[Q] Extracting plugins from Archos 7IT - Gen8, Gen9, Gen10 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Good day to everyone! I have an "second-hand" archos, which apparently had cinema plugin (at least settings says "plugins registered") so i have a question - how(and if) i can extract those plugins to use them in case of firmware failure or for example in alternative firmware? Thanks!

You can't.
The cinemaplugin switches on something in the device, that than is used by the
installed archos android.
If the cinema plugin is registered it directly works in archos, or uruk.
But just because it says that plugins are registered, doesn't mean it's the cinem plugin.

Is there anyway to confirm it is installed other than using a video with AC3 as I understand some apps will run AC3 anyway?

no.
The std videoplayer doesn't play ac3 without the plugin.

Related

Can someone still running 2.1 try to extract the cinema plugin pack?

Archos ships these things with the entire cinema plugin pack installed.
Then they push the 2.2 update that not only cuts CPU speed, but also removes the plugin pack.
Now they want $15 to restore the A/V functionality with which the unit shipped.
Yeah, we can use z4root to take back the processor speed, but I haven't seen anything we can do to take back the A/V functionality.
The way I see it, this can't be viewed as piracy. The units shipped with these codecs. If someone can liberate them from the original ROM, we're simply reinstalling software that was licensed to us from the beginning.
I was just hitting the update on my second 70. What would work to extract? Like an astro app backup?
Terminal
I typically use the terminal emulator. All you have to do is run z4root, then open terminal emulator.
type
Code:
su
(enter)
yes to root access
then copy the apk to either the internal memory or your sd card.
you can find your apps located in /data/app or /system/app or /system
so do something like this:
Code:
cd /data/app
ls *media*
(once you find the name remember it, lets say that it is com.mediacodecs)
cp ./com.mediacodecs.apk /mnt/sdcard (or /mnt/data for internal)
then use either dropbox to copy the apk to dropbox or hook it up to a computer to copy the apk off
Unfortunately, I don't think it's an APK.
I'm pretty sure it comes in Archos' proprietary AOS format, but I've got no idea what happens with it after it gets installed.
The only aos I can see is my froyo update.
The apk itself is 584K and from 9/14.
I think its not a apk, the media pack update pack is very small, it only unlocks some features in the player, the codecs are still installed.
I've played all kinds of Xvid and x264 MKV files in both 2.1 and 2.2. And the only thing it ever prompted me to buy the plugin for was for AC3 audio. And it did that in 2.1 too.
I think theres a lot of misconceptions about the AC3 playback problem - my A70 is still able to playback video with AC3 and I'm on 2.2. Everything it would play on 2.1 still plays on 2.2, however some mkv files are requesting the AC3 plugin - but as I didn't try to play these prior to upgrading and don't know if the same would have happened under 2.1. All in all its a bonus that it still plays any AC3 as it was always stated that a plugin was required, and in fact has always been req'd on archos devices . Vplayer seems to cope with mpeg2 and AC3 anyway.
I bought the plugin for 2.2 since none of my h.264 AC3 mkv's would play after the update. The same files worked on the OOB 2.1 firmware. Also, I really prefer the Archos Video app since it's performance is far better than anything else I've tried (probably because it's made to take full advantage of their hardware).
It's correct that the "plugin" that you download is only a small file (840B) that unlocks the feature already present on the device. And the unlock file is hardcoded to your serial# so it won't work on another...
so how about pulling the music and video apks and have them work on my evo?
i really do love their video player.
madsquabbles said:
so how about pulling the music and video apks and have them work on my evo?
I really do love their video player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does the evo have the same CPU and DSP? Archos' forte is in their hardware video optimisations - would a 3rd party manage to be as successful as archos?
... Besides, Archos' software is integrated into the ROM and is probably encrypted (i'm guessing) and so i'm sure that it would not be as simple as pulling a few APK's.
I say YES to enabling AC3 or the plugins but NO to ripping off archos by stealing their USP and distributing it across the shop...
madsquabbles said:
so how about pulling the music and video apks and have them work on my evo?
i really do love their video player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it. When I get to the installation part it fails, but if you want to try it here is the apk: http://db.tt/ZW91bMI
Here is the apk for the file manager too: http://db.tt/aimR68r
Unless it's the same architecture as the Gen8 it's useless to try. The reason the player works so well is because it's optimized to take advantage of the Gen8's hardware. Putting on a different architecture would basically take away all it's advantages even if it did install and run.
laptopfreek0 said:
I tried it. When I get to the installation part it fails, but if you want to try it here is the apk: http://db.tt/ZW91bMI
Here is the apk for the file manager too: http://db.tt/aimR68r
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's interesting... does the filemanager apk work though?
bbop said:
that's interesting... does the filemanager apk work though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so far. Keep getting an Application not installed error. I haven't tried pushing it to /data/app yet.
bbop said:
I say YES to enabling AC3 or the plugins but NO to ripping off archos by stealing their USP and distributing it across the shop...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if that's considered warez then forget that i asked. it'd be nice to buy it aftermarket though.
madsquabbles said:
if that's considered warez then forget that i asked. it'd be nice to buy it aftermarket though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that both are illegal... I was just expressing my own dubious moral limits - I wouldn't mind stealing an AC3 codec (which should be included anyway grrr) but Archos' media software is their bread and butter - taking that would be damaging a company that's still small enough to be considered an underdog. Archos seem to be genuinely trying in my book and that is pretty rare so I would prefer that they had the best chances to see it through.
If archos were to sell their media software seperately i think they would lose a lot of their competitive advantage. Their software would be more easily copied for instance and their own players devalued. An example of a potential decline in this aspect could be sega's loss of their hard ware business.
sorry for the OT
Hi there, i own an Archos 70IT for two weeks and kept it still running on version 1.0.73. I'm planning to upgrade the device witin the next few days, but if i can do any favour to the community according to the 2.1 software-release, please let me know.
just buy the cinema pack. it's worth it
The cinema pack is only $15
Now i can play RMVB/RM files as promised by Archos.
nam265 said:
The cinema pack is only $15
Now i can play RMVB/RM files as promised by Archos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not worth it to succumb to a bait and switch, sorry.

UpnPlay + XBMC + Moboplayer == :D :D

Hi All,
Had the tab for about 2 weeks now - have owned Android phones for 3 years.
I was looking for a good way to stream stuff from my media server (running Windows) but then remembered that XBMC can be a UPnP server - I also have a Linux XBMC box.
So - downloaded UpnPlay from the market and am using Moboplayer to view locally - and it works great!
But the real extra bonus is using the Tab as a remote control for XBMC! You can select whether your playlist runs on the Tablet or on the XBMC box - makes it really easy to build playlists and mess around with them.
Anyway - if you already have an XBMC box - definitely give it a try!
xnappo
You can also do this with GMote (search in Market; I'm not trustworthy enough to post links, apparently).
xnappo said:
Hi All,
Had the tab for about 2 weeks now - have owned Android phones for 3 years.
I was looking for a good way to stream stuff from my media server (running Windows) but then remembered that XBMC can be a UPnP server - I also have a Linux XBMC box.
So - downloaded UpnPlay from the market and am using Moboplayer to view locally - and it works great!
But the real extra bonus is using the Tab as a remote control for XBMC! You can select whether your playlist runs on the Tablet or on the XBMC box - makes it really easy to build playlists and mess around with them.
Anyway - if you already have an XBMC box - definitely give it a try!
xnappo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would you mind elaborating on what exactly you did to get it to work?
cnstarz said:
would you mind elaborating on what exactly you did to get it to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is actually really simple. In XBMC, go to settings/network. Enable UPnP (I believe it is the first choice ) and that's it for the computer. Install upnplay and moboplayer in the tab and you're good to go. When you run upnplay, you should see your media server right away. Mind you, the interface is really clunky and I can't seem to pick the correct movie on the first try (it chooses one item below when you first choose, but then seems to work OK), but currently it is the best solution to streaming from XBMC.
How well does it stream MKV files to the tab?
I've been using PS3 Media Server and it works well with most file types, but struggles with MKV.
hoodoomagic said:
How well does it stream MKV files to the tab?
I've been using PS3 Media Server and it works well with most file types, but struggles with MKV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't really come into play i don't think. It is not doing any encoding or anything - just serving the file. So it will play as well as Moboplayer and your WiFi speed allow. No better, no worse.
xnappo
hey all, great to hear that you got it working through xbmc and ps3. I have a slightly different setup. I am using my PC. the upnplay program on my tab does detect my comp and the files but unfortunately unable to play them. Do you know what could be the problem? Funny is, when i transfer the same file onto my tab, i can play using mobo perfectly without any problems.
the only files that the upnplay detects without a problem are those i have recorded using my phone. It's quite weird though. Is it the program ( upnplay ) that is not working properly?

Cinema Plug-In in general and - worth it?

Hi,
recently I wanted to stream content from my PC and my archos asked for the cinema plug-in.
Actualy several question came into my mind as I thought about bying it:
1.) What exactly is it? Just some codecs - so the archos default videoplayer can play MPEG2,..?
2.) As I don't use the stock ROM - will it work on custom rom's too (UrukDroid)? Dont't think Crayogen will work as it doesn't has the archos player app - am I right?
3.) Wouldnt it be more easy to use another videoplayer instead (-> different ROM usage possible, cheaper then 15€ propably,...) ? Can u give me an advice wich app is worth it if so?
4.) What about hardware decoding then?
5.) What about UPNP capability of other players? Already had UPnPlay - but seems to be qute slow atm.
6.) Oh and one last question abut the Plug-in: I read its enabled in several stock Rom verion atm - did they disable in latest 81 again or is it still enabled?
Well - hope i find some help.
greetings
FrEcP
FrEcP said:
Hi,
recently I wanted to stream content from my PC and my archos asked for the cinema plug-in.
Actualy several question came into my mind as I thought about bying it:
1.) What exactly is it? Just some codecs - so the archos default videoplayer can play MPEG2,..?
2.) As I don't use the stock ROM - will it work on custom rom's too (UrukDroid)? Dont't think Crayogen will work as it doesn't has the archos player app - am I right?
3.) Wouldnt it be more easy to use another videoplayer instead (-> different ROM usage possible, cheaper then 15€ propably,...) ? Can u give me an advice wich app is worth it if so?
4.) What about hardware decoding then?
5.) What about UPNP capability of other players? Already had UPnPlay - but seems to be qute slow atm.
6.) Oh and one last question abut the Plug-in: I read its enabled in several stock Rom verion atm - did they disable in latest 81 again or is it still enabled?
Well - hope i find some help.
greetings
FrEcP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Actually we all have the codecs, the plugin just watermarks the device so the codecs are "free" so we can use it.
2) I dont know if its gona work on Urukdroid, i think no because urukdroid have its own partition..
3) The other video players arent so good as the archos video player because the most of them doht have 4)&5)
6) The cinema plugin is disabled on firmware 2.3.26
Tip:
I have the openAOS boot menu with Urukdroid as normal os and the archos android 2.3.26 for watching movies from my hdd
(You can find instructions in my thread at general section)
I know that since the 4th to last firmware it is free for everyone, don't know if it's been blocked again in the last version but it still works in urukdroid, that I can say for shure
TjaXanK said:
I know that since the 4th to last firmware it is free for everyone, don't know if it's been blocked again in the last version but it still works in urukdroid, that I can say for shure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cinema plugin was "disabled" on firmware 2.3.20 and 2.3.26
In the newest 2.3.81 you need the plugin.. so on 2.3.20 and 2.3.26 it was a failure from archos
I bought the plug-in.
I tried first to install the plug-in on urukdroid but got an error.
Also after 3 times. Then I switch to Android directly the plug-in installed successfully. Back to urukdroid and tried once, but still the error. Then I checked the plug-in status in the settings and saw that the cinema plug-in was installed. Tried to play a video with ac3 audio and was working.
I ordered the plug-in on pluginsky.us for 15$.
I received the key after one business day.
Sent from my A101IT using XDA Premium App
Hey guys - thanks for all your help...
So I think i stay with the version of Lenn for now and perhaps buy it one day if we get a propper upgrade to at least Gingerbread.
Lenn can u provide a link to their servers containing FW .36? can find it anymore and I sadly overwrote my file on my HD with the .81 FW
greetings
FrEcP
EDIT:
Damn - another problem showed up - dunno if it happens for any of u - but the default video player f***s up my sound somehow.
The whole sound sounds strange and blurry unless ich change balance completely to one side - then it sounding "hearable" but still not right (btw the balance deosn't chance the balance actualy for me)
What i tested for now is:
Uruk 1.0 with default Video player: sound crappy
Uruk 1.0 with RockPlayer: sound crappy
FW .81 with default Video player: sound crappy
FW .81 with RockPlayer: sound fine
Well as this is not topic regarded anymore we better close this thread and i open a new one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16066988#post16066988
Well personally I think its lame that Archos does that ****.i
With that Cinema Plug-In...
I just convert my video's with Hamster Free Video Converter it has a special feature for the Archos 10i but it works fine with Archos 70it.
Just Google it But here is the link to the site I have scanned the files : OK .
Well here is the link : http://videoconverter.hamstersoft.com/en/
If you have the money buy it if you want to save up and buy a case use the Converter...
(Hit thanks if helped )
I bought the Cinema plugin because some 40% of my movies were AC3-encoded. Didn't feel like paying $15 for it, but in the end I bought it from archos.com.
Then I installed UrukDroid 1.5 and saw that the plugin was recognized. It would have been pretty sucky for it not to work in UrukDroid.
so here is my sick question
if it works: buying and then use UrukDroid; shouldn't it be also work then to inst v2.3.20 or 2.3.26 of stock FW and run any UrukDroid?
EDIT:
will try just download the FW:
http://update.archos.com/8/gen8/gen8_2.3.26/firmware_archos_android_gen8.aos
2nd EDIT:
k - seems i have to downgrade for - let see if this:
http://www.androidtablets.net/forum...8-device-28-32-43-70-101-2-0-71-2-0-54-a.html
works.
3rd EDIT:
downgrade work - plugin of .3.26 sadly not - even its telling registered (perhaps this is also the freeplugins)
I just want to point out that every player has UPNP and SMB capability on the Archos, even if it's not obvious. Just navigate in the filesystem to /sdcard/network, which is where the mountpoints are.
macemoneta said:
I just want to point out that every player has UPNP and SMB capability on the Archos, even if it's not obvious. Just navigate in the filesystem to /sdcard/network, which is where the mountpoints are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well y i find the network folder "/mnt/storage/network" or "/storage/network" wich should be the same symlinked propably
Thanks for this - nice to know.
Anyway it brings me back to another / old problem - as all what is in those folders are "not_allowed" folders due to unsufficiend rights and the missing capability of my archos to connect to win7 shares

[Q] DLNA and a non-VAiO System

Omg, Is there any way to use the Windows Home Server ( WMC ) with this tablet?
I am able to connect from tablet to pc I can play the music I have stored on my harddisk so thats not the problem but I don't see my tablet quite frustrating,
Because my pc doesn't have the VAiO Server it isn't able to stream music by one click also my XBOX360 can not be used in that order,
PS3 - yes ofcourse that works for me vice versa Duuh Sony system.
Sony Experia S - Again no problem again duuh Sony system.
Samsung Galaxy S2 - a little weird but it is working but not worth it.
Samsung Galaxy tab 10.1v - Not working but thats not necessary.
I am not an idiot I know what I am doing, but this just seems to be unaccesable
From Normal Windows 7 64x Home server Pc to VAiO Server Sony Tabet S
I know it sounds rediculous to connect Sony with Microsoft but after all a VAiO Laptop does run on Windows to
This is getting annoying >> Please dont mind my English
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm honestly not sure what's going on since I'd never even heard of Vaio server. To provide an overview that might help:
DLNA is a universal protocol implemented by many modern products and is not a Sony-specific thing (although Sony had a big part in designing it). When using DLNA, a device is usually considered a server, player (aka renderer) or controller but many devices combine these roles. For example, the Sony is both a renderer (when using the DNLA app) and a server (when using the Music app's Throw function for example).
What I think you were saying is that you can't play the media stored on your tablet from your WMC. If this is the case, it's because the Tablet S's DLNA implementation is on-demand. From the device, you need to open a video or song in Sony's Video Player or Music app, and then choose the Throw option. From there, any of your DLNA renderers on the network should appear as an option. If you want to be able to browse your Tablet's content and play media directly, try installing something like iMediaShare on your Tablet.
Windows support for DLNA is a bit shaky. Windows Media Player 11 can act as a server but requires configuration for each device you want to play to. Your best bet is to install a third-party DLNA-compliant server (such as PS3 Media Server, TVersity or similar) on your WMC, then it should appear as a server in your Tablet S's DLNA application.
If you could try and be a little clearer as to what exactly wasn't working and what you're trying I should be able to help out a bit more.
Yes I tought a VAiO Server was nessasary but it aint or should i say there isn't any,
I think I misread something on the internet and yes for example
When I play a song om my tablet and want my pc to play that song too, Where DLNA was made for, but I geuss only Sony Certified devices are supported, I am going to try iMediaShare maby that will give me more info thanks for your reply +1!
I didnt think DLNA worked overly well on the ps3 with a tablet s?
Least not the throw ablity?
Out of interest does anyone know any good apps to supplement the tablets dlna?
I d love to be able to browse my NAS using the tablet, or browse the web and throw the content to my tv using the ps3
Narzsa said:
I didnt think DLNA worked overly well on the ps3 with a tablet s?
Least not the throw ablity?
Out of interest does anyone know any good apps to supplement the tablets dlna?
I d love to be able to browse my NAS using the tablet, or browse the web and throw the content to my tv using the ps3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, this is getting very confusing, but I'll try and help Narzsa
You can use something like iMediaShare and then you can browse the Tablet S from the PS3's XMB. If you don't need the browse function, throwing music or videos should work, but I haven't tried it personally. If your NAS is DLNA-capable (required no matter which direction or what function you're using) then you should be able to see the NAS in the included DLNA app, and then browse to the content you want.
Unfortunately, Web content is a whole different deal. Unless the Web content you're talking about is a video file with a direct link that can be opened in the stock Video Player app, then it's not possible. In that specific case, using the Throw button and choosing your TV should work okay.
If you have any other Q's try and be very specific as to what you're trying to do
Yeah its hard to get this done
But I haven't lost hope (yet). xD its hard to understand all those hard sentences because of the language
barrier, so I have to find out somewere else in dutch for example, I do understand English but its getting
too hard with all this together xD # Feeling little embarrassed
Thanks for your help I certainly can do something with this info so I will do my best +1 "Again"
agc93 said:
Okay, this is getting very confusing, but I'll try and help Narzsa
You can use something like iMediaShare and then you can browse the Tablet S from the PS3's XMB. If you don't need the browse function, throwing music or videos should work, but I haven't tried it personally. If your NAS is DLNA-capable (required no matter which direction or what function you're using) then you should be able to see the NAS in the included DLNA app, and then browse to the content you want.
Unfortunately, Web content is a whole different deal. Unless the Web content you're talking about is a video file with a direct link that can be opened in the stock Video Player app, then it's not possible. In that specific case, using the Throw button and choosing your TV should work okay.
If you have any other Q's try and be very specific as to what you're trying to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bugger, so the throw ablity is only available in the stock app? I take it there is no way to extend its supported file formats as its immensely limited and wont play half of my stuff
No problem Mahaco, sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.
And Narzsa, yes, the Throw function is a custom Sony addition as Android's stock apps do not include DLNA functionality. There is no way to extend the stock app's compatible video files. The stock version uses a hardware decoding function for reliability and efficiency and is therefore limited to the video file types that the hardware supports (found here).
Your only option would be to hope that there is a third party (software-decoding) video player with DLNA built-in. I haven't seen one personally, but there might be one so try searching the Play Store.
PS:All my videos are nicely encoded for my multiple devices, so I can use the stock player, hence I'm not too sure about the third-party ones
Bugger, nearly all of my stuff wont run on the tablet (though it will for the ps3 funnily lol)
Any one know of any good third party replacement software for the stock app?
ES file explorer works well for me. With multiple video handling applications I chose which one is best for each file,
Narzsa said:
Bugger, nearly all of my stuff wont run on the tablet (though it will for the ps3 funnily lol)
Any one know of any good third party replacement software for the stock app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Bubble upnp on your tablet, this lets you view/browse all your files from the PS3 media server/ (or install something like Serviio on your pc and point it at your NAS), select one and play to your tv, (assuming it's DLNA), or playing the file on the tablet, although you'll need a decent videoplayer app like Diceplayer rather than the rubbish stock one.
I use Bubble UPNP with MX Video to render from PS3 Media Server. Bubble UPNP also includes a built-in server for offerring, but I haven't use that function yet.

[Q] Throw not working

Hi everybody,
I can't make throw work between my Tablet S (4.03 r5a) and my Sony Bravia KDL-32EX405. Everytime I try to play a music file or a video file I get the "cannot play track" message on the tablet.
I already checked the config on the TV and the tablet appear as a recognized device. It is not a matter of file compatibility as I can play the exact same files from my computer through DLNA.
Any idea?
Thanks!
Harerton
it could be the your tv does not support certain file format, happened to me when i tried the throw function, i was using an ex720 series tv, does the tablet show up on your tv`s registered devicelist?
Sent from my SGPT13 using xda app-developers app
harerton said:
Hi everybody, I can't make throw work between my Tablet S (4.03 r5a) and my Sony Bravia KDL-32EX405. Everytime I try to play a music file or a video file I get the "cannot play track" message on the tablet. I already checked the config on the TV and the tablet appear as a recognized device. It is not a matter of file compatibility as I can play the exact same files from my computer through DLNA. Any idea? Thanks! Harerton
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony's KDL-32EX405 is extremely limited in its support of file formats via DLNA and USB. This is common for early HDTV designs and I suspect it is the source of your problem.
Link to esupport.sony.com for KDL-32EX405 Supported File Formats for DLNA® and USB Compatible Sony® TVs.
Cat McGowan said:
Sony's KDL-32EX405 is extremely limited in its support of file formats via DLNA and USB. This is common for early HDTV designs and I suspect it is the source of your problem.
Link to esupport.sony.com for KDL-32EX405 Supported File Formats for DLNA® and USB Compatible Sony® TVs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, the tablet appears as a registered device in the TV settings and I can access the exact same files stored in my computer from the TV, so it does not seem to me a problem of compatibility!
Harerton
I just discovered that "play to" in Windows Media Player is also not working (the file was a MP3).
Playto works for me, but I have a samsung smart 3d tv. Try upnplay from the market, works quite well.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk 2

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