WMDreamRemote (WMDR) - with streaming
UPDATE (22/04/2012): No more deadlines. The reason is that I am busy with other projects. I might implement other features in future. You can download from my web-site, http://www.tillekesoft.com. There you can find as usual two versions. One version is for devices using 320x240 but it should work fine also with devices having a resolution of 640x480. For all other resolutions, please use the other one. For existing users, you just need to replace the old executable with the new one.
06/10/2010 - I have attached a "step-by-step"-guide for setting up WMDR - in particular what regards streaming (it is in English but you can use Google Translation-tools to translate it to another language). Hopefully, this will make it easier for new users to get WMDR working.
IMPORTANT (22/06/2010) - I just tested the new version of VLC no. 1.1.0 and it seems like WMDR is not compatibile with the latest version of VLC. So if you want to use WMDR, please ensure to use VLC 1.0.5 or earlier until I have resolved this issue.
Change-log: nothing so I am leaving old change-log here below:
This version is more like a Service-Release fixing some bugs and introducing few new features:
-fixed issue when using WMDR with Enigma2 outside your LocalLAN where WMDR passed on a DynDNS-address to the Dreambox instead of LocalIP-address which is the correct way. Thanks to mkbm for finding this bug.
-fixed streaming-issue in Enigma2 when changing between channels located on different transpoders would cause problems. Thanks to mkbm for explaining this.
-improved error-handling (clearer messages). Still to be improved further.
-possibility to kill stream when exiting WMDR
-other minor bug-fixes
-some optimization
-added a program-icon (it's very basic - if you can come up with a better-looking icon, please do so and post it here in the thread)
-fixed issue with DM8000
To see WMDR in action (using a pre-release of Beta 0.7), watch this video posted by XDA-user ajocius on YouTube:
Background: After on-going discussions in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=616353 regarding an application to control remotely the Dreambox, I decided to write an application to accomplish this request.
In above thread, a very simple and crude beta-application was posted. Now, the application has evolved further and therefore I reckoned it was more appropriate to open a new thread in this area which is meant for Window Mobile applications.
Extra Information: The Dreambox is a series of Linux-powered DVB satellite, terrestrial and cable digital television receivers (set-top box), produced by German multimedia vendor Dream Multimedia. It's "kind of" of open-source which has led many "teams" to develop so called "images" for this receiver as an alternative to the original one furnished by Dream Multimedia. In addition, many other hardware manufactures have produced their own receivers (some of them are actually clones while others are not) using the same concept of the Dreambox i.e. Linux-powered. The Dreambox has evolved during the years and many models are present on the market. The first ones are/were using a firmware called "Enigma" but, more or less, with the introduction of High Definition TV, a new firmware was released, namely "Enigma2". One of the "revolutionary" features of the Dreambox was that you can connect it to your local network and this opened up a whole new word compared to ordinary satellite-receivers. To get further information, just google for Dreambox or look it up at Wikipedia.
Background for the application: You can read the original thread mentioned above to get an idea why people wanted an application like the one I am releasing. In a few words: since you can access the Dreambox (or any other satellite-receiver based on Enigma or Enigma2) through your local network or through Internet, there are many things you can do remotely (at work for instance) such as handling timer-events, read EPG etc. The ideal way of doing it, especially if you don't have access to a PC, is to use a handheld device. It was brought to our attention, that there are plenty of applications to do what mentioned above already available for download on the Appstore for iPhone.
for instance:
http://appspace.com/apps/view/38502/idreamremote/
http://appspace.com/apps/view/40338/dreamon/
So, it was suggested to write a similar application for Windows Mobile. And here it is, still in beta although with quite a lot of features implemented, even Streaming-support.
Current Features:
-Streaming
-Remote Control
-Bouquets-/Channels-lists from where you can:
1) change channel
2) view EPG
3) set timers
-Controlling the receiver (Shutdown, Reboot etc)
-Supports set-up of multiple profiles (e.g. At work, home, bedroom)
-Supports set-up of multiple streaming-profiles (Local LAN, WLAN, mobile)
Known issues:
-is not compatible yet with old WebIf (1st generation) of Enigma2
-there might be some problems with certain characters not appearing correctly (please report if you have this problem)
-in 320x240 version when setting up Enigma-profiles, you might need to click twice in the various textboxes.
Features to implement in upcoming versions (not necessarily in this order):
- SMS (Send shortmessages to the TV-Screen)
- improve error handling further
- other ideas/stuff
- user-suggestions (your feedback for improvements)
- re-design the remote-control using png-images instead of jpg which should make the application a bit smaller (and require less memory)
- resolving above mentioned issues
- other bug-fixes
- support for other receivers - requests I have received are for D-box2 and IPBox HD (non Enigma)
- cosmetic issues
- Https (SSL) support. (tested and working but needs a specific hotfix-version of CF.NET (published by Microsoft) due to a bug in CF.NET)
Requirements:
-Compact Net Framework (2.0 should be sufficient)
-an Enigma-based receiver such as the Dreambox, IPBox etc..
-for streaming, please see second post below
Installation:
Note: I have not made any CAB-file.
Note2: If you want to keep your old settings and streaming-profiles, you may do so. Just replace the old WMDreamRemote.exe with the new one.
1) download the zip-file attached to this post and extract the files on your computer.
2) Copy the files into a directory of your choice on your device (internal or
storage). The files must be in the same directory.
3) Run WMDreamRemote.exe. The first time, you will get a message
saying "No connection....".
4) Choose Preferences/Profiles from the main-screen and ADD a new
profile inserting your data. Put the flag on default for the profile you use the most.
5) Then click Save Profile.
6) Go ahead if you wish to add other profiles.
7) You may delete my dummy-profile "home" (only after having added your own though) using
the Del-button. NOTE: It's important that there is always one profile present (with Default selected)
otherwise there might be unexpected errors
8) On the main-screen, you can now use the remote-control by selecting its button
9) You may also see a bouquet/channel list by clicking on its button. However, the first time the list will be empty. Therefore,
10). Go back to Preferences/Profiles and select the profile you want to use. Now select the
button named "Create Bouquets for this profile". This will take a minute or two. It will download
your bouquets and channels from your Dreambox. Do the same for each Profile you create.
11) Now you can scroll your bouquets ad channels.
12) Set up streaming-profiles (3 dummy profiles are provided for Local-LAN, WLAN and mobile) - see second post for more information
There might be some unhandled error-messages occasionally. They are mostly due to connection-problems. Just click on continue and retry unless you have indeed a permanent error with your connection.
Please test it and let me have your error-reports, feedback and suggestions for improvements. Please also indicate which device, Dreambox (or similar receiver) you are using and which image.
I must also express my sincerest thanks to XDA-user ajocius for:
-giving me access to Enigma2,
-his superb beta-testing,
-sharing his knowledge about streaming
-and of course for the great video he posted on YouTube (see above).
I have also attached some screenshots.
PS: ANDROID - Just a note to tell you that I posted here on XDA an Android-application for watching your Dreambox in streaming (LocalLAN and 3G). I called the application AndroidDreamer and you can find the thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=861145
If you want to test and discuss AndroidDreamer, head over to the thread. Please keep this thread for WMDR.
PS2: WINDOWS - I have published a Windows-version (WinDreamRemote or simply WinDR). You can find it on my web-site: http://www.tillekesoft.com
For discussions regarding WinDR, please use the thread mentioned on my web-site. This thread here at XDA is for WMDR - mobile version. Please respect this.
This is it for the time being.
STREAMING
Streaming works great for me, especially at home (in my Local LAN) but also at work (using WIFI) and even at the supermarket using a mobile-connection (3G) although the quality degrades.
For you, I don't know - Streaming may work, may work so and so or may not work at all.
It depends on a lot of factors:
-For Local-LAN: your WIFI set-up at home (11g, 54g etc)
-For WLAN or mobile: upload/download speed of your Broadband (normally upload-speeds are slower than download-speeds (ADSL)
-Your device
-Your computer acting as VLC-server
-not finding the right configuration in stream-profiles settings
-etc
What you need:
1) VLC (Videolan). Just Google for it and install it on your computer which will act as the VLC-server. I have only tested streaming using VLC running on Windows but it should work on VLC-servers using Linux and MAC as well. If it doesn't, please let me know. I have only tested version 1.0.5 of VLC so I am unable to say if previous versions will work.
UPDATE (22/06/2010) - I just tested the new version of VLC no. 1.1.0 and it seems like WinDR is not compatibile with the latest version of VLC. So if you want to use WinDR, please ensure to use VLC 1.0.5 or earlier until I have resolved this issue.
2) TCPMP (free and which you can find here on XDA) or Coreplayer (not free). Make sure that ASX-files are opened by the program you installed (look in the programs' settings for file-association). Some say that TCPMP is faster to load the stream (5-6 seconds in my Local-LAN) than Coreplayer. On the other hand, some say that Coreplayer is more fluid. The choice is yours.
3) A rather modern and fast device. It might work with slower devices as well but you may have to play a lot with your VLC-configuration (bitrate etc) before you get it to work
4) and of course WMDR
How to set up everything:
1) install VLC on your computer which will act as the VLC (streaming) -server. Then under the menu, select "View" in the English version (not sure since I have it in Italian) and then select "Add Interface" and finally you select "Add Telnet-interface". If you haven't changed anything, the default password for Telnet is admin and the port in use is 4212. That's it. VLC must be running to get streaming working. There are options to install VLC as a Windows Service or you can create a bat-file to be executed upon launch of your VLC-server. I guess similar options are availabe on Linux and MAC as well.
2) if you are going to use streaming outside your Local-LAN, you must ensure that you have set up port-forwarding correctly in your router. You must ensure that the WebIf can be accessed. You must ensure also that port 4212 (for Telnet) is opened and forwarded to the VLC-server. The same goes also for the streaming-port on the VLC-server which TCPMP/Coreplayer needs to access to receive the stream. So, basically you need to set up port-forwarding for one port for accessing the WebIf of your Dreambox and two ports for accessing your VLC-server.
3) A typical VLC-command to get streaming going is as follows:
Code:
vlc.exe" -vvv [url]http://192.168.1.130:31339/0,0025,0384,0385,0295[/url] --sout #transcode{vcodec=MP4V,vb=384,scale=0,5,acodec=mp3,ab=64,channels=1,deinterlace}:Duplicate{dst=std{access=HTTP,mux=ASF,dst=192.168.1.12:8085}}
Here are some explanations:
- the part "vlc.exe" is handled by WMDR using Telnet. You don't need to anything except for filling in information regarding the IP-address of your VLC-server, its password and which port to use.
- the part
Code:
"http://192.168.1.130:31339/0,0025,0384,0385,0295"
is your dreambox-ip, the port used for streaming and some channel-parameters. These parameters are handled automatically by WMDR and do not require your attention
- the part
Code:
"#transcode{vcodec=MP4V,vb=384,scale=0,5,acodec=mp3,ab=64,channels=1,deinterlace}:Duplicate{dst=std{access=HTTP,mux=ASF,dst="
is the one you have to insert in WMDR and which you need to experiment with to get the best picture/quality/fluidity according to your connection-speed. WMDR is pre-installed with 3 examples which are working on my HD2, my WIFI (using 54g) and my ADSL with an upload speed of 512kb. You can use those as an example and then modify them according to your needs.
- the part "192.168.1.12:8085" is the IP of your VLC-server and the port which TCPMP/Coreplayer should connect to in order to get the stream. You fill in this information in the stream-profiles.
With this information, you can set up your streaming-profiles in WMDR. In the streaming-profiles, you will find an additional setting called "VLC Sleep Delay". You can leave it at 200ms as its default-value. This parameter is used by WMDR when "talking to" VLC via Telnet. If the connection is very slow, you can increase this value but normally, even on Mobile-connections, the value of 200ms is OK.
Above information should get you going.
If you have problems with streaming, look at the points mentioned above since it is unlikely due to WMDR itself and that I can do anything to resolve your problems.
Good luck!
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-To make TCPMP open up automatically in full screen mode, you can do the following registry-edit:
Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\TCPMP\PLAY
DWORD 123
Change value from 0 to 1
-For associating the file-extension ASX with TCPMP, do as follows: In TCPMP it is under:
Options -> Settings (you need to scroll down to see that option) - > Click button "Select Page" - > File Associacions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-As far as I have understood, TCPMP has been discontinued but there are some people updating it from time to time. If you have problems viewing the stream, it may (perhaps) be because you are using an old version of TCPMP. Here are two links to TCPMP which I have found working on my HD2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5657963&postcount=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5685536&postcount=1
TROUBLESHOOTING
- If you get errors in TCPMP (unknown file format, crashes) or if you don't see anything at all, you can try the following to trace where the error originates:
Select Stream in WMDR and if you get an error message from TCPMP, just disregard the error and put your device on the table or wherever. Don't click on anything. Don't kill the stream. Now, in the folder of WMDR on the device, you should find a file called WMDR.asx. Copy this file to your desktop (on a PC). Go to your PC and right-click on WMDR.asx and choose "open with" and select VLC (it will open another session of VLC). If you now can see the stream from your Dreambox on your computer-screen, then it means that WMDR comunicates correctly with VLC and most likely there is a problem with TCPMP/Coreplayer or because the file is too large/complex to be seen on the device. If you don't see anything, then probably there is a communication-problem between WMDR and VLC. Check IP-address, Port and Password of VLC.
- Make sure that streaming actually works between your Dreambox and VLC (without using WMDR) and that you can watch the streams on your computer. You can test this by using the web-interface of your Dreambox or you can search internet for instructions. If you have problems (can't see anything at all, bad quality, buffering-problems etc), then the problem itself lies with the source and there is no way streaming will work in a satisfying way. For instance, it has been reported that cheap (clones of) DM500 might have problems with streaming.
is this like a remote control app for any settop boxes and tv's that uses ir port or is it limited to the Dreambox?
Sorry - it's not using an ir port.
The application controls the receiver through the receiver's web-interface or through telnet.
However, the application could probably be used with (and modified to support) other types of receivers as long as there is a way to communicate with the receiver via local network, wifi, data-connections or Internet. If anyone is interested, please let me know.
trickbiker121 said:
is this like a remote control app for any setop boxes and tv's that uses ir port or is it limited to the Dreambox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tilleke said:
Sorry - it's not using an ir port.
The application controls the receiver through the receiver's web-interface or through telnet.
However, the application could probably be used with (and modified to support) other types of receivers as long as there is a way to communicate with the receiver via local network, wifi, data-connections or Internet. If anyone is interested, please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry this isnt the app that i thought it was sorry to bother you
Hi Tilleke
Very nice looking release. I'm really happy with it!
i have tested it and here are my results:
Main screen > remote controle > page 2 > the numbers are not working here.
Main screen > preferences > Create bouguets > This option crashed my dreambox with a blue screen like windows always do...
Remember this is NOT a comment, this is only to help you with this great app!
Great Job, keep going... and i will be waiting till next release.
Thanks for testing and posting your results.
Can you please let me know which receiver you have and which image you are running. And on which device did you test it?
Will check this better.
citychannel said:
Main screen > remote controle > page 2 > the numbers are not working here..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When creating the bouquets, did you follow the procedure written in the first post? I am saying this since that part is not fool-proof yet. Did you reach the point when a message appears indicating "Update ready" or did it crash before. BTW: I have never seen a crashed dreambox with a blue screen I'd love to able to reproduce that error
citychannel said:
Main screen > preferences > Create bouguets > This option crashed my dreambox with a blue screen like windows always do.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!
citychannel said:
Remember this is NOT a comment, this is only to help you with this great app!
Great Job, keep going... and i will be waiting till next release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there
1) I have a dreambox 7025 with enigma on it
2) i didn't saw ' update ready' the DM crashed 4 seonds after i pressed the 'Create Bouquets for this profile'
A new 'bug' i found is the time out bug. This error appears randomly after zapping between channels or using the volume buttons.
Good luck and thanks!
thanks for your report.
1) OK, you've got DM7025 and running Enigma(1). Are you using the original image or have you flashed another image such as Gemini, Nabilo...If yes, which one?
2) Can you access the WebIf of the DM7025 using your local network and using a normal web-browser? In your browser, you should use:
Code:
http://ip-address of DM7025:port
it should then ask you for a user-name and password, normally root and dreambox.
example:
Code:
http://192.168.0.83:8888
If you are using the standard port (80), it could also be:
Code:
http://192.168.0.83
When you are connected to the WebIf and clicking on ZAP, can you see your bouquets and channels?
3) The time-out bug: What message do you get. Can you please transcribe it? Does this happen when you are connected using WIFI or when you are connected using the data-connection of your phone-provider?
4) what device are you using?
Sorry, but I need above information otherwise I really don't see how to track down the errors you mentioned since I can't reproduce them on my system/device.
PS: I confirm that the numbers on the 2nd screen don't work. I forgot to enable a few lines in my code. Will be corrected in next version. Thanks for finding out.
citychannel said:
Hi there
1) I have a dreambox 7025 with enigma on it
2) i didn't saw ' update ready' the DM crashed 4 seonds after i pressed the 'Create Bouquets for this profile'
A new 'bug' i found is the time out bug. This error appears randomly after zapping between channels or using the volume buttons.
Good luck and thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, working on my hd2 with dreambox 7000 S (gemini 4.6).
But one issue: The programm can´t display the german letters ä, ö and ü (in programm-list and bouquets)
Glad it works.
Thanks for reporting the problem with the German letters. This probably means it would be a problem with other characters as well. I will check this issue and see if I can correct it in next release.
Bib_x said:
Hi, working on my hd2 with dreambox 7000 S (gemini 4.6).
But one issue: The programm can´t display the german letters ä, ö and ü (in programm-list and bouquets)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you add support for modacos´s apptodate?
http://www.modaco.com/category/332/apptodate/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=327990
Hi Tilleke,
1) Im running Enigma with Gemini on it
2) Yes i’m using Webif and i can zap normally without lag or error (192.168.1.12), so port 80
3) I am using a WIFI connection and after 2 or 3 times pressing downwards in bouquets it comes with this error:
An error occurred on sub_modcommon_executeurl
Response code -1
Timeout
Continue?
4) i am using a HTC TD2 with WM6,1 pro
Thanks in advance
The num pad on second screen isn´t working. Only the buttons on bottom (tv, radio, text, help) are working.
Thx for the suggestion. I'll see what can I do.
Bib_x said:
Can you add support for modacos´s apptodate?
http://www.modaco.com/category/332/apptodate/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=327990
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Already reported by citychannel. See first post under known issues.
Bib_x said:
The num pad on second screen isn´t working. Only the buttons on bottom (tv, radio, text, help) are working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for the information. This will facilitate tracking down the error and how to resolve it.
citychannel said:
Hi Tilleke,
1) Im running Enigma with Gemini on it
2) Yes i’m using Webif and i can zap normally without lag or error (192.168.1.12), so port 80
3) I am using a WIFI connection and after 2 or 3 times pressing downwards in bouquets it comes with this error:
An error occurred on sub_modcommon_executeurl
Response code -1
Timeout
Continue?
4) i am using a HTC TD2 with WM6,1 pro
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your work
im a db fanatic and currently working on e2 image let me know if you need any help.
One small request:
Would be possible in future release to add a DyNdnS address facility ?
It already works...
I have a profile called "away" which I use to set timer-events when I am not at home. Set up a new profile and in the IP-address-field, just write your DynDNS-address and in the Port-field the port you are using.
You might, of course, need to enable portforwarding in your router-settings.
Hope this helps.
^^MeX^^ said:
Thanks for your work
im a db fanatic and currently working on e2 image let me know if you need any help.
One small request:
Would be possible in future release to add a DyNdnS address facility ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little bit offtopic:
Do you know which ports i have to forward in my router if i want to stream my dreambox-tv-program over internet with vlc?
Streaming in LAN works well, but i want to watch TV outside my home, too.
Hi,
I am trying out the Galaxy Tab and I find it to be rather nice to use. However, I have encountered an issue that I have not been able to resolve. I have a favorite web site that I go to at least once a day. It displays poorly with the text over writing other text, to the point it is almost unreadable. The default browser offers the option of Mobile or Standard. The site opens in mobile mode and so I selected Standard and the page gives we an error 404, if I remember correctly.
The other issue is, I need to open a link on the site page that displays a PDF document and another link that plays a MP3 audio file, while staying on the web page. The Galaxy Tab will not allow me to have both open. If I have the PDF file open, I can't get to the MP3 file. If I have the MP3 open, I can't open the PDF without closing the MP3.
I wonder if the site needs Java or some other software to make it display and function correctly? Any ideas what I could be doing wrong.
Strangely, My wife's iP#d1 handles this site with ease. Also, my Google Cr-48 handles it just fine. I am at a loss to figure this out. If I can't solve this problem, the Galaxy Tab goes back tomorrow as I am tired of messing with it.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
I've noticed a few pages the stock browser renders odd, such as quoted text here on xda. Opera mobile works fine, scrolls smoother, and doesn't have text input lag. I'd recommend it.
Thanks for your reply.
I tried Opera, Dolphin HD and Beta 6, Maxthon and of course the default, Chrome. They all produced the same result. So far, only Safari renders and allow the PDF and the audio file to run concurrently.
care to share the two sites hence we can try a work around. try typing the command about:debug in address and hit go. New options will appear in settings, try changing the uid to desktop and rendering normal and disable wide page display. Just for a try!
mughalgxt said:
care to share the two sites hence we can try a work around. try typing the command about:debug in address and hit go. New options will appear in settings, try changing the uid to desktop and rendering normal and disable wide page display. Just for a try!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the good tips. Those changes made the browser's display much better. It got rid of the garbled text. Question, will these changes remain after a re-boot or do I need to reset each time?
The other issue of not being able to have multitasking while on the subject site remains. The site that I am trying to fully access is www.torahclass.com. When I select the link to open the audio file and then open the PDF the audio quits. I cannot get back to the web page. If I am on the web page, I can't get back to the PDF.
I just spent one hour at Best Buy and they had five different phone/tablet knowledgeable staff take a turn a making it work. No luck! I asked if it would work on the HP TouchPad and their response was no. However, they claimed the multitasking could be done on the Playbook. We were not able to test their hypothesis due to the fact that the Playbook did not have access to their wi-fi.
So, I am beginning to think that this is an issue with Android and WebOS that remains to be solved by Google and HP. I like the Playbook, but I am concerned about RIM's future. Owners might end up with no support from the mfg.
Anyways, thank you both for your help.
try xiialive app, when clicking on an audio stream in browser choose to play with xiialive and once started press home and continue browsing with the stream playing in background! Issue resolved.
Works. Thank you.
In a moment of madness the other day, I ordered one of these devices. I've had some experience of Android on an HTC Wildfire & Archos 101 so thought it would be a relatively safe bet. But oh no.
Can't find a way to access photos on a Windows Media Connect server with the supplied apps & of course, there's no user guide supplied. Look online & the current user guide is for Gingerbread when the device has Froyo. So I thought I'd check & see if Gingerbread has been released in the UK & if that made any difference. Dear old Samsung can't be like other manufacturers & provide a simple "check for software update" in the settings menu, that would be far too simple. No, you need to download & install a Windows program & update via USB. Now while a PITA, would be just about acceptable if Samsung had ever in their history written a decent piece of Windows software - which they haven't. PC Studio & Emodio being two examples of flaky software with pigeon English. So no surprise whatsoever when Kies proves to be yet another piece of ****.
Anyone have any idea why Kies can't establish a USB connection to W7 despite the mass storage device connecting fine? Just sits there trying to connect. No errors, no timeout, just sits there.
When posting here, you really need to post your variant... 4.0 or 5.0?
I'm surprised you're still on Froyo - usually it's United States customers that get screwed on updates but both the 4.0 and 5.0 are on Gingerbread I'm fairly certain.
Apologies, too busy ranting, it's 5.0.
After trying an XP machine with another USB cable I've discovered that the device has to be manually placed into Kies mode under Settings > USB. Again, why can't they just prompt when the USB is connected like other manufacturers?!
Anyway, so now I finally have Kies running & it tells me that despite the current online manual being for Gingerbread, Froyo is the latest available. Think I'll just give up, send it back & write a big note to self never to buy anything from Samsung again.
"Anyone have any idea why Kies can't establish a USB connection to W7 despite the mass storage device connecting fine?"
Yes, because you have to set the USB mode to KIES mode. That is for Gingerbread; I do not know if that is the case for Froyo, or why you have the old system.
I have a 5.0, never used Kies and don't plan to. USB set on "Mass Storage", connects with USB instantly. I'm on W7. Must used USB cable provided (unless you're lucky and found another that works, many don't). Never used Media Connect, can't help you there, I just dragged all my MP3 into the extrernal SD card.
crocodile said:
In a moment of madness the other day, I ordered one of these devices. I've had some experience of Android on an HTC Wildfire & Archos 101 so thought it would be a relatively safe bet. But oh no.
Can't find a way to access photos on a Windows Media Connect server with the supplied apps & of course, there's no user guide supplied. Look online & the current user guide is for Gingerbread when the device has Froyo. So I thought I'd check & see if Gingerbread has been released in the UK & if that made any difference. Dear old Samsung can't be like other manufacturers & provide a simple "check for software update" in the settings menu, that would be far too simple. No, you need to download & install a Windows program & update via USB. Now while a PITA, would be just about acceptable if Samsung had ever in their history written a decent piece of Windows software - which they haven't. PC Studio & Emodio being two examples of flaky software with pigeon English. So no surprise whatsoever when Kies proves to be yet another piece of ****.
Anyone have any idea why Kies can't establish a USB connection to W7 despite the mass storage device connecting fine? Just sits there trying to connect. No errors, no timeout, just sits there.
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I have a 5.0 from the UK as well and the 2.3.5 Gingerbread ODIN version posted in the Android Dev section (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1389809) works fine on our devices. It even saves you the hassle of using Kies which is a giant pain.
As for Windows Media Connect, not exactly sure what protocol it uses but you may have some luck with the AllShare app provided by Samsung (unsure if it was included in the Froyo version but it is definitely standard in Gingerbread.) Hope you have some luck as it really is a great device once you get past the initial humps. Let us know how it goes.
Thanks guys.
markr041 said:
Yes, because you have to set the USB mode to KIES mode. That is for Gingerbread; I do not know if that is the case for Froyo, or why you have the old system.
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Worked that out in the end thanks. According to this thread, Gingerbread isn't released in the UK:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362386
n64_ali said:
I have a 5.0 from the UK as well ..
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Seen the Odin option but don't really want to start hacking in case it does need to go back. Haven't looked to see if Odin can revert back to Froyo. If it can I may give it a go but hearing reports that Gingerbread knackers the GPS receiver.
AFAIK, Media Connect is just another DLNA. The Gallery app seems to have no option to view anything on the LAN & AllShare seems to be limited to creating AV playlists. It can't view photos & every video file on my server is apparently in an "unsupported format"!
The hardware seems decent enough but I'm not sure I have the will or desire to source replacements for every pre-installed app. My worry going forward is that Samsung pull their usual stunt of "Here's a new model, we don't have to bother with the (6 month) old one now"...
I use File Expert to view/move files/pictures on my home PC, does a wireless connection (as do many explorers). FX File Explorer is also nice (as well as Astro and ES Strong). Most pre-installed apps on any device have much better free counter parts. I don't think I'm use anything that came with the phone (other than system stuff), and I'm not rooted (yet)... but will be so I can get rid of it all for good. Although there's tons of app space, so doesn't bother me much at the moment.
Music Player: Cubed
File Explorer: File Expert
Tasks: Any.do
Calls: GrooveIP
Mail: K9
Photos: Quickpic
Texting: Google Voice
Camera: Camera Zoom
Apps:: Appbrain
Calendar: Yes I am using default calendar! (with Simple Cal Widget)
Kindle Reader
Not much there that came with it!
tcat007 said:
I have a 5.0, never used Kies and don't plan to. USB set on "Mass Storage", connects with USB instantly. I'm on W7. Must used USB cable provided (unless you're lucky and found another that works, many don't). Never used Media Connect, can't help you there, I just dragged all my MP3 into the extrernal SD card.
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All of my USB cables work with the device (from N900, N950, various other phones) so I'm not sure why people have troubles with this. But I may just be lucky.
Re Windows Media Connect server, does the pre-installed app called "AllShare" not work?
lardman said:
Re Windows Media Connect server, does the pre-installed app called "AllShare" not work?
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crocodile said:
AllShare seems to be limited to creating AV playlists. It can't view photos & every video file on my server is apparently in an "unsupported format"!
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Can't be sure without any proper documentation but it appears to be limited as above.
I'm really not sure the device offers enough to make the effort of rooting in order to uninstall all the garbage worth while.
I'd like to think that the lack of an official Gingerbread release means Samsung are working on fixing the bugs. But my previous experience of their products makes me think otherwise.
Lack of Gingerbread is more likely something weird that's UK-specific... In the US, it's been Gingerbread from the beginning and I think international devices in the rest of the world are too.
I have never had good results with UPnP media format support on any device - even my PS3 is really damn finicky. However it's annoying that the G70 seems to have issues with UPnP streaming of stuff it plays locally.
I rarely view photos on my phone and haven't ever done it on the player, but in my case I have a Smugmug account so I just browse my galleries that way.
It seems like unfortunately your usage patterns are in a corner case where the device doesn't do so well. UPnP support is kinda "meh" - but as I said I've never seen any device where it wasn't. An iPod touch would probably do just as badly trying to browse photos via UPnP.
AllShare plays my HD video files on my server
"AllShare seems to be limited to creating AV playlists. It can't view photos & every video file on my server is apparently in an "unsupported format"!"
I have used AllShare. It sees all of my video files files on my server (just a home computer that shares). And I have played 640x480 AVI video files and a 720p wmv video file from my server smooth as butter and with great resolution on the SGP. It will not stream or play 1080p video files, however (which is in accord with the specs).
For what it's worth, I have no 720 files never mind 1080. AllShare can see them all (a mixture of AVI & MPG mostly) but won't play them. However, I can create a shortcut to them with ES FIle Explorer & play them all fine with Rockplayer. Guess I need to find a photo viewer than can do the same.
So i got myself an OBD bluetooth scanner and the Torque app...bloody brilliant.
So much information!
anyway, i cant seem to get it to upload data logs to the web viewer?
i have my account created and setup correctly but nothing in the web viewer when i log in.
Does anyone use the app and have any ideas on how to get this to work?
Secondary i have e-mailed myself some data logs and cant get them to open properly?
I cant seem to get Track Recorder to work with Torque Sync software, it stucks at Searching for Torque
Valiceemo said:
So i got myself an OBD bluetooth scanner and the Torque app...bloody brilliant.
So much information!
anyway, i cant seem to get it to upload data logs to the web viewer?
i have my account created and setup correctly but nothing in the web viewer when i log in.
Does anyone use the app and have any ideas on how to get this to work?
Secondary i have e-mailed myself some data logs and cant get them to open properly?
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I imagine the particular posters have found answers to their problems seeing as this thread
dates from 2014 but I thought it might be worthwhile answering all the same as I ran in to the same niggles when I began using this app so if anyone searching these issues subsequently may find some worth from my reply.
First of all as a far as experience and knowledge is concerned. Firstly with cars;fixing,modifying, engine management tuning, obd2, diagnostics. Basically my auto knowledge is extremely wide and extensive from approx 35 years of obsession and getting stuck in an the deep end whereas my knowledge and experience of computers and smart phone tech is on much, much shakier ground
In fact, for those of my vintage. i.e late 30s,early 40s remember when we were kids. and programmable VCRs were the height of cutting edga technology. Well I'm like the way our parents and grand parents were then. i.e pretty much baffled by it and even following the instructions it was hit and miss whether you actually managed to record that film rhat was on at 4am lol.
So for the second issue brought up by the OP it doesn't matter whether you email yourself the log file or not (I found the few times i tried it that the file wouldn't attach and when it did the problem was the same anyway) you need Microsoft Office or any other type of office suite to view the files. On the pc i have Microsoft office but had to download an app to my phone to view. csv files. Again an office suite that not only displays. csv files but puts them into a spreadsheet format is required.
As for the first issue it's preferable in every way to view the site. on a pc because on the phone display the actual box to sign into is off screen and takes a little bit of zooming out and seaching to find, the same goes after you have signed in when another box appears with a list of the logs files recorded and the tab to choose it. This is where my lack of fundamental computer/web knowledge comes in. I can't tell you why it doesn't sit nicely inti an easily accessible mobile format but it doesn't. Once you've found the first sign in box/pop up it becomes simple, annoying but simple.
As for there being nothing after signing into the webview site successfully all I can assume is either you've no log files to view which you should have if it's all been set up correctly, including choosing which PIDs to send to logfile or the pop up/window where you click on your logfiles is right off screen and has to be looked for. Of course you don't get that problem if accessed using your desktop.