MPE FAQ

This is a list of the most frequently asked questions. Make sure to check if your question is answered here before asking for support on the forums.

How can I add TV logos to aMPdroid or WebMediaPortal when using a server-only installation?

MPExtended looks in the following directories for the tv logos:

• C:\ProgramData\Team MediaPortal\MediaPortal\thumbs\tv\logos
• C:\ProgramData\Team MediaPortal\MediaPortal\thumbs\tv\logo
• The path configured in Streaming.xml, usually equal to one of the two above
• C:\ProgramData\MPExtended\Cache\TVLogoCache
• C:\ProgramData\Team MediaPortal\MediaPortal\Skin\aMPed\Media\Logos\Channels

If you put your channel logos in one of these directories, MPExtended will find them and they will show up in WebMediaPortal and aMPdroid.

Which file formats are supported for streaming?

All file formats which can be played by VLC, except DVD images, should be supported for streaming. More exotic formats have a higher chance of giving problems though.

How can I stream from network drives?

First of all, you have to create an account on your computer with exactly the same username and password as an account on the server. This account should have access to the network drive.

Next, you should configure MPExtended to use that account. You can do this in the configuration program, on the Configuration tab. Enter the username and password, click Test (a confirmation of valid credentials should popup), and finally click OK to save your settings. It might be needed to restart the service afterwards.

Using mapped network drives does not work. You need to use UNC paths (\\SERVER\directory\path.mkv) instead of the mapped paths (M:\path.mkv). This means that (if used) Moving Pictures, MP-TVSeries, MyFilms and MediaPortal itself needs to be configured to use UNC paths instead of mapped network drives.

How much bandwidth is needed to stream video?

The problem with predicting bandwidth usage is that it should theoretically be equal to the video bitrate + the audio bitrate, but it isn't even close in most cases. This might be due to encoder inefficiencies with VBR and it might work better with steady material instead of material with a lot of action. So testing is really the only good option.

Below is a table of some bitrates that has been identified by users of MPExtended. You probably want a bit more upload speed to allow smooth streaming across the internet.