ServerWMC

2013-12-10T03:01:38Z

Scarecrow420: /* Troubleshooting / FAQ */

{{:PVR/Contents}}

 
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| align="left" | '''Wiki revamp 2013:''' This page or section of the wiki undergoing a revamp. Content is still being added and organized. Please pardon the dust and anything that might not be working.
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= Overview =
ServerWMC is server interface for Windows which communicates with Windows Media Center (WMC) allowing it to be used as a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) backend providing Live TV, PVR functions and Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data. These services are provided to XBMC though the [[Add-on:PVR.WMC|pvr.wmc]] add-on. 
ServerWMC was developed and is maintained by [http://forum.xbmc.org/member.php?action=profile&uid=135134 krustyreturns].
 
 

= Configuring Windows Media Center =
Windows Media Center must first be fully configured (tuners configured, EPG configured, channels setup, etc) on the PC to be used as the TV Server. This setup will vary slightly based on the tuner you are using. The following is setup information for popular devices:
* [http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun/atsc/ '''HDHomeRun'''] - http://www.silicondust.com/support/hdhomerun/instructions/wmc7/
* [http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun/prime/ '''HDHomeRun Prime'''] - http://www.silicondust.com/support/hdhomerun/instructions/prime/
* [http://cetoncorp.com/products/infinitv/ '''Ceton InfiniTV Products (All)'''] - http://cetoncorp.com/product-support/
 
{{note|Though Windows Media Center must be configured, it is not necessary for WMC to be running to provide the connection to ServerWMC. If you have previously disabled WMC services, please re-enable them at this time. Though WMC does not need to be running, if the services are disabled and WMC is unable to automatically update EPG data, XBMC will either display a blank EPG or CRASH when selecting 'Live TV'. '''Please insure you can view live TV from within WMC before continuing!'''}} 

= Downloading & Installing ServerWMC =
The latest version of ServerWMC can be found here: https://googledrive.com/host/0ByNnAMYBoWvfTk8tRWJXYko1T2c/index.html

ServerWMC includes an installer package so simply download, unzip and run '''Installer_ServerWMC.msi''' as administrator. It is no longer necessary to uninstall the previous version before installing an updated version.
 
{{note|ServerWMC must be installed on the same PC that was configured for Windows Media Center above.}}
 
 

= ServerWMC Configuration (Quick) =
Launch ServerWMC from the Start Menu. An entry was created during installation at Start/ServerWMC/ServerWMC. 
{{note|On first run, you should be prompted to allow '''ServerWMC.exe''' through your firewall. Make sure to select '''allow'''.}}

Ensure that Windows Media Center (WMC) is configuired
* Directory for recorded TV is specified
* TV tuners are installed and detected
* TV channels are scanned

Ensure that the Windows Media Center "Recorded TV" folder is Shared from the server PC (as clients will need to access it via smb://)

Run ServerWMC application and check/configure the settings

{{note|ServerWMC supports most of the WMC configuration including enable/disable channels, set custom channel orders/numbers and custom channel icons}}

 
 

= ServerWMC Configuration (Detailed) =
{| cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0"
|- valign="top" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Status.png|right|border]]
== Status ==
* '''WMC database''' - Displays the status of the connection between ServerWMC and the Windows Media Center database
** 'Opened' - Indicates the server has successfully connected
* '''Channels found''' - Displays the number of channels being reported as available from WMC.
* '''Tuners found''' - Displays the number of tuners available and ready to use.
* '''Clients online''' - Displays the names of clients connected to ServerWMC
* '''Totals of items transferred to clients:'''
** '''Channels''' - Displays the number of channels being made available to clients
** '''EPG Entries''' - Displays the number of Electronic Program Guide entries being provided to clients
** '''Timers''' - Displays the number of future recording tasks in queue
** '''Recordings''' - Displays the number of recorded programs available in the /Recorded TV/ folder (specified on the 'Folders' tab)
* '''Active Recordings''' - Displays status of programs currently being recorded
* '''Active Streams''' - Displays the status of streams being used by clients

|- valign="top" bgcolor="whitesmoke" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_General.png|right|border]]

== General ==
* '''Start when Windows starts''' - Starts ServerWMC should start when the user logs on to Windows. Unless you have a need to start the server manually after a reboot, this option should be enabled.
* '''Startup minimized''' - Minimizes ServerWMC to the Task Bar upon startup.
* '''Minimize to system tray''' - Sends ServerWMC to the System Tray when minimized instead of the Task Bar.
** '''Close box minimizes to system tray''' - Causes ServerWMC to minimize to the system tray when the red 'X' is clicked instead of closing the program.
* '''Port number for client connection''' - Specifies the port on which the pvr.wmc plug-in will communicate with ServerWMC. The default port is 9080. Unless you have another program communicating on this port, there is no reason to change from default. Again, if you were not prompted when launching ServerWMC or you chose to decline, '''make sure this port is open in your firewall software''' before continuing.

|- valign="top" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Folders.png|540px|right|border]]

== Folders ==
* '''Path to local 'RecordedTV' folder (from WMC)''' - Displays the path of the folder where recordings will be stored. This path is specified in WMC under Tasks/Settings/TV/Recorder/Recorder Storage and is not editable from ServerWMC. If you have other clients on the network, this folder should be shared and specified below.
* '''Enter the network share path to this folder, this is required for remote clients:''' The smb address of the folder specified above. It is advised to test this address from another machine to make sure it is accessible remotely before continuing.
* ''' Watched 'Recorded TV' folders (from WMC):''' If additional folders are specified as 'watch folders' within WMC, their paths will be displayed here.
* '''Use Credentials for non-windows clients''' - If the folder specified above requires a user name and password for access, please enter the credentials here.
** '''User Name''' - SMB user name for the shared folder
** '''Password''' - SMB password for the shared folder
 
{{note|With non-Windows based clients, user:pass credentials are typically needed even when the Windows share is shared with "Everyone".}}

|- valign="top" bgcolor="whitesmoke" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Display_Options.png|540px|right|border]]

== Display Options ==
* '''Change name of timer to indicate series (repeating) recording'''
** '''Append''' - Places "this text" after the recording's title.
** '''Prepend''' - Places "this text" before the recording's title.
*** '''this text''' - Text to place before or after the recording's title
* '''Indicate 'Repeat' episodes in plot descriptions by appending''' - Places the entered text at the end of the plot description in the XBMC EPG episode info screen if the episode was marked as a repeat in the WMC EPG data.
* '''Indicate 'Repeat' episodes in recording/EPG titles by appending''' - Places the entered text following the recording title and in the XBMC EPG if the episode was marked as a repeat in the WMC EPG data.
* '''Hide content protected recordings.''' - Hides content marked protected by the service provider from XBMC. (Protected content is only viewable from within WMC).
* '''For sporting events, always append episode title to main title.''' - Appends the title of the episode to main title. For example, "Monday Night Football" becomes "Monday Night Football - New England vs. Miami"
* '''Ignore Recording images from wmc url''' - Prevents WMC from sending recording image url to XBMC (if found).
* '''Ignore Epg images from wmc url''' - Prevents WMC from sending EPG image url to XBMC (if found).

|- valign="top" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Live_TV.png|540px|right|border]]

== Live TV ==
* '''Pre-start tuners (requires server restart to take effect)''' - Starts the Windows stream buffer engine when ServerWMC loads. This can shorten the amount of time it takes the server to change channels. The overall effect of this setting varies greatly by system. Users should feel free to experiment with this setting and choose what works best for them.
* '''Only remux this language to output (if available)''' - Instructs ServerWMC to only include the specified audio language in the stream sent to XBMC. For information on locating the codes available in your stream, please see [[PVR/Backend/ServerWMC#Locating_audio_stream_codes|Locating audio stream codes]]. Known valid codes for this field are as follows:
** eng = English
** ger = German
** spa = Spanish
** dut = Dutch

* '''Tuners found:''' Displays information about the tuners accessible for streaming to clients
** '''Space''' - Type of signal being provided for streaming
** '''Count''' - Number of tuners available for streaming
** '''Channels''' - Number of channels available for streaming
** '''Hardware Name''' - The name of the tuner providing the stream

|- valign="top" bgcolor="whitesmoke" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Recordings.png|540px|right|border]]

==Recordings ==
* '''Remux active recordings''' -
* '''Group recordings in folders''' -
** '''Group active recordings in folder''' -
** '''Group movie recordings in folder''' -
** '''Group sports recordings in folder''' -
* '''Append episode title to series title for recordings using''' - Places the episode title following the series title using the delimiter entered in the box.

|- valign="top" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Channels.png|540px|right|border]]

== Channels ==
* '''Order channels by:''' Designates the manner in which the channels will be arranged in the EPG within XBMC
** '''Number''' - Arranges the channel lineup by number
** '''Name''' - Arranges the channel lineup by name (or call sign).
* '''Import WMC channel icons when found''' - Imports channel icons from WMC if available. Please see [[PVR/Backend/ServerWMC#Adding_icons_to_WMC|Adding Icons to WMC]] for additional information.
* '''Hide DRM channels''' - Hides channels marked with DRM by the service provider from the EPG.
** '''Indicate DRM channels by appending:''' - If a channel is marked by the provider as being protected with DRM, the text entered in the box will be appended in the EPG.
* '''Hide encrypted channels''' - Hides channels marked as encrypted by the service provider from the EPG.
** '''Indicate encrypted channels by appending:''' - If a channel is marked by the provider as being encrypted, the text entered in the box will be appended in the EPG.
* '''For channel name use:'''
** '''Call Sign'''
** '''Full Service Name'''
* '''Channel display format:'''

|- valign="top" bgcolor="whitesmoke" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Record.png|540px|right|border]]

== Record ==
* '''Pre-Start and Post-Stop Padding Defaults''' - This tab allows the user to specify default padding for recordings. Padding is the amount of time to record before and after the scheduled start and finish time of a program as specified by the EPG.
** '''Use WMC's padding''' - Uses padding settings specified in WMC. Settings can be found in the WMC interface under Tasks / Settings / TV / Recorder / Recording Defaults. The settings are specified as "Start when possible" and "Stop when possible".
** '''Use XBMC's padding''' - Use padding specified in XBMC.
** '''Use this padding (min)''' - Allows the user to specify the desired amount of padding directly from the ServerWMC interface.
*** '''Pre''' - Amount of time (in minutes) to start recording before the EPG scheduled start time.
*** '''Post''' - Amount of time (in minutes) to record after the EPG scheduled end time.
** '''Use custom padding for sports (min)''' - Allows the user to specify settings different from those above for programs marked as sporting events in the EPG.
*** '''Pre''' - Amount of time (in minutes) to start recording before the EPG scheduled start time.
*** '''Post''' - Amount of time (in minutes) to record after the EPG scheduled end time.
* '''Force this padding on all recordings''' - Forces specified options ''even if they will interfere with other scheduled recordings''.
** '''Force Pre-Start padding''' - Forces the pre-start padding rules specified above.
** '''Force Post-Stop padding''' - Forces the post-stop padding rules specified above.
* '''After instant recording starts, each Record button press increases end time by: (min)''' - When an instant recording is in progress, each press of the record button will extend the recording time beyond the EPG scheduled end time + padding by xx minutes. Please see [[Add-on:PVR.WMC#Recording_with_pvr.wmc|Recording with pvr.wmc]] for additional information.

|- valign="top" |
| || [[File:ServerWMC_Debug.png|540px|right|border]]

== Debug ==
* '''Server Version:''' - Displays the version of ServerWMC installed
* '''Keep a log file''' - Checking this box will cause ServerWMC to output important troubleshooting information to a log file. It is '''highly''' recommended this box be checked.
** '''Open current log file''' - Opens the log file for the current ServerWMC session in Notepad.
** '''Open last run's log file''' - Opens the log file for the previous ServerWMC session in Notepad.
* '''Delete temporary stream files''' - When switching to a channel, it automatically starts recording. This information is stored in a temporary file to allow for time shifting. When checked, these files will be deleted when changing channels.
* '''Log all WTV headers''' - Logs additional information to the debug log for troubleshooting. This can cause the debug log to grow quite large. Please only enable this option if requested by a developer for troubleshooting.
* '''Remux the playback of all WTV files''' - By default, only live streams are remuxed to TS before being sent to the client. This option enables remuxing of pre-recorded files as well. Raspberry Pi users have reported issues with playing large pre-recorded WTV files. If you are experiencing issues with viewing recorded TV, please try enabling this option.
 
 

{{note|'''If you are having issues and need to request assistance in the XBMC forums, it is mandatory to provide a copy of the log files!!!''' They contain important information that is instrumental in diagnosing issues and recommending solutions. Please copy the contents of the file to [http://pastebin.com/ pastebin] and include the link in your post. Posting of log files directly to forum threads is strictly prohibited per the rules of the XBMC Forums.}}

|}

 

= Connecting ServerWMC to XBMC =
Please install and configure the pvr.wmc add-on to access live TV from within XBMC using ServerWMC. 
Please see the pvr.wmc Wiki page for additional information here: http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Add-on:PVR.WMC
 
 

= Troubleshooting / FAQ =
* '''Can I record to a network share, NAS drive, etc.?''' - Unfortunately no. This is not supported by WMC. Recordings must be saved to a drive connected directly to the PC running WMC.
 
Note that advanced users can attempt to "trick" WMC into thinking a local drive is being used, using methods such as linking the recorded TV folder to a network location with a NTFS directory junction (aka symlink) or presenting a drive from their NAS using ISCSI. In both cases WMC believes it is recording to a local drive, however the drive/files actually are located on a network device.

= Known Issues =
* '''Upgrading from Windows 8 to 8.1''' - When upgrading from 8 -> 8.1, it is necessary to re-install ServerWMC.
 

= Additional Guides and Links =
* ServerWMC/pvr.wmc Support Forum - http://forum.xbmc.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=205
* pvr.wmc Raspbmc Suport Thread - http://forum.stmlabs.com/showthread.php?tid=10553
 

= Advanced Topics =
{| cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0"
|- valign="top" |
| ||
== Locating audio stream codes ==
Start a live TV stream in XBMC. Open the ServerWMC log file and locate the audio descriptors. In the following example excerpt of the log file, there are two available audio streams. The codes are highlighted. These are the codes that can be used to specify the desired audio stream sent to XBMC under [[PVR/Backend/ServerWMC#Live_TV|Live TV / Remux Language]].

'''If you identify a code that is not already contained in the list above, please add it or drop a comment in the [http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=176174 wiki thread]. Thanks!'''
 
<code>
:2013/10/23 18:37:35.515 Remux::FindDescriptors> wtv scanned (0.15 sec), Streams found: 
:2013/10/23 18:37:35.517 > Other: ID:1 MPEG2 Sections and Tables 
:2013/10/23 18:37:35.518 > Other: ID:2 MPEG2 PES 
:2013/10/23 18:37:35.519 > Audio: ID:3 ({{highlight|'''eng'''}}) AC3 2.0 48000 Hz 192 kb/s 
:2013/10/23 18:37:35.520 > Video: ID:4 AVC High-4.0 1920x1080i fps: 25 
:2013/10/23 18:37:35.522 > Audio: ID:5 ({{highlight|'''nar'''}}) MPEG Audio V1L2 Stereo 48000 Hz 256 kb/s 
:2013/10/23 18:37:35.524 > Other: ID:6 MS TV Caption 
</code>

== Adding icons to WMC ==
{| cellpadding="8" cellspacing="0"
|- valign="top" |
| ||
=== Automatically ===
Channel icons are extracted from WMC and provided to all PVR.WMC clients. Unfortunately, WMC does not populate channel icons on it own. You must add them using 3rd party software. [http://www.mychannellogos.com/ MyChannelLogos] is a quick and easy way to add these logos to WMC and in turn to PVR.WMC clients. There is a small donation required for the program. It's worth it, the program works flawlessly. (As of this writing, the minimum donation is $5).
 
 
=== Manually ===
* Set your Channel display format to {1}-{0} instead of {1}/{0} on the 'Channels' tab of the ServerWMC GUI.

* Rename your logos to call sign-number.extension. Example KDKADT2-2.1.jpg.

* Restart ServerWMC.

* Set your default folder for PVR thumbnails to where your logos are stored under {{highlight|bordered=yes|System → Live TV → Menu/OSD → 'Default folder for PVR thumbnails'}} within XBMC.

* If you add new logos, you will need to restart XMBC or scan for missing channels under {{highlight|bordered=yes|System → Live TV → Menu/OSD → 'Scan for missing icons'}} within XBMC.
 
 
|}

== Sharing the TV and EPG databases using MySQL ==
{{note|Though it is ''possible'' to share these databases using MySQL, preliminary testing has shown '''absolutely no benefit''' and is known to actually ''cause'' issues. This method is '''completely unsupported by the devs. Consider yourself warned'''.}}

Assuming you are already using MySQL with XBMC, add the following to advancedsettings.xml: 
{{code |lang=xml |
<epgdatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>10.0.1.100</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</epgdatabase>

<tvdatabase>
<type>mysql</type>
<host>10.0.1.100</host>
<port>3306</port>
<user>xbmc</user>
<pass>xbmc</pass>
</tvdatabase>
}}

Please replace the 'host' IP addresses, 'user' names and 'pass'words accordingly.

If you have not setup MySQL and wish to, please see the guide here: [[HOW-TO:Share libraries using MySQL]]

|}

Archive:Add-on:PVR.WMC

2013-09-25T03:58:47Z

Scarecrow420: Created page with " {{Add-on |Name= WMC PVR..."

{{Add-on
|Name= WMC PVR Client
|provider-name= KrustyReturns
|Email=
|Website=
|Forum=
|ID= pvr.wmc
|latest-version= 0.1.8
|extension point= xbmc.pvrclient
|provides=
|Platform= Windows, Linux, OSX, RPi
|Language= English
|License= None Currently
|Source=
|Repo= https://bitbucket.org/krustyreturns/pvr.wmc
|icon url=
| repo =
| zip =
|broken=
|Summary= WMC PVR Client
|Description= An xbmc client to interface to Windows Media Center's receiver and EPG service. Thanks to JeffreyF, Tomba73, Riztnack, Staknhalo, Scarecrow420. Special thanks to Burckh for letting us use his RemuxTool code.
}}

{{:PVR/Contents}}
pvw.wmc is an XBMC PVR addon that interfaces with a backend component that wraps around the Microsoft Windows Media Center Recording and EPG services

__TOC__
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== Overview ==
Like the official XBMC PVR addons it consists of an XBMC addon xlient (pvr.wmc), and a backend server (ServerWMC).

=== Backend ServerWMC ===
Info here about the backend

ServerWMC provides the WMC EPG data and TV Channels for live streaming. It also uses the WMC recording service to schedule future recordings and provide all of the information required to manage and view the recordings from within the XBMC PVR Section.

==== Supported Platforms ====

The ServerWMC backend must be installed on a Windows PC running either Windows 7, WIndows 8 or Windows 8.1 which must have Windows Media Center (WMC) installed and configured.

=== Frontend pvr.wmc XBMC PVR Addon ===
Info here about the front end

==== Supported Platforms ====

The Addon is officially supported on Windows, Linux and OSX XBMC platforms.

There is also a RaspberryPi version available, but you need to refer to the following link for RaspberryPi information:
http://forum.stmlabs.com/showthread.php?tid=10553

Android is not currently supported, but is on the todo list

== Builds ==
Builds can be obtained here:
* ServerWMC Backend
Version
** Windows: xxxxxx

* pvr.wmc XBMC PVR Addon (XBMC 12 Frodo)
Version 0.1.8
** Windows: xxxxxxx
** Linux: x86 xxxxxx x64 xxxxxxx
** OS/X: xxxxxxxx

* pvr.wmc XBMC PVR Addon (XBMC 13 Gotham Preview)
Version 0.1.8
** Windows: xxxxxxx
** Linux: x86 xxxxxx x64 xxxxxxx
** OS/X: xxxxxxxx

== Installing Backend ==
Download the ServerWMC zip file and unpack the MSI and CAB file.

Execute the MSI installation package.
* New versions of the ServerWMC can be installed over old versions without needing to uninstall
* Uninstallation is via Windows Control Panel "Uninstall Programs"

Ensure that Windows Media Center (WMC) is configuired
* directory for recorded TV is specified
* TV tuners are installed and detected
* TV channels are scanned

Ensure that the Windows Media Center "recorded TV" folder is Shared from the server PC (as clients will need to access it via smb://)

Run ServerWMC application and check/configure the settings

Note: ServerWMC supports most of the WMC configuration including enable/disable channels, set custom channel orders/numbers and custom channel icons

== Installing XBMC PVR AddOn ==
As pvr.wmc is not currently an official XBMC PVR addon, you need to manually install it in your XBMC addons directory

There is a separate addon version for XBMC 12 (Frodo) and XBMC 13 (Gotham preview) versions, so make sure you choose the correct one (refer to Builds section above)

== Connecting XBMC to ServerWMC ==
# Go to {{highlight|Settings -> Add-ons -> Enabled add-ons -> PVR Clients}} and select the Windows Media Center add-on
# Select "Configure"

== Settings ==
=== General ===
<section begin="Settings" />
{|
|
; ServerWMC Backend Hostname or IP
: The hostname or IP address of the server where ServerWMC and WMC is installed. If backend and frontend run on the same machine then 'localhost' can be used.
; ServerWMC Backend Port
: The default is xxxx.
|}
{{-}}
<section end="Settings" />

{{Next|[[PVR/XBMC|Configuring XBMC]]}}

== Troubleshooting ==
# If you're experiencing troubles with the addon, [http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=171216 ServerWMC thread in XBMC Forum] is the correct place to ask for help.
# Always include a ServerWMC logfile posted on pastebin and in some cases a XBMC debug log is also helpful

== ServerWMC Log File ==
Information here about the log file

== Development ==
* Put development instructions here

== Additional guides and links ==
* Additional items and links here

[[Category:Add-ons not in the XBMC.org repo]]

Official Kodi Wiki - User contributions [en]

ServerWMC

Archive:Add-on:PVR.WMC