Caster - An Application Launcher (inspired by AppTV)

Dev Community Dev/API Corner
81

So essentially, all this so called "app" does, is launch a program on the server? That's completely pointless, I can just as easily do that myself. Your original post is VERY misleading, it makes it seem like this app allows you to stream the content of the program into plex. In fact, your image SHOWS a picture of JUST THAT. I highly suggest you edit this thread, so that you're not wasting peoples time. I wasted 3 days with this crap and I'm severely pissed off because you misrepresented things. 

Reporting this thread, so it can get locked and more peoples time wont be wasted. 

82

So essentially, all this so called "app" does, is launch a program on the server? That's completely pointless, I can just as easily do that myself. Your original post is VERY misleading, it makes it seem like this app allows you to stream the content of the program into plex. In fact, your image SHOWS a picture of JUST THAT. I highly suggest you edit this thread, so that you're not wasting peoples time. I wasted 3 days with this crap and I'm severely pissed off because you misrepresented things. 

Reporting this thread, so it can get locked and more peoples time wont be wasted. 

I'm sorry, but I don't understand how you can waste 3 days with this if this topic and the description on Github clearly state what this channel/plugin does....:

Caster does not launch the program(s) itself, but instead, creates other channels from which you can launch an external program
it will launch applications on the PMS
Caster, at a basic level, spawns additional channels that allow you to launch external applications
Currently, only applications residing on the same machine as PMS, can be launched

And on Github:

This channel allows you to create casters (really just channels) that launch external applications.
83

So essentially, all this so called "app" does, is launch a program on the server? That's completely pointless, I can just as easily do that myself. Your original post is VERY misleading, it makes it seem like this app allows you to stream the content of the program into plex. In fact, your image SHOWS a picture of JUST THAT. I highly suggest you edit this thread, so that you're not wasting peoples time. I wasted 3 days with this crap and I'm severely pissed off because you misrepresented things.

Reporting this thread, so it can get locked and more peoples time wont be wasted.


Don't be so ungrateful and rude. The ability to read will take you a long way :-)


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84

Started using caster again and combined with event ghost and xpadder. it’s pretty much solved all of my problems for living room media. I use caster to create channels for Netflix and Hulu using Firefox + command line to enter full screen. xpadder to use the 360 controller with Firefox + event ghost to control system volume with controller.


Psylix I’m not sure how you were using caster + steam before but I’ve noticed steam will only take focus in big picture mode on first launch. If you we’re to quit steam by ‘return to desktop’ the next time you cast steam it won’t get focus or go to big picture mode (even with command line parameters set). My solution was to exit steam completely which returns the focus to Plex (although I use event ghost to close Plex while steam is open and reopen Plex when I quit steam) that way next time I launched steam it would take focus again. I’m on windows 8.1 and worked with Plex as a full screen window.

85

I have a Flirc receiver which basically just turns my Harmony Remote button presses into keyboard commands.

However, since I set all that up, I've actually ended up changing again and firing Plex up through Steam - works well and the kids can figure it out. It doesn't look too elegant, but it's functional.

I would have preferred to have a couple of tiles in Windows 8, and use those, however, believe it or not, there is no way to get a Windows 8 desktop app to return on exit to the Windows 8 start screen - it sits on the desktop screen.

Duh!

86

I have a Flirc receiver which basically just turns my Harmony Remote button presses into keyboard commands.

However, since I set all that up, I've actually ended up changing again and firing Plex up through Steam - works well and the kids can figure it out. It doesn't look too elegant, but it's functional.

I would have preferred to have a couple of tiles in Windows 8, and use those, however, believe it or not, there is no way to get a Windows 8 desktop app to return on exit to the Windows 8 start screen - it sits on the desktop screen.

Duh!


With something like event ghost you could set it up so when you exit Plex or steam then event ghost will send a 'windows key' command and return to the start menu.
87

With something like event ghost you could set it up so when you exit Plex or steam then event ghost will send a 'windows key' command and return to the start menu.

Yeah, I looked at event ghost once upon a time when I was running Mediaportal with a MCE remote - I may have to revisit it if it can do that :-)

Edit : just looked at it to jog my memory, and not sure it is what I need. I can program any keyboard shortcut onto my remote with the Harmony and Flirc combo.

All I need is something that monitors when Windows hits the desktop screen, and returns me to the Start screen - don't think EventGhost is intended for that scenario. I don't need it to monitor remote commands.

88

Yeah, I looked at event ghost once upon a time when I was running Mediaportal with a MCE remote - I may have to revisit it if it can do that :-)

Edit : just looked at it to jog my memory, and not sure it is what I need. I can program any keyboard shortcut onto my remote with the Harmony and Flirc combo.

All I need is something that monitors when Windows hits the desktop screen, and returns me to the Start screen - don't think EventGhost is intended for that scenario. I don't need it to monitor remote commands.

There's a plugin for event ghost called something like 'process monitor' (not in front of it right now so not sure) which will create events for process that are started/destroyed, activated/deactivated. Using that plug in you can create a macro something like this:

Key press-windows key
-process.plex.destroyed

Send me a pm if you need any help/have any questions so we don't hijack the thread lol
89

Don't be so ungrateful and rude. The ability to read will take you a long way :-)


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Apparently YOU are the one that can't read. Look at Authors OP. It very CLEARLY shows an image of the app he "casted" running inside plex. 

I don't appreciate my time being wasted, so the author needs to remove the misleading information. 

90

Apparently YOU are the one that can't read. Look at Authors OP. It very CLEARLY shows an image of the app he "casted" running inside plex.

I don't appreciate my time being wasted, so the author needs to remove the misleading information.


What the picture actually shows is Plex in windowed mode and what youre mistaking for the aplication running is actually the wallpaper art that the channel displays within Plex. I can see how you would make that mistake but you don't have to be a dick about it. At no point does the post say it casts the application to any other device.
91

I'm getting this error in my caster log:

2014-03-01 20:28:58,467 (1c9c) :  CRITICAL (core:561) - Exception when calling function 'CreateAppCaster' (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Users\Brennan\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-ins\Framework.bundle\Contents\Resources\Versions\2\Python\Framework\code\sandbox.py", line 297, in call_named_function
    result = f(*args, **kwargs)
  File "C:\Users\Brennan\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-ins\Caster.bundle\Contents\Code\__init__.py", line 455, in CreateAppCaster
    WriteInitFile(codePath, normAppName)
  File "C:\Users\Brennan\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-ins\Caster.bundle\Contents\Code\__init__.py", line 483, in WriteInitFile
    fd = os.open(SETTINGS_DICT[APP_DESC_KEY], os.O_RDONLY)
TypeError: coercing to Unicode: need string or buffer, LocalString found

2014-03-01 20:28:58,469 (1c9c) :  DEBUG (runtime:106) - Sending packed state data (99 bytes)

2014-03-01 20:28:58,469 (1c9c) :  DEBUG (runtime:915) - Response: [404] NoneType, 0 bytes

Any ideas?

92

I'm not getting that error all the time, but can never seem to create a caster now .. I get a message stating that the channel is unavailable.  Is this applet still maintained?  I'm getting the feeling that something may have changed with plex that is causing this.

93

What the picture actually shows is Plex in windowed mode and what youre mistaking for the aplication running is actually the wallpaper art that the channel displays within Plex. I can see how you would make that mistake but you don't have to be a dick about it. At no point does the post say it casts the application to any other device.

Then obviously you're blind, because you can also clearly see he uses it to stream netflix to plex. So how about you %&/( off now, little troll.
94

Did you actually read the 2nd post? It’s firing up Netflix in WMC. I’m glad it doesn’t do what you want to be honest, as with your attitude you don’t deserve it.



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95

I'm getting this error in my caster log:

2014-03-01 20:28:58,467 (1c9c) :  CRITICAL (core:561) - Exception when calling function 'CreateAppCaster' (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Users\Brennan\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-ins\Framework.bundle\Contents\Resources\Versions\2\Python\Framework\code\sandbox.py", line 297, in call_named_function
    result = f(*args, **kwargs)
  File "C:\Users\Brennan\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-ins\Caster.bundle\Contents\Code\__init__.py", line 455, in CreateAppCaster
    WriteInitFile(codePath, normAppName)
  File "C:\Users\Brennan\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-ins\Caster.bundle\Contents\Code\__init__.py", line 483, in WriteInitFile
    fd = os.open(SETTINGS_DICT[APP_DESC_KEY], os.O_RDONLY)
TypeError: coercing to Unicode: need string or buffer, LocalString found

2014-03-01 20:28:58,469 (1c9c) :  DEBUG (runtime:106) - Sending packed state data (99 bytes)

2014-03-01 20:28:58,469 (1c9c) :  DEBUG (runtime:915) - Response: [404] NoneType, 0 bytes

Any ideas?

I'm not getting that error all the time, but can never seem to create a caster now .. I get a message stating that the channel is unavailable.  Is this applet still maintained?  I'm getting the feeling that something may have changed with plex that is causing this.

Yes, it's still maintained...I just disappear for a few days / weeks, so my responses may be delayed.  :)

Which version of Caster are you running?  Which interface did you use to create the caster (PHT or the Media Manager)?

Did you specify a description file?  If so, does the file contain any odd characters?  Did you copy and paste it from somewhere?

96

So, I tried the development branch and tried to build a Caster via media manager. I got all the way until I tried to create a caster. Got a popup that said "could not find plug-in folder

/User/Alex/LibrarPlug-ins\. Is this an error when updating the code to the improper location of the plug-ins folder? Should this be /User/Alex/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Plug-ins\?

Where would I change this to the correct value?

97

A different work around I found for Windows 8, because there is no actual Netflix program to make a caster channel from, just the ModernUI app. So here's a work around for those who want: 

 

All you need to do is make a shortcut in your caster assets folder, I also made a subfolder called Netflix, so that is what i will use i in any example paths. Right click, new shortcut, and put "netflix://" without quotes in the destination. Now you got a shortcut to the modern app. Unfortunately caster won't accept a shortcut, so the next step is to make a batch file to run said shortcut. Make a new text document and type

 

start C:\Windows\explorer.exe "C:\Caster Assets\Netflix\Netflix Shortcut For Plex Home Theater.url"

 

put your shortcut path and file name in place of example path/file name.

 

Now follow casters instructions on creating a channel and bam, netflix back on plex!

 

I've included Netflix caster assets (including an editable batch file, logo, icon, description and shortcut) in the Netflix.rar so you don't have to make your own if ya want. Should be able to just extract that to your caster assets, make caster channel n go really.

 

Now for a new problem! You watch on your big screen? No way to control Netflix because your mouse is by the computer? The Netflix modernui app usually opens on the primary monitor..so unless you have a setup where your tv is primary and have a keyboard and mouse next to you on your couch or something else going on (in which case i'd like to hear). You will need a way to move the app from one screen to the other and control Netflix. For this I use xPadder Netflix profile and another little trick which continues off the files from the previous caster setup. 

 

If you want complete control the easiest way i found is to make another shortcut FROM the last shortcut you made (the netflix:// one) but not just any shortcut. Hold shift and right click the first shortcut, click "copy as path". Now create a new shortcut and put explorer.exe and paste what you just copied.

 

i.e. explorer.exe "C:\Caster Assets\Netflix\Netflix Shortcut For Plex Home Theater.url"

 

This is so you have something that will let you pin a Netflix shortcut to the taskbar, because the first shortcut won't let you. You can now change the icon of this new shortcut with the Netflix.ico provided if you'd like. Then pin it to your taskbar, slot 4.

 

Next, pin PHT to your taskbar, slot 3.

 

In order for the xpadder profiles provided to work, they will have to be pinned in those slots.

 

Also, these profiles were made for a Logitech Rumblepad 2 controller, so you may have to tweak this for whatever controller you use.

 

Get xpadder first obviously, (http://xpadder.com.). Have it start automatically with windows. 

 

If you have a rumblepad you can open the controller profile provided for your it. Or make your own with your controller.

 

Download the xpadder and netflix.rar included, extract where you want, probably in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Xpadder"

 

Now in xpadder.  Use the auto profile option in xpadder (click the wrench settings icon), check the "activated" box and make new auto profiles that watch the right programs and switch to the right profile when that program is in focus.

 

For PHT: 

Click "new", open profile (open Plex Home Theater profile provided), click "select program" and tell it to watch plex home theater.exe (C:\Program Files(x86)\Plex Home Theater)

 

For Netflix:

First open netflix, so it appears in recent windows. Back in xpadder, click "new", open profile (Open Netflix profile provided), click "recent windows", click "ok" and select Netflix from the list by click "select program"

 

Now you should have full control of both PHT and Netflix. 

 

Right analog stick in Netflix will be your mouse, left will be to scroll.

"2" is left mouse click in Netflix and Enter in PHT.

"Start" will launch PHT from scratch or refocus it when needed.

D-pad right will launch netflix from Plex also and switch the Netflix app from one monitor when focused on Netflix.

"Start" will exit Netflix and should refocus on PHT, switching xpadder automatically back to PHT control.

 

 Look at the other buttons configured in the xpadder provided profiles to know what they do.

 

 

Hope this helps some people! Try caster with GameEx properly configured too! Good fun.

98

Has the author abandoned this project? It seems he has been absent for quite a while. It is unfortunate as this is the "perfect" plugin to put back what I thought was an essential feature of the Old PLex, being able to open applications the were on your server machine.

99

I've been trying to get Caster working in Plex Media Server on Mac OSX. I have setup the Application location, icon, etc, but when I try to 'Create Caster' I receive the error, "Could not find the Plug-in folder; please check your installation: /Users/Pete/LibrarPlug-ins".

This folder does not exist but even if I create the folder I still get the error.

Any ideas?

100

Has the author abandoned this project? It seems he has been absent for quite a while. It is unfortunate as this is the "perfect" plugin to put back what I thought was an essential feature of the Old PLex, being able to open applications the were on your server machine.

Hi dadrepuS,

No...I haven't abandoned the project.  Truth be told: I'm a software developer by day, and have been fairly busy lately...so...when I got home...I just didn't feel like playing in more code.  :/  I've, instead, been working on some other projects (mainly on the hardware side).  I plan to return to working on Caster again sometime in June (so, next week, or the week after).

With that said, I do have plans for the next version of Caster (one, being the ability to launch multiple applications using a single caster); they're even neatly listed on several sheets in my notebook (with the highest priority going to the current bugs).  :)

I've been trying to get Caster working in Plex Media Server on Mac OSX. I have setup the Application location, icon, etc, but when I try to 'Create Caster' I receive the error, "Could not find the Plug-in folder; please check your installation: /Users/Pete/LibrarPlug-ins".

This folder does not exist but even if I create the folder I still get the error.

Any ideas?

Hi Si1verfox, and welcome to the Plex forums!

Please repeat the error, then send me a PM with Caster's log; that should help me figure out where to start (dadrepuS, please do the same, as I see you're getting the error as well).

Thanks!