[booth1983]

I have a problem with the Advanced Launcher.

I configured it, that when an external program starts, that the music keeps playing. But as soon as the song, that was playing when i startet the external program comes to an end, the music stops. The next song in the list (with manually and automaticly created playlists) doesn't start.

Any suggestions?

Greets & thanks

PS: XBMC is running on WinXP Pro with SP3

[blunted1]

Fellow XBMC users,

I'm having a difficult time getting Advanced Launcher to work properly with 'Nestopia' the NES emulator I've been using. I have nestopia running fine in XBMCbuntu with my USB controller mapped correctly and video/sound play great. Now I'd like for Advanced Launcher to start this working configuration directly from XBMC.

It is my understanding that XBMCbuntu doesn't start any window manager by default which tends to cause problems for programs outside of XBMC. Thus, I've been trying to use this script to properly run nestopia.

Code:

#!/bin/bash
killall -STOP xbmc.bin
openbox &
/usr/local/bin/nestopia "$1"
killall -9 openbox
killall -CONT xbmc.bin

When I run the above script I get a completely blank screen. I can see via ssh that nestopia was properly started /usr/local/bin/nestopia /path/to/roms/rom.zip and I see an 'openbox' process has started as well, but nothing to work with on screen and no input from keyboard or gamepad. Forced to reboot.

What am I missing here?

FYI, I'm running these versions:

Ubuntu 12.10 - XBMCbuntu
XBMC Version: 2:12.2~git20130502.1706-frodo-0quantal
Nestopia - 1.45 (compiled from source)

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
blunted1

[Angelscry]

I have a problem with the Advanced Launcher.

I configured it, that when an external program starts, that the music keeps playing. But as soon as the song, that was playing when i startet the external program comes to an end, the music stops. The next song in the list (with manually and automaticly created playlists) doesn't start.

Any suggestions?

Greets & thanks

PS: XBMC is running on WinXP Pro with SP3

When it happens, when you return to XBMC, the song is playing XBMC (but you do not hear the sound) or the song is stopped. If it is the second case, that's mean that XBMC seems to had the focus to switch to another song, and I cannot fix this from XBMC.

---

Fellow XBMC users,

I'm having a difficult time getting Advanced Launcher to work properly with 'Nestopia' the NES emulator I've been using. I have nestopia running fine in XBMCbuntu with my USB controller mapped correctly and video/sound play great. Now I'd like for Advanced Launcher to start this working configuration directly from XBMC.

It is my understanding that XBMCbuntu doesn't start any window manager by default which tends to cause problems for programs outside of XBMC. Thus, I've been trying to use this script to properly run nestopia.

Code:

#!/bin/bash
killall -STOP xbmc.bin
openbox &
/usr/local/bin/nestopia "$1"
killall -9 openbox
killall -CONT xbmc.bin

When I run the above script I get a completely blank screen. I can see via ssh that nestopia was properly started /usr/local/bin/nestopia /path/to/roms/rom.zip and I see an 'openbox' process has started as well, but nothing to work with on screen and no input from keyboard or gamepad. Forced to reboot.

What am I missing here?

FYI, I'm running these versions:

Ubuntu 12.10 - XBMCbuntu
XBMC Version: 2:12.2~git20130502.1706-frodo-0quantal
Nestopia - 1.45 (compiled from source)

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
blunted1

Have you tried to go into Advanced Launcher settings > Miscellaneous > Delay and try to increase the value from 1000ms to 5000ms (for example)? On low config, XBMC take time to loose focus and could give a black screen if an application like Nestopia is started.

[blunted1]

Have you tried to go into Advanced Launcher settings > Miscellaneous > Delay and try to increase the value from 1000ms to 5000ms (for example)? On low config, XBMC take time to loose focus and could give a black screen if an application like Nestopia is started.

I went into Advanced Launcher settings and made the requested change from 1000ms to 5000ms. Still not starting nestopia. When investigating it further via ssh I see it's started openbox and nestopia as processes. If I manually run the same script from command line it will start nestopia and allow me to play games.

Should I bump that delay up even further or look elsewhere?

Thanks,
b1

[Angelscry]

Have you tried to go into Advanced Launcher settings > Miscellaneous > Delay and try to increase the value from 1000ms to 5000ms (for example)? On low config, XBMC take time to loose focus and could give a black screen if an application like Nestopia is started.

I went into Advanced Launcher settings and made the requested change from 1000ms to 5000ms. Still not starting nestopia. When investigating it further via ssh I see it's started openbox and nestopia as processes. If I manually run the same script from command line it will start nestopia and allow me to play games.

Should I bump that delay up even further or look elsewhere?

Thanks,
b1

You can try to increase the delay to its maximum.... and see if it change something or not. You can also try to go into your launcher advanced settings and try to switch the "Toogle XBMC into Windows mode" option to OFF or ON depending your actual value.

[booth1983]

I have a problem with the Advanced Launcher.

I configured it, that when an external program starts, that the music keeps playing. But as soon as the song, that was playing when i startet the external program comes to an end, the music stops. The next song in the list (with manually and automaticly created playlists) doesn't start.

Any suggestions?

Greets & thanks

PS: XBMC is running on WinXP Pro with SP3

When it happens, when you return to XBMC, the song is playing XBMC (but you do not hear the sound) or the song is stopped. If it is the second case, that's mean that XBMC seems to had the focus to switch to another song, and I cannot fix this from XBMC.

The song stopped. So if I interpred correctly, according to your post, it's not a advanced launcher problem, it's an xbmc problem.

[Angelscry]

I have a problem with the Advanced Launcher.

I configured it, that when an external program starts, that the music keeps playing. But as soon as the song, that was playing when i startet the external program comes to an end, the music stops. The next song in the list (with manually and automaticly created playlists) doesn't start.

Any suggestions?

Greets & thanks

PS: XBMC is running on WinXP Pro with SP3

When it happens, when you return to XBMC, the song is playing XBMC (but you do not hear the sound) or the song is stopped. If it is the second case, that's mean that XBMC seems to had the focus to switch to another song, and I cannot fix this from XBMC.

The song stopped. So if I interpred correctly, according to your post, it's not a advanced launcher problem, it's an xbmc problem.

You may be able to confirm it by starting playing songs of your playlist, reduce XBMC (using "\" key), then use another software on your system (XBMC must not have the focus) until the end of the first song... and see what happen.

[mike351]

When it happens, when you return to XBMC, the song is playing XBMC (but you do not hear the sound) or the song is stopped. If it is the second case, that's mean that XBMC seems to had the focus to switch to another song, and I cannot fix this from XBMC.

The song stopped. So if I interpred correctly, according to your post, it's not a advanced launcher problem, it's an xbmc problem.

You may be able to confirm it by starting playing songs of your playlist, reduce XBMC (using "\" key), then use another software on your system (XBMC must not have the focus) until the end of the first song... and see what happen.

As mentioned in another thread, I have this exact same problem, and have carried out some tests.

If XBMC is switched out of focus with ALT+TAB, and another program is run, it continues to play all the songs in the folder.

If I use Advanced Launcher to launch my program, the current song plays to the end and then stops.

My setup is Windows 7, XBMC 12.2 with the following add-ons: Advanced Launcher, Resume and Confluence Customizable Mod (skin).

Mike

[Platypus2]

I'm trying to launch (Arcsoft) Total media theater, but it seems like it Advanced Launcher does nothing.

Its works with fullscreen window instead of true fullscreen but I had hoped it would just minimize xbmc and launch...but it doesn't :S. I tried playercorefactory but that seemed to crash / hang so thought I would just launch straight into TMT through advanced launcher but it doesn't seem to work either.

Is there anyway to force xbmc to minimize? I tried doing .bat as well, which from desktop works fine but won't launch from Advanced Launcher in fullscreen either - is there a way to minimize xbmc and run a .bat if there isn't another solution?

[Angelscry]

I'm trying to launch (Arcsoft) Total media theater, but it seems like it Advanced Launcher does nothing.

Its works with fullscreen window instead of true fullscreen but I had hoped it would just minimize xbmc and launch...but it doesn't :S. I tried playercorefactory but that seemed to crash / hang so thought I would just lhave to unch straight into TMT through advanced launcher but it doesn't seem to work either.

Is there anyway to force xbmc to minimize? I tried doing .bat as well, which from desktop works fine but won't launch from Advanced Launcher in fullscreen either - is there a way to minimize xbmc and run a .bat if there isn't another solution?

If you go into your launcher "Advanced Options", you will see an option to "Force XBMC to toggle into windowed mode" before starting your application. It will surely help. By default XBMC is let into fullscren (fullscreen window or true fullscreen mode). There is no option into Advanced Launcher to minimize XBMC (there is no really reasons to do so). But, if you want to do so, you must do it using your own .bat script.

For .bat scripts you must have to know that they are started hidden by default by Advanced Launcher. To see the related command windows, go into Advanced Launcher settings > Advanced > Debug Options > and activate the "Show batch command window" option.
.
Finally if your .bat script is not working corretly, so it means that you have an error into your script. To be able to see this reported error : start XBMC from a command prompt window. The error message of the application started by Advanced Launcher will be reported into the same command prompt window.

[mike351]

I figured a back to basics approach was needed, to see if anything might be interfering with your add-on, so I installed a vanilla copy of XBMC on another machine, with only your add-on. In this configuration, I noticed something different right away.

On the media centre pc which has all the other add-ons, when I select my external program, XBMC is completely minimised and my program is the only thing visible on the desktop. On my vanilla install, when I select my external program, XBMC remains visible, but out of focus, with my external program also visible, but in focus.

Perhaps it is one of the other two add-ons, either Confluence Customisable Mod or XBMC Resume, conflicts with your add-on.

I will run some more tests a bit later on, when I get some more time.

Mike

[Angelscry]

I figured a back to basics approach was needed, to see if anything might be interfering with your add-on, so I installed a vanilla copy of XBMC on another machine, with only your add-on. In this configuration, I noticed something different right away.

On the media centre pc which has all the other add-ons, when I select my external program, XBMC is completely minimised and my program is the only thing visible on the desktop. On my vanilla install, when I select my external program, XBMC remains visible, but out of focus, with my external program also visible, but in focus.

Perhaps it is one of the other two add-ons, either Confluence Customisable Mod or XBMC Resume, conflicts with your add-on.

I will run some more tests a bit later on, when I get some more time.

Mike

I just made a test on my linux system... but I was not able to reproduce your problem. I was using XBMC to play a folder containing MP3 files, and use at the same time Advanced Launcher to start VLC and play a video. Both, video and MP3 was playing correctly. I can hear the audio from the 2 sources at the same time. Also, once a MP3 file is finished, the next one is started automatically correctly. So... the problem could be effectively linked to something external to Advanced launcher, probably another add-on. I'm not sure it could be linked to a skin. It could be an addon that is running into background and that could be related to XBMC media player state.

---

On the media centre pc which has all the other add-ons, when I select my external program, XBMC is completely minimised and my program is the only thing visible on the desktop. On my vanilla install, when I select my external program, XBMC remains visible, but out of focus, with my external program also visible, but in focus.

As I just wrote to Platypus2, Advanced Launcher do not reduce XBMC but just let into into Window Mode or put into into window. So your vanilla install of XBMC is working as expected.

[mike351]

I figured a back to basics approach was needed, to see if anything might be interfering with your add-on, so I installed a vanilla copy of XBMC on another machine, with only your add-on. In this configuration, I noticed something different right away.

On the media centre pc which has all the other add-ons, when I select my external program, XBMC is completely minimised and my program is the only thing visible on the desktop. On my vanilla install, when I select my external program, XBMC remains visible, but out of focus, with my external program also visible, but in focus.

Perhaps it is one of the other two add-ons, either Confluence Customisable Mod or XBMC Resume, conflicts with your add-on.

I will run some more tests a bit later on, when I get some more time.

Mike

I just made a test on my linux system... but I was not able to reproduce your problem. I was using XBMC to play a folder containing MP3 files, and use at the same time Advanced Launcher to start VLC and play a video. Both, video and MP3 was playing correctly. I can hear the audio from the 2 sources at the same time. Also, once a MP3 file is finished, the next one is started automatically correctly. So... the problem could be effectively linked to something external to Advanced launcher, probably another add-on. I'm not sure it could be linked to a skin. It could be an addon that is running into background and that could be related to XBMC media player state.

---

On the media centre pc which has all the other add-ons, when I select my external program, XBMC is completely minimised and my program is the only thing visible on the desktop. On my vanilla install, when I select my external program, XBMC remains visible, but out of focus, with my external program also visible, but in focus.

As I just wrote to Platypus2, Advanced Launcher do not reduce XBMC but just let into into Window Mode or put into into window. So your vanilla install of XBMC is working as expected.

On my vanilla XBMC I have now installed XBMC Resume and Confluence Customisable Mod, and the issue isn't coming up. I believe I have also kept the settings the same as my media centre pc, so right now I am at a loss as to why I have this issue on one machine and not the other.

I'll keep looking to see if I can find what is causing the issue.

Mike

---

I figured a back to basics approach was needed, to see if anything might be interfering with your add-on, so I installed a vanilla copy of XBMC on another machine, with only your add-on. In this configuration, I noticed something different right away.

On the media centre pc which has all the other add-ons, when I select my external program, XBMC is completely minimised and my program is the only thing visible on the desktop. On my vanilla install, when I select my external program, XBMC remains visible, but out of focus, with my external program also visible, but in focus.

Perhaps it is one of the other two add-ons, either Confluence Customisable Mod or XBMC Resume, conflicts with your add-on.

I will run some more tests a bit later on, when I get some more time.

Mike

I just made a test on my linux system... but I was not able to reproduce your problem. I was using XBMC to play a folder containing MP3 files, and use at the same time Advanced Launcher to start VLC and play a video. Both, video and MP3 was playing correctly. I can hear the audio from the 2 sources at the same time. Also, once a MP3 file is finished, the next one is started automatically correctly. So... the problem could be effectively linked to something external to Advanced launcher, probably another add-on. I'm not sure it could be linked to a skin. It could be an addon that is running into background and that could be related to XBMC media player state.

---

On the media centre pc which has all the other add-ons, when I select my external program, XBMC is completely minimised and my program is the only thing visible on the desktop. On my vanilla install, when I select my external program, XBMC remains visible, but out of focus, with my external program also visible, but in focus.

As I just wrote to Platypus2, Advanced Launcher do not reduce XBMC but just let into into Window Mode or put into into window. So your vanilla install of XBMC is working as expected.

On my vanilla XBMC I have now installed XBMC Resume and Confluence Customisable Mod, and the issue isn't coming up. I believe I have also kept the settings the same as my media centre pc, so right now I am at a loss as to why I have this issue on one machine and not the other.

I'll keep looking to see if I can find what is causing the issue.

Mike

[mike351]

Ok, I have identified one difference, and so far it's the only difference I can see.

My tests have been conducted on three machines, two running Windows 7 Starter, and one Windows 7 Home Premium.

The two machines running Windows 7 Starter both exhibit the same issue, that is, when the external program is selected via Launcher, XBMC minimises and the external program is executed.

On the machine with Windows 7 Home Premium, this does not happen. XBMC stays in screen, and the external program pops up taking the focus away from XBMC.

So, perhaps it's an OS issue. If I get time tonight, i'll install Win7HP on the media centre and see what the result is...

Mike

[mike351]

Well I have just finished installing Win7HP on to the media centre pc, and XBMC still minimises itself when my external program is launched using Advanced Launcher. This pc is a netbook, with 1g ram, 1.6ghz atom cpu, intel graphics chipset and realtek audio.

Maybe this is something Windows is doing due to either the cpu type or amount of ram?

Mike