Plugin Request....

[mazz972003]

I don't know a thing about making Plugins but it seems that what I'm looking for should be able to be done.

I've got folders in VMC with lots of AVIs [TV shows and such] and in order to cue up a bunch of them to watch I've been using a Playlist Generator. An easy enough solution to the issue [Something VMC should do by default I think].

Then I Noticed that the "Pictures" Menu has a "Play Slideshow" button toward the top left.



While in the "Videos" Menu it has a "Related Pictures" button.



I suppose that MS was thinking of home videos filling the "Videos" folder and not ripped movies, TV shows, and Music Videos because the only reason I can think of to have a "Related Pictures" button is to view the pictures you took of the Vacation video you just finished watching [you know what I mean].

For me it's useless.

What I propose is this....

If you could change the "Related Pictures" button to a "Play All" button instead...That would be terrific! Then every folder within the "Videos" Menu would have that "Play All" button making it easy to play all of the files within it.

Common sense I think....So....What do you think?
Any takers?

[s.t.s]

Sounds like a nice idea I guess, but how often do you want to play a full season of a tv show? Have you tried TV Library as that gives you fairly quick access to a season and then easy enough to play consecutive episodes and I believe ANdy is open to ideas so sure he could add a "play full season" options for you.

[mazz972003]

Thanks for the reply, s.t.s.
I cant seem to find 'TV Library' could you post a link to it, please? I'm always up for trying out new plugins!

I guess thats just how I watch my TV shows...I like to queue up a whole season of Futurama and watch the episodes I feel like watching [skipping past the ones I don't] because I never know what I'll be in the mood for [I'm a frequent channel changer too].

It's not just about TV shows though...I've got music videos that I'll queue up too [when I'm working out] and some of the ripped movies I have are split into two or three parts. Having a button like that would eliminate the need for playlists all together.

The closest I've found to this type of function is MCE file browser 2.0. The reason I don't use it is because it doesn't utilize the native Media Center interface and so it doesn't get themed with MCFX [this seems to happen with lots of plugins I've tried]...and I'm really into theming VMC now that I can.

Anyhow, thanks again for the response!

[mazz972003]

Never mind...found it. Duh!

[jollster101]

Originally Posted by mazz972003

Thanks for the reply, s.t.s.
I cant seem to find 'TV Library' could you post a link to it, please? I'm always up for trying out new plugins!

I guess thats just how I watch my TV shows...I like to queue up a whole season of Futurama and watch the episodes I feel like watching [skipping past the ones I don't] because I never know what I'll be in the mood for [I'm a frequent channel changer too].

It's not just about TV shows though...I've got music videos that I'll queue up too [when I'm working out] and some of the ripped movies I have are split into two or three parts. Having a button like that would eliminate the need for playlists all together.

The closest I've found to this type of function is MCE file browser 2.0. The reason I don't use it is because it doesn't utilize the native Media Center interface and so it doesn't get themed with MCFX [this seems to happen with lots of plugins I've tried]...and I'm really into theming VMC now that I can.

Anyhow, thanks again for the response!

Try this made by the one and only Impact.

http://www.xpmediacentre.com.au/comm...html#post44310

[mazz972003]

Thanks for your reply, jollster101.

Actually, I currently use IPG. Works great...but I'm still hoping for a workaround like the one I described.

Thanks again!

[IIB]

Unfortunately, it's impossible.

You may be able to write a completely new interface & system to handle your video playlists (and don't worry - I'm already thinking about this one, since I want to make an addin that allows me to create video playlists and search my music video collection just like the Music menu).

But it's actually impossible to change the functionality or the appearance of the built-in Windows Media Center experience. We are completely locked out of that. If you want to add a new function to Media Center, it has to be done in a completely new screen.

[mazz972003]

Thanks much, IIB.

I had a feeling it was a pipe dream. Oh well.

[fg6]

I totally agree with this. Why they would put almost the same thing in pictures and just leave the video section with no extra playing option seems just stupid. I like to put a season of seinfeld on when i sleep. A playlist generator is a fix but why should we need one when nearly every video software out there does this simple thing. But hey, has ms ever brought out an app that didnt feel half finished and missing the simplest of options.