Support for .dvr-ms files?

[SeanyF]

Anybody know of a network media player that will support .dvr-ms files (these are the files created by Windows MCE when it records TV)? I know an official media center extender will do the job but I don't know of any except the X-Box 360 that work properly in the UK. I don't really want to spend as much as a 360 would cost when I won't even use the gaming function.

Thanks
Sean

[meansizzler]

YOu can convert form dvr-ms to mpeg 2, try tsconvertor

[Autopilot]

No need to convert your files to play them on the Xbox360 - Have a look at TVersity - www.tversity.com

It's a free UPnP server program that trancodes you files 'on the fly', so and streamer can play any file.

[SeanyF]

Thanks for your replies - I don't think I made myself clear. I'm looking for a piece of hardware not software. I have a media centre in the living room and want to be able to watch programmes I've recorded upstairs. I would like to use something like the Linksys/KiSS 1600 or Netgear EVA 700/8000 but none of these seems to support .dvr-ms files. I could get a cheap second-hand PC but that seems like overkill just to watch recordings. I don't have or want an X Box and I'm trying to avoid having to convert files.

[Autopilot]

TVersity will work with many peices of hardware, maybe chose you hardware based on what TVersity can handle.

[colinbrealey]

TVersity will work with many peices of hardware, maybe chose you hardware based on what TVersity can handle.

Hi

I have an old XBox console with XMBC on it, which plays just about anything, however, it cannot do DVR-MS files. It does pick up TVersity as a UPNP media server but still will not do DVR-MS files.

[andrewb150]

google autodvrconvert or something like that. It is an application that runs on your mce box and converts all recordings to MPEG it can do so on the fly while recording and can delete the dvr-ms files.

Once again auto DVR Convert, or DVRMS Convert or something.

[SeanyF]

Thought you might be interested in progress (or lack of) so far. I got a cheap Netgear EVA700. It's supposed to stream dvr.ms files but results are variable - it recognised the files but wouldn't play them with the Intel VIIV mediaserver. With Windows Media Connect, the audio and video were out of sync - I've read other people have this and other problems. SwissCenter had a really nice interface but wouldn't recognise the dvr-ms files. I tried TVersity - it played the audio but no video (tried all kinds of different settings). Have been reading about various other server software but I'm reluctant to load lots of stuff on my media centre:god:.
I'm amazed this is such a problem. I thought MS would want all these devices to be able to deal with MCE files but they seem to make it difficult for manufacturers to get details of the file structure etc.
To be honest, even if I could get it working, I've been disappointed with the functionality and interface of the Netgear (with the exception of SwissCenter which I recommend if you don't need dvr-ms compatibility). I'm thinking of getting a low-spec small form factor PC (under £200) on an auction site instead. It may be overkill but at least I won't have any compatibility issues - not to mention a new toy to play with;).