Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[JustinChase]

This has been a problem for years.  I've mentioned it a few times, but it's still a problem.  I'm using a supposedly compatible WMC remote, with a green windows button in the middle.

To see the problem...

Open Theater View
navigate to a video
play the video
hit the back button on the remote (on my remote it's right next to the green button, to the left)

What will happen is that the Theater View will 'go back' to the navigational display, where you can navigate around, and select other videos, but the video continues to play in the background.  Even if I select the currently playing video (or any other video), MC never returns to show the playing video.  I'm stuck in Theater View.  The only way i've found to 'fix' this is ctl-alt-del, which brings up the dialog for task manager, and takes the focus away from MC.  From here, I can go back into MC and regain control.

I would appreciate it if others can try this also, and report back if they see the same issues, or if it's just me.  I can't find any settings that affect this behavior.

Glynor said in another thread that hitting the green button acts like hitting F11, which should fix this, but it only stops/starts the video (I assume; based on the audio I can hear).  it does not bring the playing video back to the forefront, as he suggested it might.

It seems like a small thing/problem, but if I (or anyone else) accidentally hits the back key, or if the little dog steps on it by accident, it destroys the video experience, and peeves everyone off.  After years of tolerating this annoyance, I really want this fixed.

[gvanbrunt]

Not just you. I see this as well. There used to be a playing now on the menu at point and you could go there to get to the video. However like you said trying to play any other movie or even the same movie does nothing. Can't remember what happens if I hit the stop button.

It is a PIA for sure. I only do it by accident, but it happens often enough to by annoying. Would def throw a newbie off.

[mark_h]

Have reported similar in the past.  Still exists in my system but I have got used to working around it (by avoiding BACK)  Would be nice if it didn't exist at all.

[pfm555]

I have the same exact problem. While I love MC this is has been a constant  issue for me since I started using MC 19 and now 20.  I have searched and read every post that has anything to do with the exact issue you described. From loss of focus, to black screen and sound but no picture. unfortunately for me, you and anyone else experiencing this issue nothing I have tried has worked. I, like you think there has to be a number of others that are experiencing this issue but unfortunately, I am not so sure.I came from WMC and after I changed over I recommended MC to 4 of my friends. All have converted and none have experienced the issue.
In closing the only thing I have found in the three computers I have running MC is the brand of graphic card. One acts as the server while the other two are clients. All running windows 8.1 with all updates for windows and graphic card drivers. The only one I experience the issue on is the server., It has an AMD card. The clients have a NVidia and graphics on the chip. I  have written off  the AMD specific since three of my friends have AMD cards and have never experienced the issue. Hopefully it can be fixed.

[Hendrik]

I don't get that problem at all, but I do use NVIDIA or Intel everywhere, no AMD since I don't like their stuff (for good reason apparently)

[JustinChase]

This happens on server machines, using nVidia and intel.  I believe it also happend with AMD, but I don't currently have an AMD card to test with.

I'm surprised (and happy) that it doesn't happen to you Hendrik.  Are you running MC as the server, or as a client where this isn't happening?  It seems clients don't suffer, but for other reasons I don't want to run as a client on my HTPC.

I wonder if it's a combination of settings that causes this for some, but not for you.

I also try really hard to not hit the back button, but guests, dogs, and drunk fingers sometimes do it anyway.

[mojave]

For those with the problem, does changing the setting in Tools > Options > General > Advanced > Media Key Mode make any difference? I don't have an MCE remote so I can't try to emulate the problem.

Try pressing the Clear button at the bottom of the remote instead of the Back button.

I don't get that problem at all, but I do use NVIDIA or Intel everywhere, no AMD since I don't like their stuff (for good reason apparently)

pfm555 said, "I  have written off  the AMD specific since three of my friends have AMD cards and have never experienced the issue." In other words, it doesn't seem to be related to having an AMD card.

[JustinChase]

For those with the problem, does changing the setting in Tools > Options > General > Advanced > Media Key Mode make any difference? I don't have an MCE remote so I can't try to emulate the problem.

Try pressing the Clear button at the bottom of the remote instead of the Back button.
pfm555 said, "I  have written off  the AMD specific since three of my friends have AMD cards and have never experienced the issue." In other words, it doesn't seem to be related to having an AMD card.

I tried the your suggestion, and the choices are

Automatic (which is what was selected)
Disabled
App command
Hot keys

I changed to disabled, and that disabled the back button (good), but also disabled the transport keys, so i couldn't pause or stop the video, so that's not a solution.  I don't know what App command or Hot keys would do, so I didn't try them.

As for using the clear button instead of the back button; I know better than to try using the back button, so I never use it on purpose.  Meaning, using a different key isn't really a solution; it's when I, or someone else hits the back button by mistake that causes the issue.

I'm surprised this behavior isn't consistent across various users/systems.  Hopefully someone else at JRiver can reproduce and fix this annoyance.

Hendrik, what happens on your system when you hit the back button?  Does anything happen, or is it a non-functional button in your case?  Are you using a WMC remote, or something more 'custom'?

FWIW, the attached image shows the button that causes the problem.

[Hendrik]

The back button should be the same as using Backspace on a keyboard. It pauses the video for me and goes back to Theater View, and even shows it in its paused state in the space which is usually used for the cover art when not playing (only in grid views)

[JustinChase]

I just tried hitting backspace and it does act just like the back button; which is to say, it breaks MC also.

You mention "even shows it in its paused state in the space which is usually used for the cover art when not playing (only in grid views)"

This makes me think you might be trying this outside of Theater View (since you mention grid views).  I only have this issue while using Theater View, not in other views.

**Sadly, I'm using an apple keyboard, which doesn't like/honor ctl-alt-del (no delete button, only backspace), so I can't even fix this now without hard booting the machine

[Hendrik]

Of course I'm doing this from Theater View.

I browse my Movie view, start playback of a movie, after a bit I press Backspace, and I end up here:
http://i.imgur.com/d7yDfLg.jpg

Back to the detail page, playback paused, with the poster replaced by the video player in pause state.
This only works on Grid-style Theater View views for some reason though, on others I just get the movie poster again, but it works the same way otherwise.

[Matt]

I get the exact same behavior as Hendrik.  There's nothing fishy at all for me.

[JustinChase]

I browse my Movie view, start playback of a movie, after a bit I press Backspace, and I end up here:
http://i.imgur.com/d7yDfLg.jpg

Back to the detail page, playback paused, with the poster replaced by the video player in pause state.
This only works on Grid-style Theater View views for some reason though, on others I just get the movie poster again, but it works the same way otherwise.

I get basically the same, but from there, I can't get back to playing video.  If I hit play, I can hear the video playing again, but the screen never changes from the summary page.  I also cannot navigate around in the summary page any longer.  I basically lose all control of navigation, but can still play/pause the video that was playing previously.

I wonder what other settings might affect this.  It's obviously not a universal issue, but others are having it also, so it's not just me either.

How can I help get to the bottom of the cause of this issue?

[gvanbrunt]

Justin,

If you use the same library on a working computer (I don't mean in client "mode", I mean as a server) does the issue occur? I'm wondering if it is library related. Good to rule that out. If not we can look at settings that are not saved in a library and other commonality between us.

If you could post a library I can try on my computer as well. I will PM you a link you can use to send it to me.

[JustinChase]

I just tried on my laptop, and have the same issue (by pressing backspace - I don't have the remote connected to the laptop).

Hitting backspace takes me back to the summary page, but there's no way to get back to the playing video, other than ctl-alt-del.

gvanbrunt, I sent you my library using the link you sent me.

Matt or Hendrik, please let me know if you want me to send you the library also, to test.

thanks.

[stewart_pk]

The way I get back to full screen after pressing the back button is to navigate back to the main menu, select the Playing Now option and then navigate to the Display View option. From memory there isn't a Playing Now option on the main menu by default; I added it as the very first item for convenience.

[Matt]

F11 or the Green Button takes you back to the movie.  That's how it always works.

[JustinChase]

F11 or the Green Button takes you back to the movie.  That's how it always works.

That doesn't work here.

[pfm555]

Is there  another type of remote besides a windows media center remote that can be used for controlling MC. I have a Logitech ultimate that has hundreds of remote control commands in the database. It is also a learning remote. When you select Microsoft/windows from its database it puts in windows media center commands. Does the remote that JRiver sells, send different commands compared to a windows media center remote?

In regards to the Automatic (which is what is recommended), Disabled, App command, Hot keys. I tried them all and nothing corrected the issue. I also, second Justin's response that the F1 or green button does not work once your are at the black screen. I would also be willing to send my library if it would help in finding a solution.

[mojave]

I've had this happen a couple times in the past just using the backspace key. I don't think it is necessarily related to the remote.

1.  Is "Tools > Options > Theater View > Behavior > Pause Video Playback when entering Theater View" unchecked.

2.  Are you using Red October HQ?

3.  Is Theater View set to use Fullscreen Exclusive Mode for drawing?

If all three are "yes," then you get weird behavior when using backspace. You may even have issues with "yes" on just #2 & 3.

[rammingspeed]

F11 or the Green Button takes you back to the movie.  That's how it always works.

I've had a few occasions where I had to hit F11 twice, or was it CTRL 4, I don't remember which as I programmed it into my remote.

One other comment, don't count on everyone using the MCE remotes.  While they have sufficient functions for most, I prefer a programmable remote as it allows me to control many other devices from one remote.  

3.  Is Theater View set to use Fullscreen Exclusive Mode for drawing?

I've found that FullScreen Exclusice Mode" kills the TV inset when I switch back to the EPG.  I get sound but no video.  Deselecting it restored the TV window in th eguide.

[Hendrik]

3.  Is Theater View set to use Fullscreen Exclusive Mode for drawing?

Good Hint. I can actually get it to break immediately when enabling this.
Everyone, please make sure "Options -> Theater View -> Advanced -> Use fullscreen exclusive mode for drawing" is turned OFF.

Sometimes I wonder under which circumstances this option is even beneficial, I only know it causing problems.

[JimH]

Is there  another type of remote besides a windows media center remote that can be used for controlling MC. I have a Logitech ultimate that has hundreds of remote control commands in the database. It is also a learning remote. When you select Microsoft/windows from its database it puts in windows media center commands. Does the remote that JRiver sells, send different commands compared to a windows media center remote?

In regards to the Automatic (which is what is recommended), Disabled, App command, Hot keys. I tried them all and nothing corrected the issue. I also, second Justin's response that the F1 or green button does not work once your are at the black screen. I would also be willing to send my library if it would help in finding a solution.

MC should work with any remote that works with Windows Media Center.

[mojave]

Sometimes I wonder under which circumstances this option is even beneficial, I only know it causing problems.

I don't think it is necessary anymore. It is probably best to eliminate fullscreen exclusive mode for drawing in Theater View.

It was added in 17.0.47. Matt said, "Windowed mode doesn't work very well at 24 Hz, and this might help once the kinks are out."

17.0.47 (12/5/2011)
8. Changed: Added experimental Theater View > Options > Advanced > Use fullscreen exclusive mode for drawing.

17.0.48 (12/6/2011)
4. Fixed: The experimental fullscreen exclusive rendering in Theater View would switch the monitor refresh rate back to 60 Hz when entering Theater View from a 24 Hz movie.

17.0.49 (12/7/2011)
6. Fixed: Using the fullscreen exclusive option for Theater View would lead to problems entering Theater View if exclusive mode failed.

[pfm555]

Thank You! Thank You! I had all three items checked that Mojave listed. I unchecked them and I believe you guys have found the solution. So far it is good for me. MC now works like it should. I have not been able to replicate the issue. I will say that I would like to use Red October HQ so I will re-enable it and see if anything changes. Thanks again.

[pfm555]

I have now tested this multiple times and IMHO it is solved. I did re-enable Red October HQ and it works too. So the  "Use fullscreen exclusive mode for drawing" and the "Pause Video Playback when entering Theater View" were the problems.  I had resigned myself to living with this issue as I had posted about it with no solution. Needless to say I am one happy camper. Thanks again to everyone.

[MikeO]

Hi

I reported this a number of weeks back , I went through a load of stuff with Glynor following his wiki guide about anti virus etc but still didn't get a resolution.

I now avoid the BACK button , hitting STOP reverts to the navigation screen , but BACK leaves the video still running and in my case hung MC , I had to CNT alt Delete to get out of it

I'll see if I can find the thread, Matt & Jim both got involved but it was left hanging . Since I had a workaround I let it drop.

Out of interest I tried in on 2 completely different PC's one juts MC install with Intel 3000 graphics and not much else, the other full of all sorts of Dev programs and a separate video card, they both responded the same

Mike

[MikeO]

this is the old post

http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=93066.0

Mike

[Matt]

Just to be sure, everyone experiencing this problem has enabled:
Options > Theater View > Use fullscreen exclusive mode for drawing

And disabling that fixes the problem.

Correct?

[MikeO]

Ha Ha Test before you post 

I just looked at the 3 settings that Mojave suggested

I am using Red October Standard -- so I left it as is.

Both of the others were checked ( I assume they were checked by default as I have no recollection of checking them , I am not even sure what they do !!)

I have unchecked them and behaviour has changed.

Now when I hit the BACK Button I see the List Of Episodes again and the small video preview pane instead of being blank now shows the video I was watching still running, hitting Watch All resumes the full screen video.

Hitting BACK now takes me to the Season Selection page and stops the video. I assume that is the design behaviour.

I declare that a cure to my ills 

Thanks for all the advise

Mike

[JustinChase]

I did have full screen exclusive checked.  When I unchecked it, then played a video, then hit the back button I got an entirely black screen.  I was able to get to task manager, and saw that MC was "not responding".  I killed it, and media server, then tried again, same thing.

Then I checked Tools > Options > Theater View > Behavior > Pause Video Playback when entering Theater View, which was also checked, so I unchecked it, tried again, same thing, black screen.  (note - I was not seeing a black screen before, only the navigation page of Theater view, but unresponsive)

I restarted MC and MC Server, tried again; black screen.

I then changed RO HQ to RO Standard, and tried again; that worked.  I went back to navigation screen and the video was playing in the window on the right, like I think it's supposed to.  I clicked on watch, and the video went back to full screen, like I expected.

So, in my case, I had to make all 3 changes to 'fix' this issue.

I'd like to be able to use RO HQ; but it's not terribly important to me right now.  Hopefully this at least lets JRiver reproduce the issue, and can fix it at some point in the future.

For those of us having the issue, at least it seems there is a solution; although not ideal.

Thanks mojave for providing the key!!  This has been an annoyance for me for years, so I'm very happy to at least know how to fix it now.

[Hendrik]

I think its weird that so many people enabled an experimental option hidden under the default-collapsed advanced section of Theater View options.
Maybe we should just remove it entirely.

[Matt]

Maybe we should just remove it entirely.

That's my plan.

[JustinChase]

Well, it was 3 years and 3 versions ago, when the option for full screen exclusive was offered in madVR.  Also, it was the combination of 3 changes that caused the problem for me, not just the one selection.

Regardless, I hope it leads to a solution that allows me to use RO HQ in the future.

[Hendrik]

RO HQ works just perfectly for me with the Theater View exclusive mode option off. The pause option has no influence for me. Only enabling the Theater View exclusive mode immediately breaks it.
I would suggest to check your madVR settings if you modified them yourself.

[MikeO]

I don't think I checked that box , I assume it was set by default . I normally don't switch things on that I do not understand(at least often !!)

Mike

[mojave]

Then I checked Tools > Options > Theater View > Behavior > Pause Video Playback when entering Theater View, which was also checked, so I unchecked it, tried again, same thing, black screen.

Having "Pause video playback when entering Theater View" checked is the default setting. I would recommend leaving it checked. If someone had unchecked it and was using Red October HQ with madVR in Exclusive Mode, then I thought the problems could arise.

When you use Red October HQ, go to the madVR settings > Rendering > General Settings and make sure "enable automatic fullscreen exclusive mode" is unchecked. This might still be causing you problems.

[pfm555]

Matt
As i stated earlier I unchecked all three that Mojave had suggested. I then re-enable only RO HQ and like Hendrik everything works for me. In regards to why I enabled "Fullscreen Exclusive Mode for drawing." In my search for a solution  I read in a post (granted it was an older post on loss of focus) the individual suggested checking the fullscreen exclusive mode for drawing as a solution that worked for him. Stupidly, I left it checked even after it did not correct my issue. I do not remember checking nor would I have needed to check the "Pause Video Playback when entering Theater View". I watch all movies from Theater View.  If the pause video playback is set as a default I would like to suggest that the default be removed. Thanks again for the solution to this problem.

[pfm555]

Sorry Mojave I was actually writing my post during the time you posted. I will defer to you if you think it should be left as a default.