embyforkodi (next-gen) 8.X.X support

[quickmic 1336]

Disclaimer:

If you decide using the delete option, IT'S YOUR RISK!
If you are using fileops on Kodi, LOOK and VERIFY what Kodi is about to delete or modify. The affected folder is clearly shown in a Kodi popup message.

 

BETA VERSION 8.2.15:

Download Link:

https://github.com/MediaBrowser/plugin.video.emby/archive/refs/tags/8.2.15.zip

Release Notes:
removed Kodi 18 support: ONLY FOR KODI 19+

use low level API for socket object (performance)
use low level API for custom queue object (performance)
optimize/fix init sync
optimize session commands
change epg refresh method
fix livetv for Kodi 21

 

STABLE VERSION 8.2.14:

 

Download Link:

https://github.com/MediaBrowser/plugin.video.emby/archive/refs/tags/8.2.14.zip

Release Notes:
removed Kodi 18 support: ONLY FOR KODI 19+

(realtime) progress progress updates even if Emby server is busy
(another) fix dynamic nodes (genre and tags) for mixed content
fix webdav issue
add recommendations for dynamic nodes
fix library updates when "use path substitution" is enabled (plugin) and "extract video information from files" is enabled (Kodi). Actually "extract video information from files" should always be disabled.
fix remote client selection when Emby server doesn't report a Username

fix sync issue (changed userdata reported for a folder by Emby server)
fix minor webservice issue
fix live tv epg issues
fix boxset/collection issue
add option to adjust curl timeouts
fix dynamic nodes (genre and tags) for mixed content
fix kodi companion query without admin account

fix folder view for pictures

fix minor issue when disconnecting from Emby server
fix hibernate issue when playing content

Widget refresh improvement
fix progress updates, playing native (Kodi) files in combination of Emby content
fix check artwork update

add emby sources to sources.xml (fixes Kodi's masterlock issue)
(re)add Kodi workaround for episode bookmarks (default on)
disable http2 by default
fix minor sync issue and improve incremental performance
fix IPV6 websocket connection -> https://github.com/MediaBrowser/plugin.video.emby/issues/471
fix media flags (codec infos)

fix tvtunes
add option to disable websocket communication
improve server reconnects
minor livetv improvements
minor progress sync updates
workaround for Emby server issues (http unresponsiveness)

even more fixes for livetv streamclose issue (for single tuner devices)
improve channel sorting

additional fixes for livetv streamclose issue

fix livetv streamclose issue

fix crash when invalid remotecontent requested to play
keep using same connection on Emby server reboot
minor changes in livetv stream init
fix livetv stream init issue
fix local trailers

fix hls-streams when using (Kodi's) path substitution
faster hls-streams init
redefine modi in plugins config menu. Basic and standard mode only shows essential functions (user frendlyness)
skip intro default enabled
add option to limit artwork size
add option to define the artwork compression level
fix remote playback photos
fix database close issue
improve sync pause
fix remote playback focus screens
improve incremental sync performance
add translations

fix progress reset issue
fix artwork compession issue
fix minor artwork query issue

improve live tv sync
fix BoxSet startup sync issue

support livetv channel numbers
improve Emby server queries
improve playlist nodes
several minor fixes
fix disable image enhancers
some performance improvements

several fixes for dynamic/hybrid nodes
fix music playlist issue
fix local trailers
fix themes
add relative seek position support (https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/118597-new-seekrelative-remote-control-command/)
fix settings persistence (https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/118572-issue-to-memorize-kodi-video-settings-with-native-path-and-default/)
change content queries for better Emby server >.19 support

fix live tv via dynamic nodes
fix watched status issue
fix issue with native Kodi content (or 3rd party plugin content)

fix playback progress issue
async queries for dynamic nodes and Ids queries (performance)
fix invalid people issue
fix shutdown/restart issue
fix livetv sync

compatibility with Emby server beta 4.8.0.29
workarounds for .29 performance issues
use async http queries (for init and startup sync)

fix rare sync issue
compatibility with Emby server beta 4.8.0.27
add HDR flag in Kodi's dynamic listitems
add HDR flag in Kodi's database
fix audio sync issue
fix subtitle issue

fix multiversion sync issue
fix access restricted issue

fix bluray sync
fix sync isse after remote mode disabled
add option to disable ssl verification

fix skip intro
fix artwork cache issue
improve http communication
major changes in player controlls (major changes)
new remote control function added
watch together/remote mode, could forward control to supported clients (option) -> multi box control
add NowPlayingQueue support -> requested here: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/116318-playlist-bei-wiedergabe-auf-anderem-gerät-leer/#comment-1229462
fix sleep mode

improve watch together feature (support 3rd party apps)
improve livetv sync (cache EPG etc.)
Kodi workaround getting proper progress information
replace Kodi (python) player API (unreliable) with json rpc commands
replace Kodi (python) playerlist API (unreliable) with json rpc commands
added sort of "qos" for http queries (prioritize realtime queries, queue async queries)

use Kodi 20 improvements for plugin
change database index (faster music album artwork loading)
fix search by actor (options available in plugin's config menu)
keep photos, photoalbums, upcoming always cached
ask for transcoding audio streams (option) -> mostly helpful with Emby server transcoding patches -> https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/115329-feature-request-transcoding-multiple-audiostreams/
fix special content playback via context menu
rewrite logs -> native xbmc.log
support chapter bookmarks for all content in addon mode (using Kodi's path substitution, tricking Kodi believing it's local content) (option available in plugin's config menu)
shorten filenames
change context menu (add specials as seperate item)
unify iso, bmdv, plugin detection (maybe side effects, must be reviewed)
rewrite transcodec options
improve livetv playback
cache translations
improve startup sync (maybe side effects, must be reviewed)
improve EPG sync (based on iptv-simple scheduler)
add (basic) livetv recording option (EPG guide -> context menu)
add support for Favorite Collection
add support for Favorites combined in one node
(minor) http session improvements
improve remote control support
Watch-together E4K implementation -> e123enitan -> https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/111030-watch-together-e4k/ (master (user) probably needs admin previlegies)

Edited November 24, 2023 by quickmic

[quickmic 1336]

New version available 8.0.0:

Comment:

This is a very early test version. Don't use it unless you have Kodi backups. Test this version on a PC/Mac first!

- database resync mandatory

- Watch together feature (currently) works only for next-gen clients in 8.x versions (available via context menu -> Emby options). 3rd party clients which support remote controlling can be participants in one of the next versions (with some limitations).

It's not related to any Emby server plugins, as soon there is a stable version available, I'll add support too.

Edited February 6, 2023 by quickmic

[Mookdog 89]

Hey @quickmic

Glad to see version 8 is out for beta. I did however run into a bit of a snag. Movies scan in fine. TV Shows I get 1/4 of the way through them and it kicks out of Kodi. I am still using .21 of the server and on Kodi 20. I will post a kodi.log when I attempt to scan again.

Mook

 

Update : Nevermind I got it running. My stupid self forgot to switch my skin to estuary and it was causing issues. So note to everyone everyone should when testing version 8 switch to estuary before scanning in your libraries. It will save u a ton of headaches.

 

Edited February 7, 2023 by Mookdog
update

[Mookdog 89]

@quickmic Watch Together is perfect. Tried it with my friend in Louisiana and it worked flawless. That was something I definitely wanted thanks for all your hard work. So far 8 is runnning perfect

 

Mook

[t123thomas 60]

Hi quickmic, has this feature been implemented on emby server, if not how is it going function e4k as a client.

 

[quickmic 1336]

1 hour ago, t123thomas said:

Hi quickmic, has this feature been implemented on emby server, if not how is it going function e4k as a client.

 

No, not on Emby server. It just uses regular remote-control (session) API calls which are standard on Emby server. Every client (I've tested -> WebUI and Emby app) supports them and that's all needed.

btw, WebUI (as a remote client) is imho not completely following the "specifications". e.g. A seek command received when stream is paused also toggles Play, which it should not do. Also a PlayNow command plays trailers (if enabled) instead of directly playing the requested content.

Emby app (as a remote client) is 100% "correct"

 

There are only 2 custom "API" next-gen currently uses. It confirms the the participation. In next version, I add support for client not supporting those custom "API" by forcing them (if enabled in plugins config menu).

These custom "API" are actually just a regular text message, raped to communicate with other clients. In includes a specific text message (interpreted as an instruction) and the sessionId of the "master" to send back the answer.

In next version there will be 4 custom "APIs":

"watch together request", "watch together confirm", "watch together ack", "watch together cancel"

No one of them are mandatory, it's just a bit eye candy. As mentioned, you can force clients to participate like you can remote control any client.

I think lot's of people are not really aware or even used remote control functions.

Edited February 7, 2023 by quickmic

[e123enitan 237]

test Version 8 here is log link, I can not see how to test the watch together pls advise

log

[quickmic 1336]

56 minutes ago, e123enitan said:

test Version 8 here is log link, I can not see how to test the watch together pls advise

log

 

- Watch together feature (currently) works only for next-gen clients in 8.x versions (available via context menu -> Emby options). 3rd party clients which support remote controlling can be participants in one of the next versions (with some limitations).

Edited February 8, 2023 by quickmic

[LongMan 89]

Might be a good idea to add the Watch Together instructions to the first post under the announcement of the feature.

[quickmic 1336]

28 minutes ago, LongMan said:

Might be a good idea to add the Watch Together instructions to the first post under the announcement of the feature.

Will do so for next version. It's still under development and the current 8.X implementation is very basic.

[838Joel 53]

I did not test it very much, but so far so good with Kodi 20 on an Android TV, using server 4.7.11.0, scan complete normally and able to play!

[quickmic 1336]

New version available 8.0.1:

Delta changelog 8.0.0 -> 8.0.1

improve watch together feature (support 3rd party apps, tested with Emby app)
improve livetv sync (cache EPG etc.)
Kodi workaround getting proper progress information
replace Kodi (python) player API (unreliable) with json rpc commands
replace Kodi (python) playerlist API (unreliable) with json rpc commands
added sort of "qos" for http queries (prioritize realtime queries, queue async queries)

Limitations:

iso and bmdv content not tested and probably broke

Skip intro jump is wrong

Comment:

Additional watch together improvements (features) are in the pipeline. Still not the final implementation yet.

Edited February 11, 2023 by quickmic

[Mookdog 89]

Hey @quickmic

Once again great job on 8.0.1

Which Emby App did you test Watch Together on ?  

I tried on both Emby ATV and Emby for Android. Emby for Android notified me and when I hit got it it didnt do anything. With Android TV version it just had a notification on the bottom that went away

 

Thanks for all your hard work

Mook

2 hours ago, quickmic said:

New version available 8.0.1:

Delta changelog 8.0.0 -> 8.0.1

improve watch together feature (support 3rd party apps, tested with Emby app)
improve livetv sync (cache EPG etc.)
Kodi workaround getting proper progress information
replace Kodi (python) player API (unreliable) with json rpc commands
replace Kodi (python) playerlist API (unreliable) with json rpc commands
added sort of "qos" for http queries (prioritize realtime queries, queue async queries)

Limitations:

iso and bmdv content not tested and probably broke

Skip intro jump is wrong

Comment:

Additional watch together improvements (features) are in the pipeline. Still not the final implementation yet.

 

[quickmic 1336]

5 minutes ago, Mookdog said:

Hey @quickmic

Once again great job on 8.0.1

Which Emby App did you test Watch Together on ?  

I tried on both Emby ATV and Emby for Android. Emby for Android notified me and when I hit got it it didnt do anything. With Android TV version it just had a notification on the bottom that went away

 

Thanks for all your hard work

Mook

 

This one:

https://emby.media/emby-for-android.html

[quickmic 1336]

btw, you need to enable: "Force clients" in plugin's menu:

"playback "-> "watch together" section -> "Force clients" (but I think this is default)

Edited February 11, 2023 by quickmic

[Eigeplackter 75]

Hi Mic,

this evening I installed the new beta, as I was hoping to fix the following behaviour:

As external player I'm using MPC-HC with MadVR via KODI.

 

Even though I have all settings, remember ..., applied, Playback starts at the beginning

and not the offered (inside KODI) start playback at 26:11.

 

This is my pcf.

<playercorefactory>
<players>
<player name="MPC-HC" type="ExternalPlayer" audio="false" video="true">
<filename>C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\mpc-hc64.exe</filename>
<args>"{1}" /fullscreen /close</args>
<hidexbmc>false</hidexbmc>
<hideconsole>false</hideconsole>
<warpcursor>none</warpcursor>
<playcountminimumtime>300</playcountminimumtime>
</player>
</players>
<rules action="prepend">
<rule filetypes="mkv|avi|divx|ogm|mp4|mov|m4v|flv|m2v|mpeg|mpg|mts|m2ts|vob|bdmv|iso" player="MPC-HC">
<rule protocols="http|https" player="MPC-HC"/>
<rule protocols="daap|rtv|rtsp|rtmp|rtmpe|rtsp|mms|rtp|pvr" player="VideoPlayer"/>
</rule>
</rules>
</playercorefactory>

<playercorefactory>
<players>
<player name="MPC-HC" type="ExternalPlayer" audio="false" video="true">
<filename>C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\mpc-hc64.exe</filename>
<args>"{1}" /fullscreen /close</args>
<hidexbmc>false</hidexbmc>
<hideconsole>false</hideconsole>
<warpcursor>none</warpcursor>
<playcountminimumtime>300</playcountminimumtime>
</player>
</players>
<rules action="prepend">
<rule filetypes="mkv|avi|divx|ogm|mp4|mov|m4v|flv|m2v|mpeg|mpg|mts|m2ts|vob|bdmv|iso" player="MPC-HC">
<rule protocols="http|https" player="MPC-HC"/>
<rule protocols="daap|rtv|rtsp|rtmp|rtmpe|rtsp|mms|rtp|pvr" player="VideoPlayer"/>
</rule>
</rules>
</playercorefactory>

Additionally, at the end of an episode I have to exit of the player as seemless does not seem to be supported with an external player.

Kodi shows the next episode on homescreen for just second, and than brings up the just watched episode as unwatched.

 

I'm not even sure if this has to do with the plugin, just wanted to make sure.

If you need additonal information, just ask.

 

 

 

[Mookdog 89]

6 hours ago, quickmic said:

btw, you need to enable: "Force clients" in plugin's menu:

"playback "-> "watch together" section -> "Force clients" (but I think this is default)

It was user error. My stupid self was impatient and wasnt waiting for the participation countdown to finish. Works great on ATV and Android Version

You are in fact KING !!!!

Thanks Brother

Mook

Edited February 12, 2023 by Mookdog
Update

[LittleWizard 28]

Do I have to enable path sostitution in addon options? What does it do?

[Luke 37022]

8 minutes ago, LittleWizard said:

Do I have to enable path sostitution in addon options? What does it do?

Hi, it's not required. You can learn more about it here: https://support.emby.media/support/solutions/articles/44001159320-optional-network-paths

[quickmic 1336]

7 minutes ago, LittleWizard said:

Do I have to enable path sostitution in addon options? What does it do?

That's optional, if you enable it, (native) chapter thumbnail are loaded e.g. DVD chapters etc. Some devices may have problems with path substitution but it's save to try it. No database resync needed, it works on the fly.

[quickmic 1336]

7 minutes ago, Luke said:

Hi, it's not required. You can learn more about it here: https://support.emby.media/support/solutions/articles/44001159320-optional-network-paths

No that's not it. It's Kodi's path substitution to trick Kodi thinking it's a local content, forcing to load chapter thumbnails (NOT bookmark thumbnail, they always work). So actually it's a workaround for a Kodi limitation.

btw, only for addon mode (http)

Emby server's path substitution is always respected.

 

Additional infos here:

https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/116095-embycon-and-chapter-thumbnails-possible-within-kodi/&do=findComment&comment=1225217

https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/116095-embycon-and-chapter-thumbnails-possible-within-kodi/&do=findComment&comment=1225333

 

 

Edited February 12, 2023 by quickmic

[LittleWizard 28]

Ok.

I'll try it!

Maybe it will fix also my strange problems with subtitles sometimes duplicated.

[LittleWizard 28]

On 2/12/2023 at 12:14 AM, Eigeplackter said:

Hi Mic,

this evening I installed the new beta, as I was hoping to fix the following behaviour:

As external player I'm using MPC-HC with MadVR via KODI.

 

Even though I have all settings, remember ..., applied, Playback starts at the beginning

and not the offered (inside KODI) start playback at 26:11.

 

This is my pcf.

<playercorefactory>
<players>
<player name="MPC-HC" type="ExternalPlayer" audio="false" video="true">
<filename>C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\mpc-hc64.exe</filename>
<args>"{1}" /fullscreen /close</args>
<hidexbmc>false</hidexbmc>
<hideconsole>false</hideconsole>
<warpcursor>none</warpcursor>
<playcountminimumtime>300</playcountminimumtime>
</player>
</players>
<rules action="prepend">
<rule filetypes="mkv|avi|divx|ogm|mp4|mov|m4v|flv|m2v|mpeg|mpg|mts|m2ts|vob|bdmv|iso" player="MPC-HC">
<rule protocols="http|https" player="MPC-HC"/>
<rule protocols="daap|rtv|rtsp|rtmp|rtmpe|rtsp|mms|rtp|pvr" player="VideoPlayer"/>
</rule>
</rules>
</playercorefactory>

<playercorefactory>
<players>
<player name="MPC-HC" type="ExternalPlayer" audio="false" video="true">
<filename>C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\mpc-hc64.exe</filename>
<args>"{1}" /fullscreen /close</args>
<hidexbmc>false</hidexbmc>
<hideconsole>false</hideconsole>
<warpcursor>none</warpcursor>
<playcountminimumtime>300</playcountminimumtime>
</player>
</players>
<rules action="prepend">
<rule filetypes="mkv|avi|divx|ogm|mp4|mov|m4v|flv|m2v|mpeg|mpg|mts|m2ts|vob|bdmv|iso" player="MPC-HC">
<rule protocols="http|https" player="MPC-HC"/>
<rule protocols="daap|rtv|rtsp|rtmp|rtmpe|rtsp|mms|rtp|pvr" player="VideoPlayer"/>
</rule>
</rules>
</playercorefactory>

Additionally, at the end of an episode I have to exit of the player as seemless does not seem to be supported with an external player.

Kodi shows the next episode on homescreen for just second, and than brings up the just watched episode as unwatched.

 

I'm not even sure if this has to do with the plugin, just wanted to make sure.

If you need additonal information, just ask.

 

 

 

Maybe is related to the fact that with emby app if I cast to embyforkody, but also to upnp renderer, resume point is not respected. It seems to be something in emby server and not the embyforkody addon....

[Eigeplackter 75]

On 2/13/2023 at 10:49 PM, LittleWizard said:

Maybe is related to the fact that with emby app if I cast to embyforkody, but also to upnp renderer, resume point is not respected. It seems to be something in emby server and not the embyforkody addon....

Yeah and might be the external player I recently learned.

 

[jasonborn 21]

Very nice work @quickmic