no longer supported and abandoned. I have been a long time user and supporter of EPG123, and with all the WMC tweaks that have been added, it makes EPG123 pretty much a one stop shop for WMC needs now.

Using just EPG123 I have our channel guide almost perfect for our household's needs. Is there a way to get EPG123 to display the CHANNEL #, CALL SIGN (HBOHD, HBO2HD, etc) and LOGO like MCL did on the channel guide? I prefer that format and my 79 year old mother does too. This is the only thing keeping this from being perfect! Is there a setting I am missing, that allows this configuration?

Thank you.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-07T23:18:52+00:00

No setting/option to do that in EPG123. I originally thought it would be way too difficult to include something like that in my code since everything is pretty dynamic. MCL had fixed configurations for all the possible combinations whereas I do everything on the fly. I've been playing around with the code to see what I might be able to do, but I'm pretty sure I'm not going to include ability to change the order of items (channel number, callsign, logo)... but who knows.

It may be a while before it gets implemented. Though easier than I thought, there are still some challenges.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-07T23:39:09+00:00

Actually kinda liking this layout. Initial thoughts? I have the callsign replaced with the service name while playing around with it.

Screenshot 2024-04-07 163645.png

Attachments

Screenshot 2024-04-07 163645.png (619.41 KiB)

(Click on the image to see it full size.)

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-08T00:06:57+00:00

That's interesting that your descriptions are so long, in MCL it was the station call sign, like HBOHD, MAXHD. It was listed CHANNEL #, CALL SIGN and LOGO, which I thought made it easier to read. I know for my Mom (and me) some of the logos aren't as easy to read/recognize, so the combination with the call sign kept it more compact but really enhanced the readability. Thanks for taking a look at this!

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-08T00:09:04+00:00

I just wanted to add, I think it would look pretty clean/readable with the LOGO, CHANNEL and CALL SIGN. Not sure what's involved if you made the order changeable.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-08T00:53:45+00:00

Replacing the callsign with the service name is an option in the tweak WMC GUI. Like I said, just playing around with it. Here's what it looks like with the callsigns.

Screenshot 2024-04-07 175210.png

Attachments

Screenshot 2024-04-07 175210.png (552.66 KiB)

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EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-08T04:22:42+00:00

I think that looks awesome! Clean and easy to read. The new logos from SD are also a big improvement from the old ones that were loaded by MCL.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-08T05:28:05+00:00

Just released version 1.8.2.11 which includes the option to show both logos and callsigns in the Tweak WMC form.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-08T14:54:05+00:00

Wow! Grabbed it and got it installed. Looks great and combined with the updated SD logos EPG123 grabs, WMC looks better than ever. If you are ever able to figure out an easy way to setup display order, that would be awesome.

I appreciate your help and assistance Gary. I have sent a small donation as a token of my appreciation for your setup help and code tweaking the last couple of days.

Thank you!

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-09T06:16:10+00:00

There are only going to be 2 options for the display order when showing both logo and callsign. It is either Logo First (logo, number, callsign) or Logo Last (number, callsign, logo). Keeping the number and callsign together only makes sense since they "share" the space.

Screenshot 2024-04-08 231153.png

I won't be releasing this until probably next month along with anything I get an inkling to change until then.

Attachments

Screenshot 2024-04-08 231153.png (539.57 KiB)

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EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 and Channel Guide Tweaks :: Reply by Zumaone

2024-04-11T04:47:00+00:00

Looks good! I will keep an eye out for the next release.

Thanks Gary!

EPG123 :: Errors in Server.log file for V1.8.2.1 :: Author jimc066

2024-04-10T19:15:43+00:00

I'm seeing errors in the server.log file after installing the latest release. I'm not sure if they were there before, but i was having problems sporadically with the earlier version so that's why i decided to upgrade. I don't see errors in the trace.log. The token gets renewed fine in that log file. Here is the contents of my server.log file after upgrading:

[4/8/2024 8:56:53 AM] [ INFO] Starting EPG123 Server service ...
[4/8/2024 8:56:53 AM] [ INFO] BaseApi: https://json.schedulesdirect.org/20141201/ , BaseArtwork: https://json.schedulesdirect.org/20141201/ , Debug: False
[4/8/2024 8:56:54 AM] [ INFO] Refreshed Schedules Direct API token. Token=32c5e...
[4/8/2024 8:56:54 AM] [ INFO] UDP Server initialized.
[4/8/2024 8:56:54 AM] [ INFO] File server initialized with 4 worker threads.
[4/8/2024 8:56:54 AM] [ INFO] Image server initialized with 12 worker threads.
[4/8/2024 8:56:54 AM] [ INFO] EPG123 Server service completed initializations.
[4/9/2024 7:59:36 AM] [ INFO] HTTP request exception thrown. Message: One or more errors occurred. An error occurred while sending the request. The remote name could not be resolved: 'json.schedulesdirect.org'
[4/9/2024 7:59:36 AM] [ERROR] Did not receive a response from Schedules Direct for a token request.
[4/9/2024 3:25:04 PM] [ INFO] HTTP request exception thrown. Message: One or more errors occurred. An error occurred while sending the request. The remote name could not be resolved: 'json.schedulesdirect.org'
[4/9/2024 3:25:04 PM] [ERROR] Did not receive a response from Schedules Direct for a token request.
[4/9/2024 3:40:05 PM] [ INFO] Refreshed Schedules Direct API token. Token=13bb9...
[4/10/2024 2:48:38 PM] [ INFO] HTTP request exception thrown. Message: One or more errors occurred. An error occurred while sending the request. The remote name could not be resolved: 'json.schedulesdirect.org'
[4/10/2024 2:48:38 PM] [ERROR] Did not receive a response from Schedules Direct for a token request.
[4/10/2024 3:03:39 PM] [ INFO] Refreshed Schedules Direct API token. Token=92f6d...

Is this something to worry about? it seems somewhat random when this error appears.

i read on this forum that there was a beta that forced use of TLS 1.2 (v1.8.2.10) - i tried that for a few days and didn't see any issues in Server.log.
i also have checked my server time and it seems fine.

thanks,

jim

EPG123 :: Re: Errors in Server.log file for V1.8.2.1 :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T01:08:39+00:00

Don't need to worry about it if everything appears to be working. My guess would be that this machine goes to sleep and when it wakes up, epg123 tries to get a token before your internet is up and running.

I took the forced TLS 1.2 out of the code. My research showed it could potentially do more harm than good since I can't control, or even predict, all the different user OS configurations. I did put in code to ensure the DNS lookup for the service had a 2 minute life so it could adapt to any change on the SD server IP address. This was my possible solution to what some users intermittently experience for not be able to contact (establish secure connection) the SD server.

EPG123 :: Re: Errors in Server.log file for V1.8.2.1 :: Reply by jimc066

2024-04-11T01:54:48+00:00

thanks for the quick reply - this computer is dedicated to WMC and it does sleep most of the time, so this is probably the cause. i could always create a task to wake it up a few minutes earlier than the scheduled epg task if it becomes a problem but right now all my trace.log entries look good.
thanks,

jim

EPG123 :: Re: Errors in Server.log file for V1.8.2.1 :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T14:03:03+00:00

If the service fails to automatically get/refresh the token, it will try again automatically every 15 minutes until successful. It will also automatically renew every 23 hours. You can see in the log file that 15 minutes after the failed token request, it had a successful request, so everything is working as intended.

EPG123 :: Re: Errors in Server.log file for V1.8.2.1 :: Reply by jimc066

2024-04-11T21:27:21+00:00

that makes perfect sense. thanks again.
-jim

EPG123 :: Detected: Trojan:Script/Wacatac.B!ml in file epg123Setup_v1.8.2.11.zip :: Author JimB

2024-04-11T21:57:47+00:00

Trying to download the setup package for 1.8.2.11 (https://github.com/garyan2/epg123/relea ... 8.2.11.zip) and am getting the following virus warning:

Detected: Trojan:Script/Wacatac.B!ml in file epg123Setup_v1.8.2.11.zip

I'm currently running 1.8.2.9 and have been running EPG since 1.6.0.3 in November 2020 and have never had an issue with any of the installers.

Is this a false positive and can the virus warning be ignored for the link above?

EPG123 :: Re: Detected: Trojan:Script/Wacatac.B!ml in file epg123Setup_v1.8.2.11.zip :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-11T22:01:11+00:00

False positive.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

EPG123 :: Re: Detected: Trojan:Script/Wacatac.B!ml in file epg123Setup_v1.8.2.11.zip :: Reply by JimB

2024-04-11T22:02:51+00:00

Thanks Gary.

EPG123 :: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Author weg400

2024-04-15T04:00:14+00:00

For some odd reason, after I updated EPG123 from version 1.2.8.9 to version 1.2.8.11, it wiped out a number of channels in WMC. Apparently, it wiped out channels during one of its scheduled updates. This did not happen when I first installed the update on April 8, 2024. These channels were wiped out sometime after 3 am on April 14th. When I discovered the missing channels, I opened WMC and scanned for additional channels. It picked up 76 channels, but EPG123 began an import, which I've never seen before, and WMC went down to 60 channels while I observed this import. I never initiated this action. Do I need to uninstall this version and reiinstall the previous version?

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-15T04:15:37+00:00

Take a look at the log file. It sounds like you had a database crash.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T04:23:56+00:00

I see nothing in the log file that indicates a database crash. Do I need to do a complete installation again?

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-15T04:36:06+00:00

No, shouldn't need to do that. Open the client GUI and click the undelete button (blue undo sign). See if your channels are there.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T04:45:33+00:00

Unfortunately, there is no undelete button or blue undo sign.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-15T04:54:12+00:00

You will need to expand the window to see more of the toolbar above the left side listview.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T05:12:37+00:00

Thank you, I never expanded the window. I clicked on the undo button and a pop up window didn't have any deleted channels in it. I counted the channels in WMC and I only have 16 channels left out of 76 channels.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-15T05:15:10+00:00

It is not clear what you mean. In the client, do you have all your channels on the left side? all the channels you want to download on the right side?

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T05:21:15+00:00

Yes, the client has all the channels listed on both sides.What in the world am I missing? I've had this setup for years, never had this to happen.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-15T05:50:10+00:00

On the left side, are all the channels checked to enable them in the guide?

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T06:06:52+00:00

Yes, they are all checked, and have been during the update and during a WMC scan for additional channels. But, what's really odd is, when I scan for additional channels in WMC, they no longer appear in WMC without the data. Normally, I would scan with WMC and all of the channels will appear without the data until I updated EPG123. The only channels in WMC are the 16 channels that weren't removed.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T08:24:25+00:00

i uninstalled the software and set up WMC with an earlier version of EPG123.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T08:57:03+00:00

After I set up WMC again, all of the channels appeared except those that I normally have to enter manually. I entered those channels and ran the update Guide in the EPG123 software. The channels that I entered manually will not populate with channel information. I contacted Schedules Direct regarding this issue also. What an unfortunate expenditure of time. I appreciate your assistance!

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by weg400

2024-04-15T10:50:09+00:00

Please note that I performed a Windows system restore prior to April 8th which fixed the problem. The EPG123 was restored back to version 1.8.2.9 which is where I will leave it until there's an update to version 1.8.2.11. Something is amiss with version 1.8.2.11. It won't allow Schedules Direct to update the database.

EPG123 :: Re: EPG123 V1.8.2.11 update wiped out channels :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-15T13:54:29+00:00

weg400 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 8:57 am After I set up WMC again, all of the channels appeared except those that I normally have to enter manually. I entered those channels and ran the update Guide in the EPG123 software. The channels that I entered manually will not populate with channel information. I contacted Schedules Direct regarding this issue also. What an unfortunate expenditure of time. I appreciate your assistance!

This has nothing to do with Schedules Direct unless the stations are not in the lineup provided by Schedules Direct. If the channels exist on the right side of the client, they are available to be mapped to the WMC tuned channels. Open the client and click the Match by: [# Number] button assuming you are OTA and not ClearQAM. https://garyan2.github.io/map.html

There is nothing wrong with 1.8.2.11. You said you updated to 1.8.2.11 on April 8th. Something happened on the 14th, whether during a guide update or not, but it obviously didn't have a problem between the 8th and the 14th.

EPG123 :: Scheduled Client task doesn't run - no errors indicated :: Author circusdog

2024-04-18T18:00:10+00:00

Since I updated to v1.8.2.11, my existing scheduled task does not run. The last time it ran was when I ran it manually. There is no error indicated and nothing in the trace log since the manual run. Task Scheduler history is also silent. Did I forget to do something after the program update?

I ran epg123Setup_v1.8.2.11.exe from a directory nested in c:\epg.

Help!

EPG123 :: Re: Scheduled Client task doesn't run - no errors indicated :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-18T19:17:10+00:00

There is nothing you needed to do. Post a picture of your client GUI to show the Scheduled Task are in top left corner.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

EPG123 :: Re: Scheduled Client task doesn't run - no errors indicated :: Reply by circusdog

2024-04-18T22:01:33+00:00

Well, now I can see what the trouble is, but I don't know how to fix it. It should be both server and client!

Capture.JPG

Attachments

Capture.JPG (158.94 KiB)

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EPG123 :: Re: Scheduled Client task doesn't run - no errors indicated :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-18T22:12:23+00:00

Delete your current task and create a new one in Full Mode.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

EPG123 :: Re: Scheduled Client task doesn't run - no errors indicated :: Reply by circusdog

2024-04-18T22:23:43+00:00

Thanks, Gary!

When I originally set up this PC, I had two separate events, but I don't remember why I did it that way.

EPG123 :: "The MXF file imported is 48.90 hours old." :: Author bdipert

2024-04-20T00:25:20+00:00

Gary,
Long-time EPG123 user (and devotee of thee) here in Comcast's Denver, CO network. Still running EPG123 v1.7.3.4 in the spirit of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". About that...

For the past two early morning updates, EPG123 has thrown errors. The most recent one was this morning:

"The MXF file imported is 48.90 hours old."

To wit, it looks like the last successful update was the morning of Wednesday, April 17th. In the log for that day, I see INFO statements:

"[ INFO] Failed to download and process 44 series descriptions."

Prior days had similar statements, with one-less "series descriptions" numbers...43, 42, 41...

In subsequent days' logs there are ERROR statements ones like these:

"[ERROR] Of the expected 627 stations to download, there are only 595 stations available from Schedules Direct. Aborting update for review by user."
"[ERROR] Failed to create MXF file. Exiting."
(I did reboot the system last night before retiring to bed, but still got the error this morning.)

I 'spect these ERROR statements are related to the earlier INFO ones.

My Schedules Direct subscription was renewed mid-February and seems to be fine.

So...how do I fix this? (setting aside why it even happened in the first place)

Upgrade EPG123
???

TIA as always for any pearls of wisdom you can share.

EPG123 :: Re: "The MXF file imported is 48.90 hours old." :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-20T01:47:27+00:00

Though, in my opinion, you should update your EPG123, but you only need to open the configuration GUI and click [Save & Execute]. This resets the expected channel count to download to 595 from your original count of 627. Newer versions will give you some actions to take with this error in the log file.
viewtopic.php?p=152871&hilit=expected#p152871

EPG123 :: Re: "The MXF file imported is 48.90 hours old." :: Reply by bdipert

2024-04-20T02:37:05+00:00

Gary,
Thanks as always! When I followed your instructions within the Configuration GUI, I was surprisingly informed that the expected channel count had actually INCREASED from 627 to 838 (not decreased), which seems counterintuitive given the error messages I'm seeing. That said, I confirmed that it should go ahead and save-and-execute anyway; I'll see what happens at tomorrow morning's update attempt and go from there (my next step will likely be to go ahead and update EPG123 as you suggest). Have a good weekend, and I'll update you one way or another in my next post.

EPG123 :: Re: "The MXF file imported is 48.90 hours old." :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-20T03:13:43+00:00

A more accurate description would be of the initial 627 stations identified for download, only 595 remain. It doesn't count stations added to the lineup.

EPG123 :: Re: "The MXF file imported is 48.90 hours old." :: Reply by bdipert

2024-04-20T13:38:07+00:00

This morning's auto-update was successful; the icon is green again Thanks as always, Gary!

EPG123 :: Dreaded Yellow Icon Again :: Author clevoir

2024-04-27T07:16:20+00:00

I am getting the dreaded yellow icon again, I have tried Save and Execute from the config page but this has not solved the problem

I would be grateful if someone could help me, trace file is attached

[26/04/2024 01:14:04] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 01:14:04] EPG123: Beginning MXF and XMLTV file updates. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 01:14:04] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 01:14:04] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 01:14:04] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 01:14:04] [ INFO] DaysToDownload: 21 , TheTVDBNumbers : True , PrefixEpisodeTitle: False , PrefixEpisodeDescription : False , AppendEpisodeDesc: False , OADOverride : True , SeasonEventImages : True , IncludeSDLogos : True , AutoAddNew: True , CreateXmltv: False
[26/04/2024 01:14:04] [ INFO] Token request successful. serverID: HTPC1 , datetime: 2024-04-25T04:53:39Z
[26/04/2024 01:14:05] [ INFO] Status request successful. account expires: 2024-06-06T11:45:08Z , lineups: 1/4 , lastDataUpdate: 2024-04-26T00:10:50Z
[26/04/2024 01:14:05] [ INFO] System status: Online , message: No known issues.
[26/04/2024 01:14:06] [ INFO] Successfully requested listing of subscribed lineups from Schedules Direct.
[26/04/2024 01:14:06] Entering BuildLineupServices() for 1 lineups.
[26/04/2024 01:14:07] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved the station mapping for lineup GBR-1000017-DEFAULT. (175 stations; 181 channels)
[26/04/2024 01:14:07] [ INFO] Stations no longer available since last configuration save are: CREATVM
[26/04/2024 01:14:07] [ INFO] Stations added for download since last configuration save are: CREATEC
[26/04/2024 01:14:07] Exiting BuildLineupServices(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:07] Entering GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s() for 21 days on 173 stations.
[26/04/2024 01:14:08] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:01.6474273)
[26/04/2024 01:14:08] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 48021 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 01:14:08] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 31783 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 01:14:11] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 57 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:03.1078056)
[26/04/2024 01:14:13] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:01.0262666)
[26/04/2024 01:14:13] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 20685 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 01:14:15] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 58 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:02.1265512)
[26/04/2024 01:14:17] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 55/55 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.9402439)
[26/04/2024 01:14:19] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 55 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:01.7624569)
[26/04/2024 01:14:19] [ INFO] Found 1931 cached daily schedules.
[26/04/2024 01:14:19] [ INFO] Downloaded 959 daily schedules.
[26/04/2024 01:14:20] [ INFO] Processed 2890 daily schedules for 173 stations for average of 16.7 days per station.
[26/04/2024 01:14:20] Exiting GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:20] Entering BuildAllProgramEntries() for 18066 programs.
[26/04/2024 01:14:23] [ INFO] Found 15532 cached program descriptions.
[26/04/2024 01:14:24] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 34/34 program descriptions. (0:00:00:00.5961548)
[26/04/2024 01:14:28] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 1250/1250 program descriptions. (0:00:00:05.0603119)
[26/04/2024 01:14:31] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 1250/1250 program descriptions. (0:00:00:07.9730675)
[26/04/2024 01:14:32] Exiting BuildAllProgramEntries(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:33] Entering BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions() for 4408 series.
[26/04/2024 01:14:33] [ INFO] Found 4328 cached/unavailable series descriptions.
[26/04/2024 01:14:33] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 80/80 generic program descriptions. (0:00:00:00.4681215)
[26/04/2024 01:14:33] Exiting BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:33] Entering GetAllMoviePosters() for 937 movies.
[26/04/2024 01:14:33] [ INFO] Found 803 cached/unavailable movie poster links.
[26/04/2024 01:14:33] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 9/9 programs. (0:00:00:00.2630686)
[26/04/2024 01:14:34] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.5681473)
[26/04/2024 01:14:34] Exiting GetAllMoviePosters(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:34] Entering GetAllSeriesImages() for 4408 series.
[26/04/2024 01:14:35] [ INFO] Found 4058 cached/unavailable series image links.
[26/04/2024 01:14:35] [ INFO] Refreshing 130 series image links.
[26/04/2024 01:14:35] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.4641205)
[26/04/2024 01:14:35] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.4941289)
[26/04/2024 01:14:35] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 100/100 programs. (0:00:00:00.7591967)
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] Exiting GetAllSeriesImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] Entering GetAllSeasonImages() for 2442 seasons.
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] [ INFO] Found 2220 cached/unavailable season image links.
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 97/97 programs. (0:00:00:00.4411145)
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.4531180)
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] Exiting GetAllSeasonImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] Entering GetAllSportsImages() for 409 sports events.
[26/04/2024 01:14:36] [ INFO] Found 23 cached/unavailable sport event image links.
[26/04/2024 01:14:37] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.3490913)
[26/04/2024 01:14:37] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.3941026)
[26/04/2024 01:14:37] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.3961029)
[26/04/2024 01:14:37] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 11/11 programs. (0:00:00:00.4931282)
[26/04/2024 01:14:37] Exiting GetAllSportsImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:37] [ INFO] Completed compiling keywords and keyword groups.
[26/04/2024 01:14:37] [ INFO] 3283 entries deleted from the cache file during cleanup.
[26/04/2024 01:14:39] [ INFO] Completed save of the MXF file to "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf". (26.455 MB)
[26/04/2024 01:14:39] [ INFO] Generated MXF file contains 173 services, 4408 series, 2442 seasons, 18066 programs, 70544 schedule entries, and 28024 people with 7534 image links.
[26/04/2024 01:14:39] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 update execution. SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:14:39] [ INFO] EPG123 update execution time was 00:00:35.6272390.
[26/04/2024 01:14:41] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 01:14:41] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning MXF file import. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 01:14:41] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 01:14:41] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 01:14:41] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 01:14:41] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.3.9600.16384] is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 01:14:41] [ INFO] Import: True , Match: False , NoLogo: False , Force: False , ShowProgress: False , NoGC: False , NoVerify: False , Verbose: False
[26/04/2024 01:14:42] Entering ImportMxfFile() for file "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf".
[26/04/2024 01:14:43] [ INFO] MXF file was created on 26/04/2024 01:14:05 +01:00
[26/04/2024 01:14:43] [WARNG] There was a WARNING generated during the MXF file creation.
[26/04/2024 01:14:43] [WARNG] ACTION: Review trace.log file to determine cause of warning during MXF file creation within last 24 hours.
[26/04/2024 01:15:30] [ INFO] Successfully imported .mxf file into Media Center database. Exit code: 0
[26/04/2024 01:15:30] Exiting ImportMxfFile(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:15:30] Entering VerifyLoad()
[26/04/2024 01:15:31] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_100376: BBCALBH: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:31] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_110540: BBCSEHD: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:34] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_110718: BBCSCOT: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:35] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_26084: 4MUSUK: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:35] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_25151: KISS: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:35] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_25607: MAGIC: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:35] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_24436: BBCR3: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:30:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:36] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_24442: GOLDRAD: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:36] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_48957: ABSOL80: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:36] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_30455: 2FMIRL: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:36] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_48857: RTELYR: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 06:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:36] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_30457: RADGAE: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 26/04/2024 07:00:00.
[26/04/2024 01:15:37] [ INFO] Checked 70544 entries and corrected 32 of them.
[26/04/2024 01:15:37] Exiting VerifyLoad()
[26/04/2024 01:15:37] [ INFO] Completed lineup refresh.
[26/04/2024 01:15:37] Entering ReindexDatabase()
[26/04/2024 01:15:37] [ INFO] SUCCESS: WMC database indexing has started.
[26/04/2024 01:15:37] Exiting ReindexDatabase(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 01:15:38] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 client execution.
[26/04/2024 01:15:38] [ INFO] EPG123 client execution time was 00:00:56.3856212.
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning WMC recorder storage/tuner conflict checks. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.3.9600.16384] is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] [ INFO] WMC database indexing took 00:02:20.6214657. Exit: 0x00000000
[26/04/2024 01:17:58] [ INFO] Recorder storage drive G:\ has 1.489 TB available. (2.149 TB of 3.638 TB used)
[26/04/2024 01:17:59] [ INFO] No tuner conflicts detected within next 3 days.
[26/04/2024 01:17:59] [ INFO] Completed WMC recorder storage/tuner conflict checks.
[26/04/2024 18:00:45] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:00:45] EPG123: Beginning MXF and XMLTV file updates. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 18:00:45] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:00:45] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 18:00:45] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:00:45] [ INFO] DaysToDownload: 21 , TheTVDBNumbers : True , PrefixEpisodeTitle: False , PrefixEpisodeDescription : False , AppendEpisodeDesc: False , OADOverride : True , SeasonEventImages : True , IncludeSDLogos : True , AutoAddNew: True , CreateXmltv: False
[26/04/2024 18:00:45] [ INFO] Token request successful. serverID: HTPC1 , datetime: 2024-04-26T03:53:41Z
[26/04/2024 18:00:46] [ INFO] Status request successful. account expires: 2024-06-06T11:45:08Z , lineups: 1/4 , lastDataUpdate: 2024-04-26T16:37:38Z
[26/04/2024 18:00:46] [ INFO] System status: Online , message: No known issues.
[26/04/2024 18:00:48] [ INFO] Successfully requested listing of subscribed lineups from Schedules Direct.
[26/04/2024 18:00:48] Entering BuildLineupServices() for 1 lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:00:48] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved the station mapping for lineup GBR-1000017-DEFAULT. (175 stations; 181 channels)
[26/04/2024 18:00:49] [ INFO] Stations no longer available since last configuration save are: CREATVM
[26/04/2024 18:00:49] [ INFO] Stations added for download since last configuration save are: CREATEC
[26/04/2024 18:00:49] Exiting BuildLineupServices(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:00:49] Entering GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s() for 21 days on 173 stations.
[26/04/2024 18:00:52] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:03.7939842)
[26/04/2024 18:00:52] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 48021 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:00:52] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 31783 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:00:59] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 57 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:06.8577784)
[26/04/2024 18:01:05] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:04.8382555)
[26/04/2024 18:01:05] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 20685 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:01:14] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 58 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:08.8853035)
[26/04/2024 18:01:19] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 55/55 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:04.4711602)
[26/04/2024 18:01:29] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 55 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:09.7175198)
[26/04/2024 18:01:30] [ INFO] Found 2026 cached daily schedules.
[26/04/2024 18:01:30] [ INFO] Downloaded 1034 daily schedules.
[26/04/2024 18:01:31] [ INFO] Processed 3060 daily schedules for 173 stations for average of 17.7 days per station.
[26/04/2024 18:01:31] Exiting GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:31] Entering BuildAllProgramEntries() for 18539 programs.
[26/04/2024 18:01:34] [ INFO] Found 17127 cached program descriptions.
[26/04/2024 18:01:35] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 162/162 program descriptions. (0:00:00:01.5363971)
[26/04/2024 18:01:48] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 1250/1250 program descriptions. (0:00:00:13.6835475)
[26/04/2024 18:01:48] Exiting BuildAllProgramEntries(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:48] Entering BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions() for 4662 series.
[26/04/2024 18:01:48] [ INFO] Found 4596 cached/unavailable series descriptions.
[26/04/2024 18:01:49] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 66/66 generic program descriptions. (0:00:00:00.8932317)
[26/04/2024 18:01:49] Exiting BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:49] Entering GetAllMoviePosters() for 962 movies.
[26/04/2024 18:01:49] [ INFO] Found 909 cached/unavailable movie poster links.
[26/04/2024 18:01:50] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 53/53 programs. (0:00:00:00.9892577)
[26/04/2024 18:01:51] [ INFO] TMDb catalog search for "The Flag" from 2023 found 6 results.
[26/04/2024 18:01:51] Exiting GetAllMoviePosters(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:51] Entering GetAllSeriesImages() for 4662 series.
[26/04/2024 18:01:51] [ INFO] Found 4161 cached/unavailable series image links.
[26/04/2024 18:01:51] [ INFO] Refreshing 133 series image links.
[26/04/2024 18:01:53] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:01.2983364)
[26/04/2024 18:01:53] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:01.5704071)
[26/04/2024 18:01:53] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 1/1 programs. (0:00:00:00.3760975)
[26/04/2024 18:01:54] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:02.2055722)
[26/04/2024 18:01:54] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:02.2085724)
[26/04/2024 18:01:54] Exiting GetAllSeriesImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:54] Entering GetAllSeasonImages() for 2498 seasons.
[26/04/2024 18:01:54] [ INFO] Found 2350 cached/unavailable season image links.
[26/04/2024 18:01:54] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 23/23 programs. (0:00:00:00.4741229)
[26/04/2024 18:01:55] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:01.3863597)
[26/04/2024 18:01:55] Exiting GetAllSeasonImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:55] Entering GetAllSportsImages() for 455 sports events.
[26/04/2024 18:01:55] [ INFO] Found 26 cached/unavailable sport event image links.
[26/04/2024 18:01:56] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 54/54 programs. (0:00:00:00.4671211)
[26/04/2024 18:01:56] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.8352171)
[26/04/2024 18:01:56] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.8942318)
[26/04/2024 18:01:56] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:01.0062611)
[26/04/2024 18:01:56] Exiting GetAllSportsImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:56] [ INFO] Completed compiling keywords and keyword groups.
[26/04/2024 18:01:56] [ INFO] 1954 entries deleted from the cache file during cleanup.
[26/04/2024 18:01:59] [ INFO] Completed save of the MXF file to "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf". (27.459 MB)
[26/04/2024 18:01:59] [ INFO] Generated MXF file contains 173 services, 4662 series, 2498 seasons, 18539 programs, 74680 schedule entries, and 28486 people with 7838 image links.
[26/04/2024 18:01:59] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 update execution. SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:01:59] [ INFO] EPG123 update execution time was 00:01:13.9361736.
[26/04/2024 18:02:02] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:02:02] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning MXF file import. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 18:02:02] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:02:02] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 18:02:02] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:02:02] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.3.9600.16384] is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:02:02] [ INFO] Import: True , Match: False , NoLogo: False , Force: False , ShowProgress: False , NoGC: True , NoVerify: False , Verbose: False
[26/04/2024 18:02:04] Entering ImportMxfFile() for file "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf".
[26/04/2024 18:02:05] [ INFO] MXF file was created on 26/04/2024 18:00:46 +01:00
[26/04/2024 18:02:05] [WARNG] There was a WARNING generated during the MXF file creation.
[26/04/2024 18:02:05] [WARNG] ACTION: Review trace.log file to determine cause of warning during MXF file creation within last 24 hours.
[26/04/2024 18:02:52] [ INFO] Successfully imported .mxf file into Media Center database. Exit code: 0
[26/04/2024 18:02:52] Exiting ImportMxfFile(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:02:52] Entering VerifyLoad()
[26/04/2024 18:02:57] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_83285: BBCNWHD has a time discontinuity at 11/05/2024 02:00:00. Skipping verification of this station's schedule entries.
[26/04/2024 18:03:00] [ INFO] Checked 74002 entries and corrected 88 of them.
[26/04/2024 18:03:00] Exiting VerifyLoad()
[26/04/2024 18:03:00] [ INFO] Completed lineup refresh.
[26/04/2024 18:03:00] Entering ReindexDatabase()
[26/04/2024 18:03:00] [ INFO] SUCCESS: WMC database indexing has started.
[26/04/2024 18:03:00] Exiting ReindexDatabase(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:03:01] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 client execution.
[26/04/2024 18:03:01] [ INFO] EPG123 client execution time was 00:00:58.9982993.
[26/04/2024 18:05:31] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:05:31] EPG123_GUI: Activating the configuration GUI. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 18:05:31] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:05:31] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 18:05:31] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:05:35] [ INFO] Successfully downloaded configuration file from http://localhost:9009/epg123/epg123.cfg.
[26/04/2024 18:05:35] [ INFO] Successfully queried the Task Scheduler for status. Ready. Last Run 26/04/2024 18:02:00. Exit: 0x0000BAD1
[26/04/2024 18:05:35] [ INFO] Token request successful. serverID: HTPC1 , datetime: 2024-04-26T03:53:41Z
[26/04/2024 18:05:36] [ INFO] Status request successful. account expires: 2024-06-06T11:45:08Z , lineups: 1/4 , lastDataUpdate: 2024-04-26T17:04:12Z
[26/04/2024 18:05:36] [ INFO] System status: Online , message: No known issues.
[26/04/2024 18:05:36] [ INFO] Successfully requested listing of subscribed lineups from Schedules Direct.
[26/04/2024 18:05:36] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved the station mapping for lineup GBR-1000017-DEFAULT. (175 stations; 181 channels)
[26/04/2024 18:06:05] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:06:05] EPG123: Beginning MXF and XMLTV file updates. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 18:06:05] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:06:05] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 18:06:05] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:06:05] [ INFO] DaysToDownload: 21 , TheTVDBNumbers : True , PrefixEpisodeTitle: False , PrefixEpisodeDescription : False , AppendEpisodeDesc: False , OADOverride : True , SeasonEventImages : True , IncludeSDLogos : True , AutoAddNew: True , CreateXmltv: False
[26/04/2024 18:06:05] [ INFO] Token request successful. serverID: HTPC1 , datetime: 2024-04-26T03:53:41Z
[26/04/2024 18:06:06] [ INFO] Status request successful. account expires: 2024-06-06T11:45:08Z , lineups: 1/4 , lastDataUpdate: 2024-04-26T17:04:12Z
[26/04/2024 18:06:06] [ INFO] System status: Online , message: No known issues.
[26/04/2024 18:06:07] [ INFO] Successfully requested listing of subscribed lineups from Schedules Direct.
[26/04/2024 18:06:07] Entering BuildLineupServices() for 1 lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:06:08] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved the station mapping for lineup GBR-1000017-DEFAULT. (175 stations; 181 channels)
[26/04/2024 18:06:08] Exiting BuildLineupServices(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:08] Entering GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s() for 21 days on 173 stations.
[26/04/2024 18:06:09] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:01.1182896)
[26/04/2024 18:06:09] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 48021 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:06:09] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 31783 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:06:09] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 3 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.3370873)
[26/04/2024 18:06:10] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:01.0252658)
[26/04/2024 18:06:10] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 20685 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[26/04/2024 18:06:11] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 3 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.4181082)
[26/04/2024 18:06:12] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 55/55 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.9212390)
[26/04/2024 18:06:12] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 2 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.4861262)
[26/04/2024 18:06:12] [ INFO] Found 3036 cached daily schedules.
[26/04/2024 18:06:12] [ INFO] Downloaded 24 daily schedules.
[26/04/2024 18:06:14] [ INFO] Processed 3060 daily schedules for 173 stations for average of 17.7 days per station.
[26/04/2024 18:06:14] Exiting GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:14] Entering BuildAllProgramEntries() for 18547 programs.
[26/04/2024 18:06:17] [ INFO] Found 18538 cached program descriptions.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 9/9 program descriptions. (0:00:00:00.3060797)
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] Exiting BuildAllProgramEntries(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] Entering BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions() for 4664 series.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] [ INFO] Found 4663 cached/unavailable series descriptions.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 1/1 generic program descriptions. (0:00:00:00.2550661)
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] Exiting BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] Entering GetAllMoviePosters() for 962 movies.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] [ INFO] Found 962 cached/unavailable movie poster links.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] Exiting GetAllMoviePosters(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:18] Entering GetAllSeriesImages() for 4664 series.
[26/04/2024 18:06:19] [ INFO] Found 4462 cached/unavailable series image links.
[26/04/2024 18:06:19] [ INFO] Refreshing 142 series image links.
[26/04/2024 18:06:19] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.5931535)
[26/04/2024 18:06:19] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 77/77 programs. (0:00:00:00.8862295)
[26/04/2024 18:06:19] Exiting GetAllSeriesImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:20] Entering GetAllSeasonImages() for 2499 seasons.
[26/04/2024 18:06:20] [ INFO] Found 2423 cached/unavailable season image links.
[26/04/2024 18:06:20] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 76/76 programs. (0:00:00:00.6591709)
[26/04/2024 18:06:20] Exiting GetAllSeasonImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:20] Entering GetAllSportsImages() for 457 sports events.
[26/04/2024 18:06:20] [ INFO] Found 30 cached/unavailable sport event image links.
[26/04/2024 18:06:21] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.3240845)
[26/04/2024 18:06:21] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 52/52 programs. (0:00:00:00.6491684)
[26/04/2024 18:06:21] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.9602488)
[26/04/2024 18:06:22] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:01.5243951)
[26/04/2024 18:06:22] Exiting GetAllSportsImages(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:22] [ INFO] Completed compiling keywords and keyword groups.
[26/04/2024 18:06:22] [ INFO] 69 entries deleted from the cache file during cleanup.
[26/04/2024 18:06:25] [ INFO] Completed save of the MXF file to "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf". (27.483 MB)
[26/04/2024 18:06:25] [ INFO] Generated MXF file contains 173 services, 4664 series, 2499 seasons, 18547 programs, 74789 schedule entries, and 28490 people with 7841 image links.
[26/04/2024 18:06:25] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 update execution. SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:25] [ INFO] EPG123 update execution time was 00:00:19.6280901.
[26/04/2024 18:06:27] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:06:27] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning MXF file import. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 18:06:27] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:06:27] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 18:06:27] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:06:27] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.3.9600.16384] is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:06:27] [ INFO] Import: True , Match: False , NoLogo: False , Force: False , ShowProgress: True , NoGC: True , NoVerify: True , Verbose: False
[26/04/2024 18:06:28] Entering ImportMxfFile() for file "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf".
[26/04/2024 18:06:29] [ INFO] MXF file was created on 26/04/2024 18:06:06 +01:00
[26/04/2024 18:06:29] [WARNG] There was a WARNING generated during the MXF file creation.
[26/04/2024 18:06:29] [WARNG] ACTION: Review trace.log file to determine cause of warning during MXF file creation within last 24 hours.
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] Successfully imported .mxf file into Media Center database. Exit code: 0
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] Exiting ImportMxfFile(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] Completed lineup refresh.
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] Entering ReindexDatabase()
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] [26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ERROR] Unhandled exception caught from epg123Client.exe. message: Access to the path 'Global\EPG123Indexing' is denied.
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] at System.IO.__Error.WinIOError(Int32 errorCode, String maybeFullPath)
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] at System.Threading.Mutex.MutexTryCodeHelper.MutexTryCode(Object userData)
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] at System.Runtime.CompilerServices.RuntimeHelpers.ExecuteCodeWithGuaranteedCleanup(TryCode code, CleanupCode backoutCode, Object userData)
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] at System.Threading.Mutex.CreateMutexWithGuaranteedCleanup(Boolean initiallyOwned, String name, Boolean& createdNew, SECURITY_ATTRIBUTES secAttrs)
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] at System.Threading.Mutex..ctor(Boolean initiallyOwned, String name, Boolean& createdNew, MutexSecurity mutexSecurity)
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ INFO] at System.Threading.Mutex..ctor(Boolean initiallyOwned, String name, Boolean& createdNew)
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] [ERROR] Unhandled exception caught from epg123Client.exe. message: Access to the path 'Global\EPG123Indexing' is denied.
at System.IO.__Error.WinIOError(Int32 errorCode, String maybeFullPath)
at System.Threading.Mutex.MutexTryCodeHelper.MutexTryCode(Object userData)
at System.Runtime.CompilerServices.RuntimeHelpers.ExecuteCodeWithGuaranteedCleanup(TryCode code, CleanupCode backoutCode, Object userData)
at System.Threading.Mutex.CreateMutexWithGuaranteedCleanup(Boolean initiallyOwned, String name, Boolean& createdNew, SECURITY_ATTRIBUTES secAttrs)
at System.Threading.Mutex..ctor(Boolean initiallyOwned, String name, Boolean& createdNew, MutexSecurity mutexSecurity)
at System.Threading.Mutex..ctor(Boolean initiallyOwned, String name, Boolean& createdNew)
at epg123Client.Program.Main(String[] args)
[26/04/2024 18:06:59] Exiting ReindexDatabase(). SUCCESS.
[26/04/2024 18:07:00] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 client execution.
[26/04/2024 18:07:00] [ INFO] EPG123 client execution time was 00:00:32.3283833.
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning WMC recorder storage/tuner conflict checks. version 1.8.2.11
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] =====================================================================================
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.3.9600.16384] is installed. ***
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] [ INFO] WMC database indexing took 00:06:11.4063125. Exit: 0x00000000
[26/04/2024 18:09:12] [ INFO] Recorder storage drive G:\ has 1.489 TB available. (2.150 TB of 3.638 TB used)
[26/04/2024 18:09:14] [ INFO] No tuner conflicts detected within next 3 days.
[26/04/2024 18:09:14] [ INFO] Completed WMC recorder storage/tuner conflict checks.
[27/04/2024 01:14:01] =====================================================================================
[27/04/2024 01:14:01] EPG123: Beginning MXF and XMLTV file updates. version 1.8.2.11
[27/04/2024 01:14:01] =====================================================================================
[27/04/2024 01:14:01] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[27/04/2024 01:14:01] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[27/04/2024 01:14:01] [ INFO] DaysToDownload: 21 , TheTVDBNumbers : True , PrefixEpisodeTitle: False , PrefixEpisodeDescription : False , AppendEpisodeDesc: False , OADOverride : True , SeasonEventImages : True , IncludeSDLogos : True , AutoAddNew: True , CreateXmltv: False
[27/04/2024 01:14:01] [ INFO] Token request successful. serverID: HTPC1 , datetime: 2024-04-26T03:53:41Z
[27/04/2024 01:14:02] [ INFO] Status request successful. account expires: 2024-06-06T11:45:08Z , lineups: 1/4 , lastDataUpdate: 2024-04-27T00:11:51Z
[27/04/2024 01:14:02] [ INFO] System status: Online , message: No known issues.
[27/04/2024 01:14:04] [ INFO] Successfully requested listing of subscribed lineups from Schedules Direct.
[27/04/2024 01:14:04] Entering BuildLineupServices() for 1 lineups.
[27/04/2024 01:14:04] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved the station mapping for lineup GBR-1000017-DEFAULT. (175 stations; 181 channels)
[27/04/2024 01:14:04] Exiting BuildLineupServices(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:04] Entering GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s() for 21 days on 173 stations.
[27/04/2024 01:14:05] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.7471933)
[27/04/2024 01:14:05] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 48021 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[27/04/2024 01:14:05] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 31783 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[27/04/2024 01:14:05] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 16 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.4831246)
[27/04/2024 01:14:06] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 59/59 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.9062351)
[27/04/2024 01:14:06] [WARNG] Requests for MD5 schedule entries of station 20685 returned error code 7030 , message: You have requested a schedule which is not in any of your configured lineups.
[27/04/2024 01:14:07] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 14 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.3340864)
[27/04/2024 01:14:07] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved Md5s for 55/55 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.8152114)
[27/04/2024 01:14:08] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 23 stations' daily schedules. (0:00:00:00.5601455)
[27/04/2024 01:14:08] [ INFO] Found 2688 cached daily schedules.
[27/04/2024 01:14:08] [ INFO] Downloaded 202 daily schedules.
[27/04/2024 01:14:09] [ INFO] Processed 2890 daily schedules for 173 stations for average of 16.7 days per station.
[27/04/2024 01:14:09] Exiting GetAllScheduleEntryMd5s(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:09] Entering BuildAllProgramEntries() for 18335 programs.
[27/04/2024 01:14:12] [ INFO] Found 18254 cached program descriptions.
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 81/81 program descriptions. (0:00:00:00.4881266)
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] Exiting BuildAllProgramEntries(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] Entering BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions() for 4611 series.
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] [ INFO] Found 4609 cached/unavailable series descriptions.
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved 2/2 generic program descriptions. (0:00:00:00.2390620)
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] Exiting BuildAllGenericSeriesInfoDescriptions(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] Entering GetAllMoviePosters() for 942 movies.
[27/04/2024 01:14:13] [ INFO] Found 941 cached/unavailable movie poster links.
[27/04/2024 01:14:14] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 1/1 programs. (0:00:00:00.2440634)
[27/04/2024 01:14:14] Exiting GetAllMoviePosters(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:14] Entering GetAllSeriesImages() for 4611 series.
[27/04/2024 01:14:14] [ INFO] Found 4388 cached/unavailable series image links.
[27/04/2024 01:14:14] [ INFO] Refreshing 163 series image links.
[27/04/2024 01:14:14] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.3430891)
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 98/98 programs. (0:00:00:00.9192383)
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] Exiting GetAllSeriesImages(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] Entering GetAllSeasonImages() for 2477 seasons.
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] [ INFO] Found 2396 cached/unavailable season image links.
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 81/81 programs. (0:00:00:00.3050791)
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] Exiting GetAllSeasonImages(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] Entering GetAllSportsImages() for 446 sports events.
[27/04/2024 01:14:15] [ INFO] Found 26 cached/unavailable sport event image links.
[27/04/2024 01:14:16] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.3000780)
[27/04/2024 01:14:16] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.3430888)
[27/04/2024 01:14:16] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 45/45 programs. (0:00:00:00.6311636)
[27/04/2024 01:14:16] [ INFO] Successfully retrieved artwork info for 125/125 programs. (0:00:00:00.6521690)
[27/04/2024 01:14:16] Exiting GetAllSportsImages(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:16] [ INFO] Completed compiling keywords and keyword groups.
[27/04/2024 01:14:16] [ INFO] 784 entries deleted from the cache file during cleanup.
[27/04/2024 01:14:19] [ INFO] Completed save of the MXF file to "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf". (27.115 MB)
[27/04/2024 01:14:19] [ INFO] Generated MXF file contains 173 services, 4611 series, 2477 seasons, 18335 programs, 73479 schedule entries, and 28125 people with 7755 image links.
[27/04/2024 01:14:19] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 update execution. SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 01:14:19] [ INFO] EPG123 update execution time was 00:00:17.4485248.
[27/04/2024 01:14:20] =====================================================================================
[27/04/2024 01:14:20] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning MXF file import. version 1.8.2.11
[27/04/2024 01:14:20] =====================================================================================
[27/04/2024 01:14:20] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[27/04/2024 01:14:20] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[27/04/2024 01:14:20] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.3.9600.16384] is installed. ***
[27/04/2024 01:14:20] [ INFO] Import: True , Match: False , NoLogo: False , Force: False , ShowProgress: False , NoGC: False , NoVerify: False , Verbose: False
[27/04/2024 01:14:21] [ INFO] There is a recording in progress or the next scheduled recording is within 60 minutes. Delaying garbage collection and/or import.
[27/04/2024 02:03:54] Entering PerformGarbageCleanup().
[27/04/2024 02:09:24] [ INFO] Successfully completed garbage cleanup. Exit code: 0
[27/04/2024 02:09:24] Exiting PerformGarbageCleanup(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 02:09:25] Entering ImportMxfFile() for file "C:\ProgramData\GaRyan2\epg123\output\epg123.mxf".
[27/04/2024 02:09:26] [ INFO] MXF file was created on 27/04/2024 01:14:02 +01:00
[27/04/2024 02:09:26] [WARNG] There was a WARNING generated during the MXF file creation.
[27/04/2024 02:09:26] [WARNG] ACTION: Review trace.log file to determine cause of warning during MXF file creation within last 24 hours.
[27/04/2024 02:09:52] [ INFO] Successfully imported .mxf file into Media Center database. Exit code: 0
[27/04/2024 02:09:52] Exiting ImportMxfFile(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 02:09:52] Entering VerifyLoad()
[27/04/2024 02:09:55] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_83285: BBCNWHD has a time discontinuity at 11/05/2024 02:00:00. Skipping verification of this station's schedule entries.
[27/04/2024 02:09:56] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_48957: ABSOL80: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 27/04/2024 08:00:00.
[27/04/2024 02:09:57] [ INFO] Service !Service!EPG123_30457: RADGAE: first mxf schedule entry to verify is in the future at 27/04/2024 07:30:00.
[27/04/2024 02:09:57] [ INFO] Checked 72816 entries and corrected 11 of them.
[27/04/2024 02:09:57] Exiting VerifyLoad()
[27/04/2024 02:09:57] [ INFO] Completed lineup refresh.
[27/04/2024 02:09:57] Entering ReindexDatabase()
[27/04/2024 02:09:57] [ INFO] SUCCESS: WMC database indexing has started.
[27/04/2024 02:09:57] Exiting ReindexDatabase(). SUCCESS.
[27/04/2024 02:09:58] [ INFO] Completed EPG123 client execution.
[27/04/2024 02:09:58] [ INFO] EPG123 client execution time was 00:55:37.9055481.
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] =====================================================================================
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] EPG123CLIENT: Beginning WMC recorder storage/tuner conflict checks. version 1.8.2.11
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] =====================================================================================
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] *** Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, 64-bit [Version: 6.3.9600.20778] ***
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] *** .NET Framework 4.8 (4.8.03761) is installed. ***
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] *** Windows Media Center [Version: 6.3.9600.16384] is installed. ***
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] [ INFO] WMC database indexing took 00:02:20.5296807. Exit: 0x00000000
[27/04/2024 02:12:18] [ INFO] Recorder storage drive G:\ has 1.481 TB available. (2.157 TB of 3.638 TB used)
[27/04/2024 02:12:19] [ INFO] No tuner conflicts detected within next 3 days.
[27/04/2024 02:12:19] [ INFO] Completed WMC recorder storage/tuner conflict checks.
[27/04/2024 04:01:22] [ INFO] **** Intercepted "mcupdate.exe -u -nogc" call. Ignored. ****

EPG123 :: Dreaded Yellow Icon Again :: Author clevoir

2024-04-27T07:17:43+00:00

EPG123 :: Re: Dreaded Yellow Icon Again :: Reply by clevoir

2024-04-27T07:22:23+00:00

Sorry for the duplicate post , I was having problems uploading the log

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: MyMediaCenter :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-02T00:34:35+00:00

==> I have created a new "Answers thread" in the "EPG123" forum, which provides all the known information about getting the Ceton MMC Companion app to install and operate as best as can be hoped for.

I realize that this would have been the more appropriate forum for it, but I'd already tried to get the involvement of EPG123 experts over on that forum with a "questions" thread.

So I figured I might as well put the "answers" thread there as well.

Please put any additional information you might have over on that thread, if it is relevant to the things I talk about there.

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: myForecast weather addin :: Reply by vanleeuwen

2024-04-20T01:00:45+00:00

Hey nelinory are you still around ? Looks like we need you again as the OpenWeather API v2.5 is being shut down so need a fix to move to v3

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: Remind Me plugin :: Reply by Keylonta

2024-04-20T13:41:43+00:00

Hey, does anyone have a copy of the "Remind Me" installer? Would you mind sharing a download link?

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: Recorded TV HD Addin :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-22T15:26:08+00:00

Key doesn't (no longer?) work.

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: Recorded TV HD Addin :: Reply by Hi-Def_PCs

2024-04-22T15:51:42+00:00

Try this link...

https://www.thegreenbutton.tv/wiki/inde ... rded_TV_HD

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: Recorded TV HD Addin :: Reply by Hi-Def_PCs

2024-04-22T15:55:12+00:00

Mugsy wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 3:26 pm Key doesn't (no longer?) work.

Try these links...

https://www.thegreenbutton.tv/wiki/inde ... rded_TV_HD
or
https://www.thegreenbutton.tv/wiki/inde ... &oldid=798

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: Recorded TV HD Addin :: Reply by Mugsy

2024-04-22T18:17:42+00:00

Thx. I discovered that you can't Copy/Paste the key.

It must be typed by hand (and last character is indeed an "O" not "zero".)

WMC Add-ins and 3rd Party Apps :: Re: Recorded TV HD Addin :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-23T21:03:40+00:00

For the benefit of anyone else reading, the key is fine. You do have to take care when entering it.
Whilst you can't copy/past the whole key, the safest way to avoid mistakes is to copy/paste each individual block of four characters into the corresponding input box.

Codecs/Encoding :: Mcdu.Exe utility :: Author jdtayloruk

2024-04-20T14:41:13+00:00

Hi,

I know this old, but I was hoping to get a copy of mcdu.exe the media centre codec utility as I want to get a recording format which I can play on a network linked lg tv but it cant find wtv files.

Thanks

Codecs/Encoding :: Re: Mcdu.Exe utility :: Reply by holidayboy

2024-04-20T15:34:39+00:00

Here you go..

Attachments

MCDU-REPLACES -VMCD.zip (13.74 KiB)

Codecs/Encoding :: Re: Mcdu.Exe utility :: Reply by jdtayloruk

2024-04-23T12:35:40+00:00

Thanks

Ceton infiniTV Tuners :: Re: CableCard firmware issue :: Reply by jaimeknapp

2024-03-28T20:01:27+00:00

DSpewrber,

I am in San Antonio. I have found a technician and supervisor that are working on it. They have found substantial noise down in the same band as the CC uses and it is reported to the trunk line group to resolve it first. They also have found a CC removed from a working Tivo system that they are willing to bring out and attempt to pair it into my account. We'll just have to wait and see.

Ceton infiniTV Tuners :: Re: CableCard firmware issue :: Reply by DSperber

2024-03-30T20:53:17+00:00

Ironically, just yesterday I had a "miracle service call" from Spectrum, specifically to bring me out another cablecard! I know these things aren't supposed to happen but I was able to plead my case to the upper-level support supervisor I worked with unsuccessfully for an hour on the phone on Tuesday, to try and re-pair one of my two existing cablecards in its host Ceton PCIe TV 6-tuner host. This was already the third phone session that had ended unsuccessfully. The background here was that I had tried using my Ceton ETH tuner instead of the Ceton PCIe card during a weeklong research project with a third PC (which began with getting Spectrum to successfully pair the cablecard in its new Ceton ETH host), but in the end it was unsuccessful. So now I was trying to put back that cablecard into the Ceton PCIe tuner card and that required re-pairing, which for many days and attempts had still failed to be accomplished successfully.

So in the end a service call for Friday was scheduled. I insisted that they clearly put in the notes "bring a cablecard", although I really did believe that would never happen. But hopefully working with a brand new cablecard would end in successful pairing.

Lo and behold, when Sergio showed up Friday morning he had in his hands BOTH (a) a Motorola M-card, and (b) a Motorola MTA700 tuning adapter!!! He' apparently been talking about the service call with associate techs and lo and behold he found one that actually had a random cablecard in his struck, and a second that actually had a random MTA700 tuning adapter in his truck!!! So he grabbed both from his two "sources" and came to my house with them!!

When he arrived and I stopped gasping with excitement that he'd actually brought not just a replacement cablecard but also a tuning adapter (which I didn't need, but just in case...), we got to work. Phone call made to the Spectrum "cablecard support specialists" desk in NY (I will privately share that phone number if anybody needs it), and we first decided to try kick-starting my existing cablecard one more time just to be sure it would or wouldn't finally validate. I provided the card S/N (just to be sure he didn't screw up the other cablecard on my account that was working perfectly in my other WMC machine), along with the HOST ID and DATA required for pairing. They were unsuccessful in coaxing it back to life.

I then powered off my PC, removed the current cablecard, inserted the replacement he'd brought, powered the PC back on, and provided the new cablecard S/N, and new HOST ID and DATA values required for pairing. Initial efforts to get it paired and activated and validated were also unsuccessful for a while. After asking for some backroom help from other "expertes", I was originally told that they actually couldn't do this, that they weren't allowed to "add a new cablecard to an account". The Spectrum tech in my house got on the phone and insisted that this was simply a "repair/replacement of an existing cablecard" and for sure should be allowed, and the guy at the other end retreated to enlist yet another specialist expert to help get this done.

This time, they apparently "burned my account to the ground", and started from the beginning, and DID manage to get the replacement card "added back" to my account. A shriek of joy went up in my house from both me and the Spectrum tech as we saw the Ceton diagnostic utility which was on the screen of my PC and open to the "cablecard" tab, suddenly change the RED object to a GREEN CHECK, as the new card magically got correctly assigned to my account, and successfully activated and validated and authorized! IT WAS A MIRACLE!

And sure enough... 100% successful. Everything was now once again working properly in that WMC machine. All channels were once again available for tuning and viewing, and my existing MTA700 tuning adapter was successfully "READY" and capable of getting the "SDV channel map" and thus capable of allowing me to successfully tune to ALL SDV CHANNELS.

CASE CLOSED! ... (or so I thought). The Spectrum tech and I congratulated and thanked each other for an exciting morning, and he left.

I then went out of the house for the day. When I return home last night I noticed that the normally scheduled afternoon and evening recordings on my OTHER "production" WMC machine (which was NOT the "backup WMC machine" we'd worked on in the morning for the above cablecard issue) had ALL FAILED TO RECORD! The WMC "history" showed "no TV signal available", and this began happening at 3PM, shortly after the Spectrum story on my other machine had ended successfully. And now when I manually tried to tune to any channel , I just got a "black screen", which I recognize as the symptom of a NON-FUNCTIONING CABLECARD, i.e. no "decryption" of the encrypted Spectrum channels is occurring.

I checked things on my other "backup" WMC machine, and sure enough everything was still working fine, through the newly replaced cablecard we'd gotten placed on my account in the morning. But apparently in the process of "burning everything to the ground" in order to finally successfully add the replacement card to my account, the specialist in NY had also REMOVED ALL CABLECARDS FROM MY ACCOUNT... of course including my other cablecard in my "production" WMC machine that had been working just fine until then.

So, one more phone call to that same "Spectrum cablecard support specialists" desk in NY. He looked at my account and my authorized equipment, and saw what had happened in the morning. He was then able to re-add (without any difficulty whatsoever, so he clearly WAS a "specialist expert") this unintentionally de-activated cablecard back onto my account, sending it the proper validate authorize authenticate signals. And sure enough Ceton diagnostics again went GREEN CHECK for this cablecard, and like magic my "production" WMC machine and its cablecard and tuning adapter were once again back in business and tuning/decrypting all channels (both SDV and non-SDV) successfully.

And now, truly... CASE CLOSED.

I will now protect these two WMC machines which are both working 100% correctly WITH MY LIFE!!!

Ceton infiniTV Tuners :: Re: Upcoming death of WMC/Ceton/cablecard/TA on Spectrum LA :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-04T23:10:30+00:00

just a little recent postscript on this story...

I did play with the Ceton ETH external tuner on the project as I described, using the new M910x PC in order to try and build a new 3rd WMC Win7 machine literally "from scratch" in a branc newly installed Win7 from scratch. And that involved getting Spectrum to re-pair my existing cablecard that I temporarily removed from the Ceton PCIe card inside of my "backup WMC Z170 Win7 PC" in order to insert it into the Ceton ETH.

And though it did take some second-level backroom assistance from "cablecard support" to get that re-pairing to work, it wasn't all that bad. They did actually succeed and I was then able to get to work with my new research project.

Unfortunately, the Ceton ETH and Ceton 1088 driver/software theoretically supporting it and SDV, is still seemingly truly unusable with however the "SDV channel map" is delivered when the Ceton ETH and Win7 WMC machines are booted. Sure enough I still received the impossible-to-resolve "waiting for channel map" status that I had also received several years ago when attempting to build a Win7 WMC machine under VM (running Win7-VM on a Win10 host). Apparently this problem isn't directly related to running under VM, but rather must be directly related to something about how the Ceton ETH and dits irectly USB-connected tuning adapter work differently from a software perspective than the internal Ceton PCIe card with tuning adapter USB-connected to the PC.

In other words my M910x + Ceton ETH attempt was in fact a total failure in terms of even being possibly another backup or even complete replacement for my existing two Win7 WMC machines. Without 100% reliable functionality and support for Spectrum's SDV channels through a tuning adapter, any such project would have to be considered unusable.

So, after a week of playing around with the M910x + Ceton ETH, I aborted the project and moved the cablecard back into the Ceton PCIe card inside my Z170 machine. And then I once again called Spectrum to once again re-pair the cablecard now back in its original "host". Well, this time the re-pairing just couldn't be accomplished by the Spectrum people on the phone, even when second-level backroom support was enlisted. For some reason they just couldn't get the job done. We tried multiple times, as I made phone calls repeatedly over several days hoping to find somebody who really knew exactly what "trick" needed to be done in order to achieve success.

Finally, I asked the supervisor I happened to be on the phone with that final time (on Tuesday) if they might be able to actually find another cablecard on some shelf or in some warehouse somewhere, and bring it to me in order to replace the current cablecard just on the off-chance the current card had gotten physically damaged so as to now be un-pairable. I pleaded my case, and amazingly she was willing an able to do that. A visit to my house from a technician was scheduled for Friday, with a "guarantee" that he would be bringing a new cablecard with him. How that cablecard would actually have been obtained, I knew now. But I was promised it would occur.

And over the next three days I must have received five follow-up phone calls and text messages from Spectrum dispatch, reminding me of my upcoming Friday morning scheduled visit. And each time a person was on the other end of the phone call I reminded them that the whole reason for the visit was just to deliver me a new cablecard, and get it paired successfully. So just be sure that the technician had a cablecard with him, else it would all have no purpose. Although I was just talking to "dispatch", they assured me the information was in the notes of the record and that for sure he would have a cablecard with him.

Well, sure enough on Friday morning "Sergio" showed up, and sure enough he actually had not only a new cablecard with him but also a new tuning adapter (just in case that was needed as well)!! Apparently he had contacted two other technicians, who happened to separately have had (a) an available cablecard on one truck, and (b) an available tuning adapter on a second truck. So grabbing those two parts from two colleagues, he came to my house "armed for battle". I couldn't believe my luck!

And this time, he phoned the special "cablecard support desk" phone number in NY (which I took note of), in order to enlist the skillset of that special group. Sure enough they knew what extra steps were really required in order to (a) COMPLETELY remove my old cablecard from my account, in order to (b) ADD A BRAND NEW cablecard to my account, and then (c) properly bind / activate / validate / authenticate the new cablecard in its Ceton PCIe host. And after 30 minutes of work, I finally did have a "green check" and the new card was truly working properly! And of course my existing tuning adapter was also once again working correctly, and delivering 100% of the 1023 channels and "channel map" it needed (obtained successfully in two separate chunks with Ceton PCIe, according to the LOG... and apparently just not possible through Ceton ETH and what must be "defective Ceton 1088 driver software"). "Ready to resolve" tuning adapter, with a "green check" cablecard.

So I was once again truly back in business with my original Z170 and internal Ceton PCIe hardware. I thanked Sergio profusely.

I honestly didn't think this was going to be possible, and there may well not be many/any other replacement Motorola cablecards available. But miraculously I was "saved" at least this time.

Once again, protect your cablecard and tuning adapter and fully-functional WMC setup with your life, for as long as you can.

NOTE: even though the unsuccessful "waiting for channel map" problem with the Ceton ETH would have made any M910x result genuinely unacceptable, the real problem was the it is now 100% impossible to activate PlayReady on any newly built Win7/WMC machine. The fact that MS has shut down its PlayReady "enabling / activating" server, so that WMC setup can no longer get the "PlayReady update" it requires (which I believe is a licensing / enabling handshake, not so much a true software update requirement), it is now just physically impossible to build a brand new DRM-enabled WMC machine. Physically impossible.

I even tried restoring a current "image" of my "production M910t WMC machine" onto my new M910x hardware, expecting Windows to do whatever it needed to in order to adjust to any minor hardware differences but to at least take advantage of a working active PlayReady setup. Turns out NOT TRUE. Turns out MS and PlayReady and DRM is too smart to be fooled by this simple trickery. It immediately detected the different CPU and motherboard as a "new machine", and once again insisted on doing its "PlayReady update" to theoretically get DRM correctly enabled and working on this new machine. But once again, since there is no longer an MS PlayReady server in the cloud to do this re-licensing, I was unable to get WMC correctly working for the Spectrum DRM and copy-protected content environment even ignoring any SDV channels because I also couldn't get the Ceton ETH to work properly.

==> WMC in Win7 from scratch, if Ceton cablecard-enabled support and PlayReady is required for DRM and/or copy-protected contents... NO LONGER PHYSICALLY POSSIBLE!! PlayReady enabling is absolutely dead and no longer available.

So guard your current WMC setups with your life... as long as we still have cablecards that work and WMC systems from pre-2020.

Ceton infiniTV Tuners :: Porting Ceton tuner to new Win7 PC :: Author MRMILSTAR

2024-04-21T19:54:14+00:00

I have a working HTPC with the internal (PCI-E) 4-channel Ceton tuner and CableCard. This HTPC has been working very well for 16 years. I have only had to replace the HDD once. I am thinking ahead to the day when the MB fails. I have another Win7 machine with WMC installed. Can I just move the Ceton and CableCard to the new machine? I realize I will have to set up the guide again but will anything else have to be done such as contacting my local cable company to re-pair the CableCard or anything like that? In light of the FCC 2020 decision to allow CableCard support to be dropped, I am wary of having to rely on my local cable company (Mediacom) to provide any help in that area. The first time that I did it in 2008, it was a real nuisance. Even back then they didn't have much knowledge about how CableCards were to be set up.

Ceton infiniTV Tuners :: Re: Porting Ceton tuner to new Win7 PC :: Reply by garyan2

2024-04-22T02:53:10+00:00

Keep that old machine up as long as you can. You probably won't be able to get the other machine be able to watch/record any DRM encrypted channels from your cable provider due to the PlayReady server no longer being up.
viewtopic.php?p=153455#p153310

Ceton infiniTV Tuners :: Re: Porting Ceton tuner to new Win7 PC :: Reply by stuartm

2024-04-22T07:26:15+00:00

Cable cards are paired with tuners. So you probably would not need Cable Co. to do anything if you move both the tuner and card into a new machine. That said, as Gary said, if you need to get playready working on the new machine to view/record protected content you may well be out of luck on that front as evidenced by multiple threads on the forum describing the apparent demise of the playready update ability needed for that.

Ceton infiniTV Tuners :: Re: Porting Ceton tuner to new Win7 PC :: Reply by MRMILSTAR

2024-04-26T19:45:20+00:00

That's unhappy news. My spare Win7 machine has WMC already installed. Am I correct in assuming that the PlayReady key isn't already installed? At what stage of the WMC setup does the PlayReady key need to be obtained?

Other TV Tuners :: DVBT Signal- BGT3540 v BGT3595? :: Author Wheeker

2024-04-25T10:57:53+00:00

I'm getting the attic converted so have had to lose my attic DTT aerial . Always got c.70% signal on WMC (W10), though now & again got pixelation, with my Blackgold BGT3540. I installed one of these aerials instead https://www.satworld.ie/revez-t80-clip-on-aerial.html as it's discreet & clips onto Satellite dish which is roughly in direction of nearest transmitter. Was assured by shop that it would definitely work in my area. So now I'm getting 1% signal which fails now & then and freezes! Thing is, my TV inbuilt tuner gets a great signal no problem? Does WMC have lower tuner sensitivity than standard TV tuners? I also have a BGT3595 I was going to try- would the DVBT sensititvity be better with this card? (N.B. Ireland transmits HD DTT via DVBT not DVBT2). Otherwise will have to rethink my aerial solution.....

Ceton My Media Center :: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Author DSperber

2024-04-01T21:43:05+00:00

I will publicize my findings in a series of posts here on this thread, following this first "summary" post. Since the forum only allows a max of five URLs per post, it will take a handful of posts to completely present all the information along with the accompanying pictures which are supporting documentation.

Here is a summary of the status of Ceton's MyMediaCenter Companion (as far as its existence in the Android world, and specifically on the Samsung Galaxy phone platform).

(1) There are TWO versions of the app (each distributed in APK form): (a) original Ceton version released FOR FREE back in 2014 through their web site as well as through the Google Play Store, and (b) subsequent version available for purchase from the Amazon shopping site, for a price of $4.99 and registered to your Amazon account.

(2) The Google Play Store NO LONGER CARRIES the app, and it will no longer show up in a "search" for "my media center".

(3)However Amazon still offers the app for sale for $4.99. There are subsequent problems which might arise trying to get the purchased app installed on your phone if it is running Android 14, but the Amazon purchase itself and the registration of the app to your Amazon account will still be allowed to occur. If you cannot actually get the app installed onto your phone you can contact Amazon for a full refund of the $4.99 purchase price.

(4) The "official" method of getting the app purchased from Amazon automatically installed onto your phone is through the "Amazon Appstore" app on your phone. Once you purchase the MMC app for $4.99 it should appear in the "My Apps" tab of the Amazon Appstore of your phone (as long as your phone is not running Android 14).

(5) To get the "Amazon Appstore" app (which is NOT the same as the "Amazon Shopping" app which is a different app) installed onto your phone, go to the Amazon.com site and do a search for "Amazon Appstore app", and then push the "download now" button.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-01T21:51:15+00:00

(6) If for some reason you purchase the app from Amazon but it does not appear in the "My Apps" list of the Amazon Appstore app on your phone, or for whatever reason you cannot get the APK file in order to be able to manually install it on your phone (using your PC and the Windows program ADBLINK2 to "side-load" it to your Androi phone using the manual method described later in this thread), I have made the official Amazon APK itself available for you to manually download from here.

(7) In the past few months (perhaps coinciding with the release of Android 14 or perhaps just by coincidence) the Google license for the Google version of the app has apparently disappeared or been revoked. As a result all currently installed instances of the Google version of the app on any Android phone running under any version of Android, WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO LAUNCH ON THEIR HOST PHONES.

And then of course if you push the "buy app" button (which directs you to the Google Play Store in order to theoretically be able to buy the app or obtain it for free, although it actually is no longer available) you will next receive a "something is wrong" error message from the Play Store.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by IT Troll

2024-04-01T22:25:44+00:00

This is a really useful guide, but not really relevant to EPG123.
It would be better suited to the dedicated MMC forum.
viewforum.php?f=63

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-01T22:30:14+00:00

(8) Note that the Google version of the app actually "phones home to the Google Play Store" at launch time, in order to check for a valid Google license WHICH NO LONGER EXISTS. This is specified in a "permission to perform license check" that is one of 7 permissions as is shown when this program is installed on my very old Galaxy S4 phone running Android 5.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-01T22:38:29+00:00

In contrast, the Amazon version of the app does NOT check for a valid Google license (and showing only 6 permissions).

But the Amazon app does still "phone home to Amazon" at launch time, in order to check for a valid ownership (i.e. purchase) of the app from your account. This isn't the same as the CHECK_LICENSE function imbedded in the Google version of the app, but it still will cause the Amazon app not to launch if you have not actually purchased it for $4.99 but are simply cheating and trying to run it "for free" by manually side-loading it from the Amazon APK file. You absolutely must purchase the Amazon app from Amzaon in order for it to launch successfully, no matter how you got it physically installed on your phone.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-01T22:44:38+00:00

IT Troll wrote: ↑Mon Apr 01, 2024 10:25 pm This is a really useful guide, but not really relevant to EPG123.
It would be better suited to the dedicated MMC forum.
viewforum.php?f=63

I know. I will post a "look here, in the several other threads in several other forums, about this new thread here in the EPG123 forum, for ALL THE ANSWERS" in once place.

I made the mistake of creating the "questions" thread here, after not receiving any responses to my other posts in the other threads. I thought anybody left using WMC and Ceton and EPG123 would likely be here, so it really was my last resort for assistance in getting this app to work again.

Hence why I am now using this EPG123 forum for the "answers" as well. But I do appreciate your comment, and note that your point is well taken.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-01T23:10:33+00:00

(9) As mentioned above, the MMC app is still available for purchase from Amazon for $4.99. And it will still get automatically (or manually) installed without problem onto a phone running Android 13 or older. And it will still launch successfully on a phone running Android 13 or older. And it will still run as it always did on phones running Android 13 or older, including providing "pictures".

The secret to getting "pictures is the \Android\Data\com.ceton\companion folder that the app has the permission to create... at least on Android 13 and older phones. This folder is used to store all of the "picture files" that get retrieved from the WMC host, and then displayed by the phone app.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-01T23:21:18+00:00

Unfortunately, something about the new Android 14 \Android\Data folder structure and/or security authorizations or permissions to create/use that for apps is clearly no longer compatible with the API 18 programming tools and techniques that existed in 2014 when the MMC app was developed. Consequently there simply is no \Android\Data folder in which to store all of the "pictures".

And consequently none of the MMC presentations that produce "pictures" on phones running Android 13 and older still produce pictures on Android 14. Just blanks. And there's nothing that can be done about it.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-02T00:26:00+00:00

(10) With Android 14, apps can no longer be installed unless their APK specifies a target API of 23 or newer. Unfortunately, the MMC app was developed back in 2014 and was packaged through an SDK that had a target API of 18. Consequently, the APK can no longer be installed "automatically and without problem" on any phone running Android 14.

And this is also true no matter whether using a manual "APK Installer" pointing to the APK file stored on the phone itself, or using a Windows-based "side-load" tool like ADBLINK2 on a PC pointing to the APK file stored on the PC. The install will fail because of this no longer acceptable too far back-level "API 18" situation.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: Now, ALL THE ANSWERS for users of Ceton MyMediaCenter Companion (phone) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-02T00:26:28+00:00

(11) HOWEVER... it IS possible to manually install the APK using a command-line version of ADBLINK2 on a PC using the APK stored on the PC, through the ADB command-line invocation along with a "--BYPASS..." operand to tell ADB to ignore the otherwise fatal SDK version error.

ADBLINK2 can be obtained from the Jocala Software site. When you download and RUN the installer it will create an expanded C:\ADBLINK2 folder for command-line use, along with creating a GUI launch object pointing to the ADBLINK2 program in that folder. Inside the C:\ADBLINK2\ADBFILES sub-folder is the ADB command-line version of the program.

In order to side-load the Amazon APK app onto an Android 14 phone (that is NO NEWER THAN S23) using your PC:

(a) for convenience, COPY the Amazon APK from wherever you've stored it on your PC into the c:\ADBLINK2\ADBFILES sub-folder

(b) plug your Android 14 phone into a USB port on the PC

(c) launch the GUI object for ADBLINK2, and establish the "USB connection" status between ADBLINK2 and the phone

(d) with the GUI window still open for ADBLINK2 and the "USB connection" still active, start a command-prompt window and CD to the C:\ADBLINK2\ADBFILES sub-folder

(e) enter the following "ADB INSTALL" command, specifying both the "--BYPASS" operand as well as the full filename of the Amazon APK:

==> This should get the back-level API 18 version of the Amazon MMC app installed onto your Android 14 phone (NOT NEWER THAN S23). As noted previously, you will NOT have any "pictures" but there's nothing that can be done about this. However you will at least have otherwise full usability of the MMC app again.

(12) NOTE: While the use of ADB and the "--BYPASS" operand can overcome the API 18 issue that would otherwise prevent the MMC app from being installed on an Android 14 phone, there is one additional incompatibility issue that truly prevents the MMC app from being installed on the very newest Samsung S24 phones. And that problem is that the S24 uses the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU, which must have an instruction set or hardware architecture that is simply hard-incompatible with the code instructions generated within the Ceton MMC APK from 2014.

Trying to install MMC onto an S24 Ultra, a "no compatible ABIS" error occurs for which no additional forced "--BYPASS" override is possible using ADB as there was for the API 18 situation. True end of the line for MMC Companion.

==> It appears that the S23 (and Android 14) phones are the very final phones which will accept a manual ADB side-load of the Amazon APK for MMC Companion. The app APK is simply too old to be installable onto the latest S24 phone hardware.

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: MMC APK for Android (I have it) :: Reply by DSperber

2024-04-02T00:41:50+00:00

Ceton My Media Center :: Re: 2024 MMC on iOS :: Reply by koberhol

2024-04-10T04:35:05+00:00

Thank you very much