If you’re looking for a way to view YouTube videos from within Media Center then you might like to give this plug-in a go.

It’s fresh off the compiler, so any feedback (epecially constuctive criticism) is very welcome.

The functionality is pretty straight forward, so I’m hoping instructions won’t be necessary.

Download the 32-bit version here.
Download the 64-bit version here.

A kind user suggested I include a donate button, so please find one above.

Version 0.8.2

• Revamped search function which remembers previous searches, uses Google search suggestions, and uses the built-in on-screen keyboard
• The ability to add and remove providers from within the program (the manage providers link on the providers page)
• Categories now wrap when navigating past the first/last item
• Fixed the problem with multiple searches causing issues, and added the ability to configure how many previous searches will remain visible
• Added some new automatic update functionality to notify users when a new version is available
• Numerous minor cosmetic changes and tweaks

Version 0.8.1

• Changed the functioning of the OK remote control button on extenders and remote controls that simulate keyboard input to allow the search function to work correctly
• No longer attempts to search for blank search criteria
• Installs to Media Center start menu
• Added an option in the Appearance section of Settings to add/remove from Media Center start menu
• Hides the search option if searching is not available for a provider (e.g. the “SearchUrl” attribute is blank or missing).
• Minor cosmetic changes

The Windows Phone 7 version of Big Screen byRemote (finally) went live on Windows Marketplace a few hours ago – and is available now for trial + purchase!

Big Screen byRemote allows you to remotely access one or more Windows 7 Media Center PC’s – and browse+search your EPG, manage your scheduled recordings and recorded TV Files – plus a whole lot more. (so this is not just a simple ‘remote control’ but a fully integrated remote PVR solution). The app is developed with Silverlight for Windows Phone and is optimized to work on 3G + Wireless networks (and uses very small amounts of mobile data due to inbuilt compression algorithms).

Please visit the following link for more information (includes Zune Download link) : http://bigscreenglobal.com/bgbyrwp7.aspx?PID=BSRV1

The full version of byRemote costs just USD$4.99 from Windows Marketplace (prices vary based on location) – and works with the free ‘Basic Edition’ of byRemote for Windows 7 Media Center (which operates as a Host service). A single purchase of the client allows installation on multiple handsets (which share the same windows live ID).

A fully functional trial version is also available – but limits PVR scheduling/browsing actions to your first 3 configured channels.

The Green Button strikes again!  This time while taking a look around the other morning, I came across Macrotube.  As the name suggests, the application provides a way to pull YouTube content into Media Center.  Happily though, that’s not where the fun ends, but just begins.

While the application is still in development, a decent amount of content has already been added and the developer has stated in the thread that he’s working on more.  His focus at this time is providing access to user generated content as opposed to podcasts or videocasts but he may consider those in the future.  As of today you can find the following included with the installation:

One nice aspect of the application is that you don’t have to scroll through all of these sources if you don’t want to.  You’re able to manage the sources you want to see on the main screen and only show the ones you want.

As well, it is posted that all of the current sources of content work on extenders, something dearly needed in this space.  I haven’t had a chance to test this aspect though so I don’t promise anything.

In using the application for two days now (and I mean really using), I’ve found the UI to be smooth and relatively quick.  There are times when thumbnails won’t display but usually a reload of the given page they come up.

As with any online content, quality varies.  This of course has nothing to do with the application but the source.  Some of the content sources are of classic content from the days before there ever was an internet and it shows but finding this content in other places can be a challenge.  That said, being able to watch a few episodes of Gunsmoke never hurt anyone.

Hopefully the developer will continue to add resources.  The structure of the UI is excellent, transitions are smooth and it ties into Media Center nicely.  With the application still being in beta, I hold out strong hopes for MacroTube.  That said, the developer hasn’t posted anything in the TGB thread since August.  I hope this doesn’t mean a dead project.  The base of the application is strong and with some more work this could be one of the best online content applications available to Media Center users.

Another update to the Pearl theme has gone live, here is a brief list of whats changed:

ATTENTION SKIN DEVELOPERS – Pearl 0.1.4.0 brings in skins model v3 please update your skins accordingly

• New Media Info Icons supported (requires Media Info Provider v1.0.9.0+)
• Initial GameTime plugin view added (not complete)
• Several performance fixes
• Hidden config option to disable next/previous buttons
• Fixed context menu bug
• Vertical menus only wrap when there are more items than can be displayed at once
• Pearl_Night theme backdrop filter tweaks

A gentle reminder for those who haven’t yet become a Media Browser support, a minor donation of 10USD or more will get you a supporter key and allow you unlimited usage of Pearl (along with the MB Trailers, and CoverArt plugins). For those who are already MB supporters thank you for your support.

Enjoy the new update, and as always Pearl is available via the MB Configuration tool.

Source Article:
Pearl Theme v0.1.4.0 Released

Okay, we’re pushing out a quick maintenance release to address a couple of issues with 2.2.8. Most importantly, this release addresses an issue where we are possibly downloading TV metadata much too frequently when you have Internet Providers turned on.

In addition, there are a few other minor bug fixes.

Please do download and install this new version especially if you use Internet Providers.

Changelog

As always, Thank You for your Support.

Source Article:
MediaBrowser 2.2.9 (Orion SP1) Released

Introduction
So for that past couple of months i have been working on the bringing music to MediaBrowser (MB). With this blog i just want to give you guys an idea of how it works and what it supports. I know there are several people (wink wink) that like to tinker with MB and hopefully this will give you an idea of the limits. I will also hint at future developments that i am currently thinking about. Also maybe give you some insight into why i did what i did. I don’t want to make this to long because i know people don’t like to read but rather see results .

So currently (not released yet) music can come from two sources (this can be simultaneously setup) one is from a normal folder setup another from iTunes’ XML library. As for the former you specify the base folder and it displays as is. As for the latter you specify the XML file and it builds a MB compatible library (or cache).

Normal Library
I decided to go with a view by folder paradigm because that makes the most sense to me. If i play music i can find it the faster by the folder structure that i setup. Apart from that if i did it another way i would have had to force a specific folder structure and as all of you know reorganizing a lot of music is a cumbersome task.

iTunes Library
As for the iTunes setup, the cache is built up just like it is in iTunes with various options to switch off genre and artist, this however is only allowed in a hierarchy fashion. One point on this setup i have to make is i use the xml file because reading it directly from iTunes via their supplied COM interface is really slow. The disadvantage to using the xml file is that the cache has to be rebuilt if any changes occur to the iTunes library. Lastly on this setup, it requires the internet to get the xml definition file. You will get an error if it is not available.

General
In general in order for the music plugin not to “break” existing functionality if there is a avi or any video file in the music folder it is seem as a “movie”. Also the plugin will deal with backdrop and folder images as MB does currently. This is both in the normal and iTunes setup. Having said this it wont use the folder image to display as the album cover while playing. For this it uses the image on the ID3 tag. I suggest you use a 3rd party program to save the folder.jpg into the ID3 tag. When it comes to ID3 tags, i did not make use of them because it is also very slow. Maybe in the future i will revisit this.

Ok, so there were various posts asking which media support is required. Currently the plugin will only consider the following as “music”: m4a,mp3,m3u,wma,acc,flac and wpl. Beware of the playlists, they might cause unexpected results especially when it comes to queuing a folder. As part of the options you can enable a playlist folder in the base folder. This is a special folder that media player (MP) saves the playlists that it (you) create. This you will see if you view the queue, there is an option to save the playlist. If you save it and go look in the enabled playlist folder it should be there.

With regards to playlist, i have added the ability to queue folders/songs and as per existing functionality you can play the whole folder. Just push play on the folder/song and a menu will appear. This is however only possible with some remotes. Once again this is something within MB that i cannot change, now.

Things to come
You will notice that the feeling (without tweaking) within the plugin is very bare in terms of information and different views. This is because MB’s current plugin architecture does not allow custom MCML (or views). So the plugin cannot “inject” its own new view. This will most likely change in future. Having said this there might be a new theme soon that will have support for music (lets see Craigt). With this I will consider using a “series.xml” type metadata storage or alternatively look at the ID3 tag. Using the former would probably require another 3rd party application which is a disadvantage, and a whole lot of work from your point of view, so it will most likely end up looking at the ID3 tag.

Configurator and plugin options
You might remember the eye ball twisting xml file used to configure the plugin. Well it is no more. I have added the ability for plugins to have options that you can setup via the Configurator (CFR). With this it builds up a UI using the settings of the plugin. In terms of the music plugin i think the options are quite clear and you can find them in the CFR by selecting the music plugin and clicking on the Configure button.

Besides making use of the current supported views offered by MB you can specify a song icon to use for your sounds, i however don’t find this particularly appealing.

Thanks
Well i hope i covered everything, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to PM me or post something. If you don’t get a response to your post, please PM me a link. I hope you enjoy the added music ability to our favourite (SA spelling) media center plugin.

I would also just like to say thanks to everyone for the input and the testing. Some chaps that stand out in this regard is jcalton88, craigt, Sam, a couple of buddies back home and well the whole community.

ENJOY …

Post Phoenix Update
Thanks to my brother Craigt, i have a site and managed to setup another place to host the plugin. On that site i am hosting Version 0.5.0.8.

To get it you must go to the configurator –> plugins –> Add –> File –> Sources –> Add and enter this url –> http://www.craigthomas.co.za/plugins/plugin_info.xml

Please delete the old music plugin and config file (/plugins/musicplugin.xml) before you update.

Source Article:
Music and iTunes plugin

It has been just over 3 months since the last Media Browser release; which feels like forever in Media Browser years.

In the mean time we managed to sort out some critical performance issues and add quite a few new features. Our metadata story is much more complete, you can now specify local metadata for mediainfo and our configuration tool is looking more and more polished.

A knowledge base article describing the changes is available here: Changelog: Media Browser 2.2.8 (codename Orion)

I am also very proud to announce that we have quite a few new contributors

A big thank you goes to the new developers, Birkoff, Sinjen, Jon, Chip and Neil18

Another big thank you goes to all the testers, we would not have been able to release such a stable product without you.

But wait, there’s more …

The Media Browser team felt it was time that we properly recognize those of you who support the project through donations. So, starting with this version, Media Browser supporters will now have access to 3 very awesome plugins:

• MB Trailers – a replacement for the old Apple Trailers that provides HD trailer viewing inside MB. If you are not a supporter, you can still use this plug-in but it will only show you a few trailers.
• CoverArt – this very popular plug-in will now be fully registered for Media Browser supporters as well as those who have made donations specifically for CoverArt. You can still register through ebrSoft for just $4 but a donation to Media Browser in general will also give you full access to automatic cover art processing.
• Pearl Theme – the incredibly awesome, infinitely configurable new theme from Soultaker. Like CoverArt, this theme will operate for a limited trial period so you can decide if you want to keep using it (who wouldn’t???). After this period, it will require a supporter key to continue operating.
  

So, how will this supporter key thing work…?

Whenever you donate to the Media Browser project through the Donate page you should get an email that contains a “Supporter Key”. (Please save this email somewhere in case you need it again in the future.) Simply copy and paste this key into the Supporter Key field in the configurator (found in the Help and About section) and plug-ins for which you are authorized should work outside of their trial limitations.

The proper versions of these plug-ins should be available very soon but please be patient as we coordinate this roll-out.

Does this mean Media Browser is going to a pay model?

No. Media Browser core, as previously stated and as it exists now, is staying 100% free. We simply thought we should reward those of you who help to make this program possible with some additional goodies.

What if I’ve already supported the Media Browser project?

If you are a past supporter, first and foremost, Thank You, and you should receive an email in the next few days with your supporter key.

I know you told me to save it, but what if my machine crashes and I lose my key?

We will have a link on the donation page that will allow you to retrieve your key if you are a supporter. But, please do save the email .

What do I do if I have problems?

The CT, as always, will probably be the best place to find help if you have a problem with this new system.

So, there it is, the next iteration of Media Browser. We think it is our most feature-rich and stable version yet. We hope you enjoy using it – and thank you for your support!

Is there a minimum donation amount to get these plugins?

Yes, if you donate 10usd or more you will get all 3. If you donate less you will get less. CoverArt already had a minimum 5 dollar donation. It seems unfair to push it lower for 3 plugins bundled.

How do I make a donation?

Head over to http://www.mediabrowser.tv/donate

Source Article:
Media Browser 2.2.8 just released!

In case you hadn’t noticed previously we’ve added a pair of new Media Center themes to our Download Center. Future themes and updates will appear in the Download Center section and users can email their themes as attachments to mhealy@hack7mc.com to have them added to the section. This new pair of themes comes from a Hack7MC reader, Steve Firestone (thewarm). Both themes are created to be used with Media Center Studio and since this program has been having issues lately adjusting the start menu items we’ve included a fix for this as well at the end. Hopefully we’ll see further updates to the MC Studio program soon.

The first of the themes, called Black Desert, features a black background with 3D style blocks as well as a handful of custom start menu icons. To use the theme using will need to have Media Center Studio. Import the theme file from the Themes tab and you’ll see a new selection available on the main themes window. Select the new theme and press the Apply button under the Themes tab. That should be all there is to changing your Media Center theme.

The second theme, also from Steve, is called A Touch of Red. This theme is a variation of the original with a slightly varied layout of the blocks and a slight touch of red on the forward side.

Both themes are a sleek addition to any budding Media Center theme collection and are very usable inside the Media Center interface. Users may have noticed that a recent update to the Media Center software has left certain features of the Media Center Studio program not working. The update seems to have added what actually appears it may be a simpler replacement for editing the start menu items, though it’s not currently supported by the Media Center Studio software.

For now there are a few temporary fixes around though to get your start menu back the way you like it. The simplest solution is a handy tool created by Tyborg of The Green Button forums. Simply download the zip file, extract to somewhere accessible and run the program. This will make the changes (described in more detail later) necessary to allow MC Studio editing of the start menu possible once more. In order to keep these changes through future updates the author advises us to add the file to our startup folders or schedule the program to run regularly. Find even more details or follow the discussion here at TGB forums.

What the program does is to rename a couple of files created in a recent update to Media Center. If you’ve got an aversion to handy tools or it doesn’t seem to work for you try the following. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:ProgramDataMicrosofteHomePackagesMCEClientUX. Inside you’ll find two folders: dSM and dSM-2 with files inside each. To revert to the old method rename the files in these folders. Users have reported more permanent success by created a set of text files with the names of the originals and removing all access to the files.

That should have Media Center Studio’s start menu functions operating again.

Source Article:
Pair of Themes and an MC Studio Fix

Any good media player relies on a community of plugin developers to fix the small gaps and specific features that have been left out of the original design. Windows 7 Media Center is no exception with plenty of plugins being developed and release each day to enhance the experience provided. While it’s not always easy to find the plugin you’re looking for we’ve got a short list of those available that you should definitely give a try. This short list of add-ins for Media Center is sure to enhance the basic experience with a handful of improved features and media browsers.

Movies

Media Browser is one of the most popular movie browsing plugins for Windows 7 Media Center, featuring an easy to establish library with customizable folders for browsing your media. Media Browser also provides an extremely sleek interface for browsing your movie collection with the latest versions adding a brand new style of start page to the plugin. Listing the latest additions to each of your folders as well as the weather, movie trailers and more. Be sure to give this plugin a try!

Open Media Library is an excellent option for replacing the native movie library. OML provides an extensive number of options for sorting and arranging your movie collection beyond the basic options available in the default movie library. The newest versions include the use of an SQL database and movie collection editor for managing your collection making this plugin quite a bit snappier to use than the built-in library as well. Completely free and open source, this is definitely a plugin to try and even keep an eye on in the future.

Music/Radio

Want to add thousands of free streaming radio stations to your Media Center music experience? mcShoutcast may just be the plugin for you. This handy little plugin adds the complete library of Shoutcast radio stations in an easy to browse graphical interface right inside Windows 7 Media Center. Browse through the stations, mark your favorites and listen to any of the free stations provided through the Shoutcast directory. A definite must have for music lovers and Media Center users.

RadioTime is another radio plugin boasting a collection of over 100,000 stations provided through the RadioTime service. The plugin provides a more traditional menu browsing directory listing and has thousands of stations listed in each category. The RadioTime plugin will even provide additional information about the station and currently playing selections. Also, more local and news stations seem to be included than what you get with mcShoutcast if you happen to be looking for those.

If you’re just looking for a way to browse that music collection by folder as opposed to the classic Media Center method of browsing your collection Music Browser has just what you’re looking for. Media Center plugins don’t get much simpler than this but the simple nature of browsing a well organized music collection by folders is exactly what many Media Center users are looking for. Music Browser even includes support for folder images allowing you to add custom artwork and album art to your collection.

Be sure to check back soon as we continue the list and even add a few programs to the list that are sure to enhance your Windows 7 Media Center experience.

Source Article:
Plugins You Need to Try with Windows 7 Media Center

Continuing on the last article covering an assortment of movie and audio plugins you need to try with Windows 7 Media Center, we’ve got even more plugins you need to give a try. These plugins cover features that should be included in any decent ten-foot media application in this day and age of widespread internet access, Weather and Social Media. Be sure to check back again soon for the third installment where we’ll cover several programs that lend themselves to an even better Media Center experience as well.

Weather

Misleading name aside, Vista4Cast is the perfect addition to Windows 7 Media Center. This handy plugin allows you to get a quick view of the weather forecast for the next few days right from the Start Menu as well as dig deeper into future weather patterns using the main plugin. The short forecast display is very configurable including fonts, colors and more. The main plugin supports multiple cities and includes very extensive details gleaned from The Weather Channel’s forecast. Be sure to give this fantastic plugin a try today!

Heatwave is a wonderful weather plugin that’s incredibly stylish to boot. Allowing you to access a number of city locations you can set from inside Media Center through a convenient and easy to use configuration panel. The newest version, which also updates the plugin to work with Windows 7 RTM, even includes a built in on-screen keyboard (though currently not functioning). Now that this plugin has been updated to work with the latest version of Windows 7 Media Center it’s sure to return to many a Media Center thanks to it beautiful interface styling allowing for a full five day forecast to be viewing at a glance with easy to understand icons.

Social Media

Want to read those forwarded joke mails and other assorted spam on your ten-foot interface? No problem! Media Center Mail can bring you all that and more. This plugin supports multiple users and an easy to use configuration plugin to manage your email account settings. Each user can have multiple accounts and accessing email from each account is fairly easy from inside Media Center as well. If you’re looking for an email solution for Media Center, look no further.

Twitter addicts fear not, you can tweet from your couch while watching movies and TV! TwitterMCE allows you to not only check tweets from friends while away from the PC but you can even make tweets right from Media Center. Use the full on screen keyboard, complete with character countdown, to tweet about whatever it is you just saw on TV or the movie your watching. You can even browse through a complete list of your friends and followers. This is a must have app for movie loving Twitter users.

Looking for a more hands-free method of updating your Facebook and Twitter friends to what your currently listening to or watching inside Windows 7 Media Center? Media Center Status Application has got just what you need. This little plugin lets you establish a series of rules to automatically update your status on either social network whenever you begin playing media inside Windows Media Center. With advanced rules to determine exactly what types of media to update for and exclusion rules for specific files you can even avoid being overly annoying to your social media buddies (or letting them know about that embarrassing Justin Timberlake obsession).

Be sure to stick around for the next part in the series where we’ll cover a few more plugins that take care of some of the missing features in the background of Windows 7 Media Center as well as a hand full of must-have programs that make your Media Center interface even better.

Source Article:
Even More Plugins You Need to Try with Windows 7 Media Center