Thanks Matt.
A few questions for you (and the other experts around) if you dont mind.
A little background on the systems involved.
I have 2 audio systems in the same room. One for 2 channel audio (music) and one for everything else.
My Juli@ connects up with my Naim Audio gear.
I have an M-Audio Transit that sends toslink to my Yamaha 5.1 system.
I have never used MC for video as I couldn't figure out an easy and obvious way to change output devices. I should mention that the girlfriend uses the PC to watch both stored video as well as Netflix streaming. Because I set XP's output device to be the Transit she doesn't need to worry about anything other than the selected Harmony Remote Activity.
I have one activity called "PC" and one called "Naim". She would use PC for anything not music.
Of course prior to trying MC for video we/she simply used a browser for Netflix and VLC for all other videos. Obviously VLC isn't a fully featured media player so we simply played from folder level.
So...... after I was given the suggestion of using "Video -> Advanced -> Audio Playback Device", to solve my dual output issue, we tried using MC for video and actually really liked it. It didn't matter where the files were and the interface was much nicer.
Yesterday I upgraded to MC17 and lost that method of sending audio.
I fear that having to play to a different Zone is going to confuse the GF who, while very intelligent, does not have the patience or desire to learn how to really use MC. Once I try to explain anything somewhat complex I see the eyes glaze right over. I tied to explain Zones and that she could right-click "Play to" different zones. She asked how that is easier than simply right clicking the file and selecting "Play with VLC". She said "i can do that without opening MC and fewer clicks."
Also, she needs to go into Theater View to see her Netflix queue. Which isn't quite as easy and quick as the desktop link that goes right to her queue. (I realize this is a different issue but hoping maybe can show me how I get netflix queue in standard view)
So........ what is the Custom Video Mode and why do you discourage its use? Is there any other way to do what i did with MC16?
I just fear that now that I have jumped in with both feet regarding video and MC, it will not actually be used by the person who watches video most.
thanks!
Patrick