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[haggis999]

I have just bought an Intel NUC 8i3CYSM to act as my first ever HTPC. The primary purpose is to play MKV rips of my Blu-ray collection via JRiver Media Center 24, running under Windows 10 Pro. The MKV files are stored on a NAS. This HTPC uses my television as its only screen and normally will have no keyboard or mouse, as I can manage it remotely from another PC using Remote Windows Desktop. The NUC will be left powered on 24/7, but the current power settings in Windows 10 turn off the screen after 10 mins of inactivity and put the machine to sleep after 30 mins.

My plan is to play my videos by using JRemote or Gizmo to manage JRiver from an iPad or Android smartphone. However, I want this process to be as slick as possible when the HTPC has gone to sleep. How can I ensure that JRemote or Gizmo will wake up my NUC and avoid any need for typing in a Windows password (a difficult task without a keyboard)?

[JimH]

I use a desktop PC for this.  Windows can be set to require a login at boot, but not on resume from sleep. 

When I tap any key on my keyboard, the Windows machine resumes.  Any activity on a phone trying to connect should do the same.

Windows can be set to respond to any network traffic that addresses the machine.

This is a complex subject.  The wiki has a topic on Wake on LAN.

[JimH]

I just tested with Gizmo and it works.  It wakes up the PC from Sleep.

[haggis999]

I just tested with Gizmo and it works.  It wakes up the PC from Sleep.

Hi Jim,
Thanks for checking that with Gizmo. I was actually reasonably sure that wake-up was working, though I had only done some very limited testing (I only got the machine up and running yesterday). My primary concern was the need for a Windows password.

I've only just become aware that Windows can be set to require a login at boot, but not on resume from sleep. That would obviously resolve my problem, though I'm not quite sure how secure this is for a machine that is normally left running 24/7.

[RoderickGI]

In addition, if you are interested in what others do.

MC requires a User to be logged in to work, as it doesn't run as a Service on Windows. That means that whenever a HTPC needs to be rebooted, a User needs to log in; User ID and Password.

I have a keyboard connected to my PC so I could log in every time the PC reboots. But I want MC functional if there is a power failure while I am away, so I want the HTPC to reboot and log in automatically. So this is what I have set up. Windows logs in to my limited user account for the HTPC whenever I reboot it, and then opens MC all ready to go. In fact, if I have any issues with the HTPC I just reboot it and it is quickly in a known state with MC running, without further input from me. Very handy.

I forget the details on how to make Windows 10 automatically log in on reboot, but a Google should find the method easily enough.

Sure, a PC that reboots or wakes and logs itself in isn't particularly secure, but it can't be accessed from outside my home network without specific knowledge and passwords, it uses a limited account, and if someone has already broken into my home to access it, they could just take the whole PC. So it isn't so bad.

[haggis999]

In addition, if you are interested in what others do .......................

Windows logs in to my limited user account for the HTPC whenever I reboot it, and then opens MC all ready to go ...............

I have never used an HTPC before so I am very interested in how other people use such a specialised machine.

In what ways have you limited your chosen user account? I've never tried creating such an account, and I suspect that there are many different ways to achieve this, so your thoughts on this topic would be most welcome.

[RoderickGI]

I'm just using a non-administrator account. So all software installations or other changes to Windows require an Administrator User ID and Password.

While I could go further perhaps, my router, firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-malware are enough I think to ensure a "reasonable" level of security. Plus the access I allow from the internet to my HTPC is very limited, controlled by port forwarding and connection type restrictions (UDP, TCP) and User ID plus Password on MC access. My WiFi is very well secured.

About the worst anyone could do was access the HTPC and get to the MC User ID plus Password entry requirement. If they got through that, they would perhaps play some media, or delete it. But not much more.

Security is a huge topic, but there is lots of information on the web. I just thought you might want your NUC to log in to Windows and start MC, ready to play or record TV on reboot, without human intervention, so I mentioned what I do.

[haggis999]

I'm just using a non-administrator account. So all software installations or other changes to Windows require an Administrator User ID and Password.

While I could go further perhaps, my router, firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-malware are enough I think to ensure a "reasonable" level of security. Plus the access I allow from the internet to my HTPC is very limited, controlled by port forwarding and connection type restrictions (UDP, TCP) and User ID plus Password on MC access. My WiFi is very well secured.

About the worst anyone could do was access the HTPC and get to the MC User ID plus Password entry requirement. If they got through that, they would perhaps play some media, or delete it. But not much more.

Security is a huge topic, but there is lots of information on the web. I just thought you might want your NUC to log in to Windows and start MC, ready to play or record TV on reboot, without human intervention, so I mentioned what I do.

One of my key objectives is to make it a simple and seamless process to use my new HTPC (without compromising security to an unacceptable level), so thanks again for sharing your experience.

Permitting a selected user account to log in automatically to Windows 10 without the need for a password is easily achieved (ref https://www.cnet.com/how-to/automatically-log-in-to-your-windows-10-pc/). I will now follow your example and create a non-administrator account for that purpose.

At present, I don't see much need to connect to my HTPC while away from home. What is it that you do with such access? A long time ago, I tried experimenting with playing the music files stored on my NAS while driving (using BubbleUPnP Server), but it was very unreliable due to varying provision of a decent mobile data signal. I got much better results by creating high quality MP3 versions of my FLAC files with volume compression using JRiver and then storing them on a USB flash drive for use in the car.

[haggis999]

........ So this is what I have set up. Windows logs in to my limited user account for the HTPC whenever I reboot it, and then opens MC all ready to go. In fact, if I have any issues with the HTPC I just reboot it and it is quickly in a known state with MC running, without further input from me. Very handy ........

You appear to be operating your restricted user account in what is called 'kiosk mode', but as far as I can see, Microsoft has limited this mode to apps obtained via their App Store. How have you got this to work for MC? 

[RoderickGI]

No, I'm not using Kiosk Mode, which is quite a bit more restricted than what I do. I just automatically sign in to a Standard User account on bootup. A Standard User account belongs to the "Users" User Group and has restricted capabilities. Meaning, non-Administrator capabilities.

Yes, I did something like what is shown on the page you linked to. I did it way back in 2013 on Windows 7 though, so whatever I did may have been slightly different, but it has carried forward to my Windows 10 installation.


Actually, I mostly connect to my MC Server from outside my network to check which movies and TV shows I already have in my collection. Sometimes I forget what I have, and if I am out buying Blu-rays, I don't want to buy a second copy!

Also, I have some friends who are absolutely Movie and some TV Series nuts, so when discussing what is good to search out, what I have and don't have, being able to just pop up Gizmo and search for a title is a great advantage.

I don't play music from outside my network. I sync music to my Android phone for playback when out and about.

[haggis999]

No, I'm not using Kiosk Mode, which is quite a bit more restricted than what I do. I just automatically sign in to a Standard User account on bootup. A Standard User account belongs to the "Users" User Group and has restricted capabilities. Meaning, non-Administrator capabilities.

I got a bit further with my attempts to implement kiosk mode with MC as the target app, but still had some problems and decided to implement your method for the time being.

During this activity I created a new non-admin user called 'HTPC', in addition to my original user account called 'Admin'.

When I first installed MC I was logged in as 'Admin'. During the installation process I was asked to specify a user with admin privileges, so naturally quoted the credentials for 'Admin'. After creating the 'HTPC' user, I realised that MC was no longer available, so I reinstalled MC for this user and once again appeared to have no option but to provide the details for 'Admin'. It seems odd to me that a non-admin user can access an admin account in this manner, but MC appears to be working. It is a separate instance of the app with different library settings than the version of MC under my admin account.

The HTPC is now able to reboot and login to the 'HTPC' user account without user intervention. The startup settings within MC also ensure that JRiver Media Server starts automatically. All is thus ready to start playing my media via Gizmo or JRiver. Thanks for your help on this.

Having 2 copies on MC on the HTPC is not an ideal scenario. With hindsight, I should probably have found a way to install MC so that it was available to all users.

Actually, I mostly connect to my MC Server from outside my network to check which movies and TV shows I already have in my collection. Sometimes I forget what I have, and if I am out buying Blu-rays, I don't want to buy a second copy!

Also, I have some friends who are absolutely Movie and some TV Series nuts, so when discussing what is good to search out, what I have and don't have, being able to just pop up Gizmo and search for a title is a great advantage.

I don't play music from outside my network. I sync music to my Android phone for playback when out and about.

That's a good idea. I would also find it useful to check the contents of my media collection while away from home. I will check that out when I have the basics fully sorted.   
 

[RoderickGI]

I reinstalled MC for this user and once again appeared to have no option but to provide the details for 'Admin'. It seems odd to me that a non-admin user can access an admin account in this manner, but MC appears to be working.

MC needs elevated privileges to install or update itself in Windows. This is perfectly normal and it will be required every time you update MC from now on.

It is a separate instance of the app with different library settings than the version of MC under my admin account.

You have been using MC for quite some time, and probably have things set up in your library that you want to keep. I assume based on your description that you re-imported media into the HTPC version of MC? Unless you are happy with starting over like that, it would be a good idea to log in as Admin, run MC and do a Library Backup into a location that all users can reach, the log off  Admin, log into HTPC and do a Library Restore to restore both your original Library and all your settings for the HTPC user.

Having 2 copies on MC on the HTPC is not an ideal scenario. With hindsight, I should probably have found a way to install MC so that it was available to all users.

MC uses User specific Windows directories extensively. It is tied to a specific user. I don't know of any way to install MC so that it is "available to all users", other than the way I have described above; Use a Standard User in Windows and have it log in automatically.

I do not think you will get it working using Windows Kiosk mode. But I haven't tried so maybe it is possible. You could, if you wished, use a more limited User type than the Standard User, but because MC relies on core components of Windows, that may have hard to resolve consequences.

[haggis999]

MC needs elevated privileges to install or update itself in Windows. This is perfectly normal and it will be required every time you update MC from now on.

You have been using MC for quite some time, and probably have things set up in your library that you want to keep. I assume based on your description that you re-imported media into the HTPC version of MC? Unless you are happy with starting over like that, it would be a good idea to log in as Admin, run MC and do a Library Backup into a location that all users can reach, the log off  Admin, log into HTPC and do a Library Restore to restore both your original Library and all your settings for the HTPC user.

MC uses User specific Windows directories extensively. It is tied to a specific user. I don't know of any way to install MC so that it is "available to all users", other than the way I have described above; Use a Standard User in Windows and have it log in automatically.

I do not think you will get it working using Windows Kiosk mode. But I haven't tried so maybe it is possible. You could, if you wished, use a more limited User type than the Standard User, but because MC relies on core components of Windows, that may have hard to resolve consequences.

Many thanks for those useful insights into the way that MC works. Given your comments, it looks like it would be a waste of time to pursue kiosk mode any longer.

I will just delete the MC installation for the 'Admin' user and stick with the version available to my 'HTPC' user account. The only other version of MC is the original one on my primary PC workstation. I actually copied the entire Library folder from that machine and copied it into my HTPC installation, but have not yet given much thought as to how I might ensure that these two remaining versions of MC remain in sync. Have you any suggestions on that topic?

[rec head]

Sorry, but what was wrong with this?

I use a desktop PC for this.  Windows can be set to require a login at boot, but not on resume from sleep. 

When I tap any key on my keyboard, the Windows machine resumes.  Any activity on a phone trying to connect should do the same.

Windows can be set to respond to any network traffic that addresses the machine.

This is a complex subject.  The wiki has a topic on Wake on LAN.

[RoderickGI]

I actually copied the entire Library folder from that machine and copied it into my HTPC installation

Best not to do this sort of thing. Best to do a Library Backup on your primary PC workstation, and then a Library Restore on your HTPC.

but have not yet given much thought as to how I might ensure that these two remaining versions of MC remain in sync. Have you any suggestions on that topic?

That, my friend, is a huge topic, usually fraught with personal preferences and hardware differences.

The simple answer is that if you want to keep both in sync all the time, one of either your NUC/HTPC and your primary PC workstation should be set up as a MC Server, and the other should be set up as a Client of that Server.

While there are other solutions/workaround, and you will find discussions about these on the forum, mostly: There be dragons!

[haggis999]

Sorry, but what was wrong with this?

There was nothing wrong with Jim's suggestions, as I acknowledged in the fourth post in this thread.

[haggis999]

....... The simple answer is that if you want to keep both in sync all the time, one of either your NUC/HTPC and your primary PC workstation should be set up as a MC Server, and the other should be set up as a Client of that Server.

While there are other solutions/workaround, and you will find discussions about these on the forum, mostly: There be dragons!

I'll check out your client server suggestion, as I'm not too keen on dragons... 

[haggis999]

........ The simple answer is that if you want to keep both in sync all the time, one of either your NUC/HTPC and your primary PC workstation should be set up as a MC Server, and the other should be set up as a Client of that Server.

While there are other solutions/workaround, and you will find discussions about these on the forum, mostly: There be dragons!

I have now configured MC on my primary PC workstation to use the library on the NUC. It was a surprisingly simple process and I feel no need to investigate dragon-infested alternatives.

EDIT:  I read that such a client server arrangement would let me start watching a movie on one HTPC then stop it and resume watching where I left off on the other PC, but that doesn't work for me.

[RoderickGI]

EDIT:  I read that such a client server arrangement would let me start watching a movie on one HTPC then stop it and resume watching where I left off on the other PC, but that doesn't work for me.

You need to have Bookmarking set up correctly and working on the server, and I think you need Authentication setup on the Server and logged in on the Client (which you should just have to do once.) You should be using Authentication anyway.

For this function to work, MC needs to write a tag to the copy of the Server library which is on the Client, and then the Client library needs to sync to the server library. So you can't just stop the movie on the Client, quickly shut down the Client, then go and watch it on the Server. When testing, stop the movie on the Client, wait five minutes (it happens quicker usually), then check on the Server. Or you can manually sync the Client library to the Server.

There have been threads detailing this topic.

[haggis999]

You need to have Bookmarking set up correctly and working on the server, and I think you need Authentication setup on the Server and logged in on the Client (which you should just have to do once.) You should be using Authentication anyway.

For this function to work, MC needs to write a tag to the copy of the Server library which is on the Client, and then the Client library needs to sync to the server library. So you can't just stop the movie on the Client, quickly shut down the Client, then go and watch it on the Server. When testing, stop the movie on the Client, wait five minutes (it happens quicker usually), then check on the Server. Or you can manually sync the Client library to the Server.

Both instances of MC have 'Tools/Options/General/Behaviour/Resume playback using bookmarks' set to ‘Automatic’ and 'Tools/Options/Media Network/Authentication' configured to use my admin account on the HTPC (MC server). That still didn't make bookmarks work even after waiting for over an hour.

While the HTPC library was highlighted on the Dell (MC client) I clicked on the ‘Sync Changes with Library Server' button, but this just popped up an error message:

                    Information
                    There was a problem sending changes to the server:
                    Unknown error, please ensure the server is running and that your
                    connection is available.

I've tried searching the forum for assistance on this error, but found nothing useful.

[JimH]

On the server, set up authentication under the Media Network settings.

[haggis999]

On the server, set up authentication under the Media Network settings.

This has already been done (as stated in my last post).

However, doing a disconnect and reload of MC's remote library on the client PC has fixed the problem. Bookmarks and ‘Sync Changes with Library Server' are now both working.