Firefly profile tutorial

[MarqueIV]

Well since I only have a few apps that are actually on my system, should I move/delete the ones I'm not using? I'm not worried about the memory per se but rather I'm wondering if it will improve response times (which by the way are already amazingly fast. This isn't a complaint. Just question about having to check for soooo many conditions that will never actually happen. ...or do you check in the background so the remote is always 'armed' with the current and applicable profile as opposed to checking every key press?)

[aaronmielke]

it will make it faster. We check the current window against every profile in your collection and heuristically determine which one is better. However, I don't think you'll notice the difference, I don't notice the difference when I only have the default profiles (global, mouse, default)

[ckolibab]

I have really tried to get a grip on using the Video/DVD or A,B,C,D keys to switch among 2 or 3 running applications on my PC but am struggling with the syntax.

For simplicty sakes it is BTV and XLOBBY. I'd like to do it without Girder if possible. I can do it with no issue if I open the Firefly menu, running apps, and switch to them.

I know this is kinda basic I am just trying to get the syntax to perform for me.

I.e. A = Shows BTV, B = Shows XLOBBY. I dont want to do an Alt-Tab as some other apps may be running so would like to have these buttons swing right to those apps. We can also assume they are indeed running so a launch is not necessary.

Thanks for any help.

[Tango]

Firefly and Meedio.

Hi, I modified the Meedio profile but the Firefly is still using the default profile for Meedio. I was able to modify other profiles successfully and even managed to create new profiles for some applications.
I even tried deleting the Meedio....xml but it is still using the old profile. Tried everything I could think of (un-installing, re-installing and giving Beyond Media Basic as default application, then modifing the profile for Meedio) but no success. Still the default profile is used.
So I think that the Meedio profile is treated in a different way.

Can you help me with this? I added some new commands to Meedio and need to be use them with the remote as well.

[KWhitfield]

Hi, I'm a newbie to this forum, and to FireFly.

My primary (sole) purpose for FireFly is to interface with Media Center. That center is running full-screen in the TV Out of a Dual Display machine.

I'm using MCE to provide video to various TV's in our home. At the same time, I'm keeping the primary display (the computer monitor) available for browsing, etc.

That being said, what I'd (ideally) like as far as FireFly behavior is to be able to configure it to support selecting a target window (and Profile) for Firefly commands without disturbing system focus.

Could this be accomplished with SwitchAppAction:State=SHOWNOACTIVATE?

Bottom line, I'm looking to configure FireFly like a universal remote: select the app to communicate with, then communicate with it (without requiring that it be front-and-center).

The closest I've gotten so far is to remoe almost all XML files from the FireFly directory and configured multimedia keycodes into Global.XML as described here: http://forums.snapstream.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20132. Not very elegant.

Thanks!

Kevin

[aaronmielke]

Firefly works by controlling the current window in focus. All its logic is based on that. Additionally, for most applications in order to reliably send them keyboard input and other messages they need to be in focus. That said. There are ways around that behavior. Changing the global profile is one way. Also, if you switch applications without bringing the application to the foreground you can still send it the appropriate messages. However, the application still has focus even though it’s not in the foreground and you will have to switch back to media center (hit the firefly button) to control media center again. One final option is to use girder. It very well might have the flexibility you desire.

I’m sorry I don’t have a more elegant solution for you. Wish I did.

[KWhitfield]

It's not that I'm trying to use FireFly for programs other than Media Center. It's that I want to control Media Center without it interfering with an app I'm controlling with the keyboard/mouse (typically IE).

In any case, thanks very much for the response. It sounds like hotkeys are the way to go. Unfortunatly, the keys list at http://forums.snapstream.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20132 lack any hotkey support for recording and channel selection.

I'll take a look at the girder website and see if that strikes me as a better fit.

Thanks!

Kevin

[aaronmielke]

Every key should be available that you need. You can use the key action with the appropriate name:

Member name Description Value
A
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The A key. 65
Add
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The add key. 107
Alt
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The ALT modifier key. 262144
Apps
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The application key (Microsoft Natural Keyboard). 93
Attn
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The ATTN key. 246
B
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The B key. 66
Back
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The BACKSPACE key. 8
BrowserBack The browser back key (Windows 2000 or later). 166
BrowserFavorites The browser favorites key (Windows 2000 or later). 171
BrowserForward The browser forward key (Windows 2000 or later). 167
BrowserHome The browser home key (Windows 2000 or later). 172
BrowserRefresh The browser refresh key (Windows 2000 or later). 168
BrowserSearch The browser search key (Windows 2000 or later). 170
BrowserStop The browser stop key (Windows 2000 or later). 169
C
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The C key. 67
Cancel
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CANCEL key. 3
Capital
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CAPS LOCK key. 20
CapsLock
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CAPS LOCK key. 20
Clear
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CLEAR key. 12
Control
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CTRL modifier key. 131072
ControlKey
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CTRL key. 17
Crsel
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CRSEL key. 247
D
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The D key. 68
D0
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 0 key. 48
D1
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 1 key. 49
D2
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 2 key. 50
D3
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 3 key. 51
D4
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 4 key. 52
D5
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 5 key. 53
D6
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 6 key. 54
D7
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 7 key. 55
D8
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 8 key. 56
D9
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 9 key. 57
Decimal
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The decimal key. 110
Delete
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The DEL key. 46
Divide
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The divide key. 111
Down
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The DOWN ARROW key. 40
E
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The E key. 69
End
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The END key. 35
Enter
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The ENTER key. 13
EraseEof
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The ERASE EOF key. 249
Escape
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The ESC key. 27
Execute
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The EXECUTE key. 43
Exsel
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The EXSEL key. 248
F
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F key. 70
F1
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F1 key. 112
F10
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F10 key. 121
F11
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F11 key. 122
F12
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F12 key. 123
F13
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F13 key. 124
F14
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F14 key. 125
F15
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F15 key. 126
F16
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F16 key. 127
F17
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F17 key. 128
F18
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F18 key. 129
F19
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F19 key. 130
F2
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F2 key. 113
F20
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F20 key. 131
F21
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F21 key. 132
F22
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F22 key. 133
F23
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F23 key. 134
F24
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F24 key. 135
F3
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F3 key. 114
F4
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F4 key. 115
F5
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F5 key. 116
F6
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F6 key. 117
F7
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F7 key. 118
F8
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F8 key. 119
F9
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The F9 key. 120
FinalMode The IME final mode key. 24
G
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The G key. 71
H
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The H key. 72
HanguelMode The IME Hanguel mode key. (maintained for compatibility; use HangulMode) 21
HangulMode The IME Hangul mode key. 21
HanjaMode The IME Hanja mode key. 25
Help
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The HELP key. 47
Home
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The HOME key. 36
I
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The I key. 73
IMEAceept The IME accept key. 30
IMEConvert The IME convert key. 28
IMEModeChange The IME mode change key. 31
IMENonconvert The IME nonconvert key. 29
Insert
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The INS key. 45
J
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The J key. 74
JunjaMode The IME Junja mode key. 23
K
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The K key. 75
KanaMode The IME Kana mode key. 21
KanjiMode The IME Kanji mode key. 25
KeyCode
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The bitmask to extract a key code from a key value. 65535
L
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The L key. 76
LaunchApplication1 The start application one key (Windows 2000 or later). 182
LaunchApplication2 The start application two key (Windows 2000 or later). 183
LaunchMail The launch mail key (Windows 2000 or later). 180
LButton
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The left mouse button. 1
LControlKey
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The left CTRL key. 162
Left
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The LEFT ARROW key. 37
LineFeed
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The LINEFEED key. 10
LMenu
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The left ALT key. 164
LShiftKey
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The left SHIFT key. 160
LWin
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The left Windows logo key (Microsoft Natural Keyboard). 91
M
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The M key. 77
MButton
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The middle mouse button (three-button mouse). 4
MediaNextTrack The media next track key (Windows 2000 or later). 176
MediaPlayPause The media play pause key (Windows 2000 or later). 179
MediaPreviousTrack The media previous track key (Windows 2000 or later). 177
MediaStop The media Stop key (Windows 2000 or later). 178
Menu
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The ALT key. 18
Modifiers
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The bitmask to extract modifiers from a key value. -65536
Multiply
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The multiply key. 106
N
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The N key. 78
Next
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PAGE DOWN key. 34
NoName
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
A constant reserved for future use. 252
None
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
No key pressed. 0
NumLock
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The NUM LOCK key. 144
NumPad0
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 0 key on the numeric keypad. 96
NumPad1
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 1 key on the numeric keypad. 97
NumPad2
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 2 key on the numeric keypad. 98
NumPad3
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 3 key on the numeric keypad. 99
NumPad4
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 4 key on the numeric keypad. 100
NumPad5
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 5 key on the numeric keypad. 101
NumPad6
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 6 key on the numeric keypad. 102
NumPad7
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 7 key on the numeric keypad. 103
NumPad8
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 8 key on the numeric keypad. 104
NumPad9
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The 9 key on the numeric keypad. 105
O
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The O key. 79
Oem8 OEM specific. 223
OemBackslash The OEM angle bracket or backslash key on the RT 102 key keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 226
OemClear
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The CLEAR key. 254
OemCloseBrackets The OEM close bracket key on a US standard keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 221
Oemcomma The OEM comma key on any country/region keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 188
OemMinus The OEM minus key on any country/region keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 189
OemOpenBrackets The OEM open bracket key on a US standard keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 219
OemPeriod The OEM period key on any country/region keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 190
OemPipe The OEM pipe key on a US standard keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 220
Oemplus The OEM plus key on any country/region keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 187
OemQuestion The OEM question mark key on a US standard keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 191
OemQuotes The OEM singled/double quote key on a US standard keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 222
OemSemicolon The OEM semicolon key on a US standard keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 186
Oemtilde The OEM tilde key on a US standard keyboard (Windows 2000 or later). 192
P
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The P key. 80
Pa1
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PA1 key. 253
PageDown
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PAGE DOWN key. 34
PageUp
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PAGE UP key. 33
Pause
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PAUSE key. 19
Play
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PLAY key. 250
Print
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PRINT key. 42
PrintScreen
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PRINT SCREEN key. 44
Prior
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PAGE UP key. 33
ProcessKey
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PROCESS KEY key. 229
Q
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The Q key. 81
R
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The R key. 82
RButton
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The right mouse button. 2
RControlKey
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The right CTRL key. 163
Return
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The RETURN key. 13
Right
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The RIGHT ARROW key. 39
RMenu
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The right ALT key. 165
RShiftKey
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The right SHIFT key. 161
RWin
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The right Windows logo key (Microsoft Natural Keyboard). 92
S
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The S key. 83
Scroll
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The SCROLL LOCK key. 145
Select
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The SELECT key. 41
SelectMedia The select media key (Windows 2000 or later). 181
Separator
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The separator key. 108
Shift
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The SHIFT modifier key. 65536
ShiftKey
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The SHIFT key. 16
Snapshot
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The PRINT SCREEN key. 44
Space
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The SPACEBAR key. 32
Subtract
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The subtract key. 109
T
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The T key. 84
Tab
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The TAB key. 9
U
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The U key. 85
Up
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The UP ARROW key. 38
V
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The V key. 86
VolumeDown The volume down key (Windows 2000 or later). 174
VolumeMute The volume mute key (Windows 2000 or later). 173
VolumeUp The volume up key (Windows 2000 or later). 175
W
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The W key. 87
X
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The X key. 88
XButton1
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The first x mouse button (five-button mouse). 5
XButton2
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The second x mouse button (five-button mouse). 6
Y
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The Y key. 89
Z
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The Z key. 90
Zoom
Supported by the .NET Compact Framework.
The ZOOM key. 251

[techkidpc]

Hey, im new to using firefly.

I have many uses for this product, but currently there are only two questions I have, as I have been able to configure most of the other custom settings myself.

1: Is there anyway to "override" certain buttons? For example, the "Info" button has a different use in each application, I want to use that button for one single key command no matter which application it is focused on.
Instead of adding it to default.xml, and deleting it from 50 different profile files, can I just add an "override" function for that button in a single file, so it would execute that command regardless of what is specified in the individual application profile files? Or do I have to manually edit all 50 profile files and delete the info button function?

2: This one has me stumped...
I didnt like how the volume button on firefly would alter each application's volume, instead I prefered how it would alter the main system volume regardless of what it is focused on. I simply deleted the entry for the volume button in the application's profile file (WMP).
Now no matter where I am in my computer, the volume (and also the mute as I did that one too), will affect the system volume settings.

I use a logitech wireless keyboard, and I have also used many other brands that have this feature I am trying to duplicate:
As I explained above, I configured my firefly to alter the system volume no matter what application I am using on my computer. This was done with the <MasterVolumeAction ActivationState="DownRepeat" Direction="Mute" /> tag in global.xml

Now, my question is: How do I get the same functionality with the play/pause and foward/back buttons for windows media player? I have been looking around and cant find a "MasterWindowsMediaPlayer" action, the only thing I found was to send the pause/play etc key commands while in windows media player (which is what firefly does by default). Now this is fine and works...but ONLY if you are looking at windows media player on the screen. With my logitech (or any other brand of keyboard with hotkeys), I can be reading an email, browsing the web, and even playing unreal tournament and hit the play/pause button and it pauses the song currently being played in windows media player.

There must be some command the keyboard is sending to windows when the play button is pressed. It cant be propriatary to logitech, as all major keyboards do it. I have the volume and mute buttons working globally as mentioned above by using the MasterVolumeAction function so I can mute my OS while in a game, or reading email. But cannot find something that works with WMP in the same way.

Which command can I use to accomplish this action?

Thanks!

[wildmaiden]

I read the information, and attempeted to do this, but I'm a noob and failed. If anybody can help me, it would be VERY appreciated. Here's what I want to do:

Since Beyond media can only go full screen on the primary monitor, I would like to set up a button on the firefly remote (i.e. button A) to switch which display is my primary one.

I have an ATI video card that allows schems to be set and also allows "hot keys" to be assigned to each. I have crtl+alt+z assigned to make my TV the primary display and my Monitor the secondary. I also have ctrl+alt+x set to do the reverse.

How would I make it so that no matter what program has focus pressing the A key would be the equivalent of pressing ctrl+alt+x on the keyboard?

Like I said, I tried this, but I'm not good at this stuff. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[RiderFan]

How do you sort the actions for the help screen?

There doesn't seem to be a logical way to sort the help menu. You would think it would go by the order of the actions in the profile but it doesn't. I have a,b,c,d and play, pause, ff, rw all over the place and I would like to group them all together.

Any help would be appreciated.

[ahawks]

I just got my BTV + Firefly bundle yesterday and am loving it so far. Like any geek, I dug right into creating profiles to control other apps and see what I can pull off with this remote. Here's a couple questions I've got:

1) Google Earth. Google Earth makes a FANTASTIC demo on your HTPC, and can be controlled with keyboard input (arrow keys). However, I believe the program is listening for actual key press events, and so the Firefly emulated keyboard input does nothing for the actual 3D widget. I can scroll through menus and stuff with up/down/left/right, but not control the globe view. Is there any better way to send key events than:

<Actions Button="Down" Description="Move Down">
<KeyAction Keys="{DOWN}" />
</Actions>


2) The number keys on the remote are also labeled like a phone (1, 2 :ABC, 3: DEF, 4: GHI, etc). Is there any way to code a profile so you can type with the remote? I have a Firefox profile set up with keys for the bookmarks menu, back, forward, zoom text in/out, etc. It would be very nice to have basic typing ability.

Thanks! This product is awesome so far.

[ahawks]

Originally Posted by wildmaiden

How would I make it so that no matter what program has focus pressing the A key would be the equivalent of pressing ctrl+alt+x on the keyboard?

I haven't verified this (and I'm pretty new to Firefly as I mentioned in my last post), but it seems to me that global.xml would be the place to make this change.

I think you want to use SpecialKeyAction

Example, To execute the Ctrl-Shift-S stated above, the following block is required:

<SpecialKeyAction Type="Down" Key="ControlKey" />
<SpecialKeyAction Type="Down" Key="ShiftKey" />
<SpecialKeyAction Type="Down" Key="S" />
<SpecialKeyAction Type="Up" Key="ControlKey" />
<SpecialKeyAction Type="Up" Key="ShiftKey" />
<SpecialKeyAction Type="Up" Key="S" />

[ahawks]

I fixed my issue with Google Earth, and have attached the file I created for public use.

Here is the basics. To start a motion, I send a SpecialActionKey "down" state for the key code, to stop, I send an "up" message for the same key.

<Actions Button="Right" Description="Move Right">
<SpecialKeyAction ActivationState="Down" Type="Down" Code="39" />
</Actions>

<Actions Button="OK" Description="Stop Moving">
<SpecialKeyAction ActivationState="Down" Type="Up" Code="37" />
<SpecialKeyAction ActivationState="Down" Type="Up" Code="38" />
... and so on ..
</Actions>

[ozzman39]

xml editing

i seem to be having a issue editing any profile im trying to edit the profile PowerDVD-CyberLink-4.0.xml once i make my changes i restart the firefly's program and also restart power dvd no luck the most iv been able to do is i disabled muteing and it reconized it i removed it from PowerDVD-CyberLink-4.0.xml and global.xml and it reconized it other then that nothing Help!!!!