New WizUtility for those machines that can't run PVRX2

[JavaWiz]

I have an old laptop that can't run GBPVR, but I still wanted to be able to view my videos and recordings on it. I created a simple 'Video Plugin' type windows program that can be used as a Windows UI for accessing the movies. It simply navigates the directory structure and displays video entries and associated metadata and thumbnails (if they exist).



WizMovieLauncher Prerequisites:

• Install of VLC (to play the movies)
  
• .NET 2.0 runtime.
  

On first run, the settings file (WizMovieLauncher.xml) will be created. At this point, you must manually edit this file to set the base directories.

In my case, the settings look like this:

Code:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<settings>
  <VLC_Location>C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe</VLC_Location>
  <VLC_Parms>"$Movie" --fullscreen</VLC_Parms>
  <Debug>False</Debug>
  <Dir1>\\bubba\pvr\tv|Bubba Recordings</Dir1>
  <Dir2>\\bubba\pvr_depot\mymovies\movies|Bubba Movies</Dir2>
  <Dir3>\\bubba\pvr_depot\mymovies\Vintage Movies|Bubba Vintage Movies</Dir3>
  <Title>Wiz Movie Launcher</Title>
</settings>

Most of the settings are self-explanatory, but most importantly, the DirX settings describe the base view when the program starts up.


Each DirX setting is composed of 'location|Description' entries.

• Location is the physical drive mapping or UNC of a target directory
  
• Description is the text displayed in the list box for that entry
  

So, my first Dir entry (Dir1) describes a location on my PVR server (bubba), share (pvr) and directory (tv) and displays on the screen 'Bubba Recordings' for that entry.

Navigation is primarly arrow keys, enter key and escape (or mouse click, dbl-click and right-click for escape).

Exit the program by hitting escape on the main screen.

If MetaData xml file and Thumbnail images exist (see WizUtilities/WizMetadataGrabber), they will also be displayed.

[gEd]

Very nice little application.

It doesn't appear to find .ts files.

[JavaWiz]

Very nice little application.

It doesn't appear to find .ts files.

Ah, right, forgot to make that a setting. Try this version. Run it once, it will create a new config entry (Extensions), edit the config and add your changes, then restart.

Also, at this point, it does not play DVD directories, that is a feature I am planning to add.

[gEd]

fixed.

Thanks for the quick response and for such a neat little app.

It would be good if it also enabled you to delete files and folders :-)

[JavaWiz]

fixed.

Thanks for the quick response and for such a neat little app.

It would be good if it also enabled you to delete files and folders :-)

Shouldn't be too hard to do, I'll see about adding to next version. (del button on keyboard).

[JavaWiz]

I've added this utility to the wiki.

01/10/09 1.0.1.0

• Added ability to delete files and directories (del button on kbd)
  
• Added file info dialog (F2/Middle mouse button)
  
• Added pgm info dialog (F1)
  
• Added config setting for file extentions.
  
• Added config dialog. F10 or dbl-click title label.
  

[gEd]

Thanks! - I'll take it for a spin later and let you know if I have any problems.

for the next version, how about a menu system, built in playback support and some kind of plugin architecture so that people can add new features to WML? :-)

[zehd]

Very Nice...

Window sizing problems...

Can't adjust, only maximised, but it status bar is hidden by the tray sometimes. I'd love to be able to resize the window...

Also, I can't get at context menu to delete files...

[JavaWiz]

Window sizing problems...

Can't adjust, only maximized, but it status bar is hidden by the tray sometimes. I'd love to be able to resize the window...

I had meant this to act like a kiosk type program where it would take up the whole screen (I have my laptop driving my TV). That said, the debug mode shows the windows title-bar and with a little tweaking, I can make it sizable. I will modifiy, so Window vs Kiosk mode will be an option.

Also, I can't get at context menu to delete files...

Currently the Del key on the keyboard will perform this function. Next version, I have added context menus for any right mouse-click.