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[swinster]

As the title suggests. I think I have to convert the files first using something like MKV2VOB - but not sure if MC14 can then stream this?

MC14 can't encode video files on the fly can it?

[JimH]

The latest build of MC14 is at the top of the MC14 board.  Try it with the DLNA/UPnP Server.  We're working in this area, so if it doesn't work, please try future builds.

[swinster]

Ahh, this may be the cause of one issue. We actually have two MC14's running on two separate computer - One is an older version of MC14 (build 14.0.71), you when you click on "Check for Updates", we see the message, "no updates found"!!!

The other one was downloaded last night and although we can see and browse the MC library on that PC via the PS3, we are have trouble try to play most file type - mainly AVI's as the PS3 comes up with invalid media type - yet they play using WMP11. Oddly, the only thing I can play is the MKV that I have converted using MKV2VOB!

[JimH]

The other one was downloaded last night

What build?

Are you running the UPnP Server?  How is it set?

[swinster]

Yeah, just check this and it was downloaded from the main web site last night, so its only build 14.0.96. Will update this one as well.

However, just upgraded the old MC14.0.71 to build 118, and now I get an error on the UPNP sever stating :

27/12/2009 14:46 - JRiver UPnP Server Version 1.0.50 starting...
27/12/2009 14:46 - Failed to start 'JRiver Server'...

[Magic_Randy]

Ahh, this may be the cause of one issue. We actually have two MC14's running on two separate computer - One is an older version of MC14 (build 14.0.71), you when you click on "Check for Updates", we see the message, "no updates found"!!!

The other one was downloaded last night and although we can see and browse the MC library on that PC via the PS3, we are have trouble try to play most file type - mainly AVI's as the PS3 comes up with invalid media type - yet they play using WMP11. Oddly, the only thing I can play is the MKV that I have converted using MKV2VOB!

Use the latest  build from the top of this thread (118).

Go to Options under UPnP Server and make sure you check "Convert Video" and "Support Video Content". Your videos should now play.

I'm assuming you are already using the Playstaion 3 preset.

Randy

[Magic_Randy]

Yeah, just check this and it was downloaded from the main web site last night, so its only build 14.0.96. Will update this one as well.

However, just upgraded the old MC14.0.71 to build 118, and now I get an error on the UPNP sever stating :

27/12/2009 14:46 - JRiver UPnP Server Version 1.0.50 starting...
27/12/2009 14:46 - Failed to start 'JRiver Server'...

Go to options. What port does it show for the JRiver Server? And have you defined a PS3 Server? The port numbers are unique for each server and should start with port 2869.

Edit: Changed to add JRiver Server & added port info.

[swinster]

Go to options. What port does it show? And have you defined a PS3 Server?

Port = 2869

Ah ha. Running "netstat-a" reveals that this port is currently in a closed-wait state linked to our UPnP router (Buffalo), from this PC's IP, so I'm guessing there is another service running on the port, although "netstat -a -b" doesn't reveal any process information.

I don't know much about UPnP but I assume that if I want to run a server, then for the PS3 to be able to find it, it will have to run on a specific port.

As to the second question, Yeah, I removed the original default setting and added the PS3 settings.

[swinster]

PS - the OS is Vista

[swinster]

Ok, have set the port to 2870 and all seem to work. Now just got to look at on the fly video conversion.

[Magic_Randy]

Port = 2869

Ah ha. Running "netstat-a" reveals that this port is currently in a closed-wait state linked to our UPnP router (Buffalo), from this PC's IP, so I'm guessing there is another service running on the port, although "netstat -a -b" doesn't reveal any process information.

I don't know much about UPnP but I assume that if I want to run a server, then for the PS3 to be able to find it, it will have to run on a specific port.

As to the second question, Yeah, I removed the original default setting and added the PS3 settings.

Change your starting port number to 2870 (for the 1st server). The others will renumber automatically. That should eliminate your port conflict.

Note: that on the PS3 server, make sure you set it to convert video.

EDIT: Looks like you figured out the port numbering while I was posting.

Randy

[Magic_Randy]

I don't know much about UPnP but I assume that if I want to run a server, then for the PS3 to be able to find it, it will have to run on a specific port.

The PS3 should find MC. If it does not show up, search for media servers on the PS3.

[swinster]

Well, I'm bowled over. It all works - even MKV files converted on the fly without the need to change. I must say I'm impressed. Well done all involved and many thanks for the help on this one.

[JimH]

Thank you.  Thanks, Randy for helping.

Bob deserves much of the credit for this.  He's taken UPnP under his wing and made it grow, with a lot of help from the rest of the team.

[swinster]

Spoke too soon - well sort off.

Although I now seem to have most of it working, I'm pretty sure that in the previous build of MC14 (96) we were able to scan through the files and pause on the PS3, however, these options are not available in build 118. I may be mistaken here as this feature may have been available when using WMP11.

However, we are also have an issue in playing some files. We have an MKV file which although it plays, it is very jerky and the the audio track is about 10-20 seconds ahead of time. We converted this using MKV2VOB and this plays without jerking and the audio is on synch, but the aspect ratio is wrong.

Both file play as expected on in MC14 on the PC without issue.

[Magic_Randy]

...We have an MKV file which although it plays, it is very jerky and the the audio track is about 10-20 seconds ahead of time. We converted this using MKV2VOB and this plays without jerking and the audio is on synch, but the aspect ratio is wrong.

Did you try turning the convert video option on?

[swinster]

Yeah sorry, this is with the Convert Audio Option on. I think the MKV won't play at all without this option selected, but I'm not sure about the scan/pause.

[Magic_Randy]

Yeah sorry, this is with the Convert Audio Option on. I think the MKV won't play at all without this option selected, but I'm not sure about the scan/pause.

You said convert audio, but I assume you mean convert video.

I don't have any MKV files myself so I can't test this. Are your other file types playing OK?

[swinster]

You said convert audio, but I assume you mean convert video.

I don't have any MKV files myself so I can't test this. Are your other file types playing OK?

Apologies, yes, I meant video. I need to test a few more file from both machines and will report back.

[Magic_Randy]

Apologies, yes, I meant video. I need to test a few more file from both machines and will report back.

Bob is doing a great job making MC work with the PS3, so any feedback on what's working or not working will probably help him.

[swinster]

Hi Randy/Bob,

Just to let you know, the MKV file we are having difficulty with seems to be a singular occurance. I'm assumeing it is the way it has been muxed, or the specific codecs used in encoding - I will have a look at this in a bit more depth. Other MKV file play with no issue, as do other file types. As said though, both the MKV and the converted MPG play correctly in MC14 (118).

With regards to the other problem of scanning through files and pauseing etc on the PS3, as far as I can see this functionality doesn't work using MC14. When you connect the PS3 to WMP11, you can pause scan and select scene intervals as expected.

If you require any further info, please let me know.

[swinster]

Some further info:

An MKV that did work gave this info from MediaInfo: -

General
Format                           : Matroska
Overall bit rate                 : 5 871 Kbps
Writing application              : mkvmerge v2.0.0 ('After The Rain Has Fallen') built on Jan 13 2007 19:58:56
Writing library                  : libebml v0.7.7 + libmatroska v0.8.0

Video
Format                           : AVC
Format/Info                      : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile                   : High@L5.1
Format settings, CABAC           : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames        : 8 frames
Muxing mode                      : Container profile=Unknown@5.1
Codec ID                         : V_MPEG4/ISO/AVC
Duration                         : 1h 46mn
Bit rate                         : 4 990 Kbps
Nominal bit rate                 : 5 234 Kbps
Width                            : 1 280 pixels
Height                           : 544 pixels
Display aspect ratio             : 2.35
Frame rate                       : 23.976 fps
Resolution                       : 24 bits
Colorimetry                      : 4:2:0
Scan type                        : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)               : 0.314
Writing library                  : x264 core 54 svn-620M
Encoding settings                : cabac=1 / ref=5 / deblock=1:-2:-1 / analyse=0x3:0x133 / me=umh / subme=6 / brdo=1 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=2 / deadzone=20,10 / chroma_qp_offset=0 / threads=3 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / wpredb=1 / bime=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=5234 / ratetol=1.0 / rceq='blurCplx^(1-qComp)' / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30
Language                         : English

Audio
Format                           : AC-3
Format/Info                      : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID                         : A_AC3
Duration                         : 1h 46mn
Bit rate mode                    : Constant
Bit rate                         : 640 Kbps
Channel(s)                       : 6 channels
Channel positions                : Front: L C R, Rear: L R, LFE
Sampling rate                    : 48.0 KHz
Title                            : Dolby Digital 5.1
Language                         : English


The one that didn't work had this info: -

General
Format                           : Matroska
Overall bit rate                 : 2 853 Kbps
Encoded date                     : UTC 2008-09-20 04:37:46
Writing application              : mkvmerge v2.1.0 ('Another Place To Fall') built on Aug 19 2007 13:40:07
Writing library                  : libebml v0.7.7 + libmatroska v0.8.1

Video
Format                           : AVC
Format/Info                      : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile                   : High@L4.1
Format settings, CABAC           : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames        : 3 frames
Muxing mode                      : Container profile=Unknown@4.1
Codec ID                         : V_MPEG4/ISO/AVC
Duration                         : 2h 5mn
Nominal bit rate                 : 2 586 Kbps
Width                            : 1 280 pixels
Height                           : 528 pixels
Display aspect ratio             : 2.424
Frame rate                       : 23.976 fps
Resolution                       : 24 bits
Colorimetry                      : 4:2:0
Scan type                        : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)               : 0.160
Writing library                  : x264 core 64 r979 6d4af8d
Encoding settings                : cabac=1 / ref=3 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x3:0x113 / me=umh / subme=7 / psy_rd=1.0:0.0 / brdo=1 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=2 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=3 / nr=0 / decimate=0 / mbaff=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / wpredb=1 / bime=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=2586 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.00
Language                         : English

Audio
Format                           : AAC
Format/Info                      : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version                   : Version 4
Format profile                   : LC
Format settings, SBR             : No
Codec ID                         : A_AAC
Duration                         : 2h 6mn
Channel(s)                       : 6 channels
Channel positions                : Front: L C R, Rear: L R, LFE
Sampling rate                    : 48.0 KHz
Resolution                       : 16 bits

Text #1
Format                           : UTF-8
Codec ID                         : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info                    : UTF-8 Plain Text

Text #2
Format                           : UTF-8
Codec ID                         : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info                    : UTF-8 Plain Text

[swinster]

Even more info:

Just played with the "Convert Video" Setting in the MC14 UPnP server. With this unchecked, obviously the MKV files do not convert and so will not play on the PS3. However, AVI do play and can also be controlled - i.e. we can use the PS3 to skip, pause, and select scenes.

Unfortunately, when the "Convert Video" is switched on, although MKV files now play (apart form the one I came across above), none of the file are able to be controlled - even the AVI files.

[swinster]

Tad bit more:

Looks like the MKV file file we were having trouble with is an issue in the file, or at least how the stream is decoded by the PS3 from MC14. I checked out the file with DivFix++, but that didn't through up any errors, so I thoughts I'd just remux the file in MKVToolsNIX.

You will see above that the MKV file that didn't work also has 2 subtitle streams, so I remuxed the file without them and it worked like a dream. Just as a test I tried simple remuxing the file as was and this made no difference. Not sure if this is something that can be looked at?

[swinster]

is any of this info useful? Do you require anything else?

[swinster]

Oh, and by the way, is there anyway to stop the PS3 from displaying the wrong media type menus from the media server list.

By this I mean that in the main PS3 menu ther are sevral option such as :

Settings - Video - Music - Images - Game etc


The media server shows up in the Video, Music and Images menu, and all of the MC14 media type show up in all categories, yet only media of the specific type will show up under the specific PS3 category. This mean, for instance,  that you can see the Media Server from the PS3 Video menu, and you can then see all the MC14 categories and these can be navigated, but only video files will be able to be viewed.

What would be nice is if the "other" categories can be hidden, so that ONLY the Video category from the Media Server can be seen when viewing the Video Menu on the PS3.

[bob]

is any of this info useful?

Yes

Do you require anything else?

Just time

The seeking issue involves changes to the way we serve out the media. Since it's streaming while converting we simply tell the renderer that it's not seekable.

As far as the crossbar menu goes, I haven't been able to find any way to make only the proper media show up under each category (music, images, etc). I haven't found anything else that can do that either. One way you can get the this to work (for audio anyway) is to create a audio only ps3 server which is a special case that only shows the audio tree. Then your standard PS3 server can be the one you use for images and video.

[swinster]

As far as the crossbar menu goes, I haven't been able to find any way to make only the proper media show up under each category (music, images, etc). I haven't found anything else that can do that either. One way you can get the this to work (for audio anyway) is to create a audio only ps3 server which is a special case that only shows the audio tree. Then your standard PS3 server can be the one you use for images and video.

Ok, I'm guessing this is more of a Sony thing than yours. Not that they will listen but I'll fire off an email to them. If you have any good contacts, then let us know...

[JustinChase]

You will see above that the MKV file that didn't work also has 2 subtitle streams, so I remuxed the file without them and it worked like a dream. Just as a test I tried simple remuxing the file as was and this made no difference. Not sure if this is something that can be looked at?

did you ever remux with just one of the subtitle tracks, and if so did it work?

do you find subtitles work for mkv files in MC normally (not streaming)?  I tried a blu-ray I ripped with  MakeMKV and it worked great, but no subtitles.  I haven't taken the time to track it down, but thought I'd see if you have subtitles in mkvs working in MC.

thanks

Bob, I've been spending some time with this lately, and would also be happy to help test/try functionality among 3 Windows 7 machines if necessary.

[swinster]

did you ever remux with just one of the subtitle tracks, and if so did it work?

do you find subtitles work for mkv files in MC normally (not streaming)?  I tried a blu-ray I ripped with  MakeMKV and it worked great, but no subtitles.  I haven't taken the time to track it down, but thought I'd see if you have subtitles in mkvs working in MC.

thanks

Bob, I've been spending some time with this lately, and would also be happy to help test/try functionality among 3 Windows 7 machines if necessary.

The one things i didn.t do was remux with a single text stream, but the original file with both streams played correctly with working subtitles in MC14 normally. I'll look at this and get back.

[bob]

This is still evolving at a pretty rapid pace. The views are in the process of being customizable and we are still working on the transcoding.