What is PCH2

[reyn]

I have managed to install GBPVR using the NMTInstall program and mvpmcx2 using Community Software Installer and after clearing the A110's cache using Maintenance menu and Filemode (on the remote) clear cache appears at top right of screen. I mention this because it took a lot of searching to sort it out.
Anyway enough boasting, my question is what is PCH2 mode and do I need it?
I saw a checkbox when I installed something which said something about Advanced or Extended PCH is this it, if I do need it can I just go back and re-install mvpmcx2 or will that cause problems. I am very loath to alter anything now I have it working.
Frank

[psycik]

pch2 is the new mode that mvallevand has been working on. Its more responsive, allows for the gbpvr on screen display while watching videos, and also allows for gbpvr to control music playback rather than the pch (i.e. mean there is a decent interface with album art etc).

It should be well worth using.

[mvallevand]

If you change config.xml to PCH2 mode and then run NMTInstall select simply update mvpmcx2 and select PCH2 mode you can see for yourself. There are several improvements in mpeg-ts handling that I find very beneficial. You can reverse this but PCH mode won't be supported for much longer anyway.

Martin

[JonnyCam]

OK, so I have finally gotten my PCH back out of storage (I was overseas on my honeymoon for a while)

I currently use HDMI for connection, is this now valid for PCH2 mode?
Am I correct in that all non mpeg-ts file will play with the native player? (no OSD?) - this includes Divx, H264?

Looking forward to using this, getting closer to moving the PC away from under the TV.

Thanks for all of your hard work.

[mvallevand]

OK, so I have finally gotten my PCH back out of storage (I was overseas on my honeymoon for a while)

Congratulations, wedding and babies with all these PCH owners, don't you guys watch TV?

I currently use HDMI for connection, is this now valid for PCH2 mode?

Yes.

Am I correct in that all non mpeg-ts file will play with the native player? (no OSD?) - this includes Divx, H264?

Almost h264 in mpeg-ts does play natively. There is also an issue with m2ts files since they don't play with GBPVR and if you rename them to ts you will cause problems, so you will need to hit the USB Eject to play them.

Looking forward to using this, getting closer to moving the PC away from under the TV. Thanks for all of your hard work.

I have the opposite configuration I have two TV's, one monitor three extenders, four remotes, an ION and a PC both with keyboard and a mouse surrounding my small computer desk right now.

Martin

[JonnyCam]

Almost h264 in mpeg-ts does play natively. There is also an issue with m2ts files since they don't play with GBPVR and if you rename them to ts you will cause problems, so you will need to hit the USB Eject to play them.

So, TS recordings (H264)from GBPVR would play with the old player, and not display OSD?
How is HE-AAC audio handled?

I have the opposite configuration I have two TV's, one monitor three extenders, four remotes, an ION and a PC both with keyboard and a mouse surrounding my small computer desk right now.

I don't think I'd be allowed that much, I don't have an office / workspace to hide it in!

[mvallevand]

So, TS recordings (H264)from GBPVR would play with the old player, and not display OSD?

No they do play with the new player with OSD, GBPVR navigation etc.

How is HE-AAC audio handled?

HE-AAC audio streams are passed to the hardware libraries which won't decode them yet. If other audio stream types are detected they are given priority as the default.

I don't think I'd be allowed that much, I don't have an office / workspace to hide it in!

And when my workspace enters the media room, well let's just say I don't get much time.

Martin

[reyn]

If you change config.xml to PCH2 mode and then run NMTInstall select simply update mvpmcx2 and select PCH2 mode you can see for yourself. There are several improvements in mpeg-ts handling that I find very beneficial. You can reverse this but PCH mode won't be supported for much longer anyway.

I changed PCH to PCH2 in config.xml and ran NMTInstall I looked for "Update mvpmcx2" but couldn't find it so I just unticked everything except mvpmcx2.
I then ran an h264/mp4 file downloaded from Luminous Landscape and it played perfectly, even my wife was impressed. Not having any experience of PCH mode before does the fact I have onscreen exclamation marks and speaker overlays when I press the remote buttons mean I have PCH2 mode?
I am using the standard blue skin how much of a pause should there be between selecting the video to play and it actually starting, will it vary depending on the PC? I am using an Athlon x2 4200 with 2mb ram and a new Ati 4350 graphics card with onboard HDMI and sata HD and Vista sp2.
Just one more question, I changed the skin to Mayhem3 using the GBPVR menu on the TV but it has had no effect, do I need to reload mvpmcx2?
Thanks
Frank

[mvallevand]

I changed PCH to PCH2 in config.xml and ran NMTInstall I looked for "Update mvpmcx2" but couldn't find it so I just unticked everything except mvpmcx2.

Sorry it is install mvpmcx2 on this screen http://forums.gbpvr.com/showpost.php?p=3...ostcount=3

I then ran an h264/mp4 file downloaded from Luminous Landscape and it played perfectly, even my wife was impressed. Not having any experience of PCH mode before does the fact I have onscreen exclamation marks and speaker overlays when I press the remote buttons mean I have PCH2 mode?

This is hard to say. I wasn't specific enough when I said mpeg files I did not mean mp4 files I meant mpg, mpeg and ts files. mp4 files would go back to the NMT player. You still get the fast screens in PCH and the improved GBPVR based UI but no video playing enhancement.

I am using the standard blue skin how much of a pause should there be between selecting the video to play and it actually starting, will it vary depending on the PC?

For mp4, avi, mkv, mov formats it could take about 10 seconds. For the supported mpeg files maybe a second up to about two seconds for live tv. An mp3 audio file could appear to start playing before your finger leaves the remote if PCH2 mode is set up right. A good test is if there is a delay with an mp3 or Internet radio and it plays using the NMT player, you are not running PCH2 mode.

I am using an Athlon x2 4200 with 2mb ram and a new Ati 4350 graphics card with onboard HDMI and sata HD and Vista sp2.

The biggest factors playing files on an NMT will be the processor, the network and hard disk. Your specs look fine.

Just one more question, I changed the skin to Mayhem3 using the GBPVR menu on the TV but it has had no effect, do I need to reload mvpmcx2?Thanks

You don't need to change mvpmcx2. If you makes changes in config.xml they don't always appear right away. I suggest using the config.exe program do to select a new NMT skin from the MVP & NMT tab.

Martin

[reyn]

Martin, thank you for taking the time and trouble to help me.
Frank