Game Launching

[george28]

I updated the vmcCloseProgram to make it a little more user friendly (ie u don't need to assign a window name anymore). The only param required is the full location of the exe, no need to assign a windowname (ie vmcCloseProgram.exe "full path of exe"). In addition i forced the close exe statements a little more so i think it should exit most games even if there's an "are you sure" box that show's up... let me know how it works, the link above is updated. I'll check into the other stuff DS, I just need a "clear head" to do so :)

As far as MCE Joy is concerned... what does it exactly do? remap keyboard keys to the joystick? If so.. what about integrating it into the vmcCloseProgram.exe to eliminate MCE joy? ... just a thought (too many bg exe's is no bueno). It would be pretty cool to exit a game and use the same controller to start a playlist with the new Music plugin for mediabrowser to listen to while you start the next game all without the joystick leaving your hands (high hopes I know). I use the xbox 360 controller as well (completes the whole ~10 ft experience) I wonder how many other HTPC'ers out there use it?

[tigg]

I think using the xbox controller (or preferable any controller, although that would be a much bigger undertaking) is a fairly important feature- to be honest it should be a part of media center already (lazy microsoft obviously don't really want to support Pc gaming anymore)

This way it would let you go from start to finish, using the controller in your hands, without having to switch between remotes, keyboards and gamepads, and it would just be a more rounded game experience overall.

re: integrating mce-joys features in vmcCloseProgram.exe, it was my understanding that vmcCloseProgram was only launched after the game was chosen? However, looking at it now, it could be a good idea to rework it as a plugin or something that runs the whole time mediabrowser is running.

[DemonSeed]

As far as MCE Joy is concerned... what does it exactly do? remap keyboard keys to the joystick? If so.. what about integrating it into the vmcCloseProgram.exe to eliminate MCE joy? ... just a thought (too many bg exe's is no bueno). It would be pretty cool to exit a game and use the same controller to start a playlist with the new Music plugin for mediabrowser to listen to while you start the next game all without the joystick leaving your hands (high hopes I know). I use the xbox 360 controller as well (completes the whole ~10 ft experience) I wonder how many other HTPC'ers out there use it?

What it does is just that. It maps keys to the controller, but unlike the remote, which follows window focus. MCE-Joy Stays locked to Media Center, so if I go doing something on the PC with the mouse and then go back to the couch all I need to do is tap the joy stick and MC regains focus. Thats why it needs to be turn off or removed all together.

If you can make a plugin that can do this that would be to damn cool! Not sure if it can be done, but the xbox button would make a grate Green Button!
Also the MCE-Joy was made for a Super Nintendo Controller so it does not take full advantage of all of the xbox buttons, so if you do try to do that, maybe try to map all of the buttons so there can be more functionality for the controller.

Thanks for looking at this for me! :D
-DS

[george28]

Hey DS, which buttons besides the xbox button does MCEJoy not use?

[DemonSeed]

It does not use the L or R bottom triggers, plus it can only be set to use the joy or d-pad but not both.

[Dudley]

Wow, nice one guys. I think PC games should be the first to get sorted as they are likely to be a lot more reliable when it comes to launching, exiting and also in game closing as with pc games there is an exit to windows option in the menu.. with console emulator games there is not and often the emulators do not have the ability to map the joypad buttons to the exit emulator button.

[Stamos]

Been followin this thread since it started, also made an account just to post on it! Curious how progress has been? I read the proposition that was written and I hope it goes through. Any news at all? =]

[tigg]

hi sorry i haven't posted in a while, ive had some internet problems
I plan on finding out a bit more about getting xbox controllers to work with media center, then once that's done, moving onto the actual game launching stuff. (don't expect lightspeed development, as I have to learn how to do this stuff, and have a few other commitments as well :p ) :

[Dudley]

hi sorry i haven't posted in a while, ive had some internet problems
I plan on finding out a bit more about getting xbox controllers to work with media center, then once that's done, moving onto the actual game launching stuff. (don't expect lightspeed development, as I have to learn how to do this stuff, and have a few other commitments as well :p ) :

does already doesn't it? using mcejoy my xbox360 pad works fine navigating about.

[soultaker]

does already doesn't it? using mcejoy my xbox360 pad works fine navigating about.

Totally off topic, Can I use my wireless xbox 360 controller with my PC somehow?