ISOs

[arubino99]

Will this software handle mounting and playback of ISOs natively?

If not, any recommendations of software for mounting ISO images that would be compatible with this software?

EDIT: I see in the features it states it does ISO mounting. Does this include ISO for Bluray? I didn't see any Bluray support in the features section.

[Brian Hoffman]

Will this software handle mounting and playback of ISOs natively?

If not, any recommendations of software for mounting ISO images that would be compatible with this software?

EDIT: I see in the features it states it does ISO mounting. Does this include ISO for Bluray? I didn't see any Bluray support in the features section.

Well, I don't have any blu ray rips personally. Gameex does support video playback and is usually only dependant on your system having the right codecs installed.

Of course if you have your own software you would like gameex to call when launching movies perhaps you can set it up as an emulator.

Sorry I don't have more information than it should work some how.

Let us know what you come up with and have and have not tried.

Brian

[Draco1962]

What are you currently using for mounting ISOs?

[arubino99]

Well, I don't have any blu ray rips personally. Gameex does support video playback and is usually only dependant on your system having the right codecs installed.

Of course if you have your own software you would like gameex to call when launching movies perhaps you can set it up as an emulator.

Sorry I don't have more information than it should work some how.

Let us know what you come up with and have and have not tried.

Brian

Thanks! I'm going to grab the trial tonight, and if it looks good, I'll be making an HTPC built around this software. From your demo, it looks solid. Just one more question about output resolutions... does it support 1080p?

[arubino99]

What are you currently using for mounting ISOs?

Previously I was using Daemon. It works well, but I haven't mounted anything recent with it. I got away from mounting images on my PC, and haven't really had an application reason to mount them lately. I'm looking into making an HTPC and wanted to digitize my Bluray/DVD collection. The emulation that Gamex offers is a nice bonus, which I didn't even think of when using an HTPC. I'd much rather grab a single front-end than have to swap to multiples to accomplish a few tasks.

Here's my list of desirables as it stands currently:

1) DVD ISO playback

2) Bluray ISO playback

3) Emulator functionality

4) "lossless" playback - important for me

5) high-end sound playback

6) Ability to password lock movies based on rating.

#4 is really the reason I prefer ISO mounting for DVD images. It's easy enough to rip a disc and output AVI or MK formats, but you always end up with some loss, or menu navigation loss, or something.

[Draco1962]

What OS are you using? If using Vista or 7, option #6 (for TV content only) may be best handled through Media Center as Parental Controls can be enabled there based on ratings with access control settings. I believe this is more geared towards TV shows and requires a tuner card. I am not certain that there is anything in either GameEx or Media Center that will restrict access to DVDs ripped to HDD - possible 3rd party program that integrates with Media Center? If anyone knows of anything specific please chime in!

You can integrate GameEx with Media Center to handle emulator frontend capbilities, access to NetFlix ,Pandora, or most any other media streaming website. There are quite a few users that use the best from both and have built some excellent HTPCs!

All resolutions are supported. Most are governed by the actual program being used to launch the media (Windows Media Player, DivX, etc.).

If you decide to go that route, there are quite a few apps that are useful for coordinating the feel across MC and GameEx up to and including skinning your Windows login screen to coordinate the look across the board. That way, if you develop or amend an existing theme, you can port the background images for Windows Logon, Windows background, Media Center, and Game Ex for a tidy transition between all.

[arubino99]

I'm currently using XP on my main machine, but I have a copy of Win 7 64/Pro lying about.

I'm not too worried about recording TV/timeshifting, but it may be a future application.

Mostly I want to be able to digitize my DVD/Bluray library and watch it on my TV with full functionality.

Emulation is also a definite concern, but it looks like this software will cover me nicely there.

[Draco1962]

I'm currently using XP on my main machine, but I have a copy of Win 7 64/Pro lying about.

I'm not too worried about recording TV/timeshifting, but it may be a future application.

Mostly I want to be able to digitize my DVD/Bluray library and watch it on my TV with full functionality.

Emulation is also a definite concern, but it looks like this software will cover me nicely there.

Here is an app that may address the access by ratings issue (I am assuming that you have young ones that will be using the system as well.. This works with Win 7 Media Center. It is designed with youngsters in mind and allows you to restrict access not only to TV but DVDs as well. If you integrate your registered version of GameEx with Media Center and use thsi app I don't think you will go wrong at all with your HTPC. Below are some fo the Key Features noted by the author:

Decide which channels, videos and DVDs are available to watch<LI>Settings secured by PIN<LI>All media items in a single list<LI>Animated screens and exciting UI<LI>Add videos and recorded TV to a playlist to set up a whole viewing session <LI>Video previews<LI>Can launch straight in to My Media Center, bypassing other media options<LI>No option to accidentally delete precious videos

I will likely investigate that as an option for mine once built.

[Draco1962]

Arubino - keep us posted on the progress and direction you decide. There are many that may benefit from knowing how you set things up!