Workaround enables DVD Library streaming on Media Center Extenders

Check it Media Center Extender owners -- a fancy new workaround is reportedly enabling users to stream DVDs via their DVD Library, which isn't enabled by default on any MCE. For starters, Vista SP1 is required for everything to work correctly, and once you've confirmed that you're running said OS, you can hit up the read link for a how-to guide explaining the steps to creating symbolic links; essentially, the hack tricks the device into playing .VOB files. It's noted that symbolic links shouldn't be created on Windows Home Server shares, but if you do as you're told, everything should turn out peachy. Just don't come barking up our tree if it doesn't, alright?

[Thanks, Ryan]

[Jonthomasdesigns Posted Apr 29th 2008 7:47PM]

Looks like i wont stop using my Popcorn hour anytime soon , I have all my movies backed up on my HP mediasmart Windows Home Server .. Poop

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2008 12:43PM]

This seems like as much work- for less functionality- that converting ripped movies to MPG files with Video Redo and playing them with MyMovies.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2008 8:31AM]

It's 'a' solution. But I wouldn't call it a good one.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2008 9:50AM]

Well, I still can't use it, because my PC doesn't yet see the SP1 update. It must have some of the hardware that SP1's been having trouble with.

I'd much prefer they just get it into Media Center natively.

... but if SP1 ends up available to me soon, I'll probably try.

[(Unverified) Posted May 1st 2008 9:16AM]

I actually tried this without SP1 and it works. However it does not really play the .vob files - all you are doing is creating an MPEG file of the vob. I hope that someone is working on a hack to allow the .vob files to play on the extenders.

[(Unverified) Posted May 1st 2008 9:28AM]

Actually this works without needing service pack 1. I was able to get it working without having it installed, however it all you are really doing is creating an identical mpeg file of the VOB file.

I hope that someone is working on a hack to allow the .vob files to play on the extenders.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 16th 2008 12:21PM]

Service Pack 1 is needed for the transcoder.dll to work. The calls that it uses are not in Vista Diamond (Pre SP1).

--Pete