Topic: New Theater View in Media Center 11 (Read 7661 times)

Matt · « **on:** August 24, 2004, 08:29:52 pm »

We've recently introduced quite a few changes to the navigation model used by Theater View in Media Center 11.

The goal has been to make navigation more straightforward so users won't get stuck or lost.

If you get a chance, play with it some. Then share any feedback. Include what method you use to control Theater View in your feedback. (mouse, keyboard, touch-screen, etc.)

Thanks.

(make sure you're using 11.0.67 or later with the 'Hairstyle' skin)

lpr · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2004, 09:08:27 pm »

Hello,

After a quick look it feels nice, but I'll have to play with it some more.

I would have one small request, would it be possible to have the option to exit MC completly when you hit exit, not just an exit to the standard view?

Thanks.
lpr

IlPadrino · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2004, 09:59:06 pm »

Here's my feedback...

I use a keyboard or a remote control that simulates the keyboard.

If the only goal was to prevent people from getting lost or stuck, I give the new interface an A+. It would be very difficult to get stuck.

If the goal was to remain efficient I give the interface a C-. I can't figure out how to go back just one level in a view shceme - there's just the home button on the left. When I want to start navigating down into a view scheme, it's very disruptive to see the popup menu and have to hit enter again to open. But that same menu is sometimes nice when I get to the media items I'm ready to play. The space bar still plays the selection directly (i.e. I just hit the spacebar and the selection starts playing), whiich is what I want most of the time.

I like adding content (especially web pages) to the main menu. Would it be possible to have these in submenus as well? I don't like the fact that the webpages have scroll bars, but maybe I can fix that by creating a "homepage" that lets me resize the window. I was also thinking my own homepage would let me customize stuff. For example, I wonder if I could create my own forecast webpage...

I was hoping the ability to add programs would let me get my DVB output through Theater Mode, but unfortunately, it returns to the desktop before opening. Is it possible to embed the application into the Theater View?

So, my suggestions are to put a back button on the left menu (preferably at the top so I don't have to arrow down to it each time I pass a level), go back to having enter go down a level (and maybe add another key that opens the popup menu), and let an opening program open in the Theater View screen itself.

Matt · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2004, 10:27:50 pm »

Quote from: IlPadrino on August 24, 2004, 09:59:06 pm

I can't figure out how to go back just one level in a view shceme - there's just the home button on the left.

This makes navigation omni-directional and so easier to understand.

In real world use, see how often you really want "Back." I don't think I use it very often. And when I want it, it's probably not much different than going "Home" and into again.

Quote

When I want to start navigating down into a view scheme, it's very disruptive to see the popup menu and have to hit enter again to open.

Quick double enter to go into a level. You'll hardly see the menu.

Quote

I was hoping the ability to add programs would let me get my DVB output through Theater Mode, but unfortunately, it returns to the desktop before opening. Is it possible to embed the application into the Theater View?

Embedding other apps is tough. That's the hitch with switching to another program -- the GUI and controls breakdown.

Thanks.

TXgary · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2004, 10:48:18 pm »

I just don't get it. I tried quick double clicking, nothing
All I get when I drill down and click on audio is Genre.
We need this thing to look like a jukebox.
Give the choice of the schema (artist, album, genre, etc) then a to z to click on.
As an example, when looking for music, click on artist then n for neil diamond, then either by album or by song title. and list all the songs or albums in alpha seq then click on album and see the songs either alpha or by track number then ability to play all or single. then the visualizations should take over until you take back control.
I am sure this is the way you invision and probably the way it works, I just am not getting that when I try. I am running 11.067.
Please let me know what I am doing wrong.

By the way, my 3d visualization is not working I continue to get error regarding "error finding compatible stencil format".

IlPadrino · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2004, 10:52:14 pm »

Quote from: Matt on August 24, 2004, 10:27:50 pm

Quote from: IlPadrino on August 24, 2004, 09:59:06 pm
I can't figure out how to go back just one level in a view shceme - there's just the home button on the left.

This makes navigation omni-directional and so easier to understand.

In real world use, see how often you really want "Back." I don't think I use it very often. And when I want it, it's probably not much different than going "Home" and into again.

I find I do this often when selecting media to play on-the-spot instead of using a playlist. For instance, I'm sitting with some friends and we're looking to build a queue. As I go through genres, I want to go back out and pick another genre.

Looking through pictures is another use case where I find I want "back". I wonder if maybe I just have too many levels in my view schemes?

Quote from: Matt on August 24, 2004, 10:27:50 pm

Quote from: IlPadrino on August 24, 2004, 09:59:06 pm
Quote
When I want to start navigating down into a view scheme, it's very disruptive to see the popup menu and have to hit enter again to open.

Quick double enter to go into a level. You'll hardly see the menu.

Quote
I was hoping the ability to add programs would let me get my DVB output through Theater Mode, but unfortunately, it returns to the desktop before opening. Is it possible to embed the application into the Theater View?

Embedding other apps is tough. That's the hitch with switching to another program -- the GUI and controls breakdown.

Thanks.

I guess I could program a button on my remote so that Girder sends a double-enter.

I can imagine it's tough to embed other apps... but it would really add to the power!

CDvd · « **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2004, 04:23:01 am »

(I'm just starting to play with the last improvements, so these are my first impressions)

Quote from: IlPadrino on August 24, 2004, 09:59:06 pm

I can't figure out how to go back just one level in a
view shceme - there's just the home button on the left.

Can't this be done with backspace?

I agree that being forced to go back home every time I want add
something accessible from the previous level, would be annoying!

Matt : Along with the possibility to use backspace, allowing the
top navigation panel to be clickable (and "pressable" like any button on the left) to go backward could be simple and elegant...

Quote

When I want to start navigating down into a view scheme, it's very
disruptive to see the popup menu and have to hit enter again to open.
But that same menu is sometimes nice when I get to the media items I'm ready to play.

This popup menu is IMO a nice addition but it's less easy to select and enqueue files. For example, I need to "select > select all > add
(selection)" to enqueue all songs.

It would be great if :
1) the "select mode" was selected by default (with the small empty checkbox)
2) we can have the choice between the popup menu and a default action (like "open" for a folder and "select" or "play" for a song). Two butons can be used (enter and shift or ctrl...)

T.V. is now really much better, great job!
Note : I use keyboard but I keep in mind how easy it would be to use a remote control (I'm planning buying one)

Uwe · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2004, 05:40:27 am »

Using Theatre-View with a Touch-Screen. Still no possibility to scroll, when the list is longer than one page. Please add Page-Up, Page-Down functionality.
I also miss the "Back"-Key on the Screen.

Uwe

Monkeyboy · « **Reply #8 on:** August 25, 2004, 05:47:41 am »

Quote from: TXgary on August 24, 2004, 10:48:18 pm

I just don't get it. I tried quick double clicking, nothing
All I get when I drill down and click on audio is Genre.
We need this thing to look like a jukebox.

I think you need to set up a view scheme TXgary
If you right click on Audio and goto edit view scheme, move or add artist to the top of the list them album. All will be much clearer in Theatre View then.

I like the way Theatre view is going, it has actually changed quiet a lot rather than just being enhanced slightly.

1.I still think playing now needs some tweaking like the mockup we saw in the other thread.

2.I think it would be nice if you could select a track info template separate to standard view. In standard view I like to have a template that shows the cover art, artist, album name, rating etc.. But in Theatre view there is just not enough space so I would like to just see the cover art.
Of course if Playing now is altered as to 1 then this will not be needed.

Rich

CDvd · « **Reply #9 on:** August 25, 2004, 05:58:25 am »

Regarding improvements done in T.V. I was thinking of the following aesthetic additions :

1) Can icons be placed next to button labels (for Home, play/pause, audio, images, video, options)
some images to illustrate what can be used :

etc...

2) The png "?" used for songs with no covert art is (IMO) not ideal : a new user will not understand that it have simply no covert art. This icon is used again for video files that don't have a thumbnail
preview (bec. MC was unable to build it) which make impossible to know what file can be behind the "?".
I replaced this icon in hairstyle with this one

and it would be cool if there were different images used for different media (audio,video, documents...)

3) It's impossible to see the difference between a folder and a file. It would be nice to put a folder image behind tumbnails of what's in the folder. (like explorer does when in thumbnails mode)

4) Thumbnails used for T.V. folders don't have the correct aspect ratio. It makes people look really weird on photo, video or covert art previews.

These are not important changes but they will give T.V a little bit more polished look.

Matt · « **Reply #10 on:** August 25, 2004, 08:41:20 am »

Quote

I find I do this often when selecting media to play on-the-spot instead of using a playlist. For instance, I'm sitting with some friends and we're looking to build a queue. As I go through genres, I want to go back out and pick another genre.

Quote

This popup menu is IMO a nice addition but it's less easy to select and enqueue files. For example, I need to "select > select all > add
(selection)" to enqueue all songs.

With the new model, you don't need to go into an item to play it. Just click and pick "Play" or "Add" on the item one level up. You can also use the select feature to select multiple items.

This is different than the old model where you always had to go "into" and then pick an action. I think it makes more sense once you're used to it.

Using it this way also reduces the need for a back button.

Keep the feedback coming

pipsqueak · « **Reply #11 on:** August 26, 2004, 06:15:27 am »

using the .67 alpha - currently on holiday and the dialup is too slow to download the latest! - so apologies if i raise things that have already been addressed...

firstly its definately much better. i very rarely used theater view before because it was quite frankly impossible to find a specific song out of my 24,000. now i can pretty quickly track down exactly what im looking for - so weel done!

here are a few suggestions...

scroll bars are needed - just to show me how large the playlist is, otherwise i just end up hammering page down with no idea when it will end!

i think the playlists should have some icon next to them to differentiate between playlists, smartlists and smartlist groups (as in mega view) - also for top hits and recently played (a la the normal view also)

i couldnt fathom the sorting within specific playlists, what is it?

to clean up the menu on the left what about making buttons for for the controls. things like home, clear, volume up, down, play, next track etc are just crying out for simple pictures that convery the same meaning. this would then save space and allow a grid of buttons to be made that i think would make things less cluttered

pip

NoCodeUK · « **Reply #12 on:** August 26, 2004, 07:38:35 am »

A few ideas
Generally its getting better

Could do with permenant transport controls, either as a pop up or always on screen to allow quick access to playback without having to go to playing now. If you are viewing a web page the only way to control play is to go home and then into playing now thus losing your position in the web page

when starting new content and the display jumps to full screen there is no quick way to get back to HS. Dbl clicking goes into the standard view. This would be better if it knew where it had come from and went back to its parent.

I agree with a lot of people here that a back button is more useful and intuitive than a home button. Sorry Matt

It just seems to make more sense than always returning to the start again every time. an example if I want to cue multiple tracks from different albums i would rather go back one place into the VS than back home each time.

Adam

Doof · « **Reply #13 on:** August 26, 2004, 10:49:17 am »

I'm only just starting to play around with Theatre View, so my apologies if this is all common knowledge...

First of all... are there any hotkeys that automatically perform certain actions? Select is just begging for a hotkey. As is Home. Also, is there a way to jump straight to Theatre View no matter what view you're currently in?

And this may be a bug, or it may be me doing something wrong, but if I jump into Audio, pick a genre, then an artist, I'm at a screen showing a list of albums. I can select multiple albums, but when I then choose "Play (selection)", nothing happens.

And one suggestion that would be really nice. On the Playing Now display, it would be really cool if there was a "Save This Playlist" option. Even if all it did was automatically save the playlist and give it a timestamp (2004-08-26-1, 2004-08-26-2, etc) or something for a name, that would be nice. Allowing typed input for a name would just be a bonus.

Also, is there no way to remove a song from Playing Now once it's in there?

skeeterfood · « **Reply #14 on:** August 26, 2004, 12:46:28 pm »

Quote from: NoCodeUK on August 26, 2004, 07:38:35 am

I agree with a lot of people here that a back button is more useful and intuitive than a home button. Sorry Matt It just seems to make more sense than always returning to the start again every time. an example if I want to cue multiple tracks from different albums i would rather go back one place into the VS than back home each time.

In case you didn't know, the backspace key goes back one level. Not sure if that helps remote users though.

-John

cncb · « **Reply #15 on:** August 26, 2004, 04:59:10 pm »

There seems to be enough room in the button list, so how about both "Home" and "Back" buttons. I have use for both of these - only "Home" would be necessary in Playing Now and both would be convenient when browsing through the library and adding files to be played.

cncb · « **Reply #16 on:** August 26, 2004, 05:07:48 pm »

Is there any way we could get the Theater View focus issues worked out? I'm starting so see using Media Center as my front end since you are adding launching of external programs and web sites. But, as I experienced before when trying to switch programs Theater View never gives up the focus so you must switch to Standard View first (I see you do this automatically when launching an external program). It would be great if this could somehow be worked out because after launching an external program it will be a pain to have to manually switch back to Theater View when returning to Media Center.

paulr · « **Reply #17 on:** August 26, 2004, 05:28:11 pm »

I've just started playing around with Theater View so that I can get used to it before I build my HTPC. So far it seems pretty nice, but I don't yet have enough experience with it to make useful suggestions. Well, except for one

Are we going to get the ability to move the buttons on the home page up or down? I just added a button to wake up SageTV and it's sitting way down at the bottom. I'd like to move it up if possible.

Doof · « **Reply #18 on:** August 27, 2004, 08:16:37 am »

For all the Theatre View afficianados out there... is Theatre View multi-zone friendly?

Monkeyboy · « **Reply #19 on:** August 27, 2004, 10:01:43 am »

Something I would like to see in Theatre View, but am not sure others will.
Whether MC is in shuffle mode or not... I like to play playlists in shuffle order, but albums in track order so I flick the shuffle button quiet a lot.
When in Theatre View I have no way of knowing whether the files I am adding to playing now will be shuffled or not.

Rich

After using Theatre View quiet a lot last night I think a back button (or just allowing left goes back) makes more sense and it would be nice to have the Playing now shortcut constantly in the left menu.

lpr · « **Reply #20 on:** August 27, 2004, 10:54:12 am »

Quote from: Monkeyboy on August 27, 2004, 10:01:43 am

Something I would like to see in Theatre View, but am not sure others will.
Whether MC is in shuffle mode or not... [...] I think a back button (or just allowing left goes back) makes more sense and it would be nice to have the Playing now shortcut constantly in the left menu.

I agree with both of those points. A shuffle indicator would be great and why not add a zone selector

.

Take care,
lpr

Livin · « **Reply #21 on:** August 27, 2004, 11:10:06 am »

Why no look at how all other Home Theater PC software does it an add all those features?
There are a good hand full that already have all the features people want so look at them...
GotPVR, Xlobby, Netremote, Meedio, etc...

This is actually quite shocking that the theater view is so limited and that the developers need guidance on how to build the interface or what features people want... people want what most other apps already give them!

pipsqueak · « **Reply #22 on:** August 27, 2004, 03:00:05 pm »

Quote from: Livin on August 27, 2004, 11:10:06 am

This is actually quite shocking that the theater view is so limited and that the developers need guidance on how to build the interface or what features people want... people want what most other apps already give them!

dont be ridiculous, the developers are aksing what the public want, to ensure they then meet our collective needs, its nothing to do with being unable to create the product in the first place. its about tailoring it to the user base (something the other interfaces you mentioned do also)

additionally people don't want what other apps already give them - thats why there are so many people here, on this forum, who are spending the time to be involved in the development of the product

TXgary · « **Reply #23 on:** August 27, 2004, 04:19:39 pm »

Very well said pipsqueak.

But can you do something about that darn mouse.........?

DWAnderson · « **Reply #24 on:** August 27, 2004, 10:34:25 pm »

Here are my thoughts, having just recently giot MC11 Theaterview to work, but it really represents a big improvment over MC10 in usability:

-- I agree with all of the others that it is useful to have a back button on the screen. For better or worse, you can see that people expect it and not having it unnerves us!

-- A key shortcut that enables toggling between just Fullscreen and Theaterview. Maybe the list of shortcuts is outdated in help, but I don't see one. F11 toggles b/t Theaterview, Fullscreen and Standard and Standard is the last thing we want coming up on our TVs!

-- All different default views for different levels of Viewschemes. I believe this was first suggested by JLee and it still makes sense. The ability to change the view type is helpful, but it's not the same as this suggestion. People don't want to HAVE to toggle this at each level to get the type of view they like (and it's often a different preference at different levels of different Viewschemes.

-- An ability to easily clear what is in playing now. Perferably by button and a shortcut key.

Note: I haven't been following each bew version of MC11, so if some of these have already been implemented. Please let me know. I'd love to try them out!

Side note: I think the quality of your database gives MC10 a big advantage over some of your competitors at least for those of us with pretty extensive digital media libraries. I have been flirting with Meedio (which has a nice interface) but is (i) SLOW as molasses when dealing with a large library of music with cover art, and (ii) a much bigger pain to do simple customization with.

Hope this is helpful.

Doug

IlPadrino · « **Reply #25 on:** August 27, 2004, 11:29:01 pm »

Quote from: DWAnderson on August 27, 2004, 10:34:25 pm

-- A key shortcut that enables toggling between just Fullscreen and Theaterview. Maybe the list of shortcuts is outdated in help, but I don't see one. F11 toggles b/t Theaterview, Fullscreen and Standard and Standard is the last thing we want coming up on our TVs!

I wish I had a nickel for every time this question came up :-)

You can use your Menu key (it's between the right control and the windows key) to toggle between Theater View and Full Screen. There is also an MCC command and accelerator for this, so you could use Girder or reprogram another key if you don't like the Menu key.

Given the number of times this has been asked, I'd suggest that JRiver make this more obvious in the documentation.

CDvd · « **Reply #26 on:** August 27, 2004, 11:30:37 pm »

Quote from: DWAnderson on August 27, 2004, 10:34:25 pm

-- A key shortcut that enables toggling between just Fullscreen and Theaterview. Maybe the list of shortcuts is outdated in help, but I don't see one. F11 toggles b/t Theaterview, Fullscreen and Standard and Standard is the last thing we want coming up on our TVs!

I think that what you need is the "menu" key. It's between the "Windows" and the right "Ctrl" keys on my keyboad and toggles b/t Theater View and Full Screen View.

DWAnderson · « **Reply #27 on:** August 28, 2004, 12:26:27 am »

Quote from: CDvd on August 27, 2004, 11:30:37 pm

I think that what you need is the "menu" key. It's between the "Windows" and the right "Ctrl" keys on my keyboad and toggles b/t Theater View and Full Screen View.

Your're right. In fact, I think this has been around since MC10. It doesn't show up in the list of keyboard shortcuts list (found under Help-Index-Keyboard Shortcuts) however, so count this as a suggestion that the MC10 helpfile needs to be revised.

TXgary · « **Reply #28 on:** August 29, 2004, 10:43:46 am »

Sorry, I am going to ask this one more time.
In Theatre mode, I have multiple view scheme set up but can only see the genre scheme.
What buttons do I push to see my view scheme of Artist - Name (song)?
I want the ability to be able todrill down (say a to z) then press n and see all artists that start with N then select neil diamond and see all the songs in alpha order for neil diamond. then be about to back up to the a to z and select another artist.
It would be nice to be able to drill by artist then album and see the songs of the album in order they are on the album when you press the album button.

I think touch screen is also nice, but I am not currently running a touch screen but would if I could find the interface product.
Does anyone have touchscreen working with MC11?

JimH · « **Reply #29 on:** August 29, 2004, 11:54:15 am »

Quote from: TXgary on August 29, 2004, 10:43:46 am

Does anyone have touchscreen working with MC11?

I think that dragyn does.

CDvd · « **Reply #30 on:** August 29, 2004, 12:00:16 pm »

I'm not sure to understand but I'll try to help :

Quote from: TXgary on August 29, 2004, 10:43:46 am

In Theatre mode, I have multiple view scheme set up but can only see the genre scheme.
What buttons do I push to see my view scheme of Artist - Name (song)?

In order to show your "Artist - Name" View Scheme in Theater View, do the following : (standard View) > Right Click on the View Scheme > "Edit View Scheme" > Check "show in Theater View"

Quote

I want the ability to be able todrill down (say a to z) then press n and see all artists that start with N then select neil diamond and see all the songs in alpha order for neil diamond.

You can do that by creating this View Scheme:
"Artist (grouped)" (with group size sets to 1) / "Artist" / "Album" and adding it to Theater View...

Quote

then be about to back up to the a to z and select another artist.

...just press Backspace key

Quote

It would be nice to be able to drill by artist then album and see the songs of the album in order they are on the album when you press the album button.

It seems to be the current behavior, and I'm agree, it's nice

TXgary · « **Reply #31 on:** August 29, 2004, 12:31:40 pm »

Thanks JIMH.
How do I get intouch with dragyn

dragyn if you see this I would like a way to discuss your touchscreen solution with MC11??

JimH · « **Reply #32 on:** August 29, 2004, 12:42:17 pm »

Try a private message. Just search for one of his posts and click on his name.

TXgary · « **Reply #33 on:** August 29, 2004, 12:56:22 pm »

CDvd
Thanks for the info I am beginning to see the power

It would be nice to just start entering the item searching for and the system take you there like it does in standard mode and we would get there much faster.

TXgary · « **Reply #34 on:** August 29, 2004, 12:58:49 pm »

JIMH
no dragyn in the system

TXgary · « **Reply #35 on:** August 29, 2004, 01:59:33 pm »

Uwe
Please send my a private message.
I would like to discuss your touch screen interface to MC11.
I did send you a private msg.
I will watch this space

TXgary · « **Reply #36 on:** August 29, 2004, 02:28:59 pm »

Dragyn
I searched for you, but came up empty. Sorry, you must be hidding in the weeds......
anyway
I would like to discuss your touch screen solution using MC11.
What product are you using and how is it working for you?
Thanks for your response.

Uwe · « **Reply #37 on:** August 30, 2004, 02:18:51 am »

Hi TXgary, i'm back from weekend and you've got PM...

Uwe

Matt · « **Reply #38 on:** August 30, 2004, 10:22:01 pm »

Just wanted to say that we appreciate all the feedback.

Please keep posting ideas. We'll do our best to keep pace.

cncb · « **Reply #39 on:** August 31, 2004, 07:54:58 am »

I would find the following very useful in Theater View:

1 - Zone selection and zone synchronization (I will bump up a thread where I described this)

2 - Some indication of the shuffle mode and a way to toggle it (maybe a small icon to indicate mode and toggle added to play controls menu?)

bennyd · « **Reply #40 on:** August 31, 2004, 11:15:12 am »

In Playing now (when there are more files in the queue that can fit on the screen), when the last song on the screen is selected and the next one is going to play, the green triangle (which shows which file is playing), is out of the screen, the playing now queue doesn't shift so it will be viewable.

This works fine though when using the "Next" button but not when you let it automatically advance to the next song.

Maybe a good idea to have the playing now song on top of the screen or divide the playing now screen into a "playing now queue" and a "playing now song info screen" ?

Dragyn · « **Reply #41 on:** September 02, 2004, 06:45:08 pm »

Possible to have "starting playback..." to be shown on top of what is displayed instead of clearing the screen first? It gives a flicker effect otherwise.

edit: I really want to be able to use this in my carputer setup. I'm gonna start playing with it some more and see how it does.

Matt · « **Reply #42 on:** September 02, 2004, 09:41:19 pm »

Quote from: cncb on August 31, 2004, 07:54:58 am

I would find the following very useful in Theater View:

1 - Zone selection and zone synchronization (I will bump up a thread where I described this)

2 - Some indication of the shuffle mode and a way to toggle it (maybe a small icon to indicate mode and toggle added to play controls menu?)

#1: now in the latest build

#2: "reshuffle" is always available under the "Commands" button

cncb · « **Reply #43 on:** September 03, 2004, 08:38:30 am »

Quote from: Matt on September 02, 2004, 09:41:19 pm

#1: now in the latest build

#2: "reshuffle" is always available under the "Commands" button

1. Looks great. Thanks.
2. I certainly can use Reshuffle, but think that "Shuffle Mode" is more convenient. It will require multiple steps for Reshuffle (Play + Reshuffle) and if I'm not mistaken you always will have to skip over the currently playing song which is not reshuffled.

skeeterfood · « **Reply #44 on:** September 03, 2004, 11:01:22 pm »

Bugs:
1) Clicking on an item in Playing Now brings up the track's context menu, but doesn't select the track until you make the menu go away.
2) Selecting the Display menu item under Controls pops up a sub-menu. If you keep pressing the up/down arrow keys after it's been displayed, it never times out and goes away.

General suggestions:
1) Please make the 'Backspace' key go back a level like it used to.
2) Make the text under the thumbnails and the text in list mode configurable. For example: Artist - Track Title.
3) When searching, allow typing a character to at least move to the associated button, if not select it.

Playing Now Screen Suggestions:
1) Add a 'Clear' button.
2) Remove the useless items from the track context menus: Add, Select, Show Files, Search.
For example:
Selecting Show Files for an item in Playing Now creates a view with a single right-side item named Back with a '<' icon. This seems to suggest clicking on it will go back, but instead the same context menu shows up.
3) Add some useful functions to the same context menu: Remove, Play Next, Move Up, Move Down, Move First, Move Last, ... This is one place where having a menu pop up when you select an item could really be useful if used wisely.
4) Pressing 'Delete' on a right-side item should remove it from the Playing Now list, not pop up a window asking if you'd like to remove the item from your library and/or delete it from your hard drive.
5) Highlight the currently playing track in some more obvious way. The '|>' icon on the right is hard to find. It would be easier if it was on the left.

A final comment:
The Playing Now screen doesn't really show much of the data I'm interested in when I'm listening to music: Track Name, Artist, Album, Time Elapsed/Total Time, Rating, Lyrics, ...

DWAnderson · « **Reply #45 on:** September 04, 2004, 12:19:43 am »

Quote from: skeeterfood on September 03, 2004, 11:01:22 pm

1) Please make the 'Backspace' key go back a level like it used to.

I agree. I like the Back button, but that's no reason to get rid of the 'Backspace' keyboard shortcut.

AnalogRoaming · « **Reply #46 on:** September 05, 2004, 10:16:13 am »

Everyone's probably getting tired of hearing me talk about this, so maybe I'll explain why I want the left/right navigation back so badly:

My remote (streamzap) has a very convenient set of arrows (up, down, left, right) set around an Enter button. It also has software that detects media center so I don't have to program anything with Girder. In v10, this setup works very, very well because I don't have to move my thumb away from this area on the remote unless I want to start playback. Without the "left-right" navigation, I can no longer use this, and there's currently no easy way to get back. (left, up to "Back", enter) is more steps than "back, back"

I spend most of my time designing user interfaces, and the UI that you designed for Theater View in v10 was the absolute best I have ever seen. I don't quite understand the reasons for moving away from that. It wasn't very intuitive at first, but it became very useful. My 4-year old daughter figured it out right away. I really hope you reconsider and at least make this an option in Theater View.

slikvik · « **Reply #47 on:** September 07, 2004, 08:00:52 am »

Point 1 - Thanks for putting some time into T.V. - I'm very pleased and paid for v11 on this fact!

Point 2 - The new Interface is great, much better than the Left/Right Drill. I always have people round for parties and they ALWAYS got confused. I showed two new people the new v11 version on Saturday and they just 'got' it. What can I say...people like buttons with words on!

Point 3 - I think the pop-ups are a stroke of genius over the other front ends out there (I've tried them all.) It's allows for lots of options in the shortest path - great. Personally I think it's MUCH more important than the double-enter issue. Besides, as I said before, you can program a double Enter on your remote.

Point 4 - T.V. is primarily about Remote Controls, then TouchScreens, then Keyboards and Mice. Remote control suggestions should have the highest priority when it comes to confilcts of interest.

Suggestions:-

I think the Home and Back button can live together in peace!

To make the T.V.'s Audio section look and navigate well (for me anyway,) I removed everything out of the initial view scheme. I then ticked the 'Show in Theatre View' box on my 2 subfolders (Albums and Singles.) This meant that when people first go into Audio they have two seperate folders on an uncluttered screen. With the addition of that tick box, T.V. view customization has become much more powerfull - Thanks.

I think the plug-in ideas should be expanded. I would like to able to write a MAME plug-in for T.V!!! Please think about this. Meedio's plug-in community is growing well. It would be nice if MC's T.V. had something similar.

Thanks again - Dont change it just evolve it!

Regards Vik

cncb · « **Reply #48 on:** September 07, 2004, 08:57:37 am »

Showing web pages is a great new feature but I have no way to scroll using my remote. Is there any way a "right arrow" could give focus to the browser window/control so that we could at least scroll web pages vertically?

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Author Topic: New Theater View in Media Center 11 (Read 7661 times)