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Author Topic: Media server and LG Smart TV - problems. Some questions.  (Read 11573 times)

Zern

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Media server and LG Smart TV - problems. Some questions.
« on: May 27, 2014, 03:57:46 am »

Hi.
I tried, I think, every other pieces of software, but MC's library management is the best for me and my purposes.
But what I don't like is DLNA server implementation - it is too weak, compared to other.
So, I tested it with some devices (only for music sharing) and have problems and also some questions.

Problems.

1.
I have LG Smart TV LA model (2013) and I can't manage to properly browse media from TV.
With default DLNA settings TV won't show any music in his "Music" category (same problem with Mezzmo), until I browse album or playlist folders in "Linked devices" menu on TV.
And then music appears in TV's "Music" category, but tracks are always listed in reverse order, even if I specified name with expression, by adding track number.

2. TV's "Pictures" menu shows all MC folders, categories, album arts, MP3 tags and playlist as images, even if MC pictures library won't have any pictures.
So in TV's "Pictures" menu I have pictures named "Albums", "Genres", "Playlists", "Jazz", "Soundtrack"  e.t.c., pictures named by every track name, which are looks like folders.

3. When turning DLNA option "WMC compatible" it is impossible to browse folders on TV, because when entering any folder it always displays previous set of folders.
So, entering multiple times into different folders path will be, for example:  "/Audio/Audio/Audio/Playlists/" and so on, with no files displayed.
And without "WMC compatible" Xbox 360 won't even detect media server.

4. Xbox 360 has no problem with shared music, but can't see Smartlists - it just displays all tracks.
I didn't checked Pictures yet, to look, if there is same problem with garbage "folder" pictures, as TV.

And some questions.

5. When dragging music folders to add them to library, is there a way not to add album art in "Pictures" library?

6. Is there a way to prevent my files to be modified, unless I want to?
I tried to search missing album art, found it and applied and my files are being modified with integrated art.
This is also happening, when doing "Cover Art - Quick find in file/Cover art directory".
Can art be saved separately to same folder or in library only, so my files will not be affected?

7. I didn't found any options to customize what I need to be transcoded (by file type, extension, or connected client) and how I want it to be transcoded.
Is here only couple of presets available without customizing?
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JimH

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Re: Media server and LG Smart TV - problems. Some questions.
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2014, 05:57:09 am »

Try DLNA Extra on the server.

The server conversions can be specified.  It's buried under Advanced in the Media Network options.

The Options page has a search at the bottom.

MC can be told not to write tags to files.
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Zern

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Re: Media server and LG Smart TV - problems. Some questions.
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2014, 06:27:13 am »

Try DLNA Extra on the server.
It is ON by default.
Will try to turn it off after work.

MC can be told not to write tags to files.
I experimented a little bit...
Even when option "Cover art / Also store cover art in the file's tag" turned off, MC writing art into file anyway.
To prevent adding art into file you need also to uncheck option "Update tags when file info changes".
It works as intended - I should uncheck 2 options to prevent integrating album art?
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connersw

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Re: Media server and LG Smart TV - problems. Some questions.
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2014, 08:12:43 am »

I agree, DLNA implementation and documentation is extremely poor.  A better wiki and custom profiles are needed.  Even Bob agrees:  http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=79476.msg541161#msg541161  However, nothing has been done about it and many other implementations are pushing way past MC in this regard.  Right now, it is purely trial and error and support is completely lacking.  I have yet to get things set up the way I would like completely on any of my DLNA devices.

On my LG TV, the only Advanced options I have checked are DLNA and DLNA Extra.  It does what I want for the most part, except I cannot get it to play 1080p video.  My requests for assistance have been ignored, and I've pretty much given up hope of support from JRiver:  http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=84313.0

Below is what I know that may help you:

1. Tools -> Options -> Media Network -> Add or configure DLNA servers -> (for your TV Server) Customize views...
Here you can customize the view for all Media Types.  For Audio, you may need to Set rules for file display -> Add New Rule -> Media Type, is, Audio. 

To get Audio Tracks and TV Episodes to display in order on my LG TV, the Expression needed to be added to the Title Expression (two down from Customize Views on the DLNA Servers pop up window).  Try this:

Code: [Select]
ifelse(isequal([Media Type], Audio), PadNumber([Track #], 2)/ , isequal([Media Sub Type], TV Show), PadNumber([Episode], 2)/ )[Name]

Credit to Mr Odd and MrC: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=76556.0

2.  Just like Audio files, you may need to Add New Rule to your Images Category of Media Type, Is, Image.

3.  You will probably need to set up different DLNA Servers for your LG TV and your XBOX 360, and then configure each one differently.  Many of us have to do this to get the best quality possible depending on the device.  Not all DLNA implementations are the same.  In the DLNA Servers pop up window, click Add... to add another one.  Change the Display name (just below Customize Views) on each one so that you can distinguish them. 

The downside to this is that if you do Customize Views, you will need to do them to all of your Servers.  The easiest way to do it, is to set up your Customized Views in Standard View, and then copy them into your DLNA Servers.  It has been requested many times to be able to save one profile for Theater View, Gizmo, and DLNA Servers, but it has never been implemented.

http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=74798.0
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=73869.0
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=84430.0

4. I don't have an XBOX 360 so maybe someone else can chime in.

5. When Importing this way, it is taking everything you give it, so it is behaving correctly.  It is easier (and faster) to set-up Auto-Import and just leave it on.  Tools -> Options -> Library & Folders -> Configure auto-import.  When you Add... a folder/directory, there is an option to check Ignore special files (folder.jpg, etc).  Setting up Auto-Import can be time consuming up front, but once done correctly will save you hours of time down the road, especially when using the Apply these tags feature.  See:  http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=68462.0

6. Sounds like you figured this out.

7. Not sure what you are referring to here.  Are you talking about Converting Files, transcoding on Import, or transcoding for DLNA playback?  Please clarify, and maybe I can help.
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AndrewFG

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Re: Media server and LG Smart TV - problems. Some questions.
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2014, 08:30:49 am »

I tried, I think, every other pieces of software, but MC's library management is the best for me and my purposes.
But what I don't like is DLNA server implementation - it is too weak, compared to other.

Basically I suggest that you forget about using UPnP pull from your TV. I suggest you use UPnP push from MC instead..
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connersw

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Re: Media server and LG Smart TV - problems. Some questions.
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2014, 08:34:33 am »

That doesn't solve the problem.  Often times files don't play regardless of push or pull.  The problem is the difficulty in setting up the server profile; the customized views are secondary. 
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JimH

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