Earlier this year I had posted about Media Browser 3 and some big changes that were coming. Well, just a short while ago a public beta was made available for both Media Browser Classic and Media Browser Server. Here is the developer’s recent post:
I just posted links on our download page for public beta versions of both MB Server and MB Classic (the Windows Media Center client).
Whew!
It has been the better part of a year since Luke first approached me with this hair-brained idea to completely re-build Media Browser for the future. I have to say I was skeptical to put it mildly because the task he put before us seemed monumental and beyond the capabilities of a couple of guys in their spare time. Well, here we are at a public beta launch for a couple of the core components of the new system.
In truth, it was a monumental task and we aren’t done yet — not even close. But, we wouldn’t be even this far if not for the help of a relatively small group of folks who have given selflessly of their time and skills to get us this far. I’m not going to try and mention them but they know who they are. They are a group of amazing testers and thinkers and tinkerers and developers whom Luke and I will never be able to adequately repay and, without whom, Media Browser 3 would not exist.
So “Thanks” guys. It’s been a fun ride so far and I think will only get better.
The public betas can be downloaded from here. I would expect this new structure where you have a “server” and a “client” should feel similar to how My Movies and Plex handle, and should be much more user friendly for those households where multiple players are used.
If anyone gets a chance to try out definitely leave your initial thoughts in the comments section below. I am not sure yet when I will start testing. My new WS2012E server has been up and running smoothly (knock on wood) but I am not quite ready to start installing additional software on it (you can install the MB Server software on a PC but for me the appeal is to have running on my server)
Article by Damian
Hi, my name is Damian, and I'm tech gadget addict! Although I always had some interest in technology, it wasn't until I got my EX470 and more importantly found Mediasmartserver.net, that my interest became an addiction. My goal, aside from world domination and to see the Mets/Broncos win another championship, is to set up the perfect digital home where all my media is available at the click of a button. When I am not writing for Mediasmartserver.net you can find me over at my blog at http://www.adigitalhomeblog.com or follow me on twitter
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I have been trying out the beta for about a week and have to say that I am impressed with it. Being a beta there are some teething issues – but not many that are affecting my daily use.
It has been very stable and the devs are great with their quick responses and fixes. I can’t give specs about how much faster it is, but it is working very quickly. Some of the more popular themes should be available tomorrow. Certainly some very interesting developments
Interesting, thanks for the feedback. My new server is up and running, so I hope to start testing out the server side shortly. I have high hopes for this!
The themes are up now. In the past I have used Pearl, but have just tried Neo and I must say that it is a very slick theme.
Just thought I would let you know that Release Candidate versions have been released over the last couple of days.
@ Damian,
Have you installed the software on your WS2012E Server yet and if so how has it worked out for you. I am dying to do this on my end I do have options you may not in that I have multiple servers and a client which run 24-7 in the house so I have other options but since the bulk of my media exists on my WS2012E server it just makes sense to install it there.
How does this work in a mixed DOMAIN/WORKGROUP environment?
Nothing yet. To be honest I still a little gun shy about adding anything to my server. The last few weeks I was actually running into issues where my server kept rebooting unexpectedly (was thinking maybe the PSU was going bad, or even the mobo). However, I think I found the issue. If you recall I had a bad RAID card that I had to replace out. When I put the new card in I used the stock driver and not the latest one, but the other RAID card was using the latest driver. I think running two identical RAID cards with different driver versions caused the issue, and since I updated the old driver all works fine.
As long as things go smooth the next few weeks I may be ready to dip my toe in with either MB3 or Plex. I have my HTPC that I want to get set up again (main purpose was for livetv via cable card which was very unstable, but a new driver was released for the card which hopefully fixed). Will let you know once I get rolling on. Plus, I want to get a W8 hybrid tablet, so another device I will need a Media Center running