2013-03-01, 14:19
With Windows 8 hybrid shutdown, it takes only 10 seconds to boot to the metro UI screen and I start xbmc manually by clicking the tile. I need explorer running for XBMConIMON to work correctly. 40 seconds boot time from SSD is high. By enabling hybrid shutdown you can reduce the boot time considerably. But the problem is that when you shutdown PC from XBMC's shutdown menu, it is a full shutdown and subsequent booting will take more time than boot from hybrid shutdown.
This is how I have configured my xbmc.
1. Installed XBMCLauncher as shell
2. Selected custom shutdown menu during installation which will replace the XBMC shutdown to hybrid instead of full shutdown.
3. Selected Add Power menu options to metro start during installation
4. Added XBMConIMON and iMON manager to start with the launcher.
5. Disabled autostart of XBMC
6. Enabled 'Start Metro UI when XBMC is closed'.
7. I have also changed the xbmclauncher script for green button to toggle between metro screen and desktop instead of starting xbmc. This version is not uploaded for download.
8. The launcher script is also modified to control TMT5 and WinDVD 11 using the same mce remote key codes.
So when I turn on the HTPC, XBMCLauncher loads and with it imon manager and xbmconimon. Since xbmc is not selected to run at startup, the metro UI starts. From the metro skin I can start xbmc or TMT5 or WinDVD as the case may be.
If you install the custom shutdown menu, it will enable hybrid shutdown which will result in faster booting. The custom shutdown works for confluence skin only. For other skins you may need to edit the shutdown menu manually.
This is how I have configured my xbmc.
1. Installed XBMCLauncher as shell
2. Selected custom shutdown menu during installation which will replace the XBMC shutdown to hybrid instead of full shutdown.
3. Selected Add Power menu options to metro start during installation
4. Added XBMConIMON and iMON manager to start with the launcher.
5. Disabled autostart of XBMC
6. Enabled 'Start Metro UI when XBMC is closed'.
7. I have also changed the xbmclauncher script for green button to toggle between metro screen and desktop instead of starting xbmc. This version is not uploaded for download.
8. The launcher script is also modified to control TMT5 and WinDVD 11 using the same mce remote key codes.
So when I turn on the HTPC, XBMCLauncher loads and with it imon manager and xbmconimon. Since xbmc is not selected to run at startup, the metro UI starts. From the metro skin I can start xbmc or TMT5 or WinDVD as the case may be.
If you install the custom shutdown menu, it will enable hybrid shutdown which will result in faster booting. The custom shutdown works for confluence skin only. For other skins you may need to edit the shutdown menu manually.