MP 1.2.3 - launch external application

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aucklander

477 posts

Ultimate Geek

#105501 5-Jul-2012 13:10

Hi all,
I have the EPG created by a separate application (an .exe file). Run this and you get the updated tvguide.xml ready to use for the next 7 days.

I recall that a while ago on a previous version of MP I was using a pluging called "MultiShortcut" which was able to add an entry to one of the menus and when the entry was selected from within MP the application was launched in the background creating the ne tvguide.xml with no disturbance of the tv or video playing at the time.

this plugin is incompatible with the newer versions of MP so everytime when the tv guide expires, I have to grab the keyboard, close MP and go into Win to launch the .exe file; I do not have to wait for it to complete its task, I can start MP straight away. The tvguide.xml will be updated and 2-3min in later the EPG is working again from inside MP, the way it should.

what is the best way to launch an external application from within MP 1.2.3.0?

Thank you.

mobo Intel DH55PJ, RAM: 4GB RAM, Nova-T 500 HD + Avermedia Trinity tuner card, Geforce 520 video, 120GB SSD Sandisk + 640 WD + 1000SG, Win7 Home Prem 64-bit, Media Portal 1.15.0; BTC 9019URF Cordless Keyboard, Panasonic 55" (HDMI cable), HTPC Case Silverstone Grandia GD05B.

julianz

118 posts

Master Geek

#651413 5-Jul-2012 16:29

As far as I know, TV Server just watches the TVGuide.xml and imports it when the file changes. I run EPG Collector on a schedule early in the morning and don't do anything special in MP, it just picks the changes up within about a minute or so.

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askelon

866 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#651416 5-Jul-2012 16:34

I just schedule mine in the MP power scheduler to run.. Works fine :)..

aucklander

477 posts

Ultimate Geek

#651500 5-Jul-2012 20:29

Hi,
I have set up EPG Collector in windows Task Scheduler and it works OK.
I was thinking a more "elegant" solution would be from inside MP so I can run it whenever is needed, but if Windows Task Scheduler does the job then so be it.

askelon

866 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#651505 5-Jul-2012 20:39

well like I said if your running the mp power scheduling stuff you can stick it in there as well. Thats what I do. Its never missed a day - its been set to kick in around 4 every second morning. Wakes the comp up from hibernate etc with no issues.

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#651870 6-Jul-2012 13:53

shortcuter plugin might do this not sure. I would think that windows task schedule is better idea though.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.