How to Set Custom Buttons on MCE Remote with EventGhost
Nov 15th
Scythe000 asked how to map the Switch script to a remote.
Ive made a video that explains that using Eventghost (Download) and DPDT.
Watch in 720p !
Enjoy :]
Toggle / Switch Your Default Playback Device With DPDT
Sep 25th
If you running a HTPC with windows 7 or Vista you probably want it to output SPDIF and Analog simultaneously, or any other combination of Playback devices, well 99% you can’t but there is a fast way to switch between them with DPDT.
DPDT is a tiny application that activates the next device on your playback device list.
Ive compiled it with ahk to exe converter and its the best solution for me.
In order to this to work properly go to your playback device list,
disable any unnecessary devices and hide disabled and disconnected devices
like so :
The application switches the playback device on execute.
Have fun 
Possible google searches: Running Digital and Analog Audio Output Simultaneuously, Simultaneous SPDIF and Analog Output, Simultaneous SPDIF and Analog audio output, SPDIF and Analog Outputs, SPDIF and analog stereo at the same time,SPDIF & Analog Audio in Vista,Both SPDIF and analog, spdif, s/pdif, analog, stereo, amplifier, tv, speakers, win, windows, vista, 7, seven
WinLIRC, EventGhost, DPDT, Remote HTPC Control is Easy
Sep 25th
WHY !? CHEAP ! (if you’re into electronics maybe free) and you can use any remote you want.
With winlirc device, winlirc software, eventghost and a tiny application I managed to compile to EXE my remote control turned easy.
I managed to get rid of Girder and Autohotkey, Now it runs as smooth as possible.
How to use Autohotkey scripts
Sep 23rd
If you saw the scripts on my other posts and you liked them but you have no idea what AutoHotKeyis, this post is for you.
Autohotkey is a powerfull application that allows you to automate 99% of the things you are doing with your computer.
Windows 7 Simultaneous SPDIF and Analog audio output ? NO YOU CAN’T HAVE THAT ! So Switch it !
Sep 18th
Without using Autohotkey – Here
Well, after some research Ive found that Windows 7 can’t output Analog and SPDIF audio signal at the same time on most of the on-board Sound Cards.
Its something to do with how windows manages Audio Inputs and Outputs.
My hero of the day was AutoHotKey again, and even some guy already wrote the script for that (I don’t remember where I found it but Ill provide a link as soon as I find it).
If you don’t know how to use AutoHotKey Click me !
What the script does is opening the Playback Devices window checking what is the default scrolling down and sets the other one as default then closes the window, this is the magic of AutoHotKey it does it like you would do it but in one shortcut.
The Script :
#+a::
Run, mmsys.cpl
WinWait,Sound
ControlSend,SysListView321,{Down}
ControlGet, isEnabled, Enabled,,&Set Default
if(!isEnabled)
{
ControlSend,SysListView321,{Down 2}
}
ControlClick,&Set Default
ControlClick,OK
WinWaitClose
SoundPlay, *-1
return
The script in action:
Watch in HD 720p/1080p Fullscreen
The script runs when you press the WinKey + Shift + A , want something else ?
Just change the ( #+a ) to what ever you want.
I recommend to disable all the unnecessary devices for this to work properly.
This script wored for me perfectly because all I wanted was to be able to hear sound from my tv when watching live tv or my receiver when watching a movie or listening to music, Now I can do it with a push of a button on my remote. (Ill write how to use Girder with AutoHotKey later).
BUT
This script will work only if your system language is English, I tried it with Russian but no luck, I tried to modify the script but it still won’t work because of the encoding.
If you want this script to work but want your Media Center 7 in your language stay tuned This will be my next post.
Enjoy your HTPC :]
AutoHotKey Windows 7 Mute and Volume Control Scripts
Aug 26th
AutoHotKey + Windows 7 x64 Master Volume Control and Toggle Mute scripts
AutoHotkey is an automation software for windows, you can create macros and do almost whatever you like with it.
Here some useful scripts for windows 7 and HTPC users.
Best Windows 7 64 Bit Codecs
Aug 23rd
After a lot of unplesat installations and hours of trying to configure and find where is the problem.
Some videos runs horribly slow some doesn’t have sound some sound is too low and some cant choose the right audio track.
Tried the next :
- CCCP – Combined Community Codec Pack – FAILED
- K-lite both 32 and 64 bit variations - FAILED
- Shark007′s FREE Codec solutions with 64 extension – PASSED
If you have Win7 64 Bit version download the Shark007′s 32 bit codec pack install it ! and only then install the 64 bit Components addon.
Run the 64 Settings as Administrator and mark “Shark007 SUGGESTED settings”.
Also found out that the Gabest’s Splitter handles MKV better than Haali so just go to MKV tab and choose “Use Gabest’s splitter”.
Do yourself a favor and if you trying to setup a new HTPC system with Win7 use Shark007′s codecs.
Window Media Center 7 and Girder 4
Aug 23rd
The first thing I thought about is remote control, ive decided to use Girder for that
I had the 4.0 version and my first problem was making girder to control MC7, did some reaserch and found the solution, a custom GML someone created :
http://www.promixis.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19989
Don’t know why but girder refused to open the GML file so I just copied the contents to the MCE 2005 control.
Worked like a charm
