http://mikinhosoft.blogspot.com/2008/07/media-center-launcher.html

I know there are various utilities to launch PowerDVD from Media Center; however, none of them quite did what I wanted so here is mine.

Media Center Launcher has three primary functions:

1. It can launch any application from within Media Center (configurable via the INI)
2. It will monitor when the application exits and will restore Media Center to it's previous state
3. It will monitor for the BACK remote command and will close the application if pressed

The application it launches is configurable via the ini file. I've made several different entries for PowerDVD 7\8. Edit the INI file with your appropiate path\version.

I was too lazy (well tired really) to create an installer, if requested I'll create one later this week. If you extract the zip and run the install batch file it will copy all of the contents to "%ProgramFiles%\Mikinhosoft\".  It will also register the application to be run when a Blu-ray or HD DVD is inserted.

Update: Installer created.

• Download 32-bit: http://www.chi-town.com/mikinho/setup-mcrun-x86.msi
• Download 64-bit: http://www.chi-town.com/mikinho/setup-mcrun-x64.msi

Update: I've updated the tool to find either PowerDVD7 or PowerDVD8 by default and launch it.  I've tested on both versions; however; I've only tested on Vista x64.  If there is a problem w/ the x86 version please let me know.  The only difference in the code was on the Vista x64 to add KEY_WOW64_32KEY since PowerDVD is a 32-bit application so I wouldn't expect any problems.

Nope, it closes after whatever application it launches closes.

Yes it closes PowerDVD or whatever application it launches.

I'll make a setup application for it tonight that detects what version of PowerDVD and the install location.

mikinho:

Nope, it closes after whatever application it launches closes.

Yes it closes PowerDVD or whatever application it launches.

I'll make a setup application for it tonight that detects what version of PowerDVD and the install location.

Musictype:

Great, then you've solved BluRay playback from VMC (I was never crazy about Arcsoft's PQ, so I didn't buy it.) At least until MS implements native playback.

I've made the PowerDVD splash screen to be the same as my VMC background, so the transition is not really all that offensive.

Thanks!

jcuesico:

I would like to thank the following for helping me create the Vista Media Center PowerDVD Skins:

AVSforum member CouchPotato416 for showing how to modify PowerDVD Skins.  http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=846507

nathanm for creating the all black PowerDVD Skin. http://www.nathanm.com/cyberlink-powerdvd-all-black-skin/

neowin forum member Herby for creating wonderful PowerDVD Skins. http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=466767

I created the following PowerDVD skins to better integrate with Vista Media Center.

To install the skin: download, unzip, copy the dll files to "%ProgramFiles%\CyberLink\PowerDVD\Skins" open PowerDVD,
select the User Interface Tab in the Configuration Screen, select a skin from the list and click OK.

enjoy!

-Josef

Here are some screenshots.



I've placed the skins on skydrive, didn't like rapidshare.  Here are the links.

http://cid-856847ff02acf8ef.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Vista%20Media%20Center%20Skin%20for%20PowerDVD%207/Vista%20Media%20Center%20-%20Black.zip

http://cid-856847ff02acf8ef.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Vista%20Media%20Center%20Skin%20for%20PowerDVD%207/Vista%20Media%20Center%20-%20Black+Blue.zip

rgreenpc:

Great addition... Thanks for thinking of us Cyberlink people.

To be honest I initially wrote the application for ComicRack (best eComic Reader for Windows) but I figured more people would benefit from it for PowerDVD.  There are several launchers already out there for PowerDVD but none closed it without additional software.

I'll be posting the setup in a few hours, need to catch the end of happy hour first.

I've updated the tool to find either PowerDVD7 or PowerDVD8 by default and launch it.  I've tested on both versions; however; I've only tested on Vista x64.  If there is a problem w/ the x86 version please let me know.  The only difference in the code was on the Vista x64 to add KEY_WOW64_32KEY since PowerDVD is a 32-bit application so I wouldn't expect any problems.

btw, No "real" setup program yet.  Sorry but I only had about 15 minutes so I used the time to add finding PowerDVD so you wont' have to edit the INI file.  To install, extract all the files to a temporary location and run the batch file as an administrator.  To do this right click and "Run as administrator".

Updated with installers.

• Download 32-bit: http://www.chi-town.com/mikinho/setup-mcrun-x86.msi
• Download 64-bit: http://www.chi-town.com/mikinho/setup-mcrun-x64.msi

jariners:

Can you put an image on the button? I like how it closes when I click the back button, but it is a bit slow.

Sure, I'll do that tonight.  For the speed, I'll add a parameter to the INI file.  The tool attempts to "nicely" close (WM_QUIT) PowerDVD several times before deciding to terminate it

mikinho, this is a great plug-in, it works more reliably that the other ones I've installed.  My own perference would be to have the button on the TV/DVD row of icons, instead of down in the general program icons group.

I'm going to try to find  a menu editor I can use to change the location of the icon on my system, if anyone can steer me to one, I'd appreciate it.

Cheers!