Usage Intro - Revision history

Mcefan at 04:23, 20 October 2012

2012-10-20T04:23:13Z

Mcefan at 04:17, 14 October 2012

2012-10-14T04:17:38Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 04:17, 14 October 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category: Tutorials\| Usage]]		[[Category: Tutorials\| Usage]]

	{\| align="right"		{\| align="right"
	\| __TOC__		\| __TOC__
	\|}		\|}


	LinuxMCE's main concepts are [[Devices]], Commands (aka [[Scenarios]] and Activities), and [[Events]]. An [[Orbiter]] is the device that displays the User Interface. It can be a [[Media Director\|Media Station]], web pad, mobile phone, or other remote control device. The Orbiter User Interface is standardized for all Orbiters.		LinuxMCE's main concepts are [[Devices]], Commands (aka [[Scenarios]] and Activities), and [[Events]]. An [[Orbiter]] is the device that displays the User Interface. It can be a [[Media Director\|Media Station]], web pad, mobile phone, or other remote control device. The Orbiter User Interface is standardized for all Orbiters.

Mcefan at 05:09, 9 October 2012

2012-10-09T05:09:24Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 05:09, 9 October 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
			[[Category: Tutorials\| Usage]]

	{\| align="right"		{\| align="right"
	\| __TOC__		\| __TOC__
Line 179:		Line 181:

	Within the /home/public/data and /home/user_xxx/data are symlinks to the physical directories specified by /mnt/device/xxx. Since the Core and all Media Stations mount the same /home directory (and all have the same /mnt/device mounts), they will all show the same files. Therefore, if the [[UpdateMedia]] daemon locates the file /home/public/data/audio/Generic Internal Drive [50]/The Beatles/Let it be.mp3, that file will be listed on every Media Station, too.		Within the /home/public/data and /home/user_xxx/data are symlinks to the physical directories specified by /mnt/device/xxx. Since the Core and all Media Stations mount the same /home directory (and all have the same /mnt/device mounts), they will all show the same files. Therefore, if the [[UpdateMedia]] daemon locates the file /home/public/data/audio/Generic Internal Drive [50]/The Beatles/Let it be.mp3, that file will be listed on every Media Station, too.

	~~[[Category: Tutorials]]~~

Marie.o: /* Linux operational details of network and disk mounts */

2011-10-22T18:06:48Z

Linux operational details of network and disk mounts

←Older revision		Revision as of 18:06, 22 October 2011
Line 173:		Line 173:
	Use this interface to manage change cover art and attributes. Under Files & Media there is also a cover art scan utility that will find cover art, as well as other attributes (actor, genre, etc.) obtained from Amazon.		Use this interface to manage change cover art and attributes. Under Files & Media there is also a cover art scan utility that will find cover art, as well as other attributes (actor, genre, etc.) obtained from Amazon.

	===~~Linux operational~~ details of network and disk mounts===		===Operational details of network and disk mounts===
	[[UpdateMedia]] is a daemon that constantly scans for media files in the /home/public and the /home/user_xxx folder created for each user. Any added media is cataloged in the pluto_media database File table, and attributes and cover art go into the Attribute and Picture tables. Under /home/public and /home/users_xxx is a data subfolder which contains the actual video, audio, pictures folders. (The /home/user_xxx directories themselves contain the system files for each user (like email boxes) as well as the main login for that user (in a "data" subfolder).		[[UpdateMedia]] is a daemon that constantly scans for media files in the /home/public and the /home/user_xxx folder created for each user. Any added media is cataloged in the pluto_media database File table, and attributes and cover art go into the Attribute and Picture tables. Under /home/public and /home/users_xxx is a data subfolder which contains the actual video, audio, pictures folders. (The /home/user_xxx directories themselves contain the system files for each user (like email boxes) as well as the main login for that user (in a "data" subfolder).

Coley: Undo revision 28693 by AHagerty93 (talk) spam

2011-09-27T13:57:11Z

Undo revision 28693 by AHagerty93 (talk) spam

←Older revision		Revision as of 13:57, 27 September 2011
Line 74:		Line 74:
	This 3 button model is a new concept and very different from traditional navigation. Most people find it much faster once they become accustomed to it.		This 3 button model is a new concept and very different from traditional navigation. Most people find it much faster once they become accustomed to it.

	==Reload Router &~~amp;~~ Regen Orbiters==		==Reload Router & Regen Orbiters==

	While using LinuxMCE you'll see sometimes a message asking if you want to [[Quick reload router\|reload the router]], or if you want to [[Orbiter Generator\|regenerate the Orbiter UIs]] (User Interfaces). In general, these options refresh the LinuxMCE databases so that changes to the system can be recognized.		While using LinuxMCE you'll see sometimes a message asking if you want to [[Quick reload router\|reload the router]], or if you want to [[Orbiter Generator\|regenerate the Orbiter UIs]] (User Interfaces). In general, these options refresh the LinuxMCE databases so that changes to the system can be recognized.

	===Reload Router===		===Reload Router===
	All devices in LinuxMCE obtain their configuration information from the , which is the central piece of software on the Core. All devices request a list of the other devices in the home from the router, so they can respond to them appropriately. (For example, an IP camera device might turn on the lights in the room whenever you're viewing the camera. To do <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.thepiggybackrider.com/ <span style="color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;/CITATION/">child carrier</span>]</span> so, the IP camera needs to know what lights are in the room.) Typically a device requests this information only when it's starting up. When you connect additional plug and play devices to the system, these new devices generally will work immediately, but their functionality may not be fully enabled within the LinuxMCE system until the DCE router is reloaded. When the router reloads, it signals all devices on the system to simultaneously reload and re-request the system data. Each existing device can then work with each new device. This process is known as a 'reload'. It generally takes about 10 seconds. Every time you add or remove devices, or change a device's configuration, you may be asked to do a reload. If you're going to add more devices or make more device changes, you can do the reload once you're done. If you're in the middle of watching a movie or TV, you can postpone the reload, since media players generally stop playing during reloads. Phone calls aren't affected, though, and TV shows being recorded by MythTV in the background are also unaffected.		All devices in LinuxMCE obtain their configuration information from the [[DCERouter]], which is the central piece of software on the Core. All devices request a list of the other devices in the home from the router, so they can respond to them appropriately. (For example, an IP camera device might turn on the lights in the room whenever you're viewing the camera. To do so, the IP camera needs to know what lights are in the room.) Typically a device requests this information only when it's starting up. When you connect additional plug and play devices to the system, these new devices generally will work immediately, but their functionality may not be fully enabled within the LinuxMCE system until the DCE router is reloaded. When the router reloads, it signals all devices on the system to simultaneously reload and re-request the system data. Each existing device can then work with each new device. This process is known as a 'reload'. It generally takes about 10 seconds. Every time you add or remove devices, or change a device's configuration, you may be asked to do a reload. If you're going to add more devices or make more device changes, you can do the reload once you're done. If you're in the middle of watching a movie or TV, you can postpone the reload, since media players generally stop playing during reloads. Phone calls aren't affected, though, and TV shows being recorded by MythTV in the background are also unaffected.

	===Regen the Orbiter===		===Regen the Orbiter===
Line 112:		Line 112:

	Now let's say you're running Windows. Go to Network Neighborhood and find the LinuxMCE Core server. The directory tree ought to look like this:		Now let's say you're running Windows. Go to Network Neighborhood and find the LinuxMCE Core server. The directory tree ought to look like this:
	~~<~~pre>		<pre>
	public		public
	video		video
Line 145:		Line 145:
	Generic Network Storage [50]		Generic Network Storage [50]
	other		other
	~~<~~/pre>		</pre>
	Whether you put your media under video, audio, pictures, data or other is unimportant. It will be scanned by LinuxMCE anyway. The contents of "General Internal HDD [52]" will be displayed in the folder john/other/General Internal HDD [52]. The contents of USB Drive [51] will be displayed in the folder public/other/USB Drive [51]. When John browses the contents in Network Neighborhood, he will be asked for his username and password. He can then access the content in both the public folder as well as the "john" folders (including General Internal HDD [52]). When Mary browses the contents with her username and password, she will see both the public and "mary" folders. She will not be able to see anything on General Internal HDD [52], however, since that drive was specified to be private for John.		Whether you put your media under video, audio, pictures, data or other is unimportant. It will be scanned by LinuxMCE anyway. The contents of "General Internal HDD [52]" will be displayed in the folder john/other/General Internal HDD [52]. The contents of USB Drive [51] will be displayed in the folder public/other/USB Drive [51]. When John browses the contents in Network Neighborhood, he will be asked for his username and password. He can then access the content in both the public folder as well as the "john" folders (including General Internal HDD [52]). When Mary browses the contents with her username and password, she will see both the public and "mary" folders. She will not be able to see anything on General Internal HDD [52], however, since that drive was specified to be private for John.

Line 169:		Line 169:
	To change the name of an extra device, go to the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Advanced-->Configuration-->[[Devices]]''' and under the Core you will see listed the HDDs in the core and any connected NAS devices. Under each Media Station you will see the HDDs in that Media Station. All are given default names. You can change the description, which will also change the folder name. In the above example, changing "USB Drive [51]" to "Tokyo" means the directory public/other/USB Drive [51] would change to public/other/Tokyo.		To change the name of an extra device, go to the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Advanced-->Configuration-->[[Devices]]''' and under the Core you will see listed the HDDs in the core and any connected NAS devices. Under each Media Station you will see the HDDs in that Media Station. All are given default names. You can change the description, which will also change the folder name. In the above example, changing "USB Drive [51]" to "Tokyo" means the directory public/other/USB Drive [51] would change to public/other/Tokyo.

	You can see a list of the files in the system by folder In the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Files &~~amp;~~ Media-->[[Media Files Sync]]''' menu. If a file is shown with a check box, the file exists both on the local disk as well as in LinuxMCE's master catalog. If it has a different icon, then LinuxMCE hasn't finished cataloging the media; just be patient. It should appear with a check mark soon (depending on how much new media was added).		You can see a list of the files in the system by folder In the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Files & Media-->[[Media Files Sync]]''' menu. If a file is shown with a check box, the file exists both on the local disk as well as in LinuxMCE's master catalog. If it has a different icon, then LinuxMCE hasn't finished cataloging the media; just be patient. It should appear with a check mark soon (depending on how much new media was added).

	Use this interface to manage change cover art and attributes. Under Files &~~amp;~~ Media there is also a cover art scan utility that will find cover art, as well as other attributes (actor, genre, etc.) obtained from Amazon.		Use this interface to manage change cover art and attributes. Under Files & Media there is also a cover art scan utility that will find cover art, as well as other attributes (actor, genre, etc.) obtained from Amazon.

	===Linux operational details of network and disk mounts===		===Linux operational details of network and disk mounts===

AHagerty93: None

2011-09-27T08:14:47Z

None

←Older revision		Revision as of 08:14, 27 September 2011
Line 74:		Line 74:
	This 3 button model is a new concept and very different from traditional navigation. Most people find it much faster once they become accustomed to it.		This 3 button model is a new concept and very different from traditional navigation. Most people find it much faster once they become accustomed to it.

	==Reload Router & Regen Orbiters==		==Reload Router & Regen Orbiters==

	While using LinuxMCE you'll see sometimes a message asking if you want to [[Quick reload router\|reload the router]], or if you want to [[Orbiter Generator\|regenerate the Orbiter UIs]] (User Interfaces). In general, these options refresh the LinuxMCE databases so that changes to the system can be recognized.		While using LinuxMCE you'll see sometimes a message asking if you want to [[Quick reload router\|reload the router]], or if you want to [[Orbiter Generator\|regenerate the Orbiter UIs]] (User Interfaces). In general, these options refresh the LinuxMCE databases so that changes to the system can be recognized.

	===Reload Router===		===Reload Router===
	All devices in LinuxMCE obtain their configuration information from the ~~[[DCERouter]]~~, which is the central piece of software on the Core. All devices request a list of the other devices in the home from the router, so they can respond to them appropriately. (For example, an IP camera device might turn on the lights in the room whenever you're viewing the camera. To do so, the IP camera needs to know what lights are in the room.) Typically a device requests this information only when it's starting up. When you connect additional plug and play devices to the system, these new devices generally will work immediately, but their functionality may not be fully enabled within the LinuxMCE system until the DCE router is reloaded. When the router reloads, it signals all devices on the system to simultaneously reload and re-request the system data. Each existing device can then work with each new device. This process is known as a 'reload'. It generally takes about 10 seconds. Every time you add or remove devices, or change a device's configuration, you may be asked to do a reload. If you're going to add more devices or make more device changes, you can do the reload once you're done. If you're in the middle of watching a movie or TV, you can postpone the reload, since media players generally stop playing during reloads. Phone calls aren't affected, though, and TV shows being recorded by MythTV in the background are also unaffected.		All devices in LinuxMCE obtain their configuration information from the , which is the central piece of software on the Core. All devices request a list of the other devices in the home from the router, so they can respond to them appropriately. (For example, an IP camera device might turn on the lights in the room whenever you're viewing the camera. To do <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.thepiggybackrider.com/ <span style="color:black;font-weight:normal; text-decoration:none!important; background:none!important; text-decoration:none;/CITATION/">child carrier</span>]</span> so, the IP camera needs to know what lights are in the room.) Typically a device requests this information only when it's starting up. When you connect additional plug and play devices to the system, these new devices generally will work immediately, but their functionality may not be fully enabled within the LinuxMCE system until the DCE router is reloaded. When the router reloads, it signals all devices on the system to simultaneously reload and re-request the system data. Each existing device can then work with each new device. This process is known as a 'reload'. It generally takes about 10 seconds. Every time you add or remove devices, or change a device's configuration, you may be asked to do a reload. If you're going to add more devices or make more device changes, you can do the reload once you're done. If you're in the middle of watching a movie or TV, you can postpone the reload, since media players generally stop playing during reloads. Phone calls aren't affected, though, and TV shows being recorded by MythTV in the background are also unaffected.

	===Regen the Orbiter===		===Regen the Orbiter===
Line 112:		Line 112:

	Now let's say you're running Windows. Go to Network Neighborhood and find the LinuxMCE Core server. The directory tree ought to look like this:		Now let's say you're running Windows. Go to Network Neighborhood and find the LinuxMCE Core server. The directory tree ought to look like this:
	<pre>		<pre>
	public		public
	video		video
Line 145:		Line 145:
	Generic Network Storage [50]		Generic Network Storage [50]
	other		other
	</pre>		</pre>
	Whether you put your media under video, audio, pictures, data or other is unimportant. It will be scanned by LinuxMCE anyway. The contents of "General Internal HDD [52]" will be displayed in the folder john/other/General Internal HDD [52]. The contents of USB Drive [51] will be displayed in the folder public/other/USB Drive [51]. When John browses the contents in Network Neighborhood, he will be asked for his username and password. He can then access the content in both the public folder as well as the "john" folders (including General Internal HDD [52]). When Mary browses the contents with her username and password, she will see both the public and "mary" folders. She will not be able to see anything on General Internal HDD [52], however, since that drive was specified to be private for John.		Whether you put your media under video, audio, pictures, data or other is unimportant. It will be scanned by LinuxMCE anyway. The contents of "General Internal HDD [52]" will be displayed in the folder john/other/General Internal HDD [52]. The contents of USB Drive [51] will be displayed in the folder public/other/USB Drive [51]. When John browses the contents in Network Neighborhood, he will be asked for his username and password. He can then access the content in both the public folder as well as the "john" folders (including General Internal HDD [52]). When Mary browses the contents with her username and password, she will see both the public and "mary" folders. She will not be able to see anything on General Internal HDD [52], however, since that drive was specified to be private for John.

Line 169:		Line 169:
	To change the name of an extra device, go to the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Advanced-->Configuration-->[[Devices]]''' and under the Core you will see listed the HDDs in the core and any connected NAS devices. Under each Media Station you will see the HDDs in that Media Station. All are given default names. You can change the description, which will also change the folder name. In the above example, changing "USB Drive [51]" to "Tokyo" means the directory public/other/USB Drive [51] would change to public/other/Tokyo.		To change the name of an extra device, go to the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Advanced-->Configuration-->[[Devices]]''' and under the Core you will see listed the HDDs in the core and any connected NAS devices. Under each Media Station you will see the HDDs in that Media Station. All are given default names. You can change the description, which will also change the folder name. In the above example, changing "USB Drive [51]" to "Tokyo" means the directory public/other/USB Drive [51] would change to public/other/Tokyo.

	You can see a list of the files in the system by folder In the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Files & Media-->[[Media Files Sync]]''' menu. If a file is shown with a check box, the file exists both on the local disk as well as in LinuxMCE's master catalog. If it has a different icon, then LinuxMCE hasn't finished cataloging the media; just be patient. It should appear with a check mark soon (depending on how much new media was added).		You can see a list of the files in the system by folder In the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Files & Media-->[[Media Files Sync]]''' menu. If a file is shown with a check box, the file exists both on the local disk as well as in LinuxMCE's master catalog. If it has a different icon, then LinuxMCE hasn't finished cataloging the media; just be patient. It should appear with a check mark soon (depending on how much new media was added).

	Use this interface to manage change cover art and attributes. Under Files & Media there is also a cover art scan utility that will find cover art, as well as other attributes (actor, genre, etc.) obtained from Amazon.		Use this interface to manage change cover art and attributes. Under Files & Media there is also a cover art scan utility that will find cover art, as well as other attributes (actor, genre, etc.) obtained from Amazon.

	===Linux operational details of network and disk mounts===		===Linux operational details of network and disk mounts===

Coley: Undo revision 24887 by Jennie (Talk) - spam

2010-08-13T11:33:32Z

Undo revision 24887 by Jennie (Talk) - spam

←Older revision		Revision as of 11:33, 13 August 2010
Line 11:		Line 11:
	# Perform a '''command''' (turn on, turn off, fast forward, etc.)		# Perform a '''command''' (turn on, turn off, fast forward, etc.)
	# Report certain triggered '''events''' (e.g. 'motion detected', 'playback started', etc.)		# Report certain triggered '''events''' (e.g. 'motion detected', 'playback started', etc.)
	~~# [http://www.superiorpapers.com/ research papers]~~

	== Scenarios ==		== Scenarios ==

Jennie at 07:50, 13 August 2010

2010-08-13T07:50:32Z

←Older revision		Revision as of 07:50, 13 August 2010
Line 11:		Line 11:
	# Perform a '''command''' (turn on, turn off, fast forward, etc.)		# Perform a '''command''' (turn on, turn off, fast forward, etc.)
	# Report certain triggered '''events''' (e.g. 'motion detected', 'playback started', etc.)		# Report certain triggered '''events''' (e.g. 'motion detected', 'playback started', etc.)
			# [http://www.superiorpapers.com/ research papers]

	== Scenarios ==		== Scenarios ==

Chris Caven: /* Controlling an Orbiter */

2010-02-08T16:22:04Z

Controlling an Orbiter

←Older revision		Revision as of 16:22, 8 February 2010
Line 52:		Line 52:
	To control the system, you use an [[Orbiter]], which is the LinuxMCE term for a remote control. All [[Orbiters]] have the same basic function: to display the scenarios in the room you're in and let you select one. The different Orbiters may [[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|display the User Interface slightly differently]], depending on their screen size, but the function and the list of scenarios is always the same. For example, the [[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|"UI1" interface]] (which is used on webpads and PDAs) displays the scenarios in horizontal rows. (If there are more than will fit on a row, there will be a "more" button.) A home button is always displayed that takes you to the main menu. On smaller displays, as on mobile phones or desktop phones, there's not enough room to show the scenarios themselves. The top level menu shows only the categories: Lights, Media, Climate, Security and Telecom. Selecting a category displays the scenarios in that category.		To control the system, you use an [[Orbiter]], which is the LinuxMCE term for a remote control. All [[Orbiters]] have the same basic function: to display the scenarios in the room you're in and let you select one. The different Orbiters may [[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|display the User Interface slightly differently]], depending on their screen size, but the function and the list of scenarios is always the same. For example, the [[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|"UI1" interface]] (which is used on webpads and PDAs) displays the scenarios in horizontal rows. (If there are more than will fit on a row, there will be a "more" button.) A home button is always displayed that takes you to the main menu. On smaller displays, as on mobile phones or desktop phones, there's not enough room to show the scenarios themselves. The top level menu shows only the categories: Lights, Media, Climate, Security and Telecom. Selecting a category displays the scenarios in that category.

	[[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|"UI2"]] is the [[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|preferred User Interface]] for Media Stations. Using a traditional ~~I/R~~ remote is not much different from using any other Media Center PC remote. The menu button brings up the main menu, and you use the ''left/right/up/down/enter'' buttons to navigate it. The ''fast forward/rewind/skip +/skip -'' keys are used for media playback.		[[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|"UI2"]] is the [[Selecting_the_Right_UI\|preferred User Interface]] for Media Stations. Using a traditional IR remote is not much different from using any other Media Center PC remote. The menu button brings up the main menu, and you use the ''left/right/up/down/enter'' buttons to navigate it. The ''fast forward/rewind/skip +/skip -'' keys are used for media playback.

	If you have a pointing device like a mouse or gyro air mouse, the UI2 interface also supports a unique control architecture that lets you do everything with 3 (programmable) buttons (plus ok and cancel). The 3 buttons are "MEDIA", "MENU", "AMBIANCE".		If you have a pointing device like a mouse or gyro air mouse, the UI2 interface also supports a unique control architecture that lets you do everything with 3 (programmable) buttons (plus ok and cancel). The 3 buttons are "MEDIA", "MENU", "AMBIANCE".
Line 62:		Line 62:
	The "absolute" behavior is generally more efficient. For example, in the case of the middle button (F7), "absolute" behavior means the action is executed without having to additionally click "ok". If you press and hold the middle button (F7) while moving your mouse pointer to the option, then let go, that option is executed. If you instead tap and release the menu button ("relative" behavior), you will only highlight the menu option. You must then press ok (the left mouse button) to execute the option.		The "absolute" behavior is generally more efficient. For example, in the case of the middle button (F7), "absolute" behavior means the action is executed without having to additionally click "ok". If you press and hold the middle button (F7) while moving your mouse pointer to the option, then let go, that option is executed. If you instead tap and release the menu button ("relative" behavior), you will only highlight the menu option. You must then press ok (the left mouse button) to execute the option.

	Categories appear along the bottom of the screen, and the scenarios in each category popup vertically (like a pull-down menu in a PC, except upside down). If the main menu isn't already visible, bring it up by pressing the "start" button on a Windows ~~I/R~~ remote, or the "menu" button on a 3-button mouse. To exit a menu, use the back button on the ~~I/R~~ remote, the cancel button (right mouse button on a 3-button mouse), or the ESC key on a keyboard.		Categories appear along the bottom of the screen, and the scenarios in each category popup vertically (like a pull-down menu in a PC, except upside down). If the main menu isn't already visible, bring it up by pressing the "start" button on a Windows IR remote, or the "menu" button on a 3-button mouse. To exit a menu, use the back button on the IR remote, the cancel button (right mouse button on a 3-button mouse), or the ESC key on a keyboard.

	In UI2 the media is always full screen. If you're not playing your own media, the background media (i.e. screensaver images) is gallery art from the Internet (using flickr) or [[Use_my_own_pictures_in_the_Screen_Saver\|pictures you select]]. If only the screensaver images are displayed on the Media Station, press the menu/middle/F7 button to bring up the menu. Right click/ESC to get rid of it. (This works even if your own media is playing.)		In UI2, the media is always full screen. If you're not playing your own media, the background media (i.e. screensaver images) is gallery art from the Internet (using flickr) or [[Use_my_own_pictures_in_the_Screen_Saver\|pictures you select]]. If only the screensaver images are displayed on the Media Station, press the menu/middle/F7 button to bring up the menu. Right click/ESC to get rid of it. (This works even if your own media is playing.)

	If you're using UI2's 3-button navigation model, the normal media control options on a traditional remote are replaced with a single button: "media" (left soft button or F6). Press this and move the pointer up and down for your skip functions (''ch+, ch-, skip fwd, skip back''). Move the pointer left and right for speed control (''rewind, fast forward''). The further you move, the faster the media playback changes. If you hold the button down (the left soft button or F6), your movement will be "absolute". Instead of the traditional "jog shuttle-type" control, movement to the right skips to the end of your media, and movement to the left skips to the beginning. Once you get used to it, you will find that navigating media is orders of magnitude faster and easier with this model than with a traditional remote. You can find a spot in a 2 hour movie in only a couple seconds with a click of a single button (compared to a slew of button clicks required using a traditional remote).		If you're using UI2's 3-button navigation model, the normal media control options on a traditional remote are replaced with a single button: "media" (left soft button or F6). Press this and move the pointer up and down for your skip functions (''ch+, ch-, skip fwd, skip back''). Move the pointer left and right for speed control (''rewind, fast forward''). The further you move, the faster the media playback changes. If you hold the button down (the left soft button or F6), your movement will be "absolute". Instead of the traditional "jog shuttle-type" control, movement to the right skips to the end of your media, and movement to the left skips to the beginning. Once you get used to it, you will find that navigating media is orders of magnitude faster and easier with this model than with a traditional remote. You can find a spot in a 2 hour movie in only a couple seconds with a click of a single button (compared to a slew of button clicks required using a traditional remote).

Chris Caven: /* Scenarios */

2010-02-08T16:12:52Z

Scenarios

←Older revision		Revision as of 16:12, 8 February 2010
Line 14:		Line 14:
	== Scenarios ==		== Scenarios ==

	"[[Scenarios]]", "Activities", and "Command Groups" are interchangeable terms -- they mean the same thing. A scenario is a group of commands that can be sent to a device (or series of devices). In LinuxMCE, the default Orbiter main menu consists of several scenario categories, grouped by room. These categories are		"[[Scenarios]]", "Activities", and "Command Groups" are interchangeable terms -- they mean the same thing. A scenario is a group of commands that can be sent to a device (or series of devices). In LinuxMCE, the default Orbiter main menu consists of several scenario categories, grouped by room. These categories are:-

	* Lighting		* Lighting
Line 28:		Line 28:
	Some [[What_scenarios_are_created_automatically%3F\|default scenarios]] are created for you at installation. A fully-functional system can run using only the default scenarios, if you choose. You can also change or remove the default scenarios or add new ones. This is done though the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Wizard-->[[Scenarios]]''' menu. When creating a scenario, the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]] will show you the most appropriate wizard, based on the category you pick. If you're adding an activity in the lighting category, for example, the wizard will display a list of the lights in the room and let you pick which ones to turn off. If you're creating a scenario in the security category, it will list the installed cameras and will allow you to select which ones to display.		Some [[What_scenarios_are_created_automatically%3F\|default scenarios]] are created for you at installation. A fully-functional system can run using only the default scenarios, if you choose. You can also change or remove the default scenarios or add new ones. This is done though the '''[[LinuxMCE Admin Website]]-->Wizard-->[[Scenarios]]''' menu. When creating a scenario, the [[LinuxMCE Admin Website]] will show you the most appropriate wizard, based on the category you pick. If you're adding an activity in the lighting category, for example, the wizard will display a list of the lights in the room and let you pick which ones to turn off. If you're creating a scenario in the security category, it will list the installed cameras and will allow you to select which ones to display.

	A scenario can send a command to any device in the system. By default, scenarios in the lighting category show you the room lights, allowing you to select which ones ~~to which~~ to send commands. However, from the '''Wizard-->[[Scenarios]]''' menu for the specific scenario, you can also specify a command to any device in your home. You could make a phone call, for example, even from a scenario in the lighting category.		A scenario can send a command to any device in the system. By default, scenarios in the lighting category show you the room lights, allowing you to select which ones to send commands. However, from the '''Wizard-->[[Scenarios]]''' menu for the specific scenario, you can also specify a command to any device in your home. You could make a phone call, for example, even from a scenario in the lighting category.

	Certain scenarios are assigned to certain rooms by default. This can be customized, however. When you manually select a room from the Orbiter main menu, the default scenarios for that room are displayed. In general they control devices in that room, but this can also be changed. If your kitchen is near the garage and you want a scenario to 'turn off the garage light', you can assign a scenario to the room 'kitchen' that will do just that. It doesn't matter that the light is in the garage.		Certain scenarios are assigned to certain rooms by default. This can be customized, however. When you manually select a room from the Orbiter main menu, the default scenarios for that room are displayed. In general they control devices in that room, but this can also be changed. If your kitchen is near the garage and you want a scenario to 'turn off the garage light', you can assign a scenario to the room 'kitchen' that will do just that. It doesn't matter that the light is in the garage.
Line 36:		Line 36:
	In contrast, a mobile Orbiter (such as a webpad) can be carried throughout the house. It must be able to select the scenarios for multiple rooms. Fortunately, the option to manually select which room you are currently in is available on every Orbiter's main menu.		In contrast, a mobile Orbiter (such as a webpad) can be carried throughout the house. It must be able to select the scenarios for multiple rooms. Fortunately, the option to manually select which room you are currently in is available on every Orbiter's main menu.

	This can occasionally cause some confusion. Perhaps both the Living Room and the Bedroom have a scenario called 'TV'. You may have a web pad that is in the Bedroom, but you then carry it to the Living Room. You may forget to tell the web pad that it's now in the Living Room (at the bottom of the Orbiter screen it will still say 'Bedroom'). You hit the 'TV' button expecting the Living Room TV to come on, but in fact you're still controlling the Bedroom and the TV comes on there instead. Finally you may realize that you must change your room location to Living Room, ~~and~~ you can ~~then finally~~ control the TV there.		This can occasionally cause some confusion. Perhaps both the Living Room and the Bedroom have a scenario called 'TV'. You may have a web pad that is in the Bedroom, but you then carry it to the Living Room. You may forget to tell the web pad that it's now in the Living Room (at the bottom of the Orbiter screen it will still say 'Bedroom'). You hit the 'TV' button expecting the Living Room TV to come on, but in fact you're still controlling the Bedroom and the TV comes on there instead. Finally, you may realize that you must change your room location to Living Room, then you can control the TV there.

	Once you get used to this concept, though, you'll find it very useful. Conveniently, any Orbiter can be set to control any room and choose from the scenarios assigned to that room. No matter which Orbiter you use, the same set of scenarios will be displayed for each specific room. For example, the kitchen scenarios will always be the same, no matter which Orbiter you are using. (The scenarios are assigned by room -- not by Orbiter.) No matter whether you pick up your mobile phone, your web pad, or your remote control, you will always be shown the same list of scenario options for the Living Room.		Once you get used to this concept, though, you'll find it very useful. Conveniently, any Orbiter can be set to control any room and choose from the scenarios assigned to that room. No matter which Orbiter you use, the same set of scenarios will be displayed for each specific room. For example, the kitchen scenarios will always be the same, no matter which Orbiter you are using. (The scenarios are assigned by room -- not by Orbiter.) No matter whether you pick up your mobile phone, your web pad, or your remote control, you will always be shown the same list of scenario options for the Living Room.