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FrontView+ [for Windows]iMon replacement, NowPlaying 2nd Screen


GlennNZ

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GlennNZ

2jayyc6.png1zmi7eq.jpg

 

579db30ce1b09_RedCurtain.png

 

 

 

FrontView+ is an update and a new name for Yatse2 – Yatse2 was a program written by Tolriq for use on Home Theatre Windows Based PCs for Second LCD Screen information.

FrontView+ is an update on this older code (to .Net 4.5.1) adding further features and additional remote code to support Plex and Emby, with two additions for improved functionality with both Kodi and Emby. (Kodi service and Emby Plugin)

There is no question that FrontView+ would not exist without Yatse and Tolriq code – many thanks for the open source nature of this code. FrontView+ remains open source with the code on Github.com

Basically if you have a PC case with a build-in LCD Screen eg. like these two:
2s80004.png



This is the program to be running for your media-center.
Nothing else in my experience does the job as well.
FrontView+ takes this blank screen, or the very old now unsupported iMon software and turns it into this:

2i8gd5g.jpg
57119df6a4c79_WeatherForecast.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USAGE


  • Use your second LCD Screen for Now Playing Information with fanart/Backdrops and remote control
  • Touch Screen Remote control (if player supports)
  • Shows Fanart as you browse Media Center – Fanart updates depending on the Browsing option (Kodi only – needs kodi.service installed)
  • Shows Default Fanart on other media centers and if no extrafanart for selection
  • Supports Fanart and CdART for Music Playback for all media centers
  • Supports PVR Channel info
  • Supports sending of HTTP Commands at certain Playback events – enabling FrontView+ to trigger home automation commands
  • Supports MPC-HC as external Player for Kodi usage
  • Includes its own local SQL Database for browsing and starting playback of files
  • Supports Kodi (full support – requires service.addon), Emby (full support – needs Emby Server Plugin), Plex (partial now Playing support only)

Emby New Home Theatre Example

[video=youtube]




Emby WebClient Fanart Example:

[video=youtube]


Install Manual included in Setup file - for install instructions.
Manual Only:
https://www.mediafire.com/?v8232d1ww2166bb

Update
Version 1.108 Kodi Service Fix
- Inadvertent error in KodiService past couple of releases
- Fixed here. (Only change Kodi FrontView Service)

Download from Mediafire: Link Below:
https://www.mediafir...11ns9cc9sp3k34u


Version 1.108
- Hopefully fix focus issue that was created by refreshing screen on awake/sleep/screen change.
(if using <DisableResolutionDection>false - to restore screen settings after sleep)

Let me know if doesn't

Latest:

https://github.com/Ghawken/FrontView/releases/
 

 

 

 

 

Changelog:

 
Version 1.200

Fix for Save Settings if Blank Items.
Fixes for DDC when slow to later check connection possible.
More DDC logic fixes 
Add Checkbox box to disable nowPlaying MediaIcons
Installer registry changes to mark Frontview+.exe as HPIDPIAWARE
Add nosplashscreen CmdLine argument option to disable splashscreen (run Frontview.exe nosplashscreen - to disable splash)
Changes for DisplayScreen to enable better support for unusual screen setups/Virtual Desktops (rewriting the DisplayScreen code)

Add Option to NOT show MediaIcons on NowPlaying Screen
Now Shows MediaIcons on TV NowPlaying screen
Fix for TV NowPlaying Title size issues
Changed MediaIcons to slightly darker versions
Remove wyUpdate Code (may revisit later)

Version 1.199 Beta
Change to remote Version numbers Emby - just use first 3 digits (eg. 3.1 etc)

Addition of DDC/CI Monitor Settings Control:
Under DDC/Amp in Settings - will only work with monitors that support DDC (and unsure re USB Monitors)
Allows FrontView to control the monitor settings directly (same as adjusting monitor menu settings)
Enables FrontView to completely lower brightness and contrast during playback - avoiding a blank yet still 'bright' screen

Add MediaIcons to NowPlaying Movie Screen:
Very limited screen real estate. Happy to take suggestions for placement
Todo: Add checkbox to remove displaying icons
Fix to Disable MediaIcons in NowPlaying Popup MovieDetails Screen

 

Version 1.195b

  • Sorry Installer did not include the skinable cases

Version 1.195
Add Kodi Krypton Remote Connection Option (minimal changes - but works)
Add Icon_ for Kodi 
Emby Remote: Version/Name Info (may need to reconnect remote on new server versions)
Change to Remote Code naming - may need to delete db and refresh
Add Kodi CoverArt Option: Skinable Bluray and DVD Case
(can also add for Emby if interested - but Emby CoverArt gives same impact)

Version 1.190

Add MediaIcons to MovieDetails Screen
DB Upgrade Needed (will happen automatically) But will need to full refresh library
Few Fixes
MediaIcon Size Slider added to Fanart Screen

Version 1.185
Fixes for Plex - V.Limited (as before) support for Plex - NowPlaying screen only.

Add Settings Buttons for Logos; UseLogo optional; and Size of Logo and Size of Text settings.
Added Logos to Movies and TV show Details Screen
Added Logos to NowPlaying Screen
Fix for absent Play Button Details Screen
Add Skin Logo Default Image (must be blank)
Formatting changes to better support multiple screen sizes
 

Version 1.171
Fix for Screen bouncing around - sorry!
Fix for Fanart Opacity not saving

Add Settings Screen for some Skin Settings -

  • Two new settings: Under Skin Extra: Controls Cover Size in Movies Screen Text: Controls Now Playing size in both TV and Movies NowPlaying

Add Slider for SemiCircle Opacity: below fanart Opacity Slider.

More major:
Universal Coverflow/Skin settings - recognises size of remote Cover's (Movies/TV separate) sizes and resizes the coverflow appropriately.
Should be compatible with any CoverArt treatment from Emby. No longer need to keep aspectRatio selected.
(all covers do need to be the same size within TV and Movies)

Deleted some skins - as not needed - settings pages cover.

New Settings: To Change NowPlaying Playback:
Top one: Extras (skin) Changes the Cover on the Now Playing Movies screen

1.164

Add Display Selection Box - enables as many screen as liked to be selected

Resolution fixes - should display options for more

Add FanArtOpacity Slider to settings (xml file no longer used)
Fix PremeireDate Emby Format

1.162

Skin Changes Very slow work...
Changed Movies Details Screen, TV episode and TV Info Screen
Add Opacity to Fanart - in Styles.xaml (select number from 0-1 to dim to black the fanart in all screens)
Resize Settings screen if 480 pixels deep
Some other changes
New skins to support different Emby Coverart Treatments - still no complete covers all possibles solution.

Note Coverflow - fits to this frame perfectly
Also the background is selected dim-level as requested (within Styles.xaml)

Version 1.159

Fix Cropped nowPlaying Screen (Best results delete Thumbnail Cache in %appdata% - will be regenerated)
Fix Movie_TextSize incorrectly applying to both title and time (now separate settings for both)
& Fix IP Receiver setting

More skin changes - can change size of Cover items in NowPlaying Movies (few default options - within Styles.xml)

All skins now default to newer larger Cover Size - 'Default' is still the smaller size.
Older or custom skins will need new Skin/skinname/xaml/Styles.xaml --> copied and replaced in older folders for correct functioning

Version 1.158

Correct functioning of DisableScreenPositioning in settings.xml file (turn on to stop FrontView+ being draggable)

Allow Skins to change Logo (add new %appdata%/Skin/skinname/Interface/Logo.png) to Skin folder

 
Version 1.156
Emby Remote Return Button Fix
Pioneer IP Control : Volume Percentage Fix
Pioneer IP Control : Mute Undim correctly works.
 
Major Skin Changes - Checks for Default skin if missing component of new skin.
(just change what ever skin component need for new skin)
Multiple skins now included as default (as minimal space)
Added 'BaseSkin' - copy this and replace whatever skin component wish to change.
Also - my new Favourite Red Curtain and Red Curtain Large (NowPlaying Large)
 
Some logic Changes to Emby Fanart Always - more compatible with Multiple Remote connections
(should need any path changes)
 
Version 1.154
Add option to connect to Receiver (with IP control) for all volume commands and to reflect Receiver Volume in FrontView+
(Currently compatible with most Pioneer models- can consider supporting others)
Additional Settings screen for above.  Default Off.
 
Change Skins (NB: may cause issues with older Skins - if so overwrite Skin/SkinName/xaml/*.*  with current contents to resolve)
Allow NowPlaying Screen Text Size to be edited.
Change NowPlaying TV Screen to show Title Name above Playbar.
Change Home Screen Layout if Hide Audio Menu Selected
 
Add Stop Button to NowPlaying Screen
Mute Button Now reflects Mute status (of Player)
Emby Remote:
Functional Seek Bar
Functional Volume Slider/VolumeUP when ET supports such.
Correct Focus confirmed - awaiting ET fix.
 
Version 1.137
Add Settings Button to Hide Audio Main Menu
 
EMBY Remote: (ver 170)
Some Bug Fixes
Deal with multiple movie Folders (rather than directories within)
 
Add HTTP Play Delayed send option
(enables to send HTTP after certain time of playback configurable in seconds)
e.g Playback started - dim lights to 50%, 10 seconds into playback Dim to 100%
 
Version 1.130
Check silently for available updates at Startup (and set Settings information)
Emby Remote - Fix lack Season Selection Screen issue
Bug Fixes for Quick Refresh
 
Version 1.127
Update Emby FrontVersion Version number
Change Movies sort to DateCreated rather than Premiere Date (Emby)
 
Version 1.126
Test of online update
Small typo Fix in Settings screen
 
 
Purpose of this major update is to enable Quick Refresh of the Library on Start.
This has been enabled for both Emby and Kodi Remote Connections.  Should run in around 5-10 seconds.
This is to make useful the date sort - which isn't that much use if have to update whole Library to use.
 
1.125
Purpose of this major update is to enable Quick Refresh of the Library on Start.
This has been enabled for both Emby and Kodi Remote Connections.  Should run in around 5-10 seconds.
This is to make useful the date sort - which isn't that much use if have to update whole Library to use.
 
Major SQL Database Changes addition of Date/Needs DB update - which should occur.
Date data will not be present until a full Library Download is run.
Settings Buttons Additions.
If issues - delete FrontView+.db file and restart, resetting up Remote
Movie Sort to Date Added
Fixes for IDRemote Data
Change to using WyUpdate to download small updates (hopefully the last mediafire install package needed)
 
1.116
Remove Emby Virtual episodes from local database
Change TV Show sort to order by latest episodes - selection in Library Settings
(Order TV Shows by Show-  but those with latest episode first)
Fix for some Trace logging if no remote
 
1.115
Add ShowInTaskbar xml settings file
Few changes for MiniseAlways
 

Release 1.115

Adds ShowInTaskbar settings.xml setting - can be true or false - if false FrontView will not show up in taskbar

 

Release 1.114

Fixes for Weather (Changes between Day and Night Icons depending on current Sunsetfor both current and Forecast){Rightly or wrongly for Forecast} Happy to have feedback.
EMBY remote:  Fix for Trailer Change/Server Update/Backwards compatible
Add DimAmount and Time of Dim /Dim Time in Seconds to Settings screens.

 

Release 1.113

WEATHER API Completely  rewritten - do need Wunderground API Key however!  (free, easy access)

 
Link in Setting Page
Completely rewritten Weather API - Moved to Wunderground
New Weather Icons, Backgrounds
Search works - huge range of location options; given Wunderground
 
Release 1.112
Add Xml Settings <DimAmount> value from 0 to 1 (eg. 0.5, or 0.9) amount of Dim applied to screen
(setting also adjustable with Skin Animation.xml file) Depending on skin may override Settings.xml setting.
 
 

Version 1.111

https://www.mediafire.com/?uuw6dvwkwdmhbiy

Fix to Remote Control Timing Startup issues with Emby
Additional support for Old EMBY Theater (MediaBrowser.UI)

 

Version 1.110

Emby Remote Updated:(1.105)

Major changes to AudioLibrary Download.  (a bit slower download as more info)
Far better Null checks from data from Database.
Correction/Working Music Genres
Focus Changes - compatible with Emby.Theater 2
(Enable in Settings.xml <KeepFocus>true --> will try to keep focus to Emby.Theater -> at least return it to Emby.Theater after remote commands)
 
 

Version 1.107
- Reinstate DisableResolutionDetection: -- setting in settings.xml file
reinstates screen settings on screen change if <MinimiseAlways>false and <DisableResolutionDetection>false
if <DisableResolutionDetection>true - will resort to current behaviour where screen changes are ignored.

- Multiple Fixes for browsing fanart if changing from Kodi to Emby and back again
KODI:
- Fix/Ignore theme.mp3 files - no nowplaying info for these files and keeps relevant fanart going -
(difficult to sort out but done I believe -Issue was keeping relevant Fanart going despite the playback event and loss of Path information)
Further Fixes for config File

Version 1.105 (Emby Plugin 1.0.0.19 in Catalog)

Bugfix for HTTPSend App exit related to name change
Update EmbyServer Plugin to 1.0.0.18 Class
EMBY REMOTE:
- Add ignore theme.mp3 files playback for NowPlaying screen for EMBY Remote (?maybe needs option - can't think why)
- And ignore backdrop/theme.mp4 files
- Add support for 'Video' Mediatypes in NowPlaying screen
Fix Longstanding bug Fade In/Fade Out on Mute

26.2.16
Added ChangeRemote.exe commandline tool
Usage: ChangeRemote {num} e.g ChangeRemote.exe 1
Will Close FrontView+ and reopen changing to selected default remote.
Requested elsewhere to enable change from one remote to other quickly if using multiple media players.
Attached to this post

22.2.16
FrontView+ API now in Emby Catalog for Download & Install.

Release 1.104 and Emby ServerPlugin 1.0.0.16
Adds escaping Foreign Characters if needed
Corrects Page Loading issues and correctly shows selected device on pageload


Release 1.104
Remove Remote Buttons if Client Does not support Remote Control

Release 1.103
Changes to connection/more lightweight checking

Release 1.102
Bug Fix - EMBY - allow server restart without FrontView Freeze until completed.

Release 1.101
Bug Fix - for EventClient for Emby Remote (remove)
Add Support for Kodi 16 Jarvis (name change only needed)

Release 1.100:
FrontView+ Inital Release

ChangeRemote.zip

Edited by GlennNZ
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@@GlennNZ Thanks a million for keeping alive and improving the old Yatse2 app :D

 

Hopefully the server plugin will be available from the Emby catalog soon, for those of us that are too lazy to do it the manual way  :rolleyes:

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GlennNZ

Hi GlennNZ. Is this able to work with the imon vfd character display thx Neil

No solely for second screen LCDs.

 

@@GlennNZ Thanks a million for keeping alive and improving the old Yatse2 app :D

 

Hopefully the server plugin will be available from the Emby catalog soon, for those of us that are too lazy to do it the manual way :rolleyes:

Thanks for the vote of support.

Think Luke et al keen to get feedback here that no major issues with it before they add to catalog I think.

If you can report back that'll probably help.

Thanks

Glenn

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Hi Glenn,

 

I went through the setup and linked my FrontView+ to the Emby server, but I can't get any images showing what is playing like I do when linking FrontView+ to Kodi.

 

As you can see I've connected theFrontView+ to Emby

56bcb4b8f2534_FrontView.jpg

 

And I've configured the Emby plugin but it always saves the top device??

I select the Emby Web Client and save it.

56bcc06eb8ae2_DeviceSelect.jpg

 

But when I go back into the setting it shows FrontView as being the selected device.

56bcc0b50971f_Device.jpg

 

I'm also getting a lot of errors in my Emby server log file, all look like this (Log attached)

2016-02-11 18:15:47.0409 Info HttpServer: HTTP GET http://192.168.0.2:8096/FrontView. UserAgent: 
2016-02-11 18:15:47.0409 Error NotFoundHttpHandler: [::ffff:192.168.0.2]:8096 Request not found: /FrontView
2016-02-11 18:15:47.0409 Info HttpServer: HTTP Response 404 to 192.168.0.69. Time: 0ms. http://192.168.0.2:8096/FrontView

Another issue I did pickup is that if the Emby server restarts FrontView+ becomes unresponsive and you need to use task manager to shut it down. This would be a problem for some of us as we have a scheduled task running to restart the server at night.

 

I'm not sure if these issues stem from the fact I'm using the latest Dev build (3.0.5884.905)

 

Thanks again for all the effort you have put in :)

server-63590811260.txt

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GlennNZ

Hi thanks for the testing!  (and the logs)

 

I think the issue is you appear to be running the old emby plugin dll? (the Mediabrowser.plugins.Yatse.dll - is trying to load from your server log)

 

I have just doubled checked the installer does copy the right dll over - Mediabrower.plugins.Frontview.dll - it is in the Frontview+ program File after install.  This is the emby server plugin dll to copy over delete the Yatse one  (good bye old name!)

 

This is what should be in your log:

2016-02-12 06:46:41.2874 Info App: Loading MediaBrowser.Plugins.FrontView, Version=1.0.0.10, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null

The other issues are because of the lack of this file I believe. 

 

Also your log has a lot of : (below) Pretty sure thats not me - but obviously some plugin is having some issues.

2016-02-11 18:14:21.0583 Error App: LoaderException: Could not load file or assembly 'Plugin, Version=2.0.120.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=0f0d9dfce2b396a2' or one of its dependencies. The system cannot find the file specified.

re:

 


I select the Emby Web Client and save it.

56bcc06eb8ae2_DeviceSelect.jpg

 

The config/settings screen - saves the selected device to an xml file within the plugins directory.  It will be correct after saving - but on re-entering the page may not highlight the already selected item.  

If need to check what client you have selected - can check the xml file.   But this is cosmetic only.

 

re: FrontView+ app unresponsive if restart server:

Okay thanks.  Will have a look into it - likely trying to find something that is not there obviously.

Not my usual usage which is server always on, FrontView+ running when HomeTheatre client on.

 

If you could post FrontView log that would be great.  (in %appdata%/FrontView+/logs)

(need to turn trace and debug on from within FrontView - restart and induce problem)

 

Edit:

Working on it now - have found and fixed issue - just checking.

Have updated first post with new download version 1.102

 

 

 

 

Thanks

 

Glenn

Edited by GlennNZ
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Thanks Glenn, I decided to start from scratch, I shutdown my Emby server, deleted all the Yatse2 & FrontView+ dll's in the plugin folder and even cleared out the configurations folder.

 

I then uninstalled FrontView+ and removed the %appdata%/FrontView+ folder.

 

I then reinstalled FrontView+ 1.102 and then copied "Remote.Emby.dll" into the Emby server plugin folder.

 

I started Emby server and no FrontView+ plugin shows up  :(

 

I then copied the rest of the dll's into the Emby plugin folder, just in case they were needed, restarted the Emby server and still no FrontView+ plugin shows up  :(

 

Were did I go wrong  :unsure:

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GlennNZ

Hi

Wrong dll I afraid - the manual covers some of this I think

 

But only copy

MediaBrowser.Plugins.FrontView.dll

 

Its in the program files directory of FrontVIew+ after installation

 

Here:

56bd67b402c16_Dlltocopy.png

 

 

 

Delete the other Dlls - they will be causing Issues I suspect.

 

Glenn

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Just tested and it's working perfectly  :D

 

I can also confirm the previous issue I had when FrontView+ would hang when restarting the server is gone  :D

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GlennNZ

Fantastic ! :D

 

There is new version 1.104 being uploaded now - should be on main page soon.

 

Changelog 1.104

- More lightweight checks for server Up status

- Don't display Remote Buttons if Client does not support remote Control

 

However - every client seems to flag supportsRemoteControl now? This appears to have just changed ?

(Will see whether changes back with next server update !)

 

Glenn

Edited by GlennNZ
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GlennNZ

Hi GlennNZ. Is this able to work with the imon vfd character display thx Neil

 

Have written a solution for Imon VFD/LCD and many other LCDs

See:

http://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/31356-plugin-for-lcdvfd-screens-windows-imon-replacement-using-frontview-server-plugin/

 

Glenn

Edited by GlennNZ
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GlennNZ

Update: (Server Plugin to 1.0.0.16)

To Emby-Server Plugin:

- Fixes page loading issue (need to click twice), also shows currently selected Emby device correctly

- add Foreign Character escaping if needed 

 

Download - Main Post.

 

Glenn

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GlennNZ

Update:

FrontView+ API now in Emby Catalog (yah!) 

(who is going to be first to review??  :D )

1zmi7eq.png

Current Version 1.0.0.16

Edited by GlennNZ
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Hmmm... I removed the manually installed version so I could install from the catalog but can't see FrontView+ in there...

 

Can anyone confirm it's available through the catalog, if so is there a way I can force an update on the catalog to show it.

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GlennNZ

Update:

Have attached a small program Called ChangeRemote.exe to first page: ( as requested elsewhere)

usage:
ChangeRemote.exe {number}
e.g
ChangeRemote.exe 1
or 
ChangeRemote.exe 2

This will close FrontView+ and then reopen changing the remote to that selected; number down from 1 to 2 etc. (on the Remote Screen on FrontView+)
Does depend on paths being somewhat default, but will overcome this if FrontView+ is running.

Suggested Usage is a Batch file to open WMC or EMBY or Kodi - and add this command in to change FrontView as you open your multiple media players!
 

Glenn

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GlennNZ

Version 1.105 (Emby Plugin 1.0.0.19 in Catalog)

 

Bugfix for HTTPSend App exit related to name change

Update EmbyServer Plugin to 1.0.0.18 Class

EMBY REMOTE:

- Add ignore theme.mp3 files playback for NowPlaying screen for EMBY Remote (?maybe needs option - can't think why)

- And ignore backdrop/theme.mp4 files

- Add support for 'Video' Mediatypes in NowPlaying screen

- Fix Longstanding bug Fade In/Fade Out on Mute

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weltmeyer

Hi, nice work! Maybe you can add an option to automatically maximize the windows on the target screen? For me sometimes positions wrong after standby and sleep...

 

Did You publish the source somewhere?

 

I am using your addon with xbmc and a silverstone chassis if it is of any interest to know this...

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GlennNZ

Hi, nice work! Maybe you can add an option to automatically maximize the windows on the target screen? For me sometimes positions wrong after standby and sleep...

Did You publish the source somewhere?

I am using your addon with xbmc and a silverstone chassis if it is of any interest to know this...

Thanks, source is mostly updated on GitHub.

 

Will have a look a screen issues, there are three settings in settings.xml file in %appdata% FrontView+ directory.

<forcescreenresolution><disablescreenposition><& one other Cant recall quite now!>

 

Try changing these and see what happens, it is quite tricky to avoid changing size or screen everytime there is a screen refresh - which happens all the time given refresh rate playback changes.

I may have turned off this check screen after new screen refresh/resolution change for this reason.

But may be a way to have it check some of the time - will have a think on it.

 

Glenn

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