Does Mediashare video to the HR21 work?

[seemenewd]

I'm using Tversity as the server software, and both music and photos show up fine in our HR21-700 boxes.

But I have yet to make any video show up (using the new just loaded 0x1FE software). Tversity's Video library's title shows up (in folder mode) but "clicking" it yields nothing. Not even files with 'x' next to them.

I've put MPEG2 transport, MPEG2 the-other-one, and VOB-style-MPEG2 files in the shared directory, but nothing shows up in the set.

I've Tversity set to "HR-20" (plain) seeing as how there's no explicit HR21 support. And as I mentioned, audio/photo work.

Is there a "trick" I'm missing to make video work (assuming can work) ?

[bemenaker]

It works in the new national release 1fe

[somekevinguy]

I just started using Tversity yesterday with my HR21-700 and it is working for me. I have played vob, mov, avi, wmv, etc. Pretty cool. The only problem I am having so far is no sound with vob. I haven't really had a chance to mess with yet. Does anyone know what the problem is. If only I could fix that and fast forward, rewind, etc would work it would be awesome.

[seemenewd]

Originally Posted by bemenaker

It works in the new national release 1fe

As noted in my initial posting, I *AM* using the new national release (0x1FE) that came a couple days ago!

But no video seems to show up! Must be something in Tversity's transcoding (or lack thereof), although
I understood that transport stream MPEG2 doesn't even need transcoding (and I provide a file converted
over to that format).

Sigh...

[Earl Bonovich]

What video file types are you trying to play... as it does work.

[Earl Bonovich]

Originally Posted by somekevinguy

The only problem I am having so far is no sound with vob. .... If only I could fix that and fast forward, rewind, etc would work it would be awesome.

It is dependent on what is in that vob...

Do a search on MediaShare Vob... to see some of the discussion threads on it.

As for the last part... there is nothing to fix on your end, that simply isn't a feature of the video media share at this time.

[bhelton71]

Originally Posted by seemenewd

As noted in my initial posting, I *AM* using the new national release (0x1FE) that came a couple days ago!

But no video seems to show up! Must be something in Tversity's transcoding (or lack thereof), although
I understood that transport stream MPEG2 doesn't even need transcoding (and I provide a file converted
over to that format).

Sigh...

This is going to be a silly question - but do they show up and play in the TVersity application on the Library tab ?

[slabo]

I have it working on 2 new HR21-200s with the new 0x1FE firmware. Pause, FF and Rewind works great with my Intel Viiv server on a new Vista PC. So far I have been able to play MPEG-2 (.MPG), WMV, Motion JPEG (.AVI) and MPEG-4 (.MP4) videos. The sound problem may be with MPEG-2 program streams and Dolby Digital audio. If you convert it to a transport stream, DD audio should work. Check the threads in the CE forum for more on this.

[seemenewd]

Originally Posted by bhelton71

This is going to be a silly question - but do they show up and play in the TVersity application on the Library tab ?

No, good question. Answer is that it doesn't -- it complains about a flash format converter possibly being missing. Does it transcode to flash to send it to the HR21 (or transcode to flash and again to whatever-the-hr21-uses)? I've codecs around for most anything -- possibly not for generating flash video though.

P.S. - Computer is not a Viiv one (although processor is an Intel Conroe e6600 and MB uses an Intel chipset that is supported by Viiv, alas the OS is Windows XP SP2 which I think isn't supported for Viiv -- now needs the multimedia version (which only comes with buying a new system) or Vista (which would permanently break some important programs of mine that can't be updated anymore due to maker company being no longer with us and Vista not being compatible)).

[Smitty7265]

Great forum!

I’ve recently purchased an HR21 700 and as of 2/14/08 2:13am I received the latest FW update from DTV. Prior to receiving this FW update I was able to find where to search for my audio/video/pics from my computer (can’t remember what it was called) Now it is gone or hidden someplace.

Can anyone tell me how to get to this option in the new menu on the HR21 700?

Thanks so much!

[bhelton71]

Originally Posted by seemenewd

No, good question. Answer is that it doesn't -- it complains about a flash format converter possibly being missing. Does it transcode to flash to send it to the HR21 (or transcode to flash and again to whatever-the-hr21-uses)? I've codecs around for most anything -- possibly not for generating flash video though.

P.S. - Computer is not a Viiv one (although processor is an Intel Conroe e6600 and MB uses an Intel chipset that is supported by Viiv, alas the OS is Windows XP SP2 which I think isn't supported for Viiv -- now needs the multimedia version (which only comes with buying a new system) or Vista (which would permanently break some important programs of mine that can't be updated anymore due to maker company being no longer with us and Vista not being compatible)).

No - the flash is only for viewing in TVersity. It sends MPEG2 to the HR2x. That means either you don't have the correct DirectShow filters or something needs to be adjusted in the transcoding settings. Can you play the videos in Windows Media Player ? - if so you probably have the right filters.

[itzme]

Like Smitty, I can't find where to start media sharing. I'm new to the HR21-700, about 9 hours new as of now. Though I've been reading threads here for awhile. Including the massive networking and Tversity threads. Anyway, I got VOD/DOD to work right off the bat. The HR21 passes all network test, and I can even see the HR21 on my network as a wireless device. I've rebooted and restarted Tversity on the computer, I've restrarted the HR21 a few times, too. I've used the Tversity on my Wii (it sees my files)... so what do I have to do for HR-21 to give me the menu option for Media Sharing? It will appear in MENU, right?

[seemenewd]

Originally Posted by bhelton71

No - the flash is only for viewing in TVersity. It sends MPEG2 to the HR2x. That means either you don't have the correct DirectShow filters or something needs to be adjusted in the transcoding settings. Can you play the videos in Windows Media Player ? - if so you probably have the right filters.

Yes I can play just about anything in Media Player (currently version 11).

[dwisel37]

Originally Posted by itzme

Like Smitty, I can't find where to start media sharing. I'm new to the HR21-700, about 9 hours new as of now. Though I've been reading threads here for awhile. Including the massive networking and Tversity threads. Anyway, I got VOD/DOD to work right off the bat. The HR21 passes all network test, and I can even see the HR21 on my network as a wireless device. I've rebooted and restarted Tversity on the computer, I've restrarted the HR21 a few times, too. I've used the Tversity on my Wii (it sees my files)... so what do I have to do for HR-21 to give me the menu option for Media Sharing? It will appear in MENU, right?

I received the update for my HR21 two nights ago. After the upgrade the Media Sharing Option was gone. Since it was in Beta before so I assumed that DTV had removed it from this latest release. I then went in to the System test and ran a full test including network and internet. The next time I went back to the menu the option was back. I can now browse video files (I couldn't before) but I have a library of WMV's and they won't play. I haven't yet re-authorized the unit in WM11 but I read somewhere else that it can only play MPG2 files. Can anyone confirm that?

[bhelton71]

Originally Posted by dwisel37

I received the update for my HR21 two nights ago. After the upgrade the Media Sharing Option was gone. Since it was in Beta before so I assumed that DTV had removed it from this latest release. I then went in to the System test and ran a full test including network and internet. The next time I went back to the menu the option was back. I can now browse video files (I couldn't before) but I have a library of WMV's and they won't play. I haven't yet re-authorized the unit in WM11 but I read somewhere else that it can only play MPG2 files. Can anyone confirm that?

I don't have an HR21 but I believe the following is accurate for it - currently your video needs to be an MPEG2 container.

For MPEG2 program streams - the most consistent results are 480i MP@ML with MPEG1 Layer2 audio.

For MPEG2 transport streams - still use 480i main profile for video - but you can mux AC3/A52 for the audio.

[bhelton71]

Originally Posted by seemenewd

Yes I can play just about anything in Media Player (currently version 11).

Well then I am guessing transcoder setup - lets work on getting one file to work - what resolution/bitrate and video + audio codecs is it encoded with ?

Also hopefully to help you out a little - there is a program called MediaInfo (url: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/med...2.exe?download ) - basically it will give you all of the info and you can cut+paste from it. A little easier than transcribing from GSpot . Just select View/Text from the menu to get the plain text.

[itzme]

Originally Posted by dwisel37

I received the update for my HR21 two nights ago. After the upgrade the Media Sharing Option was gone. Since it was in Beta before so I assumed that DTV had removed it from this latest release. I then went in to the System test and ran a full test including network and internet. The next time I went back to the menu the option was back. I can now browse video files (I couldn't before) but .....

How much time went by before it showed back up? I guess there isn't an established procedure to make mediashare appear.

[bhelton71]

Originally Posted by itzme

How much time went by before it showed back up? I guess there isn't an established procedure to make mediashare appear.

The exact procedure varies depending on media server - basically if you stop and start the server it should be within a minute. So for wmp11 for example - just select Library>Media Sharing, uncheck share my media, OK, then reopen it and re-check share my media and it should show up on the HR2x in under a minute.

I would add - updating router software to the latest seems to help with this. I used to always have to 'force' media share using the above method - after I updated my router software - it consistently reconnects on its own.

[ggalindo]

Originally Posted by somekevinguy

I just started using Tversity yesterday with my HR21-700 and it is working for me. I have played vob, mov, avi, wmv, etc. Pretty cool. The only problem I am having so far is no sound with vob. I haven't really had a chance to mess with yet. Does anyone know what the problem is. If only I could fix that and fast forward, rewind, etc would work it would be awesome.

I'm having the exact same issue with MPEG2 videos. No sound, no fast forward, rewind, and my screen saver kicks in while a program is running! This is with Tversity to the HR-21. Incidentally, my server is a minimal spec 866 mhz ancient machine, and the video, streaming, etc. is fantastic...just would like sound!

I had been running Windows Media Server to my 360 with minimal difficulty, but I like the more simple interface with the DTV MediaShare better, plus one less device I need to have focused on my TV. This configuration with WMS sometimes taxes my poor system to death.

[itzme]

Originally Posted by bhelton71

The exact procedure varies depending on media server - basically if you stop and start the server it should be within a minute. So for wmp11 for example - just select Library>Media Sharing, uncheck share my media, OK, then reopen it and re-check share my media and it should show up on the HR2x in under a minute.

I would add - updating router software to the latest seems to help with this. I used to always have to 'force' media share using the above method - after I updated my router software - it consistently reconnects on its own.

No luck there. I did stop & start sharing with Tvesity... My Wii responded accordingly, but the Hr21 menu never changes. Oh well.

[Smitty7265]

Originally Posted by itzme

Like Smitty, I can't find where to start media sharing. I'm new to the HR21-700, about 9 hours new as of now. Though I've been reading threads here for awhile. Including the massive networking and Tversity threads. Anyway, I got VOD/DOD to work right off the bat. The HR21 passes all network test, and I can even see the HR21 on my network as a wireless device. I've rebooted and restarted Tversity on the computer, I've restrarted the HR21 a few times, too. I've used the Tversity on my Wii (it sees my files)... so what do I have to do for HR-21 to give me the menu option for Media Sharing? It will appear in MENU, right?

Well, today the music pics and more... menu item showed up. Don't know if it was something with the HR21 but I can tell you that DRM was all messed up and I had other issues. Below is what I did to resolve this.

Issue: Running MCE (Vista Ultimate), launching the TV inside popped up the error "digital cable device registration services error".

Fix: I Googled this error and it told me to delete my "c:\program data\Microsoft\Windows\DRM"
Make sure you unhide all folders and files to see the DRM folder as it is hidden.

This seemed to fixed my MCE TV not responding issue as well as the media menu item on the HR21.

Since then, I've decided that WMP is problematic and I'm going to give TVersity a try. I'll let y'all know the outcome. Making progress though!

[Smitty7265]

Originally Posted by somekevinguy

I just started using Tversity yesterday with my HR21-700 and it is working for me. I have played vob, mov, avi, wmv, etc. Pretty cool. The only problem I am having so far is no sound with vob. I haven't really had a chance to mess with yet. Does anyone know what the problem is. If only I could fix that and fast forward, rewind, etc would work it would be awesome.

How did you get Tversity to work with your HR21-700? What does it see after pressing "Music, Photos & More" menu item?

Mine still see's the computer name when I had Viiv or WMP'er sharing enabled.

[somekevinguy]

I had go to the windows firewall and make an exception for tversity and also open up the port that tversity uses. I also disabled sharing on windows media player although I don't think it is necessary but at first I was having a problem getting the DVR to recognize it too so I was just trying different things. It still didn't recognize it right away but after a little while when I select my computer I can select Tversity. The first time it still showed my computer too so I think if I would have left WMP sharing I could select from either.

[bhelton71]

Originally Posted by somekevinguy

I had go to the windows firewall and make an exception for tversity and also open up the port that tversity uses. I also disabled sharing on windows media player although I don't think it is necessary but at first I was having a problem getting the DVR to recognize it too so I was just trying different things. It still didn't recognize it right away but after a little while when I select my computer I can select Tversity. The first time it still showed my computer too so I think if I would have left WMP sharing I could select from either.

Some people have stated they are running both without problem - you can change the port TVersity uses so it really shouldn't be an issue.

[seemenewd]

Originally Posted by bhelton71

Well then I am guessing transcoder setup - lets work on getting one file to work - what resolution/bitrate and video + audio codecs is it encoded with ?

Also hopefully to help you out a little - there is a program called MediaInfo (url: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/med...2.exe?download ) - basically it will give you all of the info and you can cut+paste from it. A little easier than transcribing from GSpot . Just select View/Text from the menu to get the plain text.

Nifty program. :-) Here's the results of one of the videos I've in the "My Video" directory within TVersity (it plays just fine in WMP when double-clicked)
The file is named "transport_str.MPG" but does not show up in the "My Video" selection on the HR21 (through TVersity):

Format : MPEG-2 Transport
Format/Family : MPEG-2
File size : 235 MiB
PlayTime : 5mn 8s
Bit rate : 6382 Kbps

Video #0
Codec : MPEG-2 Video
Codec/Family : MPEG-V
Codec profile : Main@Main
Codec settings, Matrix : Standard
PlayTime : 5mn 8s
Bit rate mode : CBR
Bit rate : 5904 Kbps
Nominal bit rate : 6000 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display Aspect ratio : 4/3
Frame rate : 29.970 fps
Standard : NTSC
Chroma : 4:2:0
Interlacement : Bottom Field First

Audio #0
Codec : MPEG-1 Audio layer 2
Bit rate mode : CBR
Bit rate : 224 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 48 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Writing library : Xing (new)