TapTo Cinema

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spark2k06
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TapTo Cinema

Unread post by spark2k06 »

I have added a feature that I found interesting to MiSTer, especially in combination with the TapTo system, and that is video playback. While it is true that for MiSTer it has limitations, when using an old 14'' CRT TV it is not so much of a problem, since it would be designed for 320x240 resolutions... but better a video than a thousand words:

Videos must be converted to this resolution, you can easily use VLC for this. This first development works quite well, although sometimes it stays in the MiSTer menu and the audio is heard in the background, some issue of loss of synchronization in the modification of the necessary framebuffer, I will try to fix it in the future. I have created a PR for @wizzomafizzo to review, should he be interested in the functionality, and to modify as he sees fit to maintain his development policies:

https://github.com/ZaparooProject/zaparoo-core/pull/117

I attach binary right here for anyone interested in trying it out, video NFC cards should be in the following format:

Code: Select all

mister.video %video%

%video% can be a URL or a path, in either case, viewing is done by RAM cache

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akeley
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Re: TapTo Cinema

Unread post by akeley »

Interesting, though converting videos has its downsides (and CRT TVs can do better than just 320x240). Would combining it with Mistercast be possible?

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spark2k06
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Re: TapTo Cinema

Unread post by spark2k06 »

akeley wrote: Thu Nov 21, 2024 2:40 pm

Interesting, though converting videos has its downsides (and CRT TVs can do better than just 320x240). Would combining it with Mistercast be possible?

I know, I understand the resolution issue, and perhaps support for MiSTerCast and Groovy MiSTer could be added, although, despite the limitations, the purpose of this project is rather to take advantage of what we already have without relying on additional external machines.

During my vacations to another house where I also have a 14'' CRT, I like to take just enough with me, and one of the things I take with me is precisely just the MiSTer for entertainment. This functionality also comes in handy in these situations.

Like other projects of mine, it may end up being a very personal development, however, it can serve as inspiration to our community of developers to expand or improve it.

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spark2k06
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Re: TapTo Cinema

Unread post by spark2k06 »

As Andrea comments in the video, the ideal would be to have a similar VCD core. I thought about it, but that is a wish and I propose an alternative, even if it is limited...as long as we don't have anything better.

michael.despault
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Re: TapTo Cinema

Unread post by michael.despault »

This is great work! Really interesting to see how this sets up a framework for future possibilities, such as:

  • Media server (e.g., Plex) transcodes video on demand
  • Writes to network share as it transcodes
  • MiSTer reads it as a local file

A bit of hand-waving there, but conceptually I can see that being technically feasible with some work. Simple but powerful foundation that could potentially enable future streaming workflows!

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Re: TapTo Cinema

Unread post by AnimMaDeR »

This is wonderful! And so cool it works with Zaparoo. Can’t wait to try it out over the holiday break.

I too would love to have Plex support on MiSTer and then I can pump live Tv and custom TV channels to my CRT. But that sounds like a different approach altogether. This will inspire I’m sure. Nice work.

-Mark

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