Controlling Front-Row?

I'm a linux lover that was recently bewitched by the new MacMini and specially by Front-Row, so I decided to "get me one of those" However I wanted to run a few tests before, so my best friend, who just bought one, brought it to my place yesterday.
I want to use front row to play both DVDs and DivX videos stored on my linux sever thru a Wireless G LAN. We plugged the mini to my plasma TV next to the Wireless router and connected to it. After installing the propper codecs, and mounting a link to the directory on my linux server where I keep the videos in my Movies folder, front row was able to navigate thru my entire video collection and to play them. QuickTime did a fantastic job reading ahead in order to compensate for the wireless bandwith. It was a great experience. However there are two things I couldn't resolve:
1) When playing DVDs and DivX videos in FrontRow, I always get horizontal bars on the top/bottom of the screen. if I get out of front row and play the DVD with the DVD Player or the Video with QuickTime pro, I can get rid of the bars by altering the aspect ratio, but I really want to do it from FrontRow. We looked around but couldn't find how to alter the Front Preferences to change the aspect ratio. Can this be done?
2) We tested the Mini on my TV upstairs which is next to my wireless access point with no signal degradation. However I want to use it on my tv downstairs (http://erasmix.net/typo3temp/pics/5fa0c608eb.jpg) which is much further away from the router. We couldnt test this because it will take some work to plug in the vga cable on that tv (I might have to lift it). My question is, how would quick time behave playing videos thru my Wireless G conecction if I have a reduced bandwidth (5 Mbps or less) due to signal degradation?
MacMini Core Duo Linux Server
MacMini Core Duo Linux Server
MacMini Core Duo Linux Server

I finally got to test my macMini downstairs where my wireless signal is weaker. In the beginning I experienced a lot of annoying video freezes, which I seriously suspect were due to Front Row waiting to get the next block of video over the degraded wireless.
So I bought an Airport Express and used it to extend the range of my linksys router (which already has a speed booster itself), using WDS. I placed the Airport upstairs in the hall, an open area, but not in line of sight with the Mini Downstairs.
Now signal strenght is A LOT better. I have full signal on the mini most of the time. However I still experience annoying video freezings (not as many as before). I'm positive it is due to signal, because when I place the mini upstairs, in the same room with the linksys router I experience no such freezes.
I think Front Row could do a better job reading ahead, just like a "Skip Free" CD player does, and create a copy of the entire movie while I'm playing. Is this somthing that's planned? Any comments/suggestions?

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Parental Controls do not control Front Row

Hello everyone-
I have noticed that on my managed accounts if I do not select Front Row as a permitted application it runs just fine anyway from within the managed accounts. I can launch it from either the Finder or the keyboard shortcut and the content it displays (Top Musics Videos from the iTunes store etc) does not seem to be restricted in any way by the parental controls in iTunes.
Has anyone found a fix for this, or is this one more thing in the list of things we are all waiting for in 10.5.2?
-Mike

Fixed in Snow Leopard

What are the keyboard commands to control Front Row

I'm new to Front Row and running it on a 17" G4 PC. Since it isn't remote-control compatible how can I navigate and operate Front Row with just the keyboard. I need to know what key strokes to use to do stuff.

Command+esc key turns ON Front Row
The up and down arrow keys let you choose the selection
The Enter key allows you to enter that selection.
Volume when playing music is the up or down arrow keys.
Command+esc key will back you out of any window and all the way back to the computer if you keep hitting those keys.

Parental Controls / Front Row / Apple Movie Trailers

I have Parental Controls set up for my children. If they start up Front Row, they have access to the Apple Movie Trailers. Even though these trailers are approved for all audiences, they often contain mature, adult, and disturbing images.
So, how do I block access to Apple movie trailers? Here is what I've tried:
1. Remove access to *.apple.com in Parental controls. Didn't work.
2. Block *.apple.com in SafeEyes (internet filter program). Didn't work.
3. Uncheck Front Row in Parental Controls. Didn't work.
Front Row works no matter what Parental Controls says. And the trailers do not seem to be hosted on *.apple.com...
Any ideas as to what else I can try?
Thanks in advance!

"Front Row.app" can be disabled by downloading and installing the "Server Admin Tools" from Apple and using "Workgroup Manager.app", but to avoid the hassle for a one-off like this, try logging in to an "admin" account, launching "/Applications" > "Utilities" > "Terminal.app" and entering a command of the form below, substituting the managed account's "short name" where it says 'username':<pre style="overflow:auto; padding: 5px; width: 500px ; font-size: 10px; border:1">
/usr/bin/sudo /usr/bin/dscl . -mcxset /users/username com.apple.frontrow PreventActivation always -bool true</pre>
As an aside, note that the "Front Row.app" in the "/Applications" folder is just a launcher for the actual "Front Row.app" buried in "/System/Library/CoreServices".

Apple control - Front Row takes a long time to open through the Menu Butto?

I am using a ManMini as a HTPC. Front Row is being used as my Media Choice. When I click the Menu Button Front Row may not open or it may take a very longtime to activate.
lister

If you use the Accounts System Preferences to create a brand new user, log out and log in as the new user, how long does it take the new user to open Front Row with the remote? If it's just as slow, you have a system-wide issue. If Front Row opens quickly for the new user, then your original user may have a movie, song or picture that's taking a long time for your Front Row to access. Let us know what you find out from this troubleshooting step.
-Doug

Remote won't stop controlling Front Row!

I've been battling with my AppleTv since October! As soon as I start scrolling throught netflix, the music starts going or some random tv show from itunes begins. It's getting very annoying.
I've already paired the remote to the AppleTv and tried to set the preferences in itunes to forget remotes, but nothing works. Any ideas?

Go into system preferences - security, on the computer, and disable the infrared receiver.

Apple Remote controls iTunes, not Front Row

I've searched around for an answer to this and have had no luck. My Apple Remote is controlling iTunes - the play/pause button is playing and pausing, the up and down buttons are controlling iTunes volume, the left and right buttons are skipping tracks as expected, and the Menu button is pulling up the iTunes window. But I want the remote to open and control Front Row. Holding down the Menu button won't open Front Row, no matter how long I hold it. I can open Front Row normally through the Applications folder, but even when it's open, the Apple Remote doesn't control it - it still controls iTunes! Pressing play won't do anything in Front Row, but it will start a song playing in iTunes. The remote and my IR receiver are obviously working. How can I fix this?

Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
If you use the Accounts System Preferences to make a brand new user, log out and log in as the new user, does the Apple remote work as expected with Front Row? If so, then you have some kind of preference or setting that's blocking the remote in Front Row. If it doesn't work for the new user, then you have a system-wide or hardware problem.
-Doug

Can I use Front Row on external monitor with MacBook Pro's cover closed?

I've seen that you can use the remote to control Front Row even when the lapatop's cover is closed (on a MacBook Air). Is it possible with a first generation MB Pro? Are there special settings?
Thx

You can use a MacBook Pro in "clamshell" mode if you have the AC adapter plugged in for power, an external display attached and an external keyboard and mouse (USB or Bluetooth) to wake the computer after it's been closed. This is the official word from Apple:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131
However, even if you don't have a keyboard and mouse, you should still be able to wake the MacBook Pro using the Apple remote by pressing the "menu" button. (You do still need to have the power plugged in and the display plugged in.)
-Doug

Front Row Using iPod Dock - Is it possible.

Hello there. I've been trying to find some info on the iPod Dock only because I've heard from some that it includes the Apple Remote, but can not seem to get this confirmed on either the apple store or amazon.
First off is it even possible to use the remote with the iPod Dock? From my understanding it is, so if that's the case wouldn't it then be possible to use Front Row on the Mac Pro since the IR port is now technically there?
I mean mainly I use my Mac Pro for doing work, but as the system is in my bedroom I think that it's kind of silly that I can't lay in bed at night and watch a movie without having to get up out of bed or something. That's really my only complaint about the system.. you pay a fairly larger amount more for being able to use a feature that's already built into the system the only means to access it is to purchase a separate ~$600 system.
Oh well sorry to rant off. Anyway, can you control Front Row on the Mac Pro using the iPod Dock?
Cheers
-rr

I'd like to be able to also do this with my iMac G5, the iPod dock connected to it and my Apple Remote. Unfortunately, a search of versiontracker.com finds lots of apps to extend functionality on Macs that already are supported (ie have built in IR), as well as apps that let you use Bluetooth devices as a clicker on any Mac.
Anyone got a suggestion?
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6) 1GB RAM, iSight

Front Row kills my KVM keyboard?

This is a pretty specific issue, but I have been finding that after going into Front Row, my USB keyboard, attached to a two-port KVM switch, is no longer responsive. I have to unplug the KVM from my PC and then from my MacMini, plug them back in and I'm good to go.
Probably the KVM switch's problem, not Front Row's, but I can replicate the issue readily and was wondering where I can start troubleshooting.
Thanks,
JJJ

Are you using the Apple remote to control Front Row? What happens if you try to use the keyboard to launch and control Front Row the whole time? Maybe you can discover at exactly which point the keyboard stops working? You can type Apple-esc to open Front Row from the keyboard. Then use the arrow keys and the "return" key to select. The "esc" key works like the "menu" button.
-Doug

Use Apple Universal Dock with Front Row

Hi there, I have a Powerbook G4 15 inch, and a Universal Dock that was bought from Apple.
My question will be, is it possible to use the Universal Dock with its Remote to control Front Row and the iTunes library in my laptop. I know the Universal Dock was supposed to be used with the iPod, nonetheless seeing that it has an IR receiver and the Remote which will transmit the commands, I guess it should do the job when being hooked through the usb or firewire port.
Product Reference:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB125G/B

the USB connection is only for syncing / charging the ipod. the remote only works if you are hooked up to a stereo or TV. it's probably not going to run front row.

Use Front Row on a second screen

Hi,
I've just bought a MacBook and connected it to an apple monitor which I'm about to use just for TV, music and movies. How can I play Front Row only on that screen and not on the MacBook?
Thanks for any advice.

The built-in display should be disabled if you keep the lid closed. Here are the detailed instructions:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86286
You don't need to connect a keyboard and mouse if you only want to use the Apple Remote to control Front Row.

Front Row IS Included

FWIW Front Row is included in the install DVD, and probably ships on the MP as well. You can use this --> http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/errf1/homepage.spml or this -->http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/urm15t/homepage.spml to control Front Row.

I got Front Row enabled on my Mac Pro with the help of this hint:
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=2006110314322775
The basic principle is to trick Front Row into believing your mouse provided a Remote Control personality.
However, I am still keeping my hopes up that Front Row coming pre-installed on the Mac Pros means we will see updated Cinema Displays with integrated iSight and Remote Control Receivers. This would allow us to use Front Row without any hacks, so it would make sense for Apple to pre-install it.
Mac Pro Mac OS X (10.4)

Using Front Row On Duel Screen

Hi guys,
I've got a macbook at the moment and was wondering, if i were to hook it up to another screen and run it duel screen is it possible to use front row in the second screen as appose to just the main laptop screen? And then also use the remote and everything to control front row, but at the same time be using my macbook normally for other tasks? So basically....i use my macbook normally, but at the same time, someone else can be using the remote to control Front Row thats showing on a different screen. Thanks in advance,
Luke

I assume when you are not using FrontRow, you can see your Mac desktop on both your laptop and the TV, correct? (Just making sure the connection is working.)
If so, in the Displays preference pane, there should be an Arrangement tab. This is where you tell your Mac how your have your displays arranged. There should be a check box that says Mirror Displays (or something like that). That tells the computer to show the same image on both displays.
Front Row can only be on one display. I assume it will always be on whichever display the computer has designated as the "primary" display. And it will blank any other displays while Front Row is active. If that is what is happening in your case, mirroring the displays should put Front Row on both.
BTW: The Mac's Help system can be, well, helpful here. From the Finder's Help Menu select Mac Help. Do a search for "mirror video" and you'll get instructions on how to do it.
Message was edited by: Bean

Mighty Mouse and Front Row

Is there any way i can use my mighty mouse to control front row (got an ibook, so remote won't work)?

It turns out that the mouse ball was just incredibly dirty--I cleaned it out by rolling the mouse upside-down on a clean sheet of paper and all is well.

Controlling Front-Row?

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