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[edbro]

Unless it is already possible, I'd like to be able to specify a library on startup. I like to keep one library always loaded to serve my Roku but be able to start MC again with my default library.

I have tried the "MC12.exe /Library Library_Name" but that will only switch libraries. If I have the Roku library loaded and try to start MC again, it will start with the same Roku library and warns that the library is in use. I'm looking for a command line switch that will load another library on startup, not switch libraries.

Edit:
Oh, another thing. Can I have UPnP for one library and not for the other?

[Matt]

When running "Media Center 12.exe" to launch the player, you can also use the /Library switch.  So add /Library Library_Name to the shortcut and you should be in business.

[edbro]

Yes, that is what I mentioned in my original post. But, I believe that will only switch a library, not start MC with a different library if one is already running. I want to keep my mp3 library running minimized at all times but be able to open my default library at times without interfering with the mp3 library that is serving my Roku.

[Matt]

Yes, that is what I mentioned in my original post. But, I believe that will only switch a library, not start MC with a different library if one is already running. I want to keep my mp3 library running minimized at all times but be able to open my default library at times without interfering with the mp3 library that is serving my Roku.

Sorry if I didn't explain well.

You can run multiple instances of Media Center:
Options > General > Advanced > Allow multiple instances to run at one time

Running MC12.exe talks to the existing instance, and only starts an instance if one isn't running.

Running Media Center 12.exe starts a new instance.

However, you might consider a way to use smartlists or similar to avoid multiple instances.  Multiple instances may cause other problems like running two UPnP servers, etc.

[edbro]

Ah, I see now. I read your post wrong, sorry.

Actually, I was trying to keep multiple instances running. I was going to use one instance running always minimized as the UPnP server. That is why I also asked about if it is possible to not have UPnP running on the other instance. I gather from your response above that it isn't possible. No problem.

Currently, I am running Firefly to serve the Roku as it can stay running without interfering with MC operation. I was hoping that I could get MC to act as the server without it impacting my normal day to day usage of MC with my main library.

[Matt]

Ah, I see now. I read your post wrong, sorry.

Actually, I was trying to keep multiple instances running. I was going to use one instance running always minimized as the UPnP server. That is why I also asked about if it is possible to not have UPnP running on the other instance. I gather from your response above that it isn't possible. No problem.

Currently, I am running Firefly to serve the Roku as it can stay running without interfering with MC operation. I was hoping that I could get MC to act as the server without it impacting my normal day to day usage of MC with my main library.

Could you help us understand why you want to serve a different library that you use?

[edbro]

Could you help us understand why you want to serve a different library that you use?

Because the Roku can handle mp3s. My default library is all in flac, which would require MC to convert each file as it is played. At least, that's my understanding of the process. If so, I don't want the heavy process of constant file conversions weighing down my system.

[robydago]

edbro,
can't you keep both extensions in the same library and use smartlists to filter what to play on the PC and what to play via UPnP?

[Matt]

With time, the stack system that handhelds use will also be able to cache lossy files for Library Server, UPnP, etc.

[edbro]

edbro,
can't you keep both extensions in the same library and use smartlists to filter what to play on the PC and what to play via UPnP?

It's a good idea but I don't think you can tell UPnP server to only serve from a smartlist. The Roku looks at the entire library. Having two copies of everything would confuse it. The Roku does handle playlists but if I created a smartlist just to filter out the mp3s then I would lose the ability for the Roku to browse by artist, album, etc. It would simply play that one big smartlist.