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[Scolex]

Just an FYI I am planning to jump into the deep end and attempt to create a rainmeter plugin for MC, sink or swim I am not sure but I am going to attempt it anyway. If successful most of the hang-ups will go away. I have never done any real programming so I am not making any promises.
I just looked at the code for the cover art that works with Track Info and it is quite close to how I was retrieving it with the temp format, nice rendition.
Would you be interested in a collaboration on creating a plugin?

On a side note my brain fart of forgetting to change D:\....... to #SKINSPATH# may have caused many or even all of the problems you experienced due to the fact that Rm seems to get real confused when it can't find something.

You didn't answer what did you mean by "Album field is field"? Did you mean "Album field is filled"

[BumbleDawg]

I would love to, but I have zero programming know how. Not even a tiny bit lol.

I'll just hold a rope while you go treading the deep end. Doing the basic stuff.

I'm trying to implement an alternate image display when there isn't cover art to display a nocover.png.


And as mentioned previously, to overlay some effects on the main image like shadows.

You didn't answer what did you mean by "Album field is field"? Did you mean "Album field is filled"

Ah yes. I meant filled. I get my thought processes crossed sometimes when typing. Worry becomes vary, field becomes filled and vice versa. lawl

[Scolex]

Now that I know what you mean I have seen this behavior when I was testing Rating in that if there was no rating for a track the entire skin would break. This was when everything was in a single skin. I need to work on an if/else for when the RegExp field is not found. I have virtually zero programming know how also but I figure with help, 1 of 2 thing will happen, we would either help each other tread code or help each other drown in it.
I have been looking at the source code for the iTunes plugin and SDK for iTunes to try and get an idea of what is going on. If I can get a grasp on what/why things were done I can maybe port it to MC or at least learn enough to create something new.

[Arbiter]

@Scolex: I was finally able to reproduce the bug you were experiencing with the temp folder. It seems that it's a change in JRMC16's mcws and it just doesn't produce the thumbnails into the temp folder. I switched to the cover-art folder implementation but i came across a huge problem that i can't solve due to the info mcws provides.


Let's say we have an album compilation by multiple artists. The cover art mc will create will be in the form of "(multiple artists) - [Album].jpg . How can you configure the skin to use that instead of the now playing artist ?

[Arbiter]

@Scolex: I was finally able to reproduce the bug you were experiencing with the temp folder. It seems that it's a change in JRMC16's mcws and it just doesn't produce the thumbnails into the temp folder. I switched to the cover-art folder implementation but i came across a huge problem that i can't solve due to the info mcws provides.


Let's say we have an album compilation by multiple artists. The cover art mc will create will be in the form of "(multiple artists) - [Album].jpg . How can you configure the skin to use that instead of the now playing artist ?

Scratch that. I found a way to retrieve the cover art images without the need of a cover-art location. All that is needed, is a simple line add into your code:

[MeasureImageLocation]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\WebParser.dll
UpdateRate=1
Url=#URL#
;StringIndex=1
RegExp="(?siU)File=(.*)</Item>"

[MeasureImageLocation2]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\WebParser.dll
UpdateRate=1
Url=http://127.0.0.1:28690/MCWS/v1/File/GetImage?File=[MeasureImageLocation]&Type=Thumbnail
FinishAction=!RainmeterRedraw
StringIndex=1
Download=1
DownloadFile=coverart.jpg

and then a meter, that will use the downloaded image from mcws:

[AlbumArt]
Meter=IMAGE
MeasureName=MeasureImageLocation2
X=27
Y=14
H=102
W=102


So basically what it does is. It querries the MCWS server from the cover-art image patth and then it downloads the image into the skins directory. Then it just calls it up and displays. It properly shows every album image, no matter if it's a compilation or whatever and it displays your predifined "noalbum image" if the song doesn't have one. The only drawback is that, that file it creates cannot be deleted even if the skin is refreshed.

[BumbleDawg]

If you read my previous post, and if you use Track Info, there's a simpler way to call up cover art.

MC downloads and keeps a copy of the cover art in the Track Info folder. %userprofile%\Roaming\J River\Media Center 16\Temp\Track Info as image.jpg, which constantly refreshes songs play. This also works without the need for a cover art directory.

Good to know we have multiple options for calling cover art.

[Scolex]

@Arbiter and BumbleDawg thanks for the input it is greatly appreciated, I have not done anything with the skin since my last post as I have been running a high fever for the last 48hours or so. I will definitely look into both options once I am feeling better.

Bumbledawg the config utility has to be run from the same location as it is in my skin if it is not it will not work. If you want to use it I can create one that will run for your config you would just have to tell me the name of the folder it would be placed in "*folder*\resources\variables" it might be a few days due to my current battle with this fever.

[eclypse]

Does this version work with JRiver Media Jukebox, or juste media center, because i cannot make it work properly with MJ

[Scolex]

Does this version work with JRiver Media Jukebox, or juste media center, because i cannot make it work properly with MJ

I am not sure as I don't have nor have I ever had Jukebox so I am not aware of it's capabilities.
I will look into it time permitting.

[JimH]

In the main.xml file for the skin, try changing this
<MJMS version="3.0">
to this
<MJMS version="2.0">

I'm not sure it will work, but it's worth trying.

[Scolex]

In the main.xml file for the skin, try changing this
<MJMS version="3.0">
to this
<MJMS version="2.0">

I'm not sure it will work, but it's worth trying.

Jim you misunderstand what the skin is for. The skin is used by Rainmeter and there are no references to MJMS version or any xml files.
The skin is in effect webremote only it runs as a gadget (Rainmeter skin).

[eclypse]

Thanks man, Also i've got the problem to make it work with MC, i don't know if it's because i got the trial version, nothing appear on the skin...

[Scolex]

Thanks man, Also i've got the problem to make it work with MC, i don't know if it's because i got the trial version, nothing appear on the skin...

What version of MC?
Do you have media server enabled and configured?
media server: tools-->options-->Startup
config: tools-->options-->Media Network

[eclypse]

Thanks man, now it's working

[MrHaugen]

For us that is only using local MC, is it possible to edit the Rainmeter Music widgets or skins to allow control of MC? I have no idea of how this works, or if it can even be done.

An example from the Enigma Music-Art "widget", which I would love to control MC with:

Code: [Select]

; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
; ENIGMA MUSIC
; Class: Sidebar

[Rainmeter]
Author=Kaelri.LCD@gmail.com
AppVersion=1001000
Update=1000
MiddleMouseDownAction=!RainmeterActivateConfig #CURRENTCONFIG# Music.ini
MouseOverAction=!Execute [!RainmeterHideMeter Album][!RainmeterShowMeter Prev][!RainmeterShowMeter Play][!RainmeterShowMeter Next][!RainmeterShowMeter Time]
MouseLeaveAction=!Execute [!RainmeterShowMeter Album][!RainmeterHideMeter Prev][!RainmeterHideMeter Play][!RainmeterHideMeter Next][!RainmeterHideMeter Time]

[Metadata]
Name=Enigma Music | Art
Config=Enigma | Sidebar | Music
Description=Shows information about the song currently playing in iTunes.
Instructions=Mouseover to reveal player controls.
Version=2.7 RC4
Tags=Music | iTunes | Sidebar
License=Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0
Variant=1

[Variables]
@include=#SKINSPATH#Enigma\Resources\Variables\UserVariables.inc

; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
; MEASURES

[MeasureTrack]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=GetCurrentTrackName

[MeasureArtist]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=GetCurrentTrackArtist

[MeasureAlbum]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=GetCurrentTrackAlbum

[MeasureTime]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=GetPlayerPosition

[MeasureTMinute]
Measure=Calc
Formula=(MeasureTime - (MeasureTime % 60)) /60

[MeasureTSecond]
Measure=Calc
Formula=MeasureTime % 60

[MeasureTZero]
Measure=Calc
Formula=(MeasureTime % 60) < 10 ? 0 : 1
Substitute="1":""

[MeasureProgress]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=GetPlayerPositionPercent
MaxValue=100

[MeasurePrev]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=PreviousTrack

[MeasurePause]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=PlayPause

[MeasureNext]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=NextTrack

[MeasureArt]
Measure=Plugin
Plugin=Plugins\iTunesPlugin.dll
Command=GetCurrentTrackArtwork

; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
; STYLES

[StyleText]
X=54
;X=176
Y=16r
H=15
W=122
ClipString=1
FontFace=#Font#
FontSize=#Height2#
StringAlign=LEFT
StringStyle=NORMAL
AntiAlias=1

[StyleButton]
X=16r
Y=47
FontColor=#Color1#
StringStyle=BOLD
FontSize=10
StringAlign=LEFT
FontFace=Webdings
AntiAlias=1
Hidden=1

; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
; METERS

[Border]
Meter=IMAGE
SolidColor=#ColorBorder#
X=0
Y=4
W=80
H=1

[Background]
Meter=IMAGE
SolidColor=0, 0, 0, 2
X=0
Y=1
W=180
H=70

[Label]
Meter=STRING
X=85
Y=0
FontColor=#Color1#
FontFace=#Font#
FontSize=#Height3#
StringAlign=LEFT
StringStyle=NORMAL
Text="N o w   P l a y i n g"
AntiAlias=1

[IconBack]
Meter=IMAGE
ImageName=#SKINSPATH#Enigma\Resources\Images\MusicAlbum.#ColorIcon#.png
X=4
Y=15
W=45
H=45

[Icon]
Meter=IMAGE
MeasureName=MeasureArt
X=5
Y=16
H=43
W=43

;-------------------------
; TEXT

[Track]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleText
MeasureName=MeasureTrack
Y=15
FontColor=#Color1#

[Artist]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleText
MeasureName=MeasureArtist
FontColor=#Color2#

[Album]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleText
MeasureName=MeasureAlbum
FontColor=#Color2#

;-------------------------
; BUTTONS

[Prev]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleButton
X=54
Text="7"
LeftMouseDownAction=!Execute [!RainmeterShowMeter PrevPush][!RainmeterHideMeter Prev][!RainmeterRedraw]

[PrevPush]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleButton
X=r
FontColor=#ColorActive#
Text="7"
LeftMouseUpAction=!Execute [!RainmeterPluginBang "MeasurePrev"][!RainmeterHideMeter PrevPush][!RainmeterShowMeter Prev][!RainmeterRedraw]

[Play]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleButton
Text=";"
LeftMouseDownAction=!Execute [!RainmeterShowMeter PlayPush][!RainmeterHideMeter Play][!RainmeterRedraw]

[PlayPush]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleButton
X=r
FontColor=#ColorActive#
Text=";"
LeftMouseUpAction=!Execute [!RainmeterPluginBang "MeasurePause"][!RainmeterHideMeter PlayPush][!RainmeterShowMeter Play][!RainmeterRedraw]

[Next]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleButton
Text="8"
LeftMouseDownAction=!Execute [!RainmeterShowMeter NextPush][!RainmeterHideMeter Next][!RainmeterRedraw]

[NextPush]
Meter=STRING
MeterStyle=StyleButton
X=r
FontColor=#ColorActive#
Text="8"
LeftMouseUpAction=!Execute [!RainmeterPluginBang "MeasureNext"][!RainmeterHideMeter NextPush][!RainmeterShowMeter Next][!RainmeterRedraw]

[Time]
Meter=STRING
MeasureName=MeasureTMinute
MeasureName2=MeasureTZero
MeasureName3=MeasureTSecond
X=20r
Y=1r
StringAlign=LEFT
StringStyle=BOLD
FontColor=#Color1#
FontFace=#Font#
FontSize=#Height2#
AntiAlias=1
Text="%1.%2%3"
Hidden=1

;-------------------------
; BORDER 2

[ProgressBackground]
Meter=IMAGE
SolidColor=192, 192, 192, 80
X=0
Y=70
W=180
H=1

[Progress]
MeasureName=MeasureProgress
Meter=BAR
X=r
Y=r
H=1
W=180
BarColor=#ColorBorder#
BarOrientation=HORIZONTAL

[Scolex]

For us that is only using local MC, is it possible to edit the Rainmeter Music widgets or skins to allow control of MC? I have no idea of how this works, or if it can even be done.

An example from the Enigma Music-Art "widget", which I would love to control MC with:

Not without a plugin for MC, the skin you referenced uses the iTunesPlugin.dll in Rainmeter.
You can still use media server even if you don't have other computers connecting to it.
There aren't any caveats to running the server app.
Maybe one of these days I will have time to learn C++ or C# and I can create a plugin for MC.
I looked into it but it was pretty intimidating to me.

[MrHaugen]

Of-course. I'll try running the server locally. That should work well. Thanks.

[BumbleDawg]

A Rainmeter 2.1 beta has been released with a dedicated cross player NowPlaying.dll that supports all media functions with full support for AIMP, Foobar200, MediaMonkey, MusicBee, iTunes, WinAmp, and WMP. No idea if it works with MC, but we should have a go at it.

http://rainmeter.net/RainCMS/?q=NowPlaying_beta

[remixedcat]

any word on media jukebox support?? I'd love this!

[instigator]

Hi and congratulations for your project.
I have some problems when I'm trying use this. Doesn't work for me at all.
Doesn't show anything,(cover art, track info, nothing) so I hope that you can help me.
I use Windows 7 x64 and Rainmeter 2.1

[Scolex]

Hi and congratulations for your project.
I have some problems when I'm trying use this. Doesn't work for me at all.
Doesn't show anything,(cover art, track info, nothing) so I hope that you can help me.
I use Windows 7 x64 and Rainmeter 2.1

I have not tested on 2.1 as my desktop crashed and I have not had the $ to fix it so I am stuck using my old tablet for everyday computer duties and it is everything it can do to keep up with what I need without additional background apps running.

What version of MC are you using?
Do you have media server running?  It is required for the skin to work properly since it uses the Media Center Web Service (MCWS).

[HTPC4ME]

is this still in development? any new news? does it work with 17?
Thanks

[leezer3]

is this still in development? any new news? does it work with 17?
Thanks

If you install the CAD plugin along with Now Playing, you'll get some very nice skin stuff, which works with 17 nicely
For example, this works perfectly:
http://poiru.deviantart.com/art/Soita-for-Rainmeter-209864541

(None of these have anything to do with me!)
-Leezer-

[InflatableMouse]

Never knew there was something for MC to work with Rainmeter!

I'd love to get a control widget working with MC. The new playingnow.dll seems to work but its not showing track info or coverart. Just next/pause/back.

What is this CAD plugin you speak of?

Edit: nevermind, got it!

https://code.google.com/p/jr-intcad/downloads/detail?name=intcad100.exe&can=2&q=

and use "CAD" for player in the widget.

Awesome .