LinuxMCE - User contributions [en]

User:FGYHYTY

2008-03-03T08:21:14Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

User:FGYH

2008-03-03T08:20:37Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

LinuxMCE:Privacy policy

2008-03-03T08:18:53Z

Geoffrey: Undo revision 9385 by NoricC4tou (Talk)

Help:Contents

2008-03-03T08:18:19Z

Geoffrey: Undo revision 9384 by DrontRmonl (Talk)

Category:Input

2008-03-03T08:17:35Z

Geoffrey: Undo revision 9383 by RolacTroct (Talk)

[[Category: Hardware]]

Installer Problems

2008-03-03T08:17:01Z

Geoffrey: Undo revision 9382 by Orc4tZelbo (Talk)

=== 1. vim package ===
If your /var/log/mce-install* log file is ending with:

The following packages have unmet dependencies.
pluto-dcerouter: Depends: pluto-confirm-dependencies (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-confirm-dependencies (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-createdevice (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-createdevice (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-install-scripts (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-install-scripts (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-local-database (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-local-database (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-std-plugins (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-std-plugins (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-system-database (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-system-database (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-website-admin (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-website-admin (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-boot-scripts (>= 1.0) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-boot-scripts (< 1.1) but it is not going to be installed
PreDepends: vim but it is not going to be installed
E: Broken packages

If you will try to install the vim package 'apt-get install vim', you will get the error:

The following packages have unmet dependencies.
vim: Depends: vim-common (= 1:7.0-035+1ubuntu5) but 1:7.0-164+1ubuntu6~edgy1 is to be installed

'''Solution:'''
Remove and install vim again:
apt-get remove --purge vim-common ; apt-get install vim

Remove the 'edgy-backports' line from /etc/apt/sources.list

Once the vim package is updated/installed well, try again to install LinuxMCE.

=== 2. Sorry, for the dutch error log ===

But I wasnt able to find a solution yet for this problem. There goes something wrong while
it wants to configure.

dpkg: vereistenproblemen verhinderen de configuratie van pluto-dcerouter:
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-local-database (>= 1.0); maar:
Pakket pluto-local-database is nog niet geconfigureerd.
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-local-database (<< 1.1); maar:
Pakket pluto-local-database is nog niet geconfigureerd.
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-std-plugins (>= 1.0); maar:
Pakket pluto-std-plugins is nog niet geconfigureerd.
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-std-plugins (<< 1.1); maar:
Pakket pluto-std-plugins is nog niet geconfigureerd.
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-system-database (>= 1.0); maar:
Pakket pluto-system-database is nog niet geconfigureerd.
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-system-database (<< 1.1); maar:
Pakket pluto-system-database is nog niet geconfigureerd.
dpkg: fout bij afhandelen van pluto-dcerouter (--configure):
vereistenproblemen - blijft ongeconfigureerd
Instellen van pluto-boot-scripts (1.0) ...

Instellen van pluto-createdevice (1.0) ...

Instellen van pluto-confirm-dependencies (1.0) ...
Instellen van pluto-install-scripts (1.0) ...
Instellen van pluto-website-admin (1.0) ...
ln: kan symbolische koppeling ``/usr/pluto/orbiter/floorplans'' naar ``/home/pluto/floorplans'' niet aanmaken: File exists
dpkg: fout bij afhandelen van pluto-website-admin (--configure):
subproces post-installation script gaf een foutwaarde 1 terug
Fouten gevonden tijdens behandelen van:
pluto-database-settings
pluto-sqlcvs
pluto-local-database
pluto-media-database
pluto-security-database
pluto-system-database
pluto-telecom-database
pluto-std-plugins
pluto-dcerouter
pluto-website-admin

Seems to be that pluto-database-settings tries to acces mysql database with root with no password.

'''Solution:''' Reset temporary your mysql root password to none

=== 3. New problem ===

Instellen van pluto-website-admin (1.0) ...
ln: kan symbolische koppeling ``/usr/pluto/orbiter/floorplans'' naar ``/home/pluto/floorplans'' niet aanmaken: File exists
dpkg: fout bij afhandelen van pluto-website-admin (--configure):
subproces post-installation script gaf een foutwaarde 1 terug
dpkg: vereistenproblemen verhinderen de configuratie van pluto-dcerouter:
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-website-admin (>= 1.0); maar:
Pakket pluto-website-admin is nog niet geconfigureerd.
pluto-dcerouter is afhankelijk van pluto-website-admin (<< 1.1); maar:
Pakket pluto-website-admin is nog niet geconfigureerd.
dpkg: fout bij afhandelen van pluto-dcerouter (--configure):
vereistenproblemen - blijft ongeconfigureerd
Fouten gevonden tijdens behandelen van:
pluto-website-admin
pluto-dcerouter
E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)

'''Solution:''' sudo rm /usr/pluto/orbiter/floorplans

=== 4. MySQL problem ===

If you have a problem with this message: "Orbiter cannot register with router" go to /var/log/pluto and watch the DCERouter.log. You will see messages like this:
05 04/02/07 21:24:46.855 Socket::ReceiveData 0x84f2dc8 failed, bytes left 0 start: 750000 1: 0 1b: 0 2: 0 2b: 0 m_Socket: 118 Incoming_Conn Socket 118 127.0.0.1 dev 21 <0x87b90ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:46.855 Socket::ReceiveString2 ReceiveData failed m_Socket: -1 Incoming_Conn Socket 118 127.0.0.1 dev 21 <0x87b90ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:46.855 Router::RemoveAndDeleteSocket 0x84f2dc8 21 <0x87b90ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:46.855 Query failed (MySQL server has gone away): UPDATE Device SET Registered=0,psc_mod=psc_mod WHERE PK_Device=21 (-1) <0x87b90ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:46.855 Resetting mysql connection <0x87b90ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:46.855 Connect failed Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2) <0x87b90ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:47.584 The target device 26 (routed to 26) has not registered. <0x89b94ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:47.584 Sender: 27 sent message type: 5 ID: 6 and expected a message reply from 26 <0x89b94ba0>
08 04/02/07 21:24:48.407 Received Message from 28 (Photo Screen Saver / ) to Orbiter Plug-in(9), type 1 id 818 Command:Get Screen Saver Files, parameters: <0x859ffba0>
08 04/02/07 21:24:48.407 Parameter 2(PK_Device): 19 <0x859ffba0>
08 04/02/07 21:24:48.407 Parameter 13(Filename): <0x859ffba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:48.408 Query failed (Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2)): SELECT DISTINCT PK_File,Path,Filename FROM File JOIN File_Attribute ON FK_File=PK_File JOIN Attribute ON FK_Attribute=PK_Attribute AND FK_AttributeType=30 WHERE (Name='' OR Name='*' OR Name='19') AND Missing=0 AND Filename like '%jpg' (-1) <0x96baeba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:48.408 Resetting mysql connection <0x96baeba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:48.408 Connect failed Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2) <0x96baeba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:48.411 Query failed (MySQL server has gone away): UPDATE Device SET Registered=1,psc_mod=psc_mod WHERE PK_Device=28 (-1) <0x849fdba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:48.411 Resetting mysql connection <0x849fdba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:48.411 Connect failed Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2) <0x849fdba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:48.527 Table_Device_DeviceData::FetchRow Cannot perform query [select * from Device_DeviceData where `FK_Device`=18 AND `FK_DeviceData`=88] MySQL server has gone away <0x851feba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:48.546 Table_Device_DeviceData::FetchRow Cannot perform query [select * from Device_DeviceData where `FK_Device`=20 AND `FK_DeviceData`=31] MySQL server has gone away <0x851feba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:49.901 Query failed (MySQL server has gone away): UPDATE Device SET Registered=1,psc_mod=psc_mod WHERE PK_Device=22 (-1) <0x819f7ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:49.901 Resetting mysql connection <0x819f7ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:49.901 Connect failed Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2) <0x819f7ba0>
07 04/02/07 21:24:49.979 Event 12 has no handlers <0x829f9ba0>
07 04/02/07 21:24:49.979 Received Message from 22 (Xine Player / ) to -1001 (unknown / ), type 2 id 12 Event:Playback Completed, parameters: <0x829f9ba0>
07 04/02/07 21:24:49.979 Parameter 4(MRL): <0x829f9ba0>
07 04/02/07 21:24:49.979 Parameter 9(Stream ID): 0 <0x829f9ba0>
07 04/02/07 21:24:49.979 Parameter 37(With Errors): 0 <0x829f9ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:51.038 Query failed (MySQL server has gone away): UPDATE Device SET Registered=1,psc_mod=psc_mod WHERE PK_Device=24 (-1) <0x801f4ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:51.038 Resetting mysql connection <0x801f4ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:51.038 Connect failed Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2) <0x801f4ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:51.261 Query failed (MySQL server has gone away): UPDATE Device SET Registered=1,psc_mod=psc_mod WHERE PK_Device=21 (-1) <0x7e9f1ba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:51.261 Resetting mysql connection <0x7e9f1ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:51.261 Connect failed Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2) <0x7e9f1ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:51.366 Table_Device_DeviceData::FetchRow Cannot perform query [select * from Device_DeviceData where `FK_Device`=18 AND `FK_DeviceData`=88] MySQL server has gone away <0x829f9ba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:52.348 Table_Device_DeviceData::FetchRow Cannot perform query [select * from Device_DeviceData where `FK_Device`=20 AND `FK_DeviceData`=31] MySQL server has gone away <0x851feba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:52.349 Socket::ReceiveData 0x8506d10 failed, bytes left 0 start: 810000 1: 0 1b: 0 2: 0 2b: 0 m_Socket: 118 Incoming_Conn Socket 118 127.0.0.1EVENT 20 T=1759 Event 20 <0x851feba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:52.350 Socket::ReceiveString2 ReceiveData failed m_Socket: -1 Incoming_Conn Socket 118 127.0.0.1EVENT 20 T=1759 Event 20 <0x851feba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:52.350 TCPIP: Closing connection to 20 (Router Dev 0) 0x8506d10 m_Socket: -1 <0x851feba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:52.350 Router::RemoveAndDeleteSocket 0x8506d10 20 <0x851feba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:52.350 Query failed (MySQL server has gone away): UPDATE Device SET Registered=0,psc_mod=psc_mod WHERE PK_Device=20 (-1) <0x851feba0>
05 04/02/07 21:24:52.350 Resetting mysql connection <0x851feba0>
01 04/02/07 21:24:52.350 Connect failed Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2) <0x851feba0>

A possible resolvation can be restarting the system, because it will restart also the mysql server.

[[Category: Testing]]

Control regular A/V equipment

2008-03-03T08:16:08Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

==How to set it up==

First add the infrared transmitter on the '''Wizard > Devices > [[Interfaces]]''' page in [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]. Then add your a/v devices on the '''Wizard > Devices > [[AV Devices | A/V Equipment ]]'''page. [[Control a TV or cable/satellite box]] for an example of adding a TV, and creating a new Device Template if your model isn't already in the system.

On the [[AV Devices| A/V Equipment]] page issue specify for each device what infrared transmitter will be controlling it in the Controlled Via pulled down. If this device uses infrared codes, when you click the "A/V properties" button next to that device you should the "Uses I/R" box is checked. Confirm the inputs and other I/R settings, such as toggle vs. discrete are correct. If they are not, then whoever added the device template for this model originally may have done it wrong, or perhaps he had a different model. In either case you can create a new Device Template for your model as explained [[Control a TV or cable/satellite box]]. Then click the "IR/GSD codes" button to select or learn new infrared codes.

LinuxMCE includes a stock library of infrared codes supplied by other users. These codes are grouped, sometimes referred to as code sets or Infrared Groups. For example, Sony may make a thousand and models of TV sets, but nearly all of them use the same infrared codes; the remotes are interchangeable. Therefore it makes no sense to learn or input the infrared codes for every single model, rather it's much easier to put all the codes into a group called "Sony TV codes", and then only 1 user needs to add the codes, and then every other user with the Sony TV can use that set of codes. On the IR/GSD codes page you can select what Infrared Group, or codeset, you want to use for this device. All the codes are stored in Pronto format. If there are multiple Infrared Groups for that Manufacturer and Device Category, you can choose the one you want from the pull down, and then click the test code button next to one of the codes to see if the device responds. Worst case you need to create your own I/R codes. If an existing Infrared Group is correct, but there are just more new codes you need to add, choose the Infrared Group and then choose Add/remove commands. If none of the existing Infrared Groups are correct, you can create a new infrared group, or leave the Infrared Group pull-down empty and the codes you provide will be used only for this model, without belonging to an Infrared Group.

Check off one of the Command Groups check boxes to add groups of codes, such as Standard navigation, or volume control. Or click the add remove command buttons to add them individually. Try to use the existing command whenever possible; they are already quite complete. It is important to use the correct existing commands, even if your device gives them another name. For example, when you hit the channel up button on any remote-control, it will send to the "Skip Fwd - Channel/Track Greater" command to the device. Different remote controls call this function different things. Maybe yours calls it "Seek Up". If you create a new command called "Seek Up", then the existing remote-control which is designed to send our stock command will not work with your device, and you'll need to create a whole new remote control for your device. You don't want to do that. LinuxMCE Orbiter runs on web pads, pda's, phones, etc. We already have stock remote controls for all those types of devices that send our stock commands. Therefore it is much easier to use the existing commands even if the names are different than what you're device uses.

If your infrared device supports learning, then when you click the "new code" button on the I/R code page you'll be able to learn the code automatically. For example, if you're using the gc100, there is a learning dongle for it. Plug it into the gc100's port or into another serial port on the computer that is controlled in the gc100. On the gc100's device page, specify what serial port you're using in the "comm port parameter". If your device does not support learning, or is unable to learn the code correctly, then you'll need to get the code in pronto format on your own. One of the best sources is the http://www.remotecentral.com website. You can copy and paste the infrared codes from that website into the LinuxMCE Admin page. On the A/V equipment page if you leave the check box "Share my I/R codes with others" checked the infrared codes will automatically be shared with other users.

To test codes you can either do it by clicking the test code button from the infrared code page in LinuxMCE Admin, or by clicking the Advanced button on the orbiter, which is normally the LinuxMCE logo. On the Orbiter's advanced page is an option to test infrared codes. Note that to test i/r codes with that button on the orbiter only I/R codes that were already in the system before the last Router reload will work. This isn't the case with the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]], so, when setting up devices for the first time, the website is the preferred tool.
==How to use it==

Just add a media scenario for the device, as explained [[Control a TV or cable/satellite box]]

==Programmer's guide==

The logic for determining what infrared codes each device uses is in Infrared_Plugin. The command is Get Infrared Codes. Each infrared interface device, like the [[gc100]], should inherit from the MessageTranslation class which handles translating for toggle codes, proper formatting of numbers, etc.

[[Category:Tutorials]]
[[Category:Input]]
[[Category:Infrared]]

Category talk:Tutorials

2008-02-27T07:13:01Z

Geoffrey: Plan to clean up howtos

I plan to start going through the Howto section and reorganizing a bit. Primarily I think it will be useful to standardize the tutorial titles and make them succinctly express what exactly the howto does. Further I think it would be helpful to group similar howtos together, eg all VOIP howtos grouped together.

I will wait a couple days to see if anyone else has better suggestions or screams 'stop! don't do that!'

glb

Installer Problems

2008-02-27T06:25:01Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam -- Is it possible to block the IP addresses from which this originates?

User:217.72.199.106

2008-02-27T06:23:12Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

Automatically take pictures when sensors are disturbed

2008-02-26T06:58:37Z

Geoffrey: Catagorized and Cleaned up Layout

[[Category:Tutorials| ]]
[[Category:Automation| ]]

The overall process of setting up a security system, explained in [[Arm or disarm the alarm using the Orbiters]]must be completed prior to implementing the following steps:

*In LinuxMCE admin, choose wizard, security, security video links. Here is a matrix of all the security sensors and surveillance cameras.

*Check the boxes to indicate which cameras can view areas monitored by which sensors.

*Whenever one of those sensors is triggered, whether or not that actually results in a security breach or notification, LinuxMCE will take a snapshot from those cameras at the moment the sensors are triggered.

You can view this in LinuxMCE admin choosing security, alert logs. If the sensor does result in notifying you on your mobile phone, then LinuxMCE will send you a copy of the picture that it took at the time the sensors were triggered.

User:217.72.199.106

2008-02-26T06:31:27Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

Current events

2008-02-26T06:30:11Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

Visit the [http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?board=350.0 Upcoming features forum] to discuss new features, changes or ideas. If you are willing to offer some cash or other compensation to a developer to get something done right away, visit the [http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php?board=349.0 Help Wanted forum].

When a developer has decided to implement some new feature or change, please edit this wiki to add a brief summary including a link to the original forum topic for this new idea, so other users can post to that topic to discuss this, and where you will post updated progress info. Visit the [http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Contacts Contacts Page] to find developers who can commit your work to the main LinuxMCE branch, or to request svn write access.

This page lists the features which developers we are working to implement in the next release. There is also a forum dedicated to discussing features here . Please post to this page only those features which have been decided to be included.

Read about the long-term goals and strategy here: [[History|History of LinuxMCE, why I started this project, and the goals]]

----
== Google Summer of Code Ideas: ==

'''internet radio'''
Integrate internet radio into the existing media menu option so radio stations can be browsed the same way local media can.

'''internet tv / videos.google / youtube'''
Integrate these online video sources into the existing media menu option so this video can be browsed the same way local media can.

'''gsd events'''
The embedded Ruby interpretor presently only handles controlling devices; ie processing commands. The same code could be adapted in reverse to respond to events.

'''Standardized to be included in Ubuntu'''
LinuxMCE still has a lot of non-standard scripts that Pluto wrote for use in commercial, black-box systems, which need to be rewritten in a more standard manner so that LinuxMCE plays nicely by Ubuntu's rules and be accepted into Ubuntu's main repository and included in their build.

'''Download audio podcast/video podcast'''
A way with the GUI to subscribe to podcasts, and have them automatically downloaded and aggregated with the media in the home. Including playcount so a list of not listened to podcasts can be created.

Would it be possible to harness Miro/DemocracyTV for this functionality? I've succeeded personally in getting the Miro client to download videos into the LinuxMCE directory structure, but the filenames are non-intuitive and not all of them show up correctly (needs more testing). - dragon_788

'''Capture video from firewire camera'''
The current plug and play detection engine already recognizes firewire digital camcorders. There should be a very rudimentary, simple 'capture' option that appears on screen to do basic video capture and save it to the managed media. Users can use a video editor like Kino for real editing; this is just for quick capture.

'''Better organize and manage photos'''
The current UI could use some optimization to make it work better for managing photos.

== Current Development ==
[[What modules are in development?]]

Control a TV or cable/satellite box

2008-02-26T06:29:05Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

[[Category: Tutorials]]
[[Category: Hardware| ]]
[[Category: Programmer's Guide]]

==How to set it up==

In the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]], go to '''Wizard > Devices > A/V equipment'''. If you haven't already added the TV and whatever cable/satellite box you use for the tuning, click 'Add Device'. Choose the manufacturer, category, and then model of the device. Then click 'Add Device'.

If your model is not in the list, then after choosing the manufacturer and category, type the model name in the box under the models column and click 'Add' to create your own Device Template, which means a definition of a device that explains the properties of this model. Be sure popups are not blocked--a popup window will appear asking how many tuners this TV has (see next paragraph for an explanation). After you add the Device Template for this model, then select it from the model list and click 'Add Device' to add it to your installation. Since this is a new Device Template, on the A/V equipment page be sure to click the 'A/V Properties' button for this device to tell LinuxMCE about this Device Template, such as what inputs it has, whether you will control it with infrared, and so on.

'''Note:''' You will see that a TV is actually treated as multiple devices: the display device, and also a separate device for the tuner(s) inside the TV. This may seem confusing, but it's necessary. Many TV's have multiple tuners, and different tuners may have different video sources; one may be hooked up to cable, and another one to an antenna. And those tuners use different inputs on the TV. Therefore, LinuxMCE treats the tuners as "embedded devices" within the TV. When you want to watch TV, you will actually be telling LinuxMCE you want to use a tuner within the TV. For example, you will say you want to use Tuner #1 (cable), or Tuner #2 (antenna), etc. Therefore when you add a new Device Template for a TV, LinuxMCE Admin will ask how many tuners it has. Receivers are treated the same way since they can also have multiple tuners inside, like FM, AM, Weather Band, Satellite, etc.

On the A/V equipment page you also need to specify the A/V Connections, also known as "Pipes". You can do it using the "Edit" link in the "Pipes" column, or do it graphically by drawing lines between your devices by clicking the "Connection Wizard" link. If you added a cable or satellite box, the video pipe from the box will be the TV that it's connected to, and you choose the input on the TV you used, such as "Video 2". If you want the sound to come out of the TV too, the audio pipe will also go to the TV on the same input. If you want the sound to come out of your receiver, then the audio pipe goes to the receiver. If you're not using an external satellite/cable box, but rather the TV's internal tuner, you'll see that the internal tuner already has an audio/video pipe to the TV. If you don't want the sound to come out of the TV's internal speakers but rather use a stereo receiver, then change the audio pipe for the tuner to go to the receiver instead.

The "Controlled Via" pull-down should be set to whatever device is going to be responsible for controlling this piece of equipment. If this is controlled via infrared the "Controlled Via" device is the infrared device you are using to control it (added on the '''Wizard > Devices > [[Interfaces]]''' page). If this a/v equipment is controllable by RS232 or USB, the Controlled Via should be the PC computer it is connected to. If it is controlled via Ethernet, it can be any computer on which you want to run the device driver, usually it's the Core.

If you have multiple TV sources in your home, such as Cable and Satellite, you may want to click the "Media Providers" link to specify the providers. This step isn't necessary. However if you do add Media Providers, then for each piece of a/v equipment that is a source device you can specify what Media Provider it uses (this box provides "Cable TV" and this "Satellite TV"). The advantage of doing this is that then follow-me media, move media and broadcast are more accurate. If LinuxMCE is able to know that you were watching channel 35 on a device that uses Media Provider "satellite tv", then when the user wants to move or broadcast this media to other rooms, LinuxMCE knows to find devices in those rooms that also use provider "satellite tv". Otherwise LinuxMCE may end up picking a cable tv device instead. If you only have one provider for tv then there is no reason to worry about specifying a provider.

Next go to the '''Wizard > Scenarios > [[Media Scenarios]]''' page. Every media scenario will appear as a button on the Orbiters, so we need to add a media scenario in the room (aka Entertainment Area) where you want to use this TV. Under 'Add Scenario' type the description you want on the button, such as "Live TV", "Cable, etc". Choose the Entertainment Area, or room, then choose the source device. This should be the tuner in the TV, or a satellite or cable box. Also choose the type of media, "Live TV" in this case. If there is more than one remote control interface that will wok with this device you'll have a pull-down for that too. The next time you regen the UI for this Orbiter (see '''Wizard > Devices > [[Orbiters]]'''), the button will appear.

After you add new devices, you need to go to '''Wizard > [[Restart]]''' and click "Quick Reload Router" so DCERouter starts using the new devices you just added.

==How to use it==

Just touch the button you created with the Media Scenarios above. It will appear on all the Orbiters for the room (Entertainment Area) you added it to. LinuxMCE will automatically turn on all the appropriate devices and set their inputs based on the A/V connections you specified in LinuxMCE Admin.

If the A/V equipment is controlled in some way that LinuxMCE can get feedback from it, such as RS232 or Ethernet, then you can also physically turn on or adjust any relevant device and LinuxMCE will figure out automatically what you want to do. For example, if you turn on the satellite box by hand, LinuxMCE knows you want to use it and will automatically turn on the tv and receiver, set the inputs, and put the remote control on the orbiters for you. Or, if you switch the input on the receiver to "DBS", which your satellite box is connected, LinuxMCE also knows that means you want to watch Satellite TV and will set everything up for you. However this functionality is not possible with a/v equipment that is controlled via infrared since i/r is 1-way communication; LinuxMCE can only send it commands, but has no way to know when you are controlling it manually.

==Programmer's guide==

The Media Scenario will send a "MH Play Media" command to the media plugin. The media plugin will then find a media handler plugin that knows how to handle that type of media. Tightly integrated media devices, like Xine or Myth, have their own media handler plugins that are intelligent and know how to do things like synchronize multiple rooms to the same media, move media between rooms and respect stopping/starting at the same place and so on. Generic A/V devices like TV's and satellite boxes are nearly always by the media handler "Generic NonLinuxMCE Media", which is built into the media plugin itself. This media handler is very simple--it just forwards the command to the device.

When a device gets an "ON" command, DCERouter router calls the function "HandleCommandPipes". This is what knows how to turn on all the devices and set their inputs based on the a/v pipes you specified on the a/v equipment page. This is also why the tuners need to be treated as separate embedded devices within the TV, since each one will use different inputs.

The table MediaType_DesignObj has the standard remote controls for each type of Media, and the table DeviceTemplate_MediaType_DesignObj has custom remote controls more appropriate for a given device. When adding the media scenario if there is more than 1 remote control that can be used to control this type of media on this device, the user can choose from the list.

The message translation class is used within the infrared devices (like gc100), and within [[GSD]] (generic serial device) to translate commands and handle things like toggle vs discrete inputs. Devices which are controlled using GSD and a serial/ethernet interface will fire events AV_Input_Changed and Device_OnOff which Media_Plugin has interceptors for and will use the a/v pipes to figure out what device you're trying to use.

Samsung TX-R3079WH

2008-02-23T12:58:31Z

Geoffrey:

[[Category: Hardware]]
[[Category: Video]]
[[Category: Displays]]

===Basics===

* 30" (diagonal) [[16:9|widescreen]] CRT television
* Slim Depth CRT; 1/3 Thinner than Regular Flat CRT
* Connections
**RF Input: 1 Rear
**Auto Sensing Component Inputs (480i/480p/1080i): 2 Rear
**S-Video Inputs: 1 Side, 1 Rear (shared)
**Fixed A/V Monitor Output: 1 Rear
**4 Composite A/V Inputs: 1 Side, 3 Rear (shared)

===Picture fidelity===

* Generally good, although adjusting for overscan causes slight distortion (approximately 1cm strip) on right side of screen.
* Video picture excellent in 1080i mode, but when used with LMCE 7.10b3 and a GeForce 6200 graphics card, causes slow response when browsing media.

===Pros===

*HDMI Input with native 420p, 720p and 1080i
*Simple User menu interface

===Cons===

* At 120 lbs. not an easy TV to transport. (But that much harder to steal)
* No RS232 port ( [[Control_A/V_equipment_with_RS232/USB/Ethernet]] )
* Overscans LMCE input and must be manually adjusted to display properly
* At 720p/1080i KDE Desktop script is nearly impossible to read. (Attempted to manually adjust dpi settings without success.)

===Usability===

* After initial difficulty with overscan, unit has been quite usable.
* Although I would not recommend this TV as a new purchase for a LMCE display, for those who have one already it is compatible.

===Xorg.conf Specs===

The following Xorg.conf settings were useful in obtaining a proper display.

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Samsung"
ModelName "TX-R3079WH"
DisplaySize 660 375
Modeline "1280x720" 74.250 1280 1390 1430 1650 720 725 730 750 +hsync +vsync
Modeline "1920x1080" 74.250 1920 2008 2052 2200 1080 1084 1094 1124 interlace +hsync +vsync
HorizSync 15-46
VertRefresh 59-61
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "nVidia Corporation NV44 [GeForce 6200 TurboCache(TM)]"
Monitor "Samsung"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Modes "1280x720"
Virtual 1280 720
EndSubSection
Option "XvmcUsesTextures" "true"
Option "renderAccel" "true"
Option "NoDDCValue"
Option "UseEDID" "false"
Option "ExactModeTimingsDVI" "true"
Option "NoLogo" "true"
Option "NoBandWidthTest" "true"
Option "ModeValidation" "NoDFPNativeResolutionCheck, NoEdidMaxPClkCheck, NoMaxPClkCheck, AllowInterlacedMod$
Option "DynamicTwinView" "false"
Option "AllowGLXWithComposite" "true"
Option "AddARGBGLXVisuals" "true"
Option "TVStandard" "640x480"
EndSection

===Additional Info===

As is it not included in the Owner's Manual, I have provided links to the section of the Alignment Manual needed to adjust for the overscan.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3465/serman32er6.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7179/serman34qy9.jpg

LinuxMCE:About

2008-02-23T12:53:03Z

Geoffrey: Removed spam

This Wiki will help you get what you need to use, program or participate in LinuxMCE.

Please give some of your knowledge back by adding to this Wiki.

Known Issues

2008-02-23T10:31:57Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

== Known issues with LinuxMCE 0710 ==
Check this page [[KnownIssues_0710]]

== Known issues with LinuxMCE 0704 ==

Be sure to read [[Video#network]] because if you don't enable your network connection you won't have gallery art or be able to add extra software.

The QuickInstall DVD is not correctly handling an installation with a single network interface card. If you have only 1 network interface card, then as explained in [[Video#network]] when you go to test your network, go into the Admin site. Choose Advanced, Configuration, Devices. Click the 'Core' in the left device tree. Scroll down to 'Network Settings', and carefully edit that line changing the text that says "eth1" to instead say "eth0:0". Then save the changes on that page. Now go to Advanced, Network, Network Settings. If you're using a static IP specify it now. Whether or not you made any changes, click the update button which will cause it to reset your network. Confirm you now have an internet connection. The network settings should show that eth0 is your normal network (dhcp or static), and eth1 is 192.168.80.1. If you don't want LinuxMCE to be your DHCP server, you can disable that option here.

LMCE 0704 will not use windows shares with spaces in them, e.g. "DISK 1".

== Known issues with LinuxMCE 1.1 Beta ==

* if you get the following error:

pluto-dcerouter: Depends: pluto-confirm-dependencies (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-confirm-dependencies (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-createdevice (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-createdevice (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-install-scripts (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-install-scripts (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-local-database (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-local-database (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-std-plugins (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-std-plugins (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-system-database (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-system-database (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-website-admin (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-website-admin (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-boot-scripts (>= 2.0.0.44) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: pluto-boot-scripts (< 2.0.0.45) but it is not going to be installed
PreDepends: samba but it is not going to be installed
E: Broken packages

Solution: the quickest solution is to skip the use of the cache cd or to have latest samba package installed before starting the installation.

* sometimes it's better to kill the network manager and add the network settings manually. I found that the network settings are overwritten when the installation of Linux MCE is finished. and you don't have internet connection anymore. This may lead to problems like the one above, with the samba package.

* if you are rebooting the system after installing LinuxMCE 1.1 and the system hangs up at "'''Running local boot scripts (/etc/rc.local) [ OK]'''"

Solution: rename kdm.saved from /etc/init.d to kdm and then reboot.

== Known issues with LinuxMCE 1.0 ==

It is best to install version 1.0 on a separate box, rather than your main Ubuntu system because of the following issues:

* The installer is messing up Ubuntu's xorg.conf file by removing the nvidia driver and replacing it with vesa. This was actually a necessary hack that got forgotten about. There is a bug in the nVidia drivers (it has been reported) that causes them to crash when two X sessions are running and try to open the same card. Using the 'nv' driver on one and the 'nvidia' on the other still doesn't work, but using vesa on one and nvidia on the other does. So the hack changes Ubuntu's xorg.conf from nVidia to Vesa. If you install a dedicated LinuxMCE box this isn't an issue, but it can be a problem when you are a Ubuntu user and want better performance on your Ubuntu desktop than the vesa driver allows.

* The installer will revert the Ubuntu sources.list back to the default, removing any non-standard repositories, when it does the upgrade before installing itself.

* As mentioned in other places, the scripts carried from Pluto were written to be run on a dedicated system and 'take over' completely. It was a huge task just getting LinuxMCE 1.0 out the door, and the Ubuntu integration is still a work in progress and the scripts are still too invasive. If this is a dedicated system, or if you're not a Linux user, this is perhaps still a good thing because you'll never need to touch your configuration files: LinuxMCE will setup the dhcp server, samba network shares, network settings, and so on. But, if you are a Ubuntu user, be warned that it will override some of your settings until we get the Ubuntu integration improved.

Additional issues:

* Most of the problems reported so far are caused by using UI2, which requires OpenGL, on video cards without good Linux OpenGL support. The solution is to use UI1 instead. nVidia 6xxx and higher are preferred and will run UI2 with the 3d effects and alpha blending.

* A bug in the media browser was identified that is causing it to run very slow and consume a lot of memory. A 1.01 patch will be out soon.

* In the haste to release the updated LinuxMCE 1.0 that didn't use the website for downloading the software after the Digg story brought the server down, there was a sloppy error building the package for the Windows binaries. Most of them are empty. This means the Windows orbiter that runs on web pads, pda's and ms smart phones, as well as some other windows applets which are also on the download page in your Core's admin web site, are missing.

* Some of the users reported having broken packages during the installation of LinuxMCE, usually 'pluto-orbiter' package. This could happen from a number of reasons. We have identified a few of them, such as:
- the vim package cannot be installed because of a conflict at 'vim-common'. For details on how to fix that, please follow: [http://wiki.linuxmce.com/index.php/Installer_Problems]
- The Ubuntu repositories are sometimes unavailable. You should try reinstalling, or installing the packages by hand

Category:Infrared

2008-02-23T10:30:28Z

Geoffrey: Undo revision 9106 by DomalLibov (Talk)

[[Category: Hardware]]
[[Category: Input]]

Infrared devices and other related stuff should be here

Template:Cleanup

2008-02-23T10:28:23Z

Geoffrey: Undo revision 9098 by DelliLicli (Talk)

'''This article needs a cleanup'''

Control a TV or cable/satellite box

2008-02-23T10:26:23Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

Known Issues

2008-02-22T06:55:57Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

LinuxMCE:General disclaimer

2008-02-22T06:53:56Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

erdarall
Don't blame us!

Help:Contents

2008-02-22T06:51:30Z

Geoffrey: Remmoved Spam

Talk:Known Issues

2008-02-22T06:50:27Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

User talk:202.84.17.42

2008-02-22T06:48:47Z

Geoffrey: Removed spam

LinuxMCE:Site support

2008-02-22T06:46:43Z

Geoffrey: Removed Spam

Page in construction.

Samsung TX-R3079WH

2008-02-21T11:36:06Z

Geoffrey:

Samsung TX-R3079WH

2008-02-21T11:33:41Z

Geoffrey: New page: Category: Hardware Category: Video Category: Displays ===Basics=== * 30" (diagonal) widescreen CRT television * Slim Depth CRT; 1/3 Thinner than Regular Flat CRT * ...

User Manual

2008-02-21T10:32:15Z

Geoffrey: /* Telecom */ Added link to Developer Page

{| align="right"
| __TOC__
|}
[[Category:Tutorials]]
===What is LinuxMCE===
'''LinuxMCE is the only all-in-one open source solution that seamlessly combines:'''

'''Multimedia''' in '''LinuxMCE''' is always available to you and your family and if you have several homes, you can tie systems in each house together to act as one. Your media will follow you everywhere you go, it will show your videofiles on the nearest device.

'''Security''' is a big part of '''LinuxMCE''', these functions can control and monitor sensors, video cameras. It can send you alerts to your mobile phone, it can also set your alarm based on different schedules and scenarios. It can even lock the door when you leave your home.

'''Telecom''' brings your family and friends closer, with '''LinuxMCE''' it's just gets better. LinuxMCE offers videocalls/conferencing, personal voicemailboxes for your whole family, it will also track and see if you're home and route incoming calls to the nearest phone or even your mobile phone if you're not at home.

'''Home Automation''' features of '''LinuxMCE''' are really neat, it can control lights, climate, where to play your music or video and also it turns your mobile phones into remote controls that can control your whole house.

'''Network Attached Storage''' can extend your core's storage with a NAS-device. LinuxMCE can recognize this and use the NAS for saving your files or reading from them, including your music and video collection.

'''Personal Computing''' can also be done in '''LinuxMCE''', after all it's an ordinary PC with Linux running in the background, complete with Office-suites and all the programs you need for everyday use.

LinuxMCE is a complicated piece of software. Understanding the basics is very important to ensuring proper setup and ensures the user gets the results expected.

Here are a few pages with more detailed information on the abilities and components of LinuxMCE
*[[LinuxMCE]]
*[[software components | Software Components]]

===[[What can I do with LinuxMCE? | What can I do with LinuxMCE]]===

You can control your whole house with a mobile phone, a touch-screen tablet or a web-interface. A LinuxMCE system is like an appliance - not a computer. It is self-configuring, maintaining and updating. No technical skills are required to use or install LinuxMCE.
LinuxMCE is above all simple. The devices are all plug and play. LinuxMCE is also an open platform, offering unlimited expansion potential, and requiring no special cabling.
This is LinuxMCE: a complete, comfortable and secure solution for your home.

====General====

* [[Control LinuxMCE using a Windows device as an Orbiter]]
* [[Control LinuxMCE using a Symbian Series 60 mobile phone with Bl]]
* [[Control LinuxMCE using other types of mobile phones]]
* [[Control LinuxMCE using an Infrared remote]]
* [[Add support for new remote controls]]
* [[Change the look and feel of the Orbiter]]
* [[Create my own skins or GUI for LinuxMCE]]
* [[Translate the GUI into another language]]
* [[Automatic diskless boot of media directors]]
* [[Privacy Settings]]

====Network Attached Storage====

You can extend your core's storage with a [[Network Attached Storage]] device, or NAS. LinuxMCE can recognize this and use the NAS for saving your files or reading from them (including your music and video collection).

====[[Security]]====

* Use Orbiters to arm, disarm, monitor sensors, and view video cameras.
* Immediate notification of any alerts on your mobile phone with live video.
* Auto arming/disarming of the alarm based on schedule or triggered events.
* Mark rooms as off-limits to anyone but authorized persons.
* The instant anything important happens at your home, such as a security breach, fire or even someone ringing the doorbell, your mobile phone will beep and show you a live video feed.
* Because LinuxMCE is able to distinctly recognize each family member and determine who is coming and going, LinuxMCE can automatically turn the alarm off and unlock the door when it detects you approaching the house, and automatically lock and arm when everyone has left. You don't have to worry about forgetting to turn the alarm on.
* Tell LinuxMCE that only certain people are allowed in certain rooms. When LinuxMCE detects the presence of an authorized person it will automatically shut off the alarm sensors in that room. It's fully automatic. If an unauthorized person enters, you will be notified on your mobile phone.
* Tell LinuxMCE if you leave the children at home with a baby sitter. LinuxMCE will notify you whenever someone comes and goes from the house, and show you a picture so you can be sure there are no unauthorized visitors. You can push a button on your phone to turn on the surveillance cameras and check what's happening at any time.
* [[Monitor surveillance cameras]]
* [[Arm or disarm the alarm using the Orbiters]]
* Arm or disarm LinuxMCE's alarm using proximity sensors
* [[Automatically take pictures when sensors are disturbed]]
* [[Have LinuxMCE notify me of security alerts]]

====[[Telecom]]====

* Effortless video conferencing - answer and dial just like normal
* Tie all your homes together as one phone system
* Always routes your calls to the extension nearest you
* LinuxMCE automatically turns all your TVs into video phones. If somebody calls you from a video phone, it rings on the phones in the house just like normal. You can transfer the call to someone else, whether or not they have a video phone. You can still put the call on hold, and pick it up on your mobile phone or cordless.
* With LinuxMCE, whenever you're on the phone, the nearest Orbiter will automatically show you pictures of each family member. If you want to transfer, or conference, just touch the person's picture.
* If you have multiple residences, just tell your LinuxMCE rep to join them. LinuxMCE will automatically sense what home you're in. Anytime someone calls any of your homes-anywhere in the world-the call is automatically put through, unless you're sleeping. LinuxMCE uses voice-over-ip, so there are no long distance charges.
* LinuxMCE's 'follow-me' keep track of what room in the house you're in, and your phone calls automatically ring on the extension nearest you.
* LinuxMCE remembers who normally calls for whom and route the call automatically, based on the caller ID. When your daughter's school friend calls, it will automatically ring in your daughter's room if that's where she is - without disturbing anyone else in the house. If she's out, it will go automatically to her mobile phone if you wish.
* As you add names to your personal phone book, be sure to check off which ones are priority people, like friends and family. When you press the button on your mobile phone to go to sleep, LinuxMCE adjusts your phone settings. Somebody who calls will automatically get voicemail, except for your priority callers who will be told that you are sleeping, and given the option of waking you. If they choose to do so, LinuxMCE will put the call through to the phone by the bed so as not to disturb others in the house.
* Make phone calls using a VOIP provider. Currently the follow Providers are supported with minimal setup.
** [[Broadvoice]]
** [[E-Fon_(Switzerland)]]
** [[Inphonex]]
** [[NuFone]]
** [[Sipgate]]
** [[Teliax]]
** [[VoiceEclipse]]
** [[Manual Phones Configuration | How to Configure Phone Lines Manually]]
* Make phone calls using a regular phone line (POTS), ISDN or T1
* Do video conferencing

* For a more detailed disscussion of how LMCE integrates the telecom feature see:

[http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/How_LinuxMCE_telecom_works How LinuxMCE Telecom Works]

====[[Automation|Home Automation]]====

* Your mobile phone turns into a remote control for lights, climate, etc.
* Effortless, "follow-me automatically" automation
* Self-configuring and maintaining. NO programming or tech skills needed
* Home automation systems are usually controlled by a slew of expensive touch-screen tablets needed everywhere you want control. Only LinuxMCE turns your mobile phone into a comfortable remote, making the tablets optional.
* Your mobile phone not only becomes more comfortable and useable than any type of remote control on the market, it works anywhere in the world you have cellular data coverage. Control everything, monitor your cameras, accept deliveries, etc. It doesn't matter if you're in the living room or in Lithuania. When you're at home, the mobile uses Bluetooth to communicate. When you're away, it automatically switches to the cellular network.
* LinuxMCE can recognize each family member and automatically set up the room according to his preferences. Just keep your mobile phone in your pocket. It compares the relative strengths throughout the house to calculate exactly where each family member is. It works for your lighting, climate, media, as well as security settings.
* With LinuxMCE, everything is plug-and-play, self-configuring, and no programmer will ever come to your home. All you do is go to a simple web site, and answer multiple-choice questions about your lifestyle.
* With LinuxMCE, you get zero-touch automation. If you have a DVD you want to watch, just put the disc in the nearest media director. LinuxMCE will analyze what type of disc it is, and setup all your TVs and stereo equipment automatically. LinuxMCE will even feed the DVD Menu directly to the nearest mobile phone or Orbiter. You don't have to touch a single button.
* [[Control lights/climate using scenarios]]
* [[Control lights or climate with a floorplan]]
* [[Adding support for home automation devices]]
* [[What if you don't have a driver for my home automation device]]
* [[Make things happen at sunrise/sunset]]
* [[Make things happen when I enter a room]]
* [[Have my lighting or climate settings follow me]]
* [[Have external devices control LinuxMCE]]

====Multimedia====

* Your media follows you around the house
* Each family member can have both public and private media
* Live video of favorite shows & channel history
* LinuxMCE always knows what room each family member is in, and learns his favorite media (TV shows, music, etc.). Press the 'TV' button on your mobile phone. The nearest TV - no matter what brand - will automatically come on to your favorite show. 90% of the time you will not need to use the program guide or channel surf.
* When you move around the house, all you do is hold down the media button on your mobile phone for 1 second, and a red "F" for 'follow me' appears. Now just wander around the house and whatever media you were enjoying - TV, DVD movie, music, radio, etc. - will follow you. It works individually for each family member. This is the ultimate convenience, and only LinuxMCE has it. To date, only a handful of super-rich individuals have spent millions for this luxury.
* In case there are two people in the same room, LinuxMCE sets up the room for whoever entered first. If that person leaves the room, then LinuxMCE sets it up for the next person who is still in the room.
* Whenever you choose to record or save any media - TV shows, DVD movies, music, etc. - you are given the option of making it public, so the whole family can enjoy it, or private, so only you can access it. When you first get your LinuxMCE system, just be sure to tell LinuxMCE who are the heads of the house. These people can view everybody's private media.
* LinuxMCE learns each family member's favorite shows; when anybody presses the 'TV' button, LinuxMCE turns on the nearest TV, scans the current running programs, and automatically tunes to that person's favorite show. There's a full EPG too, but this is far more comfortable and convenient.
* All media - music, movies, TV shows, home videos, etc. are stored on the LinuxMCE Core - the central server. The Core is powerful enough to handle dozens of simultaneous media streams. You'll never have to worry about a hard drive crash and losing your media. You have virtually unlimited capacity, and everyone in the family can enjoy any media anywhere, anytime.
* The LinuxMCE Core distributes all the media digitally. This means you do not have to tear open your walls to run extra cables, plus the media can go from anywhere to anywhere with absolutely no loss of quality.
* [[Have LinuxMCE automatically control the TV and Stereo]]
* [[Control the media director's volume using either a receiver]]
* [[Use network audio players for a whole-house music solution]]
* Watch TV using the built-in Myth PVR, and schedule recordings
* [[Use a satellite/cable box with the PVR]]
* [[Control a TV or cable/satellite box]]
* [[Watch a DVD/Listen to a CD]]
* [[Rip a CD/DVD to the Core]]
* [[Watch/Listen to media stored on the Core]]
* [[Play the same media in multiple rooms simultaneously]]
* [[Flag media stored on the core as private]]
* [[Flag whatever media I am watching now as private]]
* [[Catalog media with attributes]]
* [[Search for media by attributes using the Orbiters]]
* [[Control regular A/V equipment]]
* [[Control A/V equipment with RS232/USB/Ethernet]]
* [[Make LinuxMCE do something when I start media]]
* [[Have my media follow me]]
* [[Make announcements]]

====Personal Computing====

* Have LinuxMCE's screen saver turn my regular TV off when there's no activity and back on automatically, like a PC monitor with power save
* Browse web pages on the media directors
* Browse web pages on the orbiters
* Use open office on the media directors
* Access a KDE/Gnome desktop on the media directors
* Every LinuxMCE Media Director has a full computer built-in, and comes with a wireless keyboard & mouse so you can run all your favorite software. Today's high-def TVs are actually great for computing because of the fantastic picture quality. So, if you want to check the weather or the latest news, just hit a button on your mobile phone and the page will show up on the TV.
* If you are a PC power user, imagine having a server running multi Intel Xeon processors and a 10 terabyte (10,000 GB) RAID 5 array. Plus, each Media Director incorporates a high-powered PC inside with the latest hardware, such as a 200GB hard drive, up to an Intel Pentium 4 at 3.06Ghz Processor with 2 GB RAM. And you just press 1 button to switch between Linux and Windows. The Media Director also has video outputs for computer monitors, such as VGA and DVI, and the latest audio/video sub-system for use as a high-end gaming platform.
* When you have multiple homes with LinuxMCE systems, they can all be joined as one. Every LinuxMCE Core will automatically create a VPN (virtual private network) connection to the others. It's completely safe and fully encrypted. The benefit is that you can go from one house to another and know that you will still have access to all your files no matter where you are without the hassle of copying them.
* LinuxMCE automatically creates a network share for each family member so you can put all your normal computer files there, too. You can access any of your files anytime, anywhere - LinuxMCE automatically creates a password-protected personal web page for each family member.

==Hardware==

===Picking The Right Components===

====The Core====

Most important, is the "[[core]]". This is the main LinuxMCE server that runs all the applications. The commercial version uses a high-end server with RAID-5 storage. You'll probably be able to get by with a good Pentium 4, at least 80 GB of storage and two network cards (Gigabit ideally).

It would be best to use a dedicated core, which means you'll end up putting this computer somewhere out of the way and not connecting a monitor to it. If you are using only one computer for your system, then you've chosen the "hybrid" system, which means that your core will also be your media player. You'll definitely need a monitor or TV for this system!

====Media Directors====

[[Media Directors]] (MDs) can also be generic PCs, but are better when they have an output for a television set such as S-video or RCA jacks. Having a good sound card is also a good idea. The MDs play all your streaming music and video from the core, network attached storage (NAS), or any other MD in your home. Output to a TV and speakers for an awesome multimedia experience.

Below are some possible Media Director platforms:
* [[Generic PC]]
* [[Mac Mini]]
* [[aOpen MiniPC]]
* [[ASUS DIGIMatrix]]
* [[EPIAs Mini-ITX]]
* [[Shuttle SFF]]

====Orbiters====

[[Orbiters]] are high-tech remote controls. LinuxMCE provides for multiple orbiter options such as a generic PC, wireless tablet PC, PDAs, mobile phones running Symbian or Microsoft Mobile, or through a web interface that can be accessed by any computer inside your network or through the Internet. (The web interface requires user authentication, but currently not with SSL.)

Below are some possible Orbiter platforms:
* [[WebDT 366]]
* [[Samsung Q1]]
* [[Asus R2H]]
* [[TabletKiosk eo]]
* [[Nokia 770]]
* [[Pepperpad 3]]

====Network Attached Storage====

An alternative to having a lot of storage space in the core is to have a small hard drive for the core and store all your files on a [[Network Attached Storage|network attached storage]] (or NAS) server. The [[Buffalo Terastation]] is 1.0 TeraByte RAID-5 and under $1K(US). Having a NAS will allow you to not lose your precious media files. You'll likely want the larger storage for your collection of music and videos. Keep in mind that your LinuxMCE system can also record TV shows (using MythTV) and video from your security cameras (using Motion).

====Additional Devices====

Optionally, you may want the aforementioned home automation devices for controlling your lights. Also, optionally, you may want security cameras, plasma screen TV, a streaming media music player such as the [[SlimDevices Squeezebox]], an alarm system with a serial interface, etc. Some of these devices need ''another'' device called a [[gc100]]. This allows devices that communicate using a serial port (good alarm panels) or [[infrared]] (like your TV) to connect to the network and talk with your LinuxMCE core.

====Location Considerations====
* [[Choosing Locations]].

====Wiring Considerations====

Once LinuxMCE is installed, just treat it like an appliance--plug it in, turn it on, and leave it alone. The great news is that don't need to install any software on the media PCs that will be used as media directors. You can leave whatever operating system is on there, such as Windows, untouched-they will do a [[Network Boot for Media Directors]] when you want to use them as a Media Director.

The only special requirement is that the LinuxMCE Core needs to be your DHCP server so that it can offer the plug-and-play and network boot services. You cannot have 2 DHCP servers on the same network (not easily at least). In our Core, we provide [[Why dual network cards?|dual network cards]] one for the "external" network, where your internet is connected, and one for the "internal" network within the house, and into which all your devices are connected. This makes LinuxMCE act as a firewall, and allows it to co-exist with another DHCP server. If you have a DSL or cable modem that needs to be the DHCP server it won't be a problem--just plug it into the "external" port. LinuxMCE's DHCP server only operates on the "internal" one. However, if you have only 1 network card in the Core, you will need to be able to give it a static IP and disable the DHCP server in your DSL/Cable modem. Otherwise you will have to disable LinuxMCE's DHCP server and lose a lot of functionality.

* [[Wiring Considerations]]
====Additional Hardware Resources====
Hardware can be a difficult decision, but understanding exactly what functions are needed can greatly simplify this decision. You can review several wiki articles relating to hardware [[:Category:Hardware | HERE]]
* [[What hardware I will need]]
* [[Video#Equipment_used_in_the_demo | Hardware used in Video]]
* [[:Category:Hardware | Hardware Category]]

===Setting Up The Hardware===

There are many ways to install LinuxMCE, and lots of options for equipment. However, the key components in a LinuxMCE system are the Core (the PC acting as the master server), Media Directors (media PC's connected to your TV's), and Orbiters (remote controls-web pads, pda's, mobile phones, etc.).

==== I will use my own PC's ====

'''First a warning''' LinuxMCE is Linux-based, but don't worry. Sometimes drivers are not available for Linux as soon as they are for Windows. Particularly, if you bought some new, exotic hardware there may not be drivers. If you're looking to get some new hardware to run LinuxMCE you may want to check sites the following Locations:
* http://www.linuxcompatible.org to be sure it's supported under Linux before you buy.
* [[:Category:Hardware | Hardware Category in Wiki]]
* Or as a last resort post a "will this work?" message in our [http://forum.linuxmce.com/ forum].

If you already have the hardware it can't hurt to try.

You will need one PC to run the [[Core]] software. Although you could install the Core on top of your existing operating system, or build from source, it will be tricky and you will miss out on a lot of features. You really need to use our own distribution because, in addition to our own software, LinuxMCE also includes lots of other open source projects, like [[Asterisk]], [[Firefox]], [[Xine]], [[VideoLan]], [[MythTV]], etc. We built "wrappers" for all of them which is how we get them all to work together seamlessly. For example, if you start watching a movie in 1 room, LinuxMCE will use Xine on that local media director. Use the orbiter to move that movie to 2 rooms, and LinuxMCE seamlessly detects the network capabilities (multi-cast switch, etc.), moves the video source to the Core using VideoLan, broadcasts to both rooms, uses VLC to do the rendering and changes the UI on the remote controls. If you use the vanilla packages from, say Fedora, none of that will work. Plus, a lot of LinuxMCE's more advanced, kernel-level modules, like plug-and-play, bandwidth shaping to ensure your phone calls are clear, network boot, and so on may not work on other Linux distributions and definitely cannot be done under Windows.

Note this PC should always be left on since it becomes the 'brains' for the whole house and all the other pieces won't function unless they can find the [[Core]].

=====Special Requirement=====
There is only '''one special requirement'''. The Core needs to be your DHCP server so that it can offer the plug-and-play and network boot services. You cannot have 2 DHCP servers on the same network (not easily at least). If you have another DHCP server (like a cable/dsl modem), we recommend your Core have dual network cards: one for the "external" network, where your internet is connected, and one for the "internal" network within the house, and into which all your devices are connected. This makes LinuxMCE act as a firewall, and allows it to co-exist with another DHCP server. If you have a DSL or cable modem that needs to be the DHCP server it won't be a problem--just plug it into the "external" port. LinuxMCE's DHCP server only operates on the "internal" one. However, if you have only 1 network card in the Core, you will need to be able to give it a static IP and disable the DHCP server in your DSL/Cable modem. Otherwise you will have to disable LinuxMCE's DHCP server and lose a lot of functionality.

* [[Why dual network cards?]]

=====Adding Additional Hardware=====
You can also put other cards in the Core, such as analog phone line interfaces from www.digium.com for the phone system or analog video capture cards for surveillance cameras. You can put the PVR/satellite capture cards in the individual media PC's, or you can put several in the Core, which will share the video throughout the house.

Wherever you have a TV/Stereo you can use a PC or thin-client as the Media Director--it doesn't need to be on all the time and there's no software to install since they will network boot off the Core. Just be sure it has a good Linux-compatible sound card, a Linux-compatible video card, supports PXE network boot (nearly all recent motherboards do), and--optionally--a PVR card. To use the Bluetooth mobile phones as remote controls, add a USB Bluetooth Dongle for each media director (around $25). All the media directors will report the signal strengths of all the mobile phones--this is how the Core figures out what room you're in. Since all resources in the whole house are shared, you will be able to control any device in any room from anywhere--as long as you're within Bluetooth range of any media director (about 10m or 30feet), you will have control over everything in the house. You can also use low-cost network audio players, like the Squeeze Box, wherever you want to add music.

To control the system, you can use the PC's mouse and keyboard, or an infrared remote, or run the Orbiter software on your mobile phones, webpads and PDA's.

Also view our [[:Category:Hardware | Hardware Category]] to see what 3rd party devices will work with LinuxMCE, like lighting control systems, cameras, alarm panels, etc.

====A Dedicated Core====
[[Image:Diagram1.jpg|200px|thumb|Connects to a Dedicated Core]]
The Core is the central point of the LinuxMCE system and runs applications and daemons needed for the other devices to exchange messages. A dedicated core will run all of the LinuxMCE components, it really means that the user will not be using the Core as a Media Director as well.. You'll need to use additional Media Directors to be able to play movies, listen to music and watch TV. This kind of setup is recommended when you have lot of extra devices, this way the back end applications will have full access to Core's resources. This method basically means your main server will be tucked away in storage closest and will not be used as a Media Director.

There is work currently on getting a [[Clean Core]] working, to further reduce the resource consumption of the [[Core]].
*[[Clean Core]]

 

====A Dedicated Hybrid====
[[Image:Diagram2.jpg|200px|thumb|Connections to a Hybrid Core]]
A "hybrid" just means the computer that is running is the "Core" software is also running the "Media Director" software-you use the Core as a Media Director. The only reason we don't recommend this in our high-end installations is because a computer suitable for a Core is usually a pretty massive box with major hard drive capacity and rather noisy, so it's shoved away in the wiring closet, rather than sitting next to a TV like a Media Director would. However, you can use a regular PC as the Core + Media Director (Hybrid) also. Just remember that it will need to always be on since the Core software is what controls everything in the house.

Be sure you complete the installation of your Core/Hybrid before trying to boot the media directors.
 

==Installation of Software Components==
There are currently two methods of installation. The DVD installation which only requires the downloading and creation of a single installation disk, and the 3 CD method which requires 3 disks, but offers more flexibility in installation.
===DVD Installation===
*[[DVD Installation]]
===CD Installation===
*[[Installation Guide]]
==Setting Up LinuxMCE==
===Tell LinuxMCE About Your Home===

[[Tell LinuxMCE about your home]] shows you how to use LinuxMCE to get all of the information about the current installaion. In about 2 hours you can have everything setup--the whole-house media server, full control all your lights, climate, and tv/hi-fi gear, the phone system, follow-me, everything. It's quick, painless, and non-technical.

Setting up your LinuxMCE system consists of 4 things:

# Providing some general information, such as what kind of network you have.
# Creating the devices (lights, tv's, cameras, etc.).
# Creating your scenarios. A "scenario" is a group of commands, or tasks, you want executed when you touch a button. Each scenario you create will appear on the Orbiters as a button. Scenarios are generally organized into 5 categories: lighting, media, climate, security and telephone. You can create, for example, a lighting scenario called "Entertaining" which turns on all the lights in the house and in the front yard. A button labeled "Entertaining" will then appear on the Orbiters in the lighting section--touch it to activate the scenario. Any scenario can do anything. For example, just because the "Entertaining" scenario is a lighting scenario doesn't mean the scenario only affects lights. You can make the scenario also play some music, and maybe open the front gate. You can use the "Advanced, My Scenarios" menu option for low-level control over a scenario, to make it do whatever you want. However the Wizard includes pages that make it very easy to create scenarios. For example, when you add a lighting scenario with the Wizard, it lists all the lights in the house and lets you pick the ones you want to change with the scenario.
# Creating event handlers. This is how you tell LinuxMCE you want it to do something in response to some event. For example, you want LinuxMCE to turn on the Front Porch light when a motion detector is tripped. Or you want it to play a loud message on the TV's when there is a security breach. Or stop watering the lawn after it rains.

The developers have tried to automate has much of the set up as possible with several scripts and wizards. See the different wizards below, and if the wizards are unable to set up the system properly then visit the admin website for many more options

* To get started you will want to read the documentation on [[QuickStart Guide | Quick Start Guide]]
* You will need to know if your graphics card is capable of running the UI2 with masking or the UI2 with alpha blending prior to running the wizard. Please read [[Graphics Test]] for information on how to determine the capabilities of your current video card.
* If you are in doubt or if you want to get a working setup quickly please select UI1 which will work on any video card supported by Kubuntu.

===AVWizard===
The Audio/Video Wizard is designed to allow for easy setup of components which allow the [[Core]] or a [[Media Director]] to output content to the connected display, which can range from a simple CRT, to HCTV with component and/or composite inputs.
*[[AVWizard]]
===Setup Wizard===
The setup wizard is an automated series of screen which allows the user to enter information and devices that LinuxMCE will control. The Setup Wizard is broken down in to two modes: Media Player Wizard and House Setup Wizard.
After selection of the Setup Wizard you will see an additional screen. If the audio and video are properly setup you should see and hear a video. If this is correct please select Next.

The next screen you will encounter asks which wizard would you like to start: [[House Setup Wizard]] or the [[Media Player Wizard]]. Please select the wizard you want to begin.

====House Setup Wizard====
*[[House Setup Wizard]]
====Media Player Wizard====
*[[Media Player Wizard]]

===Using LinuxMCE Admin Website===
Although there are automated wizards to assist in setup, the most robust system for setup is the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]. The user can create and modify any and all devices that LinuxMCE can control.

You need a web browser to configure your LinuxMCE system using the built-in LinuxMCE Admin Website Since the Hybrid + Media Directors have one built in, you can just click the "LinuxMCE Admin" website to bring it up directly on the Hybrid. Or, from any web browser in your home, go to the URL:<nowiki> http://myip/pluto_admin</nowiki> where myip is the IP address of the Core/Hybrid. Login then click Wizard.

*[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]

===Scenarios, Events & Security===

In the [[Scenarios]] page, add the scenarios, or buttons, you want for each room. Like a Lighting scenario in the Bedroom called 'Go to sleep' which dims the lights, or a security scenario in the living to view a camera. When you do a 'quick reload router', DCERouter will automatically add Media Scenarios for each room for whatever media devices are in there. But your new scenarios are not visible on the Orbiter until you regenerate--see the note below in 'Using LinuxMCE with an Orbiter'. Next add [[Events]], in other words, when something happens (a motion detector is tripped, the sun sets, etc.) you want LinuxMCE to do this (turn on a light). Also set security options, like how you want to be notified when something happens in the house. Each page has context sensitive help to explain everything. They will take effect next time you reboot or 'quick reload router'.

===Configuring Myth TV===
Most of the setup for MythTV is done automatically, but for more information take a look at the following links

* [[Setting up MythTV]].

===Upload Your Media===

There will also be Microsoft Windows compatible network shares on the Core or Hybrid (uses Samba) . There is a "public" share for putting all files that the whole family can share--movies, music, etc. And there is a private share for each family member. To access these network shares in Windows, choose Start, Run, and type \\ plus the IP address of the Core or hybrid.

For example: \\192.168.80.1 Note that if you add new family members, their network share will not be available until after you reboot the Core/Hybrid. Once you copy your media into the appropriate folder, you can go into the LinuxMCE Admin Website, choose "Files & Media" and "Media Files Sync" to be sure your media is in the database, add attributes (artist, actor, etc.), and choose cover art.

==Using LinuxMCE==
LinuxMCE is a complicated piece of software, so proper understanding of each of the components makes for a better experience. [[Usage Intro | CLICK HERE]] for a quick introduction and description of the terms needed to understand most to best use LinuxMCE.

* [[Usage Intro]]
* [[What%27s_an_Orbiter|What's an Orbiter]]

===Orbiter Interface===

The Orbiter is quite simple to use, and all the screens are quite straightforward. Use the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]] to configure your LinuxMCE system, including choosing the options on your Orbiter, such as lighting scenes, climate scenarios, and define what a/v equipment you want it to control.

====Media Director Orbiter====
[[Image:Main-menu.jpg|200px|thumb|Main Orbiter Screen]]
Orbiter is just our way of saying remote control. All the Media Directors run an on-screen Orbiter, like the one below. Choose options on the on-screen orbiter with a keyboard/mouse attached to the media director, or with an infrared remote control. The Orbiter software runs on Linux, Windows and Windows CE, and can also be run on webpads and PDA's. Either way, it works exactly the same.

In the lower right on the main obiter screen are the [[Who Am I, Where Am I|'who' and 'where']] buttons. This indicates what room you are in, or want to control, and which family member is using the Orbiter.

Touch either button if this isn't correct. Even if you are using an on-screen orbiter on the media director in the Living Room, for example, you can still change the location to the Bedroom. That means you would be using the Media Director in the Living Room as a remote control for the devices in the bedroom. Normally you don't change the location for an on-screen orbiter, since that device stays in a fixed place, but you do when you have a wireless web pad or pda you carry around.
[[Image:Litscen.jpg|200px|thumb|Lighting Scenario Page LinuxMCE Admin Website]]
The icons on the left all lead to a [[maps]], or floorplan, of your house showing your lighting, media, climate, telecom and security devices. Next to each of the floorplan icons are the scenarios for that category and the given room. In the scenarios section of the LinuxMCE Admin web site you create the scenarios for each room. You can have a lighting scenario called 'entertaining guests' that sets some lights, plays some background music, unlocks the door, and so on.

'''NOTE:'''
Many orbiters have relatively slow processors (like PDA's and phones) and may be running on slow wi-fi connections. So, the orbiters do not retrieve the large, full-size graphics, scaling them, drawing the text, and rendering everything on the fly.

Rather all the graphics on your Orbiter are pre-scaled and pre-rendered by OrbiterGen. This means that if you add new scenarios or devices, or change floorplans or skins, you won't see them immediately on the Orbiter. You must go to the 'Advanced Options' page by clicking the LinuxMCE logo on the main menu, and choose 'Regenerate this Orbiter'. You'll be asked to wait about 60 seconds or so while the renderer creates new graphics, and then the Orbiter will reload.

====Mobile Orbiter====

Unless you turned off the "Auto Detect new Bluetooth Phones" option for the Media Director, compatible Bluetooth Mobile phones will automatically be detected when they are within range of any Media Director if they have Bluetooth turned on. A message will appear on all the Orbiters asking if it's a phone, and if so, to whom it belongs. Be sure you add your family members to the LinuxMCE Admin web site before doing this. Also, you may need to turn on the TV to see the message on the on-screen orbiter.

If you choose to install the software, the phone will beep. Just hit 'yes' to accept the software, and accept the default prompts.

The mobile orbiter works pretty much like a regular orbiter. The difference is that you don't usually need to worry about the "who" and "where" button. The "who" is determined when you chose to install the software. That family member is assumed to always be the user. And the "where" is automatic-whenever you come within range of a media director it will automatically switch to the correct location. You can press the button under the location if you want to control a location other than the one you are in.

Since the display is smaller, rather than showing all the scenarios on the main menu, you must first choose the category, like lighting, and then choose the scenario from the sub menu that appears. You can also hold the category to toggle 'follow-me' mode, indicated with a red F. So, if you hold down the 2 button, a red F appears for media. Now as you move around the house your media will follow you. All 5 categories have follow-me.

===General Usage Pages===

====Lights====
* [[Control lights/climate using scenarios | Control Lighting Devices with Scenarios]]
* [[Control lights or climate with a floorplan | Control Lights from the Floorplan]]

====Media====

=====Controlling Equipment=====
* [[Have LinuxMCE automatically control the TV and Stereo]]
* [[Control the media director's volume using either a receiver]]
* [[Use network audio players for a whole-house music solution]]
* [[Use a satellite/cable box with the PVR]]
* [[Control a TV or cable/satellite box]]
* [[Control regular A/V equipment]]
* [[Control A/V equipment with RS232/USB/Ethernet]]

=====Using Portable Media=====
* [[Watch a DVD/Listen to a CD]]
* [[Rip a CD/DVD to the Core]]
* [[Watch/Listen to media stored on the Core]]
* [[Play the same media in multiple rooms simultaneously]]

=====Media Attributes=====
* [[Flag media stored on the core as private]]
* [[Flag whatever media I am watching now as private]]
* [[Catalog media with attributes]]
* [[Search for media by attributes using the Orbiters]]
* [[Make LinuxMCE do something when I start media]]
* [[Have my media follow me]]
* [[How are media files organized?]]
* [[Use my own pictures in the Screen Saver]]

====Climate====
* [[Control lights/climate using scenarios | Control Climate Devices with Scenarios]]
* [[Control lights or climate with a floorplan | Control Climate from the Floorplan]]

====Telecom====
* [[LinuxMCE telecom features | General Usage Guide]]
* Make phone calls using a VOIP provider listed at [[VOIP Service Providers]].
* [[Manual Phones Configuration | How to Configure Phone Lines Manually]]
* Make phone calls using a regular phone line (POTS), ISDN or T1
* Do video conferencing

====Security====
* [[Monitor surveillance cameras]]
* [[Arm or disarm the alarm using the Orbiters]]
* Arm or disarm LinuxMCE's alarm using proximity sensors
* [[Automatically take pictures when sensors are disturbed]]
* [[Have LinuxMCE notify me of security alerts]]
====Advanced====

===LinuxMCE Admin Website===
* [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]

==Troubleshooting==

This troubleshooting guide assumes some basic knowledge of Linux. In LinuxMCE, everything is a device. In the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]], you can choose [[Devices]], to see a list of all the devices in your installation. We recommend you don't make changes here - you can break things! The top level device is usually a computer, either the core or a hybrid or an orbiter. All the logs for the devices on that computer are stored in /var/log/pluto. You can ssh in to the core using the root password you chose, and from there, you can ssh to all the media directors-shared keys were automatically setup.

All current activity is logged in the file that ends in ".log". At bootup, certain device logs are archived into /var/log/pluto/*.log.*.gz files

All DCE devices are running in separate screen sessions. Type "screen -ls" to see all active screen sessions,
and "screen -r PID" where PID is the id you saw in the -ls list to attach to the screen session. There is not much for you to do or see though since all the output on stderr and stdout is going into the logs. [[DCERouter]] is running the same way on your core or hybrid.

At bootup, all the scripts listed in the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]] under [[Boot Sequence]] are run. If any programs crash, a core dump file is put in /usr/pluto/coredump.

If you're a programmer, you can also check out our [[Programmer's Guide]]. If you want to learn about writing DCE Devices, see the [[DCE]].

*[[Testing and troubleshooting devices]]
*[[Development status for all modules|What works and what doesn't?]]

==Other Items of Concern==
*[[Security & Privacy Issues]]
*[[Installing Dansguardian]]
*[[Add support for new remote controls]]
*[[Automatic diskless boot of media directors]]
*[[Change the look and feel of the Orbiter]]
*[[Create my own skins or GUI for LinuxMCE]]
*[[Translate the GUI into another language]]

LinuxMCE:Site support

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Page in construction.

Known Issues 0710 Beta3

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== Data loss on upgrade and reinstall with keeping the settings ==

* Losing AMP/FreePBX database contents

To overcome the data loss so you don't have to remake the telecom settings, follow these steps:

:- Before you upgrade, download this script:
ftp://upgrade.linuxmce.com/Upgrade/KnownIssuesBeta3/pre-upgrade.sh
:and run it:
bash pre-upgrade.sh
:- Upgrade the system, then, after the upgrade completes, download this script:
ftp://upgrade.linuxmce.com/Upgrade/KnownIssuesBeta3/post-upgrade.sh
:and run it:
bash post-upgrade.sh
:- At this point you should have your original telecom settings working

== Other issues ==

* Using Video Wizard and switching from mythtv to vdr and back doesn't work correctly. We recommend you to decide when using Video Wizard first time what pvr software are you going to use and stick to that option.

* When upgrade installation finishes and you are prompted to press enter to reboot, you'll have to reboot manually.

* HD-DVD and Bluray playback

:- currently it is only possible for ripped disks

:- some disk may play not smoothly, experience varies on whole system parameters and given disk codec parameters

:- no menu support is available

:- no chapters/titles is available

:- some movies can start from the middle of the movie (workaround: select the correct file with start of the movie and make bookmark "Start Position")

:- audio tracks switching is not implemented yet, some movies can start in wrong language

:- in some movies there is no audio: the audio support depends on availability of codecs in the mplayer media player

:- disks are not identified (name is set to "Unknown")

* Media Playback issue; it happens when you have some audio playing and arm the house. Xine plays the song for one second and pauses, plays and the stream can't be controlled. Workaround: only a reload router set Xine right again.

* CD's installation can fail because mysql won't restart. This happened once (installing 32b CD's) at 10+ installations, so it's rare.

* Adding a new MD after doing an upgrade with .deb file and copy new packages from DL DVD fails because the architecture is wrong (686 instead of i-386). Adding the MD in 0704 and then reboot it in 0710 is ok. Adding a new md that was not on 0704 is crashing in diskless setup.

* Disked MD's aren't supported on Beta3;

Installer Problems

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Help:Contents

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Current events

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Category:Tutorials

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[[Category: Documentation]]
Please add <nowiki>[[Category: Tutorials]]</nowiki> to a page you want to have listed here instead of adding it's link directly to this page, thank you.

Talk:Control regular A/V equipment

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Main Page

2008-02-21T07:00:45Z

Geoffrey:

News: LinuxMCE Wiki was updated to latest version including a RSS feed extension.
Instructions about how to use it can be found [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikiArticleFeeds here]or you may take a look at a [[Test RSS]].

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__
<div align="center">
<div style="font-size:175%; font-weight:bold">The '''[http://linuxmce.org LinuxMCE]''' wiki</div>
'''Your guide to a smarter home!'''
</div>

{| style="clear: both; border: 1px solid #aaa; background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 0.5em; float: right; text-align:center"
|'''Screenshots'''
[[Image:MainMenu2.jpg|200px]] The main menu with media in the background 
|-
|[[Image:FileBrowserUI1.jpg|200px]] Browsing media files 
|-
|[[Image:DialNumberUI1.jpg|200px]] Telephone dial pad [[Screenshots|More screenshots and videos]]
|}
'''LinuxMCE is the only all-in-one open source solution that seamlessly combines:'''
* ''Media & entertainment'' with a server for music and video plus a [[PVR]] like TiVo or Sky+
* ''Home automation'' to control everything from lights to heating with a touch-screen tablet or your mobile phone
* ''Phone system'' with video conferencing
* ''Security system'' that feeds live video to your mobile during a security breach

[[LinuxMCE|Read more]] to see all the possibilities that LinuxMCE offers.

LinuxMCE Video hardware link is here http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Video

=Download=
Please take a moment to read about '''[[Known_Issues|known issues]]''' before downloading our ''Quick Install DVD'' or the ''Two-CD Installer''.

{| cellspacing=5 cellpadding=5 border=0 width=100%
|width=48|{{Click || image=Globe.gif | link=Download_Instructions | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Download_Instructions|Download LinuxMCE]] or buy [[LinuxMCE Products]]''' After checking known issues please download from an appropriate mirror
|}

=Project News=
*[http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Insteon_-_Setting_Up_PLM_Template RC1 Insteon Support now available] ''(20-Feb-08)''
*[[Version_0710|January 16, 2008 Version 0710 beta 3 is released]]
*[http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Insteon_-_Setting_Up_PLM_Template Beta Insteon Support now available] ''(4-January-08)''
*[http://www.osweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2664 Linux Media Center PCs Review Roundup] ''(4 October)''
*[http://www.news.com/DRM-troubles-drive-ex-Microsoft-employee-to-Linux/2100-1016_3-6210131.html DRM troubles drive ex-Microsoft employee to Linux] ''(26 September)''
*[http://linuxmce.org/news.php?id=10| New SchedulesDirect service for MythTV] ''(31 August)''
*[[Download_Instructions|LinuxMCE 0704 is out!]] ''(7 August)''

{| cellspacing=5 cellpadding=5 border=0 width=100%
|width=48|{{Click || image=Newspaper.gif | link=LinuxMCE_media_coverage | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[LinuxMCE media coverage|More LinuxMCE media coverage]]''' Third party media and blog coverage
|}

=Documentation Access=
This Wiki has many hierarchical [[:Category:Main|categories]] of articles. There are also developer maillists, [http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php/Source_Code source code] repositories (with attached discussions), [http://mantis.linuxmce.org bug/issue report mangement] and [http://forum.linuxmce.org/index.php forums] for discussion among users, developers and other members of the LinuxMCE community.

==Support==
{| cellspacing=5 cellpadding=5 border=0
|width=48|{{Click || image=Manual.gif | link=User Manual | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[User Manual]]''' LinuxMCE User Manual
|width=48|{{Click || image=Guides.gif | link=:Category:Tutorials | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[:Category:Tutorials|Guides]]''' HOWTO guides describing common scenarios
|-
|width=48|{{Click || image=FAQ.gif | link=Frequently Asked Questions | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Frequently Asked Questions]]''' Responses to the most common questions
|width=48|{{Click || image=Hardware.gif | link=Hardware | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Hardware]]''' Hardware documentation
|-
|width=48|{{Click || image=Troubleshooting.gif | link=Troubleshooting | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Troubleshooting]]''' Help with common problems
|width=48|{{UrlClick || image=Mail.gif | link=Developers | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[http://www.charonmedia.org/mailman/listinfo Mailing List]''' Stay up to date with regular emails
|-
|width=48|{{UrlClick || image=Forum.gif | link=kjh | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[http://forum.linuxmce.com Forum]''' Support forum
|width=48|{{Click || image=Forum.gif | link=Chat | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Chat]]''' Support chat
|}

==Development==
{| cellspacing=5 cellpadding=5 border=0
|width=48|{{Click || image=Contacts.gif | link=Contacts | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Contacts|Contact Information]]''' Contact people involved with the project
|width=48|{{Click || image=Manual.gif | link=Programmer's Guide | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Programmer's Guide]]''' A guide for software developers
|-
|width=48|{{Click || image=Software.gif | link=Software components | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Software components|Software Components]]''' Open source software used by LinuxMCE
|width=48|{{Click || image=Bug.gif | link=Bug Reports | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Bug Reports]]''' Help improve the software by reporting bugs
|-
|width=48|{{Click || image=Binary.gif | link=Source Code | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Source Code]]''' Access the LinuxMCE source code
|width=48|{{UrlClick || image=CDR.gif | link=Versions | width=48px | height=48px }}
|'''[[Versions]]''' View version histories and changes
|}